The European Union has postponed negotiations on a free trade agreement with Australia because of the scandal with a rupture of the contract for the purchase of Canberra French submarines. It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to Australian Financial Journal Australian Financial Review
The next, 12 on the Round of trade negotiations between Brussels and Canberra about the conclusion of a trade agreement was to be held in October. However, as the sources of the newspaper in the European Commission reported, the planned negotiations will not be able to take place due to a number of unresolved issues. It is reported that the discussion of the transaction can be transferred for a month.
September 16, USA, Britain and Australia concluded an agreement on defense partnership. Alliance called Aukus (Australia, United Kingdom, USA). Because of this, Canberra ruined a contract with the French company Naval Group, which provided for the production of 12 shock submarines worth about $ 66 billion.
Paris called the “blow to the back” actions of Canberra and for the first time in history, withdrew its ambassador from the country. After that, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country Cleman Bon stated that the entire European Union could hardly continue to negotiate with Australia about free trade after this undermining confidence in relationships.