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Press statement by President António Costa following the 30th EU-Japan summit 2025

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council
Statements and remarks
23 July 2025 11:45

First of all, let me thank Prime Minister Ishiba for hosting us here in Tokyo for our 30th summit. It is always a pleasure to visit Japan. Yesterday, I was truly inspired by the spirit of the Osaka Expo—a place where innovation, culture, sustainability, and global cooperation meet. In many ways, it reflects the values that unite the EU and Japan.

Japan is the EU's closest partner in the Indo-Pacific. Our partnership with Japan is not just strategic—it is based on shared principles and a common vision. It is rooted in our respect for democracy, human rights, a rules-based international order and multilateralism. In today's complex geopolitical environment, the EU-Japan partnership stands as a model of principled, reliable cooperation.

Today's summit is about strengthening that partnership with concrete actions—especially in three key areas: security and defence, multilateralism, and in trade and economic security. Security and defence are now at the core of the EU's global engagement. Europe's security is interlinked to the security in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan was the first country in the region to conclude a Strategic and Defence Partnership with the EU—and we are determined to deepen it. I welcome the launch of negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement, and today we also committed to closer cooperation in maritime security, cyber, space, hybrid threats, non-proliferation, and defence industry.

We reaffirm our shared commitment to multilateralism. The UN and the UN Charter—marking their 80th anniversary—remain essential pillars of peace and global cooperation. This includes standing up for sovereignty and territorial integrity— in Ukraine, in the Middle East, here in the Indo-Pacific and everywhere in the world. It also includes tackling global challenges like climate change. We will work together to deliver a successful and ambitious outcome at the upcoming COP30.

Lastly, on the economic front, our Economic Partnership Agreement is the largest ever concluded by the EU. It has delivered real benefits for companies and consumers on both sides. Our bilateral trade flows have grown by 20% since it has been implemented.

We are united in defending a predictable, rules-based economic order, with the WTO at its core. And in a world of growing uncertainty, we are also stepping up joint efforts to boost economic security and resilience. The new Competitiveness Alliance we launch today is an important step forward. And President von der Leyen will elaborate on this point further.

Thank you.