EU to start trade talks with Australia, New Zealand

First round of talks set to begin in Brussels in July, says EU Council

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Union has decided to start negotiations for free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.

In a statement, the EU Council said the preparations, including an impact assessment for both agreements are complete, and the first round of talks is set to begin in Brussels in July.

The planned agreements will offer significant economic gains by getting rid of obstacles and boosting trade further, the statement said.

The agreements aim to remove existing barriers to trade and investment and customs duty with Australia and New Zealand, it added.

The EU Council has the authority to sign trade deals on behalf of 28 EU countries.

Commissioner Malmstrom will travel to Australia and New Zealand in June to open negotiations at the political level. The first negotiation rounds between the teams of negotiators are then envisaged to take place in Brussels in July.

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