What are the Horizon Europe missions?
The EU missions are bold, inspiring and clearly visible projects for all citizens that demonstrate the added value of European investments in research and innovation.
Leading experts from across Europe have worked with the public to develop the following five missions. These will shape European research in the coming years.
- A resilient Europe to face climate change >> "Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change"
The aim of this mission is to prepare Europe to deal with climate change by 2030. The aim is to enable the transition to a healthy, prosperous future without exhausting the earth's ecological limits. The basis for this are social transformations that strengthen social resilience. The implementation of the “Mission Adaptation to Climate Change” is carried out at the European level by the “MIP4ADAPT platform” supports. Contact person: Michalis Tzatzanis
- Defeating cancer – Mission Possible >> "Mission: Cancer"
The mission “Defeat Cancer” aims to save more than 3 million lives by 2030 and improve the lifespan and quality of those affected. A better understanding of cancer and improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment should improve the quality of life of all affected people and ensure fair access to cancer treatment throughout Europe. The implementation of “Mission Cancer” is carried out at European level by the “Cancer Mission Implementation” platform and ECHoS: Establishing Cancer Mission Hubs: Networks and Synergies supports. Contact person: Ines Haberl
- Regenerate our seas and waterways by 2030 >> “Mission: Restore our Ocean, Seas and Waters by 2030.”
By 2030, seas and waters will be cleansed of pollution, damaged ecosystems and habitats will be restored, and the economy will be running in line with the concept of the "Blue Economy" CO 2-neutral. The aim of this mission is to make the essential goods and services that we obtain or derive from our seas and waters usable sustainably. The implementation is carried out at European level by the “Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal” supports. Contact person: Susanne Meissner-Dragosits
- 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 – with and for society >> "Mission: Climate Neutral and Smart Cities"
As part of this mission, 100 European cities will be supported and promoted as “living labs” for experiments and innovations on the path to climate neutrality. The implementation of “Mission Cities” is carried out at the European level by the NetZeroCities platform supports.
Contact person: Siegfried Loicht
- Healthy soils for a healthy life >> "Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe"
By 2030, 100 living labs and lighthouses will have been established, starting the transition to restoring healthy soils. Through the ground mission, Europe will be able to continue to provide essential ecosystem services on which we depend if we want healthy food and healthy nature. The implementation of “Mission Soil” is carried out at European level by the Mission Soil platform supports. Contact person: Theresa van Hoesel
The missions are implemented and financed by the relevant clusters of Horizon Europe. Following a preparatory phase, the European Commission adopted a communication on EU missions, including implementation plans, on 29 September 2021. These set out the direction and next steps for implementation at European, national and regional level.
Current developments and tenders at European level
In addition to the Green Deal missions, this also offers New European Bauhaus (NEB) starting points for these interdisciplinary subject areas.
NOTICE: The European Commission has provided the first drafts of the 2026/27 work programs - including this one Draft of the “Missions” program section. Please note: These are not final documents. There may still be significant changes before publication. You will find all drafts of the 2026/27 work programs bundled on the platform Horizon Europe Community Austria
[Tip] Also take a look at the weebsite "Explore the 5 EU Missions: Concrete solutions for our greatest challenges" under the motto “We are on a mission for 2030!”