Talk resumes on a free-trade deal with the EU

A tree-trade deal with the European Union all but stalled after former PM Scott Morrison tore up a subs deal with France. Now it’s back on.

A change of federal government appears to have reset negotiations on a free-trade agreement with the European Union, as trade department officials prepare to host a delegation of European parliamentarians this month.

Trade Minister Don Farrell said he would be hosting 16 European members of parliament in Canberra in a few weeks time, who would be reciprocating his visit to Geneva in June where they were “very positive about the new government”, he said.

“I’m getting a very positive response from them about our chances of success,” Mr Farrell said.

In a major milestone for the Albanese Government, Spain and France recently broadcast their commitment to progressing the Australia-EU FTA negotiations.

It follows Mr Albanese’s recent visit to France to reconcile with French President Emmanual Macron, whose relationship with Mr Morrison soured when the former prime minister tore up a $90 billion submarine contract to pursue a nuclear powered option under the AUKUS partnership with the UK and US.

French President Emmanual Macron. Picture: AAP/David Moir

The torpedoed program led to a highly publicised deterioration in relations between France and Australia, with French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron going so far as to accuse Mr Morrison of lying to him about the future of the contract.

The EU’s demands for protections for 172 agricultural geographical indications, including prosecco, feta and gorgonzola, have also been blamed for stalling negotiations.

Australian Grape and Wine chief executive Tony Battaglene said prosecco producers were fiercely protective of their $200 million industry.

“We don’t see why the Italians see us as a threat,” he said. “It's a ruthless bullying tactic in our view and we refuse to be bullied.”

Australian Dairy Farmers president Rick Gladigau said Australia must stand its ground on GIs.

“People migrated here from Europe, (and they) brought their expertise in making feta and other cheese varieties. They should be able to put those names on the label to reflect the skill that goes into making the product.”

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman told The Weekly Times the government was committed to concluding the FTA “as soon as possible”.

“We are receiving positive signals from the EU about making progress on the negotiations. The government’s new climate commitments, the reset in our relations with France and our solidarity with Ukraine have all contributed to this momentum,” the spokeswoman said.

The next round of negotiations begins in October.