New Zealand’s relations with post-communist Central and Eastern European countries since their accession to the European Union.

Abstract

New Zealand’s relations with the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) have, for the most part, always been limited. Despite some improvement throughout the latter half of the 20th century, as New Zealand tried to diversify their European connections, the level of relations, primarily economic, only improved marginally. In 2004, the European Union saw the accession of eight post-communist CEECs, with three more joining in 2007 and 2013. This raised the question as whether there would be intensification in relations with New Zealand as a result of the CEECs joining a multilateral organisation such as the EU? Using a mixed method approach, examining both qualitative and quantitative sources, this thesis aims to assess the impact of CEECs’ accession to the European Union on their relations with New Zealand. This will be achieved by analysing the changes in political, social, and economic relations since the Eastern enlargement. Conducted analysis will utilise constructivism and rationalism theories to aid in explaining any changes.