Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
"New Zealand and the European Union have a long standing cooperation on research and innovation thanks to the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement concluded in 2009. The EU is glad about the perspective of welcoming New Zealand, a long-standing political and economic ally of the EU, in the programme. Together, we will address common global challenges from climate change to environmental degradation, from food security to health crises."