European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday said he would ask EU governments to formally approve the launch of free trade talks with Australia and New Zealand.

"Today, we are asking that we open up negotiations with Australia and with New Zealand," Juncker said at his annual State of the Union speech at the European Parliament.

"I am asking that we complete these negotiations by the end of our mandate (in late 2019)," he added.

Source: AFP