The agreement between the European Union (EU) and New Zealand on the exchange of personal data between Europol and the New Zealand authorities has just entered into force. It heralds a new chapter in Europol’s cooperation with New Zealand and will enhance their respective abilities to combat serious organised crime and terrorism.

The agreement includes provisions on the exchange of information and data protection, the rights of data subjects, the establishment of a supervisory authority, and administrative and judicial redress.

This is the first agreement of its kind since the Europol Regulation 2017, which allows Europol to transfer personal data to an authority of a third country on the basis of an international agreement between the EU and the third country.

The international agreement entered into force on 15 August 2024.

Teaming up since 2019

This agreement builds on the existing Working Arrangement between the New Zealand Police (Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa) and Europol, which has been in place since 2019. Under the existing arrangement, New Zealand works closely with Europol and the Member States to exchange specialist knowledge, general situation reports and strategic analysis results, participate in training activities, and provide advice and support in individual criminal investigations.

In return, New Zealand has access to Europol’s secure communication channel and has a Liaison Officer stationed at Europol’s headquarters.