Decision (EU) 2019/1317 on the position to be adopted within the Joint Committee established under the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership

Summary:

Council Decision of 18 July 2019 establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the Union regarding the adoption of the list of individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

Further information:

The Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership aims to liberalise and facilitate trade and investment, as well as to promote a closer economic relationship between the Parties. The Agreement entered into force on 1 February 2019.

The Joint Committee established under the Agreement comprises representatives of both Parties. At its first meeting on 10 April 2019 the Joint Committee adopted the Rules of Procedure of a Panel and the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators as referred to in Chapter 21 (Dispute Settlement). The Joint Committee shall also establish a list of at least nine individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators.

A draft list of fifteen individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators has been prepared between the parties. The adoption of the List of Arbitrators is essential for rendering the Agreement's provisions in the Chapter on dispute settlement operational and hence for ensuring a smooth implementation of the Agreement.