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Australia and EU sign landmark free trade agreement and defence pact

Mar 24th 2026 · Australia

After eight years of talks, Anthony Albanese and Ursula von der Leyen signed a landmark trade agreement and a defence pact that officials say will cut costs for European products in Australia.

  • Australia and the European Union signed a free trade agreement and a defence cooperation pact after eight years of negotiations.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the agreements to the media after signing.
  • The trade deal is expected to lower prices for European goods in Australia, including wine, chocolate and cars.
  • Both leaders described the agreement as a defining and landmark moment in bilateral relations.

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