The European Commission has unveiled a bold roadmap to position the EU as a global leader in quantum technologies by the end of the decade, aiming to transform scientific excellence into strategic industrial strength.
On 2nd July, the European Commission presented its new Quantum Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to build a robust and sovereign quantum ecosystem in Europe by 2030. The plan sets out to harness cutting-edge science, expand Europe’s industrial competitiveness, and reduce dependence on non-European technologies in a domain expected to exceed €155 billion in global value by 2040.
A blueprint for leadership
The strategy focuses on five pillars: research and innovation, infrastructure development, ecosystem growth, dual-use and space applications, and skills development. Together, these elements will underpin the EU’s vision of a self-reliant, resilient quantum sector.
“Europe has always been at the forefront of quantum science, with a strong record of innovation and discovery,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “As the global quantum race intensifies and moves from lab to real-world application, Europe must maintain its leadership.”
Key actions under the strategy include launching the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, co-funded with Member States, to support foundational research and application development in both public and private sectors. A quantum design facility and six pilot production lines for quantum chips—backed by €50 million in public funding—will be established to help transform prototypes into market-ready technologies.
Infrastructure and skills for the next frontier
Europe’s ambitions also extend into secure communications and strategic autonomy, with the launch of a pilot facility for a European Quantum Internet and collaboration with the European Space Agency on a Quantum Technology Roadmap in Space. The sector’s dual-use potential, particularly in defence and critical infrastructure, is expected to grow in strategic importance.
To meet future workforce demands, the Commission will establish a European Quantum Skills Academy in 2026 and expand the existing network of Quantum Competence Clusters. These initiatives aim to address a major skills gap and create thousands of highly specialised jobs across the EU.
Growing private investment and startup scale
With European quantum startups currently attracting only around 5% of global private investment, the strategy includes measures to stimulate funding and scale-up opportunities. This includes promoting industrial uptake of quantum solutions developed within the EU and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and innovators.
The Commission also plans to propose a Quantum Act in 2026 to support the industrialisation of quantum technologies through coordinated EU and national investments, particularly in pilot production and large-scale facilities.
Strategic oversight
A High-Level Advisory Board composed of leading scientists, including Nobel Prize laureates, will guide implementation of the strategy and ensure alignment with Europe’s long-term sovereignty and innovation goals.
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