The European Union—New Zealand trade agreement entered into force on 1 May 2024. It provides for other interactions with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the FTA and the ongoing monitoring of its impact through the Domestic Advisory Groups and the Civil Society Forum – two spaces for cross-border social dialogue.
The European Union Domestic Advisory Group
Each Party is invited to designate a Domestic Advisory Group in charge of advising the Parties on issues covered by this Agreement. The Group shall comprise a balanced representation of independent civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, business and employers’ organizations, and trade unions. Each Party shall meet with its Domestic Advisory Group at least once a year to consider views or recommendations submitted by the Group on the implementation of this Agreement. The Parties shall promote interaction between their respective Domestic Advisory Groups.
Therefore, as a Party to this Agreement, the European Union will have to establish an EU-Domestic Consultative Group. This group will bring together organizations from different EU Member States and, as a result, create a cross-border dialogue space. This EU-DAG will be informed in case of complaints about the implementation, and the Parties should seek advice in case of disputes concerning the provisions of Chapter 19 (Trade and Sustainable Development).
The Civil Society Forum
The Parties are also invited to facilitate the organization of a Civil Society Forum to conduct a dialogue on the implementation of this Agreement. Based on a balanced representation of non-governmental organizations, business and employers’ organizations, and trade unions, including members of Domestic Advisory Groups, they will receive information on the implementation and can publish formal statements.