Why the Australia-EU trade deal matters beyond farming

Why the Australia-EU trade deal matters beyond farming

Debate is intensifying over the Australia-European Union (EU) free trade agreement, with some Coalition figures and farming groups questioning the deal, while the government insists re-negotiation is no longer on the table.

An RMIT expert says the discussion has become too politicised and heavily focussed on agriculture, while overlooking the agreement's broader economic and strategic benefits. 

Professor Bruce Wilson, Director, European Centre of Excellence at RMIT:   

"The agreement with the EU has been described as the missing piece in Australia's trade jigsaw. Australian negotiators should be commended for securing this outcome in a very difficult global trade environment. 

"Much of the public debate has focused on agriculture and what Australia did not secure. But Australia is now predominantly a services economy, and the greatest opportunities may come from provisions covering business mobility, professional qualifications, digital trade and support for small business. 

"The agreement will help Australian businesses gain better access to one of the world's wealthiest and most sophisticated markets, creating opportunities that extend well beyond traditional agricultural exports. 

"It also strengthens cooperation between Australia and Europe in areas such as critical minerals, research, innovation and strategic industries. These partnerships are likely to become increasingly important as the global economy evolves. 

"At a time when global trade and geopolitics are becoming more unpredictable, agreements like this provide stability. They deepen economic ties with trusted partners and help diversify Australia's international relationships." 

Professor Bruce Wilson is Director of the European Union Centre of Excellence at RMIT. He leads research and debate on EU-Australian relations, place-based innovation systems and regional development, and shares advice on building partnerships between Australian organisations and their European counterparts.   

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

21 October 2026

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21 October 2026

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