Will quantum computing be the next focus for EU Regulatory Action?

As 2023 drew to a close, the European Commission unveiled its Declaration on Quantum Technologies, aiming to spotlight this cutting-edge field within the European Union’s strategic agenda. Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, heralded this move as a foundational step towards establishing a “Quantum Valley” in Europe. With 11 member states endorsing and eight signing the declaration—Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and Sweden—quantum technology is gradually gaining political traction within the EU.

The EU has previously enacted landmark regulations to address the challenges posed by Big Tech and the fast-paced evolution of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). With the European Parliament elections on the horizon and the current Commission’s term winding down, the prioritization of quantum technology in 2024 remains an open question.

Quantum computing, with its potential to revolutionize fields from drug development to cybersecurity, stands at the forefront of technological research. Despite decades of research led by tech giants like IBM and Google, commercial quantum computing applications are still nascent. Dr. Joe Fitzsimons, CEO of Horizon Quantum Computing, emphasizes that, while sophisticated quantum computers are not yet a reality, they could be within the next decade.

Quantum computers operate using qubits, which can represent and process multiple states simultaneously, unlike traditional bits. This capability could significantly accelerate computational tasks, offering both opportunities for innovation and challenges for current encryption methods.

Europe’s commitment to quantum technology development is evident in initiatives like the Quantum Technologies Flagship and the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking established in 2018. Dr. Fitzsimons noted the supportive environment in Europe, highlighted by significant investments and the emergence of spin-offs, particularly in Germany.

However, the landscape across Europe is varied, with countries like the Netherlands and Ireland developing their quantum strategies independently. The need for greater coordination at the European level is voiced by industry experts, suggesting a more focused approach based on regional strengths could enhance the EU’s quantum computing endeavors.

The EU’s existing policies, such as the Chips Act, are seen as a framework that could extend to quantum computing, emphasizing the importance of developing hardware and quantum chips. Collaboration and partnerships are viewed as critical for Europe to maintain competitiveness with global leaders like the US and China.

Yet, with the European Commission not planning new legislative proposals on quantum technologies in the near term, the future of EU quantum policy is uncertain, especially in the face of shifting political landscapes and priorities. The Dutch quantum initiative, for example, faces funding uncertainties following recent electoral changes.

Cybersecurity emerges as a primary concern associated with quantum computing, given its potential to compromise existing encryption protocols. Dr. Fitzsimons underscores the need for foresight and planning to address these challenges, as the advent of powerful quantum computers looms on the horizon.

In conclusion, while quantum computing represents a promising frontier for the EU, its integration into the bloc’s regulatory agenda hinges on political will, strategic coordination, and the ability to navigate the complex interplay between innovation and security.