Europe Day 2026: Celebrating a stronger EU–New Zealand partnership

© European Union, 2026

Hosted by Hon Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, the event brought together Ministers, Members of Parliament, business leaders, academics, innovators, civil society and Team Europe partners.

Opening the evening, EU Ambassador Lawrence Meredith reflected on the values at the heart of the EU–New Zealand relationship: peace, democracy, the rule of law and international cooperation. In a world facing increasing geopolitical instability, he stressed the importance of standing together to defend these principles and strengthen global partnerships.

A key focus of the evening was the momentum in the economic relationship between Europe and New Zealand. Just over two years since the EU–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force, New Zealand exports to the EU have increased by NZ$3 billion, making the EU New Zealand’s fastest-growing export market.

The evening also reflected on the success of the first-ever EU–NZ Business Summit, held in Auckland in October 2025 and opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. Bringing together nearly 500 political and business leaders from Europe and New Zealand, the Summit demonstrated the growing ambition and momentum behind our partnership.

Research and innovation cooperation continues to deepen through Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. New Zealand organisations are now participating in 22 successful Horizon Europe partnerships spanning almost all clusters including: health, climate resilience, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and clean technology.

© European Union, 2026

The evening also highlighted growing links between Europe and the Māori economy. Minister Tama Potaka spoke about the opportunities emerging between Europe and the fast-growing Māori economy, looking ahead to even deeper Māori–EU cooperation and seeing more Māori taonga and innovation reaching Europe.

At a time of global fuel crisis, climate action and clean energy remain central priorities for both partners as the EU and New Zealand work towards net zero emissions by 2050 and strengthen cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and Pacific regions.

The celebration reaffirmed the EU and New Zealand’s shared commitment to international law, rules-based cooperation and support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. As EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas noted: “Peace is not free. It must be defended — every day.”

Guests also viewed a special video from EU Ambassadors to New Zealand, capturing some of the moments that have defined the past year for #TeamEurope in Aotearoa New Zealand Europe Day 2026 was ultimately a celebration of partnership — and of the shared belief that countries working together can build a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future.

#Stronger Together