EU and Australia agree on free trade agreement

Von der Leyen and Albanese also presented a new security and defense partnership in the Australian capital Canberra.

Von der Leyen made it clear that it is important for the EU to expand and diversify international trade relations in order to reduce risks and dependencies - especially at a time when the USA under President Donald Trump is an increasingly difficult partner with its aggressive customs policy.

The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and trade barriers in order to boost the economies of all partners. According to the EU Commission, industrial sectors that could particularly benefit from the agreement include mechanical engineering, chemicals, the automotive industry and agriculture.