Luxembourg’s quantum communication journey began in 2019, when it signed the EuroQCI Declaration alongside six EU Member States. By signing, these nations agreed to jointly explore the creation of a quantum-secure communication infrastructure across the EU. From there, in collaboration with national academic & industry actors, Luxembourg launched its LuxQCI initiative, led by the Ministry of State’s Department of Media, Connectivity & Digital Policy (SMC).
What is quantum communication?
Quantum communication offers a way to transmit information so securely that it can withstand the threats posed by quantum computing. Rooted in quantum mechanics, it primarily relies on two phenomena to protect data: quantum entanglement & quantum superposition. Communication systems based on these principles are fundamentally more secure than classical systems because of how they inherently detect eavesdropping, as is the case in quantum key distribution (QKD). More here.
How does QKD work?
In QKD, two parties generate a shared, secret key that can be used for encrypting & decrypting messages. Due to the principles of quantum mechanics, any attempt to intercept the key will be detectable. For example, one party (Alice) sends data (as quantum bits: qubits) to another party (Bob). When an eavesdropper tries to intercept the qubits, it disturbs their quantum state, alerting Alice & Bob. They can then discard the compromised key & generate a new one.
What is Luxembourg’s stance?
Quantum technologies present strategic opportunities in materials science, cybersecurity, defense, finance & more, & allows us to solidify our role as leaders in digital innovation. Luxembourg aims to position itself as a key player in the field of quantum technologies through a comprehensive national quantum strategy, with clear, actionable steps. This aligns with the EU Quantum Strategy, which highlights the need for Member States to accelerate investments & coordination to ensure Europe’s technological sovereignty & security. With the quantum era on the horizon, European agencies warn that today’s digital security measures are ill-equipped to face impending threats, increasing the urgency of quantum communication.
What is Luxembourg’s quantum communication strategy?
Luxembourg recently published its Accelerating Digital Sovereignty 2030 initiative built around three distinct strategies—Data, Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Technologies—in which it defines its quantum strategy objectives:
- Enable quantum computing
- Develop quantum-safe communication
- Fuel the quantum economy
How does Luxembourg plan to achieve those quantum strategy objectives?
To achieve these objectives, the strategy outlines specific actions (linked to its six strategic enablers):
- Provide effective governance
- Develop targeted talent & skills
- Establish cutting-edge quantum infrastructure
- Advance services & capabilities in quantum technologies
- Promote world-class scientific research
- Foster dynamic international partnerships between academia, industries & governments
What actions have been taken since 2019 to progress quantum communication?
- Launch of a dedicated laboratory (LUQCIA) to gain first-hand experience, including acquisition & testing of QKD equipment
- Quantum connection of two sites 33 km apart; QKD via dedicated optic fiber
- Cross-border, terrestrial, quantum connection between Luxembourg & Belgium; QKD via dedicated optic fiber, spanning 41km
- Workshops for the financial & healthcare sectors to raise awareness & identify use cases
- Participation of national actors in conferences within Luxembourg & abroad to boost awareness & collaboration
- Development & design of the first space-based QKD system; to be developed under a partnership between the ESA, the European Commission & EU space companies, e.g. the Eagle-1 satellite
- Development & design of the first optical ground station in Luxembourg to connect ground segments to a satellite
- Publication of Luxembourg’s Quantum Strategy in May 2025 as part of the Accelerating Digital Sovereignty 2030 initiative
- Participation of Luxembourgish entities in two new cross-border projects
What’s next?
Luxembourg’s quantum strategy roadmap:
Phase 1: Establishing the foundation (2025–2027)
Phase 2: Scaling the ecosystem (2027–2030)
Phase 3: Achieving commercial impact (2030 & beyond)
Source: Luxembourg’s Quantum Strategy; https://gouvernement.lu/fr/publications/rapport-etude-analyse/minist-digitalisation/2025-luxembourg-quantum-strategy-en.html
About Innovative Initiatives
Innovative Initiatives is a resource hub & information-sharing tool run by the Ministry of State’s Department of Media, Connectivity & Digital Policy (SMC). It encompasses SMC activities that help advance Luxembourg's information society in four priority areas: (1) digital skills, (2) data policy, (3) connectivity & (4) new technology. Learn about our mission & explore initiatives here: innovative-initiatives.public.lu