Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) is a pan-European research project on high-tech laser technology, with facilities in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania. The Commission recently approved the allocation of over €250 million from the European Regional Development Fund, to support the development of the Hungarian facility in Szeged and of the Romanian facility in Măgurele. The research performed in these centres can be applied in chemistry, material science and engineering, and industry. The objective of the ELI project is to promote national and European scientific research by creating a globally renowned structure, openly available for researchers from the academic world but also for the private scientific sphere and the business community. "ELI is a symbol of excellence and a true European success story; I'm glad that the European Structural and Investment Funds are a part of it," said Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu. Full research capacity should be achieved by the end of 2018 in both facilities. More information on ESI Funds investments in Research and Innovation is available online.
