An €18 million project is underway to establish a quantum-secure network physically linking Germany, Greece, Ireland, and Luxembourg, a crucial component of the broader EuroQCI initiative. The TransEuroOGS project will construct eight interoperable optical ground stations (OGS) spanning these four nations, creating a network extending from the northwest to southeast of Europe. This initiative directly addresses the challenges of secure transnational communication by leveraging the principles of quantum key distribution. Torsten Siebert, central coordinator of the TransEuroOGS project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, Germany, explained that the project aims to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty in quantum communications, stating: “It is a privilege and pleasure to collaborate with all of my colleagues in Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany and Greece for taking on the challenges involved in linking the space and terrestrial segment in EuroQCI with a network of optical ground stations ranging over the northwest to southeast of Europe.”
TransEuroOGS Project Launches: A EuroQCI Initiative
The establishment of a pan-European quantum network took a significant step forward with the launch of the TransEuroOGS project, directly linking optical ground stations across four member states and representing a nearly €18 million investment in quantum technology infrastructure. The project’s scope extends beyond construction; it focuses on harmonizing the technical specifications of these stations in preparation for upcoming satellite missions designed to deliver secure quantum communication across Europe. Central to the TransEuroOGS project is its contribution to the broader EuroQCI initiative, an EU-wide program aiming to establish a fully functional quantum communications infrastructure. The geographical distribution of the OGS sites is noteworthy, encompassing diverse environments, from islands and mainland locations to rural and urban settings, and varying meteorological conditions. This deliberate diversity will allow researchers to test and refine the technology under a wide range of real-world conditions, ultimately strengthening the resilience of the network.
The project’s ambition is not simply to build a network, but to establish a unified European standard for interoperability among optical ground stations, bolstering Europe’s technological sovereignty. The consortium, comprised of 15 partner universities, industry members, research organizations, and national space agencies, convened on April 29th and 30th in Berlin and Jena for a kick-off meeting, focusing on the exchange of expertise and resources.
Matthias Hauer, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Together with our European partners, we are shaping the future of quantum communication. Germany is therefore actively involved in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure EuroQCI. The TransEuroOGS project contributes to building this infrastructure. Quantum communication is indispensable for cybersecurity in the quantum age because it enables secure communication. Our High-Tech Agenda Germany ensures that Germany becomes a leading quantum technology nation.” The project will align key architectural elements and operational parameters to meet the requirements of missions like EAGLE-1 and SAGA, demonstrating interoperability through QKD and linking to local fiber networks for governmental, public, and private applications.
Eight-Station Network for Quantum Key Distribution
The pursuit of unhackable communication networks is rapidly shifting from theoretical possibility to tangible infrastructure, with several initiatives now focused on building pan-European quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. While initial deployments often involved point-to-point links, the scale and ambition of projects like TransEuroOGS signal a move towards more complex, interconnected networks capable of securing data across multiple national borders. Fundamentally, TransEuroOGS represents a significant financial commitment to quantum technology, with a budget of approximately €18 million co-funded by the European Union and national governments. This investment isn’t simply about demonstrating the feasibility of QKD; it’s about building a robust, adaptable network capable of integrating with future satellite missions like EAGLE-1 and SAGA. The deliberate geographic distribution of these eight stations, including locations on islands, in rural areas, and within urban centers, is crucial, encompassing diverse meteorological conditions and ecosystems.
Stations vary in their development from an initial construction phase to a pre-operation status, demanding a harmonisation effort to ensure seamless interoperability. This alignment will culminate in demonstrations of QKD for secure communication, leveraging EAGLE-1’s resources and linking to local fibre networks for broader application across governmental, public, and private sectors.
Torsten Siebert, central coordinator of the TransEuroOGS project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, Germany, explained: “It is a privilege and pleasure to collaborate with all of my colleagues in Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany and Greece for taking on the challenges involved in linking the space and terrestrial segment in EuroQCI with a network of optical ground stations ranging over the northwest to southeast of Europe.” He continued, stating, “In our joint work to demonstrate and establish quantum-secure communication across the geography of the continent, the collaborations in TransEuroOGS stand for the potential we have in all of Europe, when we unite our valuable resources in research and industry. Close collaborations throughout the European community in this field will be at the heart of bringing this key emergent technology one step closer to application in a dedicated contribution to EuroQCI.” The project will take three and a half years to complete, beginning after the kick-off meeting on April 29th and 30th.
It is a privilege and pleasure to collaborate with all of my colleagues in Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany and Greece for taking on the challenges involved in linking the space and terrestrial segment in EuroQCI with a network of optical ground stations ranging over the northwest to southeast of Europe.
Torsten Siebert, central coordinator of the TransEuroOGS project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, Germany
Locations include both islands and mainland sites, as well as rural and urban environments, creating a complex operational landscape. This integration is vital for extending the reach of quantum-secured communication beyond the satellite link, enabling applications for governmental, public, and private sectors.
€18 Million Co-Funding & Three-Year Timeline
The establishment of a pan-European quantum-secure communication network is gaining momentum, underpinned by a substantial financial commitment and a clearly defined timeline. The TransEuroOGS project, fueled by an approximately €18 million investment co-funded by the European Union and individual national governments, will establish a physical layer for secure data transmission across the continent. This isn’t merely a technological demonstration; the project’s budget reflects a strategic prioritization of quantum technology infrastructure development within Europe. This geographical distribution, spanning from northwestern to southeastern Europe, is deliberate, and the varied locations, including islands, mainland sites, and both rural and urban environments, will subject the technology to diverse meteorological conditions and local ecosystems.
The project’s scope extends beyond simply building the ground stations, and will contribute to a more secure and resilient communication infrastructure for Europe.
Together with our European partners, we are shaping the future of quantum communication. Germany is therefore actively involved in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure EuroQCI. The TransEuroOGS project contributes to building this infrastructure.
Matthias Hauer, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space
