The European Commission has tasked a group led by Deutsche Telekom, called "Nostradamus," with creating a quantum key distribution (QKD) test infrastructure. This project will assess QKD devices from European manufacturers. The consortium includes Thales, a leader in advanced technologies, and the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, along with other industry and academic experts. Their work supports the development of EuroQCI, a secure, quantum-based, pan-European communication network. This network will enhance the security of critical infrastructures for all EU member states and their citizens.
The initiative aims to build the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), enhancing security for data centers, communication networks, and vital services like hospitals and power grids. It will utilize fiber optics and satellite technology, reinforced by quantum physics for added defense against new cyber threats. This quantum technology application is central to the EU's cyber security strategy for the future.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses quantum mechanics principles to secure communication, with keys for decoding information sent using single photons.
The upcoming EU satellite network, IRIS2 (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), will be encrypted and dependent on EuroQCI. Its primary role is to deliver communication services and support critical network infrastructure for governments. Additionally, IRIS2 will offer rapid satellite internet to businesses and organizations. As the third key component of the EU's space infrastructure, following Galileo (navigation) and Copernicus (earth observation), IRIS2 received EU approval last year. Its initial services are set to start this year, with complete operational capability targeted for 2027.
