European Parliament adopts resolution to support EPA with Japan
Mainichi Daily News, Japan
European Parliament adopts resolution to support EPA with Japan
12 May 2011
BRUSSELS (Kyodo) — The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution in support of signing an economic partnership agreement with Japan on condition that Tokyo further opens up its market.
The resolution adopted by a majority does not carry a legally binding power but may assist Japan’s goal of reaching an agreement to launch an EPA negotiation on the occasion later this month of a regular summit meeting between Japan and the European Union.
The resolution emphasizes the need for Japan to make full efforts in eliminating nontariff barriers and other obstacles before the EPA negotiation would start.
The resolution also demands that the European Union secures the right to invoke a safeguard measure to protect European manufacturers in areas with strong Japanese presence, such as automobiles, electronics and machines.
