Opening statement by President von der Leyen at the EU-Japan Summit

Thank you for hosting us at the 30th Japan–EU Summit, it is good to be back in Tokyo. Yesterday’s visit to the Osaka World Expo was a real highlight. The Japanese pavilion stood out; it is a wonder of craftsmanship. Its wooden elegance offered a sense of serenity and safety. To me, it also captures the essence of our partnership: calm, resilient, and deeply rooted. And this is so valuable in a turbulent world. Europe and Japan are close and trusted friends. We share values: fairness, openness, and respect for rules. And together, we have the scale not only to defend our interests, but to shape global outcomes. Together we represent a fifth of the world’s GDP. Our Economic Partnership Agreement is solid, and it delivers. This Summit is our chance to take the next steps: To strengthen our joint competitiveness, enhance our common security, and set global standards aligned with our values. I look forward to our discussions.