The PQC4eMRTD (Post-Quantum Cryptography for electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents) project, funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme, has officially launched to address the security challenges posed by quantum computing. Coordinated by Infineon Technologies AG, the project includes partners such as Thales, CryptoNext Security, the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, and the Institute for Comparative Law in Slovenia. The initiative aims to standardize and promote quantum-resistant (QR) cryptographic protocols for electronic travel documents (eMRTDs), such as electronic passports, which are vulnerable to quantum threats.
The project will focus on advancing existing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) research toward international standardization, ensuring the adoption of QR protocols. It will also foster cross-sector collaboration to address common challenges in transitioning to PQC, providing a blueprint for Europe’s quantum-resistant infrastructure. By engaging stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and researchers, the consortium aims to secure eMRTDs and digital identities against emerging quantum threats.
The PQC4eMRTD project highlights the urgent need to transition to QR cryptographic systems as quantum computing advances, with qubit counts expected to grow tenfold by 2026. This initiative positions Europe as a leader in quantum-resistant security, setting a model for global adoption.
For more details, visit the original announcement by Thales here and Europawire here.
March 5, 2025
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