June 2, 2020
Officials from the European Commission and Australia held the 7th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Australia from May 4-15 by a series of video-conferences.
By holding this round, the EU and Australia demonstrated a commitment to progress in the negotiations, despite the current difficult context. The discussions confirmed a shared commitment to rules-based trade as well as to helping both economies recover from the global pandemic.
In a slightly reduced format due to the virtual organisation of the round, 23 working groups and sub-groups met covering most of the areas of the future FTA.
Negotiators discussed the textual proposals that had been submitted for the different chapters, and their respective comments. They clarified the underlying concepts and practices, the linkage with international agreements where relevant, and the involvement of different levels of government.
The constructive discussions allowed progress in a number of areas such as dispute settlement, customs and trade facilitation, competition, services and investment.
Both sides agreed on next steps to prepare for Round 8.
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.