Medparlamentarna srečanja
27th EU-New Zealand IPM - 20-22 February 2023, in Wellington and Christchurch
Chair of the Delegation, Ulrike Müller (DE, RENEW) led nine MEPs from seven political groups to New Zealand. At the opening of the IPM, the Chair paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, for her determination and strong leadership of the country. To note, all NZ interlocutors reaffirmed their full commitment to support Ukraine. Although NZ has complicated relations with China, their main trade partner, China is heavily investing in Pacific youth education. With 2.000 annual scholarships for full university cycles, Beijing is playing a prominent role in training tomorrows leaders of the Pacific States. A big effort on deepening the process of acquiring more Pacific identity as a State is underway, noting also that New Zealand is systematically referred to as Aotearoa New Zealand. The conclusion of the FTA represents a success for both sides, with the chapters dedicated to the Māori, the sustainable development, and to climate change. The latter of increased high importance following the recent cyclone Gabrielle, NZ is looking for more international cooperation to assist in preventing further natural disasters. The Pacific region in its entirety is already a victim of climate change. The Members met with Ministers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, Agriculture, Economic and Trade and the Minister for Pacific Peoples. The delegation also had field visits in Christchurch to the Antarctica Centre, the post-Canterbury earthquake Anchor projects and the Lincoln University Diary Farm, where the delegation were shown new technologies to reduce emissions, in farming and dairy production. NZ is now also eligible to take take part in Horizon projects and sustainable environmental projects - certainly an area of priority. The official dinner hosted by the DANZ Chair was also the occasion for the official launch of the European Enterprise Network to NZ. The Network is one of the world's largest service providers for innovative enterprises. Active in over 60 countries, the Network has to date delivered significant impact for over 2.6 million global SMEs. The European Union and New Zealand have a special responsibility in reaffirming friendship, solid partnership, and a common agenda for global peace and stability. The 28th EU-NZ IPM will be announced in due course.
42nd EU-Australia Interparliamentary meeting, Brussels 5 December, 2022
Co Chairs Ulrike Müller (RENEW, DE) and Shayne Neumann discussed many topics on a full agenda. Amongst which, Ukraine - whereupon the Australians wished to congratulate the EU on their firm response on the Russian aggression. China: The new Australian cabinet is reported to have a more "constructive" approach to PRC. Yet, the delegation insisted that Canberra would still be assertive in defending the core values of democracy and human rights and in actively opposing all interferences by Beijing. FTA: Both parties agreed on the need to overcome persisting divisive issues and to speed up the conclusion of the negotiations. On climate change, the new Albanese government is right there with the EU, whom they praised as the world leaders against climate change. Digital space and digital cooperation and connectivity was debated at length. Both sides agreed that more cooperation be ensured in providing a higher level of data protection . The Australian delegation also visited the Parlamentarium and the House of European History which was much appreciated.
26th EU-New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting Strasbourg
The 26th EU-NZ IPM took place in Strasbourg on Wednesday 6 July. Ms Marja Lubeck MP and Mr Tim van de Molen MP, Co-Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Friendship Group / Europe were joined by Paul Goldsmith MP, Rachel Brooking MP and Dr Elizabeth Kerekere MP. Topics addressed: issues of war, energy dependency, climate change, digitalization and cyber security, foreign interference, sustainability and how it impacts both EU and New Zealand. Covid & lockdowns - the impact on mental health in youth and vulnerable communities The green house emission of both EU & New Zealand -the need for wholesome agricultural production -without polluting the environment. New Zealand explained its challenges as a nation - heavy agricultural production as waste management is an issue for them and monitoring the level of emission from farms is challenging due to a lack of -proper tools. A very lively meeting concluded after 2 hours with a desire to meet again in early 2023 for the 27th EU-NZ IPM.
25th EU-New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting Brussels
The 25th EU-NZ IPM took place on Thursday 2 December 20.00hrs - 21.00hrs in interactio and fully remote mode with New Zealand. EP Chair, Ms Ulrike Müller was joined by Ms Marja Lubeck MP, Co Chair.Both parties illustrated their respective approach to contain and prevent Covid 19 pandemic, focusing on public health and economic recovery measures. New Zealand stressed that the country is not part of AUKUS and opposes any kind of proliferation of nuclear weapons. EU/New Zealand FTA, both sides confirming the strategic importance of the trade agreement and the willingness to proceed to its conclusion. Both agreed on the conclusion of the COP 26 in Glasgow and on the increasing alarm over climate change. New Zealand is very vocal about the serious impact of environmental deterioration in the Pacific and is actively promoting advanced legislation. New Zealand clearly considers the EU, with its Green Deal and its climate diplomacy, the most relevant ally on this global challenge. The EP delegation presented also the EU Strategy in the Indo-Pacific, welcomed by the New Zealand side also for its contribution to maritime security.
24th EU-New Zealand IPM & the 41st EU-Australia IPM
The 24th EU-New Zealand IPM took place in Auckland on Monday 24 February, followed by various meetings in Wellington including with the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Mr Mallard. The Delegation then traveledl to Canberra to attend the 41st EU-Australia IPM on Thursday 27 February. This was followed with meetings in Melbourne. These two IPMsl strengthened the relationship between the EU, New Zealand and Australia on several issues: environmental, financial policies, educational and cultural policies, digital technologies, FTA and trade security and EU policy on connectivity.
Chair of the Delegation, Ms Ulrike Müller speaks to the media in New Zealand
The 24th EU-New Zealand IPM took place in Auckland on Monday 24 February, followed by various meetings in Wellington including with the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Mr Mallard.
The 23rd EU- New Zealand IPM Brussels
Deputy Speaker of the New Zealand parliament, Hon. Ms Ann Tolley and three other members:Rt. Hon. David Carter, Kieran McAnulty MP and Hon. Paul Goldsmith attended the 23rd EU-NZ IPM.
Ambassador to the EU and NATO, Mr David Taylor EU Ambassador to New Zealand in Wellington, Ms Nina Obermaier also attended.
Topics discussed were:
Ambassador to the EU and NATO, Mr David Taylor EU Ambassador to New Zealand in Wellington, Ms Nina Obermaier also attended.
Topics discussed were:
- Update on political developments in the European Union, following the European elections in May 2019, and in New Zealand
- Mr Peter Berz, acting Director and Head of Unit C.2 in DG TRADE of the European Commission, briefed on the state of play on the current negotiations of FTA, where protection of EU Geographical Indications, and the "meat proposal" on the import of lamb and notably beef to the EU were key elements in the debate
- Climate change (NZ having strong environmental oriented farming and energy policies) was another topic of discussion.
- Both sides commented about the Christchurch massacre and the recent attack to the German synagogue, calling for exchange of best practice and effective legislation to prevent racism and radicalism.
The 40th EU-Australian IPM, Brussels
The 40th IPM was held on Tuesday, 1 October in Brussels. The delegation from Australia was lead by the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Co-Chair, Australian Parliament Delegation and accompanied by Senator, the Hon James McGrath, Senator Pauline Hanson,The Hon Damian Drum MP, and the Hon. Joanne Ryan MP. On the agenda topics discussed
- political and economic developments in the European Union, following the European elections in May 2019, and in Australia, following the Australian elections of May 2019
- State of the Australia-EU cooperation: Ongoing trade negotiations with Mr Peter Berz, from DG TRADE in the European Commission
- Developments in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in the South Pacific