EU and Japan boost AI, chip, quantum ties
The second Digital Partnership Council decides to strengthen cooperation on key technologies such as semiconductors, AI, quantum computing and 6G.
(Bild: Maxim Studio/Shutterstock.com)
The European Union and Japan held their second Digital Partnership Council in Brussels on Tuesday. This was announced by the EU Commission in a press release.
A cooperation agreement on digital identities and trust services was signed at the meeting. This agreement should bring benefits for e-commerce and increase efficiency. In addition, cooperation on key digital technologies is to be expanded.
Semiconductors, 6G, submarine cables
A team of experts from both sides is to be formed in the field of semiconductors. The team is to implement a memorandum of understanding from 2023. In addition to research and development, the collaboration will also establish an early warning system for critical disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain.
The EU and Japan have also launched joint research projects. The aim is to support joint standardization initiatives for the development of 6G technologies.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of a secure undersea cable infrastructure. Both sides want to continue working together to develop direct connections between Europe and Japan.
Quantum computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and freedom of expression
The EU and Japan wish to continue their cooperation in the field of high-performance computing (HPC) and explore use cases for future joint projects. Both partners are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in the area of cybersecurity, including standards and strategies to close the skills gap.
The EU and Japan have agreed to cooperate more closely in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The partners want to improve cooperation between the EU AI Office and the Japanese Institute for AI Safety and support the AI process and the G7 Code of Conduct in Hiroshima. In addition, the EU invites Japanese companies to join the Commission's AI Pact to promote early compliance with the AI Act on a voluntary basis.
Both the EU and Japan want to ensure a safe online environment with guaranteed freedom of expression. To this end, an information channel is to be set up to exchange information on laws such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Better cooperation
The EU-Japan Digital Partnership is part of the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan and the EU are among the largest digital economies in the world. They launched the Digital Partnership on May 12, 2022 at the 29th Japan-EU Summit in Tokyo. The first meeting took place in July 2023. The aim of the partnership is to promote cooperation on digital issues. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Tokyo in 2025.
(hze)
