In view of the European Parliament’s Plenary vote on 12 December, the EU agri-food chain partners, COPA and COGECA, CELCAA and FoodDrinkEurope call on Honourable Members of the European Parliament to vote in favour of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) at the 12 December EP Plenary session.
Japan is among the strategic export destinations for EU agri-food products, with further potential for growth. The agreed elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, the protection of European geographical indications (GIs), and future cooperation on agriculture and food related matters will create new export opportunities for a wide range of products and help to better respond to changing consumer demands in each other’s economies. The agreement will also enhance the sector’s competitiveness in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, which is key in view of other regional agreements entering into force soon such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Following the approval of the EU-Japan EPA by the Japanese Diet (National Parliament) on 8 December, we now count on the Honourable Members of the European Parliament to provide their consent for this historic agreement with Japan, a like-minded partner and strong supporter of rules-based trade.
A successful EP Plenary vote on Wednesday 12 December would enable the EU-Japan EPA to enter into force as of 1 February 2019.
*For further information on the benefits of the EU-Japan EPA for the EU agri-food sector please consult our infographic here.