Objective:
CEF Digital actions to co-fund the terrestrial backbone network components will be complementary to those developed through the Digital Europe Programme and will be focused on supporting cross-border links between two or more national quantum communication networks in Member States, and/or linking the EuroQCI’s terrestrial and space segments.
Scope:
The following priorities have been set to address the needs of EU’s national governments and critical infrastructures supporting services of general interest (hereafter “critical public infrastructures”):
- Deployment of cross-border quantum terrestrial backbone networks for interconnecting neighbouring national quantum communication infrastructures across borders, built with EU technologies, including if necessary, through the deployment of “trusted nodes” (i.e. secure access points to the network which make it possible to link distant sites securely).
- Interconnection with the EuroQCI’s space segment, developed under the Secure Connectivity programme, which will be implemented via the optical ground stations serving as an interface between the EuroQCI’s space components and its terrestrial fibre network.
- Provision of fibre links between the EuroQCI and a pan-European network of Security Operation Centres (SOCs).
This scope includes the actions needed at the level of telecommunications networks to manage encryption keys efficiently and securely in an end-to-end manner and ensure their transmission to recipients.
Expected Impact:
The call aims to:
- Enable reliable and resilient transmission of sensitive communications and data between public authorities, research entities and critical public infrastructures in Member States, including outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.
- Boost Europe’s capabilities in developing quantum-secure optical telecommunication networks and their capacity to secure its critical public infrastructures, especially those that cross national borders and serve more than one Member State.
- Promote quantum-based secure networks and the emergence of a new ecosystem that would enable a large market uptake. This will ultimately support the growth of a pan-European quantum industry that will develop new, innovative systems and technologies critical for the EU’s strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty.
Deadline: 23 February 2023 17:00:00 Brussels time
For more information, please visit the European Commisssion website.
