PQC4eMRTD Project Launched to Safeguard Electronic Travel Documents Against Quantum Computing Threats

PQC4eMRTD Project Launched to Safeguard Electronic Travel Documents Against Quantum Computing Threats

(IN BRIEF) The PQC4eMRTD (Post-Quantum Cryptography for electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents) project officially launched today, backed by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme. The two-year initiative is designed to address the security challenges of quantum computing by promoting quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols for eMRTDs like electronic passports. Coordinated by Infineon Technologies and involving key partners such as Thales, CryptoNext Security, and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, the project aims to push quantum-resistant protocols toward international standardization. The initiative also fosters collaboration across sectors, helping to create a blueprint for Europe’s transition to post-quantum security and offering a model for other regions. Key stakeholders, including policymakers and experts, are invited to contribute to the project’s goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 28-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A major European project, PQC4eMRTD (Post-Quantum Cryptography for electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents), officially launched today. Funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme, the two-year initiative seeks to tackle the growing security risks posed by quantum computing. It focuses on the development and standardization of quantum-resistant (QR) cryptographic protocols to safeguard electronic machine-readable travel documents (eMRTDs), such as electronic passports, from future quantum threats.

Quantum computing is rapidly advancing, with significant investments from both public and private sectors driving progress. By 2026, the number of quantum bits (qubits) is expected to increase tenfold from the roughly 400 achieved by the end of 2022, significantly expanding quantum computers’ processing power. As these technologies evolve, they could undermine traditional cryptographic systems, creating a pressing need to develop QR standards to secure digital systems.

The European digital security sector, represented by Eurosmart, has highlighted the urgent necessity of transitioning to quantum-resistant infrastructures. The PQC4eMRTD project aims to support this shift by advocating for the creation and promotion of QR cryptographic standards, particularly for eMRTDs, which are increasingly vulnerable to the potential threats posed by quantum computing.

Coordinated by Infineon Technologies AG of Germany, the project brings together key partners such as Thales and CryptoNext Security from France, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center from Spain, and the Institute for Comparative Law at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, Slovenia. PQC4eMRTD will focus on advancing current post-quantum cryptography (PQC) research, pushing it toward international standardization to ensure the broad adoption of QR protocols.

The initiative also emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, addressing shared challenges and promoting synergies between various industries transitioning to PQC. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide a detailed roadmap for Europe’s transition to quantum-resistant technologies, offering a model that other regions can adopt. By facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration across the European PQC community, PQC4eMRTD ensures that all stakeholders stay informed of the latest developments in the field.

Industry experts, policymakers, and researchers are invited to participate in this important project, as their engagement will be crucial in ensuring the security of eMRTDs and digital identities in the quantum era.

Nathalie Gosset, VP of Identity & Biometric Solutions at Thales, commented, “At Thales, we are committed to innovation and ensuring the highest security levels for electronic documents and digital identities. Our involvement in this European PQC initiative reflects our proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive data against emerging quantum threats. By collaborating with industry leaders, we aim to anticipate and address future challenges to create a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.”

For further details on the project and collaboration opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the respective partner organizations. Together, we can work toward a secure, quantum-resistant future for electronic travel documents.

About the PQC4eMRTD Project
The PQC4eMRTD initiative is a European project focused on enhancing the security of electronic machine-readable travel documents (eMRTDs) through the standardization of quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols. Funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, the project brings together top European organizations to address the emerging risks of quantum computing and ensure the future security of digital identities and eMRTDs.

Media contact:

Cédric Leurquin
+33 (0)6 31 01 53 25
cedric.leurquin@thalesgroup.com

SOURCE: Thales