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‘Artificial intelligence’ is so 2024! The European Union has two new favourite words when it comes to tech: quantum computing. But what does it mean? Imagine a cat (Schrödinger’s cat, to be precise) alive, dead — and somehow applying for Horizon Europe grants — all at the same time!

Across the globe, nations are racing to harness the immense power of quantum technologies; the EU is trying to ensure it doesn’t just keep up but actually leads the charge. To this end, the EU is betting on becoming a quantum powerhouse: through strategic investments, cutting-edge research and bold new infrastructure projects.

This blog will explore what quantum computing is and how the EU is trying to win the quantum-computing race.

Schrödinger’s cat

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in that it operates on fundamentally different principles than classical computers, which process information in binary bits (ie, 0s and 1s). Quantum computers, by contrast, use qubits (kjuːbɪts), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform vastly more simultaneous calculations than traditional computers can, enabling quantum computers in turn to solve problems many times more complex.

Another key feature is called ‘entanglement’, a phenomenon whereby qubits become interconnected, such that the state of one is dependent on that of another, no matter how far apart they are. This interconnectedness enables quantum computers to handle massive datasets and to model intricate systems, such as the chemical reactions used in pharmaceutical research or the complex optimisation problems required for logistics.

But quantum computing has major trade-offs, too. On the pro side, it could revolutionise cryptography, AI and material science. And the cons? Quantum systems are very delicate, needing near-zero temperatures and isolated environments to function properly, which makes them costly and hard to scale. They’re also limited in scope, with high error rates, as quantum processors are still in their experimental phase.

What’s the EU’s plan?

The EU has ambition, funding and a strategic roadmap — but is it enough? The bloc faces hefty competition from the US and China, racing ahead in quantum research backed by massive state-funded initiatives. China, in particular, has made groundbreaking advances, like its quantum-secure satellite enabling unhackable communications. Meanwhile, the US boasts powerhouses like Google, IBM and Microsoft, which are leading the charge in quantum hardware and software.

The EU is betting big on tech sovereignty, meaning it wants to avoid dependence on either American or Chinese quantum systems. There is a push to develop EU-made quantum hardware and use EU-developed quantum encryption for securing communications across the bloc. The EU also hopes it can draw on an ace up its sleeve: collaboration. To a greater extent than the China or even the US rivalry, Europe hopes to pool resources, talent and research across multiple nations, making breakthroughs more likely.

One of the EU’s most ambitious steps has been integrating quantum computers into its existing supercomputing network. The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) is leading the initiative. In October 2022, the EuroHPC JU selected six EU sites (Czechia, Germany, Spain, France, Italy and Poland) to host Europe’s first quantum computers, integrating them into EuroHPC supercomputers. These systems, built entirely on European technology, are backed by a €100-million investment, split between EU Member States and 17 other participating countries. This marks the first step toward a European quantum-computing infrastructure, providing cloud-based, non-commercial access for both researchers and industry. With massive computing power, the project aims to tackle till-now unsolvable problems in medicine, materials science, weather forecasting and transportation, accelerating innovation across sectors. These machines will work in tandem with classical supercomputers to create hybrid systems with super-capacities.

Individual Member States are making breakthroughs, too. Spain unveiled its first domestically built quantum computer at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center — an achievement underscoring a growing commitment in Europe to technological sovereignty. Funded by Quantum Spain with over €9 million, this quantum machine is expected to revolutionise logistics, financial modeling and AI applications. Germany is also making strides with the Q-Exa project, which aims to integrate a quantum computer into the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre to accelerate research and industrial applications.

Beyond infrastructure, the EU is actively fostering quantum R&D through several flagship projects. The Quantum Technologies Flagship, a €1 billion programme launched in 2018, continues to fund groundbreaking research across quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum simulation. It supports projects like OpenSuperQ, which aims to build a 100-qubit superconducting quantum computer in Europe, and PASQuanS, which focuses on quantum simulation for material science and complex-system modeling.

The EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) Initiative is another critical effort. Led by the European Commission, the project aims to establish a secure quantum communication network across the EU, enhancing cybersecurity and protecting sensitive government and financial data. By leveraging quantum-key distribution (QKD), EuroQCI will lay the foundation for a quantum-driven internet of the future.

Ultimately, the EU’s Digital Decade strategy makes clear that by 2030, the EU must become a global leader in quantum capabilities. The 2023 European Chips Act supports quantum chip manufacturing, ensuring Europe isn’t just a consumer of quantum technologies but a key player in their development. And as hinted in the September 2024 Draghi Report, in Commission President von der Leyen’s mission letters in September 2024 to her new team of commissioners, and in the autumn 2024 confirmation hearings in the European Parliament for those commissioners-designate, the EU has committed to an increased focus on quantum computing during the 2024-2029 mandate. The Commission’s just-published 2025 work programme projects a Quantum Strategy by June 2025.

Quantum leap?

The US is pouring money into quantum. China has kept its quantum developments under wraps — while pursuing superpower status across all domains. And the rest of the world is catching up fast. To secure its place in the future of computing, Europe can’t wait: more investment, faster innovation and stronger collaboration are needed. Or else Europe risks playing catch-up while others take the lead in defining the rules of the quantum age.

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