The EU will lift remaining controls on Japanese food imports imposed after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, in a boost for Tokyo as it faces international pressure over other measures related to the nuclear plant.Brussels has gradually removed controls on food items coming from regions affected by the nuclear explosion. Products including wild mushrooms, some fish and wild edible plants have remained subject to pre-export testing.

“The decision by the EU to lift import restrictions on Japanese food will provide strong support to the reconstruction of the affected area,” said Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida during a press conference after an EU-Japan summit in Brussels.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the decision was “based on science, based on the proof of evidence and based on the assessment of the International Atomic Energy Agency”.