Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works

Code: 35098 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. Access to backbone connectivity in EU Member States may differ significantly. In certain regions a lack of adequate backbone connectivity may have an impact on the development of, and service provided by access networks, and may generate possible imbalances in the prices of services, both for network operators in these regions, as well as for the users. This can be the case, for example, for Member States that are themselves islands and/or have islands as part of their territory. For some remote territories such as islands, Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, commercial prices and other conditions of backbone connectivity may hinder the full participation of both users and enterprises in the digital European economy.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Studies

Code: 35095 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. Access to backbone connectivity in EU Member States may differ significantly. In certain regions a lack of adequate backbone connectivity may have an impact on the development of, and service provided by access networks, and may generate possible imbalances in the prices of services, both for network operators in these regions, as well as for the users. This can be the case, for example, for Member States that are themselves islands and/or have islands as part of their territory. For some remote territories such as islands, Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories, commercial prices and other conditions of backbone connectivity may hinder the full participation of both users and enterprises in the digital European economy.

This topic will support studies for the deployment of backbone connectivity for routes within Member States (including OCTs), between Member States (including OCTs), and between Member States (including OCTs) and third countries.

European Quantum Communication Infrastructure - The EuroQCI initiative - Works

Code: 35090 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-EUROQCI-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

CEF Digital actions to co-fund the terrestrial backbone network components will be complementary to those developed through the Digital Europe Programme and will be focused on supporting cross-border links between two or more national quantum communication networks in Member States, and/or linking the EuroQCI’s terrestrial and space segments.

The first services provided by EuroQCI will be based on QKD, which uses the properties of quantum physics to establish a secure encryption key at each end of a communications line in order to protect against vulnerabilities, namely eavesdropping. The first phase of the EuroQCI infrastructure deployment is focused on the deployment of terrestrial backbone components. It should aim for solutions providing end-to-end security.

5G large scale pilots – 5G and Edge for Smart Communities – Works

Code: 35087 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-SMARTCOM-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The overall objective of the call “5G Large-scale pilots” is to deploy large-scale 5G SA infrastructures that integrate connectivity and edge cloud capacities along the 3C Network value chain. Each pilot is expected to maximise the number of use cases enabled by 5G systems in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, mobility, transport (including use cases for Connected and Automated Mobility for road, railway and inland waterway as well as coastal maritime automation, or multimodal transport as appropriate) etc., targeting urban, sub-urban, rural, and cross-border areas.

Specific objectives are the following:

• 5G SA large-scale pilots will stimulate a wider and faster deployment and takeup of 5G across Europe, while providing the foundation for developing “lead markets” for 5G and edge cloud systems, relying where applicable on technologies and standards developed under other EU programmes, in particular the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should demonstrate the benefits gained in specific vertical applications, following the evolution from current electronic communications networks towards virtualised and cloud-native network functions and distributed telco edge cloud, opening new opportunities to Europe’s key industries.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots funded under this call for proposals are expected to leverage 5G infrastructures delivering leading-edge connectivity characteristics e.g.: symmetric gigabit performance, high-user-density, ubiquitous coverage (e.g. to connect IoT devices), low latency and very high reliability. They will contribute to the integration of devices, networks, cloud and edge computing, and communication capabilities for telco edge cloud deployment to realise a ubiquitous mesh of computing and communication resources. Where necessary, the pilots should bundle 5G networks with a cloud-to-edge middleware stack capable of supporting the data intensive use cases and applications designed for a multi-purpose context (5G corridors and/or 5G applications for socio-economic drivers).
• These large-scale pilots are encouraged to cover multiple use cases. Crosssector synergies between multiple use cases are expected to be enabled by 5G SA supporting local smart communities and connecting multiple sites distributed across multiple countries and regions.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should be designed in a way that, with adaptations due to possible different requirements, they can be replicated across Europe, for instance under other funding programmes such as ERDF, EAFRD or national investments. Projects may be preceded by inception studies or best practices funded in earlier calls under this programme or may be based on any other preparatory work funded under other programmes (such as R&I under Horizon Europe).

5G large scale pilots – 5G coverage along Transport Corridors – Works

Code: 35085 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-CORRIDORS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 22/10/2024 | End submission calls: 13/02/2025

The overall objective of the call “5G Large-scale pilots” is to deploy large-scale 5G SA infrastructures that integrate connectivity and edge cloud capacities along the 3C Network value chain. Each pilot is expected to maximise the number of use cases enabled by 5G systems in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, mobility, transport (including use cases for Connected and Automated Mobility for road, railway and inland waterway as well as coastal maritime automation, or multimodal transport as appropriate) etc., targeting urban, sub-urban, rural, and cross-border areas.

Specific objectives are the following:

• 5G SA large-scale pilots will stimulate a wider and faster deployment and takeup of 5G across Europe, while providing the foundation for developing “lead markets” for 5G and edge cloud systems, relying where applicable on technologies and standards developed under other EU programmes, in particular the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should demonstrate the benefits gained in specific vertical applications, following the evolution from current electronic communications networks towards virtualised and cloud-native network functions and distributed telco edge cloud, opening new opportunities to Europe’s key industries.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots funded under this call for proposals are expected to leverage 5G infrastructures delivering leading-edge connectivity characteristics e.g.: symmetric gigabit performance, high-user-density, ubiquitous coverage (e.g. to connect IoT devices), low latency and very high reliability. They will contribute to the integration of devices, networks, cloud and edge computing, and communication capabilities for telco edge cloud deployment to realise a ubiquitous mesh of computing and communication resources. Where necessary, the pilots should bundle 5G networks with a cloud-to-edge middleware stack capable of supporting the data intensive use cases and applications designed for a multi-purpose context (5G corridors and/or 5G applications for socio-economic drivers).
• These large-scale pilots are encouraged to cover multiple use cases. Crosssector synergies between multiple use cases are expected to be enabled by 5G SA supporting local smart communities and connecting multiple sites distributed across multiple countries and regions.
• 5G SA large-scale pilots should be designed in a way that, with adaptations due to possible different requirements, they can be replicated across Europe, for instance under other funding programmes such as ERDF, EAFRD or national investments. Projects may be preceded by inception studies or best practices funded in earlier calls under this programme or may be based on any other preparatory work funded under other programmes (such as R&I under Horizon Europe).

5G and Edge Cloud for Smart Communities - Works

Code: 31454 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2023-5GSMARTCOM-EDGE-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 20/02/2024

The aim of this call is to support the early deployment of 5G-based systems that enable use cases for certain socio-economic drivers (SEDs).
Proposals funded under the call are expected to rely on performance characteristics of the 5G technology that are indispensable to implement one or more use cases allowing the concerned public authority or SGI/SGEI provider(s) to deliver new or more efficient services.

5G coverage along transport corridors - Studies

Code: 31261 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/01/2024

This topic targets preparatory actions in view of foreseen deployment projects that support investments in challenging areas, where market forces alone will not deliver 5G services with the necessary quality of service.

5G coverage along transport corridors - Works

Code: 31259 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2023-5GCORRIDORS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/01/2024

This topic targets actions that support investments in challenging areas, where market forces alone will not deliver 5G services with the necessary quality of service.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Studies

Code: 31255 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2023-GATEWAYS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/01/2024

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. This call is technology neutral. The deployment may include submarine cables systems, satellite infrastructures and connectivity to internet exchange points under this call.

This topic will support studies for the deployment of backbone connectivity for routes within Member States, between Member States, and between the EU and third countries, including to remote territories. Proposals under this call shall address studies, including all preparatory work required prior to signing a contract with a supplier is covered under this call.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gatewys - works

Code: 31253 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2023-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/01/2024

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. This call is technology neutral. The deployment may include submarine cables systems, satellite infrastructures and connectivity to internet exchange points under this call.

This topic will support the deployment of backbone connectivity for routes within Member States, between Member States, and between the EU and third countries, including to remote territories.

5G for Smart Communities - Works

Code: 24804 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-5GSMARTCOM-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

The aim of this call is to support the early deployment of 5G-based systems that enable use cases for certain socio-economic drivers (SEDs).
The call aims to support 5G best practices beacons in different sectors that can serve as templates for possible replication with other resources, national or EU, or under other programmes (in particular RRF).

Interconnection of backbone networks for cloud federations – Studies

Code: 24802 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-CLOUD-FED-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

The studies under this call should explore interconnection needs and prepare for future deployment of Gigabit links between the data processing capacities of public administrations, public or private SGIs or SGEIs entities, and – where relevant – their cloud providers. This should aim at improving the availability and resilience of cloud services for these users, including their protection against cyberthreats and cover future investment needs and required technology for the interconnection of cloud, HPC and edge infrastructures.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works

Code: 24799 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. This call is technology neutral.

European Quantum Communication Infrastructure - The EuroQCI initiative - Works

Code: 24796 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-EUROQCI-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

5G coverage along transport corridors - Studies

Code: 24794 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-5GCORRIDORS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

This topic targets preparatory actions for envisaged deployment projects that support investments in challenging areas, where market forces alone will not deliver 5G services with the necessary quality of service and focus on key European transport paths.

5G coverage along transport corridors - Works

Code: 24792 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-5GCORRIDORS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

This topic aims to complement the early wave of deployment actions for 5G systems deployment along transport paths for connected and automated mobility (CAM) including safety and non-safety services. These may encompass roads, rail, and inland waterways, and if appropriate in combination with other modes of transport based on early preparatory work that already started before the submission of the proposal.

Preparation of works for Operational digital platforms

Code: 24692 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-TA-PLATFORMS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

This CSA will prepare future works project(s) by identifying the most appropriate cases to be funded and by delivering the building blocks (such as governance, detailed design, etc.) needed for immediate deployment of the cross-border infrastructure within the works project(s).

Integration of 5G with edge computing and federated cloud facilities

Code: 24690 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2022-TA-5GINTEGRA | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/10/2022 | End submission calls: 23/02/2023

• the interconnection of newly deployed 5G corridor sections and 5G infrastructure for local communities with edge computing facilities and federated cloud infrastructures
• relevant operational service platforms that enable the provision of CAM and commercial 5G connectivity services
• the support of services of general interest in local communities.

European partnership fostering a European Research Area (ERA) for health research

Code: 17489 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-HLTH-2022-DISEASE-03-01 | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 21/04/2022

Proposals under this topic should aim for delivering results that are contributing to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Based on a trusted governance and effective working modalities, research funders, health policy-makers and the research community work together in order to identify and prioritise topics of common interest and European benefit;
• Research funders and policy-makers;
• Public health research systems in the ERA are more effective and integrated;
• Health and care authorities, policymakers and other stakeholders use the research results to develop evidence-based strategies and policies, and deploy good practices to European countries and regions;
• Patients and citizens are more knowledgeable about disease threats and contribute to a patient-centred decision-making process;
• Countries cooperate better and use context-specific knowledge and evidence to make their health and care systems more sustainable

Integration of 5G with edge computing and federated cloud facilities

Code: 17484 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-TA-5GINTEGRA | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

The CSA should gather and consolidate information on the various planned actions under European and national programmes. Based on this information it should – in close cooperation with stakeholders – deliver principles and network architecture concepts for connecting 5G infrastructures along transport corridors and 5G local communities to the edge node and federated cloud infrastructure with the aims
(i) to meet service requirements for connected and automated mobility, in particular the stringent requirements for road safety and digital train operations,
(ii) and to generate economic efficiencies, whereby the overall 5G-edge-cloud platform would serve the vertical needs of various communities and sectors, in particular mobility and socio-economic drivers.

Preparation of works for Operational digital platforms

Code: 17482 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-TA-PLATFORMS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

Operational digital platforms (including this CSA), as one of CEF Digital Synergy actions, aim to support EU environmental and energy targets, by providing both technologies and connectivity to enable a cyber-secure Internet of Energy and an optimised transport system along the major European paths, as per the 5G objectives in the Gigabit Society Communication and in the Directive on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Studies

Code: 17479 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-GATEWAYS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

The objective of this topic is to deploy strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. It specifically includes submarine cables systems, satellite infrastructures and connectivity to internet exchange points.
By supporting the targeted deployment of such connectivity, CEF Digital will have a positive impact not only on strengthening the connectivity capacity, but also on stimulating commercial offers of connectivity.

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works

Code: 17475 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

The objective of this call is to support the deployment of strategic networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality of connectivity within the Union as well as with third countries. The deployment may include submarine cables systems, satellite infrastructures and connectivity to internet exchange points under this call.

5G coverage along transport corridors - Works

Code: 17467 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-5GCORRIDORS-WORKS | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

This topic aims to support an early wave of deployment actions for 5G systems deployment along transport paths for connected and automated mobility (CAM) including safety and non-safety services. These may encompass roads, rail, and inland waterways, and if appropriate in combination with other modes of transport based on early preparatory work that already started before the submission of the proposal.

5G Strategic Deployment Agenda coordination

Code: 17459 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-TA-5GAGENDA | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

The CSA will – in close cooperation with the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking – coordinate the development of 5G Strategic Deployment Agendas in the area of 5G for CAM. This includes the development of deployment roadmaps, cooperation models and regulatory approaches.
Related objectives include the achievement of common deployment approaches among projects in view of a consistent deployment of 5G Corridors across the EU, monitoring and reporting on deployment progress, and the build-up of a pipeline of future projects to be funded by CEF.

5G coverage along transport corridors - Studies

Code: 17456 | Identifier Code: CEF-DIG-2021-5GCORRIDORS-STUDIES | Programme name: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Digital | Start submission calls: 12/01/2022 | End submission calls: 22/03/2022

This topic targets preparatory actions for envisaged deployment projects that support investments in challenging areas, where market forces alone will not deliver 5G services with the necessary quality of service, and focus on key European transport paths, including but not limited to, the indicative list of 5G corridors. The priority for this call will be to support investment in cross-border sections involving two or more Member States, but additional sections considered relevant from a European perspective are equally in the scope of this call.