Leadership and Objectives

The Digital partnership Council was co-chaired by key figures from both sides. Representing the EU was Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech sovereignty, Security and Democracy. Japan’s delegation included Masaaki Taira, Minister for Digital Conversion; Masashi Adachi, State Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications; and Shinji Takeuchi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and industry.

At the heart of the Council’s discussions was the shared recognition of the need to boost competitiveness and promote a values-driven approach to global digital governance. This partnership builds upon the successful implementation of their Digital Partnership, with significant advancements noted since the second Council meeting in 2024.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The Council’s primary objective is to strengthen the economic security of both the EU and Japan by enhancing resilience in critical digital technologies.This includes collaborative efforts in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• 5G and 6G
• Semiconductors
• High-Performance Computing
• Quantum Technology

Furthermore, the EU and Japan are committed to strengthening collaboration on data governance, online platforms, submarine cables, Arctic connectivity, digital identities, trust services, and cybersecurity.

Outcomes and Commitments

Several key outcomes emerged from the Council meeting, demonstrating concrete steps towards deeper cooperation:

• Semiconductors: Enhanced information exchange and early warning mechanisms to ensure semiconductor supply chain resilience.
• Quantum Computing and AI: Reiteration of their commitment to promoting innovative, safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, including the Hiroshima AI process.
• Digital Identities and Trust Services: Working towards interoperability and mutual recognition of academic credentials through digital identity and trust services,building on the Memorandum of Cooperation.
• Data Governance: Initiation of a possible joint working group to facilitate improved data sharing and interoperability of data spaces.
• Cybersecurity: Information exchange on regulatory developments, particularly regarding critical infrastructure protection and product security, through their sixth EU-Japan cyber Dialogue.

The commitment to trustworthy AI is particularly noteworthy. As stated during the Council, the EU and Japan are dedicated to promoting innovative, safe, secure and trustworthy AI, including the Hiroshima AI process.

Looking Ahead

Further solidifying their partnership, Executive-Vice-President Virkkunen and Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi are scheduled to sign a Letter of Intent on quantum technology. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in digital and tech areas, addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, material science, cybersecurity, and energy sustainability.

The next Digital Partnership Council is planned for 2026 and will be held in Brussels.

the Council aims to bolster the economic security of their countries by fostering resilience in critical digital technologies.

EU-japan Digital Partnership Council