Announced in Brussels, Belgium, the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Commission formalised their cooperation agreement, partnering to strengthen support of a groundbreaking quantum communication network across the EU. European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) marks a significant step forward in meeting the EU’s Digital Decade target of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030. The agreement was signed between Roberto Viola, the European Commission's Director-General of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), and Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.
EuroQCI combines traditional fibre-optic networks with advanced satellite systems to create an unprecedented level of communication security. The project takes a comprehensive approach to secure communications through two main components, an on-ground terrestrial segment and an in-orbit space segment.
The terrestrial segment utilises existing fibre-optic networks, creating secure connections between critical sites across Europe. The Commission will support the developments of the terrestrial system, focusing on linking critical infrastructures and sensitive communication sites on a national level in EU Member States and cross-border across the EU.
ESA, through its Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate’s Optical and Quantum Communications – Scylight programme, is the lead in contracting, designing and qualifying the development of EuroQCI, where it spearheads the research and development activities of space-based quantum technologies. This includes the Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA), for in-orbit demonstration and validation, adding another layer of protection through satellite technology and connecting terrestrial system across Europe and overseas with each other.
ESA will leverage its heritage in space-enabled quantum communications, with Eagle-1 due to be the first space-based quantum key distribution system scheduled for launch in 2026, in partnership with an industrial consortium led by SES Techcom and the European Commission. This is in alignment with SAGA, with both projects being developed by ESA, the European Commission and industry, highlighting the important and growing collaboration.
EuroQCI was launched in 2019, gaining unanimous support from all 27 EU Member States committing to the project in 2021. Following this milestone, the Commission launched the first implementation phase for EuroQCI in 2023 under the Digital Europe Programme to focus on the development of core technologies. Meanwhile, ESA's SAGA project has made significant advances in space-based quantum key distribution.
The next major milestone is to integrate EuroQCI with the new EU secure satellite constellation, IRIS², creating a comprehensive network that combines the best of quantum security with traditional communication infrastructure. This collaboration between ESA and the Commission is the latest development in a steadfast and growing relationship, following the signing of IRIS2 in December 2024.
EuroQCI has the potential to meet the needs of a variety of applications and stakeholders, beyond government communications. Within healthcare networks, the system aims to safeguard sensitive patient data with unprecedented security. Financial institutions are planned to benefit from enhanced protection for critical transactions, while power grids and energy infrastructure should gain additional layers of security against cyber threats. The system will also strengthen emergency response communications and provide robust protection for industrial and research facilities. Additionally, the constellation of EuroQCI satellites will ensure that even the most remote regions of Europe have access to ultra-secure communications.
This integration showcases how space technology can directly enhance the security of everyday communications whilst protecting critical infrastructure. As quantum computing advances threaten traditional encryption methods, EuroQCI ensures that Europe stays one step ahead in the race to protect sensitive communications.
"Today, we celebrate the successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of this Agreement, a pivotal step forward that highlights the power of partnership in achieving ambitious goals," said Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director General. "Through our collaboration with the European Commission and Member States, we will ensure EuroQCI sets the global standard for secure and innovative quantum communication. ESA will lead the Contracting, Design, and Qualification authority, developing EuroQCI to protect critical information and assets, and spearheading research and development activities in space-based quantum technologies.”
“By integrating quantum-based systems into existing infrastructures, EuroQCI will create a secure communication layer that's resistant to emerging cyber threats, advancing Europe's cybersecurity strategy and strengthening our leadership in quantum technologies,” said ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, Laurent Jaffart. “The signing of this Cooperation Agreement between ESA and the European Commission underscores our shared commitment to Europe's digital sovereignty."
Roberto Viola, Director General of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) at the European Commission said, "Yesterday, the Commission had announced the Competitiveness Compass, the key policy agenda for the coming years, which includes maintaining a leading position in quantum technologies. I therefore welcome the agreement with ESA under the EuroQCI, which brings us one step closer to realising our vision in quantum and more specifically of a quantum safe communication network for Europe based on terrestrial and satellite technologies. This agreement builds on our long-standing partnership with ESA in key space technologies and applications such as Copernicus, Galileo and IRIS2 initiative."
