Under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, the European Commission has supported the deployment and take-up of 5G connectivity for smart communities and innovative applications across Europe. These contribute to the EU’s connectivity objectives under the Digital Decade Policy Programme, helping bring advanced digital services to local communities.
5G quality connectivity has the potential to improve digital services in local areas, playing a key role in supporting a long-lasting economic recovery and social cohesion. 5G technology in smart communities will help modernise socio-economic drivers in many sectors, notably in healthcare, education, public administration and transport, making them more efficient and resilient.
Results at a glance
Since 2021, the Commission has launched four calls under CEF Digital, awarding 78 5G projects across 25 Member States:
- 47 projects on 5G for Smart Communities (5GSC)
- 31 projects on 5G Corridors.
By combining 5G networks with edge-cloud capabilities and with other key digital enablers, including IoT, drones, mixed reality, and robotics these projects demonstrate how 5G standalone connectivity can support innovative digital services and contribute to strengthening Europe's connectivity infrastructure.
5G in practice: examples from funded projects
Project supported under 5G for Smart Communities can serve as blueprints, that can be replicated across Europe, including in rural areas.
They cover sectors such as:
- Healthcare - exploration of clinical applications like real-time patient monitoring, diagnostic and telemedicine; 5G holographic surgical simulation & seamless emergency communication between connected ambulances and hospitals
- Agriculture - smart agriculture learning hub, precision agriculture & Internet of Things (IoT) use cases for field crop production
- Education – remote and immersive learning experiences, including virtual and augmented reality applications
- Smart cities and communities – improved access to digital public services, smarter local infrastructure
- Mobility/ logistics - traffic flow optimisation using predictive modelling with data platform;
- Innovative solutions for logistics in manufacturing settings and for energy metering & delivery of goods through drone-based systems
- Energy/ climate - smart water supply system & enhanced waste management with sensor-enabled bins, energy monitoring and other digital solutions supporting the green transition
- Emergency and public safety - 5G enabled critical communication services & detection of fires early with AI-powered monitoring
5GSC Support Platform
A dedicated 5GSC Support Platform, established through a Coordination and Support Action, helped build a community around CEF Digital-funded 5G projects and supported knowledge exchange among beneficiaries and stakeholders. It produced a range of materials which remain relevant for current and future deployments, and are available through this page.
Latest News
A new edition of the CEF Digital Community Conference 2026 will take place on 2 December 2026, bringing together members of the CEF Digital community, European stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, financial actors and industry representatives to discuss the future of digital connectivity in Europe.
Join this online session to explore the impact of EU funding for digital connectivity, from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme to the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and to learn about the 2026 European Digital Connectivity (EDC) Awards competition.
Join the info day organised by HaDEA for the second call for proposals for emergency submarine cables repair modules (CEF-DIG-2026-CABLE-REPAIR-CAPACITIES).
The European Commission will grant €5.8 million to establish the first two Regional Cable Hubs, in the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It has also launched a €40 million call to increase European capacity to repair submarine communication cables.
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