Vulcan View: The latest EU developments 30 June – 4 July

Quantum Europe Strategy: the EU’s bold plan for the upcoming tech revolution

On Wednesday, 2 July, the European Commission unveiled its ambitious Quantum Europe Strategy, a landmark plan to position the continent as a global leader in the revolutionary field of quantum technologies by 2030. The strategy seeks to harness Europe’s scientific prowess and transform it into industrial and economic strength, ensuring the EU remains sovereign and competitive in a sector poised to reshape the world, from healthcare and cybersecurity to defence and climate forecasting.

Setting out the scale of the ambition, European Commission Vice-President for Tech, Hena Virkkunen, stated that the “vision for the future is clear: to transform Europe into a quantum industrial powerhouse and a global market leader in quantum technologies, building on our sustained scientific leadership.”

What are quantum technologies?

Quantum technologies could usher in computers capable of tackling problems that even the most powerful supercomputers today cannot solve, as well as fundamentally unhackable communication networks.

For our daily lives, the impact will be profound. For example, quantum sensors could lead to earlier disease diagnosis or accelerate the development of new medicines and materials. Furthermore, quantum communication promises a new era of data security, safeguarding everything from our personal information to critical national infrastructure. The EU expects the sector to be worth over €155 billion by 2040, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs across Europe.

A strategy for European leadership in the field

While the EU boasts a world-class research community and nearly a third of the world’s quantum startups, it has struggled to convert this scientific excellence into market-ready products, attracting only around 5% of global private investment in the field. The new strategy directly confronts this challenge with a multi-pronged approach.

First, it will bolster research and innovation by launching the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, a joint EU–Member States effort to support foundational research and develop applications in key public and industrial sectors.

Second, it will bolster infrastructure. The plan includes establishing a dedicated quantum design facility and six pilot production lines for quantum chips, backed by up to €50 million in public funding. This will help startups and researchers turn their groundbreaking prototypes into manufacturable products. Additionally, the EU will begin deploying a pilot for a European Quantum Internet, a super-secure communication network spanning the continent.

Third, the strategy focuses on strengthening the entire quantum ecosystem. It aims to boost private investment and support startups as they grow through a Quantum Chips Industrialisation Roadmap and the forthcoming Scaleup Europe Fund. Fourth, the EU will promote the uptake of these new technologies in space, defence and security applications.

Fifth, recognising that technology is nothing without talented people, the plan addresses the skills gap. A virtual European Quantum Skills Academy, set to launch in 2026, will offer specialised master’s and doctoral programmes, as well as retraining schemes, to build a world-class quantum workforce. This will be supported by mobility programmes to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across the EU.

Finally, this strategy will be complemented by a Quantum Act, expected in 2026, to encourage further investment and create a harmonised regulatory framework.

Conclusions 

The Quantum Europe Strategy marks a pivotal moment for the continent’s technological future. By coordinating efforts between EU member states, industry, and academia, the Commission aims to create a resilient and sovereign quantum ecosystem. A new High-Level Advisory Board, including European Nobel Prize laureates, will provide strategic guidance to ensure the plan stays on track. The ultimate goal is clear: to transform Europe from a scientific leader into a global industrial powerhouse in the quantum age, ensuring that the next technological revolution is made in Europe.

European Commission unveils European Life Sciences Strategy

On Wednesday, 2 July, the European Commission launched its new Life Sciences Strategy to make Europe a global leader in life sciences by 2030.

The strategy includes the following three main action points:

• Optimising the research and innovation ecosystem: The Commission will develop an EU investment plan to facilitate funding for multi-country clinical trials and strengthen European clinical research infrastructures. A One Health approach to research and Innovation will be promoted, as well as €100 million in funds under the Horizon Europe work programmes. A further €250 million will be mobilised for cross-sectoral life sciences technologies.

• Enabling rapid market access for life science innovations: The Commission will propose an EU Biotech Act to create a more innovation-friendly framework across biotech sectors – launching a matchmaking interface to connect startups, industry and investors.

• Boosting trust, uptake and use of innovation: The Commission will mobilise €300 million to stimulate the procurement of life science innovation in areas such as climate adaptation, next-generation vaccines and affordable cancer solutions. There will also be a Life Sciences Coordination Group to align policies and funding across sectors.

Additionally, the Commission will be ready to propose legislation that strikes a balance between simplifying EU regulations related to medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, with a view to facilitating businesses’ operations across the EU Single Market and effectively protecting patient safety and public health. The Commission will also create a network of European Centres of Excellence to increase R&I in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

The European Commission’s new Life Science Strategy marks a significant step toward positioning the EU as a global leader in health innovation by 2030. The strategy reflects a commitment to enhancing the research ecosystem and simplifying regulatory pathways. By facilitating multi-country clinical trials, supporting ATMPs, and aligning cross-sectoral funding, the EU aims to overcome current fragmentation in life sciences development. Notably, the EU Biotech Act could improve private investment and industry collaboration. This strategy has the potential to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, accelerate patient access to cutting-edge therapies, and align economic growth with public health priorities.

Market diversification in focus as Ireland strengthens trade ties with Japan 

This week, Ireland signalled a major acceleration in its global trade strategy, with the world’s fourth-largest economy, Japan, firmly in its sights. A joint trade and investment visit to Japan, led by Minister Peter Burke and supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, coincided with a four-day official visit by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. These engagements represent a significant step in strengthening the €23 billion trade relationship between the two countries.

A central theme across all engagements was market diversification. With uncertainty clouding future trade ties with the United States, Ireland is actively broadening its market opportunities.

Enterprise Ireland CEO-designate Jenny Melia noted that Japan is facing a worsening demographic crisis, characterised by a rapidly ageing population. In response, health and long-term care services will need significant scaling up nationwide. This challenge is driving strong and sustained demand for healthcare innovation, diagnostics, and elderly care solutions. With its established presence in medtech exports, Ireland is well-positioned to meet this demand and respond to Japan’s evolving demographic realities.

The opportunity extends beyond healthcare. Ireland’s food and drink sector is also poised for growth in Japan, benefiting from improved market access under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2019. This agreement significantly reduced tariffs, opening doors for key Irish exports like dairy, meat, and beverages.

These strategic market advancements coincide with Enterprise Ireland’s announcement this week of a record €36.75 billion in exports last year, marking a 7% increase on 2023. Growth was recorded across all territories and major sectors, reflecting the agility and resilience of Irish companies as they scale internationally.

Meanwhile, IDA Ireland published its mid -year results for 2025, revealing a 37% increase in investments compared to the first half of 2024. The report details 179 investments supported in the six months to June. Of these, 52 were new or first-time investments in Ireland, while 43 were research, development, and innovation projects, underscoring Ireland’s growing international reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. Together, these two positive indicators record exports and rising inward investment, underscoring Ireland’s upward trajectory, sharply contrasting with recent pessimistic projections.

Looking ahead, Ireland’s proactive approach to expanding its international trade footprint positions it well to navigate global economic uncertainties. By leveraging its strengths in innovation and sectoral expertise, Ireland is not only enhancing existing partnerships but also paving the way for new opportunities.

Compliments of Vulcan Consulting – a member of the EACCNY