About
The EABC advocates for stronger relations between Europe and Australia, notably through the establishment of comprehensive economic partnerships between Australia and the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
As a region, Europe constitutes Australia’s largest economic partner, with aggregate annual trade flows in excess of $A114 billion, and total stocks of two-way investment of over $A2.5 trillion.
We work to bring priority and focus to this vital economic relationship, and have actively supported the conclusion of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, and the ongoing process towards concluding an ambitious and comprehensive deal with the European Union.
Importantly, we see enormous opportunities to increase the scope and depth of the business relationship in services; in further two-way investment; in collaboration on innovation, science and technology; and in key strategic sectors including renewable energy, critical minerals, defence and security, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, transport, the digital economy and many others.
The EABC also advocates for stronger linkages between the EU and Australia in research and innovation, calling for Australian participation in the EU’s next funding programme for R&D and Innovation, Horizon Europe.
The EABC aims to encourage further business linkages and collaboration between Australia and Europe across all sectors, in particular where the two economies face common challenges.
To do so, the EABC provides a forum for policy discussion and debate through Boardroom Discussions & Forums with private and public sector leaders.
In parallel to these discussions, the EABC maintains ongoing dialogues with both Australian and European Governments, the EU institutions, senior officials and diplomats, peak business organisations, industry groups, and others.
As part of its annual programme, the EABC organises each year a Business Mission to Europe, as an initiative to strengthen bilateral relationships with European leaders in government, industry and innovation.
The missions travel to Brussels and London as the political and administrative capitals of the EU and the UK, and to other political and commercial capitals in Europe. Our most recent Mission in June and July 2022 travelled to Paris, Brussels, London, Rome and Milan.
