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International Area Studies Review
[ Article ]
International Area Studies Review - Vol. 29, No. 3, pp.229-244
ISSN: 2233-8659 (Print)
Print publication date 30 Sep 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69473/iasr.2026.29.3.229

The European Union-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: The Inclusion of Normative Provisions in a Like-Minded Partnership

Yanuar Rahmadan* ; Indrawati
Lecturer, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Jakarta
Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Jakarta

Correspondence to: *Email: yanuar.rahmadan@gmail.com, yanuar.rahmadan@stud.uni-corvinus.hu

Abstract

This paper examines the European Union-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a key example of the European Union’s normative power, emphasising sustainability, labor rights, and gender equality as core elements. Employing a qualitative case study methodology combined with Robert Entman’s framing analysis and Ian Manners’ tripartite ethical framework, this study investigates the rationale and motivation behind the EU’s push to incorporate Trade and Sustainability Development provisions in the agreement. This study reveals that European Union advances its normative agenda by leading through example, acting reasonably in cooperation, and striving to minimise harm, especially by respecting New Zealand’s robust preexisting standards. This study highlights how the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter employs cooperation rather than coercion to enforce commitments, modeling a newer generation of FTA. This agreement also reflects a strategic normative alignment between like-minded partners, integrating ethical considerations systematically into trade governance. Ultimately, this study argues that this FTA sets a new standard for embedding normative goals in trade agreements, offering a blueprint for future agreements balancing ethical ambitions with pragmatic economic cooperation. This balance enhances both normative influence and mutual economic benefit.

Keywords:

European union, New Zealand, Free trade agreement, TSD Chapter, Normative power Europe

AI Acknowledgment

Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were not used in any way to prepare, write, or complete essential authoring tasks in this manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this research.

Funding

The authors declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

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