Crazy for quantum

Written by Emma Vivian on 17 Feb 2025

‘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.

Read More

Will Breton be back?

Written by Igor Ramage on 26 Jul 2024

In this blog, we investigate what role current French Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton might play in the upcoming European Commission.

Read More

Commission President candidates clash in "Spitzenkandidaten" debate

Written by Emma Vivian on 28 May 2024

In advance of the European Parliament elections between 6 and 9 June, the candidates from five of Europe's major political groupings debated one another across a wide range of issues, including the economy, the climate and the environment, and technology policy on 23 May 2024. This briefing provides a summary of the key points each candidate made during the debate.

Read More

What is the EU doing to regulate artificial intelligence?

Written by Shane Cumberton on 07 Aug 2023

In this blog, we look at the steps the European Union is taking to regulate artificial intelligence.

Read More

Say "green" only if you mean it!

Written by Emma Vivian on 01 Jun 2023

Are consumers being deceived by misleading environmental and sustainability claims about products and services? "Greenwashing" is getting increasing attention from EU policymakers.  What is the European Union doing to combat "greenwashing" by companies? How does this impact businesses and what should companies expect?

Read More

How will the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation affect your business?

Written by Emma Vivian on 09 Feb 2023

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation will establish rules on the production of goods that are sold in the EU market. These rules will cover the entire life cycle of a product, from its design to its recycling. Companies which build tech devices and online platforms which sell those devices to consumers will have new obligations.

Read More

Short-term rental regulation could lead to fragmentation and legal uncertainty for platforms

Written by Inline Policy on 31 Jan 2023

On 7 November 2022, the European Commission published a proposal for a Regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term rentals. The proposed Regulation aims to establish a framework to share data between online platforms, hosts and public authorities. This blog analyses the two most pertinent parts of the proposed Regulation; it identifies the aspects that may cause friction; and it suggests how this friction could be addressed by policymakers.

Read More

The Swedish Presidency’s Programme – for a greener, safer, freer Europe

Written by Inline Policy on 20 Jan 2023

Sweden assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January and presented its policy programme on Tuesday 17 January to the European Parliament. The programme focuses on competitiveness, security, rule of law and sustainability. In this article, we examine the digital and sustainable priorities outlined in the programme. The Swedish Presidency is expected to drive progress in areas such as cyber security, data sharing, digital identity, and sustainability.

Read More

The Commission's 2030 Digital Compass: can it deliver and secure a future for Europe in the global digital economy?

Written by Inline Policy on 19 May 2021

In March, the European Commission presented its strategy for a digital transformation of Europe: the 2030 Digital Compass. Recognising that the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of Europe’s digital space and its dependence on non-European technologies, the Compass defines some bold objectives to strengthen the European digital economy. However, there are many challenges to overcome. 

Read More

UK and EU race towards regulating digital markets: who is winning?

Written by Inline Policy on 24 Feb 2021

This month, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) updated its ambitious Digital Markets Strategy. The 2019 strategy was originally meant to address the growth of digital markets and its effect on consumers and competition. The recent update reflects the work that the CMA has done since it first published the strategy - including its all-important recommendations for a pro-competition regime for digital markets - and comes as debates around digital competition continue to gather pace in the UK and beyond.

Read More

What to expect from Europe’s new regulations on digital services

Written by Inline Policy on 07 Dec 2020

The European Commission will shortly unveil new rules on digital services as part of its agenda for shaping Europe’s digital future. In this blog we will explore what we expect to see in the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) and how they will impact the tech industry.

Read More

Does the EU need a new framework to regulate AI?

Written by Inline Policy on 24 Jan 2020

The European Union is working on a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence that seeks to ensure better consumer protection, while enhancing Europe’s technological competitiveness. The risk is for it to become but a duplication of already-existing practices and regulations.

Read More

The politicisation of technology regulation: four drivers that will shape 2020

Written by Inline Policy on 16 Jan 2020

As Europe begins the year in a state of relative stability with the EU Commission firmly in place as well as new governments in the UK and Spain, all eyes are on how policymakers will now respond to popular demand for changes to our liberal order. The tech sector could be in for a rough ride.

Read More

Subscribe to Email Updates

Lists by Topic

see all