EU-Japan trade deal: we chose free trade over protectionism

“The EU and Japan are leading the way: free trade instead of protectionism. This agreement brings new jobs, more growth and greater wealth to both sides without touching our high standards in Europe”, said Daniel Caspary MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on International Trade, commenting on the news of the conclusion of the trade agreement between the EU and Japan.

“We look forward to the confirmation of this agreement at the EU-Japan Summit on Thursday. It is Europe's and Japan's answer to Donald Trump's policy. In Europe we believe that building bridges is more efficient than building walls. Instead of protectionism, we want partnership. Instead of letting globalisation happen without us, we want to shape it with our high-level standards and norms", Caspary said.

The EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations were officially launched on 25 March 2013. Japan is the EU’s second biggest trading partner in Asia after China. Together, the EU and Japan account for more than a third of the world's GDP. The deal reached today at ministerial level is set to be the world’s biggest trade agreement which goes beyond reducing tariffs and trade barriers.