The security of the communication infrastructure is becoming a key element of the strategic autonomy and sustainability of European digital systems. This was said by Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Borislav Bankov during the official launch of the construction of a cross-border quantum communication route between Bulgaria and Romania. It will connect Sofia and Bucharest and will become an important element of the European quantum communication infrastructure being built.
Bankov emphasized that the implementation of this project will take a strategically significant step towards a more secure Europe. “Today's event is not just the beginning of a new stage – it is a natural continuation of already achieved results“, noted the Deputy Minister and reminded of the already built quantum route between Sofia and the border with Greece. “The connection with Bucharest will provide a secure communication channel for state institutions, research organizations and strategic enterprises in the region. At the same time, it will lay the foundations for the future development of quantum services in support of the digital transformation, cybersecurity and technological sovereignty of Europe“, said Bankov.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Innovation and Growth highly appreciates the contribution of all participants in the project. Bankov emphasized the role of the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the QUAZAR Competence Center, which is also Bulgaria's national coordinator for building the European quantum communication infrastructure. “Thanks to the consistent and long-term support for the development of the center through the “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation“ Programs and “Science and Education for Smart Growth“ a significant scientific and technological capacity was built in the field of quantum technologies and secure communications. This is also a clear example of how investments in scientific research and infrastructure lead to real participation in European technological initiatives of the highest level“, pointed out the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth.
The new infrastructure will form a large-scale quantum communications network, uniting the national networks of Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and the Netherlands and will establish our country as a key regional hub in the European architecture of quantum communications.
“Quantum communications are no longer a technology of the distant future. They are a technology of the present, which will determine the security of digital infrastructures in the coming decades“, concluded Bankov.