EBC Newsletter – June 18, 2025

This past week marked an intensive and fruitful series of engagements in Brussels and Paris, underlining the EBC’s commitment to reinforcing EU-Japan ties across sectors including sustainability, trade, defence, and innovation. Here are the highlights:

On 10 June, the EBC met with Sandro Gozi, Member of the European Parliament in Brussels for a productive exchange on recent and future EBC activities. The meeting followed MEP Gozi’s April visit to Japan. We thank MEP Gozi for his continued support and look forward to deepening our dialogue.

Also on 10 June, EBC COO Valerie Moschetti met with Simon Craig Gray (EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation) and Jean-Paul El Ahl (Merck Group) to discuss preparations for the Spring 2026 BRT in Brussels.
As EU-side leader of Working Party 1, the EBC is working closely with Japan Business Council in Europe to draft policy recommendations on trade, investment, regulatory cooperation, and financial services. These efforts support a more integrated and business-friendly EU-Japan environment.

On 11 June, Valerie Moschetti met François Arbault, Director for Defence Industry at Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS), European Commission. Discussions centered on the evolving EU-Japan defence partnership and the role of the EBC Defence and Security Committee, chaired by Nikolaus Boltze, in facilitating market access for European companies in Japan. The conversation underscored a shared commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation under the EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership launched in 2024.

On 12 June in Paris, the EBC met with Hirotaka Yamada, Secretary General of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in France. The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and challenges faced by European and Japanese companies in each other’s markets.

• Czech-Japan Circular Economy & Sustainability Forum 2025 (30 June 2025, Tokyo), supported by the Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (EBC stakeholder)
  Register Here
  Program

• MIPRO Startup Seminar: Understanding Japan’s Startup Visa Program (22 July 2025, 14:00–15:30)
  Speaker: Prashant Sharma
  Learn about eligibility, benefits, and common pitfalls.
  Register here: MIPRO Website
  Or email: [email protected]
• JETRO Subsidy Program – Public Application Open!
  Subsidy support for foreign-affiliated businesses in Japan for feasibility studies and implementation of digital, green, and industrial projects.
  Application Deadline: 27 June 2025, 12:00 JST
  More info

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

• Japan is expected to host a major international conference to discuss international standardization in the electrical and electronics fields in 2029, according to sources. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is apparently preparing to host the conference amid certainty that it will be held in Japan. The aim is to take the lead in establishing rules over cutting-edge technologies that would be favorable to Japan, such as the next-generation quantum computer and perovskite solar cells. (The Japan News)
• Japan and the European Union plan to step up cooperation between their defense industries, with government officials and private-sector representatives set to hold initial talks Monday. The two sides face shared challenges, such as reducing dependence on the U.S., and are eyeing stronger supply networks and joint production down the road. (Nikkei Asia)
• Japan remained at 118th among 148 countries in the gender gap rankings in 2025, still worst among the Group of Seven nations, affected by poor political participation by women, the World Economic Forum said Thursday.  The report by the Swiss think tank showed Japan improved women’s participation in the economic arena, but ranked 125th in political empowerment, reflecting how few female government ministers it has and the fact the country has never had a female prime minister. (Kyodo News+)

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