Australia's position in the world as a global top 20 trading nation is underpinned by our advocacy for an open global economy, and through modern free trade agreements (FTAs), which ensure the lowest possible barriers to our trade and investment. Australia is seeking a comprehensive and high-quality FTA with the European Union (EU). This document provides detail on Australia's objectives in the negotiations.

Expand trade in goods

Australia is seeking to:

• Significantly improve market access for Australian agricultural and industrial products
• Reduce barriers to trade and costs through modern customs, rules of origin and trade facilitation procedures.

Improve access for services providers

Australia is seeking to:

• Lock in access for services exporters and create opportunities in sectors of key commercial interest, such as education, financial and professional services
• Establish digital trade commitments which strike a balance between facilitating modern trade and ensuring appropriate protections in the online environment.

Increase investment between Australia and the EU

Australia is seeking to:

• Improve market access for Australian investment and increase investment into Australia, supporting economic growth
• Enhance transparency and regulatory frameworks to provide greater certainty for investors.

Promote balanced protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights

Australia is seeking to:

• Support innovation and creativity through the facilitation of trade and investment in intellectual property
• Maintain a balance between the interests of rights holders and users and the public interest
• Address the protection of geographical indications in a mutually acceptable way.

Secure competitive opportunities

Australia is seeking to:

• Agree on ambitious rules that assist small and medium-sized enterprises to take advantage of the benefits of this agreement
• Ensure improved access to government procurement markets for Australian suppliers on the basis of clear and transparent rules for tendering.

Promote shared values on trade and sustainable development

Australia is seeking to:

• Promote compliance with internationally-recognised labour standards
• Ensure high levels of environmental protection, consistent with internationally agreed principles, standards and rules.

Establish legal and institutional arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the FTA

Australia is seeking to:

• Establish mechanisms within the FTA for more open and effective consultation and information sharing
• Establish a state-to-state dispute settlement mechanism that provides transparent and efficient procedures for settling disputes
• Provide exceptions for legitimate public policy.