Press Releases
Exchange of Instruments related to ratification of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Japan, of the other part
November 1, 2024
On November 1 in Tokyo, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, exchanged instruments related to ratification of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Japan, of the other part (the Japan-EU SPA).
- Since the instrument of ratification by Japan and the instrument confirming the completion of approval and ratification by the EU and its Member States pursuant to Article 47(1) of the Japan-EU SPA were exchanged, the Japan-EU SPA will enter into force on January 1, 2025.
- The Japan-EU SPA will further promote the cooperation on issues of common interest in a wide range of areas between Japan and the EU as well as its Member States, which share common values and principles, such as democracy, the rules of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and will serve as a legal basis for strengthening the strategic partnership between Japan and the EU as well as its Member States in the future. The entry into force of the Japan-EU SPA will contribute to fostering an even closer relationship between Japan and the EU as well as its Member States.
- The Japan-EU SPA has been provisionally applied since February 1, 2019. Concretely, part of the provisions of this Agreement, including the ones concerning democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, have been applied. As the Japan-EU SPA enters into force on January 1, 2025, the rest of the provisions of this Agreement, including the ones concerning disarmament and non-proliferation as well as counter terrosism, will also be applied.