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The funds will be awarded to projects related to 5G and European backbone networks
This week, the European Commission has announced the start of the second phase of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, which will provide €865 million in funding to various digital infrastructure projects from 2024 to 2027.
This latest round of funding will be awarded to projects focusing on the further deployment of 5G and backbone networks – including quantum communication networks and submarine cables – across Europe. It also seeks to deploy digital platforms that will integrate with existing data, cloud and edge computing, and connectivity infrastructure to make them more energy efficient.
“Improving our connectivity is of strategic importance in the EU. And with this second work programme we aim to connect more citizens and businesses and launch more innovative connectivity infrastructure,” said Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age. “The Digital Work Programme will invest around €865 million to support actions in deployment of advanced gigabit and 5G infrastructures, as well as backbone cable projects.”
The CEF was first introduced back in 2021, committing €33.7 billion to trans-European digital, transport, and energy networks until 2027.CEF Digital sits within this wider programme, with a budget of €2 billion for digital infrastructure projects.
In the first two funding rounds, CEF Digital has already supported 65 projects, including 30 backbone connectivity projects for the Digital Global Gateways, 17 projects promoting 5G for Smart Communities, and 18 projects in the area of 5G cross-border corridors.
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