EU and Japan announce agreement in principle on Economic Partnership Agreement

The EU and Japan have reached today an agreement in principle on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the most important bilateral trade agreement ever concluded by the EU (link to Joint Statement). Speaking following the 24th EU-Japan Summit held today in Brussels President Juncker said: “Together, we are sending a strong message to the world that we stand for open and fair trade. As far as we are concerned, there is no protection in protectionism. Only by working together will we be able to set global standards. This will be the message that the EU and Japan will bring together to the G20 tomorrow.” (link to speaking points (available after the press conference), press release and memo). As highlighted in the Joint Statement from the Summit, the leaders from the EU and Japan reached also today an agreement in principle on the Strategic Partnership Agreement which, once in force, will provide a framework for an even deeper and more strategic cooperation. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will create new opportunities for European companies and jobs in many sectors. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement is the first to include a specific commitment to the Paris climate agreement, as part of a dedicated chapter on sustainable development. The Agreement sets the highest standards of labour, safety, environmental and consumer protection. More information about the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (link to the dedicated website with content of the agreement, infographics and factsheets. The EU and Japan leaders recognised also new opportunities to facilitate data exchanges, including through a simultaneous finding of an adequate level of protection by both sides.