On 3 March, Japanese and European civil society met for an online joint dialogue to discuss trade and sustainable development. Cross-cutting topics included due diligence and corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at preventing violations of human and labour rights. Concerns were expressed on the way rules are designed, in particular on legal certainty and on the traceability of companies across the whole global supply chain.

On trade and the environment, participants discussed carbon prices and challenges on the Japanese side regarding the introduction of a new voluntary carbon-pricing scheme which would be the equivalent of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): a level playing field must be ensured in these types of measures. Concerning climate change, it was highlighted that social dialogue was needed to promote a green and just transition. Civil society could provide input to government authorities on this matter. On trade and labour, it was emphasised that further discussions were needed on the fundamental International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, including the new ones on occupational health and safety.

Feedback from civil society could help to advance on the different topics under the trade and sustainable development chapter of the EU-Japan EPA. In the discussions, both sides made reference to mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence obligations, which could be a topic for future action between EU and Japanese civil society.

Source: European Economic and Social Committee