On Wednesday 18 April, the European Parliament approved (with 482 votes in favour, 59 against and 33 abstentions) the EU-Australia framework agreement concluded in 2015 and signed in August 2017. This provides for in-depth cooperation in different areas including foreign and security policy, trade, maritime affairs, migration, public health, climate change and counter-terrorism (see EUROPE 11845).
In a separate resolution adopted by 500 votes in favour to 72 against with 22 abstentions, the MEPS hailed this new agreement which will enable bilateral relations to be improved and strengthened, and they backed the upcoming launch of negotiations for an EU-Australia free trade agreement.
The EU is expected to approve the guidelines for these free trade negotiations at the European trade ministers' meeting on 22 May. The scope of application of this agreement will not include investment protection, but the EU will be able to decide to negotiate a distinct investment agreement with Australia alongside the free trade agreement (see EUROPE 11994). (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry).