Today in Brussels, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission solidified their collaboration on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), concluding negotiations and paving the way for development. EuroQCI aims to safeguard personal data and critical infrastructure across Europe using quantum physics.
This initiative will bolster the security of essential government data through quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology designed to detect interception attempts. It will also protect vital infrastructure, including power grids and emergency services, aligning with the EU's Digital Decade goal of leading in quantum capabilities by 2030.
The technology consists of two systems: on Earth, it utilizes existing fibre-optic cables enhanced with quantum security; in space, ESA is developing a satellite constellation through its Optical and Quantum Communications - Scylight programme to extend the QKD network's reach.
ESA's Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA) will validate space-based quantum technologies in orbit. In collaboration with an industrial consortium led by SES Techcom, ESA is advancing the Eagle-1 satellite, the first for this QKD system, set for launch in 2026.
The project has strong support from all 27 EU Member States, underscoring its significance for Europe's future. The European Commission initiated the first implementation phase of EuroQCI in 2023, with the next step focusing on its integration into IRIS², Europe's new secure satellite constellation.
Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director General, stated, "Today, we celebrate the successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of this Agreement, a pivotal step forward that showcases the power of partnership in achieving ambitious goals." He emphasized that EuroQCI will set a global standard for secure quantum communication.
Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, noted that EuroQCI will create a secure communication layer resilient to emerging cyber threats, enhancing Europe's cybersecurity strategy.
Roberto Viola, the European Commission's Director-General of Communications Networks, expressed that the agreement with ESA brings Europe closer to realizing a quantum-safe communication network utilizing both terrestrial and satellite technologies.