EuroQCI is a secure quantum communication infrastructure covering the entire EU, including its overseas territories.
The European Commission collaborates with all 27 EU member states and the European Space Agency (ESA) to design, develop, and deploy EuroQCI. It consists of a terrestrial segment based on fiber-optic communication networks, connecting strategic sites at national and cross-border levels, and a space segment based on satellites. EuroQCI is an integral part of the EU’s new space-based secure communication system, IRIS².
EuroQCI protects sensitive data and critical infrastructure by integrating quantum-based systems into existing communication networks, providing an additional security layer based on quantum physics. This strengthens the protection of European government institutions, their data centers, hospitals, energy grids, and more, making it a key pillar of the EU’s cybersecurity strategy for the coming decades.
EuroQCI leverages innovative quantum communication technologies, such as those developed by researchers from the EU-funded Quantum Flagship, building on the outcomes of the Horizon 2020 OPENQKD project. The involvement of European industrial partners and SMEs is crucial to ensure that EuroQCI’s critical components are based on European technologies, ultimately enhancing Europe’s scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities in cybersecurity and quantum technologies. The initiative supports European digital sovereignty and industrial competitiveness while contributing to the EU’s Digital Decade goal of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030.
Towards a Functional European Quantum Communication Infrastructure
EuroQCI was launched in 2019 with the EuroQCI Declaration, initially signed by seven member states, with all member states later joining the initiative. Since then, the work has continued under the supervision of the European Commission, implemented by member states for the terrestrial segment and by ESA for the space segment.
The first implementation phase of EuroQCI began in January 2023, supported by the European Commission’s Digital Europe program, focusing on:
- Industrial projects for the development of key EuroQCI technological components, aiming to strengthen the European quantum communication ecosystem and industry.
- National projects enabling member states to design and build national quantum communication networks forming the foundation of the terrestrial segment, testing various technologies and protocols tailored to each country’s specific needs.
- The PETRUS coordination and support measure, serves as a link between all projects, facilitating collaboration, and identifying standardization needs.
