Lithuania and Czechia: Innovation Partners Developing Laser Technologies for Europe’s Future
On March 3, Lithuanian Ambassador to the Czech Republic Rolandas Kačinskas participated in the inaugural event marking the launch of the groundbreaking LASER-PRO project. This initiative brings together partners from Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine to revolutionize Europe’s high-tech industry through advanced laser technologies.
The LASER-PRO project (Excellent Laser Technologies for the Sustainable Prosperity of Europe) is led by the Czech HiLASE Center in collaboration with Lithuania’s Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). This exceptional cross-border cooperation exemplifies Europe's commitment to advancing scientific and technological expertise. Spanning four years, the project underscores a long-term dedication to innovation and sustainability.
“From a diplomatic perspective, initiatives like LASER-PRO are valuable in multiple ways. On a bilateral level, they not only enhance scientific and technological cooperation between Lithuania and Czechia but also contribute to strengthening our countries’ economic and innovation partnership,” said Ambassador Kačinskas. He emphasized that the Lithuanian Embassy in Czechia firmly supports such initiatives, as they foster knowledge and technology exchange while reinforcing cross-border ties.
On a European scale, Kačinskas highlighted that such projects boost the continent’s competitiveness in the high-tech sector by driving innovation and applying scientific advancements in practice. “For Ukraine, participation in this project opens doors to European scientific and industrial networks, further integrating the country into the EU space,” he added.
The ambassador also underscored Lithuania’s leadership in laser technology: “Lithuania takes pride in contributing to this initiative with its globally recognized expertise in laser technologies. For decades, our scientists and companies have been at the forefront of laser innovation, delivering top-tier solutions for industry, medicine, and scientific research. By collaborating with Czech and Ukrainian partners, we can expand this success story, explore new applications, and strengthen Europe’s technological leadership.”
The LASER-PRO project was selected through a highly competitive process under the Horizon Europe program—only 11 out of 205 submitted proposals received funding. This recognition highlights the project's uniqueness and its significant value to Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
The inaugural event brought together consortium partners along with high-ranking representatives from Czechia’s government, innovation, and industrial sectors, including Governor of the Central Bohemian Region Petra Pecková, Czech Deputy Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation Jana Havlíková, Vice President of the Czech Confederation of Industry Radek Špicar, and other distinguished guests.
A large Lithuanian delegation also attended, led by Gediminas Račiukaitis, Head of the Laser Technology Department at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) and President of the Lithuanian Laser Association.
