MEPs set to green light free trade deal with New Zealand
The EU-New Zealand free trade agreement includes for the first time sanctions in case of the infringement of climate and labour commitments.
After a plenary debate on Tuesday, MEPs are expected to give their consent on Wednesday to a deal that will, on its entry into force, remove all New Zealand tariffs on EU exports and lift 98.5% of EU tariffs on New Zealand trade after seven years. All EU geographical indications (GIs) for wine and spirits will be protected, such as Polish Vodka, Rioja or Prosecco, as well as a list of 163 famous EU foodstuff GIs – including Comté cheese, Istarski pršut ham, Lübecker Marzipan, and Elia Kalamatas olives. Tariff rate quotas in the deal, for instance on beef and several dairy products, will defend some sensitive EU agricultural sectors.
The agreement with New Zealand is the EU's first to include enforceable commitments to the Paris Agreement and to core International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. New Zealand is an important partner for the EU in the Pacific region, with bilateral trade in goods reaching €9.1 billion in 2022.
Lead MEP Daniel Caspary will hold a press conference on Wednesday at 11.30.
Debate: Tuesday 21 November
Vote: Wednesday 22 November
Press conference: Wednesday 11.30
Procedure: Consent