Key facts
- EU Parliament Vice President Victor Negrescu is lobbying Australian MPs to approve the EU-Australia free trade agreement.
- Negrescu suggested Australia could replicate Canada's model of seeking closer ties with the EU, potentially leading to associate membership.
- He believes the FTA will help diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on any single nation.
- Australian universities will be able to participate in the EU's Horizon research program.
European Union Parliament Vice President Victor Negrescu is on a visit to Australia to advocate for the EU-Australia free trade agreement (FTA). He is urging Australian MPs to support the deal, drawing parallels to successful trade partnerships with New Zealand and Canada. Negrescu emphasized the importance of diversifying trade relationships to reduce dependency, a lesson learned from global events like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. He suggested that Australia could explore a deeper partnership with the EU, similar to Canada's approach, which has led to discussions about associate membership. The EU official also highlighted potential collaboration on critical minerals, viewing Australia as a partner in innovation and technology development. Additionally, he noted that Australian universities will gain access to the EU's Horizon research program.