Royal Visit Highlights Czech-Dutch Partnership at World's Most Advanced Laser Facility

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Czech President Petr Pavel toured one of Europe's most sophisticated research installations today. It marks a moment in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations, including in cutting-edge technology and research. The royal delegation's visit to the Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI) facility formed the centrepiece of an official Dutch state visit focused on deepening ties in trade, research, and innovation. This was the first Dutch royal visit to the Czech Republic since Queen Beatrix in 1994.

Accompanied by trade ministers from both countries and senior government and business representatives, the distinguished visitors witnessed demonstrations of ELI's world-leading ultrafast laser systems. The facility houses some of the most powerful laser technologies, enabling researchers to explore fundamental processes in physics, life sciences, and advanced materials with unprecedented precision.

It underscores science and technology as drivers of economic growth and societal advancement.

The carefully orchestrated programme included strategic roundtable discussions between Dutch and Czech business leaders, tours of ELI's research infrastructure, and focused sessions addressing opportunities in digitalisation, manufacturing innovation, energy transition, and sustainable mobility.

Beyond Scientific Achievement: Strategic Economic Implications

"ELI is a platform for innovation leadership and strategic international cooperation," emphasised Allen Weeks, Director General of ELI. "We're honoured to host this distinguished visit and excited to see concrete collaboration opportunities with Dutch partners across research, industry, and policy development."

The timing of the visit reflects deeper strategic considerations. The Netherlands brings formidable strengths in high-tech industries, particularly in photonics, semiconductors, quantum technology, and life sciences – areas that align precisely with ELI's research capabilities and potential commercial applications.

The Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček highlighted the broader significance of the partnership: “This visit is a chance to bring Czech and Dutch industries and knowledge institutions closer together. ELI offers an excellent example of what can be achieved through shared European investment and cross-border cooperation.”

Through its open access programme, ELI already welcomes researchers from across Europe and internationally, including from the Netherlands, to conduct experiments using state-of-the-art equipment. The facility's commitment to advancing scientific talent development and fostering long-term cooperation positions it as a crucial hub in Europe's research landscape. The royal visit signals a new chapter in Czech-Dutch relations. The meeting of business leaders at a world leading facility hosted in the Czech Republic, where scientific excellence meets diplomatic strategy, has the potential to yield benefits that extend far beyond the laboratory into real-world economic and technological advancement.