Munich, July 2, 2025 – The European Commission today published its new Quantum Strategy, setting a clear direction for Europe’s role in advancing quantum infrastructure, enabling industrial adoption, and strengthening technological sovereignty.
“As quantum science moves from lab to real-world application, Europe must maintain its leadership,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “We have everything we need to become a leading quantum continent, from a highly skilled workforce to a robust research infrastructure.”
The strategy also marks a success for QBN and its Community, as it reflects many of the extensive contributions submitted during the consultation process, including whitepapers outlining Europe’s pathway to a successful quantum economy, in-depth expertise on quantum technologies for defence developed in collaboration with NATO, targeted reports on emerging fields such as diamond and photonic quantum technologies, as well as industry reports and broader expert feedback from the Community.
The strategy outlines five key priorities for action: advancing research and innovation, building scalable quantum infrastructures including six pilot lines for chip production, strengthening the industrial ecosystem with startup support and supply chain resilience, integrating quantum technologies in space, defence, and security, and establishing a pan-European skills initiative, including a dedicated Quantum Skills Academy to launch in 2026. It also includes the creation of a European Quantum Design Facility and a pilot initiative for the European Quantum Internet.
Notably, by 2040 the global quantum sector is expected to exceed a value of €155 billion and create thousands of highly skilled jobs across the EU. The Strategy also aims to boost Europe’s share of global private quantum investment, currently at around 5%.
QBN’s extensive input and contributions, combined with a long-term, collaborative relationship with the European Commission, have been instrumental to shaping the new EU Quantum Strategy. Representing over 100 key international organisations across the four quantum pillars, QBN and its members actively shared challenges, identified needs, and proposed concrete measures to support the growth of Europe’s quantum sector. The key Strategy’s components from building scalable quantum infrastructures and boosting startup growth, to advancing industrial adoption and establishing a coordinated quantum skills agenda closely reflect the input provided by QBN and its committed members during the consultation process with the ultimate goal of ensuring and fostering a thriving EU quantum ecosystem.
Importantly, while the Strategy sets a strong direction toward market-ready applications and industrial leadership, it leaves room for greater clarity when it comes to implementation, particularly in bridging the gap between scientific excellence and commercial adoption. Concrete mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, dedicated procurement incentives, and structured technology transfer frameworks will be essential to enable the full socio-economic potential of quantum technologies.
QBN is well positioned to help address this gap. Through our broad member industry base and ongoing strategic activities, we support startups in scaling, help corporates and governments develop quantum strategies and become quantum-ready, secure vital funding, and connect R&D with real-world applications. As implementation begins, we look forward to continuing this work – building partnerships, identifying challenges, and accelerating progress on industry adoption where it’s most needed.
QBN welcomes the new strategy, being aligned with the long-standing priorities of the broader European quantum industry.
We invite stakeholders from all sectors: industry, research, government, and investment – to join us in shaping the next phase of Europe’s quantum journey. Let us collaborate together on the process of building a sustainable, secure and resilient quantum European future.
You can download the new EU Quantum Strategy here: Factsheet_Quantum_Strategy.pdf
You can download the Communication on the Quantum Europe Strategy here: Quantum_Europe_Strategy__final_doc_7SzpKuzc1iptYIlbq2vEjPFTM_117890
