ABSTRACT
Although allegedly ‘strategic’ partners, the question remains whether the European Union (EU) and Japan share more than primarily economic interests. This issue was highlighted when Japan viewed EU enlargement in 2004 first and foremost as a potential disadvantage for Japanese companies operating in Europe. Although then foreign minister Kawaguchi Yoriko congratulated the EU, part of her statement expressed concern:
Japan has been conducting various consultations and talks with the EU and its new member countries so that Japanese business circles and especially Japanese companies operating in Europe, for example, will not be disadvantaged by the enlargement. Japan will continue to consult with the EU and its member countries, so that this enlargement will be beneficial to both Japan and the EU and their relations will be further strengthened.
(Kawaguchi Yoriko, 1 May 2004) 1