A New Chapter for Finnish Business in Australia
The EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement and what it means for Finnish companies
After years of negotiations, the EU and Australia have reached a landmark free trade agreement, removing tariffs on the vast majority of goods and opening the door to easier movement of professionals, services, and investment between the two regions.
European Commission President H.E. Ursula von der Leyen 's message was clear, as she addressed key players from across Australia and Europe to mark the occasion in Sydney. The most important aspect of the agreement is not about transactional cooperation, but sharing the same values, respecting the rule of law and, as she put it, "being mates".
European Commission President H.E. Ursula von der Leyen addresses the audience in Sydney on the 25th March 2026.
Our FACC president Joona Puhakka OLY, joined by Ambassador of Finland to Australia, H.E. Arto Haapea, Honorary Consul and FACC Board member Olli Mustonen, FACC member organisations Wärtsilä (Mikko Mannerkorpi) and Nokia (Ben Saint) represented Finnish business community ready to turn these new opportunities into action.
From left to right: Olli Mustonen, Mikko Mannerkorpi, Arto Haapea, Ben Saint and Joona Puhakka.
What the agreement means in practice
For Finland and Finnish companies, the implications are real. Machinery, clean technology, specialised equipment, design products, commons areas Finnish companies are known for, can now reach Australia with fewer barriers and lower costs. Cooperation on critical minerals, clean energy, and digital trade gets stronger. EU companies gain better access to Australian government procurement.
It also includes Innovation Mobility Pathway, which is designed to facilitate the movement of researchers, technicians, and innovators. It allows eligible EU professionals to work in Australia for up to three years, and provides reciprocal access for Australians to work and establish businesses in the EU.
FACC's role
We've always believed there's a good fit between Finnish expertise and the Australian market. Now there's a framework to match. Lower barriers, shared standards, and a clear path for businesses ready to make the move.
FACC is excited to help Finnish companies make the most of what's ahead. Whether you're just starting to look at Australia or ready to take the next step, we're your starting point.