An innovative approach to societal challenges
The EU Missions are an innovative approach to address pressing societal challenges. These Missions are part of the Horizon Europe 2021–2027 programme and aim to deliver concrete results by 2030 by putting research and innovation at the forefront, along with new forms of governance, collaboration and citizen engagement. The Missions seek to mobilise funding, policies, regulations, as well as various stakeholders, including regional and local authorities, Member States, universities, investors and citizens.
The five EU Missions
The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change
The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change aims to accompany at least 150 European regions and communities towards climate resilience by 2030.
The Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
The Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 seeks to support cities on their journey to climate neutrality, enabling them to roll out climate action plans and achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
The Mission on A Soil Deal for Europe
The Mission on A Soil Deal for Europe aims to establish 100 living labs and lighthouses to showcase good practices and lead the transition towards healthy soil by 2030.
The Mission on Restore our Oceans and Waters
The Mission on Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030 aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems and biodiversity, prevent and eliminate marine pollution, and create a carbon-neutral and circular blue economy.
The Mission on Cancer
The Mission on Cancer aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 by preventing cancer, curing it and helping those affected, including their families, to live longer and better.
EU Missions - Looking towards the next EU long-term budget
April 2026
ERRIN and the EU Missions
ERRIN has been actively engaged in the development of the EU Missions from the very beginning. Recognised as a key priority by the ERRIN Management Board, the Missions are central to our work supporting Europe’s green, digital and societal transformation.
Through our Working Groups, Task Forces, events and input papers, ERRIN has shaped the Missions in close dialogue with the European Commission.
Championing the Missions at political level: Together with Eurocities, ICLEI Europe, Energy Cities and the Resilient Cities Network, ERRIN recently sent a joint letter to Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, urging her to take political leadership of the EU Missions. The letter outlines how the Missions can help deliver the new Commission’s objectives: closing innovation gaps, accelerating decarbonisation and boosting European competitiveness. The message was also shared with other Commissioners to stress the need for joined-up political support across portfolios.
Contributing to Horizon Europe & FP10: ERRIN has consistently advocated for the Missions in Horizon Europe and in the development of Framework Programme 10 (FP10). ERRIN submitted detailed input during the Horizon 2014–2027 consultation and are pushing for strong Mission inclusion in FP10 to maintain momentum and long-term impact. In April 2026, a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next MFF was published and held a dedicated policy discussion with members to explore how to maintain and strengthen this approach beyond 2027, including stronger alignment between EU instruments and a clearer pathway from research to deployment and scale-up.
Strengthening Mission implementation: To ensure the Missions reach their full potential, ERRIN focuses on enabling effective implementation. In collaboration with the TRAMI project and NetZeroCities, ERRIN co-organised Mutual Learning Events that connect regions, academia and industry, helping bridge policy and practice. To fully realise the potential of the EU Missions, key improvements are needed:
- Strengthen coordination across all governance levels to tackle complex challenges more effectively.
- Break silos by aligning Missions, funding instruments, and existing EU initiatives.
- Clarify communication and stakeholder roles to boost engagement and impact.
- Invest in skills, especially transversal and future-oriented competences, to meet Mission goals.
ERRIN Secretariat
Contact the ERRIN Secretariat coordinating ERRIN's work on the EU Missions
