February 22, 2024 Outcomes of the 29th Japan-EU ICT Policy Dialogue

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content, and Technology (DG CONNECT), held the 29th Japan-EU ICT Policy Dialogue via a web conference. This policy dialogue aims to deepen mutual understanding and promote cooperation between Japan and the EU in the field of ICT policies. Both sides discussed lively on key ICT topics between Japan and the EU, focusing on the latest initiatives from them. Following the outcomes of this meeting, both sides will continue discussions towards further deepening and concretizing cooperation.

Key Outcomes of the 29th Japan-EU ICT Policy Dialogue

At the 29th Japan-EU ICT Policy Dialogue, discussions were held mainly on the following topics, considering the policy trends and challenges in the ICT sector in both Japan and the EU.

i. AI

Japanese side explained its efforts on outreach towards increasing the number of supporting countries for the Hiroshima AI Process and expanding support for the International Code of Conduct among businesses. Both sides confirmed their cooperation especially ahead of the discussions at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in May this year. Japanese side also presented the current status of deliberations on AI Guidelines for Business. The EU side explained the future direction towards the establishment of the AI Act.

ii. Submarine cables

Japanese side explained initiatives based on the institutions for essential infrastructure of the Economic Security Promotion Act and efforts to enhance resilience of digital infrastructure through decentralization of data centers and submarine cables. The EU side explained the support being provided for submarine cables and both sides discussed future cooperation.

iii. 5G/Beyond 5G/6G

Both sides presented the progress of their respective efforts towards joint research in anticipation of the standardization of Beyond5G/6G and exchanged their opinions. Both sides confirmed the importance of open networks, including Open RAN, in ensuring the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure.

iv. Online platforms

Japanese side outlined MIC’s past efforts and future direction regarding illegal and harmful information, such as slander, and dis-/mis-information on the Internet. The EU side explained the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Code of Practice on Disinformation. Both sides particularly confirmed the deepening of cooperation on measures against dis-/mis-information.

v. Cybersecurity

Japanese side introduced new initiatives in the NOTICE project, the status of cybersecurity personnel training efforts at the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC), and efforts towards the international collaboration of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) among Japan, the US, and the EU. The EU side explained the implementation status of the Cyber Resilience Act and efforts against cyber threats under the Cyber Solidarity Act. In particular, both sides will continue discuss IoT security and support for capacity building on cybersecurity in developing countries.

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  The published materials are in Japanese only.