QuIC presents industry recommendations to strengthen Europe’s export control framework while supporting quantum innovation, commercialisation and international competitiveness.
Europe’s quantum industry is entering a critical phase of commercialisation and industrial growth. As quantum technologies move from research laboratories into international markets, the regulatory environment must evolve.
Effective EU quantum export controls are essential for protecting sensitive technologies. However, they must also support innovation, international collaboration and industrial competitiveness.
The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) has published its latest position paper, “Optimising Dual-Use Controls for European Quantum Technologies”.
The paper contributes to the European Commission’s consultation on the evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the EU Dual-Use Regulation.
Developed with experts from QuIC member organisations, it examines the challenges facing Europe’s quantum industry. Furthermore, it identifies practical opportunities to improve regulatory clarity, harmonisation and international cooperation.
The central message is clear: export controls must protect European security without creating unnecessary barriers to quantum innovation and commercialisation.
What You Will Learn
The position paper explores several important challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s quantum industry.
- Creating a more harmonised European Single Market: Discover how differences in licensing procedures and processing times affect European quantum companies. The paper also explores opportunities for greater consistency between Member States.
- Strengthening international trade with trusted partners: Learn how improved export authorisations could support international market access. In addition, the paper examines opportunities for greater regulatory reciprocity with trusted partners.
- Clarifying rules for quantum software and cloud access: Understand the regulatory challenges surrounding intangible technology transfers, remote quantum computing and standalone quantum algorithms. The paper also highlights where clearer guidance is needed.
- Addressing challenges across the quantum value chain: Explore how EU quantum export controls affect computing, communication, sensing and enabling technologies. Each domain faces different regulatory challenges.
- Supporting SMEs and scale-ups: Discover why predictable licensing procedures and proportionate compliance requirements matter for emerging quantum companies. These measures can help reduce administrative burdens and support commercial growth.
- Aligning export controls with Europe’s industrial ambitions: Learn how the Dual-Use Regulation and forthcoming EU Quantum Act can complement one another. Together, these frameworks can support Europe’s technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.
The paper also presents practical recommendations for European policymakers. Rather than introducing additional obligations, QuIC advocates clearer guidance, harmonised implementation and stronger international cooperation.
Read the Full Position Paper
Europe’s quantum industry needs a regulatory environment that protects sensitive technologies while enabling commercial growth.
Therefore, finding the right balance between security, innovation and international market access is increasingly important.
Discover QuIC’s recommendations for improving EU quantum export controls and strengthening Europe’s position in the global quantum industry.
Thank You to Our Contributors
QuIC would like to thank the experts and member organisations who contributed to this position paper. Their knowledge, experience and industry perspectives were invaluable.
Contributors:
- Abhishek Purohit, QURECA
- Albert Calsina, IDEADED
- Cécile Perrault, QuIC
- Daphné Ricard, Pasqal
- David Morcuende, QuIC
- Eda Sorani, planqc
- Eduardo Bernal Molinero, Indra Group
- Eva Martín Fierro, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech
- Freeke Heijman-te Paske, Qblox
- Michiel Plaisier, Falqon
- Milja Kalliosaari, IQM Quantum Computers
- Tuomas Nirvi, Bluefors
- Ulrich Mans, QuantWare
Special thanks to our lead contributors, David Morcuende (QuIC) and Ulrich Mans (QuantWare), for their leadership and coordination.
Through this collaboration, QuIC continues to represent the needs and perspectives of Europe’s quantum industry in European policy discussions.
