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The 27th EU-Japan BRT Annual Meeting was held in Brussels

16 April 2026, Brussels – The 27th Annual Meeting of the EU-Japan Business Round Table (or “BRT”) took place in the European Commission’s Berlaymont headquarters and was co-Chaired by Dr. Nobuhiro Endo (Executive Advisor, NEC Corporation) and Jeremy Grossas (Representative Director & President, Merck Biopharma Japan).
Iwao Horii (State Minister for Foreign Affairs), Toshiro Ino (State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) and Takuo Imagawa (Vice-Minister for International Affairs) delivered the keynote address from the Government of Japan, and Kerstin Jorna (Director-General, DG GROW) gave the welcome address from the European Commission.

BRT 

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on three key issues for the EU and Japan – global trade, economic security and industrial competitiveness. It also adopted the BRT’s recommendations to the EU and Japanese Authorities. In due course, the 2026 Recommendations will be submitted to the Government of Japan and to the European Commission. After a session devoted to a report from the BRT’s ad hoc Defence Task Force, the meeting concluded with remarks by Ambassadors Aikawa and Paquet.
 
During the same week, other EU-Japan related events were also organised including the EU-Japan Industrial Policy Dialogue. To mark this, participants from the BRT, the EU-Japan Bioeconomy Working Group and the EU-Japan Defence Industrial Dialogue came together for a reception co-hosted by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperations and the Japan Machinery Center for Trade & Investment.

BRT

Table of Content

Centre's News

From EU-Japan authorities

From business community

The Network News

The Network offers & requests

Calendar

for PDF version click here

is a joint venture co-financed by the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from both regions through training programmes for businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through information services and an industrial dialogue. This quarterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan-related news.

https://www.eu-japan.eu/

Centre's News

A look back at Étienne Davignon’s links to Japan

A look back at some of the Japan connections of Étienne Davignon, a former Belgian diplomat, EU Commissioner, industrialist and co-chair of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the EU-Japan Business Round Table.

Joint EU Green Mission showcased advanced Greentech in Tokyo

60 EU Greentech companies in Tokyo for Smart Energy Week / Sustainability Management Week

A look back at Étienne Davignon’s links to Japan

A look back at some of the Japan connections of Étienne Davignon, a former Belgian diplomat, EU Commissioner, industrialist and co-chair of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the EU-Japan Business Round Table.

Joint EU Green Mission showcased advanced Greentech in Tokyo

60 EU Greentech companies in Tokyo for Smart Energy Week / Sustainability Management Week

Call for Applications: WCM October 2026 – 56th edition

A unique opportunity to experience Japanese manufacturing excellence

Testimonials from WCM February 2026 - 55th edition

2 Testimonials from WCM February 2026 - 55th edition

Call for Applications: WCM October 2026 – 56th edition

A unique opportunity to experience Japanese manufacturing excellence

Testimonials from WCM February 2026 - 55th edition

2 Testimonials from WCM February 2026 - 55th edition

Call for Applications: Digital Solutions Business Mission to Japan 2026

The Digital Solutions Business Mission 2026 will take place 13–16 October in Japan. Apply for a chance to participate in CEATEC 2026, held at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, Japan's largest trade fair dedicated to digital innovation. The 2025 edition drew nearly 100,000 attendees, 810 exhibiting companies and organisations, and 222 conference sessions.

Forthcoming defence business mission to Japan

Japan's Defence Transformation: a growing opportunity for European Industry

EU-Japan Centre Biotech Business mission to Japan: two success stories

Two success stories for the Biotech Business Mission.

Call for Applications: Digital Solutions Business Mission to Japan 2026

The Digital Solutions Business Mission 2026 will take place 13–16 October in Japan. Apply for a chance to participate in CEATEC 2026, held at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, Japan's largest trade fair dedicated to digital innovation. The 2025 edition drew nearly 100,000 attendees, 810 exhibiting companies and organisations, and 222 conference sessions.

Forthcoming defence business mission to Japan

Japan's Defence Transformation: a growing opportunity for European Industry

EU-Japan Centre Biotech Business mission to Japan: two success stories

Two success stories for the Biotech Business Mission.

From EU-Japan authorities

7th EU–Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue

On 7 May 2026, the EU and Japan held their 7th High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) in Brussels.

EU and Japan accelerate cooperation on AI, data, quantum and chips

At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council held on the 5 May 2026 in Brussels, the European Union and Japan agreed on new steps to deepen regulatory, research and industry cooperation on data, AI, quantum, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms.

Deepening EU-Japan Quantum Cooperation: From Research to Strategic Innovation

Quantum technology has become a key priority under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership, reflecting its growing role in enabling industrial innovation and next-generation computing applications. Cooperation has advanced steadily in recent years through initiatives such as Q-Neko, demonstrating the deepening and increasing maturity of bilateral engagement.

7th EU–Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue

On 7 May 2026, the EU and Japan held their 7th High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) in Brussels.

EU and Japan accelerate cooperation on AI, data, quantum and chips

At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council held on the 5 May 2026 in Brussels, the European Union and Japan agreed on new steps to deepen regulatory, research and industry cooperation on data, AI, quantum, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms.

Deepening EU-Japan Quantum Cooperation: From Research to Strategic Innovation

Quantum technology has become a key priority under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership, reflecting its growing role in enabling industrial innovation and next-generation computing applications. Cooperation has advanced steadily in recent years through initiatives such as Q-Neko, demonstrating the deepening and increasing maturity of bilateral engagement.

EUIPO Launched New EU-Japan Intellectual Property Action

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has officially launched the EU-Japan intellectual property (IP) Action, on 27 April 2026 in Tokyo, marking the first cooperation on IP between the European Union and Japan. The Action aims to enhance the protection and promotion of IP rights through technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and industry engagement between the European Union and Japan.

EU and Japan deepen climate cooperation at High-Level Dialogue

At the High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change between the European Union and Japan, held in Brussels on the 26 March 2026, senior officials agreed to deepen their bilateral co-operation, working together towards achieving climate neutrality and tackling shared economic and geopolitical challenges.  In the context of the current crisis in the Gulf region, both sides acknowledged the importance of the clean energy transition that contributes not only to climate neutrality but also their respective security, independence and competitiveness.

EUIPO Launched New EU-Japan Intellectual Property Action

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has officially launched the EU-Japan intellectual property (IP) Action, on 27 April 2026 in Tokyo, marking the first cooperation on IP between the European Union and Japan. The Action aims to enhance the protection and promotion of IP rights through technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and industry engagement between the European Union and Japan.

EU and Japan deepen climate cooperation at High-Level Dialogue

At the High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change between the European Union and Japan, held in Brussels on the 26 March 2026, senior officials agreed to deepen their bilateral co-operation, working together towards achieving climate neutrality and tackling shared economic and geopolitical challenges.  In the context of the current crisis in the Gulf region, both sides acknowledged the importance of the clean energy transition that contributes not only to climate neutrality but also their respective security, independence and competitiveness.

Your Japan success story deserves to be seen!

DG TRADE is looking for EU companies with successful export experiences in Japan.

Report on the EU-Japan EPA’s impact

An Ex-Post Evaluation impact report commissioned by the European commission was released in May 2026 following a 1 year and half long research.

Your Japan success story deserves to be seen!

DG TRADE is looking for EU companies with successful export experiences in Japan.

Report on the EU-Japan EPA’s impact

An Ex-Post Evaluation impact report commissioned by the European commission was released in May 2026 following a 1 year and half long research.

Access2Markets - Exports & Imports made easy

The Access2Markets website has been recently revamped with improved visuals and functionalities.  In October 2020, the European Commission launched the Access2Markets website to help EU businesses navigate and understand the many regulations related to trade and to provide tools on how to benefit from the various Free Trade Agreements the EU has with foreign countries.

JETRO’s survey on Japanese-affiliated companies in Europe FY2026

Japanese-affiliated companies face high costs and geopolitical risks but expect easing of sustainability related regulations. Released on March 2026, the purpose of JETRO’s annual survey is to identify actual conditions in the activities of Japanese-affiliated businesses operating overseas and to provide the results to a wide range of Japanese companies and policymakers.

Access2Markets - Exports & Imports made easy

The Access2Markets website has been recently revamped with improved visuals and functionalities.  In October 2020, the European Commission launched the Access2Markets website to help EU businesses navigate and understand the many regulations related to trade and to provide tools on how to benefit from the various Free Trade Agreements the EU has with foreign countries.

JETRO’s survey on Japanese-affiliated companies in Europe FY2026

Japanese-affiliated companies face high costs and geopolitical risks but expect easing of sustainability related regulations. Released on March 2026, the purpose of JETRO’s annual survey is to identify actual conditions in the activities of Japanese-affiliated businesses operating overseas and to provide the results to a wide range of Japanese companies and policymakers.

From business community

Japan and Estonia Renew Digital Cooperation

Japan and Estonia deepen cooperation in AI, cybersecurity and digital governance.

Japan-Slovenia postal cooperation reaches new milestone

Another milestone was reached in early 2026 in the cooperation between Slovenia and Japan in the postal sector. This collaboration takes place at several levels, both governmental and business-to-business, and reflects the shared interest of both countries in the modernisation of postal services.

EU-Japan Cities Foster Startup Ecosystems

Under the EU’s International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, European and Asia-Pacific cities are strengthening cooperation through the Community of Practice on “Economy in Cities – Start-ups, Innovation Ecosystems and Branding.” The initiative brings together leading innovation hubs from Europe, including Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Warsaw, Espoo, Torino, Leuven, Bielsko-Biała, Tallinn and Cork, with Nagoya City serving as the lead Japanese city, alongside Melbourne in Australia and other non-EU partners.

Japan and Estonia Renew Digital Cooperation

Japan and Estonia deepen cooperation in AI, cybersecurity and digital governance.

Japan-Slovenia postal cooperation reaches new milestone

Another milestone was reached in early 2026 in the cooperation between Slovenia and Japan in the postal sector. This collaboration takes place at several levels, both governmental and business-to-business, and reflects the shared interest of both countries in the modernisation of postal services.

EU-Japan Cities Foster Startup Ecosystems

Under the EU’s International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, European and Asia-Pacific cities are strengthening cooperation through the Community of Practice on “Economy in Cities – Start-ups, Innovation Ecosystems and Branding.” The initiative brings together leading innovation hubs from Europe, including Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Warsaw, Espoo, Torino, Leuven, Bielsko-Biała, Tallinn and Cork, with Nagoya City serving as the lead Japanese city, alongside Melbourne in Australia and other non-EU partners.

Malmö delegation joins SusHi Tech Tokyo and G-NETS

Malmö delegation joins SusHi Tech Tokyo and G-NETS for sustainable development discussions and innovative collaboration

FINESTJAPAN boosts new Green Tech SMEs’ exports from Finland and Estonia to Japan

Green Net Finland and Tehnopol Science and Business Park (Estonia) arranged a joint trade mission to Tokyo with green/health tech SMEs in April 2026. A total of 9 companies were along: SYKLI Environmental College, Ecomiles and Helsieni from Finland, and Ayren, Lumos Strategies, Fienta Ticketing, Airi Solutions, Kontorva and Spinnistart from Estonia.

Italian Pavilion at SusHi Tech 2026

Italian startups showcased innovation at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.

Malmö delegation joins SusHi Tech Tokyo and G-NETS

Malmö delegation joins SusHi Tech Tokyo and G-NETS for sustainable development discussions and innovative collaboration

FINESTJAPAN boosts new Green Tech SMEs’ exports from Finland and Estonia to Japan

Green Net Finland and Tehnopol Science and Business Park (Estonia) arranged a joint trade mission to Tokyo with green/health tech SMEs in April 2026. A total of 9 companies were along: SYKLI Environmental College, Ecomiles and Helsieni from Finland, and Ayren, Lumos Strategies, Fienta Ticketing, Airi Solutions, Kontorva and Spinnistart from Estonia.

Italian Pavilion at SusHi Tech 2026

Italian startups showcased innovation at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.

Punto Italia at SPEXA 2026

Space industry of Italy showcased through institutional participation at SPEXA 2026 in Tokyo.

Italian Pavilion at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2026

Presenting the Italian Pavilion featuring the excellence of Italian interior design and furnishings.

ICCJ flagship event "Italia, amore mio!" celebrated 10th edition at Roppongi Hills

A decade of Italia, amore mio!: ICCJ's flagship event celebrates its 10th edition at Roppongi Hills

Punto Italia at SPEXA 2026

Space industry of Italy showcased through institutional participation at SPEXA 2026 in Tokyo.

Italian Pavilion at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2026

Presenting the Italian Pavilion featuring the excellence of Italian interior design and furnishings.

ICCJ flagship event "Italia, amore mio!" celebrated 10th edition at Roppongi Hills

A decade of Italia, amore mio!: ICCJ's flagship event celebrates its 10th edition at Roppongi Hills

Record Japanese Startup Participation at Nexus 2026

14 Japanese startups selected for Luxembourg’s flagship tech event Nexus 2026.

Luxembourg-Japan Business Networking Event

European expansion strategies for startups – insights from Luxembourg-based companies and Nexus participants

BLCCJ Nippon Export Award 2026-2027

Is your company exporting to Japan, importing into Japan, or offering Belgian-Luxembourg products/services in Japan? Then you could be the next NEA winner!

Record Japanese Startup Participation at Nexus 2026

14 Japanese startups selected for Luxembourg’s flagship tech event Nexus 2026.

Luxembourg-Japan Business Networking Event

European expansion strategies for startups – insights from Luxembourg-based companies and Nexus participants

BLCCJ Nippon Export Award 2026-2027

Is your company exporting to Japan, importing into Japan, or offering Belgian-Luxembourg products/services in Japan? Then you could be the next NEA winner!

Meet Kyoto: Global Innovation and Business Growth at VivaTech 2026

17-20 June 2026, Paris, France  Kyoto City will participate in Viva Technology 2026, one of the world’s largest startup and technology exhibitions, to be held in France next week. Together with highly promising startups possessing cutting-edge technologies garnering global attention and strong growth potential, Kyoto is committed to accelerating their business expansion into the European market, particularly in France.

Tokyo Business Summit 2026 to build partnerships and opportunities across Japan

Join Tokyo Business Summit 2026 and Gateway to Asia to meet key Japanese and Asian stakeholders, discover new business opportunities, and better understand how to develop partnerships within Japan’s fast-evolving economic, industrial, and innovation ecosystem.

European innovators gather at EU pavilion, WHX Osaka 2026

EU Business Hub links Japanese firms with 50 European health tech innovators at WHX Osaka 2026.

Meet Kyoto: Global Innovation and Business Growth at VivaTech 2026

17-20 June 2026, Paris, France  Kyoto City will participate in Viva Technology 2026, one of the world’s largest startup and technology exhibitions, to be held in France next week. Together with highly promising startups possessing cutting-edge technologies garnering global attention and strong growth potential, Kyoto is committed to accelerating their business expansion into the European market, particularly in France.

Tokyo Business Summit 2026 to build partnerships and opportunities across Japan

Join Tokyo Business Summit 2026 and Gateway to Asia to meet key Japanese and Asian stakeholders, discover new business opportunities, and better understand how to develop partnerships within Japan’s fast-evolving economic, industrial, and innovation ecosystem.

European innovators gather at EU pavilion, WHX Osaka 2026

EU Business Hub links Japanese firms with 50 European health tech innovators at WHX Osaka 2026.

Engine Forum Kobe 2026 promotes international collaboration in next-generation engines

Join Engine Forum Kobe 2026 to explore next-generation engine technologies and international collaboration opportunities.

Tokyo Opens Launchpad for Foreign Deep Tech Companies

Tokyo Metropolitan Governments new “Deep Tech Tokyo Launchpad” offers substantial support for innovative companies.

Trilateral AI Symposium in Tokyo

Operationalizing AI: Safe, Efficient, and Privacy-preserving AI Systems at Scale (France – Japan – Germany)

Conference and publication - Economics of ageing: Japan in comparative perspective

Presentation of the Journal of the Economics of Ageing’s special issue on 27 July at University of Tokyo.

Engine Forum Kobe 2026 promotes international collaboration in next-generation engines

Join Engine Forum Kobe 2026 to explore next-generation engine technologies and international collaboration opportunities.

Tokyo Opens Launchpad for Foreign Deep Tech Companies

Tokyo Metropolitan Governments new “Deep Tech Tokyo Launchpad” offers substantial support for innovative companies.

Trilateral AI Symposium in Tokyo

Operationalizing AI: Safe, Efficient, and Privacy-preserving AI Systems at Scale (France – Japan – Germany)

Conference and publication - Economics of ageing: Japan in comparative perspective

Presentation of the Journal of the Economics of Ageing’s special issue on 27 July at University of Tokyo.

The Network News

Matchmaking@GITEX AI EUROPE 2026

30 June – 3 July 2026, hybrid, Berlin, Germany  Sector: ICT Registration deadline: 30 June 2026

WindEnergy Match 2026

23-29 September 2026, hybrid, Hamburg, Germany  Sector: wind energy Registration deadline: 29 September 2026

15th Micro & Nano Event 2026

1-2 October 2026, Besançon, France Sector: nanotech Registration deadline: 1 October 2026

Matchmaking@GITEX AI EUROPE 2026

30 June – 3 July 2026, hybrid, Berlin, Germany  Sector: ICT Registration deadline: 30 June 2026

WindEnergy Match 2026

23-29 September 2026, hybrid, Hamburg, Germany  Sector: wind energy Registration deadline: 29 September 2026

15th Micro & Nano Event 2026

1-2 October 2026, Besançon, France Sector: nanotech Registration deadline: 1 October 2026

The Network offers & requests

BOJP20260317019 - tools - distributor

A Japanese SME specializing in low-profile screws is seeking sales partners in Germany under a commercial partnership agreement

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-screws

BOJP20260413008 - food - distributor

Japanese exporter of matcha green tea is looking for EU partners under a commercial agreement

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-exporter-matcha

BOJP20250520003 - nanotech, testing - distributor

A Japanese company offers a nano indentation tester under a commercial agreement.

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/content/jp-nano-indentation-tester

BOJP20260430001 - transportation, logistics - services offered

A Japanese company offers export coordination and logistics support services for EU B2B buyers under commercial or outsourcing agreements

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-b2b-export-logistics-support

BOJP20260427020 - software engineering - services offered

Japan-based digital transformation and artificial intelligence development provider is looking for EU partners

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-ai-development-provider

TOJP20250303003 - healthcare - technology transfer offered

Copper oxide coating technology from Japan against nosocomial infections

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-copper-oxide-coating

BOJP20260317019 - tools - distributor

A Japanese SME specializing in low-profile screws is seeking sales partners in Germany under a commercial partnership agreement

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-screws

BOJP20260413008 - food - distributor

Japanese exporter of matcha green tea is looking for EU partners under a commercial agreement

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-exporter-matcha

BOJP20250520003 - nanotech, testing - distributor

A Japanese company offers a nano indentation tester under a commercial agreement.

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/content/jp-nano-indentation-tester

BOJP20260430001 - transportation, logistics - services offered

A Japanese company offers export coordination and logistics support services for EU B2B buyers under commercial or outsourcing agreements

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-b2b-export-logistics-support

BOJP20260427020 - software engineering - services offered

Japan-based digital transformation and artificial intelligence development provider is looking for EU partners

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-ai-development-provider

TOJP20250303003 - healthcare - technology transfer offered

Copper oxide coating technology from Japan against nosocomial infections

https://www.eu-japan.eu/een/jp-profile/jp-copper-oxide-coating

Calendar

Date/location Details Contacts
05
Oct
2026
09
Oct
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Biotech Business Mission Application deadline: 19 June 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
13
Oct
2026
16
Oct
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Digital Business Mission Application deadline: 18 June 2026
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
19
Oct
2026
23
Oct
2026
Japan
Nagoya
World Class Manufacturing Application deadline: 8 July 2026
TRAINING MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
14
Dec
2026
18
Dec
2026
Japan
Tokyo
Nanotech Business Mission Applications start: coming soon
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
16
Feb
2027
19
Feb
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Smart Factory & Robotics Business Mission Application start: this autumn
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
01
Mar
2027
05
Mar
2027
Japan
Nagoya
World Class Manufacturing II Application start: this autumn
TRAINING MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
17
Mar
2027
19
Mar
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Space Business Mission Application start: this autumn
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
23
Mar
2027
26
Mar
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Green Business Mission Application start: this autumn
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url
27
Apr
2027
30
Apr
2027
Japan
Tokyo
Defence Business Mission Application start: TBC
BUSINESS MISSION
EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Url

is a joint venture co-financed by the European Commission and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from both regions through training programmes for businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through information services and an industrial dialogue. This quarterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan-related news.

Any EU-Japan-related news?

Feel free to contact us if you would like your EU-Japan-related news/event to be announced in our forthcoming newsletter : newsletter@eu-japan.eu

Head office in Japan

  • Shirokane-Takanawa Station bldg 4F
    1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku
    Tokyo 108-0072, Japan
  • T +81 3 6408 0281
  • F +81 3 6408 0283

Office in the EU

  • Rue Marie de Bourgogne 52
    B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
  • T +32 2 282 00 40
  • F +32 2 282 00 45
  • office@eu-japan.eu

https://www.eu-japan.eu/

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the METI or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor METI, nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.