On Tuesday 27 February, European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said she hoped for the signature of the EU-Japan economic partnership agreement by the summer, and then its ratification after the summer in order for it to enter into force in early 2019. The agreement was concluded in December 2017 (see EUROPE 11922).
"We are looking at the possibility of leaders signing the agreement by the summer. I don't have a date yet, but it will be announced very soon. Hopefully by this...