The European Commission has adopted the second work program for the Digital Connectivity Fund for Europe (Connecting Europe Facility – CEF Digital), which will allocate 865 million euros between 2024 and 2027 to strengthen digital connectivity infrastructure on the continent. This investment is crucial to achieve the objectives of Europe’s Digital Decade by 2030, whose main purpose is to ensure that all EU citizens and businesses are connected to high-speed and cutting-edge networks.
A key boost for digital connectivity
Investing in digital infrastructure is not only essential for connecting the population, but also aligns with the European Union’s efforts to promote a secure, sustainable, and efficient data management environment. The CEF Digital program is one of the key financing mechanisms seeking to promote projects of common interest among Member States, with a focus on high-performance networks such as Gigabit and 5G, as well as the creation of secure and high-capacity infrastructures.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Fast and secure connectivity is fundamental to Europe’s competitiveness. This investment will help build the digital infrastructure that will drive economic growth, innovation, and the well-being of citizens across the European Union.”
Key investment areas
The new work program for CEF Digital will focus its support on three strategic areas that will be essential for improving connectivity infrastructure in Europe:
Deployment of 5G and Gigabit infrastructures: Large projects aimed at expanding autonomous Gigabit and 5G networks across the EU will be financed. These networks will not only ensure faster and more stable connections, but will also integrate cloud computing and edge computing capabilities in key applications for sectors such as healthcare, transportation, logistics, and manufacturing.
Improvement of backbone networks and quantum communication networks: The program also includes the expansion and modernization of backbone networks and submarine cables, crucial to increase the capacity, performance, and resilience of communication networks within Member States and between the EU and third countries. This aspect is key to ensuring communications security and resilience against cyber attacks and other digital threats.
Operational digital platforms for transport and energy infrastructures: Digital platforms will be developed to optimize the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in transportation and energy. These digital platforms will also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of ICT, aligning with the sustainability goals of the European Union. For their operation, these digital platforms will integrate emerging European infrastructures in data, cloud computing, edge computing, and connectivity networks.
A strategic investment for the Digital Decade
Financial support from CEF Digital is essential to meet the goals of Europe’s Digital Decade 2030, which include connecting all populated areas with 5G networks, universal access to high-speed internet, and ensuring that all EU citizens and businesses have access to secure and sustainable digital services.
In addition to promoting private investment, this program seeks to accelerate the development of secure and high-performance networks, reducing the digital divide between different European regions and facilitating an inclusive digital transformation.
Boosting European digital sovereignty
The deployment of high-capacity and secure networks is also part of the EU’s strategy to ensure its digital sovereignty. The creation of own and resilient infrastructures will allow Europe to reduce its dependence on external suppliers in key areas such as communications and data storage.
In this sense, the integration of advanced technologies, such as quantum computing and submarine networks, are crucial steps to ensure that Europe maintains control over its own digital networks, especially in times when cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated.
Conclusion
With an investment of 865 million euros over the next four years, the European Commission has launched one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects of the decade. Through CEF Digital, it is expected not only to improve connectivity throughout the EU, but also to promote innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Europe remains a global leader in the digital field.
via: Digital Strategy Europe