EU, Japan to boost chip cooperation

Thierry Breton, the industry chief of the European Union (EU), announced on Monday that the EU will enhance its collaboration with Japan in the field of semiconductors. This move comes as countries seek to strengthen their control over a technology that is crucial for the defense, electronics, and automotive sectors.

Breton stated that the EU and Japan will jointly monitor the chip supply chain and facilitate the exchange of researchers and engineers. Additionally, the EU will support Japanese semiconductor companies that consider establishing operations within the EU.

In Tokyo, where Breton is discussing chip and artificial intelligence cooperation with the Japanese government and companies, he emphasized the importance of securing the semiconductor supply chain.

To revitalize its chip industry, Japan is providing subsidies and backing a government-backed fund that recently agreed to acquire photoresist maker JSR Corp for $6.4 billion to drive industry consolidation. Japan is also supporting the chip foundry venture Rapidus, whose executives are scheduled to meet with Breton.

Breton expressed his support for the foundry venture, noting its significance and alignment with the EU’s objectives. The success of Rapidus’ plans to produce cutting-edge chips relies on the support of Belgium-based research company imec and IBM.

The deepening cooperation between the EU and Japan is driven by the EU’s commitment to reduce its dependence on China, which aims to enhance its capabilities in high-end technologies like chips. Breton clarified that the objective is to minimize risks rather than target specific countries.

During his visit, Breton held discussions with Japan’s Minister for Digital Affairs Taro Kono, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Takeaki Matsmoto, and State Minister for Economy Trade and Industry Fusae Ota. They reached an agreement to cooperate in areas such as undersea cable connectivity, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and other aspects of the digital economy, as mentioned in a joint statement.

At a subsequent news conference, Breton highlighted that much of the discussion revolved around artificial intelligence. He announced that further talks would take place in Brussels in the first half of the following year.