EU Commissioner Piebalgs and NZFM Murray McCully launch the EU-NZ Energy Access, Renewable and Efficiency Partnership for the Pacific

EU Commissioner for Development and Cooperation, Andris Piebalgs, and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister McCully met in Brussels to follow up on the Pacific Energy Summit, which they co-hosted in Auckland a month ago. Together, they launched the EU-NZ Energy Access Partnership for the Pacific, a concrete outcome of the Pacific Energy Summit when the EU pledged an additional €25 million for energy access projects in the Pacific countries.

The Commissioner and Minister agreed to cooperate in complementary joint projects in the Pacific Islands within the framework of the EU's objectives under Sustainable Energy for All.

The EU-NZ Energy Access Partnership will translate the EU's €25 million and New Zealand's contribution into renewable, efficiency and access projects across the Pacific region in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

For more information, please check:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/piebalgs/index_fr.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/energy/sustainable/index_en.htm
World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2013

world press freedomOn the 20th anniversary of World Press Freedom day, the EU pays tribute to journalists worldwide who dedicate their lives - sometimes at great personal cost - to reporting events or expressing views that many might prefer to silence.

Freedom of expression must be defended both in the traditional media and on the Internet. The EU is determined to fight for press freedom worldwide and condemns the increasing level of intimidation, violence and censorship that journalists face in many countries.

The EU will continue to promote freedom of expression on-line and offline, not least as new information technologies can be key in promoting human rights and democracy.

Please check: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/121695.pdf
Catherine Ashton met with China's new leadership

Ashton and Yang JiechiCatherine Ashton travelled to Beijing last week for the EU's first high-level meetings with the new Chinese leadership. The visit was an opportunity to strengthen the economic and political ties between the EU and China. Ashton had the opportunity to meet with State Councillor Yang Jiechi and discussed a number of international issues with him; including Iran, North Korea, the South China Sea, and Syria. The High Representative also met with Defence Minister, General Chang, with whom she discussed opportunities for defence collaboration between the EU and China in particular in the area of anti-piracy.

Please check: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/136986.pdf
Arts Competition for Europe Day 2013

lighthouseOn 9 May 2013 Europe will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Sixty-three years ago, on 9 May 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made the first move towards the creation of what we now know as the European Union.

The EU Delegation to New Zealand celebrates Europe Day 2013 with the launch of the Europe Day Art Competition and invites New Zealand Arts students from the Schools of Fine Arts from Auckland University, Canterbury University and Massey University to participate and submit artwork related to the following theme: "Europe in New Zealand".

The successful winner will receive funding for a university arts course to the amount of NZ $2,000. This course needs to be part of the participant's degree. The selection committee will include the Ambassadors of the EU member states in New Zealand.

For further information about Europe Day and the Europe Day Art Competition, please check:
http://www.eeas.europa.eu/eu-and-citizens/europeday/intro_en.htm
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/new_zealand/press_corner/all_news/news/2013/20130412_newsletter_en.htm
Historic reconciliation agreement between Serbia and Kosovo

Ashton Serbia and Kosovo provinceAfter six months of direct talks, the prime ministers of Serbia and Kosovo agreed to normalize relations. Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaci signed an historic agreement on Friday 19 April in Brussels. It is a very welcome success for European diplomacy, embodied by Catherine Ashton, high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy.

Fourteen years after the end of the war, it provides the first formal basis for normalised relations between the two neighbours, They set out a range of practical steps that should help their people to banish fear, enhance prosperity and play a full role as members of the European family.

There is however some uncertainty regarding implementation of the agreement, yet to be ratified in the two capitals.

For more information, please check: http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2013/190413__eu-facilitated_dialogue_en.htm
“Dynamic ASEM” and the challenge of peace and prosperity

asemAt their summit talks in Laos last November, Asian and European leaders pledged joint efforts to boost growth and ease global tensions. In China later this month, the two regions’ officials, scholars and experts will explore fresh ways to translate those words into action.

With the next Asia-Europe summit set to be held in Brussels in autumn 2014, the meeting in Yangzhou on April 25-26 is likely to kick-start a review of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). which many argue is necessary to give fresh impetus to the process.

“I would like to define ASEM as a platform where Asia and Europe work together for peace and development,” says Ambassador Zhang Xiaokang, China’s top official in charge of ASEM “We need cooperation with vision.”
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