The European Union and Japan are strengthening their collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on safety, security, and trust. At the upcoming EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council on April 30, the two sides will announce a joint initiative between the EU’s AI office and Japan’s Safety Institute. As part of this partnership, Japanese companies are invited to participate in the AI Pact, a voluntary program aimed at facilitating compliance with key provisions of the EU’s AI Act. The AI Act, which is expected to become law in June, establishes regulations for machine learning systems based on their risk level. The EU’s AI office, an internal department within the European Commission, will oversee the implementation of these rules and coordinate AI policy at the EU level. The EU and Japan also plan to jointly call on member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support the swift implementation of the “Hiroshima AI Process.” Launched by the G7 under Japan’s presidency in May 2023, this initiative aims to promote the development and use of AI in a safe, secure, and trustworthy manner. Additionally, the European Commission and the Digital Agency of Japan will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation on Digital Identities and Trust Services. This agreement aims to facilitate cross-border digital trade and electronic commerce by enabling the sharing of experiences on digital identity initiatives, such as the EU Digital Identity Wallet. The EU and Japan established their Digital Partnership in May 2022 during the 28th EU-Japan Summit. The third meeting of the partnership is scheduled to take place in Tokyo in 2025. This collaboration builds on the joint cooperation announced last month between the EU and South Korea in the field of technology, which includes the launch of a joint semiconductor research forum to facilitate research and development in this critical sector.
EU and Japan Team Up on Safe AI, Call for Global Support
