CFAs: Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – Studies

The European Commission invites applications to support studies and preparatory actions for EU backbone connectivity infrastructure. Grants of up to €20,000,000 for works and €5,000,000 for studies (up to €60,000,000 in exceptional cases) aim to improve network quality, resilience, and integration while addressing vulnerabilities and dependencies in EU backbone systems.

What is the EU Backbone Connectivity Grant?

This initiative funds studies and preparatory actions to enhance the development of EU backbone networks, including Critical Project of European Interest (CPEI) networks. The programme supports early-stage activities that strengthen infrastructure planning, integration, and deployment.
Key Focus Areas Include:

• Improving quality and maturity of future EU backbone networks
• Supporting studies and preparatory works for deployment or significant upgrades
• Addressing risks, vulnerabilities, and dependencies in backbone infrastructure
• Facilitating integration of multiple systems into large-scale EU-wide projects

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are legal entities, public or private, established in EU Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories.
Eligibility requirements include:

• Participation restricted to entities in EU Member States due to security considerations
• Registration in the EU Participant Register
• Validation by the Central Validation Service with documents confirming legal status and origin
• Affiliated entities must also meet these legal and geographic criteria

How the Fund Works

Funding and Implementation:

• Total available budget: €180,000,000 (may increase within multiannual plan limits)
• Maximum grant per project:
  • €20,000,000 for works
  • €5,000,000 for studies
  • Up to €60,000,000 for exceptional projects demonstrating broad geographical impact and multi-system integration
    Eligible Activities Include:

1. Preparatory works prior to contracting suppliers
2. Marine ground surveys for submarine cables
3. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals
4. Studies supporting future deployment of backbone projects of European interest (MFF 2028–2034)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as entities outside EU Member States
• Omitting registration or validation in the Participant Register
• Proposing activities not aligned with backbone network development or integration
• Failing to justify the broader impact for exceptional funding requests

How to Apply

1. Ensure your organization is a legal entity in an EU Member State and registered in the Participant Register
2. Validate your status with the Central Validation Service
3. Identify preparatory studies or works that strengthen backbone connectivity infrastructure
4. Define project scope, including CPEI relevance, risk mitigation, and integration plans
5. Submit a complete proposal through the European Commission application portal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply? Legal entities, public or private, established in EU Member States, including Overseas Countries and Territories.
2. What is the maximum grant? €20,000,000 for works, €5,000,000 for studies, up to €60,000,000 for exceptional integrated projects.
3. What activities are eligible? Preparatory studies, marine surveys, permitting, and studies for future EU backbone deployments.
4. Are non-EU entities eligible? No, only EU Member States due to security restrictions.
5. How is registration handled? Applicants must register in the Participant Register and complete validation via the Central Validation Service.
6. Can projects cover multiple systems? Yes, projects integrating multiple systems across regions may be eligible for exceptional funding.
7. What is the timeline for funded projects? Activities align with the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with preparatory actions preceding deployment.

Conclusion

The EU Backbone Connectivity Grant supports strategic studies and preparatory works to strengthen the quality, resilience, and integration of European backbone networks. By funding early-stage infrastructure actions and promoting large-scale system integration, the programme ensures a secure and efficient EU digital infrastructure for the future.