Japan-EU Relations

On 18 December, the 5th meeting of the Joint Committee under the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) was held in Brussels, co-chaired by Mr. Katsuro Kitagawa, Director-General of the European Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Mr. Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service.

The Joint Committee took place shortly after the 1st Japan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo on 1 November. It was an opportunity to reaffirm the very strong and dynamic strategic partnership between Japan and the EU, and their continued close cooperation in an increasingly challenging geopolitical context. The parties reviewed the ongoing implementation of the SPA, with a specific focus on the Digital Partnership, Green Alliance, Partnership on Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure, and the recently announced Security and Defence Partnership. The substantial agenda included a range of additional sectoral matters, such as industrial and business cooperation, transport, research, space, education, labour, etc.

Japan and the EU also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest.

The two sides have expressed joint commitment to further strengthening their Strategic Partnership, and look forward to the next Japan-EU Summit in Tokyo in 2025.