Henna Virkkunen, Finnish MEP and Executive Vice-President-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy of the European Commission, has outlined an ambitious vision for Europe’s quantum future. She proposes a comprehensive Quantum Plan, potentially culminating in a Quantum Act, to consolidate European efforts in quantum technology. This initiative aims to address fragmentation in the European quantum market, pool resources, and make significant investments to establish Europe as a global quantum leader.
Key points of Virkkunen’s vision include:
- Unifying European efforts: Coordinating quantum strategies across Member States to maximize the potential of European quantum research.
- Addressing technological leakage: Safeguarding Europe’s technological assets, including quantum technologies, and reducing dependency on foreign nations.
- Investing in quantum research and industry: Fostering a thriving quantum ecosystem by attracting investment and driving the industrialization of quantum technologies.
- Position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies, capitalizing on its world-class researchers and innovative industries.
“Quantum is an area where we [Europe] can be positive and optimistic”, said Henna Virkkunen in her confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on 12 Nov 2024.
“Europe is well-positioned to become a global industrial quantum powerhouse. Quantum Technologies have to be a top priority to ensure EU Sovereignty, security and economic growth! For the same reasons, it should be as well on every company’s strategic agenda!” emphasizes Johannes Verst, CEO at QBN.
Together with our QBN members, the EC, national governments and our partners from the European quantum hubs we’re tirelessly working to turn the quantum dream into reality!
