This own initiative opinion looks to examine the agreement already under negotiation between EU and Japan (being the third non-European EU trade partner) and in particular its economic, social and environmental consequences. This agreement is not only dealing with trade, but will have on societies expected consequences to be enlightened and taken in account by negotiators. The automobile sector, public procurement, services, agricultural and pharmaceutical products sectors are, among others, concerned.
Download — The Role of Civil Society in the negotiation and implementation of an EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement
On 4 March, the EU Domestic Advisory Group for Japan participated in the 7th Joint Dialogue with civil society (JDCS) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Tokyo.
The JDCS centred on key pillars of trade and sustainable development, notably climate action, labour standards, and responsible business conduct. Participants discussed the green transition — including Japan's emission trading system GX-ETS, CBAM, carbon neutrality, and the EU-Japan Green Alliance — as well as sustainable forest management and deforestation-free supply chains. Exchanges on trade and labour addressed the implementation of ILO core conventions and recent developments related to forced labour. Finally, discussions covered responsible business conduct, due diligence requirements (including CSDDD implementation), and the need to strengthen capacity and cooperation in global supply chains.
Meet of the EU-Japan and South East Asia Follow-up Committee
Location
Brussels
Belgium
The EESC EU-Japan & South-East Asia Follow-up Committee meets on 12 February 2026 to discuss various aspects of EU-Japan & South-East Asia relations. Main topics on the programme:
Initial discussion on the priorities for the Follow-up Committee during the new term
EU relations with the Southeast Asian countries and follow-up on the EESC's information report on the situation of the civil society organisations in the ASEAN countries
The 13th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the first meeting of the 2025–2028 term, took place on 16 December 2025 at the EESC.
The 31st meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the first meeting of the 2025–2028 term, took place on 16 December 2025 at the EESC.
The 9th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the first meeting of the 2025–2028 term, took place on 16 December 2025 at the EESC.
The 2025 EU–Japan Workshop explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace and driving economic competitiveness. This hybrid event brought together EU and Japanese stakeholders to discuss AI’s role in transforming job roles, promoting innovation, and raising ethical and policy challenges. It also focused on how AI can support sustainable and inclusive growth in both regions.
The 12th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) took place on 10 April, 2025 at the EESC.
The EU-Japan DAG hosted a workshop: "Promoting human rights and environmental due diligence together" on 9 April 2024 following a Joint Dialogue with Civil Society in Tokyo on 8 April. The workshop's objective was to foster dialogue between EU and Japan civil society representatives, focusing on best practices and a solution-oriented approach in an area of importance to the implementation of the TSD-chapter of the EU-Japan EPA. Human rights and environmental due diligence are topics of common interest, as the EU and Japan share values and want to secure resilient supply chains so as to do business in a sustainable way.
The 10th meeting of the EU Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and second meeting of the new 2023-25 term, took place on 9 January, 2024.
