This was reported on Monday in Madrid during the meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Trade Negotiations, where representatives of the Secretary of State for Trade updated associations from different export sectors, including FEPEX, on the progress of the European Union’s trade negotiations with third countries.
The meeting covered both recently concluded agreements, such as those reached with Mercosur and Mexico, as well as negotiations still underway, including those with the Philippines and Thailand.
Three key agreements in a context of geopolitical instability
Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical instability, the European Commission has stepped up its strategy to strengthen international trade alliances. The agreements with India, Indonesia and Australia form part of this roadmap, involving three strategic partners for EU trade policy.
In the case of Australia, the EU and the Oceanian country announced on 24 March 2026 the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement.
Previously, on 27 January 2026, the European Union and India had also concluded negotiations on their free trade agreement, a particularly significant pact given the economic and demographic weight of the Asian country.
Negotiations with Indonesia were concluded earlier. On 23 September 2025, the EU and Indonesia announced the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).
A complex ratification process
Although negotiations have been concluded, the final approval of these agreements still requires a ratification process that may take time. Once the technical texts have been closed, they must undergo several internal procedures before the European Commission submits its proposal to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the agreement.
Once the decision has been adopted by the Council, the European Union and the corresponding third country may proceed to sign the agreement. Afterwards, the agreements —or parts of them, depending on their structure— require the approval of the European Parliament and the final Council decision on their conclusion before they can enter into force.
Each third country must also complete its own internal ratification procedures. Only after this double process can the agreements be fully applied.
Signature expected before the end of 2026
According to Julian Conthe Yoldi, Director-General for Trade Policy and Economic Security, the European Commission expects the agreements with Indonesia, India and Australia to be signed before the end of this year.
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The signature would represent a relevant step within the EU strategy to diversify markets, strengthen trade relations with strategic partners and move forward with agreements based on common rules, particularly at a time marked by international tensions and shifts in global trade flows.
Defence of multilateralism and common rules
The 31st meeting of the Advisory Committee on Trade Negotiations was chaired by the Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, who stressed the importance of continuing to support multilateralism as the best way to address global challenges.
During her intervention, she highlighted the need to strengthen the rules-based trading system and to guarantee a level playing field for productive and export sectors.
For the fruit and vegetable sector and the wider export industry, these trade agreements represent an important element in the international trade landscape, in a context where market access, legal certainty and regulatory reciprocity are becoming increasingly decisive for competitiveness.
