EU and Japan accelerate cooperation on AI, data, quantum and chips

At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council held on the 5 May 2026 in Brussels, the European Union 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.

Some of the covered topics: 
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. 
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. 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.
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.

Source: European Commission 
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_978 

Published: June 2026