Main results of EU-Japan summit which took place on 25/04/2019 in Brussels

From left to right: Mr Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the European Commission; Mr Shinzo ABE, Japanese Prime Minister; Mr Donald TUSK, President of the European Council. Copyright: European Union Event: EU-Japan Summit 2019

This article is brought to you in association with the European Council.

Main results

EU and Japanese leaders reviewed the implementation of the EU-Japan free trade agreement. This is one of the greatest achievements in EU-Japan relations.

“Our bond was further deepened by the entry into force of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the largest trade deal in the world. By implementing it swiftly, we are boosting prosperity and quality of life of our people. This is a clear message to the world that Japan and Europe stand side by side.”

President Donald Tusk after the EU-Japan summit

The EU and Japan agreed to step up their cooperation in several areas, including connectivity, data protection, and climate change.

Leaders also discussed preparations for the G20 summit as well as foreign and security issues.

President Donald Tusk and President Jean-Claude Juncker represented the EU at the summit. Prime Minister Shinzō Abe represented Japan.

Leaders adopted a joint statement:

• Joint statement of the 26th EU-Japan summit
• Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the EU-Japan summit in Brussels

Trade

EU and Japanese leaders took stock of the implementation of the EU-Japan free trade agreement. The trade deal has been in force since 1 February 2019. It removes 97% the customs duties on EU exports to Japan.

The EU and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to free trade and the rules-based international order. Both sides stressed their commitment to fight protectionism and to defend the rules-based trading system.

Leaders committed to modernise the World Trade Organisation and to start negotiations to reform rules on industrial subsidies.

EU-Japan cooperation

Leaders discussed the EU-Japan strategic partnership agreement. A large part of this agreement has also been provisionally applied since 1 February.

“Our strategic partnership has never been stronger. It is built on shared values of liberal democracy, human rights and our commitment to openness, cooperation as well as free and fair trade.”

President Donald Tusk after the EU-Japan summit

The EU and Japan agreed to work more closely together on sustainable connectivity between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on quality infrastructure.

On data protection, both sides will continue to work together to shape global data protection standards. Earlier this year the EU and Japan recognised each other’s data protection laws, creating the world’s largest area of safe data transfers.

The EU and Japan also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy, transport, and research and innovation.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to implement the Paris agreement on climate change. They committed to join their efforts to address environmental challenges such as plastics in the ocean.

G20 summit in Osaka

The summit was an occasion to prepare the G20 summit. It will take place in Osaka on 28-29 June 2019.

“I would like to express full European support for Japanese leadership. Japan can count on the EU. We will do our best to make the Summit a success for our people as well as for the whole global order, based on rules.”

Donald Tusk Tusk after the EU-Japan summit

• G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, 28-29/06/2019

Foreign and security policy

EU and Japanese leaders discussed several regional and international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and in the Korean Peninsula:

“Today we also discussed threats to peace and stability in our respective neighbourhoods. We continue to voice our full support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. And, together with Japan, we have a shared interest in lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”

Donald Tusk after the EU-Japan summit

Leaders agreed to intensify security and defence cooperation, in areas such as:

• counter-terrorism
• cyber and maritime security
• crisis management