EU Seeks Closer Collaboration with Japan to Strengthen Trade and Address Trade Challenges
The European Union has committed to enhancing cooperation with Japan to address economic pressure and unfair trade practices during a summit aimed at reinforcing a multilateral global order.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, where both sides agreed to expand trade and defense relations. They emphasized their dedication to "a stable, rules-based economic system that is both free and fair."
Von der Leyen stated they would work together "to counter economic pressure and tackle unfair trade measures." While no specific countries were mentioned, the EU has frequently raised concerns about China and is currently engaged in tense trade discussions with the U.S. administration.
On Thursday, von der Leyen and Costa are set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in what is expected to be a more contentious meeting.
Von der Leyen praised Japan for reaching a tariff agreement with the U.S. but did not comment on the EU’s own ongoing negotiations with Washington. She highlighted that Europe and Japan represent a fifth of the world’s GDP, with a combined market of 600 million people. Since the EU-Japan trade deal took effect in 2019, commerce between the two has grown by 20%. However, she noted that further efforts were needed to maximize the agreement’s benefits, particularly in government contracts and food and health regulations.
Additionally, the EU and Japan aim to finalize talks this year for Japan’s inclusion in the EU’s research funding initiative, Horizon.
Defense and security collaboration was also strengthened, focusing on maritime, cyber, and space domains, as well as addressing hybrid threats. Japan remains the only non-European nation to have a security agreement with the EU.
The discussions mirrored recent EU summits with Canada and the UK, reinforcing alliances amid global uncertainty.
Zelenskyy Pledges Anti-Corruption Plan Within Two Weeks
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with anti-corruption and security officials, promising a detailed plan to address corruption within two weeks in response to public dissatisfaction with ongoing reforms.
In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy said, “This was a necessary and productive discussion. We are united against our common adversary—the Russian occupiers—and the defense of Ukraine remains our priority.”
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