SNS JU Journal 2025 – Special Edition Newsflash

Shaping Europe’s Digital Future Through 6G Innovation

This year’s SNS Journal spotlights our growing portfolio: 79 projects powered by €500 million in EU funding. These initiatives are advancing European values—privacy, security, resilience, and sustainability—while helping us retain global leadership in the race toward 6G.

A Message from the Executive Director of SNS JU, Erzsébet Fitori

As we step into 2025, Europe’s digital ambitions face a pivotal moment. Smart networks and services are becoming the backbone of our economy, security, and society. The SNS Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), a key Horizon Europe initiative, is leading this transformation by funding cutting-edge 6G research and accelerating 5G deployment across Europe. […] “

Erszébet Fitori,
Executive Director of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking

2025 Highlights: 10 Key Milestones

1. 79 active projects across three successful calls (2023–2025), with a fourth call worth €130M launching in 2025.
2. 6G standardisation efforts officially begin.
3. EuCNC 2024 and 2025: Over 1,000 delegates joined in Antwerp and Poznan.
4. MWC 2024: SNS JU hosted the “6G Horizon” session on building a sustainable digital future.
5. 28 Global MoUs signed to strengthen international collaboration.
6. 20+ Open Calls involving over 180 trials and 280 third-party participants.
7. SMEs surpass 20% participation rate—over 100 SMEs from 27 countries involved.
8. New lighthouse projects on Sustainability and Microelectronics.
9. Expanded Replicability Catalogue with 130+ use cases to support digital innovation hubs.
10. Societal focus: Diversity, inclusion, and Key Value Indicators now embedded in project design.

Technology & Innovation at Full Speed

From AI-native networks to non-terrestrial connectivity, the SNS JU projects are redefining what’s possible:

• Hexa-X-II, the flagship 6G project, sets the pace.
• Focus areas include optical networks, quantum technologies, advanced components, and terahertz communications.
• Research outcomes are already influencing standardisation, industry trials, and global policy dialogue.

Global Impact & European Values

6G is not only about speed—it’s about purpose. That’s why SNS JU ensures every technological advancement aligns with core values:

• Sustainability: AI-based energy optimisation, low-emission networks, and green metrics.
• Inclusion: Programmes like WiTaR (Women in Telecoms and Research) are boosting diversity.
• Cybersecurity: Zero-trust architectures and confidential computing are cornerstones of future networks.
• Replicability: Ensuring use cases can scale across the EU via initiatives like TechFinder.

Collaboration &Looking Ahead

SNS JU is a true public-private partnership, engaging over 500 unique beneficiaries—including SMEs, major industry players, research institutes, and public bodies. Cross-project workshops, major conference participation, and international cooperation are amplifying our reach and results.

With Call 2025 recently launched, and high-impact events like MWC 2026 and EuCNC & 6G Summit 2026 on the horizon, the momentum continues. The SNS JU remains committed to building a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for Europe—and the world.