GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

The following priorities have been set to address the needs of EU’s national governments and critical infrastructures supporting services of general interest:

• The deployment of the first cross-border quantum terrestrial backbone networks for interconnecting neighbouring national quantum communication infrastructures across borders, including if necessary through the deployment of “trusted nodes” (i.e. secure access points to the network which make it possible to link distant sites securely). Addressing the coexistence of QKD with conventional communications technology is encouraged, together with interoperability at the orchestration level of the network. Solutions should rely on state-of-the-art interoperability methods and standards, and address scalability, upgradability and end-to-end security. Critical components for QKD should use EU technologies when such technologies are available. The use of non-EU technologies should be fully justified.
• Interconnection with the EuroQCI’s space segment, which will be implemented via the optical ground stations and related ground equipment, serving as an interface between the EuroQCI’s space components and its terrestrial segment.

Where relevant, the provision of fibre links between the EuroQCI and a panEuropean network of Security Operation Centres (SOCs).

The management of encryption keys (Key Management System) between all elements of the EuroQCI in an end-to-end manner should also be considered. This would include managing the keys efficiently and securely, ensuring their transmission to recipients, optimal routing and monitoring of system performance, and solutions for the control layer, i.e. software-defined network (SDN).

This topic will support the deployment of quantum communication infrastructure for connections between Member States, including OCTs:

• where the national segments of quantum communication infrastructure are already in place or where their deployment is already ongoing or operationally planned; and
• where a cross-border link between at least two EU countries (including outermost regions and OCTs), or a space segment interconnection is foreseen.

While it is not permitted to use RRF funding as co-funding for activities funded under this CEF Digital call, Member States may complement EuroQCI actions funded under CEF Digital (and the Digital Europe Programme) with actions funded from the RRF, as long as no risk of double funding is present. Actions funded under the Union Secure Connectivity Programme will further complement these and will, in particular, cover activities to support the further deployment of the EuroQCI’s space and terrestrial infrastructure.

In case of co-funding from national funds, State aid rules apply (see section 10 of the Work Programme for details).