Trade deal likely as European president confirms visit

It's the president's first official visit to Australia in her role and will mark the seventh meeting between the leaders.

She will be accompanied by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, signalling the imminent signing of a free trade agreement after talks previously broke down.

Mr Sefcovic travelled with the president for the signing of other major trade deals, including with India in January.

The president was slated to travel to Australia earlier in March but plans were delayed due to the war in Iran. 

Earlier negotiations centred on the beef quota Australia would be able to export to Europe tariff-free, and the conditions that applied to European imports, with concerns some Australian producers wouldn't be able to meet the stringent requirements.

Australia had initially pushed for 30,000 tonnes of beef, which Europe tried to whittle down as Brussels faced a rear-guard action from domestic farmers.

In exchange, Australia was reviewing its luxury car tax, which adds a 33 per cent levy on cars over $80,000, or $91,000 for fuel-efficient vehicles. 

Europe has raised concerns the tax is undercutting its car manufacturers as cheaper Chinese vehicles flood the market.

Options include lowering the tax or scrapping it entirely with varying costs to the budget bottom line.

"Australia and Europe are friends and partners, working together to advance peace, security and economic prosperity," Mr Albanese said in a Wednesday statement announcing the visit.

"The visit to Australia by president von der Leyen is an important opportunity to continue that work."