Trade deal discussions between the European Union and Australia have been suspended as the Australian trade minister flies to the continent. The move comes after French displeasure at Canberra’s decision to cancel a $90 billion (US$64 billion)submarine project, following the signing of the AUKUS deal with the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (UK) last month. Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said in a statement to Reuters on Oct. 1, “I will meet with my EU counterpart Valdis Dombrovskis next week to discuss the 12th negotiating round, which will now take place in November rather than October.” “A free-trade agreement is in the interests of Australia and the European Union and will strengthen our relationship that is built on a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and economic openness,” he added. “We understand the French reaction to our submarine decision, but ultimately any nation must …