More than 4,000 European quantum experts, represented by the Quantum Flagship, are urging individuals to respond to a critical public consultation shaping the future of quantum technologies in Europe. The European Commission’s questionnaire, open until October 16, 2026 (midnight Brussels time), will directly influence the upcoming Single Basic Act regulation and the allocation of funding for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Quantum Flagship has submitted a position paper advocating for a dedicated European Quantum Initiative with a specific request: a ring-fenced budget for quantum, separate from funding for other digital technologies. The Quantum Flagship emphasizes the need for independent quantum governance to sustain Europe’s growing leadership in the field.
European Commission Public Consultation on Quantum Technologies
The Quantum Flagship has already submitted a position paper outlining its recommendations and is actively urging individuals to participate to amplify this message. The core of the Flagship’s advocacy centers on establishing a framework within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, implemented through a dedicated and independent governance track. This initiative, according to the position paper, requires a “ring-fenced budget for quantum,” explicitly stating that funding should not be “pooled or shared with other digital technologies.” This emphasis on financial independence underscores the community’s belief that sustained investment is vital for maintaining Europe’s position in quantum science and innovation. The consultation directly feeds into an impact assessment for the Single Basic Act, which will provide the legal basis for Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe 2028, 2034, and is closely linked to the proposed European Competitiveness Fund.
The Commission is particularly interested in feedback on how the Joint Undertaking instrument can be improved to bolster Europe’s competitiveness, and the 12-week public consultation represents the Commission’s most extensive effort to gather stakeholder evidence before drafting legislation. The Quantum Flagship highlights the importance of individual contributions through the portal. For those unable to utilize the online questionnaire, direct contact with the Commission is possible via RTD-EUROPEAN-PARTNERSHIPS@ec.europa.eu, ensuring broad accessibility to this crucial policy-shaping process.
Quantum Flagship Advocates for a Dedicated European Quantum Initiative
The European quantum technology sector is currently characterized by a robust scientific base and growing innovation ecosystem, fostered in part by initiatives like the Quantum Flagship; however, the future structure of funding and governance remains a critical point of contention as policymakers prepare the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Representing over 4,000 European quantum experts, the Quantum Flagship is now actively advocating for a distinct European Quantum Initiative, urging stakeholders to participate in the European Commission’s public consultation currently underway. The Flagship’s central argument, detailed in its position paper, centers on securing a “ring-fenced budget for quantum,” separate from funding allocated to broader digital technologies. This aims to establish a dedicated and independent quantum governance track within the Joint Undertaking architecture, ensuring focused investment and strategic direction.
The Commission is specifically seeking input on how to improve the Joint Undertaking instrument to bolster European competitiveness, and the Flagship emphasizes that the current consultation is a crucial opportunity to reinforce this message with individual experiences. Beyond simply submitting responses, the Flagship stresses the importance of providing high-quality, relevant evidence, as the Commission’s feedback rules will determine which contributions are considered. The Quantum Flagship has proved time and time again that Europe can build world-leading quantum science, and whether this translates into industrial leadership, they contend, depends on the decisions made in the coming months, urging all stakeholders to contribute their expertise.
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