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FACCI WA Joins New European Chambers Alliance, EUChamWA
Seven European-Australian chambers have formed a new alliance to strengthen trade, investment and business links between WA and Europe.
Seven European-Australian chambers of commerce have united to establish a new alliance aimed at strengthening trade, investment and business links between Western Australia and Europe. The EU Chambers Alliance of Western Australia, known as EUChamWA, brings together chambers representing the Greek, Italian, French, German, Croatian, Swiss and Spanish business communities.
A New Model for Chamber Collaboration
The alliance's collaboration charter was signed on August 24 following more than a year of joint initiatives among the founding members, making it believed to be Australia's first coordinated alliance of European bilateral chambers of commerce.
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (HACCI WA) will serve as the alliance's inaugural chair, with the position rotating annually among member chambers.
EUChamWA will coordinate engagement with state, federal and European governments, participate in trade forums and business delegations, and promote opportunities emerging from the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement.
A Stronger Collective Voice
Each chamber will retain its independence while working collectively on shared priorities. As EUChamWA Chair Dr Elena Limnios put it:
“Europe and Western Australia already share deep economic, cultural and institutional connections. EUChamWA gives our Chambers a mechanism to bring those networks together, while each Chamber retains its own identity and independence.”
This was echoed by French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA President, Jerome Monteiro:
“Having recently celebrated 125 years of fostering French-Australian business relations, FACCI brings a long history of connecting business, industry and institutions across our two countries. EUChamWA builds on that experience at a European level, bringing together the reach and networks of seven established Chambers to create a stronger collective voice while preserving each Chamber’s identity and bilateral relationships.”
SwissCham Australia WA board member Tom Hüberli said collaboration would strengthen the ability of European chambers to promote bilateral trade and investment. Mr Hüberli said:
“SwissCham Australia is excited to be an inaugural part of the EUChamWA collaborative initiative. With a key part of SwissCham Australia’s mission being empowering organisations to thrive by fostering high-value connections and promoting bilateral trade and investment, we only see working with our fellow European Chambers as strengthening these endeavours where together we are stronger and have a greater voice.”
An Alliance Following the Momentum of the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement
The alliance was established following the conclusion of FTA negotiations in March 2026 and the creation of an Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership.
Two-way trade in goods and services between Australia and the EU was valued at $110.7 billion in 2025, and the bloc is Australia's second-largest source of total foreign investment, with the agreement expected to open opportunities across energy, critical minerals, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, defence and technology — roughly 98 per cent of the current value of Australian goods exports will enter the EU duty-free once fully implemented.
Dr Limnios called the timing "particularly significant," noting that "the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement creates opportunities across trade and investment, while our growing strategic relationship extends into critical minerals, energy, renewables, agriculture, defence, cybersecurity, research and new technologies." EUChamWA Deputy Chair and Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Perth President Rob Monzu said the alliance would create a united platform for European chambers operating in the state. Mr Monzu said:
“The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Perth is proud to be part of this important initiative, bringing together seven European Chambers to create a united gateway between Western Australia and the European Union. Given the already significant trade relationship with Western Australia and Europe, together with the opportunities expected to emerge and become even more competitive through the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, we look forward to working collectively as an alliance to strengthen connections and advance trade, investment and collaboration between Western Australia and Europe.”
Western Australia as a Gateway to the Indo-Pacific
Western Australia's resources, industries, innovation capabilities and geographic position are being positioned as key assets for connecting European capital and expertise with the wider Indo-Pacific region. Dr Limnios described the state as "exceptionally well placed to be a gateway between Europe and the Indo-Pacific," adding that by working together, "our Chambers can create stronger connections between European markets, investment and expertise and the extraordinary capabilities that exist here in WA." FACCI WA President Jerome Monteiro reinforced that idea:
“Western Australia is exceptionally well positioned to become an increasingly important gateway between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. FACCI looks forward to helping turn that opportunity into stronger trade, investment and industry partnerships.”
With the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement now in ratification, EUChamWA positions Western Australia's European business community to speak with one voice while pursuing the opportunities ahead together.
