EU and Japan Deepen Strategic Partnership

The strategic collaboration between EU and Japan is accelerating with new developments in strategic, defense and digital partnerships. Japan has formally applied to become part of the SAFE initiative.

EU deepening partnership with Japan on digital, security and defense

Japan and EU are continuing to develop their collaboration in several key areas. The digital partnership has been ongoing for years. Earlier this year, the EU and Japan added to their strengthened partnership, focusing on security and defence industrial cooperation, while in late 2025, Japan filed an application to join the EU's 150 billion euro Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative to boost joint defense production. These are strong signs that Japan and EU consider each other strategic, like-minded partners in a challenging global security environment.

The EU and Japan are among the world’s leading digital economies. Since launching their Digital Partnership at the 29th Japan-EU summit in Tokyo in 2022, the collaboration has advanced in many digital and tech areas.

Engaging in Digital Partnerships is one of the ways in which the EU joins forces with like-minded countries on key digital priorities. The partnership with Japan provides a framework for collaborative research, regulatory dialogue, innovation collaboration and fostering common positions in international fora. This partnership aligns with the EU’s strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at strengthening ties with countries in the region.

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

Digital council 4-5 May

At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council in Brussels, the EU and Japan agreed on new steps to deepen regulatory, research and industry cooperation on data, AI, quantum, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms.

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

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

Hisashi Matsumoto, on the left, and Henna Virkkunen. Photo: Lukasz Kobus © EC - Audiovisual Service

Below are highlights from the proceedings of the conference.

Data governance and data flows

To improve data sharing, the EU and Japan deepened discussions on the joint development and interoperability of data spaces. They agreed to launch a Data Strategy Working Group to improve the interoperability of data policy frameworks, helping to boost competitiveness and innovation. They also welcomed the successful conclusion of talks to expand the scope of the EU adequacy decision on Japan to academia and research, helping to facilitate joint research and innovation.

Digital identity

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

Artificial intelligence

As global leaders in frontier AI, the EU and Japan are working together to ensure that emerging technologies serve the public good while maintaining their competitive edge. They welcomed the agreement on the future association of Japan to Horizon Europe, which will accelerate joint research, including in digital areas such as AI. They also committed to conclude a Cooperation Arrangement to deepen collaboration on AI research and innovation, as well as AI safety.

Quantum

The Letter of Intent, signed in 2025, has enabled deeper 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-enabled solutions in areas such as material science, CO2 reduction, communication networks, fluid dynamics, satellite image analysis and beyond. Partners also agreed to explore further cooperation possibilities in quantum, including with industry players.

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 policy issues for global connectivity, where the security and resilience of submarine cables, connectivity projects in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic connectivity were discussed, and they confirmed that these discussions will continue. The EU and Japan also welcomed progress of the joint research project on 6G, which contributes to reinforced European and Japanese leadership in 6G network technologies. On standardisation, they welcomed closer links between respective standardisation bodies.

Semiconductors

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

Platforms

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

Next Steps

As part of discussions, the EU and Japan agreed to begin working in new areas, including video games and audiovisual strategies. The fifth meeting of the Digital Partnership Council will take place in Tokyo in 2027.

The success of our partnership is rooted in our continued trusted discussions and collaboration. This cooperation enhances innovation and is essential for competitiveness and economic security. I am pleased that we are already seeing concrete outcomes and benefits, and I am looking forward to accelerating our close partnership.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy