A report was adopted on Wednesday with 559 votes in favour, 32 against and 44 abstentions by MEPs calling on the EU to deepen and broaden its partnership with Japan, one of its most trusted partners.
The report highlights that the EU-Japan relationship is based on shared values, democracy, free trade, common goals and mutually compatible interests, making them exceptionally like-minded partners.
The partnership between the EU and Japan represents almost 25% of global GDP. It can play an essential role in helping to shape a rules-based, inclusive, just and prosperous international order.
Security: vigilant, but trying to reduce frictions
The MEPs have expressed their strong appreciation for Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression, including financial assistance and grant aid of USD 7.6 billion. They have welcomed Japan’s adoption of a wide range of sanctions against Russia.
The MEPs have expressed concerns regarding Moscow’s and Beijing’s territorial disputes with Japan and Southeast Asian countries and have extended their support for the EU’s commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, as well as promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
At the same time, they have emphasised the importance of vigilance and welcomed any Japanese effort to stabilise diplomatic relations with China in order to reduce friction.
Cooperation in relations with the Global South
Members of the European Parliament are calling on the European Union and Japan to increase their collaboration and establish more equitable relationships with countries in the Global South. They emphasise the necessity of implementing policies that address climate change financing, sustainable and unrestricted trade, and an impartial international energy transition.
The MEPs believe the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative should be crucial in achieving these goals.
Science, research and innovation
MEPs emphasised Japan’s focus on economic security and resilience. However, they regret the country’s reluctance to participate in Horizon Europe. Japan’s inclusion in Horizon Europe would be mutually beneficial, as it is in the interest of both parties to strengthen cooperation and increase financing of science, research, and innovation.
Reinhard Bütikofer (The Greens/EFA, Germany), the rapporteur, stressed the importance of EU-Japan relations in economic and political terms. He stated that it is crucial to analyse the current situation of these relations and work on ways to deepen and enhance them. Bütikofer expressed satisfaction that the European Parliament is united in this view.
