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| Dear Friends of the EBC, This past two weeks, the EBC continued its engagement with key stakeholders across the Europe-Japan business ecosystem, contributing to discussions on digital cooperation, international business relations, and strategic partnerships. From supporting the advancement of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership to exchanges with MEDEF International and participation in various events in Tokyo, the EBC remains committed to promoting an open, predictable, and competitive business environment in Japan. |
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| EU-Japan Digital Partnership: Advancing Trusted Digital Cooperation On 4 May 2026, the EBC and the Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) published a Statement welcoming the continued progress of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership as a key pillar of the broader EU-Japan relationship. In a rapidly evolving digital environment, the partnership reinforces cooperation on data governance, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks, while contributing to the development of more resilient and secure digital value chains. The EBC and JBCE encouraged the acceleration of concrete joint projects and co-investments in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, with strong industry participation to ensure practical and impactful outcomes. Anchored in open, fair, and values-based digital trade, the EU-Japan Digital Partnership has the potential to serve as a global model for trusted digital cooperation. |  |
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| EBC Meets with MEDEF International On 20 April in Paris, the EBC was pleased to meet with representatives of MEDEF International: Géraldine Lemblé, Deputy Managing Director, and Lazare Idir, Senior Project Manager for East and Southeast Asia. As the international arm of MEDEF, MEDEF International supports the global expansion of French companies through business councils, high-level delegations, market intelligence, and direct engagement with decision-makers worldwide. During the meeting, the EBC presented its current activities, advocacy priorities, and upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting European business interests in Japan. Discussions also covered the recent visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Japan, during which MEDEF International accompanied a delegation of French companies, reflecting renewed momentum in France-Japan economic relations. The exchange further highlighted the strong potential of the Japanese market for French companies and explored effective market entry approaches, including long-term commitment, trusted local partnerships, understanding of Japanese business culture, and identification of strategic opportunities. Remaining regulatory challenges were also discussed. The EBC looks forward to continuing this valuable dialogue and strengthening cooperation to facilitate business opportunities and deepen economic ties between Japan and France. |  |
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| EBC Participates in the Netherlands King’s Birthday Celebration On 23 April, the EBC was pleased to attend the King’s Birthday celebration hosted by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tokyo, bringing together representatives from government, business, and the diplomatic community. Guests were welcomed by H.E. Gilles Beschoor Plug, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Japan, who addressed the current geopolitical environment while highlighting the strength of Netherlands-Japan relations and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Arfiya Eri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, also delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and open markets. The event provided a valuable opportunity for the EBC to engage with partners and stakeholders across sectors, exchange perspectives, and reaffirm its commitment to supporting a transparent, predictable, and competitive business environment in Japan. The EBC extends its sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the Netherlands for the invitation and for hosting such a meaningful event. |  |
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| European Commission Consultation on International Data Flows As part of the implementation of the EU Data Union Strategy adopted in 2025, the European Commission is inviting European business stakeholders engaged in data flow-related activities in Japan to contribute to a consultation on international data flows and data sharing. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the potential data-related challenges and barriers European business stakeholders face abroad, as well as opportunities for improvement regarding the conditions for data access and data sharing at the international level. The feedback collected will remain confidential and will contribute to shaping future EU policy on international data flows and data sharing. European businesses operating in Japan are encouraged to participate in the survey before the deadline of 25 May 2026. |  |
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| Upcoming Events from Partner Organizations Key Developments in the Battery Sector and Opportunities for Japan-EU Cooperation
16:00-17:30, TODAY 13 May (Zoom Webinar – simultaneous interpretation available) As batteries play a critical role in renewable energy storage and the electrification of mobility, both the EU and Japan are advancing policies to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of their battery industries. This webinar, organized by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, will address topics including the implementation of the EU Battery Regulation, battery passports, carbon footprint disclosure requirements, recycling obligations, and supply chain resilience initiatives in Japan. Representatives from Japanese and EU authorities, as well as industry leaders from both sides, will participate in the discussion. Registration |
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| Webinar on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – 20 May The European Commission and the EU Delegation to Japan, with the support of the EU-Japan Green Alliance Facility, will organise a webinar dedicated to the latest developments regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The session will provide participants with an overview of the regulation’s recent updates and practical implications for businesses operating in EU-related supply chains. Registration at this address: [email protected] |
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| The EBC continues to actively support stronger Europe-Japan cooperation across digital, economic, regulatory, and sustainability-related priorities. Through dialogue with policymakers, business leaders, and partner organizations, the EBC remains committed to advancing a business environment that is open, resilient, and conducive to long-term growth and innovation. Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan |
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- The Japanese government and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Tuesday that they have launched a new cooperation plan aimed at strengthening economic security and advancing trustworthy artificial intelligence governance amid rising geopolitical tensions. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed hope in a meeting with OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann at her office that Japan and the OECD will work together to lead discussions in the international community based on the plan, the Foreign Ministry said. (The Mainichi)
- The government is set to launch a national intelligence bureau with a staff of about 700 people, roughly the same size as the current Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, as early as this summer and to expand its personnel thereafter, according to government sources. The bureau will serve as the core body for the nation’s intelligence activities, such as information-gathering and analysis. (The Japan News)
- The digital partnership council between Japan and the European Union confirmed that it would strengthen cooperation on protection of minors on online platforms in a joint statement adopted at a minister-level meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday. The statement “recognized the importance of protecting minors online” and confirmed further deepening of cooperation regarding the expanding use of social media. (The Japan News)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| May 14 (Thursday) | Telecommunications Equipment | Hybrid
1000~ | | May 21 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | May 28 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | May 29 (Friday) | Logistics & Freight | Hybrid
0930~ | | 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~ | | June 23 (Tuesday) | Government Relations | Hybrid
1230~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Insurance | Hybrid
0800~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Food & Agriculture | Hybrid
0930~ | | June 25 (Thursday) | Medical Equipment & IVD | Hybrid
1430~ | | June 30 (Tuesday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ | | July 7 (Tuesday) | Digital | Hybrid
0800~ | | July 9 (Thursday) | Human Resources | Hybrid
0930~ | | July 16 (Thursday) | Railways | Hybrid
1600~ |
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