Canberra is preparing for the arrival of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen next week, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signaling a free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union is poised for finalization. Albanese stated Tuesday will be “a great day in the interests of Australia,” as von der Leyen visits Parliament House for what is expected to be the signing of the landmark deal.
Trade Minister Don Farrell has projected the agreement will deliver an approximate $10 billion boost to Australian trade in its first year, with further increases anticipated in subsequent years. He acknowledged that final details are still under negotiation before the deal can be formally inked.
Von der Leyen’s visit, occurring from Monday, March 23rd to Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, will also include an address to a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament, a rare honor. Albanese noted this will be the second such address this month, following a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 5th, and confirmed von der Leyen will be the first female leader to address a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament.
The impending trade agreement marks the culmination of years of negotiations, overcoming significant hurdles including disputes over the protection of geographical indications – specifically, the use of European product names like prosecco, parmesan, and feta by Australian producers – and concerns from EU farmers regarding increased imports of Australian beef and lamb. Negotiations stalled in 2023, but recent talks in Brussels indicated substantial progress toward resolution.
According to the Prime Minister, the visit underscores the strengthening relationship between Australia and Europe. “Australia and Europe are friends and partners, working together to advance peace, security and economic prosperity,” Albanese said. He also highlighted the shared commitment to democratic values and a likeminded approach to security and trade.
Von der Leyen will be accompanied by EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, signaling the importance the European Union places on finalizing the agreement and broadening economic ties with Australia. The seventh meeting between Albanese and von der Leyen is scheduled to capture place during the visit.
The Australian government has not yet released details regarding the specific concessions made by either side to reach the agreement, and the European Commission has remained silent on the final terms.
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