The EU Mission for Soil – A European Pact for Healthy Soils by 2030

The European Union Missions (EU Missions) are among the most ambitious initiatives of the Horizon Europe programme, designed to tackle in a coordinated way some of the greatest global challenges: climate change, cancer, soil health, the restoration of the marine environment, and the development of climate-neutral and smart cities. These are large-scale actions that set clear, measurable and time-bound targets, while bringing together research, policy, innovation and citizens under a shared vision.

One of the most pivotal missions is the “European Soil Deal – A Soil Deal for Europe”, which aims to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030. Soil health is a matter of vital importance for food production, water quality, biodiversity, carbon storage, and the resilience of ecosystems to climate change.

100 Living Labs and Lighthouses: The Heart of the Mission

A central objective of the mission is the creation of 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses across Europe. Living Labs are collaborative spaces where scientists, farmers, businesses, citizens and policymakers co-create, test and evaluate solutions that can be applied directly to soil management. Lighthouses serve as demonstration sites that showcase in practice the potential and benefits of these solutions.

By 2024, 25 Living Labs have already been established in more than 250 real-world locations, and by 2027 this number will reach 100, marking a pan-European mobilisation for the restoration and protection of soils.

Monitoring Soil Health: A Robust European Framework

The mission is accompanied by a reinforced soil health monitoring system, implemented through the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO). Using a modern dashboard, 19 critical indicators are monitored, relating to erosion, desertification, pollution, carbon stocks and biodiversity. This approach enables the assessment of progress and timely intervention wherever needed.

A Community for Soil and the Soil Manifesto

Raising awareness and mobilising society are key pillars of the mission. More than 600 legal entities, such as municipalities, regions, public and private bodies, universities and organisations, as well as 2,600 citizens, have already signed the Mission Soil Manifesto, a non-legally binding document that expresses a commitment to protect and restore soils. Signing it strengthens public participation, information and cooperation around soil health issues.

Synergies and European Policies

The Soil Mission operates in direct synergy with the EU’s major policies and strategies: the European Green Deal, the EU Soil Strategy, the proposed Soil Monitoring Law, the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). At the same time, it mobilises significant resources, as investments of over €40 billion are planned through the CAP alone for actions that contribute to improving soil quality.

A Shared European Future with Healthy Soils

The “European Soil Deal” mission represents a collective and coordinated effort with a European dimension. Its success relies on the collaboration of scientists, farmers, citizens, businesses and decision-makers. Soil protection is not merely an environmental necessity; it is a foundation for food production, ecosystem resilience and the well-being of future generations.

Through methodical action, innovation and societal participation, Europe is steadily moving towards a future where healthy soils are a shared asset and a strong basis for sustainable development.

European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, EU mission, a soil deal for Europe, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/4948116