The Ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and its 27 Member States held a working retreat on 8-9 May at the site of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, where most are present with individual or joint pavilions, to underscore the spirit of ‘Team Europe’ at this international endeavour to showcase sustainable, inclusive and innovative solutions for our future societies. 

Part of an annual effort by the Ambassadors to better familiarise themselves with areas outside of Tokyo, this year’s regional retreat was organised around Europe Day on 9 May, with participating Ambassadors joining EU Guest of Honour European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on stage at the official Europe Day Ceremony.
 

European Union, 2025

The national pavilions of Austria, Belgium, Czech, Poland, Hungary and Portugal opened their doors to offer a glimpse of their exhibitions; at the Austria pavilion, Team Europe celebrated the 30th anniversary of the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the EU.

European Union, 2025

At the EU Pavilion, the group was welcomed by the EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet together with Europa and Myaku-Myaku, the respective mascots symbolising the close partnership between EU and Japan on display at Osaka.