Australians dreaming of building a life in Europe may soon find the process much easier. The European Union is considering a new reciprocal mobility agreement that could allow Australian citizens to live and work across EU member states without the need for traditional work visas.
The proposal is being discussed as part of renewed efforts to revive long-running free trade negotiations between Australia and the EU, which have been ongoing since 2018. According to reports from Australian media, the Albanese government is currently reviewing the idea, which is being promoted as a practical response to labour shortages on both sides.
If approved, the scheme would allow Australians to reside and work in any of the EU’s 27 countries for up to four years, without securing employment before arrival. Major destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands would be included. The arrangement would go beyond existing working holiday visa programs, which impose strict limits on duration and conditions of stay, and could also open doors to longer-term settlement.
The agreement would operate on a two-way basis. European citizens would be granted equivalent rights to live and work in Australia, making the proposal mutually beneficial and strengthening economic and social ties between the regions.
Australia and the European Union came close to finalising a free trade agreement in 2023, but talks stalled over disagreements related to agricultural market access and Europe’s protection of geographical product names, including foods and beverages with regional branding. While no official timeline has been announced for concluding negotiations, discussions remain ongoing and further developments are expected. (Vozafricano)
