Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The European Commission is currently accepting applications to support studies and preparatory actions aimed at strengthening backbone connectivity infrastructure across the European Union.
The focus areas include improving the quality and maturity of future EU backbone networks development, particularly CPEIs, and supporting studies related to the deployment or significant upgrade of backbone networks that address risks, vulnerabilities, and dependencies in EU backbone infrastructure.
The total available budget for this call is EUR 180,000,000, which may be increased within defined limits of the multiannual plan. The maximum grant amount per project is EUR 20,000,000 for works and EUR 5,000,000 for studies, while exceptional cases may receive up to EUR 60,000,000 if they demonstrate broader geographical impact and strong integration of multiple systems into a single global project.
Eligible activities include preparatory work required before contracting suppliers, such as marine ground surveys for submarine cables and obtaining necessary permits, along with studies that may lead to future deployment of cable projects of European interest under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.
Eligibility criteria require applicants and affiliated entities to be legal entities, either public or private, established in eligible countries, specifically EU Member States including Overseas Countries and Territories. Due to security restrictions, only EU Member States are eligible to participate. Applicants must register in the Participant Register and complete validation by the Central Validation Service by submitting documents confirming their legal status and origin.
For more information, visit European Commission.
