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GÉANT Association

GÉANT

GÉANT Association is a leading partner for pan-European and global research and education networking.

Lobbying Activity

GÉANT Association Urges Investment in Public Digital Infrastructures

8 Jan 2026
Topic — Review of the EU's framework for monitoring 2030 digital infrastructure targets.
Message — GÉANT calls for supported public connectivity and sufficient Wi-Fi capacity for research institutions. They urge the integration of AI and Data Union strategies into the programme. The association emphasizes building on existing infrastructures to ensure scalability and interoperability.123
Why — The association would secure its role as the primary provider for research connectivity.4
Impact — Non-European platforms may lose dominance as Europe develops independent digital ecosystems.5
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GÉANT backs quantum integration but demands dedicated connectivity funding

10 Dec 2025
Topic — This consultation covers the initiative to accelerate quantum technology research and industrial deployment.
Message — GÉANT supports integrating quantum research into EuroHPC while insisting new activities do not drain current funding. They request research-specific exemptions from supply-chain monitoring to maintain academic agility and open international cooperation.123
Why — This secures dedicated funding and recognition for GÉANT's network as core European infrastructure.45
Impact — Proprietary tech companies lose out as GÉANT pushes to avoid corporate walled gardens.6
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GÉANT Association urges clearer guidance on foreign subsidy rules

18 Nov 2025
Topic — The Commission is reviewing the implementation and costs of foreign subsidy rules.
Message — GÉANT requests the provision of more practical guidance through use case examples. They also suggest sharing experiences between contracting authorities and suppliers to improve efficiency.1
Why — Clearer instructions would reduce time-consuming uncertainty and simplify the process for submitting mandatory forms.23
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Meeting with Koen Doens (Director-General Directorate-General for International Partnerships) and

20 Oct 2025 · The two sides agreed on a strong and long-term collaboration. They discussed shared ambitions regarding Global Gateway implementation, and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation.

GÉANT Association urges harmonized rules for non-profit organizations

29 Sept 2025
Topic — This initiative seeks a single set of corporate rules for the Single Market.
Message — GÉANT requests progress on the European Cross-Border Associations framework. They want associations to benefit from a better legal environment.12
Why — Unified rules would reduce administrative and financial burdens for cross-border associations.3
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Response to European Research Area (ERA) Act

9 Sept 2025

The GÉANT Association welcomes the European Commission initiative to advance the European Research Area (ERA) through the ERA Act. As the provider of Europes high-capacity trusted digital infrastructure for research and education, GÉANT, together with National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is deeply invested in building the fifth freedom for the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge, and technology. GÉANTs solutions and expertise in high-capacity networking, Trust & Identity, and innovative technology have supported Europes R&I ecosystem for over two decades. Together with the other four key European e-infrastructures in the e-Infrastructures Assembly EUDAT, EGI, OpenAIRE, and PRACE we are at the forefront of digital infrastructure for R&I. We emphasise the following priorities for a successful ERA: Establishing the fifth freedom will generate unprecedented volumes of research data. This would have a lasting impact on European research and competitiveness in strategically important technologies. However, a realisation of the fifth freedom will require solutions that respect and safeguard public research as a public good, as in the EuroHPC context. Europe must ensure that its digital tools for research are state-of-the-art. When researchers Choose Europe for Science, their experience should be as seamless as possible. Quick onboarding of researchers is a must and facilitated through Europe-grown solutions like the ones GÉANT and the NREN community deliver. At the same time, research itself relies on research-enabling organisations like GÉANT. The growing demands for data repository management, digital applications, cybersecurity, and interoperability require the upgrade of supporting digital infrastructure to avoid fragmentation of technology. A fully integrated European Research Area needs pan-European solutions that can be adapted to national research cultures and traditions, respecting national differences while fighting fragmentation. We believe the success of the ERA Act is contingent on leveraging cross-border collaboration, coordination, and interoperability, and the GÉANT Association exemplifies a proven model for effective European collaboration to create an innovative research infrastructure ecosystem. Please see the attached file for our full statement.
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GÉANT Association urges simplified rules and research data exemptions

7 Jul 2025
Topic — The Commission is streamlining rules to create a coherent data-sharing framework.
Message — GÉANT requests a simplification of data rules and harmonized terminology to resolve legal uncertainty. They argue for European-led data management to ensure sovereignty and independence from external providers. Crucially, they want research data to remain outside of integrated single market rules.123
Why — Exemptions from market rules would lower compliance burdens for research institutions.45
Impact — International cloud providers may face exclusion from European research data transit contracts.6
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Response to Quantum Strategy of the EU

3 Jun 2025

Quantum technology can play a substantial role across a number of emerging topics within research and education - from unlocking knowledge in diverse fields such as biochemistry, cosmology and environmental science to helping secure sensitive datasets and communications. As the use cases for quantum computing expand, there will be a need to ensure that access to this technology is not restricted to isolated islands of capability and that these services are available to all who need them. As a result, it will be vital to ensure remote access to these systems is considered at the earliest opportunity and to harmonise international standards for technologies supporting distributed quantum and hybrid quantum/classical computing models . Importantly, protecting both data and personal privacy will be a key concern for all in the future. And so development of technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution and quantum safe encryption (Post Quantum Cryptography) need to be managed in parallel with quantum computing to support technologies and standards essential for preserving privacy and security in a quantum world. GÉANT collaborates closely with the European NRENs who are leading members of the national EuroQCI initiatives are. We believe that quantum Key Distribution (QKD) will supplement existing network security measures at a time of increasing 3rd party attacks on Europe's Digital Infrastructure. For this reason, GEANT is committed to helping federate the national EuroQCI networks by looking to facilitate the implementation of cross-border QKD links.
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Response to European strategy on research and technology infrastructures

22 May 2025

Our feedback is attached. GÉANT is a fundamental element of Europes e-infrastructure, delivering the pan-European GÉANT network for scientific excellence, research, education and innovation. Through its integrated catalogue of connectivity, collaboration and identity services, GÉANT provides users with highly reliable, unconstrained access to computing, analysis, storage, applications and other resources, to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of research.
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Response to International Digital Strategy

21 May 2025

GÉANT welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commissions consultation on the forthcoming Joint Communication on an International Digital Strategy. As the pan-European collaboration of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), GÉANT delivers advanced network infrastructure, security services, and digital solutions essential to the global competitiveness of Europe's research and education ecosystem. We strongly support the EUs ambition to strengthen digital leadership through international partnerships and a coherent global strategy. GÉANTs strategic objectives for 20212026 are closely aligned with the goals outlined in the Joint Communication, particularly in promoting technological sovereignty and digital autonomy, cybersecurity, secure connectivity, and fostering inclusive digital partnerships with the like-minded, worldwide. Our global infrastructure enables high-capacity data exchange and collaboration, supporting scientific excellence and innovation across borders. Through our security framework and trusted digital ecosystem, GÉANT safeguards critical R&E activities, addressing emerging cyber threats with resilience and agility. We emphasise the importance of a human-centric and open approach to digital governance, which resonates with our commitment to trusted identity, federated access, and secure collaboration. GÉANT is a natural partner in the EUs external digital strategy through its extensive engagement with global research networks and its pivotal role in building a global e-infrastructure for the good of research and education. This existing framework of collaboration exemplifies the Team Europe approach in action, leveraging public and private actors across continents. GÉANT also actively contributes to the EUs Digital Global Gateway by empowering partner countries with essential e-infrastructure, capacity building, and digital inclusion initiatives. We advocate for enhanced coordination and visibility of European organisations such as GÉANT within international cooperation frameworks and urge that research and education networks be recognised as strategic enablers in external digital policy. GÉANT stands ready to support the EU in shaping and delivering a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital future for Europe and its partners.
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Response to EU strategic approach to the Black Sea

5 May 2025

To support the EUs strategic objectives for the Black Sea, it is essential to strengthen secure connectivity and data access services for digital research and education users in the neighbourhood. One priority should be to move beyond project-based models and establish sustainable frameworks for real-time data exchange and collaborative research, particularly in areas like maritime safety, oceanography, and coastal studies. Efforts are already underway to establish regional high-performance computing (HPC) capacity, supported by feasibility studies and funding negotiations. This HPC infrastructure is intended to serve as the foundation for a broader digital hub that connects key sectors, such as energy and telecommunications, which would strengthen the strategic approach. Improving regional connectivity will also contribute to Europes strategic autonomy, particularly in underserved areas and among marginalised populations. High-speed cross-border fibre optics are essential here. By supporting this kind of integration, the region can better contribute to the EUs broader digital transformation agenda. Expanding access to research and education networks to include the majority of higher education institutions is another important step. This will enable more inclusive participation in Open Science initiatives and strengthen connections to regional innovation ecosystems. This will develop equitable research collaboration and knowledge sharing. As efforts are already being made to harmonise digital processes in education, such as standardising student records for Erasmus+ mobility (for example), ensuring further compatibility with EU practices will improve administrative procedures and improve the efficiency and transparency of cross-border exchange. These developments should also further enhance the utility of above-the-net services like federated access and identity management.
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Meeting with Thibaut Kleiner (Director Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

28 Mar 2025 · An introductory discussion on Géant’s role in supporting Europe’s digital and research infrastructure.

Meeting with Silvia Bartolini (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

28 Mar 2025 · R&I, Digital Skills

GÉANT urges recognition of research networks in digital infrastructure

28 Jun 2024
Topic — The consultation explores strategies for mastering Europe’s future digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Message — GÉANT calls for leveraging research networks to trial emerging quantum technologies. They suggest using public research funding to anchor strategic submarine cable projects. The association warns against imposing heavy regulatory burdens on non-commercial research networks.12
Why — This ensures research networks maintain funding and avoid costly commercial regulations.34
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Response to Interim evaluation of the European Education Area

14 Sept 2023

GÉANT is generally in favour of an increased effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value for setting up the European Education Area (EEA). GÉANT is a fundamental element of Europes e-infrastructure, delivering the pan-European GÉANT network for scientific excellence, research, education and innovation. Through its integrated catalogue of connectivity, collaboration and identity services, GÉANT provides users with highly reliable, unconstrained access to computing, analysis, storage, applications and other resources, to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of research. ​Through interconnections with its 39 national research and education network (NREN) partners, the GÉANT network is the largest and most advanced R&E network in the world, connecting over 50 million users at 10,000 institutions across Europe and supporting all scientific disciplines. The backbone network operates at speeds of up to 500Gbps and reaches over 100 national networks worldwide. GÉANT conducts an annual survey to map the European NRENs educational activities and services that provides an overview and indicates trends for future collaboration and development areas in the field of digitalisation of education. Apart from the provision of connectivity and eduroam, the top areas that NRENs are currently supporting for the educational institutions and communities or involved are: LMS (Learning Management Systems), DLE (Digital Learning Environments), Trust & Identity (such as eduroam, eduTEAMS and eduGAIN as well as integration with national government eIDs, eIDAS, etc) & Security (eduVPN and security best practices), videoconferencing for education (opensource based such as eduMEET, and commercial solution such as Zoom). Since the beginning of 2020, GÉANT has established a Task Force on Educational Services and Activities, that brought together a community of experts from NRENs, universities, commercial companies, international organisations (UNESCO, World Bank) and governments to share, discuss and collaborate, when possible, in the interests of the digitalisation of education. Most countries are facing similar challenges, especially with the rapid conversion to virtual and digital education. Sharing knowledge and working together helps organisations to become more efficient in this area. One of the next challenges GÉANT is looking at is the area of digital assessment, digital exams and online proctoring.
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Response to New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean

9 Feb 2023

For the past two decades the EU has played a vital role in the development of research and education networking in Latin America, through the ALICE, ELCIRA, MAGIC and BELLA projects. This contribution has significantly improved the ability of Latin American academics to collaborate within the region and with Europe, through the development of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and the regional R&E network, RedCLARA, and their provision of data communications links and other collaboration tools and services for academic communities. In the face of todays societal challenges, including the environmental crisis, food sustainability, natural disasters, etc., the ability of researchers and academics to access relevant data, to collaborate together and to work in partnerships with other public and private stakeholders is vital. For this, the ongoing development and provision of infrastructures and digital services is crucial. Political dialogue to encourage committed and sustained support for science and education by public authorities along with support for the creation of digital partnerships across public, private and civil society stakeholders is encouraged to create a cohesive environment removing barriers to scientific collaboration. Dialogue should also highlight the importance of the scientific contribution from LAC in big science themes such as LHC, astronomy, genomics, etc. GÉANT also encourages the EU to continue its support for Latin American R&E networking, led by RedCLARA, in its work to assist academic communities in achieving their objectives with the improvement of connectivity, the wider deployment of trust and identity services (eduroam and eduGAIN) and a focus on cybersecurity. This can be done through existing and future funding programmes relating to the development of digital services and infrastructure, and dialogue to encourage the creation of NRENs in countries where they do not exist, and to ensure their sustainability where they do. This should include the continuation of efforts to re-animate research and education networking in the Caribbean and integrate it with the existing efforts and activities led by RedCLARA. Equally important is support for the development of communities of practice across EULAC in key research areas to maximise collaboration, the sharing of expertise and open access to data, in line with the FAIR principles for scientific data management. The development of ways and means for access to Copernicus data within Latin America and the Caribbean should continue to be driven forward, not only through the creation of local mirror sites but also through awareness-raising and the availability of data-management and analysis tools for researchers. Options for submarine cable systems to connect the Antarctic and improve research data transmissions from the continent to the rest of the world are under consideration, including from South America. Given the large number of science stations of EU Member States in the Antarctic as well as of Latin America countries, dialogue should take place between the EU and LAC countries on collaboration towards realising this objective.
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Response to Proposal for a Directive on cross-border activities of associations

27 Oct 2022

GÉANT is a Membership Association, legally headquartered in the Netherlands as a Dutch Association or Vereniging. We have 38 Members and 1 Representative Member. There is one representative per EU Member State plus representatives of States in wider Europe. The association is co-funded by the Membership and the European Commission via project funding. GÉANT is a fundamental element of Europes e-infrastructure, delivering the pan-European GÉANT network for scientific excellence, research, education and innovation. Through its integrated catalogue of connectivity, collaboration and identity services, GÉANT provides users with highly reliable, unconstrained access to computing, analysis, storage, applications and other resources, to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of research. Whilst GÉANT is an excellent example of pan-European collaboration and service provision, it nevertheless faces significant administrative challenges when operating across borders. Firstly, GÉANT has to pay VAT differently in each Member State, which accounts for a considerable amount of overhead work. We understand that commercial entities have the same burden, but they have exploitable markets in each Member State, whereas a public organisation such as GÉANT, does not. A second major problem regards employment. GÉANT would arguably be more operationally effective if it were able to employ across the Member States. However, this requires the need to form permanent establishments in them respectively, and then the subsequent issue of being subject to different national corporate taxes, which could incur a disproportionate, duplicated tax burden on an association working for the public good. Here, we very much agree with Point 10 on page five of the adopted text. Exemptions do need to depend however on the status of registration and if that is liable for different VAT rates and corporation taxes. GÉANT believes that this form of proposed European Association is an attractive future option when regarding the considerable level of overhead incurred for a public association to operate across borders and would wish to avoid multinational legal presences in the future. One criticism however is that the proposal does not assume that public entities trade or share costs they often do, as GÉANT does, and this is not considered. Public Associations do not necessarily rely on donations or membership fees alone. We would very much like to offer our insights here for the development of the proposal and wish to take part in a future targeted consultation.
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Response to Amendment of the IR on the standard forms for the publication of notices in the field of public procurement (eForms)

14 Sept 2022

GÉANT naturally supports efforts to ensure policy alignment of the standard forms with the Union environmental objectives and in the interest of clarity and consistency of reporting, taking into account the needs of the Members States, the field for Green Procurement should be updated and the field for Innovative Procurement should be simplified. GÉANT has also noted what could be minor changes to our practices within the annex of common provisions, but see little impact on our business practices. It would be useful to receive more clarity regarding the design of how contracting authorities may use the negotiated procedure with a single tender where all the services are entrusted to public sector bodies or non-profit institutions or associations and relate to activities of an institutional nature or are designed to provide assistance to people in the social field.
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Response to The Union Position for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023

26 Jul 2022

Whilst the GÉANT Association as an organisation is not involved in radio spectrum specifically, but instead spectrum fibre, a number of its National Research and Education Network (NREN) Membership do operate radio linkages. As such, GÉANT therefore supports the initiative if it aims to ensure that EU Member States respect the principle of unity in external negotiations when EU action is required.
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GÉANT Association urges persistent identifiers for high-value datasets

21 Jun 2022
Topic — The consultation concerns the implementation of rules for making high-value datasets available.
Message — GÉANT recommends including persistent identifiers to support dataset discovery and citation. They also seek alignment with the European Open Science Cloud and existing data portals.123
Why — Standardizing identifiers would allow the association to accurately track and cite dataset impact.4
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Response to Standardisation Strategy

5 Aug 2021

When it comes to standardisation in Europe, the GÉANT Association of National Research and Education Networks would like to draw attention to internet certification. The attached statement reflects concerns from the GÉANT community regarding the increasingly punitive environment of internet certificate regulation in Europe. The statement also highlights how the regulation of internet certificates by the CA/Browser forum is largely out of European control, and what cost this brings to bear on European institutions and end-users. As such, we would advocate that this problem be recognised in the Standardisation Strategy. We see this as contributing to the feedback sought by the Commission regarding point '2) how the EU can leverage and promote global leadership in standards setting.'
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Response to Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces

1 Feb 2021

We see that the Data Governance Act is attempting to achieve two main aims. Firstly, to enable a data market, where companies can effectively ‘trade’ data, and secondly, to enlarge the pool of data available in Europe for R&D and innovation purposes. Both are integral for the realisation of the European Data Lake and the nine Common Data Spaces. However, GÉANT would look for more clarity regarding the second aim, as the pooling of this data for R&D purposes is at the conjunction of the European Research Area and the internal market. These are comprised of two different sets of legislative environments, with one (ERA) having very limited legislation in place (especially EU wide), whilst the internal market is extensively regulated. From this perspective, we see further challenges to this regulation’s approach which require clarification. The first is defining ‘ownership after pooling’, and especially after the data ‘product’ is marketed. It would be problematic to see internal market rules apply, as public research itself cannot be marketed. If it were to fall under ERA rules, then could companies use this data for R&D purposes, or would it provide an uncompetitive advantage? Other legislative streams in the data environment have implied this direction in order to improve Europe’s industrial competitiveness. With more specific observations on the regulation itself, regarding the chapter focused on the data protected by public sector authorities, we see that this largely resonates with the Open Data Directive stipulations. To support the sharing of this data, one or more competent bodies will be set up who will support public sector bodies in providing this data for access or re-use in a secure manner. We observe that many of the reuse conditions focus on appropriate environments for data processing. The competent authorities are not only providing access (search and download) but the means by which to analyse the data, and appropriate safeguards when this is sensitive or personal data, for example checking that the reuse is not disclosive. Please note that public sector bodies could charge fees for this re-use /access. Regarding the chapter on data altruism, if the objective of data altruism is that the data ‘subject’ agrees to share their data, without any compensation, in the general interest for example for scientific research purposes or improvement of public services, then it is still not clear what is the incentive for private companies and industrial actors to do this. We would also provide warning that the need to process any fees for data access and the facilitation of cross-border payments has provided considerable challenges in implementing the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) business model. Regarding the European Data Innovation Board, GÉANT would approve of an expert group to focus on cross-sectoral data sharing, technical specifications, standardisation and interoperability for example. However, we would urge that such a Board be given the appropriate level of oversight and be composed of the correct expertise in order for it to be a truly effective body.
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Meeting with Jean-Eric Paquet (Director-General Research and Innovation)

16 Nov 2020 · Role of GÉANT to interconnect and serve the enhanced European Research Area, including the newly formed EPAs and the existing network of ESFRI-s, ERIC-s

Response to Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces

31 Jul 2020

The reason to enable CDS is to enlarge the pool of available information for R&E. As the GÉANT being an R&E data transporter, it is important to contribute to the inception IA with some considerations: Work out the arrangement on how to connect data from public and corporate sources to the R&E community. When developing standards, take into account existing efforts in the research community. As the pan-European R&E network provider, GÉANT is committed to ensure the undisrupted flow of research data, in a highly secure manner. To ensure this service, continuous upgrading of the network is important to consider as well as the developments in the manner of service consumption. While technical solutions are in place today to ensure network connections with private sector operators, within the framework of Common Data Spaces, this will have to be further elaborated.
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Response to Communication on the future of research and innovation and the European Research Area

31 Jul 2020

The ERA is first and foremost for the benefit of our stakeholders. Therefore, GÉANT supports the European Commission in the revamp of the ERA and commits itself to continuously deliver the pan-European, secure R&E network, as the underlying enabler of the ERA. With the further integration of the ERA, the rise of Open Science, and the building of the European HPC fleet (euroHPC), an increase is expected in the volume and size of data to be delivered. In this respect, it is important to calculate and plan in advance the network, access and security requirements for the next few years. With regards to transnational access, in particular virtual and remote, the distinction between granting and enabling access remains important. The latter has to be in place all times, whether access is granted or not. Similarly, we hope synergies can be find with Erasmus + in this respect, with regards to virtual mobility. As the pan-European research and education network provider, GÉANT supports the aligning of program objectives with the EEA and EHEA and the Digital Education Plan. We also support synergies with DEP, CEF, the ESIF funds, and Erasmus +. The enabling of synergies would better suit the ongoing digitalisation of the R&E realm, and the objective to support R&E in all regions of Europe, building on the National Research and Education Networks. On the latter, we also hope the European Semester will include the necessary R&E objectives, for the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support access for all to the ERA. GÉANT also has extensive international connectivity in place, with connections to all continents of the world, including the Western-Balkans, and our Neighbourhood to the East and South. This network, strengthens the Global Research Area, the external leg of the ERA by enabling R&E collaboration across continents in real-time, including brining the data of international large-scale projects to European researchers.
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Meeting with Corina Crețu (Commissioner)

27 Feb 2019 · Regional Development

Meeting with Christiane Kirketerp De Viron (Cabinet of Commissioner Carlos Moedas)

29 Jan 2019 · Open Science Cloud

Meeting with Manuel Mateo Goyet (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

28 Jan 2019 · eInfrastructures

Meeting with Jean-Philippe Gammel (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

25 Jun 2018 · GEANT network and education

Response to Commission Implementing Regulation pursuant Art 16(8) of NIS Directive

11 Oct 2017

Please regard the attached file for our response.
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Meeting with Roberto Viola (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

11 May 2017 · Digital Single Market, promotion of Internet Connectivity in local communities

Meeting with Roberto Viola (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

1 Feb 2016 · Open science cloud, European Digital infrastructure