The purpose of the EABC is to foster stronger diplomatic and economic
relations between Europe and Australia. The policy reform agenda of the EABC seeks to promote further business linkages and collaboration between Australia and Europe across all sectors, particularly where the two economies face common challenges. To achieve this end, the EABC provides a forum for policy discussion and debate through boardroom discussions. EABC boardroom discussions consist of a structured programme of guests speakers and open discussions around topics including
trade and investment,
innovation,
education,
energy,
climate change,
infrastructures,
health,
financial services,
culture,
defence & security,
cyber-security,
education,
transports and
mobility and the digital economy. Central to the EABC's mission is the advocacy of an ambitious
Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the
European Union. In September 2017, the President of the European Commission
Jean-Claude Juncker called for an Australia-E.U. Free Trade Agreement to be signed by the end of the current Commission's mandate in July 2019. The negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and
the EU were launched in
Canberra on 18 June 2018 by the European Trade Commissioner Dr
Cecilia Malmström, the Australian Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull and the Australian Minister for Trade
Steven Ciobo.
Annual Business Mission The EABC also organises an annual "Business Mission" to Europe as a way of promoting bilateral relations between Australia and the EU. The Mission is led by a delegation of Australian Ministers, public officials and business leaders, who meet and engage with European leaders, institutions, officials, business groups and policy organisations in three to four
major European cities. In July 2018, the EABC Business Mission visited Paris, Strasbourg, Madrid, Lisbon and London. The Mission was supported by the Australian Governor-General, Sir
Peter Cosgrove. In July 2019, the EABC took a delegation to Berlin, Frankfurt, Brussels, Copenhagen, Malmö and London. In
Germany, the delegation was led by Minister
Mathias Cormann, and the EABC participated in the inaugural Joint Economic Committee meeting with German Minister
Peter Altmaier. == See also ==