Croatia’s Quantum Communication Project Advances Ultra-Secure Connectivity

Why It Matters

The project creates an ultra‑secure communications layer critical for protecting financial, governmental, and critical‑infrastructure data, and positions Europe to lead the emerging quantum‑secure market.

Key Takeaways

• Zagreb testbed launches Europe’s first quantum communication network.
• Quantum links rely on existing fiber optics within 100 km range.
• Satellite nodes will extend secure connectivity beyond fiber limits.
• EU funding underpins both terrestrial and space segments of project.
• Governments, banks, and energy grids stand to benefit immediately.

Summary

The video announces Croatia’s launch of a quantum communication testbed in Zagreb, the first node of a pan‑European ultra‑secure network envisioned by the European Commission. The initiative aims to create a quantum‑enabled layer that safeguards data transmission for governments, banks and critical infrastructure. Key technical insights highlight the reliance on existing fiber‑optic infrastructure, which can carry quantum signals up to roughly 100 kilometres before repeaters are needed. Beyond that distance, the roadmap calls for satellite‑based quantum links to bridge longer spans, integrating terrestrial and space segments under a single security framework. EU financing underwrites both the fiber upgrades and the future satellite constellation. Project leaders stress that “information is the most important commodity” and that “the only unconditionally secure communication is through quantum networks.” By leveraging current broadband assets, the rollout minimizes new construction costs while demonstrating the feasibility of quantum key distribution at scale. If successful, the network will dramatically raise the security baseline for high‑value communications across Europe, positioning Croatia as a regional hub and giving the EU a strategic advantage in the emerging quantum‑secure market.

Original Description

This video highlights the Croatian Quantum Communication Infrastructure (CroQCI), a strategic national project developing an ultra-secure data transmission network based on quantum physics. As part of the wider European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, the project aims to build terrestrial and future satellite-enabled quantum communication links, helping Croatia strengthen cybersecurity and connect key public, scientific and infrastructure institutions through highly secure digital networks.

The video features Dr Mario Stipčević, Head of the Photonics and Quantum Optics Unit at the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensing Devices, Ruđer Bošković Institute, who explains why quantum networking matters, how digital connectivity underpins these solutions, and what has been achieved so far. It also highlights Croatia’s pioneering role in the first public demonstration of an inter-European quantum communication network linking Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, laying foundations for future EuroQCI deployment.

CroQCI is coordinated by the Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET), with scientific leadership from the Ruđer Bošković Institute, and is co-financed by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme and Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

This video is part of the European Broadband Competence Offices Network’s programme promoting awareness of good practices in broadband projects and EU digital connectivity initiatives.

Find out more about this project:

https://www.carnet.hr/projekt/croqci/

Find out more on the BCO Network:

http://www.bconetwork.eu

See more videos in the series:

http://videos.bconetwork.eu