Latvia and Lithuania Launch Joint Quantum Communication Infrastructure Project

Riga, Latvia – Latvia and Lithuania have initiated a collaborative project to establish a cross-border quantum communication infrastructure, Latvian telecommunications and technology company Tet announced on Tuesday. The project, dubbed Lat-LitQN, is funded by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for telecommunications and aims to create a secure communication network leveraging quantum technologies.

Project Details and Scope

The Lat-LitQN project will span approximately 300 kilometers, connecting the cities of Riga, Panevezys and Vilnius. The initiative focuses on developing and testing quantum communication solutions designed to ensure highly secure data transmission across critical sectors, including healthcare, finance, energy, and public administration. It will also facilitate transnational scientific cooperation.

European Integration and Future Expansion

A key objective of the project is to lay the groundwork for integrating a future Baltic regional quantum-secure network with Poland and the broader European system under the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) program. This aligns with the EU’s broader efforts to establish a secure quantum communication network across member states.

Government and Institutional Support

Agnese Zarina, a spokesperson for Latvia’s Transport Ministry, emphasized the project’s significance, stating it represents a crucial step in Latvia’s digital development and demonstrates the country’s ability to lead high-level technological cooperation within Europe.

Partners and Timeline

The Lat-LitQN project involves a consortium of partners, including Tet, Kaunas University of Technology, Vilnius University, the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia, and the European academic network GEANT. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

Historical Context of Latvia-Lithuania Relations

The collaboration builds upon a long history of cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania, dating back to the medieval period. Historically, both nations have faced common challenges, including resistance against external forces like the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Order of Livonia. Today, both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, and the European Union.