At Tokyo’s Digital Partnership Council, the EU and Japan pledged deeper cooperation in semiconductors, AI, and quantum tech to counter global tech tensions.
The European Union and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in semiconductor research, marking a step in their digital partnership. The announcement was made during the third Digital Partnership Council held in Tokyo on Monday.
Both sides pledged to bolster the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. This includes increased information sharing and developing early warning systems to help manage disruptions. The collaboration comes amid rising global competition and growing concerns over geopolitical risks affecting tech supply lines.
Beyond semiconductors, the partnership extends to key digital domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, cybersecurity, online platforms, and undersea communication cables. A letter of intent focused on quantum computing is set to be signed on 13 May. It will address long-term challenges like energy sustainability and foster joint research initiatives.
The move signals renewed efforts by both parties to regain and secure leadership in critical technologies. Japan, once a dominant force in chip production, saw its influence wane in favour of Taiwan, South Korea, the US, and parts of Europe. However, recent developments suggest a potential revival of its semiconductor industry.
A major boost came with the opening of a TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) factory near Kumamoto in 2024. The facility is producing high-performance logic chips and thousands of wafers monthly—technologies that had previously eluded Japan’s manufacturing base.
Furthermore, four more semiconductor plants, including those by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing and Rapidus, are expected to open later this year.
This renewed EU-Japan collaboration is seen as a strategic response to shifting global dynamics, to strengthen technological sovereignty and secure future innovation.
