EU invests €95.5 billion for Research and Innovation. First calls already opened. However EU globally invests only 1.5% of GDP, against 2.1 in U.S., 2.6 in Japan, 1.7 in China and 3.6 in South Corea.
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Latest decisions
The EU Council yesterday adopted a set of legal acts aimed at complementing the legal framework around Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation for the years 2021 to 2027.
These legal acts are the following :
- a decision establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe, setting out the operational objectives and types of activities envisaged for implementing Horizon Europe;
- a regulation on the Euratom programme complementing Horizon Europe, ensuring the continuation of nuclear research and training activities with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection;
- amendments to the regulation on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed mainly at enhancing the financial sustainability and openness of Knowledge and Innovation Communities;
- a decision on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, setting out the priority fields and strategy of the EIT for the period 2021-2027 by defining the EIT’s objectives, key actions, mode of operation, expected results and resources needed.
Horizon Europe Inside
The EU Council and the European Parliament agreed on Horizon Europe 2021-2027, with a whole budget of €95.5 billion for 5 main 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).