10th EU-Japan Summit Meeting
Outline and Evaluation

December 9, 2001

1. Outline

(1) Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi paid a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, currently the Presidency of the European Union (EU) and on 8 December held the 10th Japan-EU Summit meeting with Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt of Belgium, assisted by the High Representative for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, and the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi (Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kosei Ueno and others were also present from the Japanese side).

(2) In the meeting it was confirmed that the two sides would work to strengthen the Japan-EU relationship, including in the political and economic areas. In addition, the leaders exchanged their views on various issues, including the fight against terrorism by the international community since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, assistance for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, the Middle East peace process and the situations in other regions. They also discussed international economic issues, including the new round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, and cooperation towards expansion of two-way trade and investment.

(3) The Summit meeting was concluded by issuing an Action Plan for EU-Japan Cooperation, which listed measures to be taken in order to further crystallize future Japan-EU cooperation, and the EU-Japan Joint Declaration on Terrorism. A Joint Press Statement on the results of the Summit meeting was also issued.

2. Summary of Summit Meeting

(1) Japan-EU Relations

It was confirmed that the "Decade of Japan-Europe Cooperation," which began this year, would provide the opportunity to further strengthen relations between Japan and the EU, through the implementation of the Action Plan.

(2) Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

It was confirmed that Japan and the EU would cooperate and take measures with firm will and resolve, with the aim of eradicating terrorism, in solidarity with the international community, including the United States.

(3) The International Economic Situation

In response to the synchronous downturn in the world economy, Japan and the EU, which together compose approximately 40% of the world economy, should cooperate further. Prime Minister Koizumi explained the details of the structural reforms that are currently underway in Japan and received strong support from the EU side. Both sides affirmed that Japanese reforms and EU integration and enlargement, as well as the introduction of the euro, were issues that were not only important for Japan and the EU, but also significant to give an impetus to the world economy. In addition, they concurred that cooperation in the WTO framework, and the expansion of two-way trade and investment were also of importance. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would welcome greater investment in Japan by European companies.

(4) The International Situation

Japan and the EU have been enhancing cooperation on various issues in each other's regions with the idea of "mutual support." At this Summit meeting, on the occasion of the working lunch, a frank and candid exchange of opinions took place on a broad range of countries and regions, including Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, the Middle East, the Korean peninsula, the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. In particular, concerning the situation in Afghanistan, both parties welcomed the agreement of all concerned parties to the establishment of the Afghan Interim Authority and confirmed that they would cooperate, in order to assist its reconstruction, to make the meeting in Brussels in December and the Ministerial Meeting in Japan in January 2002 successful.

(5) Other Matters

Concerning the invitation to Mr. Prodi to visit Japan in February 2002, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he was looking forward to meeting with Mr. Prodi again on that occasion.

3. Evaluation of the Summit Meeting

(1) This year is the 10th anniversary of the Japan-European Community Joint Declaration, a fundamental document for the Japan-EU relationship that was issued in 1991, and is also the first year of the "Decade of Japan-Europe Cooperation." This Summit meeting was thus convened in a most significant year for Japan-EU relations and also saw the adoption of an Action Plan for EU-Japan Cooperation.

The Action Plan sets out four major objectives for the strengthening of the Japan-EU partnership in the 21st century, and for the promotion of action oriented cooperative relations: promoting peace and security; strengthening the economic and trade partnership; coping with global and societal challenges; and bringing together people and cultures. Under these objectives, specific measures have been identified in 21 areas. It will be updated, if necessary, at the annual EU-Japan Summit.

(2) In addition, at the Summit meeting a EU-Japan Joint Declaration on Terrorism was issued, which sets out measures being taken to tackle terrorism. This declaration demonstrates to the world the firm intention and resolve of both Japan and the EU and the solidarity with the international community, including the United States, in eradicating terrorism. It was decided that Japan and the EU will cooperate and implement the measures incorporated in the Action Plan.

(3) The EU is steadily progressing with the deepening of integration and enlargement (for example, the circulation of the single currency "euro" from January 2002, and the accession of new EU members mainly from central and eastern European countries expected in 2004), while at the same time future vision for Europe is being sought. From 14 to 15 December the European Council (the EU Summit) will be held in Laeken in Belgium, and there discussions will start on the future vision for Europe. This EU-Japan Summit meeting was held immediately before the convening of the European Council.

(4) Japan and Europe enjoy a long history of relations, and occupy approximately a 40% share of global GDP, which accordingly implies a large responsibility for global peace and prosperity. Japan and the EU have been strengthening cooperation in various areas, and based on the results of the Japan-EU Summit meeting, it is imperative that through the implementation of the Action Plan, specific cooperative measures will be developed and new momentum be given for Japan-Europe relations.