The European Union has kicked off one of the most ambitious technological initiatives of the decade. The European Commission has officially unveiled its Quantum Strategy, a roadmap to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. The goal is significant: to develop a sovereign and resilient ecosystem that transforms decades of scientific research into real products and competitive companies.
In a context where powers like China and the United States are ramping up investments in quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, or quantum sensors, Brussels responds with a structured strategy aimed at preserving the continent’s technological sovereignty and boosting its industrial competitiveness.
Why does quantum matter?
Quantum technology promises to revolutionize key sectors, from drug development to cybersecurity, urban traffic optimization, and infrastructure fault detection. Beyond its applications, it is a dual-use technology with civil and military implications. This underscores the importance of avoiding technological dependence on other countries.
“It’s about a transformative technology that can redefine Europe’s position in the world. It’s not just science; it’s sovereignty,” notes María González, an expert in technological geopolitics and innovation policy adviser.
Five pillars for a comprehensive strategy
The Quantum Strategy is built around five key areas:
1. Research and Innovation: launching the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, a joint project between the EU and member states to strengthen basic science and industrial applications.
2. Quantum Infrastructures: establishing a European quantum design facility and six pilot quantum chip lines, with up to 50 million euros in public funding to bridge laboratory prototypes to the market.
3. Ecosystems and Talent: developing a European network of quantum clusters and launching the European Quantum Skills Academy in 2026 to train the next generation of specialists.
4. Space and Defense Technologies: creating a roadmap for applying quantum technologies to space and defense, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the EU’s common security framework.
5. Quantum Capabilities: developing a pilot infrastructure for the European quantum internet, a cornerstone for ultra-secure communications in Europe’s digital future.
Boosting investment and startups
One of the strategy’s clearest goals is to foster a fertile environment for quantum innovation across Europe. The European Commission aims for European quantum companies to secure at least 5% of total private sector funding worldwide—a bold target aligned with the sector’s growth potential, projected to surpass €155 billion globally by 2040, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.
To achieve this, support will be provided for the growth of European startups and scaleups, encouraging local industries to adopt solutions developed in Europe.
Governance, Talent, and Regulation
As part of this effort, a High-Level Advisory Council will be formed with independent experts, including European Nobel laureates in physics, to guide strategic decisions. A European Quantum Regulation is also expected to be introduced in 2026, serving as a legal framework to coordinate investments, establish common standards, and channel resources into pilot infrastructures.
“Europe cannot afford to be merely an observer in this technological revolution. It must lead, collaborate, and regulate wisely,” affirms David Carrero, co-founder of Stackscale (Aire Group) and an expert in digital infrastructure and European technological sovereignty.
Building an ecosystem
From initiatives like EuroQCI (secure quantum communication infrastructure in Europe) to national projects like Quantum Spain and participation in global networks such as QUTEGA, Europe has already laid some groundwork. The new Quantum Strategy aims to connect these dots, mobilize resources, and coordinate efforts in a unified direction.
In the medium term, each member state is expected to identify and reinforce its local capacities—from research centers to manufacturing nodes and training facilities—aligned with the broader European vision.
In conclusion
With this Quantum Strategy, the European Commission is not only looking to catch up in a crucial technological race but also to set the pace for a new phase in European innovation—more sovereign, more interconnected, and better prepared for 21st-century challenges.
The quantum clock has already started ticking.
Source: European Union