EU-funded projects advancing connectivity and digital innovation

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, observed every year on 17 May, shines a spotlight on the transformative role of digital technologies in connecting people, supporting economies and fostering more inclusive societies. The day also underlines the importance of ensuring equal access to connectivity and reducing the digital divide worldwide. 

The date commemorates the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865 and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies. 

This year’s edition highlights the role of connectivity, artificial intelligence and digital innovation in building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies. Discover a selection of EU-funded projects managed by HaDEA that are helping shape Europe’s digital future. 

• Nuanua, funded under CEF-Digital, is enhancing the connectivity and resilience of the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna in the South Pacific Ocean. By deploying a modern satellite ground infrastructure based on Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) o3b mPOWER technology, the project will provide a more reliable alternative route to the territory’s single submarine cable connection. Nuanua will improve access to digital services for the local population while also reducing the carbon footprint of telecommunications infrastructure through the installation of solar panels to power the new systems.
• EURIDICE, funded under the Digital Europe Programme, is equipping the next generation of innovators and leaders with advanced digital skills to support Europe’s digital transformation. Through interdisciplinary and challenge-based education programmes, EURIDICE combines expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and cybersecurity with insights from law, humanities and social sciences. Bringing together universities and research institutions across Europe, the project promotes a human-centric and inclusive approach to digital innovation while helping learners address the societal and ethical challenges linked to emerging technologies.
• AI4GOV-X, also funded under the Digital Europe Programme, is helping public administrations across Europe harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies in a trustworthy way. Through interdisciplinary training and capacity-building programmes, AI4Gov-X equips civil servants, policymakers and digital governance professionals with the skills needed to design, adopt and manage AI-driven public services. Combining hands-on learning, experimentation and use cases across sectors such as healthcare, mobility and education, the project supports evidence-based policymaking and contributes to a more innovative and inclusive digital transformation of public services.
• PUNCH, funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 4: Digital, is developing a new generation of optical switching technologies to improve the performance and efficiency of data networks. Its innovative solution aims to deliver reliable and low-latency communications with guaranteed service quality, while reducing network congestion, power consumption and transmission costs. Bringing together partners with expertise in photonics, electronics and telecommunications, PUNCH will demonstrate and validate its technologies in industrial 5G and data centre test-beds.