On May 24 2017, Ambassador H.E Viorel Isticioaia-Budura of the European Union (EU) to Japan gave a presentation on EU-Japan relations, as well as EU’s presence and position in the world at Waseda University’s Ono Auditorium, attracting about 200 Waseda students, faculty members and general public. The students displayed deep interests, and actively asked critical and insightful questions during the Q&A section.

In his presentation, Ambassador  Isticioaia-Budura addressed some of the key challenges both EU and Japan are currently facing, and illustrated how they can contribute regionally and globally by working together. He mentioned that at present, Japan is working closely with EU for the economic development, education and research, and also noted that Japan is a key and like-minded partner of EU, sharing many similar values. As an independent institute of higher learning, Waseda University has also been working together with EU for many years. Similarly, the University also shares many values with the EU such as advocating and embracing diversity.

Japan, as well as Waseda University, and EU, have maintained very good relationships throughout the years. Ambassador Isticioaia Budura is confident that they will continue to build a healthy and long-lasting friendship, and expand the areas of cooperation in future.

Waseda University-European Union relation

European Info (EUi)

Waseda University has been working closely with EU for a long time. The European Info (EUi), previously known as the European Document Center (EDC) and the fourth out of 19 centers in Japan, was established at Waseda Institute of Political Economy in 1987. They are full of publications issued by the Luxembourg-based Publication Office of the European Commission, and researchers as well as the general public are welcomed to access their rich databases.

EU Executive Training Program (ETP)

Waseda University has also been entrusted by the European Union to operate the prestigious EU Executive Training Program (ETP) since 2006. ETP is a human resource development program targeting EU companies and business people that are looking to enter or expand their businesses in the Japanese market. Under this program, participants will undergo Japanese language studies to acquire essential communication skills necessary in business and everyday life in Japan, as well as courses in business and management that provide a structured academic framework and practical knowledge. In addition, participants will also engage in a three-month internship in a Japanese company.

European Union Institute in Japan (EUIJ)

In an effort to promote academic cooperation and education between Japan and the EU, the European Union Institute in Japan (EUIJ) was established in Waseda University in 2009. The areas of study not only include European political science, law and economics, but also include other fields such as environment, medicine and other science and technology-related areas. Additionally, educational program such as the establishment of EU-related courses, special lectures by professor invited from the EU Member States, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate, joint research and academic exchanges with European universities etc. are also taking place. Although there are currently four Institutes in Japan, EUIJ Waseda is the only Institute to be established at a single university (the other three EUIJs are all joint-institutes among different universities).