Bulgaria and Romania launch the first quantum communication link for ultra-secure data exchange through the PlanQK-BG project

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIR) announced the start of construction on the first-of-its-kind quantum communication link, which will connect Sofia and Bucharest. The project is part of the European initiative to build a highly secure quantum communication network (EuroQCI) and aims to ensure maximum protection when exchanging sensitive government, financial, and health information, BalkanEngineer.com learned from the official MIR website (mig.government.bg).

The route is being implemented as part of the PlanQK-BG project, funded under the “Digital Europe” program. The technology is based on quantum key distribution (QKD), which makes eavesdropping or manipulating the information practically impossible according to the laws of physics. Establishing the connection between Bulgaria and Romania is a strategic step toward integrating our country into the pan-European “quantum shield,” which is designed to protect the EU’s critical infrastructure from future threats, including powerful quantum computers.

During the official presentation, Bulgarian Minister of Innovation and Growth Assoc. Prof. Rosen Karadimov emphasized that this project enhances national security while simultaneously creating conditions for the development of a high-tech ecosystem in Bulgaria. The partnership with Romania on this route is proof of the two countries’ leading role in the digital transformation of Southeast Europe. The first test data transmissions over the quantum channel are expected to take place in the near future.

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