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Associate Professor KURACHI Shintaro’s seminar of the School of Political Science and Economics invited Mr. Jarl FRIJS-MADSEN, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Japan to give a lecture at Global Front, Surugadai Campus on October 27. This lecture was hosted by KURACHI’s seminar and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Japan, co-hosted by the Department of Economics of the School, and supported by the Japan-Denmark Society.

The theme of the lecture was “The Future of Politics and Economics in the EU and Denmark.” Denmark, which has recently attracted global attention for its e-government, renewable energy, and high welfare standards, is set to assume the presidency of the EU in the second half of 2025. In the first half of the lecture, the Ambassador gave a multifaceted explanation on the history of EU-Denmark relations, Denmark’s role as the EU presidency, the relationship between the EU and Denmark, and comparisons with Japan.

In the second half of the session, the Ambassador held a question-and-answer session with interested students and others. Five students from the School of Political Science and Economics and the Graduate School of Political Science and Economics took the stage and asked questions based on discussions held during a joint preparatory study session with Rikkyo University students. The students expressed their views on diverse aspects of Danish society, including EU-Denmark relations, labor market policies, energy policies, multicultural coexistence, and care policies. The participants also asked questions on security and economic policies, indicating their strong interest in the EU and Denmark. The Ambassador offered insightful comments on the historical background of Denmark and the EU, as well as comparisons with Japan.

One of the participating students commented, “It was impressive to learn that uniting many countries within the framework of the EU gains numerous advantages in terms of international competitiveness and security, and that this is tied to national character and identity.”

On the day of the lecture, more than 110 participants attended both in person and online, and the lecture ended successfully. This lecture provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the present situation of the EU, Denmark and Japan. KURACHI’s seminar will continue to develop exchange opportunities connecting the EU, Denmark, and Japan.