QSNS 2026: Accelerating Europe’s preparedness for the quantum era

The 3rd Workshop on Quantum-Secure Networks and Systems (QSNS 2026) successfully took place on 23 June 2026 in Vilamoura, Portugal, co-located with the 31st IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications.

Jointly organised by the SPQR Cluster projects QUBIP, PQ-REACT, PQ-NEXT, POSEIDON, QARC, and Q-FENCE, the workshop brought together researchers, industry experts, quantum enthusiasts and practitioners to discuss the challenges that the development of quantum computers will pose to current digital security.

The workshop addressed the most pressing cybersecurity challenges of the quantum era from an engineering perspective, aiming to contribute to global efforts towards an agile, post-quantum or post-quantum/traditional hybrid and standards-based transition to PQC of the digital infrastructures we all use today. Discussions covered the latest developments in quantum-safe networking, secure communications, cryptographic migration strategies, and real-world deployment challenges, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between research and industry to build resilient digital ecosystems.

The PQ-REACT consortium partners actively contributed to the workshop with presentations addressing key aspects of post-quantum migration for telecommunications and critical infrastructures.

Antonio Pastor from Telefónica presented the paper:

“Validating Post-Quantum and Hybrid Certificate Automation Through ACME-STAR in IPsec Environments”

The presentation demonstrated practical automation and validation solutions for PKIs in telecom environments.

and

“Quantum-Secure Software Network Environments for Telco Operators”

This presentation, developed within the QUBIP project, explored the infrastructure requirements for enabling a secure transition to post-quantum cryptography.

Then Virginia Lampropoulou from NCSR Demokritos presented the paper:

“Quantum-Resistant Distributed Ledgers for End-to-End Network Slicing: Post-Quantum Cryptographic Integration and Performance Evaluation”

The QSNS Workshop, now in its third year, is an important forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration across the post-quantum cybersecurity community. By bringing together EU projects, academic researchers, and industry stakeholders, the event accelerates Europe’s preparedness for the quantum era and promotes practical, interoperable solutions for quantum-safe communications.

Stay tuned for the next edition!