Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the economic partnership agreement may increase European exports in a large number of areas.

“Although this agreement is of enormous economic significance, it is also a way to establish closer relations. We are demonstrating that, as democratic and open global partners, the EU and Japan, believe in free trade. That we believe in building bridges, not walls,” says EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström.

In conjunction with EIJS 25th anniversary on September 28, Cecilia Malmström visited the Stockholm School of Economics to discuss and debate the new trade agreement. EU and Trade Minister Ann Linde also attended to talk about the importance of the new agreement for Sweden. 

“We are very proud to have served as the link between the EU and Japan for so long and to finally see that our efforts have yielded results,” says Professor Marie Söderberg, Head of EIJS.