EU-Australia Trade Deal Faces Senate Gridlock as Coalition Splits Over Agricultural Losses
The EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, signed in March 2026, is stalled in the Australian Senate due to internal Coalition divisions. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pushes for ratification to counter inflation and US tariffs, Nationals leader Matt Canavan opposes the deal, citing insufficient gains for beef and dairy sectors. European officials are lobbying Canberra to finalize the pact before a window of political instability closes in Europe.