The European Commission officially launched the Quantum Europe 2030 strategy on February 19, 2025, aiming to make Europe a global quantum technology leader within the next five years. The strategy's specific objective is for Europe to possess the world's most advanced quantum computers, quantum communication networks, and quantum sensor infrastructure by 2030, thereby ensuring its technological sovereignty in this strategically important area. As part of the initiative, the EU is mobilising five billion euros for quantum technology development, which includes two billion euros in direct funding from the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes, plus an additional three billion euros from member states and private sector investments.
The strategy is built on four main pillars: strengthening research and innovation, developing quantum capacities and infrastructures, supporting the European quantum innovation ecosystem, and promoting international cooperation. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, emphasised that quantum technology could revolutionise the operation of numerous industries, from healthcare to transportation to the energy sector, and could create up to 150,000 new jobs in Europe by 2030. As part of the strategy, the EU is establishing thirty different quantum communication test sites across Europe and placing special emphasis on quantum technology training and education, targeting the training of ten thousand specialists over the next five years.
The Quantum Europe 2030 strategy represents a significant milestone in European technological development, particularly in light of similar initiatives launched by the USA, China, and Japan in the field of quantum technology. According to techUK's analysis, the strategy is especially important for European industrial competitiveness, as quantum computing could achieve a global economic impact of 450 billion euros annually by 2030. The European Commission is additionally establishing the Quantum Industry Consortium, which coordinates the efforts of industry players and research institutes, as well as the Quantum Computing and Simulation Center, which provides European businesses with access to the most advanced quantum computing resources, thereby supporting the development and testing of innovative solutions under real-world conditions.
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