A Quantum Strategy to put Europe at the forefront

This strategy aims to strengthen quantum computing within the European Union, ensure technological sovereignty, and compete with other leading powers such as the United States and China. The goal is to translate European scientific investment into economic and strategic leadership. This innovation will be complemented by existing technologies such as SD-WAN to improve communications and cybersecurity.

The EU Quantum Strategy is structured around five main pillars:

1. Turning research into industry. Europe leads in scientific publications, but not in commercial exploitation. The plan aims to accelerate the transfer of knowledge to startups, SMEs, and large companies.

    

2. Boosting private investment. Currently, only 5% of global quantum funding goes to European companies. Brussels aims to multiply that figure through tax incentives, public-private partnerships, and European venture capital funds.

    

3. Ensuring technological sovereignty. The strategy prioritizes the autonomous development of critical capabilities in computing, secure communications, and quantum sensing, reducing external dependencies and consolidating the EU’s technological sovereignty.

    

4. Security and cyber resilience. Post-quantum cryptography and quantum communication networks are being promoted as pillars of Europe’s future cybersecurity.

    

5. Common regulatory framework. Specific legislation is expected to be introduced in 2027–2028, establishing standards for interoperability and the ethical and secure use of these technologies.

To date, the EU has invested billions in programs such as the Quantum Flagship, which will have a clear focus on industrial development and market application. Therefore, this agreement aims to coordinate national and regional initiatives under a unified framework and ensure a competitive ecosystem.

Although it is not yet law, the Quantum Strategy paves the way for a European legislative process that will take shape in the coming years.

Among the most significant aspects are:

• Regulations for the transition to post-quantum cryptography in government agencies and critical sectors.
• Regulation of secure quantum communications in accordance with European telecommunications standards.
• An ethical framework aligned with privacy and fundamental rights.
• Regulatory incentives for private investment and public-private cooperation.

The Quantum Strategy identifies several priority areas for investment and deployment of this technology, including:

• Healthcare: quantum simulations to accelerate diagnostics and the design of new drugs.
• Industry and energy: process optimization and cost reduction through highly complex simulations.
• Cybersecurity and defense: protection of critical infrastructure with communications that are impossible to intercept.
• Mobility and space: high-precision quantum sensors for navigation and terrestrial or space observation.

This framework opens up a range of opportunities for technology companies in Europe. They will have access to European funding for quantum R&D projects and will be able to participate in pilot projects in telecommunications, healthcare, and energy. Furthermore, companies that adopt technologies such as post-quantum cryptography now will have a competitive advantage.

Quantum computing and SD-WAN are completely different yet complementary technologies. We are currently in the early stages of this synergy, but further advancements in this area are expected over the next decade. SD-WAN optimizes WAN networks between different locations using software, while quantum computing will be used in AI, cryptography, and complex problem-solving.

Companies are already beginning to use quantum networks or quantum data centers for cloud-based services (QaaS), and this is where SD-WAN provides secure and fast connectivity. Furthermore, post-quantum cryptography can be used to optimize SD-WAN data routing.

Quantum technology is based on the principles of quantum mechanics. Unlike traditional binary information, which uses bits to encode data, quantum computing uses qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. A quantum computer can solve in seconds what would take a classical supercomputer years.

Quantum technology is not limited to computing: it also encompasses quantum communications, high-precision sensors, and post-quantum cryptography, the pillars of the next technological era.

Learn more: Quantum Europe Strategy | Shaping Europe's Digital Future