EBC Newsletter – December 17, 2025

On 10 December, the EBC was pleased to meet with representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), led by Jean-Charles Bigot, ESA’s Representative in Japan.

ESA shared updates on its activities in Japan and its plans to further engage with local partners. The EBC presented its work and outlined areas where European industry sees growing relevance for space-related cooperation. The discussion provided a strong basis for identifying shared priorities and exploring concrete avenues for collaboration. Both sides welcomed the open exchange and agreed to continue the dialogue through follow-up meetings.

On 12 December, the EBC attended an event marking 10 years of the Paris Climate Agreement, organised by the Embassy of France in Japan. The reception brought together academic and policy stakeholders committed to advancing climate action.

The programme included opening remarks by Ambassador-Designate Béatrice Le Fraper du Hellen, followed by insightful presentations from the University of Tokyo, the CEA Office in Japan (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) , and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). The presence of many students highlighted the importance of engaging the next generation in climate discussions. The evening concluded with networking in a constructive and forward-looking atmosphere.

The EBC also continues to address these issues through its Sustainability Committee. At its latest meeting on 9 December, the Committee discussed COP30 with Yoko Mulholland (E3G), examining global momentum to phase out fossil fuels, Japan’s current policy challenges, and opportunities for enhanced EU-Japan cooperation on renewables, methane reduction, and climate governance.

On 15 December, the EBC had the opportunity to engage directly with an LDP study group focused on further strengthening foreign direct investment (FDI) into Japan.

The EBC shared concrete insights from European companies operating on the ground, highlighting what truly drives investment decisions and what can further enhance Japan’s attractiveness as a destination for international business. Key themes included regulatory predictability, market access, transparency, and the value of ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the global business community.

We appreciated the open and constructive exchange and the strong interest shown by LDP members in the real-world perspectives of foreign investors. The EBC looks forward to continuing this dialogue and contributing to policy discussions that support sustainable growth and a competitive investment environment in Japan.

Photo credit, Richard Lyle

On 16 December, the EBC held one of its regular meetings with the OECD Japan Desk, continuing a constructive dialogue on key economic and policy developments shaping Japan.

We were pleased to learn that the next OECD Economic Survey on Japan will focus on labour market challenges, productivity, and the green transition, all highly relevant priorities for European companies operating in Japan.

The EBC looks forward to welcoming the OECD Japan Desk in April to present the findings of this upcoming study to our members. We still recall the presentation of the January 2024 OECD Economic Survey of Japan, which sparked a particularly enriching presentation and discussion with our community.

Our sincere thanks to Muge Adalet McGowan, Senior Economist and Head of the Japan/Ireland Desk in the OECD Economics Department, for the open and insightful exchange. We value this ongoing dialogue and remain committed to supporting informed engagement between the OECD Japan Desk and the European business community in Japan.