Foreign Minister Senator Marise Payne announced on Tuesday the Prime Minister and Cabinet deputy secretary would become the new ambassador to Belgium, which covers the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and Luxembourg.

She said it was an important time for the European trading bloc and Australia.

"Australia has warm relationships with Belgium, the EU, NATO and Luxembourg, founded on a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the global rules-based order," Senator Payne said in a statement.

"The EU is Australia's second largest two-way trading partner and second largest source of foreign investment.

"Australia is committed to concluding a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU."

It comes as the federal government is facing pressure to commit to stronger climate change targets ahead of a United Nations summit in Glasgow in November.

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The Coalition is tussling over a 2050 net zero emissions commitment position, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to announce on Friday after weeks of speculation.

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has said it's unlikely the Coalition will agree to a stronger medium-term emissions target for 2030.

The EU ambassador to Australian Dr Michael Pulch said in an opinion piece to be published in The Canberra Times that countries without ambitious targets would be stung with a carbon tariff.

"Putting a price on carbon is essential, one way or another," Dr Pulch said.

"We want to lead by example and engage with partners, but we are prepared to take more action, if necessary."

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