EU Missions aim to bring concrete solutions to some of the greatest challenges by following ambitious goals to concrete results by 2030 by putting research and innovation into a new role, combined with new forms of governance and collaboration, as well as by engaging citizens.

EU Missions are a coordinated effort by the Commission to pool the necessary resources in terms of funding programmes, policies and regulations, as well as other activities. They also aim to mobilise and activate public and private actors, such as EU Member States, regional and local authorities, research institutes, farmers and land managers, entrepreneurs and investors to create a real and lasting impact. Missions engage with citizens to boost societal uptake of new solutions and approaches.

The 5 EU Missions

1. Adaptation to Climate Change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030. Mission Climate is a concrete element of the new Climate Adaptation Strategy.
   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.
2. Cancer: working with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and solutions to live longer and better. Mission Cancer is part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
   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.
3. Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030
   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.
4. 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
   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.
5. A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030. Mission Soil is a flagship initiative of the Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas.
   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).

Mission managers in the European Commission were appointed to lead EU Missions and be their public face. Mission Boards advise on the definition and implementation of the Missions. During the Missions' design phase also Assemblies were established that gathered a larger number of high-level experts providing an additional pool of ideas, knowledge and expertise.