EU-New Zealand deal sets new benchmark for sustainable trade

On the occasion of the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to Brussels, the European Commission has today announced a political agreement on the free trade agreement with New Zealand. European Democrats welcome this political deal, which is an important and positive signal. New Zealand is a likeminded partner and a strong ally.

As the world faces uncertain times and challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia’s agression in Ukraine, we should continue to build strong partnerships across the world. The Indo-Pacific is a strategic and important region for trade. Our group looks forward to scrutinising the agreement in detail during the legislative process.

Our German MEP and Executive Vice-President Ulrike Müller (Freie Wähler), chair of the delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand, added: "The European trade policy is of high strategic importance in the new geopolitical environment. Any trade agreement must be tailored in a fair trade and level playing field spirit to achieve at the end a win-win situation."