Orange Business has secured a major role in Europe’s secure communications strategy. The company will provide network services for a new European Union project serving public administrations across Member States.
The project, called TESTA-EIRIS, stands for Enhanced Infrastructure for Reliable Interconnectivity and Security. It aims to modernise digital communications between EU institutions, agencies and national governments.
At its core, the initiative focuses on trust, resilience and private connectivity. Public bodies need reliable links to exchange sensitive information. They also need stronger protection as cyber threats grow more advanced.
Orange Business will deliver the main network infrastructure behind the project. It will also operate Network and Security Operating Centres. These facilities will monitor performance, security events and service availability.
The network will include at least 12 Points of Presence across five European regions. These sites act as key connection hubs. They help route traffic efficiently and improve service reach across borders.
The system will combine network infrastructure, cloud connections and VPN technology. A VPN creates an encrypted private tunnel over a wider network. This helps protect data moving between different public sector locations.
The European Commission’s DG DIGIT will also play a central role. It will work with Orange Business on the wider system design and management. DG DIGIT oversees digital services for the Commission.
Richard van Wageningen, President for Europe at Orange Business, said: “As reliance on digital technologies increases and cyber threats continue to evolve, the EU has placed digital trust at the heart of its strategic priorities.
“Core to the TESTA-EIRIS backbone project is the drive to build a secure, trusted European digital ecosystem. Orange Business is proud to be chosen to deliver this robust, adaptable, and future-proof infrastructure to support the EU’s critical needs.”
The project gives Europe a stronger foundation for secure public sector services. It could also simplify cross-border cooperation between administrations. That matters for justice, health, customs, taxation and crisis response services.
However, the scale of the work brings pressure. A secure government-grade network must meet strict availability requirements. It must also adapt as cloud use and digital services expand.
For telecoms observers, the move highlights a wider market shift. Operators no longer compete only on connectivity. They now support sovereignty, security and digital resilience.
The TESTA-EIRIS contract also underlines growing demand for trusted European infrastructure. Governments want secure networks with clear governance and local accountability. Orange Business now has a high-profile opportunity to prove that model at EU scale.
