On Wednesday 14 September, the representatives of the EU Member States (‘Coreper’) approved the decision to sign the framework agreement with Australia, which can now enter into force. It was concluded in 2017 and is provisionally applied since 2018 (see EUROPE 12112/17).
With all 27 Member States having ratified the agreement, adoption is expected to take place at the EU ‘General Affairs’ Council on 20 September.
The agreement should strengthen cooperation between the two sides on global challenges, including security, sustainable development and climate change. It also outlines their relationship on economic and trade issues. For example, the parties undertake to ensure favourable conditions for the promotion of trade and investment between the two, or to exchange views on these issues through a high-level dialogue.
The EU and Australia are currently negotiating a free trade agreement which the EU hopes to conclude next year. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)