JBCE Calls for Deepening Cooperation with Trusted Partners in Op-Ed

In a recent op-ed in The Parliament Magazine, Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) Secretary-General Michiyoshi Toya argues that, as the EU strengthens its industrial policy and seeks to build more resilient supply chains, there is a risk that a narrow focus on ‘Made in Europe’ and strict European preference requirements could unintentionally undermine the international partnerships on which European businesses rely.

“A strict ‘Made in Europe’ approach is not necessarily the optimal way forward, especially in relation to the EU’s policy objectives, the source of the problem, and consistency with international commitments. The Japanese industry wants to be part of the solution,” Michiyoshi Toya writes.

The EU should further deepen cooperation with trusted partners that share its commitment to free trade, the rule of law, human rights and ambitious climate action. Through its Economic Partnership Agreement, Strategic Partnership Agreement, Competitiveness Alliance, Digital Partnership and its status as an associated country in the Horizon Europe programme, Japan is a perfect example of this kind of partner. Closer EU-Japan cooperation can contribute to both Europe’s resilience and competitiveness.

JBCE’s ‘Made with Common Values’ approach can help deliver on this.

Read the full op-ed here: https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/partner/article/competitivemess-lets-not-make-a-uturn-on-shared-values