Important milestone in EU-Australia relations

The European Union has signed a 2m euros ($A 3m) contract to run the EU-Australia Leadership Forum, a project that will raise the EU-Australia relationship to an even higher level.

A new project funded by the EU, the EU-Australia Leadership Forum (EUALF), aims to broaden the bilateral relationship based on the forthcoming EU-Australia Framework Agreement and EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The EUALF will run from June 2016 to June 2019.

EU and Australian leaders have described the Forum as a unique platform to nurture the future of the relationship.

The contract has been awarded to a consortium led by MWH (Belgium) in partnership with the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Agriconsulting Europe. The project team has considerable experience in analysing the political and policy context of Australia.

EU Ambassador to Australia Sem Fabrizi expressed appreciation regarding the launch of this new project. The EU is the biggest investor in Australia. The EU and Australia are like-minded in promoting prosperity and security. The EU will work closely with the Australian Government and all stakeholders in making the Forum an important feature of the growing EU-Australia partnership.

The EUALF will see senior and emerging leaders from the EU and Australia engage in discussions around the future of the EU-Australia relationship.

Background

The Partnership Instrument (PI) funds projects that enable the EU to take part in shaping global change and promote its fundamental values. It is one of several instruments included in the EU's budget for 2014-2020 allocated for the financing of the EU's External Action. Through the PI, the EU cooperates with partners around the world to address global challenges of mutual interest. The PI funds activities that carry forward the EU's priorities, translating political commitments into concrete measures.