The EU-Japan video conference summit on 27 May has now been confirmed (see EUROPE 12692/5). The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, will represent the EU and hold talks with the Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga.
The summit will cover bilateral relations between the two partners, as well as their role in the multilateral arena and cooperation in the matter of foreign and security policy.
More specifically, the global response to Covid-19 will be at the centre of the discussions, as well as environmental, digital and economic issues at a global level.
In respect of bilateral relations, the EU and Japan would like make reference to the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which have been in force since February 2019.
Furthermore, both parties extended this agreement in February 2021 to include new geographical indications (see EUROPE 12648/8).
A potential partnership regarding connectivity will also be discussed at the summit.
Finally, in respect of foreign security policy, the work will focus on key regional issues, respective neighbourhoods and cooperation on security and democracy.
The leaders are expected to adopt a joint statement upon conclusion of the meeting. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)