The SNS JU has released its Annual Activity Report 2025
Dear Readers
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the third Annual Activity Report of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU).
As we reflect on the achievements of 2025, this has been a defining year for the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). Over the past twelve months, we have continued to transform Europe’s ambition for next-generation connectivity into concrete, measurable progress, delivering on the mandate entrusted to us and reaffirming our role as a central pillar of Europe’s digital future. In today’s geopolitical and economic context, the strategic importance of programmes such as the SNS JU has never been greater.
Digital infrastructures are no longer simply enablers of innovation, they are the backbone of modern economies, underpinning critical sectors from industry and healthcare to transport and energy. As the digital economy continues to grow in scale and significance, Europe’s ability to design, develop, and deploy its own advanced connectivity solutions becomes a matter of both competitiveness and sovereignty. In this regard, the SNS JU contributes directly to strengthening Europe’s technological autonomy, while enhancing the resilience of its digital infrastructure in an increasingly complex and interdependent global environment. From the outset, the SNS JU was designed not only as a funding instrument, but as a strategic platform to bring together industry, academia, and public stakeholders around a shared vision for 6G. In 2025, this vision has continued to take shape. Our growing portfolio, comprising 80 active projects at the end of year, demonstrates the scale of Europe’s commitment and the strength of its collaborative ecosystem. The successful launch of the Call 3 projects marked an important step forward, reinforcing our capacity to coordinate complex research and innovation efforts across the full value chain.
As I have emphasised in several of our public engagements this year, Europe has a unique opportunity to shape the future of connectivity, not only by developing technologies, but by defining how these technologies serve society. This principle continues to guide our work. Through the SNS JU, we are ensuring that Europe’s approach to 6G is not only technologically advanced, but also aligned with our values: openness, sustainability, security, and i inclusiveness. At the same time, 2025 has been a year of continuity and forward planning.
With the launch of Calls 4 and 5 under the 2025 Work Programme, we have further strengthened the pipeline of innovation. These calls reflect a deliberate progression, from foundational research to system integration and real-world validation. As I have noted in our discussions at major industry fora, bridging the gap between research and deployment is essential if Europe is to remain competitive in the global digital landscape.
Our focus on trials and pilots, particularly in key vertical sectors, is a direct response to this challenge. Equally important has been our commitment to strong governance and effective programme management.
The evaluation processes for Calls 4 and 5 have been conducted with rigour and transparency, ensuring that public investment is directed towards excellence and impact. This disciplined approach is fundamental to maintaining the trust of our stakeholders and delivering results that meet the expectations of both policymakers and industry partners. Beyond our core activities, the SNS JU has continued to play a leading role in shaping the broader European and global dialogue on future connectivity. Our presence at events such as Mobile World Congress, the EuCNC & 6G Summit and Techritory has highlighted Europe’s strengths and fostered international collaboration. As I have often underlined, no single actor can build the networks of the future alone, collaboration is not an option, but a necessity.
The SNS JU exists precisely to enable this collaboration at scale. Looking ahead, the foundations we have built in 2025 position us strongly for the next phase of our journey. The onboarding of new projects from Calls 4 and 5 will further expand our portfolio, while ongoing work across all streams will continue to generate knowledge, innovation, and impact. At the same time, we remain focused on ensuring that our efforts contribute meaningfully to Europe’s broader objectives, including digital sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and the green transition.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners: the members of the Governing Board, participating states, industry representatives, researchers, and the wider community, for their continued commitment and collaboration. The achievements of the SNS JU are a collective success, built on trust, shared purpose, and a common vision for Europe’s digital future. In closing, I remain confident that the SNS JU will continue to deliver on its mission. Together, we are not only advancing technology, but we are also shaping the future of connectivity in Europe and beyond.
Erzsébet Fitori
Executive Director
Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking
