Press Release (8 August 2025)
Cyprus is taking a decisive step towards technological leadership by participating in one of the European Union’s most innovative initiatives in the field of quantum communications. The SEEWQCI (South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure) project, in which Cyprus plays an active role, has been awarded an exceptional score of 24/25 by the European Commission, ranking it among the top approved proposals for funding under the CEF Digital programme.
The Cypriot effort within SEEWQCI is led by Photonics and Optical Sensors Research Laboratory (PhOSLab) at Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and implemented in close collaboration with the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA), the Digital Security Authority (DSA), and the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID). Together, these organisations are shaping Cyprus’ role as a critical geostrategic hub in the creation of a secure and scalable “quantum corridor” linking South-East Europe with Western Europe, enhancing the interoperability and resilience of Europe’s communications networks.
Cyprus’ Role in SEEWQCI
SEEWQCI will develop 1,100 km of terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) network, implement more than 29 cross-border quantum links, and deploy five Optical Ground Stations (OGS), one of which will be based in Cyprus.
The Cypriot OGS will interconnect with national and European quantum infrastructures and will make use of the EAGLE-1 satellite for the secure distribution of quantum keys via space, supporting multiple technological configurations (terrestrial-to-terrestrial, space-to-space, hybrid). This infrastructure will strengthen Cyprus’ technological capabilities and place the country at the heart of secure communications in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Funding and Strategic Significance
The overall SEEWQCI project has a budget of €17.8 million and is co-funded by the European Commission and the participating member states. The Cypriot participation is co-funded by the European Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID).
Cyprus’ involvement in this ambitious initiative is part of the national vision to strengthen digital sovereignty and develop cutting-edge infrastructure aimed at creating a secure, reliable, and technologically advanced communications ecosystem.
Through SEEWQCI, Cyprus is not merely a recipient of technology — it is an active co-architect of the future of secure communications in Europe, adding a new geostrategic dimension to the Eastern Mediterranean.