27/11/2023 (Agence Europe) – The free trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand was officially approved on Monday 27 November by EU27 trade ministers meeting in Brussels (see other news). The previous week, the European Parliament had overwhelmingly approved the agreement, which was presented as an “example to be followed” (see EUROPE 13298/3). It is the first to fully integrate the EU’s new approach to trade and sustainable development, and to include sanctions for non-compliance with the rules of the Paris Agreement. With this new agreement, the EU will see its customs duties disappear on many products exported to New Zealand. As far as Wellington is concerned, the text provides for simplified access for companies to European market shares. The agreement is expected to come fully into force in spring 2024, following ratification by the New Zealand Parliament.See the text of the agreement: https://aeur.eu/f/9rx (IS)