European Union
UK lawmakers debate Brexit blueprint
Britain's Brexit minister has told Parliament to back down in a showdown over Prime Minister Theresa May's plans to leave the European Union, warning lawmakers they could undermine negotiations. David… Video, Audio
Diplomat pleads diplomatic immunity over tenancy dispute
A European diplomat is arguing she's covered by diplomatic immunity and wants a Tenancy Tribunal case thrown out against her. Eva Tvarozkova represented the European Union in New Zealand and leased a… Audio
EU-NZ trade deal a bright spot in gloomy times
Opinion - The announcement of EU-New Zealand/Australia free trade talks is a welcome bit of sunshine after chilly talk of a trade war offshore, writes Stephanie Honey.
Specialty cheesemakers 'worse off' in EU trade deal
An award-winning cheese producer says a trade deal with the European Union will hurt the specialty cheese industry.
Top Stories for Wednesday 23 May 2018
EU-NZ free trade talks start: David Parker responds; Trump-Kim meeting likely delayed - analysis; more employers bringing skilled migrants to NZ; vote on legalising cannabis on cards for 2019… Audio
EU to decide on free-trade negotiations with NZ, Aus
Trade Minister David Parker says he's "hoping for the best" as the European Union prepares to decide whether to formally approve free-trade agreement negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, at a… Audio
Most NZ businesses won't be ready to meet new EU data laws
New Zealand businesses selling goods and services to European Union members will be expected to comply with major changes to data privacy laws that come into effect at the end of the week. Audio
Rouzbeh Parsi: Iran nuclear deal 'actually works'
The fallout from Donald Trump's decision to leave the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran is being felt across Europe and the Middle East and beyond. Dr Rouzbeh Parsi is a Senior Lecturer at Lund University… Audio
Red carpet for Ardern before 'wonderful' meeting with Merkel
Syria and Russia, free trade, regional security and coalition arrangements were the key topics discussed when Jacinda Ardern met German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Video, Audio
NZ-EU trade deal negotiations tipped for May
Formal negotiations for a trade deal between New Zealand and the EU are set to get the green-light in just over a month, National MP Todd McClay says.
Peters denies Russia FTA could compromise EU trade deal
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he's had no indication from the European Union that New Zealand's pursuit of a free trade deal with Russia would hinder ongoing FTA negotiations. Audio
Brexit's legal minefield: Jurgen Basedow
There are still many legal hurdles to overcome before Brexit becomes a reality. Professor Jurgen Basedow from the Max Planck institute in Hamburg is an expert in European economic law - and says Kiwi… Audio
Nicholas Boyle: Brexit is a collective English breakdown
Brexit is a case of a "collective English mental breakdown", a Cambridge professor says. Audio
EU trade deal presents wide-ranging benefits - trade analyst
A free trade agreement with the European Union could have big benefits for exporters, says a trade analyst.
European Parliament votes for trade deal with NZ
The European Parliament has voted to press ahead with plans to do a trade deal with New Zealand.
Brexit talks stuck on citizens' rights, exit payment, Ireland
In Brussels, the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator says he won't be able to ask Europe's leaders to move on to the next stage of talks, because of a lack of progress. The fifth round of… Audio
British PM pushes for Brexit transition period
Theresa May has said there should be a transition period of "about" two years after Brexit, during which trade should continue on current terms.
EU ambassador reflects on four plus years in the Pacific
The European Union's Pacific Ambassador for the past four and a half years, Andrew Jacobs, is finishing up and returning to Brussels. Audio
EU pessimistic on Brexit trade agreement
Another round of Brexit talks have wrapped up, with the European Union and United Kingdom apparently at odds over how successful they were. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator says both parties remain… Audio
EU 'turned their backs on' migrants - Amnesty
Amnesty International has blamed "failing EU policies" for the soaring death toll among refugees and migrants in the central Mediterranean.