Europe could look to Australia's immigration regime to determine legal pathways for refugees and asylum seekers to gain rights.
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Member states of the European bloc are weeks away from signing a migration and asylum pact that would aim to work with countries of origin to stem the flow of illegal migration, manage borders and load share arrivals between countries.
While Australia's immigration and border protection regime is inherently different as it's an island continent, the subsequent legal framework providing a pathway to employment is being examined.
"What we're looking at with certain interest in Australia is your system for legal pathways, which is something that we will need to do as well," European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas told AAP.
"We have to put (in place) a system for organised mobility by third-country nationals into our job markets and we're finalising this."
Mr Schinas is in Australia after negotiations for a free trade agreement broke down and the Australian government expressed doubt they would be revisited for a number of years as Europe enters its domestic election cycle in 2024.
He said debates and arguments varied about why an agreement couldn't have been reached but the two parties needed to look ahead for areas of co-operation instead of "crying over spilt milk".
"Europe, the European Union and Australia, they have so much in common ... they are on the same wavelength on everything that concerns global governance, we defend the same model of society.
"No agricultural products, no cheese, no beef would be enough of a reason for Australia and the EU not to work together in the future."
He flagged Australia's participation in Europe's flagship research and innovation funding program, Horizon, which has a budget of some $160 billion.
Working together to protect the international order as Israel continues its campaign against Hamas in Gaza and Chinese military crafts provoking Australian ships and personnel were also on the agenda.
Mr Schinas called for diplomacy to prevail and for Israel and Palestine to work towards a two-state solution, of which Hamas - designated a terrorist organisation by Australia - cannot be a part.
It's a position echoed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who has called for work to ensure a long-term, enduring peace through a two-state solution with internationally recognised borders.
The EC vice president said Europe would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine after the conflict ends and welcomed contributions to help rebuild Gaza to ensure the success of the two-state solution.
On China, Mr Schinas said Beijing was "a systemic rival" as Europe moves to de-risk its relationship with the Asian power, which is challenging international rules and norms in the region, vowing to uphold freedom of navigation principles.
Australian Associated Press
