The EU and Japan are stepping up cooperation on AI, data, quantum computing and chips

At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council held in Brussels, the European Union and Japan agreed on new measures to deepen cooperation on regulation, research and industry in the areas of data, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms.

These measures will improve cross-border data flows, promote interoperable digital identities and strengthen cooperation on research, platform regulation and digital infrastructure, whilst delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.

The meeting brought together Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and Japanese ministers Hisashi Matsumoto, Minister for Digital Transformation; Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications; and Toshiyuki Ochi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry.

Data governance and data flows

To improve data exchange, the EU and Japan deepened their discussions on the joint development and interoperability of data spaces. They agreed to establish a Data Strategy Working Group to improve the interoperability of data policy frameworks, which will help boost competitiveness and innovation. They also welcomed the successful conclusion of talks to extend the scope of the EU’s adequacy decision on Japan to the academic and research sectors, which will facilitate joint research and innovation.

Digital identity

A successful pilot project on interoperable digital identities demonstrated that cross-border use is technically feasible, even where governance frameworks and technical architectures differ. Through prototypes of digital identity wallets, the project demonstrated how interoperability can be achieved in practice between different systems.

Artificial intelligence

As global leaders in cutting-edge artificial intelligence, the EU and Japan are working together to ensure that emerging technologies contribute to the public good without losing their competitive edge. They welcomed the agreement on Japan’s future participation inHorizon Europe, which will accelerate joint research, including in digital areas such as AI. They also committed to signing a Cooperation Agreement to deepen collaboration on AI research and innovation, as well as on AI security.

Quantum

TheLetter of Intent, signed in 2025, has fostered greater cooperation in quantum science and technology. The EU and Japan welcomed the launch of the joint research project Q-Neko. This project brings together European and Japanese partners to advance hybrid computing environments and explore quantum solutions in areas such as materials science, CO2 reduction, communication networks, fluid dynamics, satellite image analysis and others. The partners also agreed to explore new possibilities for cooperation in the quantum field, including with companies in the sector.

Digital infrastructure and standardisation

From submarine cables to semiconductors, critical global digital infrastructure is essential for a resilient digital backbone and economic security. The EU and Japan welcomed the meetings of the joint working group on global connectivity policy issues, where the security and resilience of submarine cables, connectivity projects in the Indo-Pacific and connectivity in the Arctic were discussed, and confirmed that these discussions will continue. The EU and Japan also welcomed the progress of the joint research project on 6G, which contributes to strengthening European and Japanese leadership in 6G network technologies. On standardisation, they welcomed increased collaboration between their respective standardisation bodies.

Semiconductors

On semiconductors, the EU and Japan confirmed their intention to address the challenges posed by non-market policies and practices, as well as supply chain dependencies in critical sectors. They also encouraged further exploration of opportunities for collaborative research on next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Platforms

Cooperation on online platforms will be strengthened through aCooperation Agreementbetween Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology. This agreement will deepen cooperation on the transparency of content moderation systems and the effectiveness of reporting systems for illegal content and copyright-infringing information. They also welcomed the Cooperation Agreement signed in 2025 between the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the European Commission to promote fair and competitive digital markets.

Next steps

During the talks, the EU and Japan agreed to begin collaborating in new areas, such as video games and audiovisual strategies. The fifth meeting of the Digital Partnership Council will take place in Tokyo in 2027.

Background

The EU and Japan are among the world’s leading digital economies. Since the launch of their Digital Partnership at the 29th Japan-EU Summit held in Tokyo in 2022, they have stepped up their collaboration in numerous digital and technological fields.

Digital partnershipsare one of the ways in which the EU collaborates with like-minded countries on key digital priorities. The partnership with Japan provides a framework for joint research, regulatory dialogue, collaboration on innovation and the promotion of common positions in international forums. This partnership is in line with theEU’s Indo-Pacific cooperation strategy, which aims to strengthen ties with countries in the region.

It also reflects the objectives of the European Commission’s International Digital Strategy to deepen existing ties and forge new partnerships and dialogues.

More information: European Commission.