Where Europe’s Heart Meets Its Brightest Future
On 12 and 13 March, Commissioner Piotr Serafin will travel to Czechia as negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) advance between Member States and the European Parliament. In this process, the European Commission acts as an honest broker, working to facilitate dialogue and support the best possible agreement for European citizens and beyond.
The visit will combine discussions with national authorities and key stakeholders and a project visit showcasing cutting-edge European scientific infrastructure. These engagements will demonstrate how EU funding delivers tangible results, supports innovation and research, and strengthens European identity and cohesion.
Stop 1 – Debate on the Next MFF with Stakeholders (12 March)
At the European Commission Representation in Prague, the Commissioner will engage with around 30 key economic stakeholders such as business organisations, farmers, academia and public administrations in a forward-looking debate on the next MFF.
Direct dialogue with stakeholders reinforces transparency and shared understanding around the priorities in shaping the future EU budget.
Stop 2 – Meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (12 March)
At the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Commissioner will meet Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
Their discussions will address key elements of the future EU budget and explore how the next MFF can support investments while maintaining the flexibility required to respond to evolving priorities.
Stop 3 – EU Investment in Scientific Excellence (12 March)
The programme will continue with a visit to the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) ERIC Beamlines facility in Dolní Břežany.
ELI ERIC is a European Research Infrastructure Consortium that brings together Member States to create and operate world-class laser research facilities of common European interest. Its mission is to provide open access to researchers across Europe and beyond, enabling cutting-edge experiments, develop new materials, and explore applications with potential societal impact.
Commissioner Serafin will see how long-term European and national funding has supported the development of ELI over the past two decades, from the initial construction and exhibition spaces to the operational laser and experimental halls. This visit will display financing models that allow multiple countries to collaborate efficiently on advanced scientific infrastructures.
For the Commission, witnessing ELI in operation will provide a concrete example of the added value that EU funding delivers: fostering scientific excellence, innovation and regional development, attracting top talent and enhancing Europe’s global competitiveness.
