|
EU-NZ Joint Declaration Progress
Until now, overall bilateral relations between EU and NZ are based on joint political declarations: the 1999 "Joint Declaration on Relations between the European Union and New Zealand", followed by the 2004 "Action Plan: Priorities for Future Cooperation", and the 21 September 2007 "EU-New Zealand Joint Declaration on Relations and Cooperation".
Key achievements in the bilateral relationship 2007-2009:
-
EU-NZ Ministerial Troikas - so named because they are normally attended by the Foreign Minister of the EU Presidency, the European Commissioner for External Relations and the NZ Foreign Minister - happen between the EU and NZ usually twice a year. The High Representive for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy can also be involved. These Ministerial Troikas are a formal way to exchange of views on such issues as regional conflicts, climate change, both sides' role in the Asia-Pacific region and progress being made on implementing the EU-NZ Joint Declaration . In 2009, EU-NZ Ministerial Troikas are being held in Brussels in May under the Czech Presidency and in Stockholm in November under the Swedish EU Presidency.
-
New Zealand and the European Union share common goals of defending human rights, pursuing democracy and good international citizenship. This was put into practice when NZ organised the Asia-Pacific Regional Media Programme, which was held in Jakarta, 11-13 November 2008, co-financed by Norway and the European Union. The programme focused on the role of journalism between different cultures, faiths and civilizations.
-
As the second largest aid donor in the Pacific, the EU plays a significant role in the region. A trilateral EU-NZ-Australia meeting was held in October 2008 to coordinate our combined efforts in the Pacific. The 2009 trilateral will be in NZ. Together, we aim to promote stability and practical, meaningful development in the region.
-
Both the EU and NZ are believers in the importance and value of free trade. We are always on the look-out for opportunities to increase our two-way trade. Consequently, annual trade talks have been launched and these will be held for the first time in NZ this year.
-
On 16 July 2008, the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement was signed, broadening New Zealand 's collaboration with the EU's science community. It allows NZ researchers to be eligible for EU programmes and funding.
-
The NZ Ministry of Research, Science and Technology and the European Commission have joined forces to establish FRENZ (Facilitating Research co-operation between Europe and New Zealand. On 1-2 April 2009, the 1st Science and Technology Joint Committee will be held in Brussels.
-
Erasmus Mundus is a scholarship programme open to NZ students of exceptional quality to attend Masters Courses at two or more European universities. In the 2008/09 academic year, 9 NZers were awarded Erasmus Mundus scholarships and are now studying throughout Europe .
-
The accession of NZ to the Lisbon Convention in February 2008 means that NZ qualifications are now recognised throughout Europe - expanding the employment and study opportunities for New Zealanders in Europe.
-
In conjunction with the NZ Ministry of Education, the NZ Delegation of the European Union is creating modules on the EU for the NZ school curriculum, which should be available for schools to use in time for the 2010 school year.
-
On 29 July 2008, the Institute of Policy Studies Victoria, University of Wellington , in collaboration with the New Zealand European Union Centres Network, hosted the Post-2012 Burden Sharing Symposium. The event was attended by senior diplomats, academics, students, public officials, business people and members of the general public. It was so successful we intend to repeat it this year.
-
Negotiations between the European Commission and New Zealand a comprehensive air transport agreement kicked off in Brussels, November 2008. The agreement aims for a reciprocal opening of market access to ensure fair competition as well as high standards of safety, security and environmental protection.
-
The European Union Visitors Programme is an opportunity for NZ's promising young leaders to visit Europe to gain a first-hand appreciation of the EU's goals, policies and people. Recent recipients include Labour MP Charles Chauvel and NBR journalist Mark Peart.
-
The European Union Centres Network aims to improve the impact, role and understanding of the European Union within NZ universities. Our key activity this year will be the 20 th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which coincides with the "Big Bang" - fives years of an enlarged EU.
-
For more Europe activities and happenings, visit our portal .
Key achievements in the bilateral relationship 1999-2007:
-
An informal dialogue at senior officials' level on Common Foreign and Security Policy issues.
-
NZ roles in EU-led peacekeeping/security missions (e.g. EUPOL in Afghanistan ).
-
Increased support - financial and in kind - from the EU and New Zealand to support European Union research and studies in New Zealand - see www.eucnetwork.org.nz
-
Increased bilateral visits in the fields of RS&T, Education, Fisheries, Agriculture, Trade, Environment and Development Assistance.
-
EU-New Zealand Sanitary Agreement into force (2003).
-
Horizontal Air Services Agreement.
-
Pilot project - "Leonardo" - for exchanges at tertiary education level.
-
Increased NZ involvement in EU projects such as Erasmus Mundus and Framework Programmes for Research.
-
Establishment of the European Commission Delegation in Wellington (2004).
-
Establishment of Science and Education Counsellors at the New Zealand Mission in Brussels.
-
Establishment of an office in New Zealand (FRENZ - www.frenz.org.nz ) to promote linkages between EU and New Zealand scientists and researchers.
-
Establishment of the Europe-New Zealand Business Council.
Download the Joint Declaration (pdf 827kbs)
update 25 March 2009
|
|
