The five EU Missions in Horizon Europe are delivering tangible positive results in addressing some of Europe's most pressing societal challenges through scientific and technological innovation, according to a mid-term assessment published today by the European Commission.
All Missions are making steady progress towards their objectives – with the Climate Adaptation Mission having already met and surpassed its 2030 targets.
The five Missions are large-scale initiatives under Horizon Europe , the EU's multiannual research and innovation programme. They are designed to translate scientific and technological innovation into practical solutions that can be tested and deployed in real-life settings across Europe.
EU Missions advancing towards their goals
According to the assessment, all five EU Missions are making good progress towards their 2030 goals:
- Climate Adaptation : The goal of this mission is to support at least 150 European regions, local authorities and communities to become climate resilient. The target has already been largely surpassed, with 292 regional and local authorities having already implemented climate adaptation measures.
- Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities : Its objective is to support at least 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality, and to inspire other cities across Europe. Currently, already 107 cities have Climate City Contracts. They are projected to cut emissions by 76% by 2030, backed by more than €13 billion in supported or developing investment.
- Cancer : Its aim is to improve the lives of more than 3 million people through prevention, early detection, treatment and care for not only those affected by cancer, but also their families. The current actions show that it will be able to improve the lives of 2.3 million people by 2030. Upcoming projects expected to raise this figure beyond the target of 3 million.
- Restore our Ocean and Waters : The goal is to restore the health of our ocean and waters by protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, reducing pollution and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. It has delivered 121 innovative solutions tested in 349 real-world demonstration sites, engaged 86 regions in replication efforts and secured over 1,000 Charter Actions from stakeholders. Under the Mission, the design of the core infrastructure of the European Digital Twin Ocean – expected to be fully operational by 2030 – was completed and is now accessible to all.
- A Soil Deal for Europe : The Mission is progressing towards its goal of 100 Living Labs, with 45 already established. It involves over 500 real sites (such as farms) across Europe, and 60 to 70 additional ones are expected to become operational by 2028.
Background
The five EU Missions were launched in 2021 under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. They address pressing societal challenges – climate change, soil and waters health, and cancer – by going beyond traditional instruments and giving research and innovation a new role. Their clear, ambitious and time-bound objectives help mobilise coordinated action and support long-term societal transformation.
