The connection with Bucharest will establish a secure communications channel for government institutions, research organizations, and strategic enterprises, Deputy Minister Bankov stated.
The security of communications infrastructure is becoming a key component of the strategic autonomy and resilience of Europe’s digital systems. This was stated by Borislav Bankov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth, during the official launch of the construction of a cross-border quantum communication link between Bulgaria and Romania. The link will connect Sofia and Bucharest and will form an important part of the emerging European Quantum Communication Infrastructure.
Bankov emphasized that the implementation of this project will be a strategically significant step toward a more secure Europe. “Today’s event not only marks the beginning of a new phase, but also represents the natural continuation of results already achieved,” the Deputy Minister noted, referring to the quantum link already established between Sofia and the Greek border. “The connection with Bucharest will provide a secure communications channel for government institutions, research organizations, and strategic enterprises in the region. At the same time, it will lay the foundation for the future development of quantum services in support of digital transformation, cybersecurity, and Europe’s technological sovereignty,” Bankov further stated.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Innovation and Growth places great value on the contribution of all parties involved in the project. Bankov highlighted the role of the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the QUASAR Competence Centre, which also serves as Bulgaria’s national coordinator for the establishment of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure. “Thanks to the consistent, long-term support provided for the development of the centre under the Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation Programme and the Science and Education for Smart Growth Operational Programme, substantial scientific and technological capacity has been built in the field of quantum technologies and secure communications. This also provides a clear example of how investment in research and infrastructure leads to tangible participation in European technological initiatives at the highest level,” the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth stated.
The new infrastructure will establish a large-scale quantum communication network that integrates the national networks of Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Netherlands, and will strengthen Bulgaria’s position as a key regional hub within the European quantum communications architecture.
“Quantum communications are no longer a technology of the distant future. They are a present-day technology that will determine the security of digital infrastructure in the decades to come,” Bankov concluded.
