EBC Newsletter – July 8, 2026

On 1^st July, the EBC was pleased to participate in the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation policy event: “From Brussels to Tokyo: Are Defence Firms Ready to Bet on Inter-Continental Partnerships?”

The event focused on the opportunities for closer industrial and technological cooperation between Europe and Japan in the defence sector. A key highlight was the presentation of the KPMG MINERVA policy study, which identified significant potential for collaboration in advanced technologies, innovation and resilient defence supply chains, while also addressing the regulatory challenges that remain.

EBC President Nikolaus Boltze, who also chairs the EBC Defence & Security Committee, joined a distinguished panel of industry leaders to discuss how trusted partnerships, regulatory alignment and technological cooperation can strengthen the EU-Japan defence industrial relationship.

The EBC thanks the EU-Japan Centre for organising this timely event and looks forward to continuing to contribute to this increasingly strategic dialogue.

On 3 July, the EBC was represented by Marcus Schürmann, CEO of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), at this year’s Council for Promotion of FDI in Japan, chaired by Minoru Kiuchi, Minister in charge of Japan’s Growth Strategy.

Speaking on behalf of the EBC, Marcus highlighted several priorities to further strengthen Japan’s investment environment. These included making better use of the success stories of foreign companies already established in Japan, maintaining an open and competitive visa system to attract global talent, and simplifying R&D tax incentive procedures to encourage greater investment in research and innovation.

The meeting provided another valuable opportunity for the EBC to contribute constructively to the Japanese Government’s efforts to enhance the country’s long-term competitiveness and attractiveness as a destination for international investment.

On 7 July, the European Business Council in Japan (EBC) welcomed representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to discuss an upcoming CPTPP-ASEAN-EU workshop focused on supply chain resilience, trade diversification and trade facilitation.

As geopolitical uncertainty and economic security continue to reshape global trade, the workshop will bring together government officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders to explore practical ways to build more resilient, diversified and rules-based supply chains. Discussions will also address challenges such as illegal transshipment and the circumvention of trade measures.

METI invited the EBC to contribute to the programme by nominating a speaker to present the perspective of European businesses operating in Japan and across the wider region.

We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to contributing to an open dialogue that strengthens cooperation between the CPTPP, ASEAN and the European Union, while fostering a more resilient and trusted global trading system.