March 20, 2026 -- In March, the QKD Network Germany-Poland-Czechia project was launched, which aims to create a secure, attack-resistant quantum infrastructure (QCI) connecting the three countries in our region. This will be the most extensive network in Central Europe utilizing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—a technology for generating and distributing cryptographic keys that is resistant even to future threats arising from the use of quantum computers. The initiative strengthens the cybersecurity of the states, ensuring secure communication between public institutions, critical infrastructure operators, the scientific sector, and data centers. One of the project partners is PCSS.

Quantum Technology Guarding Cybersecurity

The QKD Network Germany-Poland-Czechia project is part of the European EuroQCI strategy, which aims to build a continent-wide, quantum-secure digital communication network. The joint initiative will expand and connect existing national quantum communication infrastructures (QCI), creating a resilient cross-border quantum network backbone. Such a connected network will not only enhance cooperation between partner states but also serve as a model for broader European initiatives in quantum communication.

– The QKD Network Germany-Poland-Czechia project represents a significant step forward in developing secure, cross-border quantum communication infrastructure connecting Germany, Poland, and Czechia. Its main goal is to establish a trusted quantum communication network capable of securely transmitting sensitive data across state borders. By implementing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, the exchange of cryptographic keys will be possible in a way resistant to manipulation and hacking attempts. This will ensure the protection of critical information even against potential threats from future quantum computers, which could render many classical encryption methods obsolete – says Dr. Hab. Inż. Jarosław Protasiewicz, Director of the Information Processing Center.

– The project is an important element in the development of the European quantum communication network infrastructure. Redundant international connections will be built, and QKD technology usage scenarios will be launched using international connections, services, and applications. The project will provide an opportunity for collaboration among partners using secure communication technologies from Germany, Czechia, and Poland, enabling them to develop potential new services. A key element will be the national PIONIER-Q quantum communication network, which will enable the construction, launch, and operation of international QKD technology connections, as well as integration with national projects related to this technology – says Piotr Rydlichowski, an expert from the Network Infrastructure and Services Department at PCSS.

Quantum Signal from Satellite to Earth

The initiative will serve a wide range of national stakeholders, including government institutions, critical infrastructure operators, financial entities, research centers, and data centers. By enabling these organizations to communicate securely, the project will strengthen national and regional cybersecurity capabilities, helping to protect key data and systems.

An important element of the project is the integration of terrestrial quantum networks with optical ground stations, which will enable communication between terrestrial quantum networks and satellites. This integration represents a significant step toward realizing satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology that will enable global quantum communication connections in the future.

By combining terrestrial and space components, the project will help lay the foundation for a pan-European, and in the longer term global, quantum communication system. In this way, it will play a key role in strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty and cybersecurity resilience. This will ensure that our continent maintains its position as a leader in secure digital innovations and is better prepared for the challenges of the quantum era. Beyond technological achievements, the project will also foster scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among participating countries. The initiative supports the secure digital transformation of public services, key industrial sectors, and research centers—contributing to a safer, better connected, and technologically sovereign Europe.

The QKD Network Germany-Poland-Czechia project is funded by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) program. The total project value is 16,282,383.00 EUR, with maximum EU funding of 8,141,190.00 EUR. Funding is provided on a budget grant basis, with a co-financing level of 50% of eligible costs for most expenditure categories.

The project leader is Hochschule Nordhausen from Germany. Partners include: Information Processing Center (Poland), Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center PCSS (Poland), Cybersecurity Hub (Czechia), Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technicke V Praze (Czechia), Technische Universitat Berlin (Germany), De-cix Management Gmbh (Germany), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung Ev (Germany), Quantum Optics Jena Gmbh (Germany), Technische Universitaet Muenchen (Germany), Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), University of Warsaw (Poland), Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), and NASK (Poland).