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May 12, 2026 Results of Visits to Europe by Mr. Hayashi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

　From May 1 to 7, 2026, Mr. Hayashi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, visited the Republic of Moldova, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the Kingdom of Belgium. During the visit, Minister Hayashi held bilateral meetings with ministers of Moldova and Luxembourg, as well as with an Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, and co-chaired the Fourth meeting of the Japan-EU Digital Partnership Council.

1. Republic of Moldova

　Minister Hayashi held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Osmochescu, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in the areas of “safe, secure, and trustworthy AI”, “cybersecurity”, and “open, secure, and resilient digital infrastructure” to further advance cooperation in the digital field. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views in the digital field based on the MoC and confirmed that they would further strengthen their cooperation.

2. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

　Minister Hayashi held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, and signed a MoC in the areas of “safe, secure, and trustworthy AI”, “cybersecurity”, and “space communications” to further advance cooperation in the digital field. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views in the digital field based on the MoC and confirmed that they would further strengthen their cooperation.

　Minister Hayashi also witnessed the signing ceremonies for a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of information and communications technology, including low orbit satellite constellations, between the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and the University of Luxembourg, as well as the signing ceremonies for a Collaborative Research Agreement on optical satellite communications between NICT and Odysseus Space.

3. Kingdom of Belgium

　Minister Hayashi co-chaired the Japan-EU Digital Partnership Council meeting, together with Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Mr. Matsumoto, Minister for Digital Transformation, Mr. Ochi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and issued a joint statement on future cooperation between Japan and the EU in the digital field. During the session, Minister Hayashi outlined the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)’ initiatives on AI governance and international cooperation, ensuring online safety, cooperation on next-generation communication networks, and strengthening global connectivity through submarine cables.

　Minister Hayashi also held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and witnessed the signing of a Cooperation Arrangement for information exchange on measures against illegal content and rights-infringing information on the Internet. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views in the digital field and confirmed that they would further strengthen their cooperation between the MIC and the European Commission. On this occasion, Minister Hayashi also held an exchange of views with former JET Programme* participants. (*Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme)

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Global Strategy Bureau, MIC

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