Press Releases
Exchange of Diplomatic Notes for the Entry into Force of the Protocol Amending the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership
May 27, 2024
- On May 27, in Brussels (Belgium), Japan and the European Union exchanged diplomatic notes to notify each other that their respective applicable legal requirements and procedures for entry into force of the Protocol amending the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership (hereinafter referred to as "the Protocol") have been completed. With this exchange, the Protocol will enter into force on 1 July 2024.
- The Protocol relates to the inclusion of provisions on the free flow of data into the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
- The conclusion of the Protocol is expected to ensure predictability in the cross-border data flow and contribute to the promotion of data flow between Japan and the EU, thereby strengthening their economic relations.
- It is also expected to contribute to the realization of the “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT)” advocated by Japan, serving as a model for advanced digital trade rules that will promote the sound development of the digital sector, a growth engine of the 21st century.
(Reference1) The provisions concerning entry into force of the Protocol
Article 6 of the Protocol
This Protocol shall enter into force in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 23.2 of the Agreement.
Article 23.2 of Japan-EU EPA
1. This Agreement may be amended by agreement between the Parties.
2. Such amendments shall enter into force on the first day of the second month, or on such later date as may be agreed by the Parties, following the date on which the Parties notify each other that their respective applicable legal requirements and procedures for entry into force of such amendments have been completed. The Parties shall make such notification through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the European Union and the Government of Japan.
