9 May commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, marking the beginning of European integration and laying the foundations for what would then become the European Union.
On Thursday evening, Ambassador Cristiano Maggipinto joined Team Europe to celebrate Europe Day 2026 at the Beehive in Wellington: a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the strong and enduring ties between New Zealand and the European Union, grounded in shared values and a common commitment to peace, democracy, and a rules-based international order.
In the presence of the Minister of Trade, Hon. Todd McClay, the Minister for Māori Development and Māori Crown Relations, Hon. Tama Potaka, MPs, and representatives of the diplomatic community, H.E. Lawrence Meredith, EU Ambassador to New Zealand highlighted how our partnership is also anchored in rules based international trade, which provides the certainty businesses need to grow and prosper.
Since the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement entered into force two years ago, NZ exports to the EU have in fact increased by $3 billion, while European investments in New Zealand continue to expand, thanks also to the first ever EU-NZ Business Summit of 23-24 October 2025.
Scientific cooperation is also strengthening thanks to New Zealand’s association with the Horizon Europe programme, which is attracting growing interest among academics and research institutions. In this regard, we are proud to highlight that, among the current 22 successful calls, 16 involves partnerships with Italy.
As Ambassador Meredith recalled, quoting King Tāwhiao: “Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati.” There is strength in unity”.
