EU-Japan cooperation in Economic Security: ‘If you stand on one foot only, you are shaky’--Economic power demands comprehensive security cooperation including military field

The EU and Japan face growing pressure to integrate economic and hard security amid intensifying US-China rivalry and the increasing weaponization of economic tools. Separating economics and politics no longer works: Economic strength alone is insufficient without credible military, technological, and cyber capabilities, leaving both actors vulnerable. Dependencies on China in critical sectors (rare earth, renewable tech, AI …) further constrain their strategic positioning. Both pursue de-risking strategies while strengthening defence capabilities and industrial bases, as seen in Japan’s evolving arms export policies and joint defence initiatives. Expanding partnerships with countries such as India, ASEAN members, and Australia enhances resilience. Japan’s FOIP.2 sharpens its approach to economic security. The EU reaches out to CPTPP and reflects on institutional innovations like an Economic Security Council. A comprehensive approach based on “strategic responsibility” is needed to get at the table and not on the menu.