The European Commission has announced the fourth round of funding calls under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, offering €323 million to enhance advanced digital connectivity infrastructures across the EU. This latest initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of fast, secure, and sustainable networks, vital for strengthening Europe’s digital backbone, advancing 5G technology, and pioneering quantum communication.
A significant portion of the funding, €128 million, will be allocated to the “Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways” call. This will fund both research and infrastructure projects focusing on backbone networks via submarine and terrestrial cables, aiming to boost network performance and resilience across EU territories, including remote and outermost regions, as well as connections with third countries. This initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which emphasizes secure and resilient connectivity.
The 5G Large-Scale Pilots call, valued at €105 million, is dedicated to smart communities and corridors, promoting 5G infrastructure to enable advanced services in connected, automated mobility.
Finally, €90 million is designated to advance the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), facilitating cross-border quantum communication networks.
Applications are open until 13 February 2025.
