On November 13, 2018, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) EU-Japan Follow-up Committee held a High-Level Conference on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Tokyo. 

As part of the conference, a panel discussion was held on the theme "The role of the civil society in monitoring the EU-Japan EPA".

The Managing Director of JCCU, WADA Toshiaki, who participated as one of the speakers, explained that "EPA is aimed to realize a better economic society for consumers and citizens, and that it should not destroy the national economy and the civil society". He continued to explain how representatives of Japanese consumers participate in Government Council meetings and play a role in policy formation.

He expressed the importance of having a mechanism that allows consumers' opinions to be appropriately reflected in the operation of EPA. To that end, he mentioned the necessity of having permanent places where civil society can participate in decisions and make suggestions.

WADA Toshiaki, Managing Director of JCCU making a speech