The future of data encryption and privacy will involve quantum communication technologies. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) provides physical security for symmetric key distribution. With this method, we can improve the security of various communication systems. Due to the limitation of optical fiber, we need satellites to connect distant cities to share secret keys using QKD. In recent years, the feasibility of satellite-based QKD has been demonstrated in various experiments, and there are several initiatives for satellite-based QKD systems in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In Europe, the Quantum Manifesto was published in 2016, identifying four key areas for European quantum technology research: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum simulation and quantum sensors. In this context, the European Quantum Communications Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative was launched in 2019. All EU member states have joined this initiative, and 26 national projects have been launched under this 9 initiative in 2023, including a Hungarian project called QCIHungary. In parallel with the national projects, the planning of a quantum key distribution system at the European level has also started. EuroQCI will have a terrestrial network with many nodes using different technologies and a space component using the European Eagle-1 quantum communication satellites and various optical ground stations. At the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) we have more than 20 years of experience in quantum communication. At the Mobile Communication and Quantum Technologies Laboratory of the university, we are developing four different quantum key distribution systems (fiber-based BB84 QKD system, fiber-based continuous variable QKD system, entanglement-based fiber QKD system, and entanglement-based free-space QKD system). The entanglement-based free-space QKD system – including the entangled photon source and the clock synchronization solution – has been developed fully in-house. Although the current experiments have been performed in a terrestrial setup (e.g., between different buildings using free-space channels), our research – supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) – could contribute to space-based quantum communication. Hungary is one of the few EU member states that has started to build new competencies in the field of space-based quantum communications with the resources of the first phase of the EuroQCI project. In addition to the free-space QKD experiments, we are installing a quantum-capable ground station in Budapest that will be operational in 2026, the same year that Europe’s first quantum communications satellite, Eagle-1, will be launched. At the same time, we are committed to educating the workforce of the future. In 2022, we launched the first Hungarian master’s program in space engineering, and in 2023, we launched a minor specialization in quantum computing and communication for computer engineering master students. Over the past few years, we have gained a lot of experience from our various partnerships. In our free-space quantum communication activities we cooperate with national and international partners and several companies, including Hungarian SMEs and MNCs.