Signing of the Letter of Intent on Japan-EU Cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology

May 13, 2025
Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Cabinet Office

１．Overview

On May 13, 2025, Mr. KIUCHI Minoru, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office of Japan, signed the Letter of Intent on Japan-EU Cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology with Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

２．Background

Quantum technology is attracting global attention as a key technology with the potential to transform future industries and society. Countries around the world are developing national strategies and making concerted efforts toward the practical implementation of quantum computing, quantum cryptography and communications, and quantum sensing.

Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in the quantum policies of both Japan and the EU, as well as in their bilateral cooperation. In the EU, the “European Declaration on Quantum Technologies” was issued in December 2023, recognizing the strategic importance of quantum technologies and declaring the EU’s ambition to become the global “Quantum Valley.” Meanwhile, Japan announced its “Promotion Measures for the Development of Quantum Industries” in April 2024, emphasizing that strategic international collaboration with like-minded countries is key to global leadership.

Among such like-minded partners, the EU stands out as a particularly important counterpart, as it shares universal values with Japan and maintains a strong foundation of trust. Reflecting this shared vision, the 2nd Japan-EU Digital Partnership Ministerial Meeting, held shortly after the release of Japan's quantum measures, confirmed the launch of joint project scoping in quantum technology research. Subsequent close discussions between the Cabinet Office of Japan and the European Commission have led to the initiation of a joint quantum computing project currently under preparation.

３．Purpose

As described above, Japan aims to build a global ecosystem based on the quantum strategy issued in April 2024—one that not only solves societal challenges through quantum technologies, but also creates new markets and paves the way for further innovation driven by their benefits. Strategic cooperation with like-minded countries is crucial to this goal, and collaboration with the EU plays a central role.

This Letter of Intent seeks to strengthen quantum cooperation between Japan and the EU across a wide range of areas, from basic research to applied research and industrialization. It also aims to accelerate efforts in personnel exchanges, joint research, and information sharing, with the broader goal of co-creating a robust ecosystem capable of addressing global challenges.

４．Key Points of the Letter of Intent

Through this Letter of Intent, the Cabinet Office of Japan and the European Commission, representing the EU, affirm their shared recognition of critical global issues such as climate change, earthquakes and tsunamis, materials science, cybersecurity, and energy sustainability. They also agree on common areas of interest and basic principles for future cooperation.

●Basic Principles
The Cabinet Office intends to implement this cooperation framework through the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), while the European Commission will do so through the Horizon Europe Framework Program for Research and Innovation. Both parties recognize the importance of sharing information on domestic funding priorities and coordinating their efforts in quantum research and innovation activities, infrastructure development, and education.
　1.Joint Calls for Proposals
　　・Identification of priority areas and incorporation of expert opinions
　　・Documentation of call procedures and allocation of funding by both parties
　　・Alignment and coordination of call processes
　　・Application of respective evaluation criteria and funding by each side
　　・Coordination of project management and reporting procedures
　　・Establishment of monitoring mechanisms for project outcomes
　　・Reporting of cooperation results to relevant bodies
　2.Further Opportunities for Cooperation
　　・Exploration of mutual participation opportunities in quantum technology programs
　　・Reaffirmation of principles based on fairness and mutual benefit

５．Related Documents

６．Contact Information

Naoya Kono, Hiroaki Shiraki and Satoshi Arai
Quantum and Materials Group, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office
Tel.(Direct): +81 3 6257 1153

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