EU-Japan Security Cooperation Developments in light of the EPA and SPA – Book Launch

Expert exchange with

Prof. Dr. Emil KIRCHNER, University of Essex

Prof. Dr. Thomas Christiansen, University of Maastricht

Prof. Dr. Thomas Diez, University of Tuebingen

Prof. Dr. Jean-Christophe Defraigne, Saint Louis University

Moderator: Mr Serge STROOBANTS, Senior Associate, European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS)

Thursday, 15 November 2018, 12h30 – 15h00

Registration from 12h00

A reception will follow

Venue: European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS)

Rue de la Loi 26, 10th Floor, 1040 Brussels

Despite appearing as natural allies, the relationship between the EU and Japan has historically left much to be desired. This situation however, is set to change. Earlier this year, Japan and the EU agreed upon two far reaching bilateral agreements that are set to usher in a new era of relations, these being the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). These agreements carry both domestic and global significance, with many understanding them within the context of the liberal world order in crisis. With the rules based international order looking increasingly fragile, are these twin agreements enough to solidify its foundations?

An area of particular intrigue for many observers and commentators on EU-Japan relations is the impact that these agreements are likely to have on security cooperation between the two signatories. With Japan increasingly looking to shift away from its historically constrained security posture and the EU, through its “Global Strategy“, considering playing a greater role within global security, defence and security cooperation between these two great civilian powers is potentially on the verge of great change.

The book being discussed at this event brings together all of the abovementioned points, assessing the likely course of EU-Japan security cooperation in light of the recently signed EPA and SPA. Throughout this event, leading experts will exchange views on the current state of affairs in EU-Japan security cooperation, and the prospects for the future.