Euractiv | 5 February 2026
EU, Australia edge closer to trade deal as farm hurdles persist
by Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro
The EU and Australia are edging closer to a free trade agreement that could be finalised by mid-February, provided both sides bridge remaining gaps, notably on agricultural concessions.
Australia’s trade minister, Don Farrell, is expected in Brussels next week for talks with EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič, Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed. A previous visit was postponed earlier this month.
“As always, progress in the sensitive phase of negotiations will depend on substance,” Gill said, adding that the EU wants to strenghten relations with Australia, “a strategic and like-minded partner.”
If talks progress, Ursula von der Leyen could travel to Australia for a four-day visit to seal the deal after the Munich Security Conference ends on 15 February, Australian media reported. Two EU sources familiar with the file cautioned that the timeline remains tentative.
The deal has been in the works since 2018 but collapsed in 2023, largely over Canberra’s push for larger quotas for beef and sheepmeat exports to the EU.
The issue remains a sticking point in the talks, with EU farmers’ groups warning the deal must not come at the expense of European producers – not only in beef, but also sugar.
The Commission has already faced backlash from farmers and MEPs over the Mercosur trade deal, which also includes additional beef quotas. By contrast, the EU’s recent deal with India largely excluded agricultural products.
