Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West and member of the European Parliament’s Barry Cowen MEP welcomes EU–Australia Trade Agreement as balanced deal for farmers and exporters

Fianna Fáil MEP for Midlands North-West and member of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and its Delegation for Austrlia and New Zealand, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a “positive and pragmatic step” in strengthening ties with a trusted global partner while safeguarding European agriculture.

The agreement, finalised following years of negotiations, will eliminate tariffs on the vast majority of goods and is expected to significantly boost trade between the EU and Australia in the coming decade.

Speaking following the announcement, MEP Cowen said:

“This agreement represents a positive step forward in strengthening the EU’s relationship with a trusted and like-minded partner. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, agreements like this are vital in creating new opportunities for European businesses and producers.

“For Ireland and across the EU, the agri-food sector is a key consideration in agreements of this kind. The EU already enjoys a strong agri-food trade surplus with Australia, worth over €2.3 billion, and there are clear opportunities to build on this through improved access for products such as dairy, wine and processed foods.”

MEP Cowen emphasised that the agreement strikes an important balance between opening markets and protecting sensitive sectors.

“Just as importantly, the agreement recognises the sensitivities of EU agriculture. Key sectors such as beef, sheep, sugar and certain dairy products are protected through carefully controlled tariff rate quotas and robust safeguard measures.

“This ensures that while we expand export opportunities, we do so without undermining the viability of European farmers.”

The Midlands North-West MEP also drew a clear distinction between this agreement and other recent trade negotiations.

“Unlike other trade negotiations, including the Mercosur deal, this is an agreement where standards are broadly aligned. That is a crucial point.

“It shows that when there is a genuine level playing field, European agriculture can compete and succeed. Where standards are equal, we can have confidence in opening markets – and I fully support that approach.”

MEP Cowen also acknowledged the work undertaken within the European Parliament to strengthen EU–Australia relations.

“I want to recognise the work of my colleague Seán Kelly MEP, who has played an important role in deepening EU–Australia relations through his leadership of the Parliament’s delegation. Engagement like this is essential to building the trust that underpins agreements of this nature.”

Looking ahead, MEP Cowen highlighted the importance of continuing to diversify export markets for Irish agriculture.

“This agreement opens up further opportunities for key Irish sectors, including pigmeat, and forms part of a broader strategy to expand into high-value markets.

“Next, we must continue this momentum by progressing trade opportunities with partners such as Malaysia and the Philippines, particularly for beef and lamb exports.

“In an increasingly uncertain global trading environment, diversification is not optional – it is essential.”

He concluded:

“No trade agreement is perfect, but this is a fair and balanced deal that reflects European interests, protects our standards, and creates real opportunities for Irish and EU producers. It deserves our support.”

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