Cybersecurity: EU member states commit to building a quantum communication infrastructure

Powerful, secure communications networks are crucial for Europe’s businesses, educational institutions and governments, both for smooth day-to-day operations and for sharing information and adapting quickly in times of crisis. To support and further strengthen the performance of existing communication systems, the European Commission is planning a satellite-based connectivity system to provide high-speed broadband connections for connectivity services across Europe. This includes the EuroQCI(European Quantum Communication Infrastructure), a quantum communication infrastructure to protect sensitive communications, data and critical infrastructure within the European Union.

EuroQCI will consist of both a terrestrial segment, in which fiber optic networks will connect strategic locations on a national and cross-border level, and a satellite-based space segment, which will connect national quantum communication networks throughout the EU and beyond on a global scale.

The EuroQCI aims to integrate quantum cryptography and innovative and secure quantum-based systems into conventional communication infrastructures and complement them with an additional layer of security based on quantum physics. This can be done, for example, by providing services based on quantum key distribution. In this way, data transmissions between European government institutions, municipalities and embassies as well as important locations such as hospitals and energy networks are to be specially protected.

Ireland’s signature has now created the basis for all EU Member States to commit to building this secure quantum communications infrastructure for the entire EU together with the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA). The next steps this year and next year will be measures under the Digital Europe program and the Connecting Europe Facility to support the development of national and cross-border quantum communication networks, the development of European devices and systems, and a testing and certification infrastructure to prepare for the deployment of new technologies in the EuroQCI. The aim is for the initiative to be fully operational by 2027.