EU reports progress in free trade negotiations with Australia

The eight round of negotiations for an EU-Australia trade agreement was held virtually

Officials from the European Commission and Australia held virtually the 8th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Australia from September 14 to 25 2020 in a series of video-conferences.

The European Commission reports that 27 working groups and sub-groups met covering most of the areas of the future trade agreement.

Negotiators discussed the textual proposals that had been submitted for the different chapters, and the respective comments received. They clarified the underlying concepts and practices, the linkage with international agreements where relevant, and the involvement of different levels of government. Where possible, negotiators agreed in principle on text parts that were acceptable to both sides.

A number of follow-up actions were decided ahead of the 9th negotiation round which is provisionally scheduled for the beginning of December 2020.

Canada has separate trade agreements in force with the two parties. With the EU through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and with Australia through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.