EU-New Zealand: Joint Committee meets in Wellington

The European Union-New Zealand Joint Committee under their Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC) was held in Wellington on 19 September. The PARC was first signed in 2016 and officials meet annually to review areas of cooperation.

This year's meeting provided an opportunity to acknowledge the comprehensive relationship between the European Union and New Zealand, which has a commitment to shared values at its heart.

The meeting built on the discussions between New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon and European Union Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Costa during PM Luxon's visit to Brussels in June. During this visit the leaders agreed on the value of collaboration in the face of shared geopolitical challenges, including pursuit of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and the benefit of deepening engagement on security and defence issues, including in the Indo-Pacific.

The discussions also reaffirmed the importance of working together on upholding stable global governance through multilateralism and the international rules-based order, and their commitment to strengthen cooperation in support of the Pacific region. The Joint Committee acknowledged ongoing collaboration in multilateral fora in areas such as climate action including under the Paris Agreement, sustainable development, biodiversity, and human rights. The EU Clean Industrial Deal Strategy was also discussed, including opportunities for cooperation and investment.

The Joint Committee welcomed the positive momentum generated by the successful implementation of the European Union - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. One year after its entry into force, it has already generated tangible positive results on both sides. The EU-New Zealand Business Summit which is planned for 23-24 October 2025 in Auckland will further promote trade and investment opportunities.

On science and research, the Joint Committee welcomed the successful association of New Zealand to the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (in which New Zealand project applications enjoy a 20% success rate) and discussed the potential to grow further opportunities.

The discussion also explored practical options to support people to people connections, including the implementation of the new EU Entry and Exit system, possible mutual recognition of drivers' licences, and future cooperation on digital technologies, such as digital identity.

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