01 June 2025

In light of increasing global momentum around quantum technologies, EIF organised a high-level debate to explore Europe’s trajectory in quantum computing. Hosted by MEP Pilar del Castillo, the discussion brought together European Commission officials, leading industry stakeholders, and quantum experts to examine the strategic, economic, and security implications of quantum innovation.

Quantum computing debate

Opening the session, MEP del Castillo emphasized the transformative promise of quantum computing. She referenced the 2023 European Declaration on Quantum and the European Commission’s recent announcements of a Quantum Strategy and the forthcoming Quantum Act for 2025. “Quantum can act as a catalyst for clean technology,” she remarked, noting its capacity to simulate complex chemical reactions essential for breakthroughs in areas such as lithium-ion battery development and process optimization. MEP del Castillo stressed the importance of investing in innovation, international standards, and quantum lab integration across Europe’s high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure.

Gustav Kalbe, Head of the High-Performance Computing and Quantum Unit at the European Commission, outlined the EU’s long-term commitment to building sovereign capabilities in quantum computing. Mr Kalbe underscored that quantum technologies are no longer confined to laboratories, but are being commercialized as a result of two decades of joint EU and member state investment. He stressed that quantum computing must be seen not as a novelty but as a critical layer in Europe’s computational architecture, particularly as AI and HPC converge. Kalbe also pointed to energy efficiency gains and strategic independence as vital justifications for accelerating development and industrial deployment, including through initiatives such as pilot manufacturing lines and the upcoming EU Quantum Strategy.

Representing Microsoft, Thomas Jakimavicius reflected on quantum computing’s broader implications across sectors. He characterized the technology as a continuum, integrating classical computing, HPC, AI, and quantum. “Quantum will not function in isolation,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of interoperability. He stressed the importance of distinguishing hype from strategic clarity, warning that the quantum journey remains complex and will unfold over decades. Mr Jakimavicius called for robust policy frameworks that support innovation, talent cultivation, and resilient supply chains. Highlighting potential breakthroughs in material science, finance, and life sciences, he underlined the urgency for businesses to begin preparing now for quantum-safe transitions.

Daniela Theisinger, Managing Director at Deutsche Telekom's Global Business Solutions BeLux, drew attention to the cybersecurity risks associated with quantum advancements. She raised concerns over “store now, decrypt later” strategies by state-level actors, warning that today’s encrypted data may be vulnerable to future quantum attacks. Through a hybrid approach combining quantum-safe algorithms and quantum key distribution (QKD), she argued for immediate investment. “Quantum safety is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” she concluded, urging policymakers and industry leaders not to defer action given the long lead times in deploying effective security measures.

Ulrich Busk Hoff, representing Danish quantum startup Quantify, provided an applied industry perspective focused on quantum algorithms in life sciences and chemistry. He detailed how quantum computing could significantly reduce the time and cost of drug discovery and battery innovation. “We are not far from the first practical applications,” he observed, describing quantum computing as a complementary tool to HPC. Mr Hoff called for stronger support for domain-specific software and training to lower the barriers of entry for industrial end users, emphasizing that Europe must act quickly to capture early market advantages.

Julia Feddersen, Senior Advisor for EU Programmes at Quantum Delta NL, emphasized the necessity of building comprehensive quantum ecosystems. She shared the Dutch experience of fostering startups, co-developing infrastructure, and promoting cross-border cooperation. “Quantum must be developed by Europe, for Europe,” she said, calling for “aggressively collaborative” strategies to ensure technological sovereignty. Ms Feddersen underscored the importance of a pan-European supply chain, user engagement, and talent development. She welcomed the Commission’s Quantum Strategy, expressing hope it would spur bold action and facilitate Europe’s leadership in the quantum era.

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