Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
The Connecting Europe Facility is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through infrastructure investment at European level.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
CEF Digital actions to co-fund the terrestrial backbone network components will be complementary to those developed through the Digital Europe Programme and will be focused on supporting cross-border links between two or more national quantum communication networks in Member States, and/or linking the EuroQCI’s terrestrial and space segments.
The first services provided by EuroQCI will be based on QKD, which uses the properties of quantum physics to establish a secure encryption key at each end of a communications line in order to protect against vulnerabilities, namely eavesdropping. The first phase of the EuroQCI infrastructure deployment is focused on the deployment of terrestrial backbone components. It should aim for solutions providing end-to-end security.
Detailed Call Description
The following priorities have been set to address the needs of EU’s national governments and critical infrastructures supporting services of general interest:
- The deployment of the first cross-border quantum terrestrial backbone networks for interconnecting neighbouring national quantum communication infrastructures across borders, including if necessary through the deployment of “trusted nodes” (i.e. secure access points to the network which make it possible to link distant sites securely). Addressing the coexistence of QKD with conventional communications technology is encouraged, together with interoperability at the orchestration level of the network. Solutions should rely on state-of-the-art interoperability methods and standards, and address scalability, upgradability and end-to-end security. Critical components for QKD should use EU technologies when such technologies are available. The use of non-EU technologies should be fully justified.
- Interconnection with the EuroQCI’s space segment, which will be implemented via the optical ground stations and related ground equipment, serving as an interface between the EuroQCI’s space components and its terrestrial segment.
Where relevant, the provision of fibre links between the EuroQCI and a panEuropean network of Security Operation Centres (SOCs).
The management of encryption keys (Key Management System) between all elements of the EuroQCI in an end-to-end manner should also be considered. This would include managing the keys efficiently and securely, ensuring their transmission to recipients, optimal routing and monitoring of system performance, and solutions for the control layer, i.e. software-defined network (SDN).
This topic will support the deployment of quantum communication infrastructure for connections between Member States, including OCTs:
- where the national segments of quantum communication infrastructure are already in place or where their deployment is already ongoing or operationally planned;
and - where a cross-border link between at least two EU countries (including outermost regions and OCTs), or a space segment interconnection is foreseen.
While it is not permitted to use RRF funding as co-funding for activities funded under this CEF Digital call, Member States may complement EuroQCI actions funded under CEF Digital (and the Digital Europe Programme) with actions funded from the RRF, as long as no risk of double funding is present. Actions funded under the Union Secure Connectivity Programme will further complement these and will, in particular, cover activities to support the further deployment of the EuroQCI’s space and terrestrial infrastructure.
In case of co-funding from national funds, State aid rules apply (see section 10 of the Work Programme for details).
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The costs will be reimbursed at the funding rates fixed in the Grant Agreement (maximum 50% for the costs of studies, maximum 70% for the costs of works in outermost regions, and maximum 30% for all other costs categories.
You can apply for a higher project funding rate if your project concerns: strong cross-border dimension including the space segment: 50%
The maximum requested grant amount is expected to be around €5.000.000 per project.
This amount may be exceeded if duly justified by the applicants.
The grant awarded may be lower than the amount requested.
Thematic Categories
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Information Technology
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Businesses
- International Organisations
- Legal Entities
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
Eligibility For Participation Notes
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)
Consortium composition:
- Proposals must be submitted by a minimum of two applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities).
- In the case of terrestrial connections, proposals must be submitted by a minimum of two applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) from a minimum of two different eligible countries.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Department of Electronic Communications – State Department for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
Website: https://bit.ly/39IYcFZ
Address: 286 Strovolou Avenue, Strovolos, PO Box 24647, 1302 Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22814854/22814846
Fax: +357 22321925
Email: info.dec@dec.dmrid.gov.cy
Contact person:
Mr. Nikos Ioannou
Electronic Communications Officer
Telephone: +357 22814875
Fax: +357 22321925
Email: nioannou@dec.dmrid.gov.cy
EU Contact Point
For questions please contact: HADEA-CEFDIGITAL-CALLS@ec.europa.eu