The European Union has embarked on an ambitious initiative to safeguard its digital infrastructure against the emerging threats of quantum computing. Known as the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), this strategy aims to build a secure communication network spanning the entire EU, including its overseas territories. The initiative, launched in 2019, now has the backing of all 27 member states and stands as a main pillar of the EU's Cybersecurity Strategy for the coming decades. The need for EuroQCI stems from the rapid advancements in quantum computing. Powerful quantum computers, expected to emerge within the next 7 to 15 years, will be capable of breaking existing encryption protocols, putting all digital data at risk. To counter this threat, the EU is pushing for a transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), with member states expected to begin the shift by the end of 2026 and critical infrastructure required to complete the transition no later than 2030. The architecture of EuroQCI is a hybrid model, combining a terrestrial and a space segment to ensure comprehensive coverage. The terrestrial segment will rely on fibre-optic communication networks linking strategic sites at national and cross-border levels. In parallel, the space segment, being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), will use satellites to provide secure communication capabilities across Europe and its overseas territories. This space-based component, known as the SAGA (Security And cryptoGrAphic) mission, is crucial for providing continuous and reliable quantum communication. The system will eventually be integrated with IRIS², the EU's new secure satellite constellation. At the core of EuroQCI is the technology of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD uses the principles of quantum physics to distribute encryption keys in a way that any attempt at interception is immediately detected. This provides an additional layer of security that is theoretically immune to current or future computational attacks. The EU encourages hybrid schemes that combine PQC with QKD to ensure a 'defence in depth' approach. The initiative will leverage research from EU-funded projects like the Quantum Technologies Flagship and OPENQKD. The implementation of EuroQCI is a collaborative effort involving the European Commission, all 27 EU Member States, and the ESA. Major industry players, including Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, are also involved in developing the network's technological backbone. Funding is provided through programs such as the Digital Europe Programme and the Connecting Europe Facility. Operational activities are planned to start from 2026 onwards. Furthermore, the NOSTRADAMUS project, launched in January 2024, is setting up a testing and evaluation infrastructure to certify QKD-based technologies. The impact of EuroQCI will be widespread, reinforcing the protection of Europe's governmental institutions, their data centres, hospitals, energy grids, and more critical infrastructures. It will safeguard government institutions, healthcare systems, financial networks, and power grids. By boosting Europe's scientific and technological capabilities in cybersecurity and quantum technologies, the initiative contributes to Europe's Digital Decade target of being at the cutting edge of quantum capabilities by 2030. As Europe forges ahead with this plan, it is not only securing its digital future but also positioning itself as a global leader in the next generation of secure communications.
The European Union has launched the EuroQCI initiative to build a pan-European, quantum-secure communication infrastructure. The plan combines terrestrial and satellite networks to protect critical data from future quantum threats, aiming for full implementation by 2030.
