European Union: Adopted Council Decision on the conclusion of EU-Japan agreement on cross-border data flows

On 29 April 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted the decision on the conclusion of the European Union (EU) and Japan's agreement on cross-border data flows. The agreement aims to provide legal certainty for data flows between the EU and Japan by removing data localisation obligations. The agreement further aims to ensure full compliance of cross-border data flows with the applicable laws on data protection and the digital economy. The agreement will enter into force after Japan ratifies it and notifies the EU.