On Thursday 24 April, we had a very special Dujat visit to the European Parliament with a group of about 40 Dujat members.
At the EU parliament, we were welcomed by Tom Berendsen (MEP, CDA – The Netherlands), and Christel Schaldemose (Vice President, Socialdemokratiet – Denmark) who each took time to speak to our members and answer questions about several topics.
Among other things, Tom Berendsen spoke about international cooperation in the field of trade and industry, but also areas such as security and defense. The cooperation between Japan and the EU contributes to the prosperity of both sides. Moreover, Japan and the EU share common values, particularly in the realm of democracy.
In addition to answering questions concerning AI, sustainability, energy transition and more, as a Member (former Chair) of the EP Delegation for Relations with Japan, since 2009, Christel Schaldemose shared about her experiences with Japan and about the importance of our continuous collaboration.
After the meeting, a tour at the European Parliament Hemicycle and a lunch, we visited The Mission of Japan to the European Union.
At The Mission of Japan to the European Union, we were kindly welcomed by Minister Okabe and his team who engaged in an interactive meeting with our members. We learned more about the involvement of their organization in EU-Japan procedures, and how they cooperate with Japanese embassies through all of the EU member states.
It was an interesting day which highlighted the importance of EU-Japan relations, the current challenges we are all facing, and also the opportunities for more future collaboration.
We extend our warmest gratitude to Tom Berendsen, Christel Schaldemose, The Mission of Japan to the European Union, and to Anna Schröder who was a great support for the organization of this visit. ありがとうございました！
Date: Thursday 24 April
Time: 10:45 – 14:30
Starting point: European Parliament Visitor Centre, Wiertzstraat 60, 1047 Brussels, Belgium [meeting point in front of the piece of the Berlin Wall: Google Maps link for precise navigation].
Programme:
- Dujat Bus (optional)
07:00 Gather in front of Cityden Stadshart, Amstelveen
07:15 Dujat Bus departs from Amstelveen
- Main Programme:
10:45 Arrival at European Parliament Visitor Centre and Security Check
11:00 Visit to The European Parliament Hemicycle
11:30 Meeting with Tom Berendsen, Member of the European Parliament
- MEP since 2019, on behalf of CDA (the Dutch Christian Democrats)
- Active in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, and Committee on Transport and Tourism
12:00 Meeting with Christel Schaldemose, Vice President of the European Parliament
- MEP since 2006, on behalf of Socialdemokratiet (the Danish Social Democrats)
- Member (former Chair) of the EP Delegation for Relations with Japan, since 2009
12:30 Lunch at the European Parliament Visitors Centre
13:15 Departure to The Mission of Japan to the European Union
13:30 Meeting with The Mission of Japan to the European Union
- Welcome by Minister Daisuke Okabe, Head of the Economic Section at the Mission of Japan to the EU
- Based on your topics of interests that were submitted, they will prepare this meeting and invite attaches that cover the areas.
14:30 End of Programme, Dujat Bus returns to Amstelveen