Before the Parliament, the head of state underlined that Australia will refuse to sign any pact that does not benefit the oceanic nation as it disagrees with signing a treaty at any cost.

“We will look for an agreement that is good enough for Australia. If it benefits us, we will participate. If not, we will continue not to sign something that is not in our national interest,” the president declared in a parliamentary session.

The Labor leader explained that recent changes in the international trade landscape, have forced both sides to resume talks after a period of umpasse, in clear reference to the tariff war arranged by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Negotiations launched in 2018 stalled in 2023 due to disagreements over the designations of origin of certain items and access of Australian agricultural products to the European market.

A few weeks ago, Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell indicated that both sides are working to resolve outstanding issues and that significant negotiating progress could be made this year.

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