Meeting in Tokyo for their third Digital Partnership Council the European Union and Japan took steps to reinforce tech and digital cooperation between the two trading partners.
The trading partners aim to bolster their economic security by fostering resilience in critical digital technologies. Reviewing advancements made since the second Digital Partnership Council in 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.
The Council concluded with the following key outcomes:
- Semiconductors: The EU and Japan have 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.
The two partners are additionally due to sign a Letter of Intent on quantum technology on 13 May. This will enhance cooperation in quantum science and technology, tackling global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, material science, cybersecurity, and energy sustainability.
