EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council discusses digital transformation
On Tuesday, the European Union and Japan held their second Digital Partnership Council in Brussels. This Council was co-chaired by Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Takeaki Matsumoto, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Taku Ishii.
During the meeting, the EU and Japan reasserted the significance of their strategic partnership in promoting shared values and a plan for digital transformation that prioritises people and fundamental rights. The progress since the first Digital Partnership Council in 2023 was discussed, with a new list of deliverables to further cooperate on digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) then agreed on.
The key outcomes of the meeting include a Memorandum of Cooperation on digital identities and trust services being signed by both Japan and the EU. This aims to build a shared understanding of digital identity initiatives between the two countries, benefiting e-commerce and business opportunities. It aims to facilitate data-free flow with trust through Cooperation. The EU and Japan have also established a team of experts to develop a semiconductor research programmeto implement a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in July 2023.
The EU and Japan are also set to continue their joint work on high performance computing and will consider topics for joint projects in quantum research. Exploring cooperation on cybersecurity, 6G technologies and a shared vision for open and resilient networks were also discussed.
In terms of AI, the duo expect to enhance cooperation between the EU AI Office and Japan’s AI Safety Institute, while continuing to support the G7 Hiroshima AI Process and Code of Conduct, to eventually shape a trustworthy AI global governance. Japanese companies have also been encouraged to partake in the AI Pact launched by the European Commission.
The importance of deploying secure and resilient submarine cable infrastructures for secure, resilient, and sustainable connectivity was also on the agenda. Both parties will continue cooperation on developing direct connectivity links between Europe and Japan for more commercial opportunities, oceanographic research and cross-border data flows.
The second Digital Partnership Council between the EU and Japan showcases their strong commitment to collaborative digital innovation. Through agreements covering digital identity, AI cooperation, and infrastructure development, both parties reaffirmed their shared values and strategic vision for a secure, interconnected digital future. This meeting has both strengthened bilateral ties and set the stage for continued progress and cooperation in key areas.