Mission Update

The Mission Soil has made significant strides in promoting sustainable soil management across Europe. With its holistic approach, it crosses policy, programme and governance boundaries, involving an increased number of citizens in implementation and monitoring. 

With EUR 466 million allocated to research and innovation, the Mission has 50 projects underway and another 13 about to start. A new call for proposals will open in 2025, providing further opportunities to support research, innovation and practical solutions for healthier soils across Europe. 

The Mission is also leveraging additional resources from other parts of the EU budget and the private sector. A further 20 Living Labs will be funded in 2025. By 2030, thousands of sites across Europe will encourage co-creation and implementation of sustainable soil management in various landscapes (agriculture, forests, industrial, natural and urban areas). 

The Mission continues to bring together various stakeholders (researchers, land managers, businesses, urban planners, citizens and public authorities) at different levels, from the EU to regional and local. 

At the European Mission Soil Week 2024 (EMSW), held in Brussels last November, the critical role of soils in climate resilience, water management and biodiversity conservation stimulated discussions on best practices, innovative projects and upcoming policy developments. Interactive breakout sessions explored the latest research findings, on-the-ground initiatives and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to support the Mission Soil’s ambitious targets across different land uses.