Australia's government is committed and an EU commissioner optimistic of striking a free trade deal. Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOS

A long-awaited free trade agreement between Australia and the EU had shown signs of serious progress, the trade minister says, as the European bloc indicates negotiations were gathering momentum.

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Don Farrell has held talks with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on advancing the elusive pact, after negotiations previously fell over twice at the final hurdle.

Despite previous sticking points over sheep and beef exports, Senator Farrell said the discussi

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