In March the EU and Australia announced the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alongside plans to launch talks on Australia’s association to Horizon Europe (the EU’s Research & Innovation Funding Programme). The FTA aims to strengthen economic ties with a key developed partner and enhance supply chain resilience, particularly for critical raw materials.

The agreement is expected to boost EU exports by up to 33% over the next decade, eliminate over 99% of tariffs—saving around €1 billion annually—and improve access to services and public procurement markets. It also includes strong sustainability commitments, enforceable through dispute settlement, as well as protections for geographical indications and sensitive agri-food sectors. The next steps involve publication of the draft text and ratification by both sides before entry into force.

More information here. Once the full agreement is published, EBI will analyse the outcomes and provide a detailed briefing on the impacts for Europe’s recreational boating sector.