DANZ - European Parliament

General documents - INGE 2 report Canberra and Melbourne (Australia) from 20 to 22 September 2022 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:16:11 GMT

Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in EU including Disinformation

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 27th EU-New Zealand IPM - 20-22 February 2023, in Wellington and Christchurch - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:27:31 GMT

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.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Meeting in Brussels on Monday 6 February 2023 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:11:15 GMT

The next meeting of the delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand will be on Monday 6 February 2023 from 17.00-18.00 in ASP 1E1

Ambassador Reaich from the Mission of New Zealand to the EU will brief the delegation ahead of the 27th EU-New Zealand IPM being held in Wellington and Christchurch from 20-22 February. Colleagues from the EEAS will continue to brief " in camera"

Interpretation has been confirmed in DE, EN, and FR

draft agenda for the meeting 6 February 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Statement by the Chair on the decision of PM Jacinda Ardern to step down - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:52:05 GMT

STATEMENT OF THE CHAIR

19 January, 2023

PM Jacinda Ardern's decision to step down confirms her personal, human and political qualities - a pride for the people of New Zealand

The Chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ) Ulrike Müller (Renew, DE) issued the following statement today:

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, announced that she will resign from her position in February, declaring that the office of the Prime Minister is such a challenge that she has no strength for another term.

PM Ardern also stated that the office of the Prime Minister "is the most privileged job anyone could ever have, but also the most challenging" and that she believes that she has not the required energy for another term (NZ has elections scheduled in mid-October).

It is precisely this kind of openness in her work that has always made Jacinda Ardern a role model. I wish to remind readers that she became Prime Minister during 2017, when she was only 37 and one of the youngest leaders in the world. Within a year, she had given birth while in office - only the second world leader ever to do so. Jacinda ran New Zealand through difficult times, including the Covid pandemic.

As Chair of the Delegation for Relations with New Zealand in the European Parliament, I have had several personal meetings with her and I have always found her to be a reflective leader who has been deeply committed to the friendship and strategic partnership with the European Union.

Thank you to Jacinda Ardern for the friendly cooperation with the EU and for being such a strong woman at the helm of your country.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - 42nd EU-Australia Interparliamentary meeting, Brussels 5 December, 2022 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:51:33 GMT

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.

drafty agenda

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting in Brussels on Monday 14 November 2022 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:55:27 GMT

Ambassador Caroline Millar, Mission of Australia to the EU, briefed Members ahead of the incoming 42nd EU-Australia IPM on 5 December. In a closed part of the meeting, an exchange of view with Philipp Gross the EEAS, Deputy Head of Division for Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific took place.

draft agenda of the meeting 14 November

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 26th EU-New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting Strasbourg - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 10:49:58 GMT

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.

draft agenda of the 26th NZ IPM

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting in Strasbourg Wednesday 8 June 2022 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:42:04 GMT

H.E Reaich and Reinhold Brender (EEAS) emphasised the active role of New Zealand in standing in support of Ukraine; for the first time in its story, New Zealand has imposed non-UN sanctions to a third country. EEAS stressed the three main priorities in bilateral relations: strengthening the alliance of democracies among like-minded countries, fight against climate change and FTA negotiations. H.E. Millar reported on some priorities of the new Albanese government in Canberra: more ambitious reduction of emissions, an assertive policy on China, more direct cooperation with the EU . Both New Zealand and Australia consider it a priority the conclusion of the FTA negotiations with the EU.

draft agenda of the meeting 8 June in Strasbourg

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Indo-Pacific: a region of key strategic significance for the EU - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:10:32 GMT

Parliament adopted a report on Tuesday, 7 June reflecting how the EU should protect its interests and work more closely with its partners in the Indo-Pacific. Please copy the link below

Indo-Pacific: a region of key strategic significance for the EU

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Indo-Pacific: a region of key strategic significance for the EU - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:04:29 GMT

Parliament adopted a report on Tuesday 7 June , reflecting how the EU should protect its interests and work more closely with its partners in the Indo-Pacific. Please copy the link below

Indo-Pacific: a region of key strategic significance for the EU

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - JOINT COMMUNICATION to the EP and the Council 16 September 2021 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:48:16 GMT

The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting with the Speaker & members of the New Zealand Parliament Monday 30 May 2022 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 31 May 2022 09:22:21 GMT

Both sides agreed - New Zealand & the EU are like-minded entities, sharing "the spiritual legacy to people affected by WW2". Sharing a "practical solidarity" with Ukraine. The NZ delegation was impressed by the overall consistency of the EU's response to the war, in spite of constraints in agreeing further sanctions and of pro-Russian counter-information spreading in some EUMS. MEPs presented the importance of the Green Deal & the two sides discussed cooperation on best legislation on sustainable energy and connectivity. Rt. Hon. Mallard with his colleagues stated that "the EU looks a miracle in current times, such a thoughtful organization with such a dedicated reflection on human rights"; that "We have to focus much more on political & value-based cooperation".

draft agenda for the meeting

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting 10th May 2022 via Internet-Russia's war on Ukraine - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 23 May 2022 14:01:46 GMT

Ulrike Müller, (DANZ Chair) summed up the main pillars of the EU actions on Ukraine: unanimous political support; sanctions packages; military support provided by several EUMS; first ever implementation of EU Protection Mechanism for the millions of Ukrainian refugees; The New Zealand side expressed its concern over security in Europe & possible direct impact on Indo-Pacific and insisted that NZ is very vocal in calling for full respect of International law & International Humanitarian law. Minister Twyford insisted on the need to fully activate the prerogatives of the International Criminal Court and to further strength sanctions against Russian interests and oligarchs.

MEPs and NZ members also shared their experiences on Russian propaganda.

draft minutes of the meeting 10 May

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - High-level inter-parliamentary meeting on 30 March 2022 in Brussels - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 23 May 2022 14:00:34 GMT

On 30 March 2022, the Delegation for the relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ), chaired by Ulrike Müller (DE, Renew) held an online high-level inter-parliamentary meeting fully dedicated to the response to the Russian aggression on Ukraine.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ulrike Müller (DE, Renew), Chair of DANZ, by the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Andrew Wallace and by Heidi Hautala, Vice-President of the European Parliament.

It is of crucial importance that like-minded countries stand together with a coordinated approach in terms both of support to Ukraine and sanctions on Putin's Russia and of moral stand against violation of international law and respect of basic principles of freedom and sovereignty of independent nations.

On 14 March 2022 DANZ jointly with the Delegations for the relations with India and with Japan, organized a meeting on QUAD, the security dimension of the EU Indo-Pacific strategy and the impact of the war against Ukraine.

Draft agenda of the high-level inter-parliamentary meeting on 30 March 2022
draft minutes of the meeting 30 March

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - Meeting in Brussels on Monday 14 March 2022. - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:28:13 GMT

The Joint meeting was held with all three Delegation Chairs and with Members from the Japan and India delegations. H.E. Ambassador Caroline Millar, Mission of Australia to the EU, H.E. Ambassador Santosh Jha, Mission of India to the EU and H.E. Ambassador Yasushi Masaki, Mission of Japan to the EU addressed the delegations on "The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy and the security implications of QUAD" engaging equally in outlining their main security concerns, while David McAllister, AFET Chair and SEDE rapporteur presented the main features of the SEDE report and of the security implications of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Delegation Chairs and Ambassadors look forward to the adoption by SEDE and then by Plenary of the McAllister report.

Draft agenda of the Joint meeting 14 March 2022
draft minutes of the meeting 11 November 2021

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - 25th EU-New Zealand Interparliamentary meeting Brussels - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 10:18:49 GMT

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.

Draft agenda for the 25th EU-New Zealand IPM

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

General documents - Meeting in Brussels Thursday 11 November 2021 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:15:26 GMT

The meeting took place on Thursday 11 November 14.00 - 15h30. Ambassador Reaich, opened by thanking the EU for being the only partner to give COVID vaccines to his country. The Ambassador, the EU Chief negotiator of EU/NZ FTA, Peter Berz, and the EU Head of Division for Asia/Pacific, Reinhold Brender all agreed that Bilateral relations are very solid. The Ambassador reaffirmed the words of the The Prime Minister " that the EU is a crucial partner". The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy provides a new instrument to cooperate with NZ, with an integrated approach of different policies such as trade, connectivity security, human security (including fight against the pandemic),& cybersecurity. The 25th EU-New Zealand Inter-parliamentary Meeting is due to be held on 2 December - by remote connection with Wellington.

Minutes of the meeting of 24 September 2020
draft agenda for the meeting on 11 November 2021

General documents - Joint meeting in Brussels Thursday 22 April 2021 with Members of the D-JP and DKOR - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:32:06 GMT

The meeting entirely devoted to the EU Strategy on Indo-Pacific. Two speakers, Ambassador Jasper Wieck, Federal Foreign Office, Germany & Mr George Cunningham from EEAS, both crucial experts in shaping strategic options, represented the complimentary visions from M.S. & the EU. Ambassador Wieck presented the three German basic principles: Inclusiveness of the region; Diversification: Focusing on strengthening partnership with like-minded countries e.g.Australia, Japan, NZ; Rules-based Multilateralism; strategies to counteract any bi-polarity in the region. Mr Cunningham stressed main areas to work on: carbon emission, trade & economic relationships. He underlined the importance of human rights, security & military options for the EU in the region, notably ensuring maritime safety and free passage in order to safeguard the region's strategic autonomy. He recalled the next important steps and opportunities, especially the EU-India summit on the 8 May

minutes of the meeting of 24 September 2020
draft agenda of the joint meeting of 22 April 2021

General documents - Congratulations to new Chair of the EU friendship group of the Australian parliament - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 09:59:51 GMT

Letter to Mr Andrew Wallace from the Chair

General documents - Joint statement of EU leaders meeting - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:57:20 GMT

EU leaders virtual meeting of 26 November 2020

General documents - Meeting in Brussels Monday 20 January 2020 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:27:32 GMT

The next meeting of the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand took place in Brussels on Monday 20 January in room ASP 1E1 from 17.30-19.00. The meeting was held in camera.

Interpretation was available in EN FR DE and EL.

Please see the attached agenda.

Meeting documents 20 January 2020 (EN)
Minutes of the meeting of 20 January 2020

General documents - Meeting in Brussels Thursday 24 September 2020 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:03:04 GMT

The meeting of the DANZ delegation took place on Thursday 24th September from 13.45-15.45 via Room Antell 6Q1. (remote participation) Ms Josianne CUTUJAR S&D Member from Malta was elected by acclamation to the position of 2nd Vice Chair. This was followed by an exchange of views from both the EU Ambassador for Australia H.E Justin Brown and the new EU Ambassador for New Zealand, H.E. Carl Reaich.
The Chair is hoping to hold a future meeting with the Australian Parliament and the New Zealand Parliament via web links in the autumn.

draft agenda of the meeting 24 September 2020

General documents - 24th EU-New Zealand IPM & the 41st EU-Australia IPM - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:16:59 GMT

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.

Final report of the DANZ visit to New Zealand February 24-25, 2020
Final report of the DANZ visit to Australia February 26-28, 2020

General documents - Chair of the Delegation, Ms Ulrike Müller speaks to the media in New Zealand - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:04:12 GMT

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.

Chair of the Delegation, Ms Ulrike Müller speaks to the media in New Zealand

General documents - EU trade in goods and trade policy with New Zealand 2009-2019 - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:21:23 GMT

European Union, Trade in goods with New Zealand: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/isdb_results/factsheets/country/details_new-zealand
European Commission - Trade Policy with New Zealand: https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/new-zealand/