Situation of negotiations on a free-trade agreement between the EU and Japan

21.8.2015

Question for written answer P-012117-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Adam Szejnfeld (PPE)

The EU and Japan began negotiations on a free-trade agreement more than two years ago, with the eleventh round of talks taking place in July this year. Since negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the US have been taking place over the same period, public opinion in Europe has been more interested in how these talks are progressing.

However, it should be stressed that Japan is the EU's second-biggest trade partner in Asia (after China), and that their combined economies account for more than one third of global GDP. The two economies also interact with each other a great deal in terms of investment, with an annual turnover from mutual investments of around EUR 240 billion.

As the Commission points out, the aim of the negotiations with Japan is the signature of an ambitious agreement which will bring considerable trade benefits to both sides and lead to economic growth in Europe and Japan. The planned agreement not only aims to eliminate or significantly restrict tariff and non-tariff barriers but will also include provisions on sustainable development and the protection of intellectual property and of investments.

Both sides state that negotiations on the agreement should be completed this year. In the light of the above, I would like to ask the Commission what the current situation is regarding the talks and if it expects them to be completed by the end of 2015?