With the recent conclusion of the EU–Australia trade agreement, opportunities for Australian organisations to expand into European markets are increasing. Understanding the legal and regulatory landscape is critical to successfully navigating these opportunities.

In this article, Emma Richardson, Managing Partner of Whitney Moore, our Meritas member firm in Dublin, explores Ireland’s unique position as the European Union’s only English-speaking common law jurisdiction and why it has become an attractive gateway for Australian businesses seeking access to European markets.

• When ratified, the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement will improve access to the world’s largest single market and remove long-standing barriers that have constrained trade and investment.
• It represents a significant opportunity for Australian businesses (exporters, service providers and small businesses) looking to expand into new markets that have historically been difficult to enter.
• Tariff Elimination: 98% of Australian exports will enter the EU duty-free, making, for instance, Australian wine and seafood more competitive.
• Market Access: The deal includes access to the $845 billion EU government procurement market.
• Mobility: Streamlined professional qualification recognition makes it easier for Australian professionals to work in the EU.

The recently concluded EU–Australia trade agreement represents and improvement in market access and signals a deepening of legal and regulatory cooperation between the two regions.

From an Irish perspective, the commercial ties with Australia have always been underpinned by shared values and a common law heritage.

Since Brexit, Ireland is the only English-speaking common law jurisdiction within the EU, a fact that shapes much of what follows.

For Australian businesses and their advisors, this development presents a significant opportunity to operate in Europe through a familiar legal framework, supported by an ambitious program of trade and investment facilitation.

A Common Language of Law

Ireland’s legal system, based on common law principles, offers Australian firms a level of predictability rare in continental Europe.

Contractual interpretation, corporate governance, and dispute resolution follow approaches that resonate with Australian practitioners, making cross-border business smoother and more intelligible. The new agreement is expected to enhance the recognition of professional qualifications, promote judicial cooperation, and reduce administrative barriers to legal service provision.

For lawyers advising clients expanding into Europe, Ireland provides the bridge between the efficiency of EU market access and the reliability of a common law jurisdiction. This alignment simplifies advisory work across corporate structuring, data protection compliance, intellectual property licensing, and commercial dispute resolution.

For instance, an Australian company establishing an EU entity will find Irish corporate and IP frameworks immediately recognizable, cutting both time and translation costs from the advisory work that follows.

Legal Certainty Meets Commercial Advantage

Beyond legal familiarity, the deal strengthens frameworks for transparency in investment screening, procurement, and digital trade. Australian firms can expect a clearer pathway for establishing entities, negotiating cross-border contracts, and engaging in international arbitration seated in Ireland.

Dublin’s courts are also highly regarded for neutrality and efficiency. The city has increasingly become a hub for international dispute resolution, supported by the Arbitration Act 2010 and membership in The New York Convention.

From a commercial perspective, Ireland offers distinct advantages for Australian companies looking to scale globally:

• Market access: Unrestricted entry to the EU Single Market under stable regulatory alignment.
• Corporate environment: A competitive tax structure and streamlined company law framework.
• Regulatory harmonisation: Common data protection standards (GDPR), predictable compliance obligations, and strong IP protections.
• Investment support: Government incentives for R&D, innovation funding, and dual-market trade facilitation.

A Partnership Ready for the Next Decade

With law and commerce now moving in tandem, this partnership gives Australian enterprises, and their legal advisors, the confidence to scale, invest, and innovate within a stable, connected, and internationally recognised framework.

For those considering expansion beyond Asia Pacific, Ireland stands ready as a common law gateway to Europe and a hub for innovation. The agreement strengthens that proposition through concrete tariff, services and sectoral gains for Irish – Australian trade.

What the Agreement Means for Your Clients

For Australian lawyers advising clients with European exposure, the agreement creates a busier, more accessible trading corridor. Three areas of most interest are…

(1) Tariff Relief on Goods

• The agreement will remove 98% of Australian tariffs on EU goods exports.
• Irish exporters paid an estimated €14.5m in tariffs to reach Australia in 2024. Most of those costs will disappear.
• Affected categories include medical appliances, pharma-chem, alcoholic beverages, dairy, mechanical appliances, prepared foods, and indigenous craft products.
• Australia’s global import demand across these and related categories sits at roughly €57bn. Expect more Irish counterparties competing for that share.

(2) Services Trades Gains

• Services dominate Ireland–Australia trade. Ireland exports €12.3bn in services to Australia (92% of total exports) and imports €2.1bn from Australia (96% of total imports).
• Preferential access in services will favour Irish providers over third-country competitors. Expect more cross-border engagements where your clients are either partner or competitor.

(3) Critical Minerals and agrifood

• Australia is a major producer of aluminium, lithium and manganese – inputs vital to Europe’s green and digital transitions. The agreement gives Ireland preferential access to these supply chains.
• Recognition of Geographical Indications for Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Póitíng protects established brands in the Australian market.
• EU dairy exports to Australia are projected to grow by 48% under the deal.

If Irish trade with Australia tracks EU projections, the corridor could exceed €20bn over the next decade, up from €15.6bn in 2024.

The Bigger Picture

In the face of global economic uncertainty, market diversification matters more than ever. The EU-Australia agreement reflects that reality, and Ireland’s position within it is unusually well suited to clients moving between common law jurisdictions.

For Australian lawyers, this is less about a single transaction and more about a strengthened corridor – one that will shape advisory work across corporate, IP, dispute resolution and regulatory matters for years to come.

Author: Emma Richardson, Managing Partner of Whitney Moore (DUBLIN)

A Note About The EU-AU FTA Timing

Australia and the EU launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in June 2018.
Negotiations concluded on March 2026. A summary of the next steps and estimated timing
before the agreement can enter into force.

Prime Minister’s Announcement https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-european-union-
free-trade-agreement

The strengthening relationship between Australia and the European Union presents significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand their international footprint. As Emma highlights, Ireland offers a compelling entry point into Europe through a familiar legal system, strong commercial connections and direct access to the EU market.

Through our membership of Meritas, Madgwicks works closely with trusted legal advisors in key jurisdictions around the world, enabling us to support clients with cross-border transactions, international expansion and global business opportunities.

If you would like to discuss expanding your business into Europe or require assistance with international legal matters, please contact our Rick Goldberg, Meritas Primary Contact rick.goldberg@madgwicks.com.au. We would be pleased to connect you with our colleagues at Whitney Moore and across the Meritas network.