Kiri

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 2.7.2025

COM(2025) 363 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN

PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

Quantum Europe Strategy: Quantum Europe in a Changing World

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Quantum Europe in a changing world

1.1 Introduction

Europe is a quantum1 continent. From iconic forerunners such as Max Planck, Albert Einstein

Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrödinger, to current day pioneers and Nobel Prize laureates like

Theodor Haensch, Albert Fert, Serge Haroche, Anton Zeilinger, Alain Aspect and Anne

L’Huillier, Europe has always been the place of quantum science.

Advances in quantum science represent some of the most transformative developments in

technological history. The Draghi report2 refers to quantum as “the next trailblazing innovation

in the computing field, which could open new opportunities for the EU’s industrial

competitiveness and technological sovereignty”.

Today we stand at an inflection point, as the global race to harness quantum technologies

accelerates, moving beyond the labs and entering real-world applications. From Magnetic

Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners in healthcare and material advances in energy, to

gravimeter sensors for geophysics and navigation, secure communications, and quantum

computing solving complex problems in logistics and finance, these breakthroughs are

beginning to reshape key industries and societal infrastructure.

Quantum technologies also have a dual-use potential3 making them useful for both defence and

national security applications, thus driving the strategic interest of major public and private

players.

Against this background, the EU has identified quantum as a critical technology4 in its

Economic Security Strategy5 and under the White Paper for European Defence - Readiness

20306.

First large-scale industrialisation efforts are now underway all over the world, particularly in

the USA, driven by massive private investments from high-tech companies, and in China,

powered largely by public funding.

Europe has achieved remarkable advances in quantum scientific excellence: it boasts the

world’s largest concentration of quantum talent and ranks first globally in the number of

scientific publications. The EU also has one of the largest quantum startup ecosystems7.

Approximately one third of all quantum companies worldwide are based in the EU8, and EU

vendors supply nearly half of the hardware and software components used in quantum

computers9.

1 Quantum technologies leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to perform tasks that are either impossible

to solve or highly inefficient for traditional technologies. The main areas of quantum technologies include

quantum computing and simulation, quantum sensing and quantum communication. 2 The Draghi report on EU competitiveness 3 For the purposes of this Strategy, dual-use potential denotes the capacity of quantum technologies to serve both

civilian and security/defence ends. It is employed here in a broader, forward-looking sense than the legal term

‘dual-use items’ under Regulation (EU) 2021/821 on export controls. 4 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2023/2113 of 3 October 2023 on critical technology areas for the EU’s

economic security for further risk assessment with Member States 5 JOIN(2023) 20 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023JC0020 6 White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 | EEAS 7 McKinsey & Company, Quantum Technology Monitor – April 2024 8 Lewis, A., Scudo, P., Cerutti, I., Travagnin, M., Marcantonini, C. et al., Future Directions for Quantum

Technology in Europe, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2025, JRC141050. Forthcoming

mid July 9 European Investment Bank – A Quantum Leap in Finance (2022)

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However, Europe is currently lagging behind in translating its innovation capabilities and

future potential into real market opportunities. As a result, it now ranks only third globally

in patents filed for quantum computing, sensing, and communication10.

Moreover, Europe’s efforts remain fragmented across Member States, national and

regional funding agencies. Over the past five years, the EU and the Member States have

invested more than EUR 11 billion in quantum technologies. While several Member States

have developed their own national strategies and roadmaps, insufficient coordination has led

to duplication of efforts, inefficient use of resources, and growing competition for talent. This

risks undermining the EU’s ability to build critical mass and scale, slowing down the

commercialisation pipeline, ultimately limiting the development of a globally competitive

European industrial capacity and a unified European quantum market.

In addition, while Europe plays a leading role in early-stage quantum entrepreneurship,

its emerging ecosystem is currently lacking sustainable financial support and sufficient

market perspectives. Europe also lacks early adopters of quantum technology among big

industrial players, depriving emerging startup ecosystems of sufficient market perspectives.

Building on the Competitiveness Compass11, which includes “quantum” amongst the key tech

sectors that will matter in tomorrow’s economy12, this initiative presents, in strong alignment

with quantum stakeholders13, a comprehensive strategy to secure a leading position for Europe

in the global quantum race. In supporting the development of this technology with dual-use

potential in the EU, this strategy will also help implement the recommendations of the

Preparedness Union Strategy14 and the Niinistö report15 and the White Paper for Defence –

Readiness 203016, the Internal Security Strategy ProtectEU17 as well as the International Digital

Strategy for the EU18.

1.2 Quantum Europe: The Vision and the Strategic Implementation Framework

Europe is very well positioned to be a leader in the ongoing quantum revolution. The vision is

to transform Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse and a global market leader in

quantum technologies, building on sustained scientific leadership.

The EU’s strategic vision capitalises on its existing strengths: world-class research, scientific

excellence, a vibrant startup base, and a strong public investment structure. These key pillars

are essential to address fragmentation, accelerate industrial deployment and ensure strategic

autonomy in quantum technologies.

To achieve this vision, the Strategy focuses on five interconnected areas:

10 See footnote 8. 11 Competitiveness compass - European Commission 12 The European Economic Security Strategy and its Commission Recommendation of 3 October 2023 includes

quantum amongst the critical technology areas 13 As expressed in the replies to the Call for Evidence launched ahead of the publication of the Quantum Europe

Strategy: Quantum Strategy of the EU. Stakeholders expressed the view that the Quantum Europe Strategy should

accelerate the transition from lab to fab without neglecting the capital role of fundamental research, expand the

existing pan-European quantum infrastructures, and develop a workforce skilled and educated in quantum. They

also highlight the importance of ramping up the Union’s manufacturing capabilities and addressing the financial,

regulatory and administrative obstacles that limit or slow down startups from scaling up into mature, profitable

companies in the Single Market. 14 Preparedness - European Commission 15 The Niinisto Report https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/5bb2881f-9e29-42f2-8b77-

8739b19d047c_en?filename=2024_Niinisto-report_Book_VF.pdf 16 See footnote 6. 17 Commission presents ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy - European Commission 18 Joint Communication on an International Digital Strategy for the EU, 5 June 2025

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• Area 1 Research and Innovation: Consolidating excellence across Europe to lead in

quantum science and its industrial transformation.

• Area 2 Quantum Infrastructures: Developing sustainable, scalable, coordinated

infrastructure hubs to support production, design, and application development.

• Area 3 Strengthening the EU Quantum Ecosystem: Securing supply chains and the

industrialisation of quantum technologies through investments in startups and scaleups.

• Area 4 Space and Dual-Use Potential Quantum Technologies (Security and

Defence): Integrating secure, sovereign quantum capabilities into Europe’s space,

security and defence strategies.

• Area 5 Quantum Skills: Building a diverse, world-class workforce through

coordinated agile education and training systems and programmes and promoting talent

mobility across the EU.

The five strategic areas are supported by a smart implementation approach. As described

below, in section 3.1 “The Main Implementation Components of the Quantum Europe

Strategy”, the approach will build on an iterative life-cycle technology development loop that

will continuously link scientific quantum discoveries to real-world applications and to the

market, resulting in short and long-term economic impact. This implementation approach will

help attract lead industrial and public users, ensuring market access and sustainability of the

nascent EU quantum ecosystem.

Figure 1: Five strategic areas for Quantum Europe

Complementing the implementation life cycle, the EU will establish a strategic governance

framework to oversee and facilitate progress.

The Strategy builds on the 2023 European Declaration on Quantum Technologies19, which

marked a key political step, aligning Member States around shared priorities and European

values. It also builds on the findings of the expert working groups from all EU Member States20,

set up under the coordination of the Quantum Technology Coordination Group21.

2 Quantum Europe Strategic Areas

2.1 Area 1: Quantum Europe Research and Innovation

Europe’s quantum research base, supported by several EU and national programmes, has laid

a solid scientific foundation. Over the past five years, the EU has invested nearly EUR 2 billion

19 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/european-declaration-quantum-technologies 20 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/shaping-european-strategy-quantum-technology-main-

orientations-and-recommendations 21 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-

groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=3931

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in quantum technologies, complemented by more than EUR 9 billion in additional public

funding from Member States. These funds have supported quantum research and education,

the creation of national quantum clusters and hybrid quantum-classical supercomputer centres,

the quantum technology industry, and international partnerships.

Despite significant national and EU funding, Europe’s quantum research remains fragmented

across Member States and instruments, resulting in duplication, gaps in priority areas and

competition for scarce talents. Without coordination and a clear focus on shared strategic

priorities, Europe will fall short of its quantum ambitions.

The Commission therefore proposes a dedicated Quantum Europe Research and Innovation

Initiative. It will aim to align the EU’s and the Member States’ efforts around a commonly

agreed Research, Technology and Innovation agenda. It will pool the efforts around common

themes and set shared targets to ensure coherence, avoid overlap and build critical mass.

This Initiative will be structured around the following key stages of activity:

• Discover: Supporting foundational research, technological development and innovation

actions in quantum computing, communication and sensing.

• From the lab to the fab: further investing in building state-of-the-art quantum

computing, communication and sensing infrastructures, quantum hardware and relevant

enabling technologies, as well as in cutting edge pilot lines and design tools to support

industrialisation and ecosystem development.

• Apply and use: supporting the development of applications in key public and industrial

sectors, ensuring the translation of scientific advances across all quantum domains into

real-world applications and impact.

In addition to the above, the Initiative will also include investments in talent attraction and

skills’ development to ensure a well-trained future quantum industrial workforce.

The Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative will be implemented through an EU-

level governance framework, which will be defined in the forthcoming proposal for a Quantum

Act. In the meantime, the mandate of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU)22 will be extended

via an amendment to its founding regulation, ensuring seamless coordination with Horizon

Europe, Digital Europe, Space and Defence programmes and other funding instruments.

• Amend the EuroHPC JU Regulation to extend its remit to all quantum technologies and,

as a first step, transfer present Horizon Europe Pillar 2 R&I quantum activities into the

JU [Q3 2025]

• Present the Quantum Act proposal [2026]

2.2 Area 2: Quantum Europe Infrastructures

The EU is investing today in major quantum infrastructure initiatives, such as quantum

computing systems under the EuroHPC JU, the EuroQCI23 secure quantum communication

infrastructure under the Union’s Secure Connectivity Programme IRIS² 24, as well as in

advanced sensing platforms. The EU is also investing in several pilot lines under the Chips

JU25 for preparing the industrialisation of quantum technologies in Europe.

These publicly funded quantum infrastructures are a strategic enabler of Europe's quantum

ambition. They provide access to state-of-the-art quantum systems and platforms that would

otherwise remain out of reach for most European quantum stakeholders and users due to high

22 The COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2021/1173 establishing the Euro HPCJoint Undertaking. 23 The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) Initiative | Shaping Europe’s digital future. 24 IRIS² | Secure Connectivity - European Commission, Regulation (EU) 2023/588. 25 Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1782 establishing the Chips Joint Undertaking.

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development and access costs, technical complexity or the need for specific services, such as

secure communication. They offer a testbed for innovation, a training ground for talent, and a

space for industry, SMEs, and researchers to experiment with, understand, and shape the

development of new quantum technologies. They are essential to accelerate quantum

technology uptake, build industrial capacity, and ensure that quantum benefits are widely

distributed across the Union.

Looking ahead, the EU will maintain and expand its investments in public quantum

infrastructures across computing and simulation, communications, and sensing as explained

below.

2.2.1 Quantum Computing and Simulation

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise our ability to solve complex computing

optimisation problems far beyond the reach of even the most powerful high-performance

computing (HPC) systems. Its impact is expected to be catalytic across numerous areas e.g., in

pharmaceutical and chemical simulation, it could enable the discovery of new drugs and

chemicals; in energy, quantum computing may help discover new battery materials or high-

temperature superconductors; it also holds significant promise for improvements in areas such

as logistics and finance. In addition, quantum computers can solve such problems in a much

more energy-efficient way than classical supercomputers. Rather than replacing HPC systems,

quantum computers will complement them, acting as accelerators to boost the overall

performance of the computing solution, delivering results much faster and in a much more

energy efficient way. Quantum is also increasingly used alongside and in support of AI. For

example, quantum can accelerate the training of AI models, while AI contributes to quantum

error correction, boosting overall system reliability.

Quantum computing is currently at a defining stage: while small-scale quantum processors

exist, the main global challenge is to scale up to fully operational quantum computers that can

definitely demonstrate the quantum computing advantage. The key challenge now is to build

larger-scale machines that can deliver a clear quantum advantage26 over classical computers.

In the next 5–10 years, the ability of quantum computers to solve real-world problems will

grow enormously. That is why the EU and its Member States, as well as other major players –

from Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, to the USA, are heavily

investing in quantum technologies racing for leadership in the quantum revolution27. Multiple

quantum computing platforms are under development today, each based on a different

technological approach28. Table 1 lists the quantum computers provided by companies

headquartered in different regions of the world.

26 OECD (2025), "A Quantum Technologies Policy Primer". Quantum advantage refers to the point at which a

quantum computer performs a specific task more efficiently, faster, with higher accuracy, or with less energy than

the best possible classical supercomputers. This milestone signals a practical demonstration of the superiority of

quantum computing for certain computational problems, even if only within narrow domains. 27 E.g. U.S. National Quantum Initiative (https://www.quantum.gov/); China’s 2030-quantum roadmap; Japan

Quantum Technology and Innovation Strategy (https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/english/strategy_r08.pdf); Australia

National Quantum Strategy (https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-05/national-quantum-

strategy.pdf); Canada National Quantum Strategy (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/national-quantum-

strategy/en/canadas-national-quantum-strategy); UK National Quantum Strategy

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-quantum-strategy. 28 Representative examples of computing platforms are based on superconducting circuits, trapped ions, neutral

atoms, photonics, diamonds or spin qubits. Each of them presents distinct advantages and engineering challenges

in terms of computing scalability, fidelity, and coherence.

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Technology platform Superconducting Ion traps Cold atoms Photonics Spin qubits

EU machines 17 6 8 5 3

UK machines 4 6 0 5 2

USA machines 26 7 4 2 0

Canada machines 13 0 0 1 0

China machines 2 0 0 0 0

ROW29 machines 1 0 0 1 3

Table 1: Quantum Computing and Simulation Suppliers Landscape

Europe, through national programmes and the EU Quantum Technologies Flagship30 is

developing all major quantum computing technologies as illustrated above. These efforts have

led to working prototypes, software toolkits, and several deep-tech spin-offs. Also, through the

EuroHPC JU, Europe is already deploying its first prototypes of quantum computing systems

in several Member States (see Figure 2). This early deployment serves two key purposes: it

supports the emergence of an autonomous, sovereign, and competitive European quantum

industry by creating an early market for hardware and software suppliers, while also enabling

the development of the internal market by increasing the number and scale of use cases and

users.

Europe has also successfully enabled the early hybridisation of quantum computers with HPC,

thus achieving the EU Digital Decade target of having a first quantum-accelerated computer in

202531. This marks a strategic milestone: it supports European quantum hardware ecosystem,

fosters the emergence of industrial use cases, and lays the groundwork for more advanced

hybrid systems – all of this contributes to the long-term goal of achieving a full-stack quantum

computing capability by 2030. This hybridisation will also enable the use of quantum

computers by European AI Factories32, thereby contributing to achieving the objectives of the

AI Continent Action Plan33.

Looking ahead, the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation initiative will further support

coordinated activities to accelerate the transition from today’s first-generation quantum devices

to fully operational machines. The goal is to position Europe to acquire next-generation

quantum computers primarily from EU providers, while progressively scaling these platforms

to reach approximately 100 error-corrected qubits34 per system by 2030 – a target aligned with

industry roadmaps for achieving meaningful computational advantage. By 2035, Europe aims

to become the first continent to reach a scale of thousands of error-corrected qubits per

platform, a threshold considered necessary to solve real-world problems.

Achieving this milestone would represent a turning point in practical quantum advantage35 and

position Europe as a global leader in quantum computing. It will reinforce the development of

29 Rest Of the World. 30 Homepage of Quantum Flagship | Quantum Flagship 31 Hybrid quantum/HPC platforms are integrating quantum processors with classical HPC systems to enable early

co-processing, with the quantum processors acting as computing accelerators of the traditional supercomputers.

Three hybrid platforms, in France, Germany and Finland, are now operational within EuroHPC and national

infrastructures. By the end of 2025, hybridisation will be standard across all European quantum computing

facilities, solidifying a significant accomplishment. 32 AI Factories | Shaping Europe’s digital future 33 AI continent - European Commission 34 Today’s quantum computers are delivering results that are not yet fully accurate (quantum calculations are still

prone to significant errors). Implementing effective fault correction, which will result in error-corrected qubits

(i.e. the processing units of a quantum computer) providing accurate computing results, is therefore an important

milestone for any future fully-operational quantum computer. 35 See footnote 26.

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Europe’s quantum computing companies and will help foster the development and

implementation of lead user applications while strengthening the Union’s technological

autonomy.

Figure 2: Map of EuroHPC supercomputers, quantum computers and simulators

At the same time, Europe will continue investing in quantum simulators36, which can mimic

the behaviour of a quantum system while using less complex hardware. These quantum

simulators are already enabling breakthroughs in materials science, quantum chemistry, and

fundamental physics. Europe is at the forefront of developing and deploying these platforms,

which are expected to deliver valuable results earlier than universal quantum computers due to

lower hardware requirements.

An EU Quantum Computing and Simulation Roadmap will be developed, establishing clear

benchmarks and a monitoring process to track the technological progress and maturity of the

different types of quantum platforms. The roadmap will allow to regularly assess which of

them are most advanced or hold the greatest long-term promise. This evidence-based approach

will guide Europe’s strategic decisions and help prioritise future public investments in quantum

computing.

• Publish the EU Quantum Computing and Simulation Roadmap [2026]

• Expand the number and capacity of EuroHPC-based quantum computing systems [2026

onwards] and set up a monitoring framework for quantum computing [2026]

2.2.2 Quantum Communications

Quantum communication enables ultra-secure data transmission, protects critical

infrastructures, and safeguards sensitive information against future quantum-enabled cyber

threats37. It also enables to establish quantum communication networks necessary for

interconnecting quantum devices such as sensors and computers, into a so-called ‘Quantum

Internet’. Thanks to its dual-use potential, it is supporting both civilian applications (e.g.,

36 PASQuanS2: Programmable Atomic Large-scale Quantum Simulation 2 - SGA1 | PASQuanS2.1 | Projekt | Fact

Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS ! European Commission 37 The threat posed by quantum computer to current cryptographic protocols.

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protecting financial transactions, securing public networks) and defence needs (e.g., secure

communications for military and national security operations). Through initiatives like the

EuroQCI38 and the Quantum Internet, the EU is building fully autonomous and trusted

quantum communication infrastructures, which will protect critical data flows, secure public

communications and critical infrastructures, and strengthen Europe's internal security in line

with the ProtectEU strategy39.

The EuroQCI Initiative

The EuroQCI initiative develops a secure quantum communication infrastructure spanning the

whole EU, including its overseas territories. It is part of the Union’s IRIS² initiative and will

be composed of a terrestrial segment relying on fibre communications networks linking

strategic sites at national and cross-border level, and a space segment based on satellites.

The initiative is progressing rapidly, with 26 Member States currently deploying national

terrestrial quantum communication networks, and which will also be used to test a secure

communication Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) satellite (Eagle 1), scheduled for launch in

2026 and which will be the first European in-orbit demonstrator.

These terrestrial quantum communication networks are being used to implement and test QKD

in real-world environments. Pilot projects include secure hospital-to-hospital transmission of

medical data, encrypted communication between government institutions and QKD links for

critical infrastructure like power grid control centres. They are demonstrating how QKD can

safeguard essential public services and national operations.

To support this deployment, the EU is leveraging a fully European supply chain of quantum

components, devices and systems40. A comprehensive QKD testing and evaluation facility is

also being deployed, offering pre-certification environments for QKD components and

preparing for their integration into end-to-end systems, and network architectures41.

Moreover, this activity is closely related to EU cybersecurity policies, such as the NIS2

Directive, the upcoming review of the Cybersecurity Act and ENISA’s Quantum-Safe

Cryptography roadmap to ensure that quantum communication, sensing and computing

infrastructures adopt defence-grade security measures, supply-chain integrity checks and

incident-response capabilities from the outset.

Other leading regions are also investing in terrestrial and space quantum secure capabilities.

China, for example, has demonstrated space-to-ground QKD and developed over 2 000 km of

intercity secure terrestrial links42. The USA, on its side, is investing heavily in quantum internet

testbeds and national lab partnerships, but has not yet launched a federated, secure

communication programme at a continental scale. The European model, integrating terrestrial

and satellite segments via IRIS², and building on secure-by-design principles and EU-

controlled components, positions the EU at the forefront of trusted quantum networks

development.

In the period 2025-2035, the EU will further expand the EuroQCI initiative.

First, in the period 2025-2030, the EU will deploy cross-border terrestrial quantum links

connecting Member States, as well as ground stations linking the EuroQCI terrestrial

38 The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) Initiative | Shaping Europe’s digital future 39 Commission presents ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy - European Commission 40 “These technologies include quantum random-number generators (QRNG), quantum single-photon sources and

detectors, entanglement-based QKD modules and integrated telecom-grade platforms. The supply chain is

certified under the EU Secure Connectivity Programme (Regulation (EU) 2023/588).” 41 This facility enables rigorous characterisation, security testing, and early support for standardisation, closely

aligned with the activities of ETSI - Quantum Key Distribution www.etsi.org/technologies/quantum-key-

distribution 42 Through its Beijing-Shanghai backbone and Micius satellite programme, now succeeded by Jinan-1.

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segments with the EuroQCI satellites for space-based quantum key distribution. By 2030, a

first fully EU-interconnected experimental terrestrial and space secure communication network

will thus be created.

Second, the EU will facilitate market uptake and security certification. It will continue

supporting the further development, maturation and deployment of quantum communication

technologies and protocols43 and their regular integration in EuroQCI. The EuroQCI space

segment will also be upgraded to deliver end-to-end space and terrestrial secure QKD services,

which will be gradually integrated in the next generation of IRIS² space services. The overall

EuroQCI infrastructure will be certified under a harmonised EU scheme to ensure trust and

compliance.

The Quantum Internet Initiative

The Quantum Internet initiative complements EuroQCI by preparing the future generation of

quantum networks. It lays the foundation for distributed quantum computing and sensing, and

ultra-secure data sharing.

Europe has already defined a complete architecture specification for a quantum Internet

network and has demonstrated quantum networking at the metropolitan scale44. Use case

frameworks have been initiated, and ecosystem-building is underway with the launch of the

Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA)45 Technology Forum, the first global open forum dedicated

to the quantum Internet. Europe has also already seen its first industrial quantum Internet spin-

offs and product launches, signalling the early technology transfer to industry in this field.

The Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative will support the further technological

evolution of the Quantum Internet46 and ensure interoperability between different underlying

computing platforms. In 2026, it will support the launch of a pilot facility for the European

Quantum Internet, enabling testing of key quantum-safe components and early use cases,

secure quantum-cloud services, distributed computing and advanced validation environments

bridging research and deployment ahead of full operation. The objective is to deploy a fully

operational quantum safe communication network by 2030 as a first step towards a

federated Quantum Internet. This will also help position the EU at the forefront of

international standardisation in this area. In parallel, as the advancement of quantum computing

poses risks to the security of our communications47, the EU and its Member States are now

implementing the post-quantum cryptography Recommendation48 and have just published

a Roadmap49 for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.

43 Examples of such technologies include next-generation long-lifetime, high-fidelity optical memories critical for

quantum repeater operation, and building and demonstrating fully operational quantum repeaters linking

metropolitan networks, tested both in lab and real-world conditions. 44 The initiative has been successfully delivered entanglement between two independently operated quantum

network nodes, separated by 10 km of optical fibre. Equally, there have been technological advancements with

quantum Internet hardware development including quantum repeater technologies and quantum repeater nodes,

as well as advancements in quantum software stacks. https://quantuminternetalliance.org/ 45 https://quantuminternetalliance.org/ 46 Examples: quantum memory scalability, robust entanglement distribution, and quantum network software stack

development. 47 For example in a concept known as ‘store now, decrypt later’, criminal actors already accumulate encrypted

information, such as stolen databases, protected files, or communications data; and hold onto them with a view to

later decrypt them with quantum computers for malicious purposes. See for example: The Second Quantum

Revolution: the impact of quantum computing and quantum technologies on law enforcement (Europol report

2024). 48 Recommendation on a Coordinated Implementation Roadmap for the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

| Shaping Europe’s digital future 49 This roadmap specifies the quantum-safe algorithms, development standards and certification schemes to

develop in order to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructures. EU reinforces its cybersecurity with

post-quantum cryptography | Shaping Europe’s digital future

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• Deploy the first EU-interconnected experimental quantum terrestrial and space secure

communication network [by 2030]

• Publish a Quantum Communication Roadmap [2026]

• Launch a pilot facility for the European Quantum Internet [2026]

2.2.3 Quantum Sensing

Quantum sensing leverages quantum properties to measure physical features with

unprecedented sensitivity and precision, significantly surpassing classical sensor capabilities50.

It has an enormous potential across many diverse fields, from healthcare, climate change or

groundwater resource monitoring to security, defence and space or navigation.

The EU Quantum Flagship has played a leading role in advancing quantum sensing

technologies from basic science to application-driven research. Functional prototypes are

already being tested in real-world environments, showcasing Europe's leadership in both sensor

innovation and in preparing the ground for industrial deployment and adoption in applications

with dual-use potential.

Quantum gravimeters

The EU is now developing a network of mobile and stationary quantum gravimeters51, which

allow for the detection of subsurface features located up to several tens of kilometres

underground, including water reservoirs, gas deposits, mineral resources, magma chambers, or

buried infrastructure. They are particularly valuable for monitoring underground changes over

time, supporting applications in earth science and geophysics (including subsurface mapping

and earthquake early warning), climate science (e.g. tracking glacier loss and groundwater

depletion), natural hazard prevention, civil engineering, and strategic applications in defence

and civil protection, such as the detection of underground man-made structures and the

monitoring of critical infrastructure.

Under the Quantum Flagship, in the next 3-5 years, a network of ground-based gravimeters

will be deployed across Europe, complemented by gravimeters embarked on high-altitude

platforms. In parallel, the EU is planning to launch a first quantum space gravimetry

Pathfinder Flight52 after 2030. The integration of quantum gravimetry under IRIS2 follow-up

missions will equally be explored. These efforts could pave the way for a full-scale network of

ground, airborne and space-based gravimeters for Earth observation purposes, supporting both

scientific research and strategic applications, including those with dual-use potential.

Quantum Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Q-MRI)

In medical diagnostics, EU research has paved the way for quantum-enhanced imaging, using

quantum sensors to measure magnetic signals at molecular level. These systems hold enormous

promise for precision medicine and personalised healthcare by accelerating the detection of

cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and by modernising Europe’s diagnostic infrastructure.

In 2025, under the Quantum Flagship, the EU will support the setting-up of the European Q-

MRI Pilot Infrastructure53 across a number of Member States. This infrastructure will enable

50 E.g. quantum sensing advantages over traditional sensing techniques include: higher detection sensitivity of

physical quantities such as magnetic fields, temperature, gravity, etc.; improved accuracy and precision of

measurements, better resolution. 51 Taking atom interferometric quantum sensors from the laboratory to real-world applications, Nature Reviews

Physics, 1, 731–739. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-019-0117-4 52 https://carioqa-quantumpathfinder.eu/: led by CNES, DLR, and Airbus. 53 Quantum-enhanced and AI-powered metabolic MRI Diagnostics

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clinical validation of quantum-enhanced MRI systems54, and provide open access for

accredited research centres, hospitals and industry partners to test approved quantum-imaging

prototypes. By integrating AI-based analysis tools, the infrastructure will boost diagnostic

accuracy, support earlier intervention and help lower overall healthcare costs. Over time, this

network will be progressively scaled up across additional Member States.

The Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative will also continue financing the

further R&D development of Q-MRI sensors and their integration into public health research

infrastructures, paving the way for their further industrialisation.

In addition to the above, the EU will continue supporting research in higher sensitivity and

new imaging contrasts that will open novel diagnostic capabilities, for example in neurology

(e.g., early-stage Alzheimer’s brain connectivity disorders) or oncology (e.g., cancer detection

through metabolic imaging).

To further advance its strategic positioning and planning in quantum sensing technologies and

metrology and testing infrastructures, the EU will develop a coordinated European

Quantum Sensing, Measurement and Testing Roadmap and support relevant

standardisation efforts in collaboration with metrology institutes and the Member States. A

major aim will also be to ensure European strategic autonomy through secure and compliant

supply chains for critical sensing components and systems.

• Deploy a distributed system of gravimeters across Europe [2026 onwards]

• Publish a Quantum Sensing Roadmap [2026]

• Establish a European Q-MRI Pilot Infrastructure and scale it up across Europe [2025

onwards]

2.3 Area 3: The Quantum Europe Ecosystem

A vibrant, interconnected and robust quantum ecosystem is critical to Europe’s long-term

capacity to develop and deploy quantum technologies at scale. Today, the European quantum

ecosystem encompasses around 70 startups and scaleups, deep-tech investors, research and

innovation organisations, national competence clusters, and industrial supply chains.

However, this ecosystem remains very fragile. It is dominated by small startups and

scaleups that face significant barriers to growth: unstable revenue streams, limited access

to scaleup capital, and limited industrial demand in the near term. Moreover, the EU lacks

large-scale quantum hardware providers and anchor end-users capable of catalysing demand

and accelerating industrial adoption. This structural weakness limits both private investment

and the emergence of critical supply chains.

Without coordinated intervention and accessible pathways to real market opportunities, many

of these startups risk disappearing or relocating to more supportive ecosystems outside Europe.

To support this ecosystem, Europe must take decisive steps to foster industrialisation, scale

promising actors, ensure strategic supply chains, develop lead markets, protect strategic assets,

and train the next generation of quantum professionals.

2.3.1 From the lab to the fab and to industrialisation

The global market for quantum technologies is still emerging. From today’s EUR 2-3 billion,

it is forecasted to reach EUR 155 billion by 204055. This prospective growth implies the need

for a coordinated, unified EU industrialisation strategy enabling European companies to take

advantage of this upcoming opportunity.

54 They will be deployed as controlled clinical trials under the EU Medical Devices Regulation. 55 McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2024.

12

Quantum chips are the key underlying enabler of quantum industrialisation and market

development. Today, however, their evolution is at a stage comparable to that of

semiconductors 30-40 years ago, with most current quantum devices being mainly proprietary

designs and, to a large extent, handmade.

Europe must move swiftly towards the first large-scale, low-cost quantum chips

manufacturing, using, as much as possible, processes compatible with those for

microelectronics and photonics or developing new processes where necessary. This

approach would allow to leverage existing semiconductor infrastructure, reduce costs and

accelerate time-to-market for quantum chips and devices.

Moving in this direction, the EU will soon be launching its first six quantum pilot lines

through the Chips Joint Undertaking in line with the Chips Act56. With a joint EU and

Member State funding of EUR 40 to 50 million per pilot line, they will support early

prototyping, design validation, and process development, while encouraging practical use cases

by closely engaging with industry. These six pilot lines will expand the groundwork laid by the

Quantum Flagship’s experimental pilot lines57 into industrial pilot lines.

In the next 3-5 years, these efforts will enable Europe to mature further and consolidate

quantum and other enabling technologies and processes, before building the first quantum

foundries, towards 2030. To support full industrialisation planning and its implementation, and

in line with the EU Competitiveness Compass, the Commission will release a full-scale

Quantum Chips Industrialisation Roadmap within 2026.

As design facilities and libraries are fundamental for any quantum chips ecosystem, the EU

will launch a quantum design facility under the Chips Joint Undertaking. The facility will run

alongside the cloud-based design platform of the semiconductor industry and will be connected

with the quantum pilot lines.

Technical interoperability and new standards will also be needed to facilitate quantum

industrialisation. In 2026, the EU will therefore publish a European Quantum Standards

Roadmap and, together with Member States, will support an active participation of industry

stakeholders in European and international standardisation bodies.

2.3.2 Strengthening and scaling up the emerging European quantum ecosystem

For the European quantum ecosystem to truly scale up, the following measures will be put in

place.

First, setting up a Europe-wide, centralised network of open-access quantum testbeds.

Quantum technologies rely on highly sensitive systems and laboratories58 that are technically

complex and extremely costly. This makes it impractical for most actors, especially SMEs and

startups, to build or maintain such facilities independently. To expand access to testing

facilities, dedicated equipment, and experimentation possibilities, the existing pilot facilities of

the Quantum Flagship are being transformed into a Europe-wide, centralised network of open-

access quantum testbeds. These facilities will provide developers, startups, SMEs and

researchers with services and access for testing, validating and benchmarking their quantum

devices59. This will accelerate the transition from prototype to market and support certification

efforts, which are essential for the emergence of reliable supply chains and customer

confidence across sectors.

56 (EU) 2023/1781: European Chips Act | Shaping EuroUnclearpe’s digital future 57 QU-PILOT and QU-TEST. 58 These include, among others, ultra-clean environments, cryogenic cooling, vacuum systems, and precision

control electronics, etc. 59 In line with the upcoming European Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructures.

13

Second, expanding Quantum Competence Clusters (QCCs). These clusters are already

embedded in national and regional innovation ecosystems across several Members States. They

are regional hubs providing shared infrastructure and services, while connecting research and

industry players. The Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative will support

expanding and networking these clusters to cover the whole of the EU, also in Member States

which do not yet have such clusters. QCCs will be acting as distributed centres of expertise,

serving as the quantum ecosystem’s connecting tissue – linking startups, researchers, and

industrial partners with infrastructures, pilot lines, and design facilities across the Union. They

will foster collaboration60 and coherence across all quantum strategic areas – from research to

industrialisation, as well as skills development. Just as the European Digital Innovation Hubs

(EDIHs), QCCs will offer services tailored to regional strengths but embedded in and boosting

pan-European cooperation.

Third, promoting intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms so that quantum

companies can use them to ensure strategic control over key innovations and prevent the

outflow of critical assets.

Fourth, accelerating the industrial uptake of quantum technologies. The EU will implement

a coordinated approach to foster lead users across both the public and private sectors. In this

respect, public procurement will be a key tool to drive early adoption and create first

market opportunities. The EuroHPC JU is already supporting the purchase of the first

quantum computers through public procurement. In addition, the Commission will support

innovation-oriented procurement schemes that enable hospitals, infrastructure operators,

critical public services, and government agencies to act as launch customers for quantum-

enabled solutions. This will be supported by tailored financial incentives and deployment

frameworks for public bodies that will be ready to act as first movers. By positioning Member

States as first institutional buyers of European quantum technologies, a strong signal will

be sent to markets and investors, hence supporting ecosystem development and commercial

viability.

Fifth, connecting quantum startups with European corporates. This will be essential for

the market expansion of the startups. The Commission, in cooperation with the quantum

ecosystem61, will launch sector-specific challenges, particularly in aerospace, automotive,

energy, manufacturing, logistics and pharmaceuticals, to encourage large industrial players to

become strategic co-development partners and lead users.

Finally, a growing quantum ecosystem will require an influx of relevant talent. This is further

developed in Section 2.5 below.

2.3.3 Investing in quantum startups and scaleups

While pre-seed and seed-stage funding is widely available from public sources, Europe attracts

only 5% of the global private quantum funding, compared to over 50% captured by the USA.

This funding gap is particularly pronounced at later stages of development62, presenting the

risk that EU startups could be acquired by non-European investors, with potential losses in IP,

critical technologies, technological sovereignty and talent.

Therefore, investment funds, including publicly backed private funds, will be encouraged to

crowd in substantial capital investment for the development of quantum technologies. These

include support from the European Innovation Council (EIC)63 Fund, the European Investment

60 In accordance with relevant EU antitrust rules such as the 2023 Guidelines on the applicability of Article 101

TFEU to horizontal co-operation agreements, as applicable. 61 European Quantum Industry Consortium Homepage - QuIC 62 The Future of European Competitiveness – A Competitiveness Strategy for Europe 63 Between 2021 and 2024, the EIC has already dedicated around EUR 350 million to foster the growth of quantum

technology startups. Additional EIC investments into quantum scaleups of up to EUR 30 million per company are

prepared following the EIC STEP Scaleup Call as part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform.

14

Bank (EIB) Group’s European Tech Champions Initiative64, or through first-loss guarantees

and tailored co-investment schemes via InvestEU.

The EU Startup and Scale Up Strategy adopted in May 202565 announced setting up the

Scaleup Europe Fund as part of the EIC fund, to mobilise significant private funds and make

direct equity investments in strategic sectors such as quantum. The EU Startup and Scale Up

Strategy also offers dedicated solutions aimed at facilitating access to finance, public

procurement, markets, services and talents for innovative startups and scaleups.

In addition, as proposed in the mid-term review of Cohesion policy (MTR)66, managing

authorities could use the opportunity, supported with incentives and flexibilities, to reallocate

funds towards investments in, among other priorities, Strategic Technologies for Europe

Platform (STEP) objectives. The Commission urges Member States and regions, when

reprogramming under the MTR, to focus on breakthrough, innovative companies, helping those

companies that contribute to Europe’s strategic sectors and value chains, such as quantum

technologies.

Finally, in the context of the Savings and Investments Union67, the Commission will put

forward measures that will address fragmentation in the single market for financial services

and remove obstacles to seamless cross-border investments in the EU, including in venture

capital which is instrumental to the development of quantum technologies. The EU will,

amongst others, stimulate equity investments by institutional investors; simplify listing rules

in the implementation of the Listing act; put forward measures to support exits by investors in

private companies; explore with the EIB potential initiatives that aim to crowd-in private

investment into venture and growth capital and address barriers to national taxation

procedures68.

2.3.4 Strengthening the Security of the supply chain

A vibrant quantum ecosystem supported by resilient supply chains is essential for strengthening

Europe’s economic security. While the EU’s longstanding openness to trade, investment, and

research has been and will remain of key importance for the development of Europe’s quantum

ecosystem, it also poses certain challenges. On the one hand, European quantum companies

and researchers rely on and greatly benefit from continuous flow of supply from trusted

sources. On the other hand, these supply chains can be at risk of being weaponised. Therefore,

it is essential to identify and address critical vulnerabilities in the European quantum supply

chain to mitigate risks arising from EU’s excessive dependency on non-European sources.

Mapping risks and closely monitoring the evolution of the emerging quantum ecosystem are

therefore an essential part of the European approach to building a healthy, secure and

competitive European quantum deep-tech landscape.

As part of the European Economic Security Strategy69 as well as of the Observatory of Critical

Technologies70, and in close cooperation with stakeholders and Member States, the

Commission is conducting an EU‐wide Quantum Technology Risk Assessment to map

supply-chain vulnerabilities, looking in particular at materials, components, and key

technologies. The aim of these assessments is to identify strategic dependencies, potential

bottlenecks, and systemic vulnerabilities in the quantum technology supply chain, spanning

64 Fund of Funds to Support European Tech Champions. 65 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/jobs-and-economy/eu-

startup-and-scaleup-strategy_en. 66 ‘A modernised Cohesion policy: The mid-term review’, COM(2025) 163 67 Savings and investments union - European Commission 68 While respecting relevant State aid rules, as applicable. 69 JOIN(2023) 20 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023JC0020. This

strategy also encompasses risk assessments with regard to technology security and technology leakage, for which

quantum technologies is one of four focus areas so far. 70 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/eu-observatory-critical-technologies_en

15

from rare materials to precision components, control electronics, and software stacks. The

findings will inform targeted mitigation measures, including diversification of suppliers,

enhanced European production capacity, partnering with supplier countries under the Global

Gateway, and risk-sharing mechanisms. The first results are expected in 2026. In addition, the

role that quantum technologies play in ensuring the security and public order of the EU, is

reflected in discussions of ongoing and future initiatives concerning both inbound and

outbound investments as well as in the context of export controls.

Building on the above findings, the upcoming Quantum Act will further support the

strengthening of the quantum ecosystem and, more broadly, the industrialisation efforts above

by incentivising Member States and companies, investors and researchers to invest in (pilot)

production facilities, supporting these activities under the umbrella of large-scale EU-wide

initiatives, or national, or regional efforts.

• Establish six new quantum pilot production lines under the Chips Joint Undertaking to

scale technologies from lab to the market [2025]

• Release a Quantum Chips Industrialisation Roadmap [2026]

• Launch a quantum design facility [2026]

• Publish a European Quantum Standards Roadmap [2026]

• Expand the network of quantum competence clusters [2026]

• Carry out and finalise EU-wide assessments of supply chain vulnerabilities [2025-2026]

2.4 Area 4: Space & Dual-use quantum technologies (Security and Defence)

Quantum technologies have dual-use potential. Thus, they are essential for enhancing both

Europe’s competitiveness and its strategic autonomy in space, security, and defence. Recent

advances in quantum technologies promise major benefits for defence and security, including

ultra-secure communications, enhanced battlefield sensing and optimised logistics. However,

they may also pose risks if adversaries gain a technological edge. To fully leverage their

potential while mitigating these risks, proactive policy and oversight measures as well as close

coordination with key partners such as the European Defence Agency will be essential.

Quantum technologies in space

Quantum technologies offer strategically significant opportunities for European space

missions. Secure quantum communication technologies are already embedded in key EU space

initiatives, including EuroQCI/IRIS² and the quantum space gravimeter pathfinder mission. EU

space activities also cover the advancement of quantum inertial navigation systems, including

prototypes based on quantum optical sensors under the Galileo programme, for autonomous

positioning in environments where global navigation systems (GNSS) have been intentionally

disabled or spoofed. These prototypes are expected to be tested on-board Galileo satellites in

the coming years to evaluate their potential for operational deployment. In parallel, quantum

clocks are also being assessed for future Galileo upgrades. Quantum computing is also

expected to enhance space engineering through advanced computational capabilities, including

for enhancing human understanding of the universe. A large number of quantum-based space

applications have also great potential for military and intelligence purposes.

Together, these quantum technologies promise significant advances in terms of timing stability,

precision, and resilience, reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in satellite navigation. In

order to further explore the potential of quantum in space, the Commission will extend the

current cooperation framework with the European Space Agency (ESA) to jointly develop a

Quantum Technology Roadmap in space and ensure complementarity and synchronisation

of quantum space-related activities.

Quantum technologies for security and defence

16

The dual-use potential of quantum technologies means that their breakthroughs can also bring

significant benefits to strategic security and defence applications. For example, quantum

computing could radically transform defence strategies by enabling faster decision-making and

helping solve complex operational and logistics challenges. It can also help design new

military-grade materials or safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats.

Quantum computing is poised to transform key security and defence applications such as

simulations of extreme-temperature fluid flows, combustion dynamics, or heat-resistant

materials discovery. Quantum sensing technologies offer critical capabilities for defence,

including highly accurate gravimetry, magnetometry, and inertial navigation. These sensors

enable detection of underground structures, submarine tracking, and advanced threat detection.

At the same time, quantum communications, particularly quantum key distribution, ensure

ultra-secure information exchange across terrestrial and satellite networks, protecting military

and intelligence data against spying or future quantum-enabled cyber threats. Both sensing and

communication technologies are therefore key enablers for Europe’s strategic autonomy and

operational superiority in defence and security contexts.

Global players such as the USA71 and China are heavily investing in space and military

applications of quantum, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-independent

navigation, secure satellite and terrestrial communications, quantum lidar72 and quantum

enhanced radars. Quantum technologies have also begun to influence broader alliances and

cooperative frameworks73.

In the EU, several Member States74 already include investments in their defence programmes

for developing defence-ready quantum technologies, such as cold atom sensors, diamond

sensors, or quantum computers and are exploring use cases, such as advanced timing, GNSS

free positioning, and seabed cartography.

To reinforce investment opportunities in dual-use and critical defence technologies under the

EU programmes, the Commission has recently presented a proposal75 amending the scope of

relevant existing instruments. The Commission has also put in place measures to leverage

technologies with dual-use potential, including quantum, for defence, for example through

actions under the European Defence Fund and its EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).

The underlying premise of all these activities is for Europe to ensure that quantum

developments remain accessible, secure, and are free from third country export regulations,

while aligning with European defence and security goals.

The EU and NATO also recognise quantum technologies as mission-critical enablers for

intelligence, surveillance, navigation, and secure infrastructure. In 2024, NATO launched the

Transatlantic Quantum Community with an ambition to become “a quantum-ready alliance”.

The Commission and NATO engage on quantum technologies as part of the EU-NATO

Structured Dialogue on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs).

The European Internal Security ProtectEU strategy, as well as the European Defence Fund,

identify quantum technologies as a key area for ensuring the EU’s long-term security and

71 Quantum Benchmarking Initiative: https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/quantum-benchmarking-

initiative 72 A quantum LiDAR is a light detection and ranging system that uses quantum properties like entanglement to

enhance sensitivity and accuracy in target detection and range estimation beyond classical limits. 73 E.g. BRICS And Quantum Computing 74 E.g. France (PROQCIMA programme on quantum sensors for defence -

https://quantique.france2030.gouv.fr/acces-aux-marches/programme-proqcima), Germany (quantum

communication and sensing under BMBF), Italy (cold atom sensors for GNSS-free navigation), Austria (quantum

clocks and inertial sensors), Finland (portable quantum sensing systems for defence use). 75 COM(2025) 188 of 22.4.2025: Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulations (EU) 2021/694, (EU) 2021/695,

(EU) 2021/697, (EU) 2021/1153, (EU) 2023/1525 and 2024/795, as regards incentivising defence-related

investments in the EU budget to implement the ReArm Europe Plan.

17

technological edge. Quantum technologies are also mentioned in the White Paper for

European Defence – Readiness 2030 as having the capacity to disrupt and transform

traditional approaches to warfare. The White Paper announces that the Commission will

contribute relevant quantum advancements, initiatives and programmes to the European

Armament Technological Roadmap. This will accelerate the transformation of defence,

leveraging investment into dual-use advanced technological capabilities at EU, national and

private level.

To steer these efforts, the Commission will develop a dedicated Quantum Sensing Space

and Defence Technology Roadmap by 2026, aligning priorities across civil, security and

defence communities. This will help coordinate investments in next-generation quantum

sensors, including for gravimetry, navigation and advanced threat detection.

In parallel, starting in 2026, the EU will launch spin-in initiatives to accelerate the uptake of

civil quantum innovations into security and defence applications. These initiatives will connect

cutting-edge companies and research groups with defence actors, helping shorten development

cycles and reinforcing Europe’s technological edge in capabilities with dual-use potential.

• Sign a cooperation agreement with ESA for the development of a Quantum Technology

Roadmap in space [Q2 2025]

• Develop a quantum sensing space & defence technology roadmap [2026]

• Contribute to the European Armament Technological Roadmap [Q4 2025]

• Launch spin-in initiatives to bring-in civil companies and academia for defence

applications [as of 2026, onwards]

2.5 Area 5: Quantum Skills

Europe has developed a strong base of academic quantum talent. The European Union has the

highest number of graduates in quantum technology-relevant fields worldwide compared to its

population, with over 110,000 graduates76 annually in physics, ICT, engineering, and related

disciplines. According to the Quantum Flagship’s Strategic Research and Industry Agenda

203077, Europe has over 40 specialised Master programmes in quantum technologies and

quantum engineering. However, this is still insufficient to meet the projected demand from

EU’s startups and industry, which faces major shortages of professionals with relevant applied

skills. Shortages are most critical in applied fields78, including quantum software engineering,

system integration, and quantum cybersecurity, slowing the commercialisation path for EU-

based startups and scaleups.

Under the Union of Skills79, the Commission is taking several initiatives to address skills’

shortages, including those related to quantum. The Commission will establish, in 2026, a virtual

European Quantum Skills Academy to serve as a single, central contact point, providing

visibility into available quantum technology training and opportunities for practical application

across all levels of education. Under this initiative, the Commission will foster collaboration

with academia, training institutions, the research community, and industry partners to design

and deliver educational programmes and standalone training modules through an

interdisciplinary approach. The programmes will include common curricula at ISCED levels 7

(Master’s or equivalent level) or 8 (doctoral or equivalent level) leading to a degree, which

uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Virtual study fairs and

scholarship schemes will promote such programmes.

76 Global Comparison of STEM Education | SpringerLink 77 Strategic Research and Industry Agenda 2030 (Quantum Flagship): https://qt.eu/media/pdf/Strategic-Reseach-

and-Industry-Agenda-2030.pdf 78 IQM-State-of-Quantum-2025.pdf, RAND Europe: Quantum’s Future Workforce Needs More Than Physicists 79 COM/2025/90 final

18

Furthermore, to foster future-oriented skills, the Commission will facilitate the development of

innovative joint European study programmes, including in strategic sectors and key

technological domains such as quantum, potentially through a European degree/label based on

commonly agreed criteria.

The Academy will also support, in line with the objective of attracting and retaining global

talent of the Union of Skills, quantum fellowship schemes that will allow highly skilled EU

and non-EU PhD candidates as well as young professionals living outside of the EU to work

in the EU.

To scale up and disseminate its activities, the Academy will develop communications and

awareness-raising practices. These will include, among others, a dedicated landing webpage

acting as a Quantum Talent Portal, integrated in the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform, 'Teach-

the-Teacher' modules for university and secondary education instructors to achieve quantum

literacy in early education, and the sharing of best practices towards Member states and eligible

third countries.

The communication outreach by the virtual Academy will aim to increase public awareness, as

well as improve societal understanding, trust, and informed policy engagement in the field of

quantum technologies. Importantly, its communication and public awareness activities will

contribute as well to enhancing the diversity and close the significant gender gap still present

in Europe’s quantum workforce80.

While the virtual Academy marks a first important step, the long-term vision is to establish

multiple, networked academies with geographical spread across the EU, linked to Quantum

Competence Clusters as well as Semiconductors Competence Centres to multiply their

effectiveness.

Additionally, under the Digital Europe Programme81, the Commission will support a pilot

project for a Quantum Apprenticeship Programme to prepare a pipeline of quantum

specialists trained on real-world projects and ready to (re)enter the EU labour market, as well

as introduce “returnship” schemes for professionals. Moreover, to create further virtuous

circles between academia and industry, the Commission will develop from 2026 European

Advanced Digital Skills Competitions, which will involve young people in the co-creation of

quantum-driven solutions to key societal and industrial challenges and foster creative and

innovative thinking.

As technology develops quickly, the skillset demands of professional profiles related to

quantum develop and change, and thus a continuous monitoring of education and training

providers and industry needs and workforce demands would be also essential. Under the Union

of Skills, the European Skills Intelligence Observatory will monitor timely developments on

skills needs on strategic sectors in Europe.

The European Innovation Council will also launch in 2025 a Pilot Programme for

Researchers-in-Residence in Quantum Technology Startups. This action will facilitate

targeted placements of researchers in line with the specific needs of high-growth companies

facilitated by a dedicated platform to connect researchers and innovative startups and scaleups.

Finally, the Commission will launch a European Quantum Talent Mobility Programme to

boost international labour mobility and skills development between the EU, Member States

and partner countries, including fellowships for non-EU PhDs and early career professionals

in quantum, while retaining and supporting existing workforce to avoid brain drain. To attract,

develop and retain excellent international quantum researchers, the Commission will also be

80 There are significant gender imbalances in STEM higher education and careers. See the 2024 She Figures report 81https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/opportunities/funding/digital-2025-skills-08-quantum-academy-step-

sectoral-digital-skills-academies

19

piloting the Marie Skłodowska-Curie action ‘MSCA Choose Europe’ scheme, which will also

cover, among others, quantum researchers.

• Establish the European Quantum Skills Academy [2026]

• Launch European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions in quantum [as of 2026,

onwards]

• Launch a Pilot Programme for Researchers-in-Residence in Quantum Technology

Startups [2025]

• Launch the European Quantum Talent Mobility Programme [2026, onwards]

3 Strategic Implementation Framework for Quantum Europe

3.1 The Main Implementation Components of the Quantum Europe Strategy

The European quantum field exhibits unique characteristics: quantum technologies remain

largely emergent, with many of their core components - both hardware and software - still at

an early stage of maturity. Developing them further through a traditional, linear path from

fundamental science to the market would require 10 to 15 years. To speed up the process, the

following tailored technology lifecycle implementation logic will be put in place, tightly

integrating research, innovation, infrastructure, and early market creation in a continuous loop.

A lifecycle approach is particularly vital in the European ecosystem as there are still

major scientific and engineering roadblocks82 across all quantum domains that must be

addressed and converted into tangible technologies. Europe must not only solve these

problems, but also rapidly transition the resulting solutions to market-ready applications before

global competitors lock in strategic dominance.

To address the scientific and engineering roadblocks, the Quantum Europe Research and

Innovation Initiative (outlined in Section 2.1. above) will support:

• targeted science and technology (S&T) efforts focusing on resolving current key

S&T challenges that limit progress across all quantum domains. These will be

addressed mainly through top-down S&T calls complementing the usual bottom-up

S&T ones.

• market- disruptive research and innovation activities and targeted actions for

maturing specific quantum and enabling technologies. The goal is to de-risk

quantum innovation and accelerate the transfer of major research discoveries for

industrial uptake.

In addition, and to reinforce the above, the following approach will be applied:

A Grand Challenge mechanism

The Quantum Grand Challenges will serve as strategic instruments to address well-defined

quantum technology problems of high impact. These Grand Challenges are designed to bring

together scientists, industrial users, manufacturers, integrators, and actors from both quantum

and enabling technologies, in a coordinated effort similar in ambition and structure to past

mission-oriented initiatives.

They will focus on individual startups/scaleups to support them in implementing their

breakthrough technology roadmap through a competitive and collaborative development

82 Examples of such roadblocks include in quantum computing, scalable quantum error correction schemes,

quantum interconnects for modular architectures, and cryogenic control electronics; in quantum communication,

long-distance quantum repeaters, device-agnostic entanglement distribution, and secure, trusted-node-free

networks; and in quantum sensing, miniaturised, deployable gravimeters, high-resolution Q-MRI systems, and

inertial sensors for GNSS-independent navigation.

20

process. A Grand Challenge will bring them together with lead industrial users and researchers

to co-develop critical, scalable quantum solutions. The participation of lead industrial users is

essential for the startups to meet industrial requirements and validate their technologies in

industrial environments. Where appropriate, defence actors, including Ministries of Defence

and defence companies, may participate as end-users in specific Grand Challenges.

The startups/scaleups selected for the Grand Challenge will be benefiting from a combined set

of instruments (grants, equity, loans or other blended finance instruments). From the outset,

both public and private financial actors will be involved to ensure alignment with strategic

investment goals and maximise impact.

Between 2025 and 2027, the Commission, together with the European Investment Bank

and Member States, will pilot at least two such Grand Challenges. The first will focus on

fault-tolerant quantum computing systems capable of solving complex industrial problems; the

second will target quantum-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems for

environments where the global satellite navigation systems do not work. Subject to available

financing, additional Grand Challenges may follow, for example, in quantum-enhanced

medical imaging (Q-MRI) to support early disease diagnostics and personalised medicine.

A technology lifecycle approach

All the above efforts will be underpinned by a technology lifecycle approach, which

integrates the five strategic areas of the Quantum Europe Strategy into a coordinated and

iterative development process enabling continuous iteration between discovery, development,

testing, and deployment.

Europe’s quantum public infrastructures and pilot lines presented in Section 2.2 above are

central to this model. These facilities act as a bridge between research and industrialisation.

Building, maintaining and scaling them provides the essential physical and organisational

foundations to further strengthen and nurture the whole quantum ecosystem. They can help

translate research into practical applications by providing the testbeds, facilities, and networks

needed to test, validate and scale research breakthroughs. They also serve as excellent

playgrounds for attracting talent and developing practical applications and use cases. Finally,

they help quantum startups and SMEs get access to the latest technology platforms and lab

facilities, where they can further develop their prototypes and prepare them for industrial

deployment. The federated network of quantum competence clusters will further act as a

catalyst of this virtuous lifecycle approach, linking together research organisations, startups,

scaleups, large industry, and infrastructure providers, thus creating bridges between scientific

and industrial actors.

To ensure the lifecycle is both robust and fit for purpose, Key Performance Indicators (KPI),

milestone tracking, and benchmarking against existing technologies will be set up.

Finally, this integrated model aligns EU and Member State strategies by focusing investments

on shared objectives and creating coordinated feedback loops. It avoids duplication, builds

critical mass, and enhances Europe's global influence in shaping the development and

deployment of quantum technologies.

4 International Cooperation

In a context of growing geopolitical uncertainty and its direct impacts on global investment

and trade landscape, Europe must protect its interests, while maintaining its openness and

engaging proactively with trusted partners. This notion is reflected in a range of EU’s recent

policies, including its International Digital Strategy and its Economic Security Strategy.

Priority partners include like-minded countries, in particular those with whom the EU is already

coordinating on technology and trade policy issues within the framework of, for instance, Free

21

Trade Agreements, Trade and Technology Councils83 or Digital Partnerships84. The

Commission envisages expanding this cooperation with initiatives covering joint research

programmes, coordinated calls, exchange of expertise, reciprocal access to infrastructures,

aligned IP frameworks, and preparation of global quantum standards. It will also join forces on

concrete quantum applications in sectoral policies, for example to develop new materials. In

this context, the EU has already started implementing joint research and innovation projects in

quantum technologies with Japan, the Republic of Korea and Canada.

The EU will also engage with the rapidly growing emerging quantum ecosystems that represent

economic opportunities for EU companies, offer a competitive boost to EU’s quantum industry

at the global level, and provide a way for European quantum companies to diversify

partnerships and reduce dependencies. This approach will guide bilateral and multilateral

partnerships, based on shared values, mutual trust, and the complementarity of capabilities and

markets, while ensuring appropriate levels of protection for the EU’s interests in strategic areas.

In addition, the EU will strengthen its presence on quantum in international standardisation

fora, trade dialogues, and multilateral quantum alliances85.

In all the above, the Commission will work in close cooperation with the Member States to

establish a coherent European Quantum International Cooperation Framework that identifies

priority countries and areas for structured collaboration. It will also support joint diplomatic

initiatives and the development of common European positions on quantum technologies,

ensuring that Europe’s voice is amplified in shaping global governance and ethics in quantum

innovation.

• Extend and launch new bilateral and multilateral cooperation initiatives with like-

minded countries [2025 onwards]

• Work with the Member States on a European Quantum International Cooperation

Framework [2025 onwards]

5 Governance

Strong and inclusive governance at EU level is essential to steer, coordinate, and monitor the

implementation of the Quantum Europe Strategy, fostering participation from the whole Union,

both in terms of the involvement of all Member States, representatives of all types of quantum

stakeholders but also ensuring gender balance.

First, a High-Level Advisory Board, bringing together leading European quantum scientists

and technology experts, will provide independent strategic guidance on the implementation of

the Quantum Europe Strategy.

Second, a structured cooperation framework with the Member States will help ensure

coherent implementation across EU-level and national programmes, coordinate annual

lifecycle progress across the five strategic areas, and monitor the evolution of the security and

resilience of quantum supply chains and its critical components. A dedicated expert group

bringing all Member States86 together is already actively operating and will be closely involved

in the future work of the EuroHPC JU Governing Board once the regulation of the JU is

amended.

83 With U.S. and India. 84 With Canada, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. 85 At the June 2025 G7 Summit, Leaders acknowledged quantum’s transformative potential and pledged to boost

investment, foster trusted global cooperation, and strengthen ties between national measurement institutes through

a G7 Joint Working Group. See: Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies. 86 European Quantum Technology Coordination Group of Member States Representatives.

22

Finally, the Commission will continue its close interactions with the whole European quantum

community including academia, startups, industrial actors, and innovation stakeholders and

their representatives.

6 Conclusions

Quantum technologies are at a turning point. The EU has established itself as a world leader in

quantum research and laid the foundation for a competitive industrial base. However, the global

race to harness quantum technologies is accelerating. Leading nations are scaling up public

investment, coordinating national strategies, and consolidating research-to-industry pipelines

to achieve technological sovereignty and economic advantage. The dual-use potential of

quantum technologies can also enhance their security and defence capabilities. At the same

time, private investment is becoming the key differentiator between success and failure. If

Europe is to remain competitive, shape the values underpinning quantum innovation and fully

reap the economic, security and other benefits of its own intellectual leadership, it must act

with urgency, clarity, and unity.

This is the moment for Europe to lead. This strategy is not the destination, but an evolving

framework – a blueprint in motion – for Europe’s quantum future. It requires the collective

commitment of the EU, Member States, industry, academia, and civil society at large. If

successful, quantum technologies will power the next technological revolution and underpin

EU competitiveness, and Europe will be at the forefront, shaping it on its own terms.

23

APPENDIX

Quantum Europe Strategy Actions Summary

Area 1: Quantum Research and Innovation Initiative

• Amend EuroHPC JU Regulation to extend its remit to all quantum technologies and, as a

first step, transfer present Horizon Europe R&I quantum activities into the JU [Q3 2025]

• Present the Quantum Act proposal [2026]

• Pilot two Quantum Grand Challenges (Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing and

Quantum PNT systems) [2025–2027]

Area 2: Quantum Europe Infrastructures

• Publish EU Quantum Computing and Simulation Roadmap [2026]

• Expand the number and capacity of EuroHPC-based quantum computing systems [2026

onwards]

• Set up a monitoring framework for quantum computing [2026]

• Deploy the first EU-interconnected experimental quantum terrestrial and space secure

communication network [by 2030]

• Publish a Quantum Communication Roadmap [2026]

• Launch a pilot facility for the European Quantum Internet [2026]

• Deploy a distributed system of gravimeters across Europe [2026 onwards]

• Publish a Quantum Sensing Roadmap [2026]

• Establish a European Q-MRI Pilot Infrastructure and scale it up across Europe [2025

onwards]

Area 3: The Quantum Europe ecosystem

• Establish six new quantum pilot production lines under the Chips Joint Undertaking

[2025]

• Launch a quantum design facility [2026]

• Release a Quantum Chips Industrialisation Roadmap [2026]

• Publish a European Quantum Standards Roadmap [2026]

• Expand the network of quantum competence clusters [2026]

• Carry out and finalise EU-wide assessments of supply chain vulnerabilities [2025–2026]

Area 4: Space & Dual Use Potential Quantum Technologies (Security & Defence)

• Sign a cooperation agreement with ESA for the development of a Quantum Technology

Roadmap in space [Q2 2025]

• Develop a quantum sensing space & defence technology roadmap [2026]

• Contribute to the European Armament Technological Roadmap [Q4 2025]

• Launch spin-in initiatives to bring-in civil companies and academia for defence

applications [as of 2026, onwards]

Area 5: Quantum Skills

• Establish the European Quantum Skills Academy [2026]

• Launch European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions in quantum [as of 2026,

onwards]

• Launch a Pilot Programme on Researcher-in-Residence in Quantum technology startups

[2025]

• Launch the European Quantum Mobility Programme [2026, onwards]

International Cooperation

• Launch bilateral and multilateral cooperation initiatives [2025 onwards]

• Work with the Member States to establish European Quantum International Cooperation

Framework [2025 onwards]

24

    Resolutsiooni liik: Riigikantselei resolutsioon Viide: Riigikantselei /  / ; Riigikantselei /  / 2-5/25-01368

Resolutsiooni teema: Teadis: Euroopa kvantstrateegia (COM(2025) 363) 

Adressaat: Justiits- ja Digiministeerium Ülesanne: Tulenevalt Riigikogu kodu- ja töökorra seaduse § 152` lg 1 p 2 ning Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 3 lg 4 palun valmistada ette Vabariigi Valitsuse seisukoha ja otsuse eelnõu järgneva algatuse kohta, kaasates seejuures olulisi huvigruppe ja osapooli: - COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL Quantum Europe Strategy: Quantum Europe in a Changing World, COM(2025) 363

EIS toimiku nr: 25-0413 Tähtaeg: 25.08.2025

Adressaat: Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium, Kaitseministeerium, Kliimaministeerium, Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium, Sotsiaalministeerium, Välisministeerium Ülesanne: Palun esitada oma sisend Justiits- ja Digiministeeriumile  seisukohtade kujundamiseks antud eelnõu kohta (eelnõude infosüsteemi (EIS) kaudu). Tähtaeg: 21.08.2025

Lisainfo: Eelnõu on kavas arutada valitsuse 04.09.2025 istungil ja Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 6 lg 6 kohaselt sellele eelneval nädalal (27.08.2025) EL koordinatsioonikogus. Esialgsed materjalid EL koordinatsioonikoguks palume esitada hiljemalt 25.08.2025. 

Kinnitaja: Nele Grünberg, Euroopa Liidu asjade direktori asetäitja Kinnitamise kuupäev: 17.07.2025 Resolutsiooni koostaja: Sandra Metste [email protected],  

.

14.07.2025

Teatis: Euroopa kvantstrateegia (COM(2025) 363)

Otsuse ettepanek koordinatsioonikogule

Kujundada seisukoht

Kaasvastutaja sisendi tähtpäev: 21.08.2025

KOKi esitamise tähtpäev: 27.08.2025

VV esitamise tähtpäev: 04.09.2025

Subsidiaarsuse tähtpäev: -

Seisukoha valitsusse toomise alus ja põhjendus

 Algatuse vastuvõtmisega kaasneks oluline majanduslik või sotsiaalne mõju (RKKTS § 152¹ lg 1 p 2);

 Seisukoha võtmist peab oluliseks peaminister või minister (VVS § 20¹ lg 2).

Vastutav ministeerium: Justiits- ja Digiministeerium

Kaasvastutajad: Sotsiaalministeerium, Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium, Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium, Kaitseministeerium, Välisministeerium, Kliimaministeerium

Sisukokkuvõte

Euroopa Komisjon avaldas 2.07.2025 teatise Euroopa kvantstrateegia kohta. Strateegia peamine eesmärk on tugevdada Euroopa positsiooni maailma juhtiva kvanttehnoloogia ja kvantteaduse keskusena, edendada kvanttehnoloogiate rakendamist tööstuses ja avalikus sektoris (näiteks tervishoid, energeetika, navigatsioon, side, logistikateenused jne.), samuti panustada strateegilisse julgeolekusse, arvestades selle tehnoloogia kahest kasutusvõimalust. EL on kvanttehnoloogia määratlenud ühena kriitilistest tehnoloogiatest majandusjulgeoleku strateegias. Strateegia näeb ette samme kompetentsi tõstmiseks, taristuarendamiseks, testkeskkondade loomiseks, rahvusvahelise koostöö suurendamiseks ja tööhõive kohandamiseks. Julgustatakse sõlmima kahe- ja mitmepoolseid koostööalgatusi ning rahvusvahelise koostöö suunal soovitakse luua koostööraamistik, et võimendada Euroopa häält globaalsel tasandil.

Strateegia keskendub järgmistele teemadele:

1. Teadus ja innovatsioon: kvantteaduse tipp-pädevuse konsolideerimine kogu Euroopas.

2

 Peamised algatused: kvant-Euroopa teadus- ja innovatsioonialgatus, EuroHPC määruse laiendamine 2025 III kv, uus kvantmäärus 2026.

2. Kvanttaristud: mastaabitavate ja koordineeritud taristukeskuste arendamine, mis toetavad tootmist, disaini ja rakenduste arendamist.

 Peamised algatused:  Kvantarvutus- ja simulatsioon – ELi kvantarvutuse ja -simulatsiooni

tegevuskava 2026, EuroHPC-põhiste kvantarvutussüsteemide arvu ja võimekuse tõstmine alates 2026, kvantarvutuse seireraamistiku loomine 2026.

 Kommunikatsioon – ELi-ülene eksperimentaalne kvantpõhine maismaa- ja kosmose turvasidevõrk hiljemalt 2030. aastaks, kvantsidekuse tegevuskava 2026, Euroopa kvantinterneti piloottaristu 2026.

 Kvantsensorid – Hajutatud gravimeetrite süsteem üle Euroopa alates 2026, kvantsensori tegevuskava 2026, luuakse Euroopa kvant-MRI (Q-MRI) piloottaristu alates 2025. aastast.

3. Kvantvaldkonna ökosüsteemi tugevdamine: investeeringute kaudu idufirmadesse ja kasvufirmadesse, tarneahelate kindlustamise ning kvanttehnoloogiate industrialiseerimise abil.

 Peamised algatused:  pilootprojektid kiipide ühisettevõtte raames 2025  kvantkiipide industrialiseerimise tegevuskava 2026  luuakse kvantdisaini keskus 2026, tehakse Euroopa kvantstandardite

tegevuskava 2026  laiendatakse kvantpädevuse keskuste võrgustikku 2026  ELülesed tarneahela haavatavuse hindamised 2025–2026

4. Kosmose- ja kahese kasutusega kvanttehnoloogiad (julgeolek ja kaitse): turvaliste ja suveräänsete kvantvõimekuste lõimimine Euroopa kosmose-, julgeoleku- ja kaitsealastesse strateegiatesse.

 Peamised algatused:  koostöölepe Euroopa kosmoseagentuuriga 2025 II kv

kvanttehnoloogia kosmosealase tegevuskava väljatöötamiseks  kvantsensori tehnoloogia tegevuskava kosmose ja kaitsevaldkonna

jaoks 2026  Euroopa relvastustehnoloogia tegevuskava 2025 IV kv  spin-in algatused tsiviilsektori ettevõtete ja akadeemiliste asutuste

kaasamiseks kaitserakendustesse alates 2026. 5. Kvantoskused: mitmekesise ja maailmatasemel tööjõu kujundamine

koordineeritud hariduse, koolituse ja talendimobiilsuse kaudu kogu ELis.  Peamised algatused:

 Euroopa kvantoskuste akadeemia asutamine 2026

3

 Euroopa kõrgtehnoloogiliste digioskuste võistlused kvanttehnoloogia valdkonnas alates 2026

 Teadlaste-residentide pilootprogramm kvanttehnoloogia iduettevõtetes 2025

 Euroopa kvanttalentide liikuvusprogramm alates 2026

Kas EL algatus reguleerib karistusi või haldustrahve? Ei

Kas nähakse ette uue asutuse loomine (järelevalvelised või muud asutused)? Ei

Kas lahenduse rakendamine vajab IT-arendusi? Ei

Mõju ja sihtrühm

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