Introduction to the project
SOILL is an EU funded initiative supporting the deployment of the 100 Mission Soil Living Labs and Lighthouses (MSLLs/LHs) established under the Horizon Europe Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, to lead the transition towards healthy soils in Europe.
Mission Soil LLs are places where to experiment on the ground. They are user-centred, place-based and transdisciplinary research and innovation ecosystems that involve multiple partners (e.g. regional and local authorities, land managers, scientists, citizens, businesses) to co-design, test, monitor and evaluate solutions in real-life settings for improving soil health.
Project in Action
SOILL supports, enlarges and promotes the network of 100 Mission Soil Living Labs and Lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils across different settings, geographical and socio-economic contexts all over Europe. To this scope, SOILL-Stepup offers the Living Labs and Lighthouses a comprehensive framework of support, including capacity building, knowledge exchange, promotion, and regular monitoring.
SOILL also supports interested stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, in applying to the Horizon Europe Mission Soil calls for proposals on the LLs topics.
ERRIN's Role
ERRIN is leading the work on fostering collaboration and synergies within the MSLLs and LHs as well as within the wider SOILL community. ERRIN is establishing connections, dialogue and partnerships with various stakeholders, including potential applicants, existing SHLL/LHs funded outside the Mission, relevant projects and initiatives at local, regional, national and European levels, while fostering links with the EU Missions. ERRIN is also leading the SOILL Working Groups, a dedicated space for Living Labs and key stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, to exchange knowledge in advancing healthy soils across Europe.
Benefit for members and links with ERRIN's WGs and priorities
The Bioeconomy Working Group has led ERRIN’s efforts on the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ over the past years, including the development of input papers, launching the Mission Soil Manifesto and organising meetings with the European Commission. ERRIN’s participation in SOILL ensures that Natural Resouces and Adaptation Cluster members learn from pioneering Living Labs, engaging with frontrunning initiatives with a high potential for replication. They will also share effective practices and innovative approaches from the wider SOILL community on how to embed the Soil Mission in regional policies and align with other EU Missions. Networking opportunities will be provided to local and regional stakeholders to build consortia and project proposals to establish long-term partnerships, to replicate good practices and to effectively apply for forthcoming Horizon Europe funding opportunities to establish new Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses.
Call to Action
Join the SOILL Working Groups
To strengthen collaboration, accelerate knowledge exchange, and support the advancement of soil health across Europe, SOILL launched three dedicated Working Groups (WGs) within the Soil Community:
The WGs are designed primarily for the Mission Soil Living Labs (LL) and participation is also open to key stakeholder groups committed to soil health, including local and regional authorities.
Join the SOILL Community: unlock collaborations and opportunities within the Soil Mission
By joining the SOILL Community, stakeholders will access to a centralised hub of information on Soil Mission Living Labs (SHLL) and Lighthouses (LHs), benefit from regular updates on progress and achievements, and engage in knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, matchmaking tools for potential applicants to the Mission Soil calls, policy support documents and capacity-building programmes will be available.
https://www.soill2030.eu/form/stakeholder-map-framework-form.
Latest Updates
- By Silvia Ghiretti
The European Commission publishes the EU Missions mid-term assessment
On 14 September, the European Commission published its mid-term assessment of the EU Missions, highlighting progress across all five Missions and recognising the mission-oriented approach as an effective model for addressing complex societal challenges. For ERRIN, the assessment reinforces the case for maintaining and strengthening the Missions in the next EU long-term budget, while ensuring that the next phase is better equipped to translate research and innovation into deployment, scale-up and territorial impact.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Discover ERRIN's autumn 2026 activities
ERRIN’s revised Annual Plans for 2026 are now available, outlining the upcoming activities, priorities and opportunities for engagement across ERRIN’s Working Groups for the remainder of the year. Each year, ERRIN’s member-led Working Groups develop Annual Plans that set out their strategic priorities, planned activities and key objectives. Shaped by members’ feedback and expertise, these plans ensure that ERRIN’s work remains closely connected to the needs and priorities of its regional and local innovation ecosystems.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Join the SOILL Working Groups
SOILL Stepup, project in which ERRIN is a partner, has launched three Working Groups to provide a dedicated space for knowledge exchange among Mission Soil Living Labs and local ecosystems, with the aim of advancing soil health at the territorial level. Interested individuals can join the Working Groups and participate to the peer-learning activities.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget
ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN contributes to the assessment on citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions
On 24 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the assessment of citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions. The consultation, led by the EFIS Centre in partnership with Technopolis Group on behalf of DG RTD (European Commission), aimed to gather feedback from key stakeholders across Europe to inform the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions.
- By Maria Bostrom
Deadline extended: Contribute to the 2026 assessment of EU Missions
ERRIN invites its members – regional and local authorities, research and innovation organisations, higher education institutions, etc. – to contribute to the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions by completing a short survey open until 31 October 2025.