← home page • Buzz@Bruss! Edition #5 • Japan and the EU: Cooperation around common values
At a time of increasing tensions and uncertainty around the world, close cooperation between Japan and the EU has never been so important. Recently, Buzz@Bruss! got the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of Japan to the EU, H.E. Mr. Kazutoshi Aikawa, and ask him a few questions about the Japan-EU relationship and his thoughts for the future.
How do you view current Japan-EU relations?
H.E. Mr. Kazutoshi Aikawa: “When I arrived, my predecessor said that our relations had never been better…and that’s the same sentiment I feel personally too. The various institutions have been very accessible, and open to work together on many issues. Already during the Covid pandemic, the EU generously shared some of its stockpiles with us, and we did the same when there were energy shortages in Europe. These examples exemplify true bilateral relations.”
Why is it important for Japan to keep its competitive edge in certain areas of industry?
“It’s an interesting challenge for large liberal democracies like us. The key aspects to maintain competitiveness revolve around being able to protect, promote and partner: protect what’s necessary; promote certain industries; and partner around common values. The Semiconductor industry is an interesting example. An industry that is key to creating a durable supply chain – the EU has its own laws; we have our own laws. But we have shared values, we are on the same page.
Competitiveness seems to be a particular focus area for the EU, just as the Green Deal was in the previous cycle. But it will be important for them to sit down with all those involved to listen to their views in order to make it feasible. When it comes to sustainability for example, we have committed to being a carbon neutral society in Japan by 2050. As a result, we have also passed a lot of legislation and provided many incentives for everyone to innovate. We are strong believers in the ‘Power of Innovation’ and are dedicated to creating an environment in which it can be promoted by industry. We know that this is important in Europe too.”
The European Council recently increased the scope of their recommendations on smoke-free environments. Could you comment on how Japan would develop such policies?
“It is, of course, the prerogative of the EU to develop its own recommendations so I cannot comment specifically on those. In Japan, when dealing with issues such as tobacco, we very much take a science- and evidence-based approach and listen to all stakeholders…health, industry and others. The EU obviously has to take into account the views of their member governments and I would hope that they can be similarly open minded when it comes to other stakeholders.”
Do you think that the EU is moving in this direction?
“They are evolving, I believe, in this second cycle and are being more understanding about listening to other parties. Because without cooperation with industry, you cannot achieve all that you wish. That’s very much an approach that we can support.”
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