EU leaders have signed the Quantum Pact, a declaration recognizing the strategic importance of quantum technologies for Europe’s scientific and industrial competitiveness. The pact aims to position Europe as a global quantum excellence and innovation leader. Representatives from 20 European countries have signed the agreement. The Quantum Pact is expected to transform sectors such as medicine, energy, computing, communications, climate and weather modeling, cybersecurity, space, and defense. The pact was celebrated at the ‘Shaping Europe’s Quantum Future’ conference, where the Belgium Quantum Circle, an initiative for collaboration in quantum technologies, was unveiled.
Quantum Pact: Europe’s Ambitious Leap into Quantum Technologies
On March 22, 2024, European Union (EU) leaders convened in Brussels, Belgium, to commemorate the signing of the Quantum Pact. This declaration underscores the strategic significance of quantum technologies for the EU’s scientific and industrial competitiveness. The Quantum Pact is a collective endeavor to transform Europe into a global quantum excellence and innovation hub.
Thomas Skordas, Deputy Director-General of DG Connect, represented the European Commission at the conference ‘Shaping Europe’s Quantum Future’. He provided an overview of the Declaration and Europe’s stance on quantum technologies. According to Skordas, quantum technologies can revolutionize various sectors, including medicine, energy, computing and communications, climate and weather modeling, cybersecurity, space, and defense. These technologies could lead to significant productivity gains, industry revitalization, and the creation of new markets, applications, and job opportunities.
Quantum Pact: A Collective Endeavor for Quantum Excellence
The Quantum Pact aims to transform Europe into the world’s Quantum Valley. This ambitious goal can only be achieved by leveraging Europe’s strengths, fostering collaboration, and targeting various activities, including research, industry, infrastructures, talent, external partnerships, and more. Representatives from 20 European countries signed the Quantum Pact, demonstrating a solid commitment to cooperation, investment, and innovation in this critical field.
Quantum Decade: EU’s Strategy and the Belgium Quantum Circle
The conference also highlighted the EU’s strategy for the ‘Quantum Decade’. A significant feature of the conference was the unveiling of the Belgium Quantum Circle, an initiative designed to enhance collaboration and innovation in quantum technologies within Belgium and across Europe. This initiative is expected to bring together Belgian researchers, industry, and public and private sectors to harness the transformative potential of quantum technologies.
Quantum Technologies Conference: A Platform for Discussion and Collaboration
The conference provided a comprehensive platform for discussion in quantum technologies. Representatives from leading institutions, including Belgium’s Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), shared insights and expertise. Workshops and panel discussions explored the practical implementation of European Quantum Competence Clusters, further fostering collaboration and innovation.
The Quantum Flagship, a large-scale initiative funded with €1 billion from the EU over a 10-year timescale, aims to consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area, kick-start a competitive European industry in quantum technologies, and make Europe a dynamic and attractive region for innovative research, business, and investments.
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