What is the Mission Soil?

The EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (Mission Soil) is one of five Missions funded under the EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Programme Horizon Europe. Its goal is to create 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses by 2030 to promote sustainable land and soil management in urban and rural areas.

Learn more about this Mission

Living Labs and Lighthouses

Learn how Living Labs and Lighthouses can help to experiment and showcase good practices for sustainable land management. Work with researchers and land managers to find real-life solutions to societal challenges.

Learn more about Living Labs

Why is soil biodiversity important?

Delve into our latest video released for the annual World Biodiversity Day, on how initiatives led by Mission Soil are actively transforming the understanding around soil biodiversity into tangible results, ensuring healthier soils for a sustainable future.

Watch the video about soil biodiversity here

Latest news

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

SOILSCAPE launches EUR 2 million open call to promote soil literacy through art and creative engagement

A new EUR 2 million open call by the Mission Soil project SOILSCAPE invites artists and creatives to explore the power of soil through art, culture, and community engagement. Two funding tracks support local to transnational initiatives and a dedicated one to the Soil Orchestras. Apply by 30 September 2025.

Friday, 11 July 2025

SOILL Matchmaking Platform Now Live – Connect, Collaborate, Co-Create!

Preparing a proposal for the 2025 Mission Soil call? Join the SOILL Matchmaking Platform to connect with peers, form consortia, and co-design Living Labs. Create your profile, indicate your expertise, and start collaborating through online meetings. Register now and start building your network!

Thursday, 26 June 2025

African Union commits to soil health by signing Mission Soil Manifesto

European and African agriculture ministers gathered in Rome on 27 June for the sixth African Union (AU)-European Union (EU) Agriculture Ministerial Conference. They were joined by AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati and European Commissioner for agriculture and food Christophe Hansen. The conference focused on a wide range of issues impacting agriculture and the agri-food sectors on both continents like sustainability and climate resilience, investing in agri-food value chains, market access, trade facilitation and research and innovation. The African Union’s signature of the EU’s Mission Soil manifesto was part of the programme.