A new European project, PQC4eMRTD (Post-Quantum Cryptography for Electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents), officially began on February 28, 2025. Funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme, the two-year initiative aims to develop quantum-resistant (QR) security protocols for electronic travel documents, such as electronic passports. This effort comes in response to the growing challenges posed by quantum computing.
Quantum computing is rapidly advancing, with significant investments from both government and private sectors. Experts predict that by 2026, the number of quantum bits (qubits) could increase tenfold, from about 400 qubits at the end of 2022. This growth will significantly boost the processing power of quantum computers, allowing them to solve increasingly complex problems. As a result, classical cryptography, which is widely used to secure sensitive data, could be rendered obsolete, highlighting the need for new QR standards.
The European digital security industry, represented by Eurosmart, has emphasized the urgency of transitioning to QR infrastructures to protect critical systems. The PQC4eMRTD project will focus on creating these standards for electronic machine-readable travel documents, which are especially vulnerable to quantum threats.
Infineon Technologies AG, based in Germany, is leading the project, with partners including Thales and CryptoNext Security from France, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center from Spain, and the Institute for Comparative Law in Slovenia. The project will focus on advancing existing research on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and working with international standardization groups to make QR protocols widely adopted.
The PQC4eMRTD project will also encourage collaboration across sectors transitioning to PQC by addressing shared challenges and fostering partnerships. The goal is to create a comprehensive plan for Europe’s move to PQC, which could serve as a model for other regions. The project will support the broader European PQC community by sharing knowledge and facilitating joint efforts to tackle emerging security threats.
Industry experts, policymakers, and academic researchers are invited to contribute to the project. Their involvement is crucial as the initiative works to secure the future of electronic travel documents and digital identities against the risks posed by quantum computing.
“We at Thales are committed to driving innovation and ensuring the highest level of security for electronic documents and digital identities,” said Nathalie Gosset, VP of Identity & Biometric Solutions at Thales. “Our participation in the post-quantum cryptography European consortium shows our proactive approach to protecting sensitive data and critical systems. By working with industry leaders, we aim to address future challenges and create a secure digital ecosystem.”
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