The European Commission unveiled an EU Quantum Strategy aimed at turning the bloc into a world leader in quantum technologies by 2030, a goal it says is essential to reduce reliance on the United States and China. Announcing the plan in Brussels, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stressed that quantum computing, communications and sensing could transform industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to defence. Public money has dominated European quantum research, with more than €11 billion committed by the Commission and member states over the past five years. Yet only about 5 percent of global private investment in the field reaches Europe. Virkkunen said the next phase will focus on unlocking private capital, arguing that stronger venture backing is needed to keep European start-ups from relocating or being acquired by overseas investors. The strategy calls for pooling national research infrastructures, expanding support for start-ups and scale-ups, and promoting dual-use applications for security and defence. The Commission intends to follow up with a "Quantum Act" in 2026 to give the strategy legislative backing, including measures to safeguard intellectual property and coordinate funding across the bloc.