EU moves towards security and defence partnership with Japan, South Korea

Japan's Nikkei Asia newspaper reported on June 23 that the European Union (EU) is seeking to establish a security and defense partnership with Japan and South Korea, aiming to move towards joint cooperation in defense industry development projects.

The newspaper quoted a senior European Commission (EC) official as saying that the EU wants to develop such partnerships with Japan and South Korea in the context of the profoundly changing security environment in Europe and Asia.

According to Nikkei Asia, the move will mark the first time the EU has established a security and defense partnership with Asian countries.

The EU has established security and defence partnerships with non-EU member states such as Norway.

Within this partnership, the EU is looking at cooperation with Japan and South Korea in areas such as space, cyber security, maritime security as well as countering disinformation.

For Japan in particular, there has been a proposal to expand opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in EU-led defence research and development programmes.

The EU could provide funding for joint projects between Japanese and European companies. The plan also includes cooperation on disarmament and non-proliferation.

The EU hopes to reach a ministerial-level agreement with Japan by the end of this year, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Representatives of the Japanese and South Korean Foreign Ministries as well as the EU delegation in Tokyo have not commented on the above information.

In recent years, Japan has increased cooperation in the defense industry with countries around the world.

Last year, the Northeast Asian country signed an agreement with Britain and Italy to establish a program to develop a new generation fighter jet.

Meanwhile, last March, the EU announced the bloc's first defense industrial strategy, aiming to strengthen cooperation among member states in investment, research, development and procurement of defense equipment.

The strategy also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the EU and countries with similar interests.

Analysts say cooperation with European companies could provide Japan with an opportunity to improve its defense technology, while reducing costs and expanding defense equipment sales channels.

For the EU, the partnership will create a basis for coordination with Japan in the defence industry, providing opportunities for joint development of defence equipment and increased procurement resources.