EBC Newsletter – December 24, 2025

December 17, 2025 EBC Newsletter – December 24, 2025

Newsletter, Publications

 

From the EBC

Dear Friends of the EBC,

As the year draws to a close, the EBC continues to engage with key institutional and business stakeholders to promote open dialogue and strengthen economic ties between Europe and Japan. Below are highlights from our recent meetings.
EBC Participates in High-Level Discussion on Energy with DG TRADE

On 15 December, the EBC took part in a meeting with Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General for Trade, hosted at the EU Delegation in Tokyo. The EBC was represented by Jean-François RÉBEILLÉ, Chair of the EBC Energy Committee.

The discussion focused on energy issues, with particular attention to offshore wind development in Japan, including the auction process, the regulatory framework, and supply chain challenges. The exchange also brought together European industry leaders actively involved in energy projects in Japan, offering valuable on-the-ground perspectives.
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Through its Energy Committee, the EBC remains actively engaged in policy dialogue, ensuring that the views and priorities of European energy stakeholders are effectively communicated to both institutional and industry counterparts in Japan.

EBC Engages with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in France

On 15 and 17 December, the EBC met with Kiyohiko Hayami, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in France and President of Itochu France, as well as Hirotaka Yamada, Secretary-General of the Chamber.

The discussions focused on Japanese investment in France, examining both the opportunities available and the remaining structural and regulatory challenges. These exchanges contributed to a shared understanding of how to further encourage investment and create a more open and dynamic business environment for Japanese and European companies alike.

Representing European businesses operating in Japan, the EBC remains committed to promoting a level playing field and fostering a fair, transparent, and sustainable business climate. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and further strengthening economic ties between Japan and France.

As this final newsletter of the year concludes, the EBC would like to sincerely thank you for your continued interest, engagement, and support throughout a particularly active year.

Whether you are an EBC member, partner, institutional stakeholder, or supporter, your involvement helps strengthen the collective voice of European business in Japan and contributes to improving the overall business environment.

We wish you a peaceful festive season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We look forward to staying closely connected and continuing our collaboration in 2026.

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council in Japan

What’s in the Media

  • Japan looks to promote renewable energy and nuclear power by subsidizing up to half the cost for investments in factories and data centers that use 100% carbon-free electricity. The government plans to allocate 210 billion yen ($1.33 billion) over five years starting in fiscal 2026. (Nikkei Asia)
  • Japan plans to join a major EU research initiative, with Tokyo and Brussels reaching a tentative agreement that Japan will participate in the bloc’s Horizon Europe program. The goal is to create an environment for the global exchange of research talent and foster technological innovation in both regions. An official announcement is expected Monday. (Nikkei Asia)
  • Aiming to develop Japan’s largest foundation model for artificial intelligence, a new company will be established as early as next spring by more than 10 Japanese companies, including SoftBank Corp., according to the details of a domestic AI development project totaling ¥3 trillion. Because the United States and China are leading the world in the development of AI, the Japanese public and private sectors will jointly work on the project to regain last ground. (The Japan News)

Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings

Date Committee Time / Location
January 22 (Thursday) Medical Equipment & IVD Hybrid
1430~
February 10 (Tuesday) or 17 (Tuesday) Sustainability & Social Responsibility Hybrid
1030~
February 19 (Thursday) Medical Equipment & IVD Hybrid
1430~
March 19 (Tuesday) Telecommunications Equipment Hybrid
1000~

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

Stakeholders of the EBC:

European Business Council JAPAN
Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15F, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6415
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www.ebc-jp.com/