EBC Newsletter – December 10, 2025

On 4 December, the EBC took part in the Euronews Debate “Bridging Continents: Europe-Japan Cooperation for Resilient Economic Security,” held during METI’s Global Forum Weeks.

Panelists addressed a number of priorities critical to strengthening the EU-Japan partnership, such as:

-building reliable and transparent supply chains,
-ensuring access to essential resources,
-promoting technological innovation and joint investment,
-improving communication frameworks, and
-supporting trusted media in countering disinformation.

The debate underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in an evolving geopolitical context. Our thanks go to Euronews Japan and the EU Delegation for the kind invitation.

On 8 December, the EBC had the pleasure of hosting Professor Giulio Toscani from Barcelona School of Management, who delivered a fascinating presentation on agentic AI and its implications for modern organisations.

Professor Toscani explained the different types of AI agents and the degree of autonomy individuals and companies are increasingly willing to delegate. He also highlighted a major shift toward what he calls “Agents & Intelligent Transformation”, a new paradigm where organisations rely on autonomous systems and real-time data to anticipate, optimise, and act.

This evolving environment opens the door to self-improving enterprises built for agility, resilience, and sustainable growth. We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Toscani for his insightful contribution.

On 9 December, the Sustainability Committee welcomed Yoko Mulholland from E3G, who provided a detailed overview of E3G’s work in Japan and shared key messages from COP30.

She noted increasing global momentum toward the phase-out of fossil fuels, including South Korea’s decision to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance, while pointing out that Japan remains off track to meet its climate targets. The new government continues to emphasise nuclear energy and energy security, with a cautious approach to renewables.

A notable takeaway was the rapidly rising demand from both the public and the business community for clean and affordable renewable electricity. This trend presents strong opportunities for deeper EU-Japan collaboration, especially in renewable deployment, methane reduction, and climate governance.

The session concluded with a forward look at 2026, highlighting progress but also the challenges that remain.

European companies active in sustainability, energy transition, or climate policy are warmly encouraged to join the Sustainability Committee, an excellent platform to engage, exchange expertise, and contribute to shaping EBC advocacy.

We thank all our partners for their continued engagement and look forward to closing the year with strong momentum.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

• The Japanese government will strengthen safeguards to protect ecosystems and landscapes from the adverse impact of large-scale solar farms, officials said Monday. The government is expected to revise the electricity business act in 2026 at the earliest, requiring a third-party organization to corroborate the safety of building such facilities. (Kyodo News+)
• Japan is weighing larger tax breaks for R&D in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, aiming to encourage research in fields where profit prospects remain unclear. The government and ruling coalition are considering adding a new category for “strategic technologies” to the system of corporate tax credits for research and development, likely with a cap of 30% to 40%.  (Nikkei Asia)
• Japan’s government and ruling coalition will move to strengthen the country’s intelligence collection and analysis capabilities as soon as fiscal 2026, with plans to submit a bill to the Diet that would set up a new agency to oversee these functions and report to the prime minister’s office. The main components of the bill are expected to include upgrading the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO) in the Cabinet Secretariat to a national intelligence bureau, establishing the position of a bureau director, and creating a National Intelligence Council that includes the prime minister. (Nikkei Asia)

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.