08/05/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 8 May, the European Commission obtained authorisation from the Council of the EU to negotiate a partnership with Australia on sustainable critical and strategic minerals. This is the 13th agreement of its kind with third countries and is in line with the EU’s ambition to diversify sources of supply for critical raw materials (see EUROPE 13143/2). Australia holds significant coal, iron, uranium and lithium resources. The EU had hoped to conclude a free trade agreement with Canberra, but negotiations broke down at the end of 2023 amid disagreements over access to the European market for Australian agricultural products (see EUROPE 13282/5). (LM)