Japan is one of the EU's closest allies. This was reaffirmed during the 28th EU-Japan Summit held on the 12 May 2022 in Tokyo with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In this increasingly unpredictable world, the EU seeks to strengthen its relations with like-minded partners. During the summit, the EU and Japan took important steps to take their relations forward, from digital technologies, trade and investments, climate action, biodiversity protection, sustainable development as well as security. In her press remarks, President von der Leyen, said: “The EU and Japan have so much in common. Our values of course – democracy and the rule of law. Our economic model. As well as a certain vision of the world. We both promote a multilateral global system, based on rules designed to protect and benefit all. And it is precisely because this vision is so often challenged today, that the EU is looking to strengthen its relationships with like-minded partners, such as Japan. At this summit, we discussed ways to deepen our partnership. With concrete strands of work that will create opportunities for our economies and our citizens. And that will, at the same time, help us address the challenges that our regions are confronted with.”
At the summit, the EU and Japan concluded a Digital Partnership, the first that the EU signs with a partner country. A forum that will give political steer and impetus for joint work on digital technologies in areas such as secure 5G“ “Beyon” 5G”/6G technologies, safe and ethical applications of artificial intelligence, or the resilience of global supply chains in the semiconductor industry. They also agreed to officially start exploratory talks on the association to Horizon Europe, and to step up further the implementation of EU Japan Green Alliance. They welcomed the finalisation of negotiations on a Horizontal Aviation Agreement and will work towards the early establishment of one-stop aviation security arrangements.
The EU and Japan agreed on further steps to take full advantage of the potential of the Economic Partnership Agreement to support post-pandemic economic recovery. The EU's Global Gateway strategy opens new opportunities for cooperation and investments in secure and sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region and elsewhere, notably on concrete projects. Leaders discussed Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and its shockwaves across the world, as well as developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The EU and Japan´s common response to the war in Ukraine shows the shared determination in defending the rules-based international order and effective multilateralism.
Pictures © European Union, 2022
EU-Japan Joint Statement
EU-Japan Digital Partnership
Press statement on EbS
President von der Leyen's remarks
For more information on EU-Japan relations consult this factsheet
Source: European Commission