EU, Japan Launch Alliance Against Russian Aggression, Economic Coercion

At the EU-Japan Summit, leaders condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine and pledged to maintain sanctions on Russian assets until the conflict ends and reparations are made, while also supporting accountability for war crimes and opposing any assistance to Russia, including its military cooperation with North Korea. Concurrently, the EU and Japan launched a 'competitiveness alliance' aimed at deepening bilateral trade, enhancing economic resilience, and fostering cooperation in innovation and green and digital development to counterbalance US tariffs and Chinese trade practices. They emphasized their shared commitment to a rules-based, free, and fair global economic order, with plans to elevate economic dialogue and strengthen defense industry ties. This partnership also reflects a strategic response to recent US-Japan trade agreements and ongoing challenges in EU-US trade negotiations. Both parties underscored the importance of economic security and global competitiveness, signaling increased cooperation on information security and other strategic areas. The alliance represents a coordinated effort to uphold international trade standards and support Ukraine politically, financially, and diplomatically amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.