Korea and the EU signed the ROK-EU Digital Partnership in the evening of November 28, 2022 (KST 18:15). The Partnership was signed by Minister Lee Jong-Ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) for the Korean side, and Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton for the EU side. At the signing ceremony, held virtually via video conference, the Minister and Commissioner signed the document at the same time.
In September, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the “New York Initiative” (September 21), that set out the direction for global digital innovation. The Korean government established and announced the “National Digital Strategy” jointly with relevant ministries (September 28) so that Korea can take the lead in implementing the directions of the Initiative. Korea highlighted the importance of digital transformation in overcoming the global crisis at the recent B20 Summit* (November 14) and has been making sustained efforts to lead digital cooperation in the international community.
*Attended by key figures, businesspeople, high-level government officials in G20 member countries (November 14, 2022, in Bali, Indonesia)
There have been continuous discussions on cooperation between the MSIT and European countries since last September: Discussion on signing the ROK-EU Digital Partnership (September 2) led by Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu, Korea-Germany Digital Dialogue (September 5), Discussion on Korea-UK Digital Partnership (September 6). The ROK-EU Digital Partnership was launched after an in-depth discussions on ways to jointly implement the principles and values embodied in the New York Initiative with key European partners.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment that development and use of digital technologies should be guided by democratic values, respect for universal values of human rights, the objectives to address social issues, and the principle to enhance the quality of people’s lives. The Digital Partnership intends to provide an overarching framework of advanced cooperation in the full spectrum of digital issues including infrastructures, skills, digital transformation of businesses, and digitalization of public services as well as digital economy and trade.
The initial set of joint actions include Collaborative Research, Semiconductors, High Performance Computing (HPC) & Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity & Trust, Beyond 5G/6G, Skills - Mobility - Digital inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, Online & Digital Platform Cooperation, Data related Laws and Systems, Digital Identity & Trust Services and Digital Trade.
In semiconductors, both sides agreed to establish a ROK-EU forum for semiconductor researchers to discuss the latest technologies and trends, which will be led by the MSIT. Meanwhile, to promote cooperation in the semiconductor industry, both sides agreed to explore ways of cooperation on the global supply chain including through early warning systems, and to explore the synergies for international standardization of trusted chips and chip security, led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).
In High Performance Computing (HPC) and quantum technologies, both sides agreed to facilitate access to respective HPC and quantum infrastructures and promote exchanges between researchers by seminars or forums between learned societies. It was also agreed that both sides strengthen cooperation in collaborative research activities and international standardisation, and establish a working group composed of experts to promote practical cooperation.
In cybersecurity, both sides will cooperate in increasing sharing of threats to cybersecurity information, and cybersecurity capacity building for third countries. Signing of an MOU between MSIT and ENISA* will also be pursued as part of such cooperation.
* European Union Agency for Cybersecurity is the EU’s cybersecurity agency, which develops and reviews relevant policies and legislation, and assists member states’ capacity-building in cybersecurity.
In Beyond 5G/6G, both sides agreed to work towards a common vision on Beyond 5G/6G ecosystems, including applications, standards, use cases, interoperability and sustainability. It was also agreed that they strengthen collaborative research, enhance information exchange on 6G spectrum, and promote active exchanges through international events.
In AI, both sides intend to discuss their respective definitions on high risk AI applications and share information on their laws and systems aimed at realising trustworthy AI.
In online and digital platforms, both sides agreed to cooperate through case studies, market research, joint academic activities and development of non-regulatory best practices to create an online and digital platform ecosystem with a harmonious balance between innovation, safety, and fairness, maximizing the positive and minimizing the negative impacts of online and digital platforms.
In data, both sides agreed to cooperate on supporting international data flows with trust and explore ways to develop and implement data policies aiming to foster the data economy.
With regard to digital trade, MOTIE and DG Trade agreed to discuss the issues relevant for digital trade, such as paperless trading and online consumer protection.
The Korea-EU Digital Partnership Council, headed by the Korean Minister of Science and ICT and the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, will be established to ensure that the initial set of joint actions on 11 topics set out in the Digital Partnership are carried out in a pragmatic manner. The Council is expected to meet alternately on each side on a yearly basis. From the Korean side, not just the MSIT but relevant ministries will contribute to the Council. As for digital trade and semiconductors, among the 11 topics, MOTIE will be taking an active role and serving as one of the main contributors to the Council.
Minister Lee Jong-Ho of the MSIT said, "The EU is a leader in the advancement of digital technologies, and is shaping the international dialogue on key elements that contribute to safeguarding citizen's basic rights in digital society. In our journey of digital transformation, we see the EU as one of the best partners in our efforts to secure key emerging technologies, establish technological standards, and discuss important values for each element involving digital transformation and their impact on our societies. The Minister added, “I’m looking forward to this Digital Partnership producing meaningful and concrete results next year as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the ROK and the EU.”
In their joint statement, President Yoon Suk-yeol and President von der Leyen welcomed the signing of the Partnership, and evaluated it as a major, future-oriented step based on long-standing cooperation between the EU and the ROK. They agreed that in the framework of this partnership, and sharing the recognition that we should join efforts so that digital innovation pursues universal values such as freedom and human rights of the global citizen, we are also planning to operate a consultation mechanism between Korea and the EU to discuss ways to strengthen solidarity for the freedom of digital citizens.
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF