On May 13, 2025, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Mr. Kiuchi Minoru, signed a Letter of Intent on Japan-EU Cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology with Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.
According to the Cabinet Office announcement, the Letter of Intent sought to strengthen quantum cooperation from basic research to applied research and industrialization, accelerating personnel exchanges, joint research, and information sharing. The Cabinet Office of Japan intended to implement cooperation through the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, while the European Commission would use the Horizon Europe Framework Program.
Both parties agreed to pursue joint calls for proposals, alignment of funding and evaluation procedures, and exploration of mutual participation in quantum technology programs. The agreement covered global challenges including climate change, materials science, cybersecurity, and energy sustainability.