European Union - Delegation of the European Union to Japan

Welcome

Welcome to the Website of the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, where we provide a wide range of information on the institutions and policies of the EU, as well as relevant events held in Japan, in both English and Japanese.

The EU now has an enhanced role on the world stage, especially after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009 and the establishment of the European External Action Service. These changes will enable us to speak with one voice, to better cooperate with our global partners to tackle the challenges facing the world and its people in the 21st century.

From 1999 to 2003, I had the honour of serving as Austria's ambassador to Japan, and so I am delighted and excited to be the first Ambassador of the EU under the EEAS framework, which also draws in staff from the EU's 27 Member States in addition to those from existing EU institutions to make the EU's diplomatic service truly in line with our motto, 'united in diversity'.

Needless to say, the EU, with more that 500 million citizens and a single currency – the euro – that is used by 330 million of them, is a massive economic entity. We are now striving to become more active on the political front, to match the abilities and responsibilities spawned from Europe's economic presence. For the EU, Japan is indeed a strategic partner, given that we share such common values as democracy, human rights, open market economies and the rule of law.

I sincerely believe that the reinforcement of the EU's diplomatic structure can only further buttress bilateral ties with Japan, so that we can jointly tackle such issues as global warming, energy security, counter-terrorism and ageing society. Our Delegation is fully committed to building on these ties, and to bringing them to the higher level they deserve to be. In this regard, I hope you will find this website a useful window to the EU, and to EU-Japan relations.

Hans Dietmar Schweisgut 

Updated 2011.04.19