EU and Japan reinforce tech and digital partnership

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

The EU and Japan held their third Digital Partnership Council today in Tokyo to reinforce tech and digital cooperation between the EU and Japan. The Council was co-chaired by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, alongside Masaaki Taira, Minister for Digital Transformation, Masashi Adachi, State Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and Shinji Takeuchi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

In the face of current global geopolitical uncertainties, the EU and Japan reaffirmed the growing importance of their partnership. They recognise the need to boost their competitiveness and promote a values-driven approach to global digital governance. Additionally, they aim to bolster their economic security by fostering resilience in critical digital technologies. Building on the successful implementation of their Digital Partnership, they reviewed the advancements made since the second Digital Partnership Councilin 2024.

The EU and Japan agreed to further cooperate on core digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, semiconductors, high performance computing and quantum technology. They will also strengthen their collaboration on data governance and online platforms, submarine cables, Arctic connectivity, digital identities, trust services, and cybersecurity.

Today’s Council concluded with the following key outcomes:

• Semiconductors: The EU and Japan confirmed their commitment to collaborative research on semiconductor. They also committed to enhance their efforts to ensure semiconductor supply chain resilience through information exchange and early warning mechanisms.
• Research: The partners agreed to expand their cooperation on beyond 5G/6G research, with a focus on the joint project 6G MIRAI-HARMONY which aims to develop AI powered networks for user-focused communications.
• Quantum computing and AI: The EU and Japan launched a joint research call for collaborative projects on quantum computing, with applications in fields such as biomedicine, materials sciences, and climate modelling. They have also reiterated their commitment to promoting innovative, safe, secure and trustworthy AI, including the Hiroshima AI process.
• Digital identities and trust services: The EU and Japan are working towards achieving interoperability and mutual recognition of academic credentials through digital identity and trust services, building on the Memorandum of Cooperation.
• Data governance: The partners have started work on establishing a possible joint working group to facilitate improved data sharing and interoperability of data spaces.
• Online platforms and digital markets: Recognising the need for a safe online environment, protecting users’ fundamental rights, the EU and Japan have engaged in regulatory exchanges to promote effective online platform governance and fair digital markets.
• Cybersecurity: Through their sixth EU-Japan Cyber Dialogue, both partners have exchanged information on regulatory developments, particularly regarding critical infrastructure protection and product security.
• Submarine cables and connectivity: The EU and Japan have reinforced their cooperation on submarine cables, recognising the importance of secure, resilient and sustainable global connectivity. They have also recognised the importance of the development of the pioneering Arctic connectivity route to ensure trusted data flows between Europe and Japan.

Next Steps

On 13 May, Executive-Vice-President Virkkunen and Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi will sign a Letter of Intent on quantum technology. This will enhance cooperation in quantum science and technology, tackling global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, material science, cybersecurity, and energy sustainability. More information will be available here tomorrow.

The fourth Digital Partnership Council is planned for 2026, in Brussels.

Background

The EU and Japan are among the world’s leading digital economies. Since the launch of the first Digital Partnership in 2022 during the 29th Japan-EU summit in Tokyo, they have advanced their collaboration in many digital and tech areas. The Digital Partnership encompasses cooperation through collaborative research, regulatory dialogue, and fostering common positions in international fora. This partnership aligns with the EU’s strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at strengthening ties with countries in the region.