14 Sep 2026
EC publishes mid-term assessment on Missions in Horizon Europe
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission published a mid-term assessment of the five EU Missions in Horizon Europe. According to the assessment, all five Missions are delivering tangible positive results in addressing some of Europe's most pressing societal challenges through scientific and technological innovation, and are making good progress towards their 2030 goals:
- Climate Adaptation: The goal of this mission is to support at least 150 European regions, local authorities and communities to become climate resilient. The target has already been largely surpassed, with 292 regional and local authorities having already implemented climate adaptation measures.
- Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: Its objective is to support at least 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality, and to inspire other cities across Europe. Currently, already 107 cities have Climate City Contracts. They are projected to cut emissions by 76% by 2030, backed by more than €13 billion in supported or developing investment.
- Cancer: Its aim is to improve the lives of more than 3 million people through prevention, early detection, treatment and care for not only those affected by cancer, but also their families. The current actions show that it will be able to improve the lives of 2.3 million people by 2030. Upcoming projects expected to raise this figure beyond the target of 3 million.
- Restore our Ocean and Waters: The goal is to restore the health of our ocean and waters by protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, reducing pollution and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. It has delivered 121 innovative solutions tested in 349 real-world demonstration sites, engaged 86 regions in replication efforts and secured over 1,000 Charter Actions from stakeholders. Under the Mission, the design of the core infrastructure of the European Digital Twin Ocean – expected to be fully operational by 2030 – was completed and is now accessible to all.
- A Soil Deal for Europe: The Mission is progressing towards its goal of 100 Living Labs, with 45 already established. It involves over 500 real sites (such as farms) across Europe, and 60 to 70 additional ones are expected to become operational by 2028.
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