EBC Newsletter – April 30, 2025

Over the past week, the EBC has been actively engaging with stakeholders and policymakers to promote stronger EU-Japan cooperation. From meetings with Sapporo City officials to policy recommendations on offshore wind development, and new opportunities for European professionals through the Europa House-Shizenkan Scholarship, there’s been plenty of interesting activity.

On 24 April, the EBC met with representatives from Sapporo City. This meeting was a great opportunity to connect with newly appointed team members and gain insights into the city’s latest initiatives and business strategies.

Sapporo City has launched a one-stop support desk, STEP, to assist both domestic and international companies looking to invest or set up operations in the region. This new initiative includes consultation on regulatory matters and business matchmaking services.

We’re glad to see Sapporo taking such proactive steps to foster international business collaboration!

On 25 April, the EBC submitted its comments on METI’s and MLIT’s call for public comments. (English / Japanese)

The EBC welcomes the inclusion of Offshore Wind Projects (OWP) in Japan’s long-term decarbonisation auction scheme, recognizing offshore wind as key to achieving carbon neutrality. However, past auctions have driven unsustainably low bids, causing delays and financial challenges. To ensure long-term viability, the government must provide a stable remuneration framework and clear guidance on transitioning from the FIT to FIP model, including implications for financing and CPPA evaluations.

The EBC also urges reforms in grid cost allocation, aligning with European models where the state or grid operators bear connection costs to ease the burden on developers. Transparency in CPPA arrangements is essential, especially regarding utility-affiliated off-takers, to maintain a level playing field.

The Europa House-Shizenkan Scholarship is a program jointly established by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and Shizenkan University. It aims to strengthen EU-Japan relations by supporting EU citizens in pursuing a part-time MBA at Shizenkan University. Eligible applicants are EU nationals admitted to the MBA program who are not fully sponsored by their employers. Selections are based on leadership potential, financial need, and alignment with Shizenkan’s educational philosophy.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer

• Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 4% to a record low in the fiscal year ended March 2024, government data showed on Friday, led by lower energy consumption as well as the increased use of renewable energy and the restart of nuclear power plants. Emissions for the 2023/24 year dropped to the equivalent of 1.071 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from 1.116 billion tons a year earlier, data from the environment ministry showed. (The Asahi Shimbun)
• The government decided on an emergency response package aimed primarily at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises affected by tariff measures imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. This was concluded at the third meeting of the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday. Given concerns over a potentially serious impact on the domestic economy, the package includes support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises, specifically targeting cash flow assistance and employment retention, as well as initiatives to stimulate consumption. (The Japan News)
• The government will introduce an online system for the prescreening of foreign nationals prior to their entry to Japan by fiscal 2028, starting two years earlier than the previous target of 2030, Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki said Wednesday. The system is a Japanese version of ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, currently implemented by the United States and other countries. The planned Japanese system will require potential visitors from countries and regions exempt from needing short-stay visas for tourism to apply online prior to their planned trip. Travelers will submit their name, purpose of entry and other information in an application form. (The Japan News)

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.