A novelty of Horizon Europe, and also an original concept in EU policy, bringing together several Commission services under the authority of nine College members, missions will support research to deliver on European priorities and find responses to some of the greatest challenges Europe is facing today: fighting cancer, adapting to climate change, protecting the ocean, seas and waters, living in greener cities and ensuring healthy soil and food. They are a new tool that includes a set of actions, such as research and innovation projects, policy measures and legislative initiatives, to achieve concrete goals with large societal impact and within a specified timeline. Five missions will aim to deliver solutions to key global challenges by 2030:

Adaptation to Climate Change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030;

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;

Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030;

100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030;

A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030.

Missions are anchored in Horizon Europe, and their implementation will go far beyond research and innovation to develop new solutions. They are operating as a portfolio of actions involving different instruments, business models and public and private investments at EU, national, regional and local levels. For missions to be successful, support from other European and national programmes will be crucial. Each mission will have a specific timeframe and budget tailored to its challenge and implementation plan.

Communication on EU missions and Implementation Plans

Source: https://era.gv.at/news-items/commission-launches-eu-missions-to-tackle-major-challenges/