On the 25th of July this year, representatives from 9 institutions in 7 different countries established a foundation to pave the way for constructing the European Solar Telescope (EST). The EST is set to become the largest solar telescope ever built in Europe with a primary mirror of 4.2 meter in diameter and state-of-the-art technology. The telescope will be built as a part of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, on the island of La Palma (Spain). EST will be an unrivalled tool for astronomers for observing the Sun once it is finished.
 

Computer rendering of the future European Solar Telescope, planned to be built at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma, Spain).

Sweden will contribute to the EST through the Institute for Solar Physics at Stockholm University, which has been a part of the project since 2008. The main contribution that SU will provide to the telescope is through the development of scientific instruments. 

Other countries involved in the project are the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
 

Representatives of the EST Foundation. A model of the EST can be seen in the center of the image. Credit: Jorrit Leenaarts.