Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand on the participation of New Zealand in Union programmes

Summary:

Agreement signed by the European Union (EU) and New Zealand on the participation of this country in the programmes established by the EU.

Further information:

This Agreement establishes the rules applicable to the participation of New Zealand in any programme or activity of the European Union. It envisages that New Zealand shall be allowed to participate in and contribute to the EU's programmes or activities. The specific terms and conditions for the participation of New Zealand to Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2021-2027, are laid down in a Protocol to this Agreement.

Article 16(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 provides for the possibility of association of third countries and territories joining the Horizon Europe programme. It takes place on the basis of an agreement covering the participation of the third country or territory to any EU programme.

In December 2021, NZ expressed its formal interest in becoming associated to Horizon Europe programme. In September 2022, the Council of the European Union authorised the European Commission to launch negotiations with New Zealand, for an agreement on the general principles for the participation of the country in EU programmes and on the association of New Zealand to Horizon Europe. Following successful talks, an agreement was eventually initialled in December 2022.

• Primary Source

News

Science Business, 20/12/2022: New Zealand completes Horizon Europe association https://sciencebusiness.net/news/new-zealand-completes-horizon-europe-association

Open Access Government, 10/01/2023: EU and New Zealand conclude Horizon Europe association talks https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/eu-and-new-zealand-conclude-horizon-europe-association-talks/150979/

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Official

EUR-LEX: OJ L237, 14/09/2022: Council Decision (EU) 2022/1527 authorising the opening of negotiations with New Zealand for an Agreement on the general principles for the participation of New Zealand in Union programmes and on the association of New Zealand to Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/1527/oj

EUR-LEX: OJ L182, 19/07/2023: Council Decision (EU) 2023/1475 on the signing and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand on the participation of New Zealand in Union programmes http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/1475/oj

European Commission: Research & Innovation: International Cooperation: New Zealand https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-2020-2024/europe-world/international-cooperation/new-zealand_en

Government of New Zealand: Press Release, 17/02/2023: Horizon Europe opens world of opportunities for New Zealand researchers https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/horizon-europe-opens-world-opportunities-new-zealand-researchers

European Commission: Research & Innovation: News, 17/02/2023: Transitional arrangements for New Zealand participation in Horizon Europe https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/transitional-arrangements-new-zealand-participation-horizon-europe-2023-02-17_en

European Commission: Press Release, 09/07/2023: New Zealand joins Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3728

European Commission: Press statements by President von der Leyen and New Zealand Prime Minister Hipkins on the occasion of the signature of the Free Trade Agreement and the association of New Zealand to Horizon Europe (9 July 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_23_3751

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