European Union and Australia finalize long-negotiated free trade agreement

What does the deal change for trade between the EU and Australia?

The agreement is meant to remove most tariffs and reduce other barriers to trade, with reports saying it will open more of the Australian market to EU exports and improve access for Australian goods in Europe der Standard,Daily Mail,N-tv,EL MUNDO.

Why is critical minerals access part of the agreement?

Multiple reports say the EU wants more reliable access to Australian critical minerals, including materials such as lithium, as part of its effort to diversify supply chains der Standard,N-tv,CNBC.

Is the agreement in force now?

Not yet. The deal has been announced and signed or agreed in principle, but both the EU and Australia still need to ratify it before it takes effect NYT,infobae.