The European Union has launched a substantial funding initiative to accelerate the development of 6G technology, allocating €104 million to innovative projects. This initiative, managed by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), comes as part of a broader budget of €900 million from 2025 to 2027, with equal investments from the private sector. Opening on 22 May 2025 and ongoing until 18 September 2025, this funding call represents the initial round for 2025 and follows the updated 2025 Research & Innovation Work Programme adopted on 11 April 2025.
Erzsébet Fitori, the Executive Director of SNS JU, emphasized the significance of this initiative in enhancing Europe’s 6G technology capabilities. Fitori highlighted the collaborative efforts of European industries, academic institutions, and research entities aimed at creating a sustainable, secure, and impactful digital future. With this funding call, the EU seeks to establish itself at the forefront of digital innovation, bridging the gap between early-stage research and practical applications in the field of 6G.
Focus on Two Major Research Streams
The funding call concentrates on two major research streams: Stream B focuses on pioneering advanced, disruptive innovations in 6G, while Stream C is dedicated to developing experimental infrastructures, such as a Telco Cloud and a service platform. Stream B is intended to drive technological breakthroughs, exploring new paradigms and capabilities that will define 6G networks. These innovations could range from novel communication techniques to enhanced network architecture, aiming to achieve unprecedented levels of connectivity and efficiency. Stream C, on the other hand, is about creating practical, testable infrastructures to validate and implement the theoretical advancements made in Stream B. By developing experimental platforms like the Telco Cloud, the EU aims to facilitate the assessment and deployment of 6G technologies in real-world scenarios. This dual approach is designed to ensure that innovations transition smoothly from the research phase to application, ultimately leading to more robust and ready-to-use 6G solutions.
An SNS Call 4 Information Day and a Brokerage Event are slated for 23 May 2025, which will provide prospective applicants with a platform to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate. These events are crucial for fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships, which are essential for advancing Europe’s vision for 6G. By encouraging collaborations across various sectors, the initiative aims to harness a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that 6G development is both comprehensive and cutting-edge.
Sustainability and Security at the Forefront
The 2025 Work Programme outlines ambitious research directions, including the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, photonic systems, and the convergence of Telco, Edge, and Cloud technologies. Key to these advancements is the emphasis on sustainability, with the use of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) to assess the environmental and societal impacts of future networks. These indicators aim to drive the development of greener and more inclusive connectivity solutions, ensuring that the move towards 6G aligns with broader ecological and social goals.
Additionally, security stands as a critical focus of this initiative. Investments are directed toward privacy-enhancing technologies, trust frameworks, and AI integration, ensuring that future networks are not only intelligent but also secure. With cyber threats continuously evolving, the need for robust security measures in 6G infrastructure cannot be overstated. The EU’s strategic approach seeks to embed security into the very fabric of 6G networks, offering users a safe and reliable digital environment.
The SNS JU also aims to influence global 6G standardization, ensuring that EU-backed research informs international standards. Efforts to achieve this include collaborations such as the EU-US partnership under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). By playing an active role in shaping international standards, the EU ensures that its innovations and security protocols are adopted globally, fostering a secure and unified digital landscape.
Upcoming Large-Scale 6G Trials
Looking to the future, the SNS JU has announced plans for a separate call later in 2025 that will focus on large-scale 6G trials. These trials will span various sectors, including manufacturing, media, transportation, health, and emergency services. The objective is to translate cutting-edge research into practical applications, demonstrating the tangible benefits of 6G technology across different industries. These trials will serve as critical testbeds for 6G, allowing for real-world validation and refinement of the technology. By undertaking large-scale trials, the EU aims to showcase the versatility and potential of 6G networks in enhancing productivity, safety, and quality of life. For instance, in the health sector, 6G could enable remote surgeries with high precision, while in transportation, it could facilitate smarter traffic management systems. These advancements highlight the transformative impact that 6G technology can have across various domains, underscoring the EU’s commitment to leading in the next generation of connectivity solutions.
A Comprehensive Approach to Advancing Connectivity
The European Union has initiated a significant funding program to speed up the progress of 6G technology, dedicating €104 million to pioneering projects. This effort is overseen by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and is part of a larger budget totaling €900 million from 2025 to 2027, with matching contributions from the private sector. The funding call opens on May 22, 2025, and runs until September 18, 2025, marking the first round for the year and aligning with the updated 2025 Research & Innovation Work Programme adopted on April 11, 2025. Erzsébet Fitori, the Executive Director of SNS JU, underscored the importance of this initiative in fortifying Europe’s 6G technology capabilities. Fitori pointed out the collaborative efforts of European industries, academic institutions, and research entities aiming to build a sustainable, secure, and impactful digital future. This funding call aims to place the EU at the forefront of digital innovation, bridging the gap between early-stage research and practical applications in the 6G field.