The activity of the project is primarily focused on the deployment and operations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Ground Nodes for integration into the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Key elements in establishing the required infrastructure are the QKD Ground Nodes themselves and the QKD Ground Node Operation Procedures. The latter are particularly important for ensuring future permanent deployment and commercial operation by a dedicated operations center. Within the project, QKD Ground Nodes in Germany and Croatia are being established. Verification tests of the individual QKD Ground Nodes with the Eagle-1 satellite are planned, as well as demonstrations of satellite-based cross-border QKD between Germany and Croatian CroQCI network. The project will leverage existing facilities and technology in Germany and Croatia to enable the cost-efficient establishment of new infrastructure. Specifically, it builds upon the existing optical ground stations at both locations tocreate two fully functional QKD Ground Node