The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for EU–Australia Economic Cooperation (EUOzCEC) held its inaugural Policy Roundtable following a Steering Committee meeting in Canberra on 28 May 2019.

The Policy Roundtable brought together academics, policymakers, journalists and members of the European diplomatic community including European Union Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Dr Michael Pulch and the Australian Government’s Chief Negotiator on the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement Ms Alison Burrows to discuss the EUOzCEC project. There was strong consensus as to the timely nature of EUOzCEC given current trade negotiations.

The discussion focused on the implications of the Australian Federal elections and the new Morrison government in relation to economic and trade liberalisation. Participants also reflected on the preliminary results emerging from the European Parliament elections and the likely impact this might have on EU foreign policy and trade relations with third countries such as Australia. The Roundtable offered valuable insights that will help guide the EUOzCEC team in the development of its research objectives for the next three years.

For information about the Centre of Excellence for EU–Australia Economic Cooperation, visit: http://bit.ly/eu-australia-economic-cooperation