Australia stays focused on EU trade deal as associate-membership talk remains unconfirmed

Canberra says it is focused on finalising the EU‑Australia trade deal and says there have been no discussions about Australia or New Zealand becoming EU associate members; Canada has been publicly invited for associate status. The deal, concluded last year, still requires ratification and faces farmer objections over beef and mutton quotas, prompting opposition calls to renegotiate. Prime Minister Albanese will meet EU leaders in New York as Brussels/Canberra maintain close trade ties.