Budapest, March 17, 2026 – Roundtable highlights video is available now! Quantum communication and the future of cybersecurity solutions were at the center of a professional roundtable discussion organized by QCIHungary at the Faculty of Informatics of Eötvös Loránd University, titled “Next-Generation Cybersecurity: The Future of Quantum Encryption in Hungary and Europe.”
The QCIHungary project is implemented with the support of the Digital Europe Programme and aims to establish the foundations of Hungary’s quantum communication infrastructure. The developments will create a network connecting Budapest, Győr, Nagykanizsa, and Szeged, which may later be integrated into the European quantum communication infrastructure. The project is carried out in cooperation with Pro-M Ltd., Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Eötvös Loránd University, and the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics.
Participants in the roundtable discussion included representatives of the Research, Development and Innovation Center of the Military National Security Service, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority, OTP Bank Plc.’s Cybersecurity Governance Department, One Hungary, the Special Service for National Security, as well as the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics and QCI Hungary.
Under the moderation of Dr. Eszter Udvary Gerhátné (BME VIK), participants reviewed the expected importance of quantum key distribution (QKD) in future secure communication systems, its alignment with Hungarian and European cybersecurity strategies, and shared their expectations regarding implementation timelines and costs. There was consensus that preparation for the quantum era is inevitable, as traditional encryption methods based on computational complexity will become vulnerable to quantum computers. The advantage of quantum key distribution (QKD) lies in its reliance on the laws of quantum physics, ensuring that any eavesdropping attempt during the exchange of secret keys between two parties becomes immediately detectable. As a physical security layer in complex security systems, it is therefore one of the most promising technologies of the future.
“Although post-quantum cryptography plays a key role in preparation, experience shows that it does not provide a definitive answer to all risks on its own. Therefore, in high-security environments, complementary technologies are also needed that go beyond computational assumptions and will be available as mature, tested, and demonstrably secure solutions when quantum computers truly emerge,” emphasized Dr. Máté Pataki, representing OTP Bank Plc.
Dr. János Fürjes, representing the Military National Security Service, stated:
“Ensuring reliable communication channels plays a key role in the activities of both the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Military National Security Service. Based on our current knowledge, absolute security in the future will be provided by quantum key distribution networks and solutions.”
János Barta, representing One Hungary Ltd., pointed out:
“The European Union’s efforts in quantum technology—particularly initiatives aimed at building quantum communication infrastructure—clearly demonstrate that quantum technologies are of strategic importance for Europe’s digital sovereignty and economic competitiveness. At the same time, active participation in research and development, the deployment of pilot systems, and the preparation of industrial applications is essential for success, both internationally and domestically. The future of quantum communication is not merely a technological issue, but a shared space for knowledge, cooperation, and strategic thinking, in which all of us must take part.”
Dr. Tamás Kiss, representing the HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics and QCI Hungary, added:
“From fundamental research through development to the deployment of industrial and user applications, close partnerships must be established between research institutes, universities, and user sectors if Hungary is to become competitive in this future-shaping field. One of the decisive factors is education and training of experts. The activities of QCI Hungary address these challenges in a comprehensive way and also represent preparation for moving forward toward a Central European quantum communication network.”
Dr. Péter Vári, representing the National Media and Infocommunications Authority, explained that from a regulatory perspective, one of the keys to quantum communication is the continuous monitoring and shaping of the domestic and European regulatory environment to ensure that security requirements of quantum communication solutions can be effectively enforced in practice. As part of this effort, NMHH actively participates in international standardization and professional working groups (ETSI, ISO/IEC, CEN/CENELEC). He emphasized that without strengthening knowledge sharing and dialogue among stakeholders (regulators–industry–academia), technological progress cannot be translated into sustainable, trust-based solutions applicable on a wider scale.
“Through our experience in the QCIHungary project, my colleagues at the university of technology and I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities in the development of various quantum key distribution (QKD) devices, and we clearly see what this technology is capable of today. We are convinced that quantum encryption can become a value-creating solution in many domestic sectors in the future—from critical infrastructures to financial services,” summarized the discussion moderator, Dr. Eszter Udvary Gerhátné (BME).
