The Strategist

EC head announces digital partnership with Japan



05/12/2022 - 09:12



Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission's chief, announced launch of a digital partnership, the first of its type for the European Union, at a news conference following the Japan-EU summit.



Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
"We addressed how to broaden our cooperation at this summit, including substantial measures to create opportunity for our economies and populations. And what can assist us in encountering the issues that our regions are facing at the same time," she continued.

"The parties have taken many extremely critical initiatives," the EC chief said.

"First and foremost, the EU-Japan Digital Partnership is being launched today. This is the first time we've done something like this with a partner," she added.

According to her, the agreement will establish a framework for "collaborating on digital technologies, as digital leadership is critical for competitiveness and security."

"Second, we plan to develop and strengthen the supply chain in accordance with our strategic cooperation agreement (with Japan). This is significant because some materials and technology, particularly semiconductors, have become critical to our economies and continuation of daily life. In this regard, we must ensure that we rely on reliable supply sources "said the European Commission's head.

Ursula von der Leyen also stated that during the meeting, the participants decided to improve infrastructure cooperation, take steps to create a "free and open Indo-Pacific area," and take sanctions on Russia in light of the situation in Ukraine.

source: reuters.com