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.
The External Relations Section (REX) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is responsible for dialogue between European civil society organisations and their homologues from the countries with which the European Union has formal relations (e.g. under the form of a Free Trade Agreement). Through this dialogue, made possible by a series of bilateral bodies, and through specialized opinions and information reports, the Committee is able to concretely contribute to EU foreign policy.
Advisor to Kobe University Brussels European Centre
Presentation of the activities of Kobe University Brussels European Centre (KUBEC): Mr Patrick Vittet Philippe, Advisor to Kobe University Brussels European Centre
Patrick Vittet Philippe - Advisor to Kobe University Brussels European Centre
