EU launches 5 missions to tackle major challenges

On 29 September 2021, the European Commission has published long-awaited Communication on missions and officially launched five Horizon Europe missions. Mission represents a new and innovative way to work together and improve the lives of people in Europe and beyond. Their aim is to tackle big challenges in health, climate and the environment, and to achieve ambitious and inspiring goals in these areas. Specifically, it is: fighting cancer, adapting to climate change, protecting the ocean, seas and waters, living in greener cities and ensuring healthy soil and food. 

The missions support Commission priorities, such as the European Green Deal, Europe fit for the Digital Age, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, An economy that works for people and the New European Bauhaus.

Missions include a set of actions, such as research and innovation projects, policy measures and legislative initiatives, to achieve concrete goals with large societal impact and within a specified timeline.

Given that more than just research and innovation are needed to achieve the objectives of the missions, in addition to Horizon Europe resources, support from other European and national programs and public and private investments at EU, national, regional, and local levels will be crucial to achieve their goals. In order to be successful, each mission will have a specific timeframe and budget tailored to its challenge and implementation plan.

Following the launch of the missions, the work programs of Horizon Europe will be updated at the end of 2021.

More information can be found in the official press release.