EU and Japan Strengthen Energy Cooperation to Achieve Climate Neutrality

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen energy cooperation, aiming to achieve a climate-neutral EU by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Japan. On September 16, 2025, high-level representatives from both sides met to deepen cooperation on clean, secure, and affordable energy. The partnership will focus on building resilient and reliable supply chains in clean energy sectors, including wind, solar, and hydrogen.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU and Japan will work together to identify common priorities and challenges in the energy sector and develop joint actions to address them.
  • The partnership will contribute to the EU's and Japan's climate and energy goals, including the EU's goal of achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050.
  • The EU-Japan Energy Dialogue 2025 will promote the secure and sustainable supply of energy, including through the development of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
  • The first meeting of the Japan-EU Intergovernmental Gas Dialogue took place as part of the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of a resilient natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) sector for affordability and security of supply.
  • The joint commitment from both sides reflects the growing need for international cooperation to address the climate crisis and ensure energy security.
  • The partnership will also support the development of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar energy, to meet the increasing global demand for clean energy.

Statistics:

  • The EU aims to achieve a climate-neutral EU by 2050, according to the European Commission.
  • Japan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80% of 2013 levels by 2050, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
  • Renewable energy sources accounted for 26% of Japan's total energy mix in 2022, according to theJapanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
  • Wind energy accounted for 10% of Japan's total renewable energy mix in 2022, while solar energy accounted for 5%, according to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Sources:

  • European Commission. "EU and Japan strengthen energy cooperation, 16 September 2025."
  • Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan. "Japan's Climate Change Policy."