The EU and Japan held their third Digital Partnership Council today in Tokyo to strengthen technological and digital cooperation. 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 light of current global geopolitical uncertainties, the EU and Japan reaffirmed the growing importance of their partnership. They recognize the need to enhance competitiveness and promote a values-driven approach to global digital governance. Additionally, they aim to bolster economic security by fostering resilience in critical digital technologies. They reviewed progress since the second Digital Partnership Council in 2024.
The EU and Japan agreed to further cooperate on core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, semiconductors, high-performance computing, and quantum technology. They will also enhance collaboration on data governance and online platforms, submarine cables, Arctic connectivity, digital identities, trust services, and cybersecurity.
Todays Council concluded with the following key outcomes:
- Semiconductors: The EU and Japan confirmed their commitment to collaborative research on semiconductors. They also pledged to enhance efforts to ensure semiconductor supply chain resilience through information exchange and early warning mechanisms.
- Research: The partners agreed to expand cooperation on beyond 5G/6G research, focusing 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 biomedicine, materials sciences, and climate modeling. They 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, based 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: Recognizing the need for a safe online environment and the protection of users fundamental rights, the EU and Japan have engaged in regulatory exchanges to promote effective governance of online platforms and fair digital markets.
- Cybersecurity: Through their sixth EU-Japan Cyber Dialogue, both partners exchanged information on regulatory developments, particularly regarding critical infrastructure protection and product security.
- Submarine cables and connectivity: The EU and Japan have reinforced cooperation on submarine cables, recognizing the importance of secure, resilient, and sustainable global connectivity. They also acknowledged the importance of developing 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, addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, materials 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 worlds 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 forums. This partnership aligns with the EUs strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at strengthening ties with countries in the region.