12 February 2026 23:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission reports progress in EU-Australia FTA talks

Key points

Commissioners Šefčovič and Hansen met with Australian Minister Don Farrell to advance FTA negotiations
Good progress narrowed gaps; principals will report back to Leaders

TL;DR

EU and Australia advanced negotiations in Brussels with ministerial engagement, narrowed gaps on some outstanding issues, and will report to their Leaders; the parties aim for a high-quality, balanced trade agreement and discussed WTO reform.

Original text

European Commission - Statement Joint Statement by Commissioners Šefčovič and Hansen and Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell following the EU-Australia Ministerial meeting Brussels, 13 February 2026 On 12-13 February 2026, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen met in Brussels with Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia Don Farrell to drive further progress on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Farrell also discussed other trade- related issues of common interest, notably WTO reform. President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Albanese confirmed in November last year their shared interest in further strengthening ties between the two like-minded democracies, notably by concluding an ambitious, balanced, mutually beneficial trade deal, while respecting each sides' sensitivities. The EU and Australia already trade over €87.5 billion – or well over A$100 billion – worth of goods and services each year. A high quality and balanced agreement would reinforce our shared commitment to rules-based trade, grounded in high standards and focused on creating prosperity and competitiveness for businesses and stakeholders across all sectors on both sides. The Ministerial level engagement was constructive and positive and allowed the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues. Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters. The principals will now report back to their Leaders. STATEMENT/26/398 Press contacts: Olof GILL (+32 2 29 65966) Balazs UJVARI (+32 2 29 54578) Kateřina Horáková (+32 2 29 99310) Marta PEREZ-CEJUELA ROMERO (+32 2 29 63770) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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