Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from scientific research towards practical applications in healthcare, energy, logistics, climate modelling, cybersecurity, finance, public services and industry. The European Union's Quantum Europe Strategy, adopted in 2025, and the forthcoming Quantum Act signal that the race to shape quantum innovation is well underway, and that those without adequate governance infrastructure risk exclusion or dependence on non-European platforms.
Innovation in this field is often slowed down by legal uncertainty, fragmented regulation, unequal access to testing environments and the risk that new technologies are deployed without sufficient safeguards for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Without inclusive frameworks, small enterprises, universities and civil society risk being excluded from shaping technologies that will affect everyone. Europe must create trusted conditions for responsible innovation from the outset, not only regulate after risks appear.
Regulatory sandboxes, controlled environments for testing quantum applications under clear legal rules, with transparency, independent oversight and effective protection of fundamental rights, offer a practical path forward. Grounded in Council of Europe values and consistent with the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225), already ratified by the European Union, such frameworks would allow quantum innovation to proceed in a trustworthy and accountable manner, while strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy.
The Parliamentary Assembly should prepare a report examining how member States can develop human rights-based regulatory sandboxes for quantum technologies, considering how such frameworks could support small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border research co-operation, responsible public procurement, skills development, and the use of quantum technologies for socially beneficial purposes including health, climate, energy efficiency, transport and secure communications.
The aim should be to help member States enable innovation while preventing misuse, discrimination, excessive surveillance or threats to democratic processes, ensuring quantum technologies are developed in the service of people and society.