The European Union and Japan held their 7th High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) in Brussels on 7 May 2026, marking the first time the dialogue took place in a reinforced format that expands its focus to trade, industrial policy, and economic security. Co-chaired by European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on the EU side, and by Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hori Iwao, the meeting produced a series of joint commitments on supply chains, critical minerals, and economic security.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to a rules-based international order and to reforming multilateral forums such as the World Trade Organization. They expressed concern over economic coercion by third countries, particularly unjustified export restrictions that disrupt strategic supply chains for critical minerals. The partners also condemned non-market policies leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions.
Building on the EU-Japan Competitiveness Alliance established at the July 2025 summit, the dialogue reaffirmed joint work to enhance supply chains in strategic sectors including critical minerals, batteries, clean tech, offshore wind, hydrogen, solar, steel, robotics, biotech, defense, and space. Ministers welcomed progress on matchmaking sessions under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and expressed intention to support additional joint critical mineral projects. They also acknowledged ongoing cooperation talks between the European Investment Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
In the area of economic security, the ministers agreed to reinforce the upgraded EU-Japan Working Group on Economic Security, focusing on technology transfer risk assessment, mitigating measures, and coordinated responses with the private sector. This cooperation will be promoted within the G7 and with other like-minded partners.
On steel, both sides agreed to continue discussions under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and WTO rules, stressing the need for stronger global action to tackle overcapacity. They also exchanged views on industrial policies in the automobile and battery sectors, aiming to maintain free and transparent trade consistent with international rules.
The dialogue also welcomed progress on battery supply chain collaboration and startup support initiatives under existing memoranda of cooperation. Both sides will continue discussions towards the next EU-Japan Summit.
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