As the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology draws to a close, the European Physical Society (EPS) executive committee would like to reaffirm the opinions published in the declaration “Europe and the Future of Quantum Science” issued by the EPS and its member societies at the beginning of 2025. As an umbrella organisation of European physical societies, the EPS represents the physics community across Europe, covering the EU-27 and beyond. We would like to emphasise in the present declaration the importance of cross-border collaboration and scientific openness in the development of quantum science and technologies.

The disruptive nature of quantum innovation makes it a field where many actors, from research organisations to small and large companies, play a decisive role. These actors collaborate across countries and across sectors. Developments in quantum science and technologies consequently require frequent exchanges between academic researchers and industrial actors. This bidirectional exchange is essential not only to industrial progress but also to the development of fundamental science, creating a virtuous circle which supports scientific progress.

We welcome the recognition of the strategic importance of quantum technologies for the scientific and industrial competitiveness of Europe. However, we worry that an emphasis on sovereign capabilities which excludes partnerships will have an undesirable effect on the position of Europe in quantum science and technologies.