Twenty-three working parties met by videoconference from 4 to 15 May during the seventh round of negotiations between the European Union and Australia. According to the report published by the Commission on 2 June, a wide range of subjects were addressed and many textual proposals discussed.
The chapter on services and investment has made significant progress. An interim agreement would indeed be in sight, but “a few remaining issues” will still require some time. Both sides have also been working to update their Mutual Recognition Agreement.
In the area of digital trade, several provisions have been provisionally approved (e.g. e-authentication, e-signature and e-documents, and paperless trading).
Discussions on the delicate subject of geographical indications have mainly addressed the grounds for opposition to the protection of a number of EU geographical names, such as Prosecco (see EUROPE 12413/26).
Discussions addressed the policy impact of Covid-19 on the Chapter regarding sustainable development. The EU also took stock of the implementation of its Communication on the European Green Deal and reiterated the importance of the ratification of the eight fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement by the parties.
Negotiators have already agreed to meet in September 2020.
For the full report: https://bit.ly/36XuHOu (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)