Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee
The European Commission’s proposal for an Industrial Accelerator Act marks an important step in strengthening Europe’s industrial base at a time of profound economic and geopolitical pressure.
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.
Please find attached the Statement by the EU Domestic Advisory Group delivered at the Joint Dialogue meeting with Civil Society on 4 March 2026 in Tokyo by EU DAG Chair Stuart Newman.
After 14 successful years, the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) has proven that it is no longer an experiment. With four initiatives surpassing the one-million-signature threshold in 2025, the ECI carries institutional responsibility. The key question, however, is how the political system can translate one million signatures into concrete EU legislation.
