SNS JU March 2025 Newsflash

Key Insights from the SNS JU Session @ MWC 2025

On March 3, 2025, the European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) hosted a high-level session titled “Digital Infrastructure of the Future: Shaping Europe’s Competitive Edge” at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain. Moderated by the SNS JU Executive Director Erzsébet Fitori, the session brought together European industry leaders for strategic discussions on the future of digital infrastructure and connectivity.

With 800 participants registered to attend the session, the event underscored the growing interest in Europe’s vision for the future of connectivity.

Erzsébet Fitori set the stage by underlining a crucial message: to lead in next-generation connectivity, Europe must take a holistic, end-to-end approach. 6G networks must be more efficient, secure, and sustainable from the outset. This requires strong European funding, seamless collaboration between industries, and policies that support innovation and investment.

The session featured two panel discussions with representatives from Nokia, Ericsson, Orange, Airbus, Scaleway, 5G Automotive Association and the Port of Barcelona.

The first one explored how Europe can transition from traditional telecom infrastructures to computing-centric networks that integrate AI, edge computing, and cloud-native architectures. Industry leaders discussed how collaboration across the digital ecosystem is essential to maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness.

The second one showcased real-world applications across industries, from smart mobility to aviation, digital ports, and public safety. The discussion highlighted the need for investment strategies that ensure ubiquitous coverage and effective collaboration between network providers and industry sectors.

SNS Projects @ MWC 25

Numerous SNS projects actively participated in MWC, showcasing their advancements through dedicated booths, joint exhibits, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge trials and pilots. Their presence highlighted key innovations in 5G and 6G technologies, fostering collaboration with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. By presenting real-world use cases and groundbreaking applications, the SNS projects played a crucial role in demonstrating the impact of next-generation networks on various sectors, including healthcare, smart cities, and industrial automation.

More information about the projects participation is available here.

Key Insights from the discussions:
Strengthening Europe’s digital leadership – as highlighted by Renate Nikolay (European Commission) and Colin Willcock (6G IA), Europe must drive 6G standardisation and ensure strategic autonomy in next-gen networks.
The rise of connected, collaborative computing – experts from Nokia, Scaleway, and Orange discussed the need for an integrated cloud-network continuum to harness AI, ensure security, and enhance sustainability.
Bridging technology and industry needs – leaders from Airbus, the Port of Barcelona, and 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) shared real-world use cases demonstrating how 5G and AI are already transforming sectors like aerospace, mobility, and ports and logistics.
Showcasing European R&D excellence and close the innovation gap – the SNS JU-funded projects like 6G-SANDBOX Project, CENTRIC, 6G-NTN, VERGE, 6G-EWOC and UNITY-6G presented breakthroughs in AI-enabled sensing, digital twins, and autonomous mobility, reinforcing the role of research in securing Europe’s digital future.

With SNS JU at the heart of European 6G research, backed by €1.8 billion in public funding and matching private investment, the commitment to driving innovation, fostering industrial transformation, and strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty is clearer than ever.

Closing the session, Erzsébet Fitori reinforced the critical role of research and innovation in securing Europe’s digital leadership. With a holistic approach that integrates connectivity, computing infrastructure development, the strengthening of Europe’s cloud ecosystem, and advancements in standardisation, research and innovation can work in tandem to drive business growth, close the innovation gap and deliver significant societal impact.

Key insights of the session are available here.

NetWorldEurope and CCSA MWC25 Workshop

The Workshop “Autonomous Network for Future – AI, Vertical Oriented New Business Services” was co-organized by NetworldEurope and China Communications Standards Association (CCSA). The event was organised as a fully hybrid event, online using the zoom access details and an onsite component in Barcelona during the MWC2025 event. The workshop aimed to provide an open information space to share current and future views about the Autonomous Network, and how this theme is being addressed by different stakeholders. Two different discussion panels were organised, addressing challenges and evolution, new use cases and technology trends as well as standardisation and next step industry developments related to Autonomous Networks. The workshop featured key speakers from industry and academia, representing the views of manufacturers, operators, industry bodies, and research scientists.

SNS OPS partner Rui Aguiar from Instituto de Telecomunicações/ Universidade de Aveiro, SB Chair of Networld Europe, and his team, had the overall responsibility as Co-Chair and speaker and the full organisation of the workshop.

This event is an integral part of the efforts of SNS OPS to strengthen cooperation with other initiatives and leverage synergies. The panels have identified some of the current challenges and evolution based upon several relevant use cases and technology trends. A second panel focused on the requirements for standards development and next steps for industry development in areas especially related to autonomous networks.

A workshop report, presentations and videos of the event will shortly be available here.

SNS ICE Webinar on AI/ML As a Key Enabler of 6G Networks

On 18 March 2025, the SNS ICE project organised an insightful online webinar on the published white paper from the SNS JU Technology Board (TB). This white paper highlights the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as key enablers of 6G networks.

About the White Paper

The TB of the SNS JU, a collaborative body of leading technical experts from ongoing R&I projects, has conducted an extensive survey covering Research & Innovation (R&I) projects from the first Call 1 and Call 2 projects of the SNS JU.

The resulting white paper, titled: “AI/ML as a KEY ENABLER of 6G NETWORKS: Methodology, Approach and AI-Mechanisms in the SNS JU”examines the role of AI and ML technologies in shaping the future of 6G networks. This webinar will provide key insights, discuss methodologies, and explore various AI mechanisms leveraged across SNS JU projects.

Webinar participants had the opportunity to:

• Gain exclusive insights from leading experts in 6G and AI/ML technologies.
• Understand the methodologies and approaches identified in 33 R&I projects.
• Engage in discussions on the future of AI-driven 6G networks.

Celebrating International Women’s Day with WiTaR

On 8 March, International Women’s Day 2025, WiTaR celebrated the remarkable contributions of women in telecommunications and research. From advancing innovations in 6G to leading groundbreaking studies, women have continued to break barriers and redefine possibilities within the industry.

Despite progress, challenges persist, with women remaining underrepresented in leadership, technical roles, and research fields. In recognition of this day, efforts were highlighted to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative future.

Commitments promoted:

• Encouraging more women to lead and innovate in 6G research.
• Advocating for policies that bridge the gender gap.
• Recognizing the achievements of women driving progress in ICT.

By inspiring, empowering, and leading together, WiTaR reaffirmed its commitment to making a lasting impact.

More information about WiTaR available here.

Joint Webinar on Sustainable Wireless Design

On 14 March 2025, SUPERIOT, 6G-SHINE and TERRAMETA have teamed up for a second free webinar on Sustainable Wireless Design, following the success of the event held last November.

Agenda

• 10:30 Welcome and introduction
  Marcos Katz (University of Oulu) – SUPERIOT
• 10:40 Multi-Criteria Optimization in the Network Layer of Optical Wireless and RF Heterogeneous Networks
  Mohammad Khalili (University of Oulu) – SUPERIOT
• 11:00 Nanotechnological advancements in memristor-based non-volatile switches and solution-processed diodes: contributions to the TERRAMETA and SUPERIOT projects
  Jonas Deuermeier (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) – TERRAMETA and SUPERIOT
• 11:20 Power Efficient Cooperative Communication Within IIoT Subnetworks: Relay or RIS?
  Hamid Reza Hashempour (Aalborg University) – 6G-SHINE
• 11:40 Questions and open discussion
• 12:00 Close.

SNS 6G Architecture WG Pre Release Version of White paper

The SNS JU 6G Architecture Working Group announced the pre-release version of its highly anticipated white paper, titled “Towards 6G Architecture: Key Concepts, Challenges, and Building Blocks.”

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving 6G architectural landscape, reflecting the collective insights of over 30 SNS JU projects.

The white paper presents key considerations and technological advancements that will shape Europe’s 6G vision, focusing on critical areas such as:

• Federated and sustainable 6G experimentation platforms across Europe
• Testing as a Service (TaaS) for seamless resource sharing and cross-domain deployments
• AI-enabled cloud continuum and intelligent orchestration
• Cross-testbed federation for advanced 6G applications
• Standardized APIs (CAMARA-based) for interoperability
• Real-time metaverse applications powered by volumetric holography (HoloMIT)

The Public consultation was open until 31 March 2025.

6G4Society Webinar

6G4Society organised the webinar “Understanding and Addressing 6G Controversies: Learning from the Past, Building for the Future” on 26 March 2025.

This webinar explored:

• What we can learn from past controversies, particularly surrounding 5G, and how they might evolve with 6G;
• How technological disputes arise and what role values, economic interests, and governance structures play;
• How stakeholders can engage more effectively with the public to foster trust and transparency;
• How controversy analysis can contribute to the development of an EU consensus framework for a sustainable and ethical 6G.

External speakers were Dr. Ana Delicado from the University of Lisbon, and Adrien Tournier from HT2S-CNAM Paris. Bringing together expertise from Science and Technology Studies (STS) and the sociohistory of ICTs, panelists provided insights into the patterns, dynamics, and governance of technology controversies and offered strategies for navigating them in 6G development.

3GPP standards and SNS-JU impact Webinar

On 27 March, at 14:00 CET, a webinar was held to discuss the impact of 3GPP standards on SNS-JU projects, focusing on best practices and success stories. The session provided an overview of 3GPP standardization, its current activities, and strategies for translating research outcomes into effective standards contributions.

Participants gained insights into the role of standardization in European projects, the significance of 3GPP, and methods to enhance the standardization impact of research initiatives. Experienced project leaders and experts shared their knowledge on the subject.

The agenda included a presentation on the European and SNS-JU perspective on standards, followed by an update on 3GPP activities by Jose Luis Almodovar Chico, Chair of 3GPP SA1. Additionally, best practices and success stories were presented by Mikko Uusitalo (Hexa-X-II Flagship project, Nokia), Daniel Lönnblad (SA1 delegate, Ericsson), and Devaki Chandramouli (SA2 delegate, Nokia). The webinar concluded with a round table discussion on best practices and success stories.

SNS JU @ IEEE WCNC

On 26 March 2025, the IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC) took place in Milan, Italy. Recognized as a premier event organized by the IEEE Communications Society, the conference gathered experts from academia, industry, and government to discuss advancements in wireless communications.

During the event, Pavlos Fournogerakis, Deputy Head of Programmes at SNS JU, delivered a presentation highlighting Europe’s role in leading the design and standardization of 6G technologies. His talk addressed key enablers such as AI, Integrated Sensing And Communications (ISAC), edge/cloud integration, computing, microelectronics, and innovative network architectures. Additionally, he discussed strategies to support the development of 5G infrastructure and services across Europe.

The presentation aligned with the objectives of Horizon Europe, focusing on fostering a greener, digitally advanced, and resilient society. Insights from the SNS Research and Innovation roadmap for 6G were shared, covering transformative use cases, key milestones, and future technological directions.

The conference provided a valuable platform for discussions on the future of wireless networks, reinforcing Europe’s position in shaping next-generation telecommunications.

SNS JU @ FTTH Conference

On 27 March 2025, the FTTH Conference took place in Amsterdam, bringing together experts to discuss the future of fibre and wireless technologies. During Panel 10 – “FTTH and the Future of Wireless Applications (WiFi 8 – 6G)”, the role of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) in supporting next-generation wireless networks was explored by the SNS JU Executive Director, Erzsébet Fitori.

Discussions focused on the importance of FTTH in enabling high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity, the growing bandwidth demands of future infrastructures, and the synergies between fibre networks and advanced wireless technologies. The impact of these developments on smart homes, cities, and industries was also addressed.

The session provided valuable insights into how FTTH and wireless innovation will shape the future of digital infrastructure, reinforcing their role in the transition towards 6G and WiFi 8.

NetworldEurope SME Working Group Meeting

The NetworldEurope SME Working Group met on 12 March 2025 to align on key initiatives supporting SMEs in the digital and telecom sectors. The WG Chair, Jessica Carneiro, highlighted the successful release and broad dissemination of the new SME Brochure, which has gained visibility through several high-impact channels including MyNewsdesk, EU Agenda, SNS JU Newsflash, AIOTI and AUSTRALO newsletters, and social media platforms.

The Chair presented the results of the annual SME WG questionnaire, which will be reflected in a report to be released by April 2025. The SME WG Position Paper is progressing and expected to be finalised by May 2025.

The session included a presentation from Andreas Georgakopoulos (WINGS ICT) on the COREnext project, which focuses on developing next-generation communication-computing hardware. He highlighted opportunities for SMEs to contribute in areas such as edge computing, AI, and cybersecurity, and underlined the importance of their involvement in shaping future network architectures. This was followed by presentations from Prof. Harris Skianis, 8BELLS, and Haya Al Kassir, Four Dots Infinity, who addressed common challenges faced by SMEs in R&I projects, including difficulties accessing funding, joining large consortia, navigating regulatory barriers, and securing early-stage investment. Both stressed the need for tailored funding instruments, simpler processes, and stronger collaboration with policymakers.

Looking ahead, members were encouraged to monitor upcoming SNS JU calls and continue contributing to SME WG efforts. A proposal for a convened session dedicated to SMEs was submitted for EuCNC, and Jessica Carneiro will represent the WG at the Valencia 5G Days, with a presentation about the role of SMEs in shaping 6G. The next meeting will take place in May 2025.

HEXA-X-II “The Telecommunication Networks of Tomorrow” Survey

Hexa-X-II initiated the “Telecommunication Networks of Tomorrow” survey to collect insights from key stakeholders on the design of future networks. As the EU’s 6G flagship project, Hexa-X-II aims to shape a 6G system blueprint by engaging operators, industry leaders, SMEs, and researchers across Europe.

The survey, supported by SNS JU, focused on network design principles emphasizing sustainability, inclusion, reliability, and security. It explored expectations, concerns, and visions for digital applications and societal evolution in 2035–2040, considering resource constraints and technological advancements.

The initiative contributed to defining future 6G architectures aligned with Europe’s strategic digital goals.

6G: From Theory to Practice

The event “6G: From Theory to Practice” took place on 10 March at the Science Museum and Technology of the University of Patras. Co-organized by the IEEE SB University of Patras and the SMARTECH group of Isi Athena, it provided students with valuable insights into AI, XAI solutions, and AI on the compute continuum. Hands-on demonstrations showcased the potential of VR and Generative AI over 5G and beyond, offering a practical perspective on emerging technologies.

The event was supported by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and several research projects, including ADROIT6G, 6G-BRICKS, SUNRISE-6G, 6G-INTENSE, 6G-DALI, FLECON-6G, and ACCC AC3. Experts such as Pavlos Fournogerakis, Dr. Odysseas Pyrovolakis, Marinos Charalambides, PhD, and Tambiama Madiega contributed to the discussions, enhancing participants’ understanding of the future of 6G networks and smart services.

EU Japan Digital Week with SNS JU Participation

From 31 March to 7 April 2025, the EU-Japan Digital Week will take place in Tokyo, Japan, organised as part of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership. The event will bring together key stakeholders from academia, research, industry, business, and policymaking across the European Union, Japan, and other Indo-Pacific countries. The programme will focus on key digital innovations, from 6G to Data Spaces and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A Week of Digital Innovation

The EU-Japan Digital Week is a pivotal occasion for both regions to work on a more connected, innovative, and sustainable future. With workshops dedicated to Smart Connectivity and Computing, 6G Development, Policy, Trusted Data Exchanges, Data Spaces, and Trustworthy AI Applications, the event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration across various sectors.

Workshops Highlights

• Monday, 31 March – The “Smart Connectivity and Computing” Workshop will bridge the gap between the EU and Japan in the fields of cloud-edge computing and smart connectivity, with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers discussing collaboration opportunities in open-source technologies, industry verticals, and cross-cutting topics.
• Tuesday, 1 April – The “6G Horizons: Synergies for a Connected Future” Workshop will foster collaboration and partnership between the EU and Japan (and other Indo-Pacific countries) regarding 6G development. The ambition of the workshop is to explore whether we are correctly perceiving and assessing, and subsequently addressing and responding to the major trends, social and business needs from a broad set of industries in 6G research and development, considering the rapidly unfolding disruptive trends such as generative AI.

The workshop will feature keynote contributions from Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking Office, Dr. Colin Willcock, Chairman of the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association Governing Board, and Prof. Akihiro Nakao from University of Tokyo, co-chair of XGMF and leader of the ASPIRE and HARMONY projects. 

You can register to the workshop here.

For more information about the EU-Japan Digital Week and its programme, visit the dedicated page: Discover more

The EU-Japan Digital Week is an initiative under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership and is supported by the following projects and organisations:

• Wednesday, 2 April – The “Trusted Data Exchanges: From Standards to Pilots in a Changing World” Workshop will explore practical implementation of trusted data exchanges, supporting the Memorandum of Cooperation on digital identities and trust services signed between the EU and Japan.
• Thursday, 3 April and Friday, 4 April – The “Data Spaces – or the Story How to Make Business from Data in a Legal Fashion” Workshop will address the concept of data spaces, their architecture, stakeholders, and role in digital transformation, with a focus on addressing interoperability challenges. The workshop will explore business models for data spaces, highlighting best practices and successful case studies.
• Monday, 7 April – The “Critical Applications of AI in Industry, Healthcare and Other Sectors” Workshop will delve into good practices and challenges in the development of critical AI applications where the reliable correct function is of predominant importance.

You can Register here

5G and Industrial Wireless Arena in HANNOVER MESSE

The third edition of the “5G and Industrial Wireless Arena” will take place on 31 March to 4 April at HANNOVER MESSE 2025, Germany. The event will gather numerous exhibiting companies showing their latest innovations, experts sharing their expertise and many options for fruitful business contacts.

The Arena is the central spot of the topic “Digital Ecosystems”. Well-known companies like Siemens, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, SAP, Amazon Web Service, HP, Fraunhofer, etc. will be exhibiting in this themed area.

The forum at the Arena offers excellent opportunities to explore topics in greater depth.

You can download your personal ticket here.

ETSI Webinar: OpenSlice Release 2024 Q4

ETSI is hosting a webinar on 3 April 2025, at 3:00 PM CET to present key updates in OpenSlice Release 2024 Q4. The webinar will focus on key advancements in OpenSlice, including the development and exposure of services using the Kubernetes operator pattern. This approach, known as OpenSlice addons, aims to address modern challenges in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, the session will cover real-world Proof-of-Concept (PoC) implementations, including integrations with LF Sylva and CAMARA. Another key topic will be the integration of monitoring tools within the service lifecycle, enabling a more efficient closed-loop management process.

Speakers include Christos Tranoris, Kostis Trantzas, and Rafael Direito, leading experts in OpenSlice development.

The event is open to professionals in the telecommunications sector.

Registration is available here.

CYPRES Call for Papers

The 2025 IEEE International Conference on Cyber Security and Resilience will feature a workshop focused on Cyber-Physical Resilience and Security Against Digital Breakdowns (CYPRES), taking place from 4-6 August 2025, in Chania, Crete, Greece.

Organized by the SPARROWEU, R2D2, and Natwork EU projects, this workshop invites researchers, practitioners, and industry experts working on cyber-physical systems, digital security, and crisis management to submit their papers. The event will explore cutting-edge solutions for protecting cyber-physical systems from digital threats, emergency communications, and crisis management.

The paper submission deadline is 14 April 2025.

For more information, visit the event’s page.

6G-IA @ Test and Measurement Forum

The Free Virtual Event, Test and Measurement Forum – A new era of testing for next-gen networks: AI, 5G Advanced, Open RAN & NTNs will take place on 29 April.

6G-IA Executive Director, Alexandros Kaloxylos, will be among the speakers.

Agenda and additional information are available here.

“As the demands on the telco network continue to grow, with new services and devices to support, increased data throughput and traffic, it’s vital that networks are optimized to deliver on QoS and QoE.

Join RCR Wireless News’ Test and Measurement Forum on 29 April to discuss the challenges and pressures of fast network validation and deployment, and the latest innovation in testing next- gen networks – from lab and manufacturing testing, to field testing and service assurance.”

Registration is available here.

SCoDIHNet news

The Smart Connectivity DIH Network has primarily focused on the following key areas:

Presentation to the European Enterprise Network Digital group (March 13): SCoDIHNet presented its ongoing activities, generating significant interest among participants. Many expressed a desire to be included of the Technology provider Catalogue and to contribute replicable use cases.

Bi-monthly SCoDIHNet Meeting (March 11): The meeting featured a presentation from the Smart Connectivity Thematic group (Digital Transformation Accelerator), which is addressing similar topics as SCoDIHNet specifically targeting EDIHs. A proposal for closer collaboration between the two initiatives is currently under discussion.

Collaboration on replicability initiatives: Ongoing cooperation with the Horizon Results Platform, Technfinders.io and RAMP.eu has highlighted strong synergies regarding use case replicability. Efforts are underway to align procedures and establish a unified framework to enhance replicability.

Upcoming TEF Agrifood and Manufacturing TEF Presentations: The TEF Agrifood initiative will present at the next SCoDIHNet meeting on May 13, focusing on how DIHs can access testing facilities. Additionally, Matters.eu (Manufacturing TEF) has been invited to present at the July meeting.

White Paper on Smart Connectivity Experimental Platforms: Work has begun on a white paper that will provide an overview of Smart Connectivity experimental platforms and offer recommendations to improve their accessibility.