Europe is making significant strides in shaping the future of digital connectivity by announcing a funding call of €104m dedicated to advancing 6G technology. The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has launched this fourth call for proposals, open from 22 May 2025 to 18 September 2025.
The announcement follows the approval of the updated 2025 Research & Innovation Work Programme by the SNS JU Governing Board on 11 April. This funding round marks the beginning of 2025 and builds on the EU’s commitment to next-generation 6G networks.
Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the SNS JU, highlighted the importance of this funding in enhancing Europe’s capabilities in 6G technology. She emphasized the collaborative effort of European vertical industries, academia, and research institutions in developing technology for a sustainable, secure, and impactful digital future.
The SNS JU manages a €900m EU budget for 2021–2027 to drive research into 6G technology, with matching private sector investments. The program has already allocated over €500m through its initial three calls, supporting 80 projects across Europe.
The newly announced call focuses on advanced and disruptive innovations in 6G (Stream B) and the creation of experimental infrastructures, including a Telco Cloud and service platform (Stream C). It aims to advance projects from early-stage research to real-world deployment.
Interested participants can attend the SNS JU Call 4 Information Day and Brokerage Event on 23 May 2025 to gain insights, network, and collaborate through the SNS brokerage platform. These events aim to facilitate the development of collaborative projects that align with Europe’s vision for 6G.
The 2025 Work Programme emphasizes research areas such as terrestrial and non-terrestrial network integration, photonics systems, and the convergence of Telco, Edge, and Cloud technologies. Europe aims to lead in 6G technology innovation and digital infrastructure development.
Sustainability is a key focus, with the use of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) to measure the environmental and societal impact of future networks. This approach will guide the development of greener, more inclusive connectivity solutions, supporting Europe’s leadership in sustainable digital transformation.
Security is also prioritized in the call, promoting research into privacy-enhancing technologies, trust frameworks, and AI integration to ensure intelligent and secure future networks.
The SNS JU aims to influence global 6G standardization, collaborating with international partners and participating in EU-US cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Plans for large-scale 6G trials in 2025 will involve sectors like manufacturing, media, transportation, health, and emergency services, translating research into practical applications.
As Europe invests in 6G technology, the SNS JU is leading the way towards a smarter, more secure, and sustainable digital future, reshaping connectivity across the continent and globally.
