Europe has taken another important step towards shaping the future of digital connectivity with the announcement of a 104 million euro funding call dedicated to advances in 6G technology.
The fourth call for the proposal, launched by Smart Networks and Services Joint Taking (SNS JU), opened on May 22, 2025 and remains open for submission until September 18, 2025.
The announcement follows the adoption of the updated 2025 Research & Innovation Work Programme by the Committee governed by SNS JU on April 11th.
This latest call represents the first funding round of 2025 and is based on the multi-year EU commitment to the next-generation 6G network.
Erzsébet Fitori, executive director of social media JU, highlighted the importance of fundraising in enhancing the EU’s 6G technology capabilities.
“By bringing together European vertical industries, academia and research institutions, we are not just developing technology. We are building a digital future for Europe with a focus on sustainability, security and social impact.”
Supporting Europe’s 6G agenda through strategic investment
SNS JU manages the 2021-2027 EU budget of 900 million euros to promote research into 6G technology that is consistent with equal private sector investment.
The ambitious program has already committed over 500 million euros through its first three calls, supporting 80 projects across Europe.
The newly announced Cole expands the foundation with a dual research focus. While Stream B targets the advanced and disruptive innovation of 6G, Stream C supports the creation of experimental infrastructure, particularly Telco cloud and service platforms.
The call seeks to bridge the gap between early-stage research and real-world developments by moving the project along the technology preparation spectrum.
Important dates and opportunities for participants
Potential applicants will gain deeper insights and networking with partners while scheduled for May 23, 2025 at SNS JU Call 4 Information Day and Securities Company Events.
These events offer important opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas and collaborate through social media broker platforms.
By offering dedicated matchmaking sessions, these forums aim to accelerate the development of collaborative multidisciplinary projects that will promote the vision of Europe for 6G.
Research Focus: Innovation, Sustainability, Standardization
The 2025 Work Programme outlines bold research directions, including ground and non-terrestrial network integration, photonics systems, and convergence of telephone companies, edge and cloud technologies.
The aim is to position Europe at the forefront of 6G technology innovation and digital infrastructure development.
Sustainability is another central pillar. Europe is pioneering the use of Key Value Indicators (KVIs) to measure the environmental and social impacts of future networks.
These metrics will guide the development of greener, more comprehensive connectivity solutions while strengthening Europe’s leadership in sustainable digital transformation.
In terms of security, the call promotes research into privacy-enhancing technologies, trust frameworks, and AI integrations, ensuring that future networks are intelligent and secure.
The role of Europe in 6G standardization
The main purpose of SNS JU is to influence global 6G standardization. As the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is set to begin the 6G research phase in 2025, this call will help ensure that EU-supported research informs international standards.
SNS JU also continues to strengthen its relationships with international partners, particularly through EU-US cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
Large-scale 2025 exam
The call focuses on research and infrastructure, but social media JU has also revealed plans for another phone call (Stream D) dedicated to a massive 6G trial in the second half of 2025.
These include sectors such as manufacturing, media, transportation, health, and emergency services, and translate cutting-edge research into practical, vertically specific applications.
As Europe doubles its investment in 6G technology, social media JU is paving the way for a smarter, safer and sustainable digital future.
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