The European Solar Telescope has won Landmark status from ESFRI. The decision gives Spain a stronger role, but construction still depends on long-term funding commitments.
ESFRI approved the status at its 97th meeting in Cork on 23 and 24 September 2026. The decision places the European Solar Telescope among Europe's strategic research infrastructures. It also gives formal backing to a project led by Spain and built to study the Sun at a level current instruments cannot reach.
Europa Press reported that the decision moves EST into a more advanced phase after years on the European research infrastructure agenda.
Construction has not started.
Landmark status confirms that EST has reached an advanced stage of implementation. It also supports the European cooperation needed to build the telescope. The UK Solar Physics Society's EST Corner describes the status as important but insufficient. It does not guarantee financing or start construction.
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