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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council – Quantum Europe Strategy: Quantum Europe in a Changing World (COM(2025) 363 final)

EESC 2025/02334

OJ C, C/2026/1958, 28.4.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1958/oj (BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1958/oj

Date of document:: 21/01/2026; Date of vote
Date of vote:: 21/01/2026
Date lodged:: 14/01/2026

Author:: European Economic and Social Committee
Responsible body:: Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption, EESC_INT
Rapporteur:: Maurizio MENSI
Form:: Opinion
Internal reference:: INT/1098, AVIS-SECTION 2025/2334 FIN
Session:: 602

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Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

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12016E304

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Official Journal
of the European Union

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C/2026/1958

28.4.2026

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council

Quantum Europe Strategy: Quantum Europe in a Changing World

(COM(2025) 363 final)

(C/2026/1958)

Rapporteur:

Maurizio MENSI

Advisor	Federico MARINI BALESTRA (to the rapporteur)
Referral	14.1.2026
Legal basis	Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Section responsible	Single Market, Production and Consumption
Adopted in section	8.1.2026
Adopted at plenary session	21.1.2026
Plenary session No	602
Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)	242/0/1

1. Conclusions and recommendations

1.1.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) endorses the Quantum Europe Strategy proposed by the Commission, and particularly the twofold objective of promoting the development of quantum technologies and transforming Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse, thus directly helping to strengthen the EU’s overall competitiveness, productivity and economic resilience.

1.2.

The EESC recognises the fact that quantum technologies have the potential to strengthen the EU’s industrial competitiveness and technological sovereignty. It therefore calls on the Commission to promote public confidence in the new technologies on the one hand, and to identify (at the earliest possible stage) any negative economic, social and employment repercussions on the other. It is essential that the Commission promote value creation, innovation, employment and entrepreneurship for the benefit of the whole community, without excluding any section of society or geographical area.

1.3.

The EESC appreciates the way the proposal is structured around five strategic areas, and the approach it sets out in terms of turning scientific discoveries in the quantum field into practical applications, fostering technology transfer and entry into the market.

1.4.

The EESC stresses that a careful assessment should be carried out to assess whether new regulation is entirely necessary here, with a view to avoiding red tape and ensuring investment certainty. Quantum technology is inherently neutral, and Europe already has legislation that could potentially cover it, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the NIS2 Directive and the AI Act.

1.5.

The EESC highlights the strategic importance of quantum science and endorses the decision to include it among the priority technologies for Europe’s sustainable and competitive development; it calls on the Commission to make quantum a priority in its programmes, including through specific actions.

1.6.

The EESC also suggests that the Commission put more emphasis on the role that start-ups and scale-ups can play in the European quantum ecosystem, notably through simplified and targeted access to public and private funding. In this regard, access to capital markets, venture funds and cross-border investment opportunities should be facilitated.

1.7.

The EESC also encourages the Commission to provide tools (such as tax incentives) to help start-ups and SMEs access growth capital, as well as to spur on demand for quantum solutions among large European companies. Here, public procurement and common defence programmes could drive the uptake of the new technologies.

1.8.

The EESC welcomes the Commission’s commitment to investing, in coordination with universities and research centres, in attracting talent and developing quantum skills, and recognises that a skilled workforce is essential for consolidating a competitive and sustainable quantum industrial ecosystem. These efforts need to be geared to the real needs of the labour market, with an emphasis on flexibility, ongoing up-skilling and talent mobility within the EU.

1.9.

The EESC also welcomes the Commission’s initiative to promote the potential of quantum technologies in strategic sectors such as the defence, security and space sectors, underlining the crucial role they play in ensuring the EU’s resilience and autonomy, given that technological and economic security are closely linked to innovation. At the same time, the EESC highlights the positive impact that these technologies can have in other areas that are crucial for collective well-being, social development and the competitiveness of European industry, such as the life sciences and health fields, and the automotive industry.

1.10.

The EESC supports establishing inclusive governance at EU level, and recommends coordinating quantum investments, ensuring the full and fair involvement of all Member States. This governance must be transparent and avoid regulatory fragmentation and inconsistency within the EU.

1.11.

The EESC encourages the Commission to establish appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring systems that will enable the results achieved to be assessed, any shortcomings to be rectified and the most promising initiatives to be bolstered. These KPIs should measure, inter alia, the levels of competitiveness, innovation and private investment.

1.12.

Lastly, the EESC considers it crucial that Europe maintain its leading role in technological standardisation, in order to protect the competitiveness of the industry and safeguard European values.

2. Background

2.1.

The Quantum Europe Strategy aims to transform Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse, focusing on five areas:

A.	research and innovation;

B.	quantum infrastructures;

C.	the EU quantum ecosystem;

D.	space and dual-use quantum technologies (security and defence); and

E.	quantum skills.

2.2.

The strategy identifies specific measures within each area:

A.	consolidating European excellence in quantum science through a commonly agreed research, technology and innovation agenda that brings together initiatives, sets shared targets and ensures consistency between the EU and the Member States;

B.	stepping up investment in quantum infrastructures;

C.	creating an open-access centralised network of quantum test beds to help promote experimentation by all market stakeholders;

D.	encouraging investment funds to support quantum start-ups and scale-ups;

E.	fostering the rapid industrialisation and dissemination of quantum technologies in Europe;

F.	integrating quantum capabilities into Europe’s strategies on space, security and defence;

G.	setting up a virtual European academy to foster training of professionals specialising in quantum science.

2.3.

The success of the Quantum Europe Strategy hinges on the creation of a pro-investment ecosystem that attracts the private sector, eliminates administrative barriers and promotes innovation. To maximise social well-being, this ecosystem must be competitive. This means avoiding past mistakes, such as under-enforcing antitrust rules and relying too heavily on technology, in order to avoid the concentration that plagues other technology sectors.

3. General comments

3.1.

The EESC endorses the Quantum Europe Strategy devised by the Commission, and particularly the twofold objective of promoting the development of quantum technologies and transforming Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse.

3.2.

In this regard, the EESC is pleased that the strategy is based on fundamental priorities such as boosting Europe’s strategic autonomy in the field of quantum technologies and overcoming the current fragmentation of European research into and innovation in quantum technologies.

3.3.

In order to foster public confidence, the Commission should properly convey the expected benefits of adopting these technologies and also identify any negative social and economic impacts these could have in the long term, in order to provide for timely and adequate remedies to protect public welfare. In this regard, it is imperative that the introduction of highly powerful computers coupled with artificial intelligence does not undermine the rights of citizens and workers.

3.4.

Quantum technology is a key asset for Europe’s competitiveness and sovereignty. It is therefore important to continue encouraging the growth of start-ups and scale-ups and to ensure that they can develop fully within the excellence-based European industrial ecosystem, in order to keep this ecosystem competitive.

3.5.

Accordingly, the Commission should continue to step up the financing for start-ups and SMEs, roll out tools to facilitate access to growth capital, including in rural and marginal areas, and spur on demand from large European companies and public institutions (such as hospitals, defence, etc.) that could drive innovation and help achieve the economies of scale needed.

3.6.

The EESC agrees on the need to plug the gaps in private financing in the quantum sector, especially compared to other economic areas such as the US and Asia, where there is considerably more private investment. Targeted incentives, such as tax incentives, should be introduced to attract European capital, especially in the development phases of quantum technologies. It is crucial to avoid market concentrations in this area, as has happened in other technology sectors (semiconductors, chips, etc.), which are now dominated by companies from outside Europe.

3.7.

It is imperative to identify and address critical vulnerabilities in the European quantum supply chain. This requires systematic risk mapping and ongoing monitoring to mitigate dependence on non-European sources throughout the supply chain. The development phase of quantum technology must therefore be harnessed in order to set up a fully-fledged European manufacturing industry for quantum chips and avoid dependence on other global economic players, as happened in the case of semiconductors.

3.8.

The EESC considers that investing in training skilled and specialised professionals – particularly in the hardware, software and quantum cybersecurity sectors – is pivotal for achieving the target of making Europe a world leader in quantum technologies. With this in mind, the Commission should, in coordination with universities, research centres and businesses, identify the skills that are actually needed to support European competitiveness and employment.

3.9.

The forums and coordination instruments promoted by the Commission (in particular the 2030 Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA 2030), the Quantum Technologies Coordination Group (QTCG) and the EuroQCI initiative) are essential platforms for promoting joint research and development and aligning the Member States’ efforts in quantum science. It is therefore recommended that these instruments be further strengthened in order to bring the national strategies more in line with the European strategies, facilitate talent mobility and foster the development of the quantum sector.

3.10.

The EESC notes that the uncoordinated application of instruments for screening strategic investments, particularly when it comes to foreign direct investments, could, even unintentionally, hinder pan-European initiatives of common strategic interest. The lack of coordination between different national practices risks reducing the overall effectiveness of European quantum investments and hindering the full achievement of the strategy’s objectives.

3.11.

The EESC therefore points to the importance of ensuring a balanced, proportionate and harmonised application of the powers in this area, in such a way that – with due regard to Member States’ prerogatives when it comes to national security – does not hinder the creation and consolidation of a competitive, integrated and resilient European quantum ecosystem.

3.12.

The EESC endorses the set-up of the initiative, structured as it is around five areas. In this regard, it flags up the need to provide tools that can carry out constant checking and monitoring of the results in each of these areas so that corrective and improvement measures can be rolled out if necessary. The Commission should carry out constant assessments of the competitive impact of its initiatives in order to ensure that these effectively contribute to social and economic growth, in line with the principles of better regulation.

3.13.

For all of the reasons set out above, the EESC fully endorses and supports the content of the Commission’s initiative.

4. Area 1: Quantum Europe research and innovation

4.1.

The EESC wholeheartedly welcomes all the measures proposed to boost research in quantum technologies, step up coordination between Member States, align the EU’s strategic priorities and channel investments towards the development of quantum skills, in coordination with science and industry, in order to promote technology transfers and the commercialisation of the new solutions.

4.2.

The Commission should equip itself with effective instruments for monitoring and assessing progress in quantum research and innovation in order to develop the more promising initiatives, optimise the use of available resources and take swift action should progress towards the targets fall behind.

5. Area 2: Quantum Europe infrastructures

5.1.

The EESC welcomes the move to expand investment in public quantum infrastructures, primarily the sectors of quantum computing, simulation, secure communications and advanced sensing systems.

5.2.

The EESC agrees with the Commission that quantum infrastructures are a key strategic asset for bolstering the European quantum ecosystem. With these state-of-the-art technological platforms being made accessible on a shared basis, even SMEs can participate actively in quantum innovation, thereby overcoming the barrier of high investment costs. This also applies to the development of rural and economically marginal areas.

5.3.

Quantum infrastructures are important both for building industrial capacity and for ensuring that the advantages of quantum science are distributed fairly across Europe. It therefore urges the Commission to continue emphasising the need for fair and widespread access to these infrastructures, particularly for SMEs, research institutes and quantum start-ups and scale-ups. The idea here is to promote innovation across a range of sectors and geographical areas, and thus reduce disparities.

5.4.

Autonomous quantum infrastructures need to be developed at European level in order to safeguard critical data, ensure secure communication and, more generally, guarantee the internal security of the European Union. However, strategic autonomy must not undermine cooperation with reliable partners, which could help to achieve economies of scale and economies of scope, to the benefit of European competitiveness.

6. Area 3: An ecosystem for a quantum Europe

6.1.

The EESC is pleased that the Commission intends to adopt a quantum industrialisation strategy that is coordinated and standardised across the EU and geared to supporting the growth of a robust, competitive and integrated European ecosystem. This ecosystem must be driven by free market principles to enable development and innovation that is both free from administrative barriers and from the economic concentration that currently plagues other technology sectors.

6.2.

In this vein, the EESC points out that it is strategically important to actively support the development of quantum start-ups and scale-ups by means of public and private financing or tax incentives. Legal certainty and stable financing are needed here to develop a globally competitive European industry.

6.3.

A centralised European network of open-access quantum test beds would enable start-ups, SMEs and research institutes to try out innovative solutions and thus speed up experimentation, technology transfer and the growth of the entire ecosystem. This network of test beds should promote cross-border investments, collaboration between businesses and faster technology validation.

6.4.

The instruments protecting intellectual property in the quantum sector are essential for guaranteeing European technological sovereignty, preventing the loss of strategic assets and maintaining control of key innovations developed within the EU.

6.5.

The Commission should therefore develop effective tools for safeguarding intellectual property rights, including specific patents and protection for software and related systems. A robust intellectual property rights strategy is crucial for ensuring the EU’s competitiveness and safeguarding the strategic innovations.

6.6.

Europe should maintain its leading role in technological standardisation. The Commission should ensure that the ‘Brussels effect’ also extends to quantum technologies in order to protect the competitiveness of the industry and safeguard European values.

7. Area 4: Space and dual-use quantum technologies (security and defence)

7.1.

The EESC welcomes this initiative which is aimed at incorporating quantum capabilities into strategic sectors such as security, defence and space, and which has a significant potential to transform the EU’s resilience, strategic autonomy and technological capacity.

7.2.

The EESC particularly welcomes the notion of harnessing the potential of quantum technologies to yield advantages in key sectors such as space and EU security.

7.3.

The potential of quantum technologies goes far beyond defence and space: these technologies can enable the development of revolutionary applications in fields such as life sciences, health and the automotive industry. One major aspect is that quantum science can speed up the discovery of new medicines, optimise clinical development and contribute to the design of new materials and more efficient batteries for electric vehicles, which will have a significant impact on public health and the European economy.

7.4.

The EESC accordingly encourages the Commission to promote investments in the quantum sector and to guarantee that the resulting quantum innovations are accessible to European industry in order to keep it competitive. It is therefore essential to coordinate investments at European level, with all the Member States fully and equally involved. In this regard, public procurement and common defence programmes could open the way for new, concrete applications for the new technologies that could then be transferred to other areas.

7.5.

In order to make quantum innovations accessible and applicable in a wide range of fields, the EESC calls on the Commission to promote dedicated support mechanisms, such as targeted financing and business-to-business cooperation programmes. Such initiatives should include pooling experimental infrastructure and platforms so as to enable SMEs and start-ups to develop and test quantum solutions as well, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of the single market.

7.6.

The Commission should also promote a clear and transparent framework for the governance of dual-use quantum technologies that both ensures compliance with ethical principles and protects the EU’s strategic interests, including by means of targeted control of exports and foreign acquisitions. It is important to ensure here that excessive administrative and legal burdens are not imposed on SMEs.

8. Area 5: Quantum skills

8.1.

The EESC welcomes the Commission’s intention to invest in training skilled professionals specialising in quantum science, and calls on the Commission, in coordination with universities, research centres and industry, to pre-emptively identify the specific skills required by the market. Basic quantum training should also be provided for to enable all workers to better understand quantum operations and the effects of these in the workplace.

8.2.

The EESC supports the Commission’s goal of setting up a virtual European Quantum Skills Academy in order to raise the profile of this sector, attract new talent and keep existing talent in the EU. On this point, the academy should actively collaborate with start-ups, for instance through joint projects, apprenticeships and exchange programmes, with a view to fostering knowledge transfer and speeding up the practical application of research.

8.3.

The Commission should support the establishment of scholarships and specific programmes geared towards retaining highly qualified PhD students and assisting them with finding a position in the European quantum research and innovation system. This requires greater coordination between the various European and national initiatives in order to promote a high level of professionalism and foster intra-EU talent mobility.

8.4.

Lastly, the EESC stresses the need to adopt effective monitoring tools and endorses the proposal to task the European Skills Intelligence Observatory with monitoring developments in the needs of the market in a timely fashion. This will ensure a proactive response to changing skills needs in strategic sectors in the EU. The observatory must ensure that the initiatives aimed at promoting European professionalism meet the needs of the productive sector.

Brussels, 21 January 2026.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Séamus BOLAND

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/1958/oj

ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)

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