The European Union (EU) and New Zealand reaffirmed their strong bilateral relationship, at a meeting of the Joint Committee in Brussels on 27 May.

Meeting under the aegis of the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation, the EU and New Zealand warmly welcomed recent important milestones that demonstrate the breadth and depth of their overall relations, such as the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement on 1 May 2024. This step sends a strong signal of support for the rules-based trading system at a difficult moment of heightened geopolitical tensions across the globe. The comprehensive trade agreement speaks for the shared values of the EU and New Zealand, such as meaningful climate action, and economic and social sustainability, and provides a platform to further deepen our trade relationship and reduce non-tariff barriers.

The Committee welcomed New Zealand’s association to the Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme. Both sides looked forward to a further intensified cooperation, tackling global challenges such as climate change and digital adaptation, protection of biodiversity, clean oceans, energy efficiency, public health and more.

The EU and New Zealand also looked forward to the entry into application of an agreement to exchange personal data between Europol and New Zealand competent authorities, which will allow joint investigations in – inter alia - fighting terrorism, child sexual abuse and cybercrime.

They strongly condemned Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. They also underlined their long-term commitment and unwavering support to Ukraine, including humanitarian and military aid. They welcomed the upcoming ‘Summit on Peace in Ukraine’ convened by Switzerland on 15-16 June.

They also discussed how to address the broader security and economic impact of the war in other regions, including in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of upholding the rules-based international order and respect for the UN Charter.

Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, they reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and for Israel to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza. The parties committed to support efforts to revitalise a political process leading to a two-state solution.

The Joint Committee noted that these activities highlighted their shared values, and agreed to continue exploring further avenues for collaboration, including in multilateral fora, in the Indo-Pacific, and on climate action, sustainable development, biodiversity, plastic pollution, human rights, maritime security, space, digital and the fight against violent extremism and information manipulation. They confirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in support of the Pacific region in particular.

The EU and New Zealand agreed to continue to deepen their cooperation on climate change, including through the next High-Level Dialogue on climate as well as on agriculture, including the International Strategic Agriculture Dialogue to be held later in 2024 or in early 2025, and the next High-level dialogue on Fisheries and Ocean Governance in July 2024.

The New Zealand delegation was led by Glenys Karran, Acting Divisional Manager, Europe Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The EU delegation was led by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the European External Action Service.