Press Releases
The UK and the EU’s announcement on the agreement of Withdrawal Agreement and Future Framework
(Statement by Foreign Minister Kono)
November 26, 2018
- On November 25, Special Meeting of the European Council was held, where it was announced that the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (“Withdrawal Agreement”) was endorsed and the Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (“Political Declaration”) was approved. The documents will now be deliberated at the Parliaments of both the UK and the EU.
- The Government of Japan has been looking at relevant developments paying special attention to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU as it could have a major impact on Japan and the international community since the referendum that took place in the UK in June 2016. In particular, in order to minimize negative influence on Japanese businesses and the international economy, Japan has dealt with this issue appropriately including requesting to both the UK and the EU that 1) the withdrawal process needs to proceed with predictability and transparency secured , 2) legal stability should be secured through the establishment of a transition period after the withdrawal, 3)”no deal” should be avoided.
- The Government of Japan appreciates that the withdrawal process is making progress in the direction Japan has been requesting. Japan will continue to closely watch relevant developments of the process and take necessary measures including providing information and assistance for companies including Japanese businesses in EU.