The European Commission has started work on the creation of a secure quantum communication infrastructure, which will ensure reliable protection of personal data, financial transactions and confidential communication even in the face of future cyber threats, enhanced by quantum technologies.
In this project, known as SEEWQCI (South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure), the Netherlands plays a key role. He should unite the country with Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria through quantum channels, which will combine fiber optic and satellite technologies. Thus, the EuroQCI initiative is expanding, which until recently focused mainly on the creation of national quantum networks within the EU member states.
Thanks to the strategic leadership of Quantum Delta NL, the Netherlands has already taken a leading position in the development of the national quantum infrastructure, based on strong academic traditions and best practices in the field of classical networks. Now the country is moving to the cross-border stage, increasing its impact through simultaneous participation in two major projects — SEEWQCI and Benelux QCI.
An important component will be the new optical ground station in Noordwijk, capable of receiving quantum signals from the Eagle-1 satellite and generating secure encryption keys. The station will also serve as a test site, where users and companies from the fields of quantum technologies will be united, photonics and space.
The consortium included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). Their participation provides not only a scientific and technical component, but also testing quantum communications in the role of end users, which makes it possible to assess the real conditions of implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to protect data over long distances. This will contribute to the formation of a practical understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the technology and its potential role in providing quantum-resistant cyber security.
The total budget of SEEWQCI is 17,8 million euros, and it is co-financed by the European Commission.
TNO, the largest independent research organization in the Netherlands and one of the leading in Europe, coordinates this work, combining scientific knowledge, industrial competences and public resources. The creation of international consortia and ecosystems within the project is not only technological, but also the strategic dimension — from strengthening cyber defense to increasing the competitiveness of the European economy in the field of high technologies.
Source: https://news.satnews.com