Von der Leyen, Albanese Finalize EU-Australia Trade Deal

It's March 23rd.

This is Adelaide News today, driven by AI.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets with Prime Minister Anthony

Albanese in Canberra today to finalize a free trade deal between Australia and the European

Union.

After nearly 10 years of negotiations, they will also sign a new security partnership to

boost defense cooperation.

The trade pack cuts tariffs on many goods and opens a market of 450 million consumers

to Australian farmers, growers and exporters.

It feels the last major gap in Australia's free trade network at a time when global trade

rules face pressure.

Leaders on both sides may compromise to seal the agreement, helping strengthen ties amid

international tensions.

Albanese highlighted how this boosts opportunities for Aussie producers.

Meanwhile, the government plans to amend laws to speed up contract talks between trucking

companies and major retailers.

Global prices have spiked due to the Middle East conflict, and current negotiations often

take six months, putting drivers and businesses at risk.

These changes, still being drafted, aim to ease the strain before companies collapse

under soaring costs.

With von der Leyen set to address federal parliament as the first female leader to do so, today's

developments mark a busy day in Canberra politics.