The Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the European Union: analysis of the first years of life and prospects for the future

On 1 February 2019 the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) entered into force, thelargest trade agreement signed to date by the EU. The conclusion of this agreement meant the creationof the largest free trade area in the world, covering nearly 640 million people and one-third of theworld's gross domestic product, all in the middle of the Trump era, a clear defender of protectionism.It eliminates over 90% of the tariffs paid by European companies exporting to Japan and representsa clear move against protectionism. Both powers share the same interests and values of democracy,the rule of law and the defence of human rights. This paper analyses the EPA taking into account thenegotiation process, the normative text, the key elements and the impact of its first years ofimplementation. The work is completed with some conclusions, taking into account the repercussionsof the crisis caused by COVID-19