By Edith Hancock
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to visit Australia this month as talks on a long-awaited trade deal between the two regions progress.
Von der Leyen is set to visit Australia from March 23 to March 25, the commission said in a statement on Wednesday, with the European Union chief set to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
The trip comes as the EU executive is rushing to secure trade agreements with other countries as relations with the U.S. have become volatile under U.S. President Trump's administration.
The EU and Australia reopened discussions for a free trade agreement last year after talks stalled in 2023.
Write to Edith Hancock at edith.hancock@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
By Edith Hancock
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to visit Australia next week as talks on a long-awaited trade deal between the two regions progress.
Von der Leyen is set to visit Australia from Monday to Wednesday, with the European Union chief set to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, the EC said.
The trip comes as the EU executive moves to secure trade agreements with other countries after relations with the U.S. have become volatile under President Trump's administration.
The EU and Australia reopened discussions on a free trade agreement last year after talks stalled in 2023.
Albanese's office confirmed that he would meet with von der Leyen on Tuesday, March 24 and that EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic would join her on the trip.
"Australia and Europe are friends and partners, working together to advance peace, security and economic prosperity," Albanese said in a statement.
"The visit to Australia by President von der Leyen is an important opportunity to continue that work," he said.
Write to Edith Hancock at edith.hancock@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 18, 2026 05:26 ET (09:26 GMT)
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