The trajectory of EU Studies in New Zealand has taken multiple paths over the last quarter century, seen a proliferation of organisations and acronyms but a constant and secure funding base maintained by successive tranches of Jean Monnet and other EU funding mechanisms. The longevity of such a benign environment is now, however, uncertain. It is counter-intuitive, perhaps paradoxical, to witness a change in EU support for academic experts at a time when EU public diplomacy has never been more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]