Canavan challenges climate terms in EU trade agreement
The Nationals leader supports continued Australian participation in the Paris Agreement but says the proposed trade pact would impose broader commitments.
Climate provisions in the proposed European Union trade pact have drawn opposition from Nationals leader Matt Canavan, who says they would bind Australia to net zero despite his support for remaining a party to the Paris Agreement.
In an interview on 8 November 2026, the Queensland senator argued Australia should pursue emissions cuts it could afford without harming the economy. He said the trade agreement would create obligations beyond Australia's existing commitments under the climate treaty.
The provisional agreement calls on parties not to materially undermine the Paris treaty's purpose and to encourage measures supporting a transition towards net zero. The deal is understood to reaffirm existing climate obligations. Australia has already legislated a 2050 net zero emissions target.
Canavan said he had contacted Trade Minister Don Farrell by text to arrange talks and wanted to take a constructive approach. Farrell has previously estimated the pact would generate A$10 billion in trade, while ruling out renegotiation.
The Nationals also oppose the current terms on agricultural grounds. Canavan argued the agreement left European dairy subsidies unaddressed and would subject Australian dairy farmers to unfair competition.
The Minerals Council said eliminating tariffs on exports to Europe would benefit critical minerals companies facing strong Chinese competition. While accepting that some industries would gain, Canavan said a critical minerals business in his region had identified the carbon tax as a greater concern than European tariffs.
