EU-Australia Free Trade Talks Collapse: Here's Why

Talks on the EU-Australia free trade deal have collapsed after last-minute demands from Australia's trade minister to expand market access for Australian farmers were seen as a reversal of progress. The EU had offered to lower tariffs on agricultural products, such as beef and sheep meat, but the new demands were incompatible with the proposed deal. Geographical indications, which protect unique culinary products, also proved contentious. The collapse of negotiations leaves the future of the free trade agreement uncertain, as both the EU and Australia face upcoming elections.