EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure)

What

EuroQCI is the European Union's initiative to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning all 27 EU member states, connecting government institutions, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data centers with quantum-secure communications. Launched as part of EU's Quantum Flagship program, EuroQCI combines terrestrial fiber-optic QKD networks with satellite-based quantum links to create a pan-European quantum-safe backbone. The infrastructure will integrate with existing communication networks and national quantum initiatives. EuroQCI addresses the quantum threat to EU's digital single market, protecting �3.5T+ annual digital economy and 450M citizens' data. The project coordinates with national efforts in Germany, France, Netherlands, and other member states. EU's NIS2 Directive (effective October 2024, implemented October 2026) mandates critical infrastructure entities deploy PQC by 2030, with EuroQCI providing the physical quantum layer.

Why

EU faces unique quantum security challenges: 27 member states need interoperable security, cross-border data flows critical for single market, GDPR requires protecting 450M citizens permanently, and strategic autonomy demands independence from non-EU quantum technology. EuroQCI ensures European data sovereignty and prevents reliance on US or Chinese quantum infrastructure. December 2024, 18 EU member states released joint statement urging transition to international PQC standards.

Impact

Europe achieves quantum-secure digital infrastructure competitive with US and China. Critical sectors benefit: healthcare (EU-wide patient data exchange), finance (cross-border payments and banking), government (classified EU communications), research (secure data sharing). EuroQCI enables European companies to offer quantum-safe services globally. The infrastructure supports EU Green Deal digital transformation with quantum-secure smart grids and IoT. European space agency integrates quantum satellite links.

Use Cases

EU government secure communications across member states, European Central Bank and financial institution quantum protection, Europol and law enforcement secure intelligence sharing, healthcare data exchange under GDPR compliance, critical infrastructure protection (energy, water, transport), European supply chain security for manufacturing and logistics, research data security for EU Horizon programs

Links

https://www.qnulabs.com/ | https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/ | https://in.linkedin.com/company/qunu-labs-pvt-ltd

Tags

EuroQCI, European Quantum Communication Infrastructure, EU quantum security, NIS2 directive, EU PQC, GDPR quantum compliance, European digital sovereignty, Quantum Flagship EU, EU member states quantum, pan-European QKD, EU quantum satellite, European critical infrastructure