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At a summit, the EU and Japan announced a Competitive Alliance to enhance cooperation in trade, economic security, and innovation.
President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, António Costa, met Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo for the 30th EU-Japan Summit. This partnership is vital as global dynamics shift.
Together, the EU and Japan represent over 650 million people and more than a fifth of global GDP, allowing them to influence global trade and technology rules based on shared values.
The announced Competitive Alliance will focus on three main areas.
In terms of trade, it will enhance the existing Economic Partnership Agreement, which has already increased bilateral trade by 20%. The EU and Japan will fully implement this agreement, promote investments, and streamline business regulations.
The Alliance will also prioritize economic security, focusing on strengthening supply chains for raw materials and enhancing cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
Lastly, the Competitive Alliance will advance innovation and green and digital transitions. As President von der Leyen stated: “Under our Green Alliance, we are launching new initiatives on the circular economy, emissions trading, and clean technologies. On the digital front, we are establishing a Working Group on Submarine Cable Connectivity, including in the Arctic, ensuring secure data flows between our economies.”
The EU and Japan also aim to finalize negotiations for Japans association with Horizon Europe this year and enhance cooperation with countries in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, promoting open, rules-based trade globally.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to security and defense, expressing support for Ukraine amid Russias aggression and emphasizing the interconnectedness of European and Indo-Pacific security.
Building on their Security and Defence Partnership, the EU and Japan will initiate a joint Defence Industrial Dialogue next year to collaborate at the defense industry level.
President von der Leyen encapsulated their shared goals: “We face geoeconomic challenges with rising trade tensions and fragile supply chains, as well as geopolitical threats to our stability and interests, from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. Today was about finding common solutions and acting together.”
During the visit, President von der Leyen received an honorary doctorate from Keio University for her contributions to politics, public health, and international relations. She also visited the EU, Japan, and Ukraine pavilions at the World Expo Osaka.
More information
Press statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa and Prime Minister Ishiba
Joint statement following the EU-Japan Summit
Opening statement by President von der Leyen at the EU-Japan Summit