Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission’s executive vice president for prosperity and industrial strategy, seems to be calling for greater cooperation. To that end, he encourages Japan and the European Union to jointly develop rare-earth minerals and other resources in Greenland. In a September 17, 2025 interview with Nikkei, Séjourné stressed the importance of this partnership. He made these comments at their public discussion in Tokyo on September 16.
The partnership is being framed by both sides as a smart, strategic way to increase resource security for both regions. Séjourné underscored the importance of rare earths for our high-tech industries, from electronics to the green technologies of the future, like wind and solar power. Together, Japan and the EU would not only strengthen their supply chains, but ease reliance on outside suppliers.
Seiko Ota took in the scene as part of her process, during the interview to record their gathering. Séjourné pointed to the European bloc’s efforts to create their own deregulatory template. This smart from the start plan always intended to speed up processes and encourage much-needed investment in critical natural resources, like those located in Greenland. Séjourné believes that Japan’s technological expertise combined with the EU’s regulatory framework could lead to a successful partnership in resource development.
Séjourné’s comments ring true as Japan and the EU rush to lock down access to critical minerals. That urgency comes in the context of intense global competition. The collaboration could pave the way for innovative solutions in sustainable resource management, aligning with both parties’ commitments to environmental stewardship.