The European Union is seeking security and defense partnerships with Japan and South Korea, a move that could lead to broader joint development projects in the defense industry, Nikkei has learned.
A senior European Commission official expressed their desire to develop partnership relations with Japan and South Korea to work more closely together while highlighting the rapidly changing security environment in Europe and Asia.
Brussels aims to reach a ministerial-level agreement with Japan by the end of the year.
The move comes as Europe and Asia see their security challenges start to align. Russia and North Korea on Wednesday agreed on a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” that includes mutual military support in times of crisis.
Brussels has security and defense partnerships with non-EU member countries like Norway. Setting up a similar partnership with Asian countries would be a first.
Japan and the EU have common challenges such as relatively small national defense industries, high costs for research and development and production, and a dependence on U.S. contractors.
There is a proposal to increase opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in EU-led defense R&D programs. The EU may provide funds for projects between Japanese and European companies.
Working with European companies could provided opportunities for Japan to improve its defense technology, cut costs and expand sales channels for its hardware.
For the EU side, a partnership would present a chance to create a foundation for defense industry collaboration with Japan, providing opportunities for joint development of equipment and increasing options for procurement sources.
South Korea, meanwhile, is increasing its arms exports to Europe. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland placed large orders for South Korean K2 tanks and K9 howitzers. Romania, Finland and Estonia are also increasing procurement of South Korean weapons.
The EU will also consider cooperation in areas like space, cybersecurity, disinformation and maritime security. The plan for a Japan partnership also includes cooperation on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, an issue important to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Brussels is worried about Russian cyberattacks and the possibility of disinformation impacting elections in member countries. Japan is working to counter cyberattacks and disinformation originating from China.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU published its first defense industrial strategy in March, based on which member states have come together to develop and increase production of weapons. Recognizing that the EU alone has its limits, the bloc looks to deepen ties with Japan, South Korea and other like-minded countries.
In a June 2023 interview with Nikkei, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said security was one area in which she aimed to upgrade Japan-EU relations. At a summit in July, the two sides agreed to launch a ministerial-level strategic dialogue on security.
