Brussels: The European Union and Japan have announced their intent to enhance cooperation to combat "economic coercion" and "unfair trade practices." This decision was made public following the EU-Japan Summit, highlighting a strategic partnership amid rising global tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, emphasized the necessity for closer collaboration to address these issues. Von der Leyen pointed to increasing pressures in geo-economics, with growing trade tensions and uncertainties, as well as geopolitical threats impacting shared stability and interests, ranging from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific region.

Von der Leyen expressed the importance of global competitiveness benefiting all and mentioned Europe's intention to collaborate with CPTPP countries. This partnership aims to defend and shape open trade, potentially leading to a meaningful reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The announcement also included the launch of the Competitive Alliance, which is built on three pillars: enhancing bilateral EU-Japan trade, boosting economic security, and promoting joint efforts in innovation, green, and digital transitions. A significant development will be the initiation of the first EU-Japan defense industrial dialogue next year, aimed at reducing dependencies and strengthening defense ecosystems.

Costa highlighted that the EU-Japan partnership is founded on shared principles and a common vision, rooted in democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order. He described the partnership as a model of principled and reliable cooperation in today's complex geopolitical environment.