Missions
Process
In order to design, monitor and assess the missions, five 'Mission Boards' were formed in 2019, to supprot the European Commission in specifying, designing and implementing missions for Horizon Europe. The formation of these Boards was the result of an open call for interest. Each one consisted of up to fifteen experts coming from innovation, research, policymaking, civil society and relevant organisations. In addition, each mission area also has an assembly that gathers a larger number of high-level experts. The assemblies provide an additional pool of ideas, knowledge and expertise that will be actively called upon to contribute to the success of the missions.
Mission Areas and proposals
During the September 2020 Research & Innovation Days of teh European Commission, each Mission Board presented a possible mission under their respective mission area. The Commission will announce its final selected missions at the end of 2020. The missions will launch in 2021 as part of Horizon Europe and European citizens will continue to be engaged in all phases of their implementation.
Cancer: Conquering Cancer: Mission Possible
Targets by 2030: more than 3 million more lives saved, living longer and better, achieve a thorough understanding of cancer, prevent what is preventable, optimise diagnosis and treatment, support the quality of life of all people exposed to cancer, and ensure equitable access to the above across Europe.
Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation: A Climate Resilient Europe - Prepare Europe for climate disruptions and accelerate the transformation to a climate resilient and just Europe by 2030
Targets by 2030: prepare Europe to deal with climate disruptions, accelerate the transition to a healthy and prosperous future within safe planetary boundaries and scale up solutions for resilience that will trigger transformations in society.
Healthy oceans, seas coastal and inland waters: Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters
Targets by 2030: cleaning marine and fresh waters, restoring degraded ecosystems and habitats, decarbonising the blue economy in order to sustainably harness the essential goods and services they provide.
Climate-neutral and smart cities: 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030 - by and for the citizens
Targets by 2030: support, promote and showcase 100 European cities in their systemic transformation towards climate neutrality by 2030 and turn these cities into innovation hubs for all cities, benefiting quality of life and sustainability in Europe.
Soil health and food: Caring for Soil is Caring for Life
Targets by 2030: at least 75% of all soils in the EU are healthy for food, people, nature and climate. The proposed mission combines research and innovation, education and training, investments and the demonstration of good practices using “Living labs” (experiments and innovation in a laboratory on the ground) and “Lighthouses” (places to showcase good practices).