Reinforcing Partnerships in a Changing World

Message from the EU Ambassador

I am very pleased to introduce the latest edition of the European Business Council’s (EBC) White Papers. This annual document is a vital barometer of the European business environment in Japan and a testament to the powerful, enduring strategic proximity between the EU and our closest partner in the Indo-Pacific.

In a global landscape defined by uncertainty, the EU and Japan stand as twin pillars committed to upholding a rules-based international order. This shared commitment is concretely enshrined in our landmark agreements: the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). In recent years, the European Union and Japan have further reinforced their strategic engagement through the Green Alliance (2021), the Digital Partnership (2022), and the Security and Defence Partnership (2024).

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Message from the EBC

Welcome to the 2025 edition of the European Business Council White Paper on the Japanese regulatory environment. This year’s title, “Reinforcing partnerships in a changing world”, reflects the growing importance of deepening economic and policy cooperation between Europe and Japan in an increasingly complex global context.

The EU-Japan partnership continues to strengthen through strategic frameworks such as the Green Alliance, the Connectivity Partnership, the Digital Partnership, and the ongoing evolution of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). These initiatives are paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and regulatory convergence across key sectors.

 

 

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Executive Summary

The 2025 European Business Council White Paper presents key regulatory developments and ongoing challenges affecting European businesses operating in Japan. This year’s edition underscores the importance of advancing EU-Japan cooperation through greater regulatory alignment, transparency, and mutual recognition.

 

 

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