The South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure (SEEWQCI) project, in which Cyprus plays an active role, has been awarded an exceptional score of 24/25 by the European Commission, ranking it among the top approved proposals for funding under the CEF Digital programme.
Welcoming the news, Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, said the ranking “is highly significant”.
He went on to explain, “The project aims to interconnect the national Quantum Communication Infrastructures of Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, creating a secure and scalable ‘quantum corridor’ that will link Southeastern with Western Europe”.
The development of such cutting-edge infrastructures is a cornerstone for an advanced digital ecosystem, the deputy minister added. “SEEWQCI will establish an extensive quantum communications network with 1,100 km of terrestrial infrastructure, 29 cross-border connections, and five Optical Ground Stations – including one in Cyprus, which will be linked to the EAGLE-1 satellite – thereby enhancing the country’s capabilities and strengthening its position as a hub for secure communications in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The Cypriot effort within SEEWQCI is led by Photonics and Optical Sensors Research Laboratory (PhOSLab) at Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and implemented in close collaboration with the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA), the Digital Security Authority (DSA), and the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
Together, these organisations are shaping Cyprus’ role as a critical geostrategic hub in the creation of a secure and scalable “quantum corridor” linking South-East Europe with Western Europe, enhancing the interoperability and resilience of Europe’s communications networks.
The Cyprus Quantum Communication Infrastructure project is co-funded by the European Commission and the Republic of Cyprus to bring quantum communications to Cyprus.
Cyprus’ role in SEEWQCI
SEEWQCI will develop 1,100 km of terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) network, implement more than 29 cross-border quantum links, and deploy five Optical Ground Stations (OGS), one of which will be based in Cyprus.
The Cypriot OGS will interconnect with national and European quantum infrastructures and will make use of the EAGLE-1 satellite for the secure distribution of quantum keys via space, supporting multiple technological configurations (terrestrial-to-terrestrial, space-to-space, hybrid). This infrastructure will strengthen Cyprus’ technological capabilities and place the country at the heart of secure communications in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Funding and Strategic Significance
The overall SEEWQCI project has a budget of €17.8 million and is co-funded by the European Commission and the participating member states. The Cypriot participation is co-funded by the European Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID).
Cyprus’ involvement in this ambitious initiative is part of the national vision to strengthen digital sovereignty and develop cutting-edge infrastructure aimed at creating a secure, reliable, and technologically advanced communications ecosystem.
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