The European Union and New Zealand sign a highly political free trade agreement

It’s a trade agreement where, ironically, there’s very little matter of trade. The Free Trade Agreement signed on Thursday 30 June between the European Union and New Zealand contains many commitments ” Unprecedented “During her presentation in Brussels, she welcomed the President of the European Commission, Ursulan von der Leyen, in the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

The text, which was not disclosed, devotes several chapters to gender equality, sustainable diets and even fossil fuel subsidy reform. In the process, the European Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, welcomed Mutual commitment based on trust and shared values World Health Organization ‘Sends a strong geopolitical signal’. The agreement could save companies 140 million euros, while trade in goods between the two countries amounted to only 7.8 billion euros in 2021. “In terms of sustainability, this is the most ambitious commercial deal ever,” Mr. Dombrovskis argued.

‘Unfair competition’

But where is the sustainable trade when you transport lamb soaked in liquid nitrogen by boat for twelve weeks to travel 22,000 kilometers? “,” Annoyed, from Puy du Dom, Michel Baudouin, president of the National Sheep Federation. When the farmer went to Brussels to protest that New Zealand’s meat import quotas were increased by an additional 38,000 tons, she was told the deal was above all else. “Policy”. “It is unfair competition, is carried away, If lamb from New Zealand is three times cheaper than lamb from France, this is, among other things, because we do not have the same environmental and social standards. » Many breeders’ associations criticize Brussels for not obtaining from New Zealand a ban on the pesticides used on their breeding pastures, when prohibited on European soil, or for banning the cultivation of soybean cakes, which accelerates deforestation.

Against the background of diplomatic tensions with China, which is an outlet for 30% of its exports, New Zealand is seeking to turn to other partners

French Foreign Trade Minister Franck Riester reacted cautiously. “We will evaluate the draft agreement in detail in light of its presentation to the Council of the European Union, possibly in 2023, to verify that our interests are taken into account,” Mr. Riester who welcomes, however, explains, “Inclusion of the Paris Agreement as an essential element” and presence “Protecting our sensitive agricultural sectors” in the text. This text will be rewritten in its final legal version, translated and then submitted to the European Parliament.

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