In a recent move and as part of a broader partnership, Japan and the EU have agreed to deepen cooperation in data, AI, quantum, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms. The new steps aim to deepen regulatory, research and industry cooperation between the two parties. Japan and the EU are among the world’s leading digital economies, and since the launch of their digital partnership at the 29th Japan-EU Summit in Tokyo in 2022, they have advanced their cooperation in a number of digital and technology areas. The fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council in Brussels in May 2026 focused on establishing a framework to promote collaborative research, innovation cooperation, regulatory dialogue and common positions in international forums. In the face of current global geopolitical uncertainties, this partnership confirms the growing importance of enhancing their competitiveness and promoting a values-driven approach to global digital governance. This article delves into this convergence which aims to strengthen economic security by fostering resilience in critical digital technologies.
As part of ongoing cooperation, Japan and the EU have united on areas including data governance and data flows, digital identity, AI, quantum, digital infrastructure and standardization, and semiconductors. Data governance and data flows aim to improve data sharing while discussing the joint development and interoperability of data spaces. A Data Strategy Working Group will be launched to improve the interoperability of data policy frameworks, thereby promoting competitiveness and innovation. In case of digital identity, A successful pilot on interoperable digital identity was conducted. This showed that cross-border use is technically possible, even if the governance framework and technical architecture differ. They demonstrated how interoperability can be achieved in practice between different systems using a prototype of a digital identity wallet. The European Union and Japan reached an agreement on Japan’s future cooperation with Horizon Europe. They have explored synergy between the European Union’s Horizon Europe program and Japan’s Moonshot research and development program to enhance joint research efforts. They intend to work together to ensure that emerging technologies work for the public good while maintaining their competitive edge. This will accelerate joint research, including in digital areas like AI. They will eventually conclude a cooperation arrangement to deepen cooperation on AI research and innovation as well as AI security.
Similarly, emphasis has been laid on deeper cooperation in quantum science and technology based on the letter of intent signed in 2025. A joint research project called Q-NECO was started. The project involves 16 European and Japanese partners and is expected to receive $4 million in EU funding. It mainly focuses on quantum hardware development, software systems advancement, integration of quantum computing with high-performance computing, and AI-enabled quantum applications. It establishes a mechanism for joint research funding initiatives and synchronized proposal evaluation. Shared intellectual property protection, collaborative project development and cross-border data security protocols. This includes areas such as communications networks, fluid dynamics, materials science, CO2 reduction, satellite image analysis and beyond.
Additionally, digital infrastructure and standardization have been emphasized as important For a resilient digital backbone and economic security. A joint working group meeting was held between the EU and Japan on policy issues for global connectivity. They discussed the security and resilience of submarine cables, connectivity projects in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic connectivity. A joint research project on 6G has been developed to strengthen European and Japanese leadership in 6G network technologies. The EU and Japan reaffirmed their intention to address the challenges posed by non-market policies and practices as well as supply chain dependencies in critical sectors such as semiconductors. They also encouraged further exploration of collaborative research opportunities in next generation semiconductor technologies. In March 2026, the second EU-Japan Digital Week was held. It is the annual flagship event of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership, launched in 2022. It is intended to go beyond dialogue and exchange of information between Japan and the EU to deliver concrete results in line with priorities for the digital economy and society.
Digital Partnerships are one of the ways the EU connects with like-minded countries on key digital priorities. In this calculation, Japan is in a strategic position. The partnership is in line with the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims to strengthen ties with countries in the region, and reflects the goals of the European Commission’s International Digital Strategy to deepen existing relationships and create new partnerships and dialogues. The EU-Japan Digital Partnership launches in 2022, targeting areas such as quantum technology, 5G and semiconductors. Another initiative is the establishment of the Digital Partnership Council which aims to enhance cooperation on core digital technologies, including quantum technology. Building on the successful implementation of their Digital Partnership, they reviewed the progress made since the Second Digital Partnership Council in 2024 in a recent dialogue. In addition, an EU-Japan Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was established to leverage the strengths of Japanese and European research institutions to advance AI and quantum research and development.
The EU-Japan alliance signals a coordinated response to fragmented supply chains and strategic competition. To protect critical technology value chains while promoting interoperable rules that reflect democratic norms and security priorities, both partners have emphasized aligning R&D, regulation and industrial policy. In addition, they have jointly created project calls, working groups and dialogues on standards. This partnership opens more avenues for cross-border funding and scale-up for researchers and investors in quantum and semiconductors. A shared commitment to transparency, human-centred innovation and democratic values ​​in the digital world further integrates EU-Japan programs and, over time, could shape the emergence of major quantum milestones and chip manufacturing capacity. This development reinforces the idea that like-minded democracies should work together to ensure that technologies like AI and quantum computing develop in ways that benefit society. Digital industries in Japan and the EU promote the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and promote economic growth by generating value through a data-driven approach in supply chain operations. From a broader perspective, the different regulatory approaches in the US, EU and China create a fragmented landscape. In this context, both Japan and the EU insist on moving beyond one-size-fits-all rules and focusing on maintaining interoperability. However, beyond fragmented standards that may hinder market access and investment, important issues include AI literacy, data ownership, and the ethical use of both AI and quantum technologies. There is a need to push for global reforms to move towards concrete action on technical laxity.
Japan-EU convergence in techno-diplomacy reflects a lead-by-example approach with developing technologies that respects individuals, strengthens societies and advances sustainable prosperity. The new agreements establish Japan as a leader in soft-power diplomacy by improving cross-border data flows, advancing interoperable digital identities, and strengthening cooperation on research, platform regulation and digital infrastructure. It will deliver tangible benefits for citizens and businesses and establish the partnership as a benchmark in techno-diplomacy. Europe’s partnership with Japan needs to move beyond symbolism towards political and industrial maturity and an ecosystem that connects demand, innovation, production and trust across borders.
(Views expressed are personal)
This article is written by Varun Shankar, Associate Fellow, India’s World Magazine, New Delhi.
