EU-Australian forum to cement ties: Bishop

As the Europe Union grapples with its divorce from Britain it's looking to revamp ties with old friends like Australia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and EU ambassador to Australia Sem Fabrizi launched a special leadership forum at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night, following one in Brussels last month.

Australia is set to host the inaugural senior and young leaders forum in the first half of 2017.

Go-getters in politics, business, media, creative industries, non-government groups, think tanks and academia will be involved and the forum aims to increase people-to-people links.

Ms Bishop said the forum was timely in times of uncertainty, global conflict, humanitarian challenges, radicalisation, disillusionment with free trade, a more assertive Russia and Brexit.

"It's at times like this that we need to stand up, defend and even fight for the values that we share (including) our commitment to the rule of law," Ms Bishop told the launch.

"This is an important milestone in what is one of our most important relationships."

International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who has Italian heritage, reflected on Australia's multiculturalism and migrant ties to Europe.

Australia and the EU are in negotiations for a free trade deal.