(24 March 2026). Today in Canberra, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to sign the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Australia. In a landmark moment, President von der Leyen also became the first female foreign leader to address the Australian federal parliament.
The agreement covers tariff reductions, regulatory alignment, market access for goods and services, and access to critical minerals — opening up a market of over 450 million people for Australian businesses, and deepening ties with the EU, Australia's third-largest two-way trading partner, worth around A$109 billion annually.
As Prime Minister Albanese put it: "Australia and Europe are friends and partners, working together to advance peace, security and economic prosperity."
Von der Leyen mentioned: "The EU and Australia may be geographically far apart but we couldn't be closer in terms of how we see the world."
For our members and German companies operating in or expanding to Australia, this signed free trade agreement is a welcome change to existing regulations and promises easier access to a market filled with potential.
Jens Goennemann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, shares: "This agreement has been a long time in the making, but it brings together two like-minded partners with highly complementary interests. I am confident this will underpin a long-lasting and sustainable partnership. Rome wasn’t built in a day—but the real work starts now.”
Marko Walde, Executive Director, states: "This FTA is more than just a trade deal; it is the ultimate economic 'perfect match.' Australia sits on the raw materials the world needs to innovate, and Europe holds the high-tech value-adding capabilities to bring those materials to life. By bridging these complementary strengths between partners with shared values, the agreement provides the ideal foundation to increase and diversify our trade ties across all industries."
About the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce:
The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Australien), with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, has over 45 years of experience, a competent team of experts and partners who understand all facets of the Australian market. AHK Australien is part of the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), with over 150 offices in over 90 countries. AHKs are key players in promoting German foreign trade and business development on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.