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| Dear Friends of the EBC, This past week marked an important moment for EU-Japan relations, with a series of high-level meetings and strategic dialogues taking place in Brussels. From trade and industrial competitiveness to logistics, defence, and regulatory cooperation, the EBC was actively engaged in advancing the interests of European companies operating in Japan and reinforcing the partnership between two like-minded economies. Please find below this week’s highlights. |
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| EBC Co-Organises Automotive Industry Event with AHK Japan On 3 April, the EBC, through its Automotive Components and Aftermarket Committee, co-organised a joint event with AHK Japan on the findings of the 25th Global Automotive Executive Survey by KPMG Japan. Following keynote remarks by Megumi Ono and Cuma Ali Araci, a panel discussion with Kohei Okuma, Namik Akyil, and Dr Eugen Cleveland, moderated by Chris Seidel, explored major industry trends, including AI adoption, challenges in BEV uptake, supply chain resilience, and the impact of geopolitical and technological change. The discussion also highlighted Japan-specific market dynamics, notably strong expectations on safety, cost efficiency, and cautious adoption of new technologies.
The event once again demonstrated the value of the EBC committee as a platform for dialogue and cooperation within the automotive sector. (Photo courtesy of AHK Japan) |  |
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| New Maritime Link Strengthens Europe-Japan Trade On 13 April, the EBC attended a CMA CGM event celebrating the launch of the Ocean Rise Express, a new direct shipping connection between Europe and Japan. The event featured remarks by MLIT Minister Yasushi Kaneko, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, and CMA CGM Japan CEO Kazuyuki Uchida. Speakers underlined the importance of reliable and efficient maritime connectivity as global supply chains continue to evolve. This new route is a welcome development for businesses on both sides, supporting stronger trade flows and more resilient logistics networks. |  |
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| Defence and Security Dialogue with DG DEFIS On 15 April, the EBC met in Brussels with Tomasz Husak, Director for Defence Policy at DG DEFIS. The EBC presented the priorities of its Defence & Security Committee, which promotes dialogue between European stakeholders and Japan on strategic, industrial and security-related matters. Discussions covered future cooperation opportunities in resilience, dual-use technologies, supply chains, innovation, and defence industrial partnerships. The meeting also addressed the SAFE initiative and preparations for the upcoming EU-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue. |  |
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| EU-Japan Business Round Table 2026 On 16 April, the EBC participated in the 27th EU-Japan Business Round Table (BRT) in Brussels, bringing together senior business leaders, policymakers and institutional representatives from both regions. Key discussions focused on:
-Global Trade : strengthening cooperation among like-minded economies and ensuring fair competition.
–Economic Security : reducing overdependence in critical sectors such as semiconductors, raw materials and strategic technologies.
–Industrial Competitiveness : enhancing innovation, scale and speed to secure future growth. The EBC was proud to contribute alongside JBCE through Working Party 1 recommendations and participation in Defence Task Force discussions. |  |
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| Strengthening Ties with JBCE During the BRT, the EBC also met with JBCE President Mikihito Saito and Secretary General Michiyoshi Toya. JBCE and the EBC continue to work closely as co-leaders of Working Party 1 on trade relations, investment, regulatory cooperation, taxation and financial services. Our cooperation remains essential in improving the business environment for companies operating across both markets. |  |
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| Constructive Exchange with DG GROW Also on 16 April, the EBC met again with Fabrice Terrac, Deputy Head of Unit for International Value Chains at DG GROW. The discussion focused on Japan and the strategic value of deepening EU-Japan cooperation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, supply chain resilience, innovation and open markets. |  |
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| First EU-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue On 17 April, EBC President Nikolaus Boltze represented the EBC at the first EU-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue, held at the Berlaymont Building in Brussels. The event brought together senior representatives from METI, ATLA, DG DEFIS, DG GROW, DG TRADE, industry associations and around 50 European and Japanese companies. Discussions addressed current challenges, resilient supply chains and future defence industrial cooperation. This inaugural dialogue marked an important milestone in strengthening strategic ties between Europe and Japan. |  |
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| Meeting with MEP Adam Bielan Also on 17 April, the EBC met Adam Bielan, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Japan. Discussions focused on the importance of stronger EU-Japan economic ties, resilient supply chains, innovation, and cooperation between trusted partners. The EBC presented its role in supporting European businesses operating in Japan and is looking ahead to continued engagement. |  |
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| New Contacts with CLEPA The EBC was also pleased to meet with CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. The exchange introduced the respective missions of our organisations and explored possible cooperation with the EBC Auto Components Committee on regulatory developments, competitiveness, supply chains and opportunities linked to the Japanese market. |  |
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| This week’s activities once again demonstrated that the EU-Japan partnership is becoming increasingly strategic across trade, industry, technology, logistics and security. The EBC remains fully committed to ensuring that the voice of European business in Japan is heard and to supporting deeper cooperation between Europe and Japan. We thank all our partners and members for their continued support. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- Japanese and European defense-related companies had their first meeting in Brussels on Friday to foster business opportunities and strengthen the supply chain for defense equipment. Among the 50 companies that participated in the Japan-EU Defense Industry Dialogue were NEC Corp., Swedish defense giant Saab AB and a startup possessing dual-use technologies used for equipment such as drones. (The Japan News)
- The Tokyo metropolitan government is set to survey seabed and weather conditions off the Izu island chain for its plan to build the world’s largest “floating offshore” wind power farm by 2035. The farm would have a power output capacity of at least 1 gigawatt, equivalent to one nuclear reactor, according to the plan. (The Asahi Shimbun)
- Japanese and European business leaders called Thursday for their governments to strengthen supply chains for critical products such as rare earth elements and semiconductors to ensure economic security. After a meeting in Brussels, corporate executives from Japan and the European Union also stressed the importance of promoting free trade and preventing “export barriers” from being imposed on technologies and raw materials. (The Mainichi)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date | Committee | Time / Location | | April 23 (Thursday) | Logistics & Freight | Hybrid
0930~ | | April 23 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | May 12 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | May 12 (Tuesday) | Sustainability & Social Responsibility | Hybrid
1030~ | | May 18 (Monday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | May 28 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | June 2 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | June 2 (Tuesday) | Energy | Hybrid
1330~ | | June 4 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 17 (Wednesday) | Materials | Hybrid
1730~ | | June 18 (Thursday) | Telecommunications Equipment | Hybrid
1000~ | | June 22 (Monday) | Liquor | Hybrid
0830~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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