The War in Ukraine and the EU – Japan Partnership

The War in Ukraine and the EU – Japan Partnership — Public event co-hosted by CSDS Japan Chair and the Japan Office of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)

This timely event sought to assess how the gradually expanding relationship between the two like-minded democracies has evolved after Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. In their own specific capacities, Europe and Japan have shown proactiveness and determination in their responses to the aggression,  raising themselves as reliable security partners with shared interests in defending the rules-based international order. Moreover, Beijing’s tacit support to Moscow has boosted awareness of the China challenge, making Europeans more aware and committed to East Asia’s security concerns.

The EU – Japan partnership has never been stronger. Since the signature of the Strategic and Economic Partnership agreements in 2018, series of subsequent political frameworks focusing on specific areas of common interest, such as the 2019 EU- Japan partnership for Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure, the EU-Japan Green Alliance in 2021 and the Digitalization Partnership in 2022, have been gradually adding substance to the expanding and deepening relationship between the two like-minded democracies.

However, it was Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine that gave a final impetus. For one, the EU’s united response in mobilizing political and military support has shown to its capacity to act and deliver in times of crisis, raising its image as a reliable security partner. Conversely, Japan’s proactiveness in condemning Russia’s actions and supporting Kyiv has been deeply appreciated by Europe, forging a sense of understanding and common strategic purpose. Finally, Beijing’s tacit support to Moscow has boosted awareness of the China challenge, making Europeans more aware and committed to East Asia’s security concerns.

How can this unique momentum be leveraged to further security cooperation between the two partners? What are the next concrete steps that can be taken to sustain this positive dynamic both at the bilateral level, as well as in cooperation with common allies and partners? What are the priority areas for engagement for Tokyo and Brussels and what potential obstacles could still get in the way?