25/08/2023 (Agence Europe) – The European Parliament is due to vote on the EU/New Zealand free trade agreement in November, and the rapporteur on the text, Daniel Caspary (EPP, German), has already submitted his draft report and recommendation. It expresses the consent of MEPs for the entry into force of the agreement signed in July (see EUROPE 13219/7). This agreement is “of major significance for bilateral relations between the two parties and the promotion of value-based trade”, according to Mr Caspary. He also welcomed the EU’s new approach to trade and sustainable development, which has been integrated into the agreement. Finally, the sensitive nature of certain European agricultural sectors “has been duly taken into account and is reflected in very balanced concessions in the form of tariff quotas and transition periods”, the rapporteur emphasised. To see the draft report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/8ch (LM)