SNS JU October 2025 Newsletter

SNS JU and ESA join forces to accelerate the integration of satellite networks in 6G

On 16 October 2025, the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Memorandum of Intent to accelerate the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks for 6G.

The partnership will enable large-scale TN/NTN trials across industries such as mobility, utilities, agriculture, and media, while providing SNS JU projects access to ESA’s advanced ground and in-orbit laboratories. It will also foster knowledge exchange, joint innovation, and the development of open standards, supporting Europe’s technological sovereignty and leadership in next-generation connectivity.

Global 6G alliances endorse common principles for future networks

On 10 October 2025, during the International Bharat6G Conference in New Delhi, major research alliances from Europe, Asia, and the Americas endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on 6G Principles by Design.

Signed by Bharat 6G, 6G-IA, ATIS’ Next G Alliance, XGMF, 6G Forum, 6G Brazil, UKI-FNI, UK TIN, the UK Federated Telecoms Hubs, and 6G Flagship, the declaration commits to advancing a secure, open, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable 6G ecosystem.

It establishes common priorities on trusted technologies, open standards, and digital inclusion to guide the next phase of global 6G development.

SNS JU active participation in Techritory 2025

Erzsébet Fitori highlighted Europe’s 6G vision

At Techritory 2025 in Riga on 22–23 October, Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the SNS JU, showcased Europe’s strategy for inclusive 6G development. She presented the SNS JU’s vision for Europe 2030 during the opening ceremony of the event alongside EVP Henna Virkkunen, emphasizing the importance of digital sovereignty, scientific excellence, and translating innovation into commercial impact. On 22 October, she opened the WiTaR Panel via video, emphasizing the importance of connecting research, pre-standardisation, and diversity in emerging technologies. Later that day, she participated in the Digital Innovation Funding Stage Session, discussing support mechanisms for startups, AI-driven ventures, and Europe’s innovation funding landscape.

Colin Willcock (SNS CO-OP) also joined high-level stage discussions

Colin Willcock addressed pressing questions shaping the 5G landscape today in the “In Defense to 5G” panel. He also contributed to the “European Leadership in Key Digital Sectors: Driving FP10 to Success” session which together technology leaders from telecoms, cloud, AI, and microelectronics, alongside Miguel Gonzalez-Sancho (Head of unit, European Commisssion), to address opportunities and threats for research and innovation beyond 2030. Colin also joined the European Cloud: Myth or Reality session exploring the role of cloud computing in Europe’s digital transformation, focusing on sovereignty, sustainability, and innovation for 6G.

The video of the “In Defense 5G” session is available here.

The video of the “European Leadership in Key Digital sectors Driving FP10 to success” session is available here.

Podcast explores the challenges and promises of ISAC for 6G: From Lab to live deployment

Recorded at the Techritory Forum 2025 in Riga during the session Integrated Sensing and Communications in SNS Trials and Pilots: pathway to monetization of 6G networks, this new podcast explores how Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) is evolving from lab proofs to real 6G deployments. ISAC aims to transform mobile networks into dual systems for communication and environmental sensing, enabling new applications in mobility, industry, and public safety.

Experts from three SNS JU Stream B projects—Multi-X, iSEE-6G, and Hexa-X-II—joined by GSMA Intelligence, shared insights on field trials, unexpected technical challenges, and the road to standardization. Panelists Antonio de la Oliva, Andreas Gavrielides, Andreas Georgakopoulos, and Barbara Pareglio discussed interference management, AI-driven sensing, privacy regulation, and business models such as “sensing-as-a-service.” The session closed by linking current research to upcoming large-scale pilots under SNS Call 3 projects like 6G VERSUS and AMAZING 6G. The podcast was moderated by CTTC’s Director of EU Programmes and Industrial Contracts, Carles Antón-Haro.

Stay tuned — the full episode will soon be available on major streaming platforms.

SNS projects and working groups contributions

The WiTaR working group joined forces with the Pre-Standardisation WG at Techritory 2025 for an inspiring session: “WiTaR in Focus: Advancing Research and Pre-Standardisation Synergies in Emerging Technologies.”

Pooja Mohnani (Eurescom) highlighted why inclusion matters more than ever in the 6G research ecosystem. A video message from Erzsébet Fitori SNS JU Executive Director (Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) celebrated WiTaR’s progress and vision. Veronica Vuotto (Trust-IT Services) shed light on the evolving standardisation landscape and the Vertical Engagement Tracker. Inspiring keynotes from Dr. Rute C. Sofia (5G+/6G ETF) and Prachi Sachdeva (TNO) connected gender inclusion to research excellence and shared empowering advice for women in tech: Find a mentor, build alliances and be visible.

The panel moderated by Uwe Herzog (Eurescom) brought together top voices —Didier Bourse (Nokia), Hakima Chaouchi (IMT/NGMN), Dr. Albena Mihovska, Ph.D. (Aarhus University, one6G), and Prachi Sachdeva (TNO) — exploring how collaboration and diversity can shape Europe’s 6G future. The message was clear: Inclusion drives innovation.

Natwork participated in the Cyber Security & Resilience Workshop, presenting its bio-inspired AI-based 6G cybersecurity and resilience framework to enhance security and intelligence in future networks.

6G-IA and 5G-ACIA joined forces on ISAC/JCAS advancements

On 10 October 2025, the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) and the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), supported by the SNS CO-OP project, co-hosted a webinar titled “Highlights, Lessons Learnt and Next Steps on ISAC/JCAS.”

The event brought together more than 100 attendees from both organisations to share progress and align future efforts on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) and Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS), two key enablers for upcoming 6G networks and industrial automation.

Speakers from 6G-IA, 5G-ACIA and several SNS JU projects, including 6G-MUSICAL, 6G-DISAC, iSEE-6G, Multi-X, ECO-eNet and 6G-REFERENCE, discussed current use cases, research challenges and standardisation activities.

Introduced by Raffaele de Peppe (6G-IA) and Afif Osseiran (5G-ACIA), the webinar highlighted the growing collaboration between the telecom and industrial communities and set the foundation for continued European leadership in ISAC/JCAS innovation.

Erzsébet Fitori highlighted Europe’s activity in 6G at Thinknet 6G Summit 2025

On 29 October 2025, Erzsébet Fitori, Executive Director of the SNS JU, delivered a video message during the session “6G Activities and Initiatives in Europe” at the Thinknet 6G Summit in Nuremberg, Germany.

In her intervention, Erzsébet Fitori emphasized Europe’s active role in shaping the next generation of wireless communication through research and innovation, stating: “Europe is not just participating in the 6G race, we’re defining it.”

The Thinknet 6G Summit 2025 brought together leading experts from research, industry, politics, and startups to discuss 6G developments, fostering collaboration and sharing insights on future technologies. Erzsébet Fitori’s message reinforced the SNS JU’s commitment to driving Europe’s leadership in 6G, highlighting ongoing initiatives and projects that are shaping the continent’s 6G landscape.

6G-IA published 2025 NTN workshop report

The 6G-IA 2025 Workshop report on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is now available here. It outlines key research and innovation priorities for European 6G connectivity.

The report, based on a spring 2025 workshop with experts from industry, academia, and research centers, provides guidance for the SNS JU and related Horizon Europe initiatives, and aims to stimulate further discussions on strategic directions in NTN for 6G.

Swedish 6G innovation highlighted in SNS JU webinar

On 28 October, SNS JU and 6G-IA held a webinar showcasing Sweden’s National 6G Initiative under the Advanced Digitalisation program. With an annual budget of SEK 1 billion (about EUR 900 million), the program drives industrial digitalisation and 6G research through cross-sector collaboration. Presentations from Vinnova, KTH, Chalmers University, and Ericsson highlighted Sweden’s strategic projects and testbeds. The event reinforced the role of national programs in supporting the SNS JU’s goal of a strong, coordinated European 6G ecosystem.

SNS JU Steering Board and Technology Board meeting in Madrid

On 15–16 October 2025, the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) held its Steering Board and Technology Board meetings in Madrid, hosted by Telefónica. The events brought together coordinators, technical managers, and key stakeholders from across Europe to align strategic and technical priorities for the continent’s 6G research and innovation roadmap.

The 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) proudly leads the SNS JU Technology Board (TB), which includes the Technical Managers of all 78 active SNS JU projects. During this 4th face-to-face TB meeting, participants engaged in dynamic discussions on R&I-to-standards roadmaps, AI data and model sharing, and the future direction of collaborative technical activities.

The meeting also saw the re-election of Kostas (Konstantinos) Trichias from 6G-IA as TB Chairman for a third term, reflecting the community’s confidence in his leadership. The sessions underscored the strong cooperation within the SNS JU ecosystem, reinforcing Europe’s ambition to drive innovation, trust, and impact in the global 6G landscape.

Europe’s 6G ambitions take center stage with Colin Willcock at the FNS National 6G Conference

The combined FNS Partner Event and National 6G Conference took place on 7 October 2025 at TU Delft. Organized by Future Network Services and hosted by TU Delft and BTG, the event gathered leading researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss the Netherlands’ growing role in next-generation connectivity.

During the plenary opening session, “Be inspired,” led by TNO CEO Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi and introduced by FNS Program Director Peter Rake, Colin Willcock, Chairman of the 6G-IA, delivered a keynote address on Europe’s 6G progress. During his address Colin provided an overview of the 6G-IA activities as well as the current status of the SNS JU participated in the discussions to strengthen further synergies between the 6G-IA, the SNS-JU and the European National Initiatives.

Joint EIM–6G IA Workshop – FRMCS & 6G Discussion

6G-IA and the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address together future needs of the railways sector. EIM represents the key players of the railway sector managing rail infrastructures in Europe, to guarantee efficiency and safety of rail transportations systems. This MoU will enrich 6GIA partnership portfolio in vertical domains already encompassing automotive, manufacturing, transportation and public safety.

In this joint workshop participants from the railway sector (EIM members) and 6G experts exchanged views on the future evolution from GSM-R to FRMCS (based on 5G) and potential later adoption of 6G.  The main aim was to understand what railway stakeholders need from future mobile networks and how to prepare for long-term evolution without disruptive and costly transitions.

Transition from GSM R to FMRCS needs a smooth migration, participants want an evolutionary, not revolutionary while the 6G upgrade should mainly be software-driven to avoid the complexity and cost experienced moving from 2G to 5G. The coexistence of multiple technologies (GSM-R, FRMCS, future 6G) and spectrum sharing during transition is important.

The workshop highlighted key railways requirements such as  reaching automation levels (GoA1–4) for railways operations, full coverage of railways infrastructures that will need satellite integration into 6G and private networks,  “railway-grade” reliability and resilience (redundant networks, flexible deployment, cloud-native architectures) and security. New advanced features such as deterministic networks and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), AI powered networks and the 3C paradigm (computing, communications, cloud) were discussed in this context

Practical concerns were issued by EIM. Rail operators worry about retrofitting large fleets already equipped with GSM-R units while clarification is needed on FRMCS and future 6G compatibility. Last but not least, coordination is needed on frequency bands (e.g., new 6–15 GHz FR3 band) to avoid costly refits.

A new workshop with EIM is planned in 2026 to feed with rail infrastructure needs 6GIA next workprograms and trigger research funded by SNS JU

Turning connectivity into competitiveness: Javier Albares on Europe’s 6G Vision at S5LECT Mid-Term project event

Javier Albares, Head of Programmes at the SNS JU, delivered a keynote at the S5LECT Project Mid-Term Event in San Sebastián on 22-23 October 2025, highlighting Europe’s need to accelerate 6G development to remain globally competitive. Opening with insights from the Draghi Report on Europe’s competitiveness, Javier Albares emphasized that 6G must be part of today’s strategy, not a goal for 2030, to close the innovation gap with the US and China.

In his presentation, “How can we turn connectivity into competitiveness?”, Javier Albares outlined SNS JU’s critical role in shaping Europe’s 6G ecosystem. He highlighted the expansion of Europe’s 6G R&I portfolio with nearly 100 projects by the end of 2025, fostering cross-sector convergence across mobility, energy, computing, and AI, and strengthening Europe’s position in standardization through the recently launched 6G Release 20. Javier Albares also stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration aligning industry, academia, and public actors to enable impactful innovation and secure Europe’s leadership in next-generation connectivity.