Both ENDS Files First Climate Complaint Against New Zealand
Dutch environmental group Both ENDS filed a landmark complaint with the European Commission alleging New Zealand breached climate commitments in its EU free trade agreement.
The Dutch environmental organization Both ENDS has filed a landmark complaint with the European Commission alleging that New Zealand breached climate change commitments within its free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. This represents the first complaint of its kind based on environmental and climate grounds using the EU's Single Entry Point mechanism.
Co-sponsored by Greenpeace Aotearoa and the Environmental Law Initiative, the complaint argues that the New Zealand Government violated a non-regression clause by systematically weakening domestic climate safeguards to attract trade and investment. Specific grievances include the reversal of the offshore oil and gas exploration ban, the removal of agriculture from carbon pricing, the weakening of biogenic methane targets, and legislation that prevents legal action against climate-polluting companies.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay rejected the allegations, asserting that the country remains fully compliant with its international and trading obligations. McClay characterized the complaint as an attempt by foreign actors and domestic lobby groups to dictate New Zealand's internal policies, claiming such actions harm national exporters.
While Both ENDS is primarily seeking policy compliance, the process could eventually result in New Zealand losing preferential access to the European market.
