Digital White Paper – 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).

At the EU-Japan Summit in July 2025, as our strategic focus has sharpened to address issues of resilience and economic security, this collaborative bond was further cemented by the launch of a new Competitiveness Alliance, confirming that the competitiveness of the European Union’s economy is indeed interlinked with that of Japan. Together, we are working to safeguard innovation and strengthen critical infrastructure. This cooperation ensures that the operating environment for our businesses is not only reliable but resilient against global shocks.

Against this dynamic backdrop, the voice of the European business community – channelled expertly through the EBC – is indispensable. You are the direct link between policy and practice, identifying challenges on the ground and helping us refine our cooperation mechanisms. Your continuous engagement is essential to unlocking the full potential of our agreements and ensuring that the EU-Japan partnership continues to drive global growth and stability.

I encourage you to use this publication to reflect on the progress made and to actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue, as the success of our strategic relationship also relies on your insights, and your commitment to uphold a rules-based trade system that is both inclusive and resilient.

Jean-Eric Paquet
Ambassador of the European Union to Japan
Head of the Delegation