Australia ‘on the same page’ as Canada on deepening EU ties, says key minister

Australia is aligning itself with Canada's efforts to deepen ties with the European Union, according to Trade Minister Don Farrell. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Farrell stated that Australia shares Canada's interest in strengthening relations with the EU. He expressed keen interest in the actions of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been focusing on Europe due to strained trade relations with the United States.

Carney has reportedly been seeking a "unique alliance" with the EU, potentially even offering Canada associate membership status, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Farrell indicated his openness to various potential arrangements with the EU but did not specify what these arrangements might entail. He also commented on the U.S. tariff policy under President Donald Trump, expressing uncertainty about a potential Democratic administration reversing trade barriers. This uncertainty, Farrell argued, further emphasizes the importance of the EU to Australia.

Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is currently working to pass an EU trade deal through the country's parliament. However, Farrell noted that the passage is not guaranteed, as the opposition Liberal-National Coalition has threatened to oppose the agreement over concerns about agricultural access and climate policy.

The importance of the EU to Australia is underscored by the economic significance of the relationship. Trade in goods and services between the EU and Australia reached €91 billion in 2024, making the EU Australia's third-largest goods trading partner after China and Japan. Over the past decade, goods trade has grown by nearly 50%.

Additionally, Australia has reopened non-binding talks about associating with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation program, aiming for scientific cooperation rather than EU membership.