On January 21, 2026, Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Mr. Stéphane Séjourné, Executive vice-president of the European Commission for industrial strategy and prosperity held a bilateral meeting on the occasion of the World Economic Forum held in Davos.

At the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their intention to advance cooperation in wide-ranging areas under the Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance launched at the 30th Japan-EU Summit on July 23, 2025.

In particular, both sides reiterated the importance of ensuring that, whenever taken, export control measures are narrowly defined, non-discriminatory, and in line with international law and practice so as not to disrupt strategic supply chains, notably those of critical minerals. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening, diversifying and securing these supply chains, ultimately increasing supply chain resilience. They recognize that the recent policy developments in EU such as the RESourceEU action plan, offers new opportunities for Japan-EU cooperation.

To achieve these objectives, both sides will urgently advance cooperation to establish critical mineral projects that enhance diversification and resilience, to ensure stable supply for both industries by mobilizing financial support through government and private sector collaboration, using tools such as equity, grants, loans, and guarantees.