The aim of the EU-Japan Summit is to adopt an action plan for cooperation on intellectual property and to sign a declaration of intent for increased cooperation on energy efficiency issues. Efforts will also be made to conclude a customs cooperation agreement and to endorse increased cooperation on innovation policy.

The EU's ties with Japan are close and based on trust. A large number of fixed meetings are held to intensify cooperation at all levels. The basis for these is the EU-Japan Action Plan, which was adopted on 8 December 2001 and contains a comprehensive work programme focusing on foreign policy, the economy, societal issues and interpersonal exchange.

With regard to the economic and trade partnership in particular, cooperation is to be strengthened in areas such as information and communication technology and multilateral trade as well as in development aid and the fight against poverty. The Action Plan is reviewed and updated at the annual summits.