About the EU Mission Soil

The Mission Soil supports the creation of 100 living labs (places for on-the-ground experiments) and lighthouses (sites for showcasing good practices) that lead the transition towards healthy soils in rural and urban areas by 2030. The Mission Soil also carries out an ambitious research and innovation programme, advances soil monitoring in the EU, and increases the public’s participation for soil protection and restoration. Since its launch in 2021, over 300 million euros have been dedicated to its research agenda. Applications for the submission of research and innovation proposals under the latest work programme are open until 20 September 2023.

Mission Soil R&I projects

Some Western Balkans countries participate to Mission Soil projects, specifically:

Serbia

NATI00NS: National engagement activities to support the launch of the Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe’ 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses

SoilValues: Enhancing Soil health through Values-based business models

LOESS: Literacy boost through an Operational Educational Ecosystem of Societal actors on Soil health

SOILL: Support Structure for SOIL Living Labs

SoilWise: An open access knowledge and data repository to safeguard soils

North Macedonia           

HuMUS: Healthy MUnicipalities Soils

Kosovo(*UN resolution)

ISLANDR: Information-based Strategies for LAND Remediation

Open calls for proposals

New funding opportunities are open to contribute to the Mission Soil.

There are 9 different topics open for the submission of proposals. The projects are called to work on subsoil; soil pollution and digital tools; innovations to prevent and combat desertification; soil-friendly practices in horticulture; spatial planning; cultural and creative initiatives for bringing communities closer to soil, and establish the first wave of Living Labs.

There are also 2 joint calls with the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 and the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change.

Apply here: Search Funding & Tenders (europa.eu)

News

The Mission Soil Manifesto has been launched!

The Manifesto highlights the urgent need for action to protect soil health. It represents a key step for further local engagement by mobilising regions, municipalities, organisations, businesses, schools and other stakeholders, as well as citizens.

By signing the Mission Soil Manifesto, organisations and individuals can demonstrate their commitment to soil health protection and restoration and help to build momentum towards a more sustainable future. By becoming a soil advocate, anyone can make sure that no soil is being left alone.

Discover more and sign here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/mission-soil-manifesto

Event:

• Week of 20 November: Mission Soil Fair jointly with PREPSOIL and EUSO stakeholder forum (Madrid) – more details coming soon