EBC Newsletter – June 24, 2026

On 16 June, the EBC, represented by Chief Policy Director Bjorn Kongstad, was pleased to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), following a kind invitation from our German colleagues.

The meeting was chaired by Karl Anton Deppen, who was re-elected for another term as Chamber President. Participants also heard keynote addresses from German Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer and German Ambassador to Japan Petra Sigmund, who shared their perspectives on German-Japanese relations and future opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

The AGM concluded with a reception, providing valuable opportunities for company representatives, institutional partners and guests to exchange views, strengthen professional networks and discuss future business cooperation in an informal setting.

The EBC would like to thank the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) for its warm hospitality and kind invitation. We highly value our close cooperation and look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration in support of the European business community in Japan.

On 16 June, the EBC met with representatives of the Paris Office of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC): Mika Uchino, Chief Representative, Junya Morioka, Representative, and Yu Tatematsu, Representative.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to introduce our respective organisations and exchange views on the evolving economic relationship between Europe and Japan.

As Japan’s policy-based financial institution, JBIC plays an important role in supporting Japanese companies’ international activities, promoting overseas investment, strengthening industrial competitiveness and contributing to sustainable economic development. Its Paris Office serves as an important bridge between Japan and Europe.

Discussions focused on several strategic priorities shaping the current business landscape, including the energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, supply chain resilience, economic security and international business development. These issues are becoming increasingly important for both European and Japanese companies as they adapt to a rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic environment.

The EBC looks forward to maintaining close contact with JBIC and exploring opportunities for future cooperation in support of stronger trade, investment and industrial partnerships between Europe and Japan.

On 17 June, the EBC met Céline Pajon, Research Fellow and Head of Japan and Indo-Pacific Research at the Center for Asian Studies of the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri).

Founded in 1979, Ifri is one of Europe’s leading independent think tanks, producing research and policy analysis on international affairs, geopolitics, economics and global governance. Its work helps inform policymakers, businesses and institutions on today’s major strategic challenges.

The discussion focused on the evolving business environment for European companies operating in Japan, against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, economic security considerations, supply chain resilience, industrial policy developments and changing global trade dynamics. The exchange also explored the expectations and concerns of European businesses in Japan, as well as the broader outlook for EU-Japan economic relations.

For the EBC, maintaining close dialogue with leading research institutions such as Ifri is an important complement to its advocacy work. Combining the practical experience of companies operating on the ground with independent geopolitical and economic analysis helps anticipate emerging policy trends, deepen understanding of the international business environment and support evidence-based dialogue with both European and Japanese stakeholders.

The EBC warmly thanks Céline Pajon for this insightful exchange and looks forward to continuing discussions on the issues shaping the future of Europe-Japan cooperation.

On 22 June, the EBC Government Relations Committee welcomed Shigeru Kitamura, CEO of Kitamura Economic Security and former National Security Adviser to the Cabinet of Japan, for an insightful discussion on Japan’s evolving national security policy and its implications for business.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr. Kitamura shared his views on Japan’s changing security environment, the country’s growing economic security framework and the implications for companies engaged in government relations, public affairs and strategic planning.

The presentation was followed by a lively and candid discussion, allowing participants to exchange views on current policy developments and the evolving business environment.

The EBC warmly thanks Kitamura-san for sharing his expertise, as well as all participants for contributing to this valuable exchange.
European companies interested in public policy, government relations and economic security are warmly invited to join the EBC Government Relations Committee and contribute to these important discussions.