Australia aligns with Canada on deepening EU ties, minister says

Australia shares Canada's strategic interest in strengthening its relationship with the European Union, according to Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell. Farrell told the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday that Canberra is "on the same page" with Ottawa and will closely monitor Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to build closer ties with Brussels.

Carney has been pursuing deeper engagement with the EU amid strained trade relations with the United States. Reports suggest Canada is exploring an "associate member" status within the bloc. Farrell expressed openness to various potential new arrangements with the EU, though he did not specify details. He also noted that persistent U.S. tariff policies make the EU an increasingly important partner for Australia.

Farrell's comments come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government seeks parliamentary approval for its own EU trade deal. The deal faces potential opposition from the Liberal-National Coalition, particularly concerning agricultural access and climate policy. Trade between Australia and the EU reached over €91 billion in goods and services in 2024, positioning the bloc as Australia's third-largest goods trading partner. Australia has previously explored scientific cooperation with the EU, reopening talks in 2025 to associate with the Horizon Europe research program.