Europe is planning the future European network of EuroQCI quantum communication (quantum communication infrastructure), which will enable ultra-secure communication between critical infrastructures and government institutions across the European Union. A very important step forward from a technological and strategic point of view, to which the Italian group Leonardo will also contribute, which joins the consortium led by Airbus, with Orange, PwC France and the Maghreb, Telespazio (Leonardo 67%, Thales 33%), the National Research Council (CNR) and the National Metrological Research Institute (INRiM).
EuroQCI will integrate quantum technologies and systems into optical fiber terrestrial communications networks and include a space segment that will ensure comprehensive coverage across the EU and other continents. Finally, this will allow for protect cryptographic systems and critical infrastructure institutions, such as government institutions, air traffic control, healthcare facilities, banks and power grids, from current and future cyber threats. Since June 2019, 26 member states have signed the EuroQCI Declaration, to collaborate with the Commission, supported by the European Space Agency, on the development of a quantum communication infrastructure covering the whole European Union.
The long-term plan is for EuroQCI to become the basis of a quantum internet in Europe, connecting quantum computers, simulators and sensors, via quantum networks to distribute information and resources with a state-of-the-art security solution. The first to use it will be the quantum key distribution (QKD) service, which will transmit the encryption keys through quantum communication channels both on terrestrial optical fiber and on space laser links. The use of quantum photonic states makes the distribution key immune to vulnerabilities, unlike currently employed solutions. The study, lasting 15 months, defines the details of the end-to-end system and the design of the ground segment to support the QKD service and foresees the development of a detailed roadmap, which includes the costs and timing of each implementation phase.
The study has the temporal objective of carrying out a pilot project by 2024 and a initial operational service by 2027.
