EU Missions Mid-term Assessment
A newly published mid-term assessment finds that the five EU Missions under Horizon Europe are making steady progress towards their 2030 objectives. Launched in 2021, the Missions are designed to turn research and technological innovation into practical solutions that can be tested and deployed in real-world settings across Europe. The assessment highlights progress in each of the five Mission areas, while showing how research and innovation can be linked to action by public authorities, communities, researchers, businesses and citizens.
Climate Adaptation
The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change aims to support at least 150 European regions, local authorities and communities in becoming more climate resilient. This target has already been surpassed in terms of implementation: 292 regional and local authorities have introduced climate adaptation measures.
Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
The Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission aims to support at least 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality and to inspire other cities to follow their example. A total of 107 cities now have Climate City Contracts. Their plans are projected to reduce emissions by 76% by 2030 and are supported by more than €13 billion in investment that has either been mobilised or is under development.
Cancer
The Cancer Mission aims to improve the lives of more than three million people by 2030 through prevention, early detection, treatment and care, including support for families. Current actions are projected to benefit 2.3 million people by 2030. Further projects are expected to take the projected impact beyond the three-million target.
Restore our Ocean and Waters
The Mission to Restore our Ocean and Waters focuses on protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, reducing pollution and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. It has delivered 121 innovative solutions tested at 349 real-world demonstration sites. A further 86 regions are involved in replication efforts, while stakeholders have made more than 1,000 Charter Actions. The core infrastructure for the European Digital Twin Ocean has also been designed and is accessible, with the system expected to be fully operational by 2030.
A Soil Deal for Europe
The Soil Deal for Europe Mission is working towards 100 Living Labs that will support the transition to healthy soils. Forty-five Living Labs have already been established, involving more than 500 real sites, including farms, across Europe. A further 60 to 70 sites are expected to become operational by 2028.
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