Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen Proposes Ambitious EU Quantum Strategy and Data Access Measures

EU Quantum Strategy Adoption On July 2, 2025, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen unveiled the European Quantum Strategy, signaling Europe’s ambitions to become a global leader in quantum technologies by 2030 and to enact a Quantum Act by 2026. Virkkunen highlighted Europe’s strengths, like having the world’s largest concentration of quantum talent, and a strong startup ecosystem representing one third of global quantum companies. However, she emphasized fragmentation across Member States and limited access to private capital—only 5% of global funding compared to 50% for the US—as critical challenges.

Concrete Policy Measures Virkkunen’s strategy targets five priority areas: research and innovation, quantum infrastructure, ecosystem strengthening, space and dual-use applications, and skills development. It proposes establishing six quantum chip pilot lines, a quantum design facility, and a pilot facility for the European Quantum Internet. The plan also foresees cooperation with the European Space Agency and integration into the European Armament Technological Roadmap. Importantly, it creates a High-Level Advisory Board with Nobel Laureates to guide implementation and foresees enhanced coordination with Member States.

Political and Stakeholder Implications The strategy indicates a move towards greater EU coordination, reflecting a tilt towards increased EU powers in advanced technology governance and EU integration versus national fragmentation. Business competitiveness may face higher compliance and innovation costs but benefits from better coordinated funding and market leadership opportunities. EU consumers could gain access to new technologies, while EU producers in quantum tech industries might experience growth prospects. National authorities will have an enhanced coordination role, balancing autonomy and collective action.

Data Access Measures Separately, Virkkunen announced a Delegated Act under the Digital Services Act giving qualified independent researchers access to internal data of very large online platforms to study societal risks such as misinformation and algorithmic impacts. The measure aims to enhance regulatory enforcement through independent, peer-reviewed science while balancing privacy, business secrets, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. National regulators will gatekeep requests to protect company rights and free expression.

This approach reinforces transparency and oversight in the digital realm, enhancing the EU’s regulatory strength while addressing concerns from platforms about data security and administrative burden. Overall, Virkkunen’s remarks propose concrete institutional and regulatory steps positioning the EU strategically for technological sovereignty and digital governance.