European research and innovation missions aim to deliver solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our world. They are an integral part of the Horizon Europe framework programme beginning in 2021. Each mission is a mandate to solve a pressing challenge in society within a certain timeframe and budget. They were instructed to be bold, inspirational and widely relevant to society; be clearly framed: targeted, measurable and time-bound; establish impact-driven but realistic goals; mobilise resources; link activities across different disciplines and different types of research and innovation; drive a systemic change and transform landscapes rather than fix problems in existing ones; make it easier for citizens to understand the value of investments in research and innovation.

Five areas were chosen to establish missions: 
  • Conquering Cancer: Mission Possible
    • 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.
  • A Climate Resilient Europe
  • Prepare Europe for climate disruptions and accelerate the transformation to a climate resilient and just Europe by 2030
    • 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.
  • Mission Starfish 2030: Restore our Ocean and Waters
    • 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.
  • 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030 - by and for the citizens
    • 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.
  • Caring for Soil is Caring for Life
    • 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).