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EIC and RIF Host Innovation Funding Info Day In Nicosia

EIC And RIF Host Info Day In Nicosia

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) are spearheading an exclusive Info Day in Nicosia on February 18, 2026. This event is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the EIC Work Programme, emphasizing the latest funding opportunities available to researchers and industry innovators alike.

Overview Of The Eic Work Programme

In a keynote plenary session, participants will receive a detailed briefing on the updated EIC Work Programme. The session will highlight both foundational elements and new developments, ensuring that stakeholders understand the full spectrum of available funding avenues.

Focused Sessions For Tailored Engagement

Following the plenary, the event will break out into two parallel sessions. One session focuses on the Pathfinder and Transition Calls, targeting researchers from academic institutions, research organizations, and companies. The other session is dedicated to the Accelerator and STEP Scale-Up Calls and introduces the Pre-Accelerator instrument, specifically designed for deep tech SMEs with advanced technologies. Attendees must select their preferred session during registration.

Interactive Discussions And Strategic Networking

This Info Day will feature direct dialogue with EIC representatives, inspiring success stories from EIC-funded projects, and a detailed exploration of the EIC Fund. An interactive Q&A session will further facilitate in-depth discussion, offering ample networking opportunities between academia and industry leaders.

Registration And Additional Details

The event will be held in English and is accessible free of charge to both academic and industry stakeholders. Detailed programme information, venue specifics, and registration procedures are available on the EIC registration website.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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