On 9–10 June 2026, a representative of the Czech Optical Cluster participated in the Board of Stakeholders and Annual Meeting of Photonics21 in Brussels.
Photonics21 is the European technology platform that brings together industry, research organisations and policymakers to shape the future of photonics in Europe. This year’s discussions focused on strengthening European cooperation in photonics and on defining future support mechanisms for this strategically important technology. 
A key topic was the European Commission’s planned support for photonics through the European Chips Act and the Chips Joint Undertaking. While integrated photonics is an important and rapidly growing field, it represents only around 20% of the overall semiconductor value chain. The remaining 80% of the sector currently lacks dedicated European funding instruments and long-term support frameworks.
This represents a major challenge for Europe’s future competitiveness. Photonics already enables approximately 20% of the European economy, while Europe remains around 50% dependent on optical components and technologies sourced from outside the European Union. Strengthening Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and technological sovereignty therefore requires investments that extend beyond semiconductors and chips to support the entire photonics ecosystem.
During the meeting, Photonics21 presented its new Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, Light Driving the Future, outlining the key Grand Challenges and priority areas for European photonics in the years ahead.
The Czech Optical Cluster strongly supports enhanced European cooperation in optics and photonics and actively contributes to discussions on the future development of the sector. The Cluster also emphasises the importance of national governments advocating at the European level for stronger and dedicated support for the entire photonics ecosystem. Investments in chips alone will not be sufficient to secure Europe’s technological sovereignty and long-term competitiveness.
