The European Union and Japan are stepping up their cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on safety, security, and trust. At the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council on April 30th, the two sides will announce a joint effort between the EU’s AI office and Japan’s Safety Institute. As part of this collaboration, Japanese companies are encouraged to participate in the AI Pact, a voluntary initiative to ensure compliance with key provisions of the EU’s AI Act. The EU’s AI Act, which sets out regulations for machine learning systems based on their risk level, is expected to become law in June. In addition, the EU and Japan will jointly call on OECD countries to support the swift implementation of the “Hiroshima AI Process,” which aims to promote responsible development and use of AI. The EU and Japan also announced a Memorandum of Cooperation on Digital Identities and Trust Services to facilitate cross-border digital trade and electronic commerce.