In order to maximise impact, flexibility and synergies, research and innovation activities under Pillar II are organised into six clusters that individually and together will promote interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, cross-policy, cross-border and international cooperation:

1. Health;
2. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Societies;
3. Civil Security for Society;
4. Digital, Industry & Space;
5. Climate, Energy and Mobility;
6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment.

Each cluster contributes towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and many SDGs are supported by more than one cluster.

EU Missions

EU Missions are a new way to bring concrete solutions to some of our greatest challenges. They have ambitious goals and will deliver concrete results by 2030.

The 5 EU Missions are:

1. Adaptation to Climate Change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030
2. 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
3. Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030
4. 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
5. A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030

They put research and innovation into a new role, combined with new forms of governance and collaboration, as well as by engaging citizens.

EU Missions are a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for the years 2021-2027.

They support Commission priorities, such as the European Green Deal, Europe fit for the Digital Age, Beating Cancer, and the New European Bauhaus. For instance, Mission Climate is already a concrete element of the new Climate Adaptation Strategy, Mission Cancer of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Mission Soil is a flagship initiative of the Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas.

The EU Delegations are coordinated efforts by the Commission to bring together the necessary resources to finance programs, policies and regulations, as well as other activities. They also aim to mobilize and activate public and private actors, such as EU Member States, regional and local authorities, research institutions, farmers and land managers, entrepreneurs and investors, to create real and lasting impact. The missions engage with citizens to accelerate the adoption of new solutions and approaches by society.

The EU Delegations support the transformation of Europe into a greener, healthier, more inclusive and sustainable continent. They aim to bring tangible benefits to people in Europe and involve Europeans in their design, implementation and monitoring.

What is funded under Pillar II?

The activities funded under Pillar II strengthen the impact of research and innovation on the development, support and implementation of EU policies, and promote the implementation of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges.

Each of the six clusters has a number of defined areas of activity that define the focus of joint calls for proposals.