Quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI): call completed with 24 proposals

The Health and Digital Executive Agency has completed its 4^th CEF-Digital call for proposals with its 1^st call for the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), with 24 proposals submitted by the 27 March 2025 deadline. 

With a total budget of €90 million, EuroQCI seeks to enhance the security of sensitive communications and data exchange between public authorities, research organisations, and critical infrastructures between Member States. The funded projects will connect quantum communication systems, using both satellites and ground-based systems, to cover the entire European Union.  

The proposals, submitted by coordinators from 15 different countries and a total of 189 partners in the proposed consortia compositions will be evaluated by an independent expert panel and the European Commission, with results due to be published in autumn 2025. 

The high number of proposals received demonstrates the eagerness of European actors to enhance the protection of sensitive data and infrastructures and their readiness to use quantum technologies to make the EU more resistant to potential hacking attempts. 

Background information 

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme’s goal is to support projects for secure, fast and high-capacity networks, backbone infrastructures, and strengthen the networks that connect rural, remote and overseas areas, as well as digitalise transport networks to create a more integrated and accessible digital environment within the EU, fostering economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the digital sector. 

The quantum communication infrastructure topic under CEF-Digital aims to provide a secure network for exchanging cryptographic keys across the EU. The EuroQCI will integrate quantum-based security into existing communication infrastructures, enhancing the protection of government data and critical infrastructure.