EU leaders highlight quantum ambitions with landmark pact

The European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, which intends to position Europe as the leading region globally for quantum excellence and innovation, was formally celebrated by special guests and representatives of Member States at the ‘Shaping Europe’s Quantum Future’ conference.

Representing the European Commission in the absence of Commissioner Breton, Deputy Director-General, DG Connect Thomas Skordas gave an overview of the Declaration and Europe’s position in quantum technologies.

“Quantum has the potential to transform many sectors: medicine, energy, computing and communications, climate and weather modelling, cybersecurity, space, defence, and more. It will enable huge productivity gains, revitalise industry, and open up new markets, applications, and job opportunities.

“The Quantum Pact is our collective endeavour to make Europe the Quantum Valley of the World. Only by building on our strengths, by working together, by being ambitious, by targeting the whole spectrum of activities – research, industry, infrastructures, talent, external partnerships, and more – can we transform Europe into the leading region globally for quantum excellence and innovation. Quantum will help us to challenge the boundaries of what is possible.”

Last December, the Declaration set the stage for cooperation, investment, and innovation in this critical field. With quantum technologies poised to disrupt industries, transform economies, and address global challenges, the EU stands ready to lead the way in harnessing its transformative potential.

This pact has now been signed by representatives from 20 European countries – including Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Held at the Grand Auditorium of the Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences and under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency, the event hosted keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops highlighting the EU’s strategy for the ‘Quantum Decade’.

Belgian quantum circle

A highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Belgium Quantum Circle, an initiative to further collaboration and innovation in quantum technologies within Belgium and across Europe. The venture is expected to bring together Belgian researchers, industry, and the public and private sectors to exploit quantum’s transformative potential.

The full-day event featured a comprehensive agenda to foster discussion in the field of quantum technologies. Speakers – including representatives from leading nanoelectronics R&D hub, Belgium’s Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) – and other leading institutions, shared insights and expertise.

Meanwhile, workshops and panel discussions explored the practical implementation of European Quantum Competence Clusters.