16th EU-Japan Summit
Berlin, 5 June 2007
Joint Press Statement
1. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany, in her capacity as President of the European Council, assisted by High Representative Dr. Javier Solana, and Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, met in Berlin on 5 June for the 16th Summit between the European Union (EU) and Japan.
2. Summit leaders reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the EU and Japan. The EU and Japan share fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and a market-based economy. Summit leaders are united in their commitment to contribute to the resolution of global challenges including global climate change and the question of energy security.
In this context, they noted further significant progress in implementing the Action Plan on EU-Japan Cooperation, adopted in 2001, and set priority actions to be taken by the time of the next EU-Japan-summit (see Annex).
International and global issues
3. On climate change, the EU and Japan reached common understanding that, in order to stabilise the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, an urgent and strong action is needed.
In the light of this, the EU and Japan are committed to take strong leadership towards the development of a fair, flexible, effective and comprehensive UN post-2012 framework that ensures the participation of all major emitting countries. The UN climate change conference in Bali at the end of 2007 has crucial importance in this regard. Negotiations for a post-2012 framework should be completed as early as possible to avoid a gap after 2012.
Summit leaders are united in the view that a long-term goal for reducing global GHG emission by half or more by the year 2050 needs to be established. They acknowledge the continuing leadership role that developed economies have to play in tackling climate change.
They recognise, however, that the efforts of developed countries will not be sufficient and that new approaches for fair contributions by other countries are needed.
In order to facilitate the negotiations and completion of a comprehensive agreement, the EU and Japan share the view that the G8 process including the Gleneagles dialogue, and other fora, provide valuable platforms to constructively engage with key energy consuming and greenhouse gas emitting countries with a view to support UN negotiations for a comprehensive framework agreement. In this regard Summit leaders recognise the importance of the development and transfer of technologies to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, use of market based instruments such as emissions trading, performance-based regulation and consumer labelling, appropriate adaptation measures to tackle inevitable effects of climate change and addressing the reduction of emissions from deforestation in developing countries. The EU and Japan will step up cooperation on climate change research and related observation activities such as Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) to support effective planning of adaptation measures.
The EU and Japan highlighted their shared interests and acknowledged the commonalities in the new EU Energy Strategy Policy and Japan’s New National Energy Strategy, and will strengthen cooperation for energy security in the following key areas: increasing transparency, predictability, and stability of global markets; improving the investment climate in the energy sectors; enhancing energy efficiency and energy saving; diversifying energy mix; ensuring physical security of critical energy infrastructure; reducing energy poverty; addressing climate change and sustainable development; increased use of non fossil fuels and low-carbon technologies including clean coal technology, renewable energy resources (e.g. solar energy, wind power, bio-fuels); the use of nuclear energy for those who decide to use this option. A new international strategy on energy efficiency will be developed in close cooperation with the IEA. The EU and Japan will continue further discussions, and look forward to the success at the forthcoming Heiligendamm G8 Summit meeting, in order to intensify their cooperation in the field of climate change and energy, in the run-up to the UN international climate conference and to Japan's Presidency of the G8.
4. On the emerging regional architecture in East Asia, the EU welcomed efforts to strengthen open and transparent regional cooperation in East Asia based upon universally recognised values and global rules, and expressed appreciation of Japan’s constructive and active role in this respect. Japan welcomed the EU’s constructive contributions to the regional political architecture in Asia-Pacific through the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, the enhancement of EU-ASEAN relations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. Japan welcomed the EU’s interest in being engaged in the East Asia Summit process and its intention to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). Both sides stressed the importance of continuing the EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue on this region.
5. The EU noted with appreciation the strengthening and deepening of Japan-China relations. Summit leaders welcomed China’s economic development under its reform policy of opening up to the international community and stressed the importance of having China as a responsible and constructive partner in the international community. Japan reiterated its opposition to a lifting of the EU’s arms embargo on China.
6. The EU and Japan reaffirmed their strong commitment to the goal of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and emphasised that - as a first step - the agreement reached at the Six Party Talks on 13 February 2007, and the UN Security Council Resolution 1718 should be expeditiously implemented. The leaders also expressed their continued and very serious concern about the situation of human rights in the DPRK. The EU confirmed its strong support for all efforts intended to lead to the earliest possible settlement of the abductions issue.
7. Recognising the importance of the steady implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, the EU and Japan will continue their close and effective cooperation on assistance to Afghanistan in the field of rural development, police and judicial reforms and Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG). Japan welcomed the beginning of an European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Police Mission in Afghanistan. Japan indicated its willingness to contribute to the strengthening of the police sector reform, in close cooperation with the ESDP mission.
8. The Leaders underlined the usefulness of the EU-Japan strategic dialogue on Central Asia and the significance of their close coordination. The EU and Japan are convinced that transparency, regional cooperation and donor coordination are crucial to jointly foster stability and prosperity in Central Asia. Border management, water management, health, human resources development including education, human rights, democracy and the rule of law are areas of particular mutual interest. Due account should also be taken of areas in which the Central Asian states themselves have expressed a particular wish for enhanced cooperation.
9. On the Middle East, the EU and Japan reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their efforts in tackling challenges such as in Iraq, Iran and the Middle East Peace Process. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to continue their close cooperation to this end. With respect to Iran, the EU and Japan expressed their serious concern at the Iranian nuclear programme. The Leaders regretted Iran’s failure to take the steps required by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and the UN Security Council, reaffirmed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to this situation and urged Iran to suspend its enrichment programme to allow for negotiations and to fully cooperate in this regard with the IAEA. Both sides decided to continue closely exchanging views on this matter.
10. Summit leaders underlined the importance of implementing the on-going reform process adopted at the UN Summit in 2005, including the reform of the main UN bodies, as referred to in the outcome document, in order to address various challenges that the international community faces. Summit leaders also underscored the importance of further cooperation in the work of the Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.
11. The EU strongly welcomed Japan’s accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court expected this year.
12. Summit leaders underlined the importance for the EU and Japan to strengthen cooperation on poverty reduction through sustainable development and the promotion of human security. Recalling the strategic commitments made at Gleneagles to support African nations to make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and pointing out the focus on Africa at this year’s Group of 8 (G8) Summit in Heiligendamm, they recognised the importance to better co-ordinate positions on key development challenges as well as on political and security issues of the African agenda and set out to cooperate closely in preparation of the fourth Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD IV) and Japan’s G8 Presidency. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and determined to launch a dialogue at senior official level on development issues. The leaders underlined the important positive role played by regional organisations in ensuring stability and sustainable development.
13. On the World Trade Organization (WTO), Summit leaders stressed the paramount importance of a successful and prompt conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). They will continue to cooperate closely in order to reach an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive agreement. They called on all WTO members to contribute in order to achieve such an agreement.
EU-Japan relations
14. The EU and Japan sharing universal values and similar strategies to move towards a knowledge-based society, stressed the importance of promoting innovation which will enable them to (a) lead the world economy by technological competitiveness, (b) make contribution to tackling common global challenges such as climate change, environment and energy, and (c) bring prosperity to their peoples and beyond. Summit leaders adopted the annexed paper “Promoting Research and Innovation towards Prosperity”, in order to identify the realms in which both parties can further strengthen cooperation in this field. The leaders decided to quickly intensify EU-Japan Science & Technology cooperation to ensure mutual sustainable prosperity and further deepen their global relationships and looked forward to a forthcoming initialling of the Science and Technology Agreement in the near future. The bilateral Agreement on Cooperation concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy which entered into force in December 2006 also reflects their commitment to non-proliferation and to a high-level of nuclear safety and security. Summit leaders also noted the positive cooperation on the ITER project and the Broader Approach activities towards the realisation of fusion energy.
15. The leaders affirmed the vital importance of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) as a driving force of today’s flourishing knowledge-based societies. They adopted the EU-Japan Action Plan on IPR Protection and Enforcement, which is annexed to this document, to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and the EU in this area.
16. Summit leaders appreciated the well-functioning and the progress achieved in a number of bilateral dialogues under overall supervision of the High-Level Consultations, in particular the Regulatory Reform Dialogue. They welcomed the new high-level dialogue on trade issues launched in April and the Industrial Policy and Industrial Cooperation Dialogue, which confirmed the need of a close cooperation between two major economies facing similar competitiveness challenges. Summit leaders welcomed the on-going dialogues and efforts that address issues of accounting and auditing and aim to find a satisfactory solution on equivalence between Japanese and EU-adopted rules and standards. They also welcomed the initialling of the EC-Japan Agreement on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.
17. The EU and Japan appreciate the joint input from the business communities, via the Business Dialogue Roundtable (BDRT) and they reaffirmed the value of responding to the recommendations of the BDRT. Summit leaders welcome the handover of the business recommendations adopted in Berlin on 4 June. The EU and Japan celebrated the 20th anniversary of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and expect it to take an even more active role in the next decade.
18. Both sides stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of civil aviation. The EU emphasised the importance of ensuring legal certainty of existing bilateral air services agreements between the EU Member States and Japan. Japan stated that the issues of air services agreements between Japan and EU Member States should be discussed between the parties to respective agreements.
19. The EU and Japan recognise the importance of academic cooperation and exchanges as means to promote mutual understanding, innovation and quality of education. The EU and Japan will build on the experience of the pilot projects in this field and further enhance cooperation in higher education between the EU and Japan. They will also explore the possibility of organising an ad hoc seminar on educational policy issues of mutual interest.
20. Summit leaders welcomed the launch of preliminary, informal discussions on cooperation between the EU and Japan in the area of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Annex
EU-JAPAN ACTION PLAN ON IPR PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
Protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) is vital for innovation and competition as a major driving force behind economic growth in the global economy. This is especially the case for the EU and Japan, with advanced and knowledge-based economies. Sharing the mission of protecting the interests and rights of consumers and businesses and fostering innovation, the EU and Japan decide to renew their existing Joint Initiative (“EU-Japan Joint Initiative for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Asia”) and expand their collaborative efforts to protect and enforce IPR worldwide both in a bilateral as well as multilateral framework.
To this end, the EU and Japan have adopted the EU-Japan Action Plan on IPR Protection and Enforcement as follows:
1. IPR ENFORCEMENT
(a) Bilateral Framework
- Furthering cooperation on IPR protection/enforcement in third countries, in particular through strengthening information exchange in third countries
Establish bilateral networks for information exchange on IPR either on regular or ad-hoc basis between Embassies/Representatives in third countries with major IPR concerns. Those Embassies/Representatives would proactively collaborate with industries by participating in IPR-related seminars/fora initiated by private sectors or authorities of third countries. The EU and Japan will continue to explore other effective ways of cooperation to promote IPR protection/enforcement in third countries.
- Collaborative supports for SMEs
Promote information-exchange on damages incurred to SMEs (small/medium- sized enterprises) operating in third countries as well as provide those SMEs with useful guidance and information to address their challenges against IPR infringement.
- Promotion of customs cooperation
Intensify work for an early conclusion of the EC-Japan Agreement on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. Further strengthen cooperation among the customs authorities in border control for IPR enforcement, including the exchange of enforcement information and best practices.
- Collaboration to combat counterfeiting and piracy for IPR protection
Enhance information sharing on IPR infringement by counterfeiting and piracy in third countries as well as the EU and Japan. Discuss the status of infringement and ways to address the situations regarding the damages incurred against copyrights, design rights, brands and others. Coordinate messages to third countries of major concerns to request their further efforts to combat counterfeiting and piracy. Discuss ways to address the situation of the purchase of counterfeited and pirated goods by EU or Japanese consumers in third countries.
- Government-business collaboration
Strengthen collaboration in third countries between public and private sectors (including, for example, JETRO). Public sectors proactively participate in IPR-related events initiated by private sectors.
- Others, including technical assistance in third countries
Collaborate on technical co-operation activities for IPR protection/enforcement in third countries, aiming at synergy effects. This should be done through exchanging information between experts responsible for such areas as capacity-building and raising public awareness. Experts can meet in their respective capitals or in third countries.
(b) Multilateral Framework
- Establishing an international legal framework to combat counterfeiting and piracy
Explore the possibility of strengthening the international legal framework to combat global counterfeiting and piracy through establishing a common international standard for IPR protection and enforcement as well as promotion of international cooperation.
- WTO/TRIPS
Maintain close cooperation at the TRIPS Council meetings, in particular in the fields of IPR enforcement including the joint communication on IPR enforcement initially proposed by the European Commission.
2. IPR PROTECTION
(a) Bilateral Framework
- Improvement of patent prosecution at global level
Continue to explore possibilities for streamlining patent prosecution in competent patent authorities on both sides, including through mutual exchange of search and examination results.
- Geographical indications systems
Launch a network to exchange information on the technical aspects of protection related to GI, such as trademark protection related to GI, with a view to enhancing mutual understanding on each system related to GI and strengthening cooperation based on each system.
- Information exchange on copyrights compensation systems
Promote expert-level information exchange among responsible authorities to foster mutual understanding on the systemic aspects of copyrights protection especially in the areas of copyrights compensation systems.
(b) Multilateral Framework
- Patentharmonisation
(1) Attach special importance to the issue of securing predictable and stable international patent system. Support the cooperation between the competent patent authorities on both sides towards the harmonisation of the different patent regimes at the relevant fora.
(2) Japan welcomes the on-going efforts to reform the patent system in Europe, including in the areas of a Community patent and the judicial systems of European patent.
- WIPO
Actively co-operate at the WIPO meetings, working towards conclusion of a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, currently being discussed at the SCCR (Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights) of the WIPO.
Annex
Promoting Research and Innovation towards Prosperity
1. Research and Innovation can open the way to future social progress for mankind and provide great momentum for economic growth. For advanced economies, such as the EU and Japan, creativeness and ability to convert ideas and research findings into high quality products, services and new business models are key drivers for further development. By promoting research and innovation and their collaboration in these fields, the EU and Japan could lead the world economy through technological competitiveness, and bring prosperity to their peoples and beyond.
Research and Innovation are also key to tackling the main challenges mankind is facing, such as climate change, environmental degradation and energy security and efficiency. With their cutting-edge technology and new ideas, the EU and Japan can contribute to tackling these global challenges.
2. Both the EU and Japan, in their relevant internal policies, place strong emphasis on measures to promote research and innovation.
- Japan has recently announced the final report on a long-term strategic guidance (Innovation 25) and will continue to pursue innovation policy such as Innovation Superhighway Initiative, under the Economic Growth Strategy Principles as well as policies laid out in the Third Science and Technology Basic Plan and the Comprehensive Strategy for Creating Innovation.
- In the EU, important initiatives have been undertaken to bring together education, research and innovation, such as the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), along with the Competitiveness and Innovation framework Programme (CIP), the Education and Training programmes, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence and competitiveness. The European Institute of Technology, aimed at overcoming the barriers between academia, business and research, is underway. Moreover, many Member States have national research and innovation policies which add to European-wide strategies.
3. The EU and Japan share the common intention to strengthen their collaboration aiming at creating the best possible framework conditions for research and innovation, identifying best practices, promoting their use both in the private and the public sector, and establishing a favourable legal and regulatory policy environment that will promote and protect research findings and innovations. For doing so they will build on a broad range of on-going joint cooperation efforts such as in research, science and technology, in trade policy and in particular the protection of intellectual property rights, and in support of private sector and business initiatives. Cooperation between individual EU Member States and Japan constitutes a further important pillar of cooperation in these fields.
4. The realms in which both parties can further strengthen their cooperation are as follows.Promotion of cooperation in research as an upstream source of innovations
- Cooperation under EU 6th Framework Programme (FP6) : EU-Japan collaboration through the Sixth Framework Programme did not so far fully reflect the huge R&D potential of these two major players in the world facing common challenges as indicated above. The number of European entities and researchers participating in Japanese research projects also remains modest. These facts call for Europe-Japan cooperation in research and development to grow in vigour and stature which in turn would give their relationship a new dimension.
- Exchange of researchers: the EU and Japan share the view that exchange of researchers will promote profound awareness regarding common issues and will lead to higher levels of research and innovation activities. Up to now, exchange of researchers between the EU and Japan featured more Japanese researchers coming to Europe than Europeans going to Japan. As the new "Staff exchange scheme" to be launched in 2008 through FP7, Japan would also be entitled to participate in this new scheme when the envisaged S&T agreement enters into force. Participating entities will be able to exchange their staff on shorter terms (1-12 month) over 4 years. This would create better ties between research institutions and give the opportunity to balance out exchange relations.
- The European Research Area (ERA)-Link project aims at networking European researchers abroad, to inform them and allow them to interact, and building synergies at the European level with those national activities that establish links with expatriate researchers, both to promote collaborations with the European research community and in support of “brain circulation”. ERA-Link was launched last year in the USA and the next country for its launch will be Japan for which the preparatory work has already started. As of June 2007, a survey will be launched among European researchers working in Japan in order to use its findings in the design of ERA-Link/Japan.
- The EU and Japan will work together to accelerate the development of fusion energy. Both sides express their firm commitment to the ITER project and the Broader Approach Activities for realisation of fusion energy and welcomed the recent entry into force of the Agreement for the Joint Implementation of the Broader Approach Activities between EURATOM and Japan.
The EU and Japan renew their commitment towards an early initialling of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the European Community on Cooperation in Science and Technology. It is expected that the Agreement will lay the basis to enhancing collaboration between the Community and Japan. They express their willingness to further invigorate joint activities in the areas of science and technology and note the significance of cooperation activities implemented under bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreements between 14 EU Members States and Japan.
Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and other trade-related measures
The EU and Japan, as advanced and knowledge-based economies, share the view that protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is vital for promoting innovation and competition. It is for this reason that the Summit has also adopted the EU- Japan Action Plan on IPR Protection and Enforcement. They also share the view that the multilateral trade rules offer a variety of instruments for combating practices which can hamper innovation efforts, such as protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) including anti-counterfeiting, anti-piracy measures and customs cooperation.
Support to and cooperation with the private sector, business initiatives, and academia
In order to translate new ideas derived from research into innovative products, services and business models, it is essential to enhance closer links between the private sector, industry, and academia of both sides and between them and the public sector. In this context, the EU and Japan recognised the importance of the work of the EU-Japan Business Dialogue Round Table and of the activities of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation. They welcome the existing cluster cooperation between Europe and Japan and will further encourage cluster cooperation for the full exploitation of its potential.
Developing an innovation-friendly environment
An open and competitive environment that vitalises business activities will facilitate the transfiguration of new ideas into innovative products, services and business models. It also facilitates direct investment related to research and development. The EU and Japan will continue to make efforts to promote an innovation-friendly legislative and regulatory environment as well as higher levels of two-way investment by the private sector through the Cooperation Framework for Promotion of Two-Way Investment of 2004 and various channels of dialogue, inter alia, the Regulatory Reform Dialogue. Furthermore, they share the view that convergence of regulations and standards can lead to the creation of innovation-friendly environment and reconfirm the intention that the interaction between regulatory approaches and standards and innovation activity be addressed this year in various dialogues including the Industrial Policy and Industrial Cooperation Dialogue.
Sector-related initiatives
Life Sciences
The EU and Japan share the view that Life Sciences and Biotechnology offer the prospects of contributing to our competitiveness as well as to addressing new challenges such as the perils of oil dependence, global warming, food security and the health of an ageing population. In this context both parties will promote joint dialogue and explore the possibilities for research collaboration including the promotion of development and market for eco-efficient bio-based products such as bio-fuels, bio-plastic, green chemicals etc.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Recalling the Joint Statement on Cooperation on Information and Communication Technology adopted at the EU-Japan Summit in June 2004, both parties confirm their intention to further accelerate their cooperation in the following areas: exchange of views concerning the regulatory framework in the ICT sector; cooperation towards the development of safer and securer environment for ICT usages; the use of ICT in support of public policies to face common challenges such as the ageing population; promotion of joint research activities, development and standardisation/interoperability; exchange of experience in advanced technologies such as Intelligent Transport Systems, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), ubiquitous network and next-generation, 4G mobile communication systems.
Nanotechnology
The EU and Japan are keen on promoting responsible research and are involved in international cooperation in this area in connection with the organisation of conferences for International Dialogue on Responsible Research. The International Nanotechnology Conferences on Communication and Cooperation are important as well. The INC4 conference will be held in Tokyo in April 2008. Both sides intend to explore the possibility of increasing their level of cooperation in this field.
Energy/ Climate Change
Both sides consider the need and the potential of innovation for reaching the objectives set out in the Joint Press Statement as very high indeed. They will continue dialogue and promote innovation in this area through efforts such as enhancing relevant research and development and promoting cost effective instruments to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies. They will continue collaboration with a view to improving the detection and projection of, and response to, climate change, particularly in observation activities such as the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), in modelling, atmospheric composition, water cycle and response strategies, as decided during the last EU-Japan workshop on climate change held in Brussels in March 2007.
5. Follow-up
The EU and Japan will continue to use all relevant channels for deepening their exchange of views and cooperation on research and innovation policies. They look forward to, and stand ready, to support and respond to public and private sector initiatives in this field as appropriate. The potential scope for intensified discussion and joint efforts in this field should be investigated at appropriate opportunities, such as those mentioned above and including EU-Japan ICT Forum to be held in Tokyo in 2008, as well as relevant other events in Europe.
The next meeting of the EU-Japan High Level Consultations will review the progress through such opportunities.
Annex
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU-JAPAN ACTION PLAN:
Priority Actions to be taken by the next EU-Japan Summit
Objective 1: Promoting Peace and Security
· Continue wide-ranging policy discussions on international and regional issues, in particular by pursuing the strategic dialogue on East Asia’s security environment and on Central Asia.
· Continue efforts to promote effective multilateralism as a means of tackling global challenges and reaffirm the vital role of the UN in this regard. Work together to provide multilateral solutions in the areas of development, peace and security, human rights and the rule of law as well as to strengthen the main UN bodies, as stated in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document.
· Pursue dialogue on Human Security, focusing on its concrete implementation in a wide range of issues to restore the livelihoods of people exposed to challenges such as poverty, infectious diseases, post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian de-mining, fight against the illicit spread of small arms and light weapons, environmental degradation and deforestation, adaptation to climate change, etc.
Objective 2: Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership by Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All
· Reinforce joint efforts to ensure a successful conclusion of the DDA negotiations.
· Enhance various dialogues under overall supervision of the High Level Consultations.
· Continue using the EU-Japan Regulatory Reform Dialogue (RRD) to achieve mutually beneficial results on outstanding regulatory issues.
· Build on the first meeting of the high level trade dialogue, held in Tokyo on 16 April.
· Conclude the Agreement on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance and commence its implementation.
· Building on the Joint Statement on Cooperation on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), foster cooperation on ICT research; reinforce regulatory and policy exchanges on areas of mutual interest (regulating in a convergent environment; challenges of Next Generation Networks deployment; Radio Frequency Identification (RFID); Open Source Software; developing safer and securer environments for ICT usages.
· Continue cooperation in the area of financial services regulation, including at forthcoming senior level contacts, with an emphasis on meeting the 2009 target for equivalence on accounting and auditing rules and standards.
· Continue cooperation under the new EU-Japan Action Plan on IPR Protection and Enforcement.
· Continue EU-Japan macro-economic dialogue.
Objective 3: Coping with Global and Societal Challenges
· Conclude and implement the EC-Japan Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology.
· Implement the ITER project in accordance with the ITER Agreement as soon as it enters into force. Implement the Broader Approach activities in accordance with the Broader Approach Agreement which entered into force on 1 June 2007.
· Hold a regular High Level Meeting on the Environment and conduct ad-hoc consultations at every opportunity, and intensify EU-Japan cooperation towards the establishment of an effective post-2012 framework in the field of climate change.
· Continue consultations on energy efficiency, sustainability and security through the newly-launched expert dialogue on energy.
· Develop new international strategy on energy efficiency with close cooperation with the IEA.
· Continue to take the lead in the development of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), especially toward the success of the Fourth Earth Observation Ministerial Summit in Capetown, South Africa on 30 November 2007.
· Continue and enhance ongoing dialogue on development policy and cooperation.
· Pursue dialogue on issues of mutual interest regarding maritime transport policy and maritime safety.
· Continue cooperation in the area of employment and hold a joint tripartite symposium on the diversification of forms of work and employment in Tokyo at the beginning of 2008.
Objective 4: Bringing Together People and Cultures
· Further build on the success of the 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges by reviewing the possibility to enhance exchange programmes, particularly in the field of higher education.
· Build on the experience of the pilot projects in the field of higher education and further enhance cooperation in this field between the EU and Japan. Explore the possibility of organising an ad hoc seminar on educational policy issues of mutual interest.
