Work

Reaching the Summit or a Plateau? The EU –New Zealand Relationship in the Indo‐Pacific

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This article examines New Zealand's perceptions of the European Union's Indo‐Pacific Strategy through interviews with government officials and foreign policy influencers. Despite viewing the EU positively as a like‐minded partner committed to the rule‐based international order, New Zealand respondents demonstrated limited understanding of the EU's Indo‐Pacific strategy. Ocean governance and green transition emerged as priority cooperation areas, while security and defence received little recognition. The research reveals outdated perceptions of the EU and highlights the need for better communication of EU strategic intentions. Three policy recommendations emerge: leveraging bilateral relationships, improving strategic communication and harnessing EU influence amid current geopolitical uncertainty.

Source: Global Policy

DOI: 10.1111/1758-5899.70160

Authors: Matthew Castle, Martin Holland, Serena Kelly, Juan Luis Manfredi‐Sánchez, Nicholas Ross Smith

Institutions: Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Castilla-La Mancha

Language: English

Topic: International Relations and Foreign Policy

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,200

Funder: European Commission