An important milestone in European Union-Australia relations has been signalled with the signing of a 2m euros ($A 3m) contract to run the EU-Australia Leadership Forum (EUALF).

The EUALF, which will run from June 2016 to June 2016, is set to raise the EU-Australia relationship to new levels by broadening the bilateral relationship broadened within the EU-Australia Framework Agreement and the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

The contract has been awarded to a consortium led by MWH (Belgium) in partnership with the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Agriconsulting Europe.

These organisations have considerable experience in analysing the political and policy context of Australia, and will provide valuable insight into the ongoing partnership between the EU and Australia.

The EU and Australia share interests in promoting prosperity and security, and will be working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the EUALF becomes an important feature in the future of the growing bilateral partnership.