US-Europe World Affairs

Japan’s Foreign Policy- in cooperation with the Mission of Japan to the European Union, conducted by Editor in Chief

Mission of Japan to EU, we are very grateful for this occasion. Thank you very much indeed for accepting our invitation. 

Q 1: Japan has been one of the closest partners to European Union. Could you please give us an overall view of this partnership.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The EU is an important partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and respect for international law. As like-minded partners, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) are the foundation for cooperation between the two sides.

Please view the link for further information here. And also please see Free and Open Indo Pacific

In May 2021, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held the 27th Japan-European Union (EU) Summit (virtual format) with H.E.Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Japan-EU Summit 2021 Joint Statement: “We, the leaders of Japan and the European Union (EU), convened to take forward our close and comprehensive partnership, grounded in common interests and shared values of freedom, respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law, free and fair trade, effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Two years after the start of their implementation, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and Strategic Partnership Agreement are strengthening our ability to bring tangible benefits to our citizens.”  ©MOFA Japan/EU Council  May 2021

Also European Union and Japan in that summit finalized an agreement on Japan-EU Green Alliance:  Towards a Green Alliance to protect our environment, stop climate change and achieve green growth.

Q 2: In February 2019 the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and EU has entered into effect. Please tell us what areas of trade this agreement covers.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The EU and Japan’s Economic Partnership Agreement came into effect in February 2019. The facts are available from the links:

• The EU-Japan Economic Partnership agreement entered into force on 1 February 2019.
• The EU has negotiated a trade agreement with Japan.

Japan and the EU hold an annual EPA Joint Committee meeting to assess progress made in the implementation of the agreement. At this year’s meeting in February 2021, 28 new protected Geographical Indications (GIs) were added to the list while wine and vehicle trade between the two sides will become even easier than before.

Q 3: Please specify what products are currently exported from Japan to EU and vice versa.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: Japanese exports to the EU are dominated by machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, optical and medical instruments, and plastics while EU exports to Japan are dominated by these sectors as well as food and drink. You can find a comprehensive statistic trade report of the European Union, Trade in goods with Japan.  And see the entire EPA and its chapters covering various sectors at: Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

Q 4: Japan and EU have also signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Could you please tell us about the significance of this agreement.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: Please find the full SPA text here and the outline of the SPA under: Japan and EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

Q 5: In the context of carbon emission. Japan has pledged to reduce the carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.  What measures Japan is taking in order to reach this goal.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: In 2020, Prime Minister SUGA announced that Japan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero and to realize a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society by 2050. In that direction the “Green Growth Strategy towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality” a comprehensive set of policies and actions was created covering the areas and priority sectors in that regard. For comprehensive view please see the text of  “Overview of Japan’s Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050”.

Q 6: The last question is about Japan and its humanitarian contributions. Could you please elaborate on the engagements of Japan in this filed.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The Mission is currently publishing a series of tweets showcasing examples of Japan’s overseas development aid based on the latest government white paper on the topic which you can find in full here: 

And view the statement by Permanent Representative of Japan to UN Security Council Open Debate on Mine Action and Sustaining Peace April 2021.

Additional news: EU-Japan summit via video conference, 27 May 2021

• News from Mission of Japan to EU               EU-Japan Center 
• Ambassador Yasushi MASAKI of Japan to EU   
• MOFA of Japan                EU delegation to Japan    
• PM of Japan                                  Invest in Japan 
• Tokyo Olympic 2020           Visit Japan