October 31, 2006

Results of "16th Japan-EU High-Level Consultations on ICT"

On October 24, 2006, MIC and the Information Society and Media Directorate-General of the European Commission (EC) held the "16th Japan-EU High-Level Consultations on ICT" in Brussels, Belgium, for exchanging a range of opinions on the current status of ICT issues and policy matters in both parties. As a result, the two parties agreed to maintain and develop closer ties between Japan and EU.

[Participants]
[Japan] Mr. SHIMIZU Hideo, Vice-Minister for Policy Coordination, MIC and others
[EU] Mr. Fabio COLASANTI, Director-General of the Information Society and Media Directorate-General, EC and others

[Outline of the Consultation]
1. ICT strategies and research activities

The Japanese side explained the "u-Japan Policy," the "IT New Reform Strategy," the "Ubiquitous Network Society Strategy," etc. and the EU side introduced the "European Information Society 2010 (i2010)," the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)," etc. The two parties came to share the same opinions on i1) the significance of a multifaceted approach to construct a ubiquitous network society, and ii2) the necessity of support for technological development upon utilization of private-sector initiatives.

2. Competition regulations in the IP era
Both sides exchanged opinions concerning the need for adequate pro-competitive policies in response to the development of broadband platforms, such as i1) trends in telecommunications markets in Japan and EU, ii2) the "New Competition Promotion Program 2010" of Japan, and iii3) the review of the "regulatory framework for electronic communications" in EU. Subsequently, both parties confirmed that the two sides share common challenges and agreed to exchange information in close cooperation.

3. New environments for content distribution
Two parties exchanged opinions on i1) deliberations upon Japan's comprehensive legal systems governing "communications and broadcasting" responding to convergence/interaction of "communications and broadcasting," as well as progress in "one-segment" broadcasting (terrestrial digital broadcasting for mobile reception), and ii2) the draft Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS) of EU and efforts to address mobile TV broadcasting. Subsequently, both parties confirmed that the two sides share common challenges and agreed to exchange information in close cooperation.

4. Security and confidence in the information society
The Japanese and EU sides exchanged opinions on information security policies and advancement of relevant technologies. Subsequently, both parties agreed that the two parties should strengthen collaborative ties between Japan and EU for the realization of a more secure information society.

5. Radio frequency policies and technological issues
The two parties exchanged opinions on efforts to address effective frequency use, and trends, etc. of such new wireless technologies as the next-generation mobile communications and radio frequency identification (RFID). In particular, with regard to the next-generation mobile communications, Japan and EU agreed to expend their efforts in establishing mutually harmonized standards.
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International Policy Division,
International Affairs Department
Telecommunications Bureau, MIC
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