On 18-19 January, the European Commission organized the EU Missions info days. European Union (EU) missions are a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for 2021-2027 aiming to address some of the greatest challenges facing our society. During the EU Missions info days, the European Commission provided information about the new topics included in the EU Missions work programme 2021 – 2022.
There are 5 main mission areas as part of Horizon Europe, one of which is dedicated to the ocean. The five mission areas are:
- Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030;
- Adaptation to Climate Change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030;
- Cancer: improving the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and for those affected by cancer including their families, to live longer and better;
- 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030; and
- A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030.
The objectives of Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ are to[1]:
- Restore marine and fresh water ecosystems and biodiversity;
- Prevent and eliminate pollution from ocean, seas and waters; and
- Create a sustainable, carbon-neutral and circular Blue Economy;
The mission also includes two cross-cutting enablers:
- Digital ocean and water knowledge system; and
- Public mobilization and engagement, especially from young generations.
Speaking of marine research, do you know how we know what we know about the ocean? Explore the Map of the Week to see different marine research facilities across Europe. Click on the map to see the key characteristics for each facility, including links and contacts to access further details provided by the operators of these facilities.
The data in this map are provided by EurOcean.
[1] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news/eu214-million-available-eu-missions-calls-2022-01-12_en