European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius opened the first-ever full EU-Japan Defence Industry Dialogue today, emphasizing the strategic importance of deepening ties between the two regions. He highlighted Japan as a like-minded partner facing similar challenges, including proximity to assertive neighbours and economic security concerns. Kubilius placed security of supply at the top of the agenda, announcing that the EU established a Security of Supply Board earlier in 2026 to monitor defence industry supply chains, prevent crises, and enable rapid scalable production. He called for cooperation to derisk and diversify supply chains for defence and dual-use goods, and pointed to existing joint projects such as the Japanese-Italian-UK fighter jet collaboration as a model for deeper industry ties.
The dialogue builds on a series of recent EU defence initiatives. On April 15, Kubilius clarified criteria and oversight for the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), explaining how companies qualify as 'Polish' or otherwise under EU-wide security procurement rules, and addressing conditionality linked to EU funding. That same day, the European Commission invested €1.07 billion in 57 defence projects through the European Defence Fund, boosting military readiness. The dialogue also follows an April 14 debate in the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence, where EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot and MEPs clashed over whether defence financing should prioritize national projects or pan-European cooperation. Earlier, on April 7, Kubilius defended EU defence policy against sovereignty concerns after his call for a 100,000-strong European army, navigating treaty limits and member state sensitivities. The EEAS has also been active in showcasing naval cooperation through EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea, with press releases on April 3 and April 7 detailing successful merchant vessel protection and a defensive maritime mandate.
Kubilius’s remarks at the dialogue advocate increasing EU external cooperation on defence industry matters, extending EU policy reach beyond borders. The focus is to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities through stronger EU-Japan ties, reflecting a shift toward pragmatic resilience over traditional sectoral protectionism. For the EU defence industry, closer ties with Japan could mean new partnership opportunities and access to diversified supply sources. Japanese defence firms stand to benefit from expanded access to EU markets and potential regulatory cooperation. National EU authorities may gain a more coordinated approach to supply chain monitoring but face increased demands for compliance and cross-border collaboration. Taxpayers and government defence purchasers could see improved security of supply, although there may be increased costs related to monitoring and ensuring supply chain resilience. The dialogue marks a strategic pivot toward deeper EU-Japan defence industry integration, underpinned by concrete institutional mechanisms and aimed at safeguarding economic security and competitiveness in an unpredictable global environment.
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