New Zealand joins EU's Horizon research programme

The European Commission and New Zealand have signed an agreement for the latter’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme.

This marks the programme’s first association with a partner that is not geographically close to Europe – the two are approximately 17,880km apart.

It also signals a new approach for the Commission, whereby the EU is strengthening ties with partners that have a strong scientific base and research track record.

Association to Horizon Europe means that researchers and organisations in New Zealand will be able to participate in Pillar II of the programme, which is focused on global challenges in climate, energy, mobility, digital, industry and space, health and more.

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They will collaborate in the programme alongside member states with access to Horizon Europe funding and networks of researchers in Europe and beyond.

The Horizon Europe programme introduced a strategic redesign of the approach towards international cooperation, giving for the first time the possibility of association to countries with a strong science, innovation and technology profile, outside the geographic proximity of the EU.

Formal negotiations to join Horizon Europe are currently ongoing with Canada and recently the Commission has launched negotiations with the Republic of Korea. Exploratory talks with Japan closed in September 2022 and technical discussions are ongoing.

EU and New Zealand sign ambitious free trade agreement

The announcement of New Zealand’s membership coincided with the signing of an ambitious free trade agreement alongside the EU.

The deal will cut some €140 million ($154 million) a year in duties for EU companies from the first year of application.

With the agreement, bilateral trade is expected to grow by up to 30% within a decade, with EU annual exports potentially growing by up to €4.5 billion ($5 billion). The agreement also extends to sustainability commitments, including respect of the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “New Zealand is a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific region, and this free trade agreement will bring us even closer together.

“This modern free trade agreement brings major opportunities for our companies, our farmers and our consumers, on both sides. With unprecedented social and climate commitments, it drives just and green growth while reinforcing Europe's economic security".