The Council of the European Union has authorised the French cryptographic product 'ZED! Q.2023.x' for protecting classified information at the 'RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED' level, according to an information note published on 2 October 2026. The approval, granted under Article 10(6) of the Council Security Rules (Council Decision 2013/488/EU), allows EU institutions and member states to use the product for safeguarding sensitive but non-critical information.
The 'ZED! Q.2023.x' is a cryptographic solution developed by France, designed to encrypt data at the EU Restricted classification level. This level covers information whose unauthorised disclosure could be disadvantageous to the interests of the EU or one or more member states. The approval is specific to this product version and does not extend to other cryptographic tools.
The decision was taken by the Council's security committee, acting on a proposal from France, in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Council Security Rules. The rules require that cryptographic products used for protecting EU classified information be approved by the Council to ensure a uniform level of security across all institutions.
Impact on Stakeholders
- EU institutions and agencies: Can now procure and deploy the French product for protecting restricted documents and communications, potentially reducing reliance on other approved solutions.
- French authorities: Gain a competitive advantage as their national product receives EU-wide recognition, facilitating its use in cross-border EU operations.
- Other member states: May face pressure to seek similar approvals for their national cryptographic products to maintain technological sovereignty.
- Industry vendors: The decision signals openness to national solutions, potentially encouraging other EU countries to submit their products for approval.
The approval is effective immediately. EU bodies and member states may start using 'ZED! Q.2023.x' for EU Restricted information, subject to national security regulations. The Council will continue to evaluate other cryptographic products submitted by member states for higher classification levels.