On 2 July 2025, the European Commission unveiled the “Quantum Europe Strategy” - its most ambitious initiative to establish Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030. A supporting Quantum Act is expected in 2026. The strategy aims to build a resilient, sovereign quantum ecosystem that nurtures start-ups, commercializes cutting-edge research, and maintains Europe's scientific leadership.
Quantum technologies are designated as criticalunder both the EU Economic Security Strategy and the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, with significant dual-use potential for civilian and defence applications.
The EU is already investing heavily in quantum infrastructure: quantum computing systems under the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, the secure quantum communication network EuroQCI as part of the IRIS² space-based communication system, and quantum chip pilot facilities under the Chips Joint Undertaking. By 2040, the Commission projects the quantum sector will create thousands of highly skilled jobs and reach a global market value exceeding EUR 155 billion.
The strategy identifies five priority areas: research and innovation, quantum infrastructure, ecosystem development, space and dual-use technologies, and skills development. Central to the strategy is EuroQCI, a secure EU-wide quantum communication infrastructure comprising a terrestrial and a space segment integrated into IRIS². Progress is rapid: 26 member states are building national quantum networks, currently testing satellites for quantum key distribution (QKD). Pilot projects already demonstrate practical applications - secure hospital data transmission, encrypted government communications, and QKD-protected power grid controls. To ensure technological sovereignty, the EU is developing a fully European supply chain for quantum components. The strategy also aligns with the NIS-2 Directive to meet defence-grade cybersecurity standards from the outset.
Despite this progress, Europe ranks only third globally in quantum patent applications. The Commission acknowledges the EU struggles to convert its innovation potential into market opportunities, hampered by fragmented national strategies that waste resources and intensify competition for talent. The strategy therefore sets ambitious targets: quantum computers with approximately 100 error-corrected qubits by 2030, and thousands of error-corrected qubits by 2035 - positioning Europe as the first continent to reach this milestone. Currently, the EU operates 39 quantum computing machines, matching the U.S. (39), ahead of the UK (17) and Canada (14).
To strengthen the quantum ecosystem - currently dominated by small start-ups - the strategy pursues a multi-pronged approach. A centralized network of open-access quantum testbeds will give researchers and companies access to advanced infrastructure. Regional quantum competence clusters, already operating in several member states, will be expanded as innovation hubs. Intellectual property protections will safeguard key innovations from non-European competitors. Public procurement programmes will enable hospitals, infrastructure operators, and government agencies to become early adopters, stimulating domestic demand. Quantum chips are identified as thefoundation for industrialization; six pilot facilities will be established with EUR 40-50 million in joint EU-member state funding.
Beyond economics, the strategy addresses quantum technologies’ geopolitical significance. The White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 identifies them as potentially transformative for modern warfare - enabling faster decision-making, new military materials, and enhanced protection of sensitive information against cyber threats.
Climate and Environmental Applications
Dual-use technologies extend well beyond defence. The EU is developing quantum gravimeter networks capable of detecting subterranean structures - water reservoirs, mineral deposits, magma chambers - at depths of tens of kilometres. These instruments support subsurface mapping, earthquake early warning, and climate research on glacial retreat and groundwater depletion.
Implications for Business
Companies - particularly in energy, infrastructure, and public procurement - should act early. They should assess whether their technologies or partnerships may be classified as security-relevant, especially R&D projects, third-party-funded initiatives, cross-border supply chains, and investments. Actively pursuing national and EU funding opportunities is advisable. A proactive stance not only strengthens security posture but can turn regulatory developments into competitive advantage.
The Proposed Quantum Act
A European Quantum Act is expected in 2026 to underpin the strategy. The legislation will coordinate member state research and innovation investments, strengthen EU industrial capabilities in quantum development and manufacturing, and secure quantum supply chains.
Outlook
The strategy merits recognition for its holistic approach. Uniting research, infrastructure, defence policy, and workforce development under one framework marks a significant advance over fragmented national programmes. Yet critical questions remain. The United States’ massive private-sector funding and China’s substantial government investments pose serious challenges to European competitiveness. The EU’ consensus-driven approach risks bureaucratic delays in a field demanding agility. Observers warn the strategy must be implemented faster and more flexibly than standard EU funding procedures typically allow.
