Partnerships built on shared values are the bedrock of a stable and just global order. The relationship between Japan and the European Union is a model of such principled partnership, anchored in mutual respect, democratic values and a joint commitment to peace, prosperity and the rules-based international system,” Prime Minister Plenković said in Tokyo today, adding that the European Union seeks to lead by example, not by coercion, and that in this mission it has found one of its closest and most reliable allies in Japan.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković gave a lecture today at Keio University in Tokyo on the topic „The EU’s Role in a Fragmented World”.
He began by saying that his visit was a strong message of partnership between Croatia and Japan and an opportunity to further improve bilateral relations, expressing deep respect for Japan’s rich culture and historical heritage, as well as its role as a partner and ally in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
“In an age of instability, uncertainty and political opportunism, Japan and the European Union remain steadfast allies”, said Plenković.
“No one can doubt that the European Union and Japan not only share common interests but are also bound by shared values. Democracy, human rights, the rule of law and commitment to peace. We stand together on the most essential questions of our time – democratic resilience, the international rules-based order and the promotion of stability in a fragmented world. Even though we are separated by geography, our global responsibilities – and our challenges – are closely aligned. The global order we once relied upon is under increasing strain.
A divided world and geopolitical tensions
Geopolitical tensions are rising, the brutal war of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, dominated by the conflict and the war between Israel and Hamas, are getting wider, as well as security challenges in the Indo-Pacific are all reshaping our world. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has caused immense suffering, but his strategy has already failed. The Russian economy is stagnant, its energy infrastructure has been degraded, and its international standing diminished.
Instead of an anticipated quick victory from Kremlin’s point of view, Russia finds itself increasingly dependent on others. What remains critical is to ensure this aggression is not rewarded. If conquest leads to concession of territory, it will send a danger signal to others that the strong can again dominate the weaker ones.
This is why European Union stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine. This war is not only about European security. It is a test of whether we want to live in a world defined by cooperation and international law, or one governed by might and force.
The key role of the European Union in restoring trust and creating global partnerships
Beyond conflict, the world is being transformed by economic disruption, protectionism, digital transformation and climate instability. Migration pressures are rising. Multilateralism is being put in question.
And trust between governments, peoples and economies is eroding. Yet, despite these challenges, we remain hopeful. Because with transformation also comes opportunity to rebuild trust, to defend our values and to forge global partnerships that are both principled and pragmatic.
And in today’s unsecure world, the role of the European Union is pivotal. This is because the European Union is not only a political economic union. It is, most of all, a peace project.
Born from the ashes of war, the European Union was created to transform conflict into cooperation and rivalry into partnership. Today, it remains a beacon of diplomacy, not domination, setting global standards on human rights, climate and digital governance.
In our neighborhood, the Western Balkans, the EU plays a stabilizing and a transformational role.
Croatia is today one of the fastest growing economies in the EU
Croatia actively supports EU enlargement for countries genuinely committed to European reforms and standards. Croatia speaks on these issues with particular conviction. Barely three decades ago, we defended our independence in a war of aggression that caused damages amounting to roughly 160% of our pre-war GDP, destroyed nearly 15% of our housing stock and claimed almost 20,000 lives. We know that it means to rebuild from ruin. To clear more than 1,100 square kilometers of landmines, twice the area submerged in the 2011 tsunami in Japan.
We have transformed ourselves from a post-conflict society into a NATO, EU, Eurozone and Schengen member and soon a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Today, Croatia is not only a popular global tourist destination but also one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union, recording the second-highest GDP growth rate in 2024. This journey gives Croatia a unique perspective on why peace, resilience and international law are not abstractions, but conditions for survival and progress.
In an era of renewed great power competition, the European Union and Japan strongly support multilateral institutions
We also lead on climate. Through the European Green Deal, we aim to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This includes an ambitious shift to renewable energy, circular economy models and biodiversity preservation.
These are goals we share with Japan, another global leader in environmental innovation. The EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, launched in 2021, is investing 300 billion euros globally to build sustainable infrastructure – from digital and energy to transport and health. We welcome Japan’s interest and cooperation in this initiative, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
On defense, the European Union is indeed stepping up. Member states are increasing spending, coordinating more closely and investing in strategic autonomy, all the while remaining aligned and loyal to NATO as the main security and political security alliance.
This, too, is an area where Japan’s closer partnership with NATO is needed. And let us not forget, Europe remains the largest humanitarian donor in the world, contributing over 30 billion euros in development and humanitarian aid annually. Together with Japan, also a top donor, we are saving lives, rebuilding societies and offering hope in regions devastated by poverty or disaster.
In an era of renewed great-power competition, the European Union continues to stand firm in support of multilateral institutions, United Nations, WTO, and the rules-based international order. We know Japan does the same. Together, we will continue to defend the norms that underpin peace and cooperation.
EU-Japan cooperation: A model for the future
And in Japan, we find a partner who shares these views. This is why I am glad to state that the relationship between the European Union and Japan has actually never been stronger. Together, we represent close to a fifth of global GDP and, more importantly, a shared vision for the future.
Our strategic partnership agreement, as well as the economic partnership agreement, form the foundation of cooperation on everything from climate and security to human rights and trade.
This vision was confirmed at the recent EU-Japan summit when we launched a new competitiveness alliance to boost cooperation and innovation, trade, and strategic supply chains like semiconductors, agreed to strengthen the defense industry ties, and expand joint efforts in cyber security as well as the economic security.
On digital transformation, the EU-Japan are announcing joint work on artificial intelligence governance, 5G/6G infrastructure, cybersecurity and data privacy, setting standards that others look to emulate.
On climate, we are aligning efforts of the EU-Japan Green Alliance, launched in 2021, which targets carbon neutrality, clean hydrogen, circular economy, and green finance.
On Ukraine, Japan and the EU stood side by side, with Japan contributing over12 billion euros in aid and support since the war began.
On security, Japan is strengthening ties with NATO and the EU is deepening its engagement with NATO in the Indo-Pacific, where stability and freedom of navigation are vital to global trade.
Partnerships built on shared values are the foundation of a stable and just global order
In all areas of importance for world stability and progress, we cooperate and stand side by side.
Ladies and gentlemen, in a time marked by fragmentation, rising tensions, and profound uncertainty, it is clearer than ever that we cannot afford to face these challenges alone.
Partnerships built not on convenience but on shared values are the bedrock of a stable and just global order.
The relationship between Japan and the European Union is a model of such principled partnership, anchored in mutual respect, democratic values, and a joint commitment to peace, prosperity, and the rules-based international system. It is a relationship grounded in trust and driven by action.
The European Union, with Croatia as a proud and active member, does not seek hegemony or dominance. We seek cooperation, stability, and lasting peace. We seek to lead by example, not by coercion. And in Japan, we have found one of our closest and most reliable allies in that mission.
Together we stand on the front lines of the most pressing global issues, defending the integrity of democracy, promoting climate action, safeguarding peace and security, and ensuring technological progress. This is not only a strategic alliance, it is a moral alliance and a testament to what is possible when nations act not just in their interests but in the interests of all.
So let us not retreat in the face of adversity. Let us move forward with purpose, unity, and equality. Let us show the world that cooperation is not a weakness but our greatest strength.
And let us work side by side to shape a future that is safer, fairer, and more humane for the generations to come.”