diff --git a/jenkins/ci-pipelines/ci_stage_3.groovy b/jenkins/ci-pipelines/ci_stage_3.groovy
index 9b03016..a65b8b7 100644
--- a/jenkins/ci-pipelines/ci_stage_3.groovy
+++ b/jenkins/ci-pipelines/ci_stage_3.groovy
@@ -448,8 +448,8 @@
                         pty: true
                     ]
 
-                    // Force loading of the ETSI Debian Package Signing Key
-                    sshCommand remote: remote, command: 'sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 93EC7342B1168CDB'
+                    // Ensure the VM is ready
+                    sshCommand remote: remote, command: 'cloud-init status --wait'
                     // Force time sync to avoid clock drift and invalid certificates
                     sshCommand remote: remote, command: 'sudo apt-get update'
                     sshCommand remote: remote, command: 'sudo apt-get install -y chrony'