ESA and the European Commission sign EuroQCI implementation agreement

[Left] Roberto Viola, the European Commission's Director-General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology and [right] Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. 

Today in Brussels, ESA and the European Commission consolidated their cooperation on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), marking the successful conclusion of negotiations and clearing the way for development to begin. EuroQCI is an advanced network that aims to protect everything from personal data to Europe's critical infrastructure, using proven principles of quantum physics.

EuroQCI will enhance the security of critical government data by leveraging quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to detect any attempt at interception. The system will also protect Europe's vital infrastructure – from power grids that supply our electricity to emergency services that protect our communities in times of crises. This marks a significant step toward meeting the EU's Digital Decade target of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030.

The technology works through two complementary systems. On Earth, it leverages existing fibre-optic internet cables enhanced with quantum security features. In space, ESA is leading the development of a satellite constellation through its Optical and Quantum Communications – Scylight programme to expand the reach of the QKD secure network across Europe and beyond.

This effort is being advanced through ESA’s Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA), which will demonstrate and validate space-based quantum technologies in orbit. In partnership with an industrial consortium led by SES Techcom and the European Commission, ESA is also supporting the development of Eagle-1, the first satellite for this space-based QKD system, scheduled for launch in 2026.

The project has received strong backing from all 27 EU Member States, demonstrating its importance for Europe's future. The European Commission launched its first implementation phase for EuroQCI in 2023, with the next milestone focused on its gradual integration into IRIS², Europe’s new secure satellite constellation.