On 12 May, the European Union (EU) and Japan held their third Digital Partnership Council in Tokyo to strengthen technological cooperation. The Council was co-chaired by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, along with Japanese officials 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 global geopolitical uncertainties, both the EU and Japan recognised the importance of their partnership in enhancing competitiveness and promoting a values-driven approach to digital governance. They agreed to expand collaboration in key areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, semiconductors, high-performance computing, quantum technology, data governance, and cybersecurity.
On 13 May, Virkkunen and Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi will sign a Letter of Intent on quantum technology, fostering cooperation to address climate change and energy sustainability challenges. The next Digital Partnership Council is scheduled for 2026 in Brussels.
“Today in Tokyo, we have reinforced the already strong EU-Japan digital partnership. Deepening our work on core technologies to ensure mutual competitiveness is now more important than ever. This strategic partnership holds real economic weight for both the EU and Japan, and I look forward to advancing it,” Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said.
Key outcomes of the Council include: The EU and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative semiconductor research and enhancing supply chain resilience through information exchange. Both parties agreed to expand cooperation beyond 5G and 6G research, focusing on the 6G MIRAI-HARMONY project to develop AI-powered networks for user-centric communications. A joint research call for quantum computing projects has been launched, targeting applications in biomedicine, materials science, and climate modelling. The EU and Japan emphasised their commitment to promoting innovative and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), including initiatives like the Hiroshima AI process.
Efforts are underway to achieve interoperability and mutual recognition of academic credentials through digital identity services, as established in the Memorandum of Cooperation. A potential joint working group will enhance data sharing and interoperability of data spaces.
Both parties are engaged in regulatory exchanges to promote effective online platform governance and protect users’ rights. During the sixth EU-Japan Cyber Dialogue, discussions included regulatory developments on critical infrastructure protection and product security.
Collaboration on submarine cables has been strengthened to ensure secure and resilient global connectivity. Lastly, the partners highlighted the importance of developing a pioneering Arctic connectivity route for trusted data flows between Europe and Japan.
