08/10/2018 (Agence Europe) – In a joint press release on 8 October, the EU and Australia announced that their new framework agreement has been provisionally in application since 4 October. The press release states that the agreement, signed in August 2017, will strengthen and deepen relations between Austialia and the EU, identifying concrete means in which the two partners can work together more closely and effectively. "At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to strengthening the rules-based global order and enhancing global governance", the press release thus states, also mentioning the fight against climate change, the fight against terrorism and cyber threats, education, culture, research, innovation and trade, investment and tourism. The agreement will come into force once ratified by all the EU's member states. Australia and the EU are currently negotiating a trade deal (see EUROPE 12060). (CG)