https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1787-9456
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ABSTRACT
The relationship between Australia and the European Union has moved from being burdened by memory and trade tensions towards shared commitments to bolster the multilateral trade regime and safeguard global governance. There were trenchant critiques from Australia of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and protectionism over several decades, from UK accession to the EU’s predecessor in 1973. This article examines some material and ideational aspects of EU-Australia engagement. It considers the range of broad consensus that currently exists in terms of the values and interests that shape the stances of the two interlocutors. It seeks to provide fruitful research pathways and recommendations capable of contributing to future scholarly and policy examinations of Europe–Australia relations.
Key points
The EU and Australia have a history of trade tensions focussed on agriculture, which had marred the possibility of fruitful engagement for some decades.
The relationship is characterized by material and ideational factors, and some divergence remains, despite considerable broad consensus.
There is scope for deeper engagement and enhanced cooperation bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Professor Philomena Murray is Jean Monnet Chair ad personam at the University of Melbourne. She holds honorary positions at Trinity College Dublin; College of Europe, Bruges and UN University Institute for Comparative Regional Integration Studies. Her expertise includes EU relations with Australia and Asia; Brexit, regionalism and refugee externalization policies.
ORCID
Philomena Murray http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1787-9456