Section 5 Europe

1 Overview

<The Importance of Cooperation with Europe, Which Shares Values and Principles>

The European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),⁽¹⁾ and European countries are important partners for Japan, sharing values and principles such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. As Russia's aggression against Ukraine has continued for more than two years, threatening the existing international order and intensifying geopolitical competition, it is becoming even more important to strengthen cooperation with the EU, NATO, and European countries in order to respond to the challenges to the values and principles important to Japan and Europe, and to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law. In particular, as the need for international coordination in addressing global issues such as climate change has further increased, the necessity of cooperation with the EU and European countries.

European countries pursue common policies across a wide range of fields such as diplomacy and security, economy, and state finance, through various frameworks including the EU. They also play an important role in formulating standards in the international community. The countries also influence international opinion benefiting from their language, history, cultural and artistic activities, and through communication activities utilizing major media organizations and think tanks. Cooperation with Europe is also important for enhancing Japan's presence and ability to communicate in the international community.

• (1) NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization. For more information, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for details:
  https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/nato/index.html
  

<Russia's Aggression Against Ukraine and Europe>

In response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, Japan has strongly promoted support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, in close cooperation with the G7 and the rest of the international community, to end Russia's aggression as soon as possible. Japan has demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine at various levels, including at the leader's and ministerial levels, such as through the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction in February, the Japan-Ukraine Summit Meetings in April and September, and the visit to Ukraine by Foreign Minister Iwaya in November. Japan has also closely cooperated with Ukraine to provide support that meet the needs of the country.

In Europe, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has become one of the most important issues. The EU, NATO, and various countries have been united in strongly condemning Russia. They have imposed severe sanctions against Russia including financial sanctions, travel bans on individuals and entities, and restrictions on imports and exports, and are continuing their solidarity with and support for Ukraine.

For example, the EU provides economic assistance such as macro financial assistance, defense equipment support through the European Peace Facility,⁽²⁾ and training of Ukrainian soldiers through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).⁽³⁾ In addition, at the NATO Summit in July, NATO announced the decision to establish the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), expressed that Ukraine's future is in NATO, and reaffirmed its position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when Allies agree and conditions are met. The United Kingdom (UK) has provided military, humanitarian, and economic support totaling 12.5 billion UK pounds, including 90 Brimstone missiles, and has announced it will continue military assistance to Ukraine totaling 3 billion UK pounds annually for as long as necessary through 2030. France held a conference in support of Ukraine in February and announced the provision of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit in June. France continues to provide military, humanitarian, and economic assistance. Germany held the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin in June and has provided support totaling approximately 37 billion euro since the beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

• (2) European Peace Facility: System established in March 2021 to enable the EU to finance military or defense activities under the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and to enhance the EU's capacity for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and strengthening international security.
• (3) EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine): A military mission established by the EU in October 2022 to support Ukraine. It provides training to the Ukraine military.

<Multilayered, Attentive Diplomacy with Europe>

In Europe, the need for values and principles such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as compliance with the rule of law and international law, is being further recognized amidst the response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. On the other hand, a fine-tuned approach is required that takes into account the diversity of European countries and their respective circumstances. Japan supports a strongly united Europe and conducts multilayered and tailored diplomacy for it. In 2024, Japan confirmed close cooperation with European countries, the EU, NATO, and others by actively conducting meetings taking the opportunities presented by visits to Europe by the Prime Minister and ministers, as well as visits to Japan by dignitaries.

In July, during his visit to Washington, D.C., Prime Minister Kishida attended the NATO Summit for the third consecutive year and shared the recognition with various countries that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.

Throughout 2024, Prime Minister Kishida held summit meetings with the leaders of Italy, Ukraine, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Finland, and Luxembourg, and confirmed close cooperation with these European countries.

At the foreign minister level, Foreign Minister Iwaya held the first-ever Japan-EU Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in which cooperation was deepened in the security field, including the announcement of the Japan-EU Security and Defence Partnership.

As for legal frameworks in the security field, the Japan-Germany Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (Japan-Germany ACSA) was signed in January and entered into force in July.

Furthermore, Japan conducts public diplomacy activities including dispatch of experts, cooperation with European think tanks, and Japan's Friendship Ties Programs “MIRAI” for intellectual and people-to-people exchange that allows young people from Europe to visit Japan. These activities are aimed to promote the accurate picture of Japan and Asia and mutual understanding. Japan is working to strengthen multilayered relations with Europe by sharing information and exchanging views with European countries, organizations, and experts in a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economics, and business.