DAILY NEWS

 

Brussels, 14 September 2026

EU Missions drive systemic change, new assessment shows

The five EU Missions in Horizon Europe are delivering tangible positive results in addressing some of Europe's most pressing societal challenges through scientific and technological innovation, according to a mid-term assessment published today by the European Commission.

All Missions are making steady progress towards their objectives – with the Climate Adaptation Mission having already met and surpassed its 2030 targets.

The five Missions are large-scale initiatives under Horizon Europe, the EU's multiannual research and innovation programme. They are designed to translate scientific and technological innovation into practical solutions that can be tested and deployed in real-life settings across Europe.

EU Missions advancing towards their goals

According to the assessment, all five EU Missions are making good progress towards their 2030 goals:

  • Climate Adaptation: The goal of this mission is to support at least 150 European regions, local authorities and communities to become climate resilient. The target has already been largely surpassed, with 292 regional and local authorities having already implemented climate adaptation measures.
  • Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: Its objective is to support at least 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality, and to inspire other cities across Europe. Currently, already 107 cities have Climate City Contracts. They are projected to cut emissions by 76% by 2030, backed by more than €13 billion in supported or developing investment.
  • Cancer: Its aim is to improve the lives of more than 3 million people through prevention, early detection, treatment and care for not only those affected by cancer, but also their families. The current actions show that it will be able to improve the lives of 2.3 million people by 2030. Upcoming projects expected to raise this figure beyond the target of 3 million.
  • Restore our Ocean and Waters: The goal is to restore the health of our ocean and waters by protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, reducing pollution and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. It has delivered 121 innovative solutions tested in 349 real-world demonstration sites, engaged 86 regions in replication efforts and secured over 1,000 Charter Actions from stakeholders. Under the Mission, the design of the core infrastructure of the European Digital Twin Ocean – expected to be fully operational by 2030 – was completed and is now accessible to all.
  • A Soil Deal for Europe: The Mission is progressing towards its goal of 100 Living Labs, with 45 already established. It involves over 500 real sites (such as farms) across Europe, and 60 to 70 additional ones are expected to become operational by 2028.

Background

The five EU Missions were launched in 2021 under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. They address pressing societal challenges – climate change, soil and waters health, and cancer – by going beyond traditional instruments and giving research and innovation a new role. Their clear, ambitious and time-bound objectives help mobilise coordinated action and support long-term societal transformation.

For more information

Quote(s)

 

 EU Missions bring policy, people and places together. By focusing our efforts on clear societal goals, we provide practical solutions to the people and communities who need them. This is how Europe delivers change at speed and scale. 

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)

 

Commission approves €52 million Romanian State aid for cattle farmers facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices

The European Commission has approved a €52 million (RON 277 million) Romanian State aid scheme for cattle farmers facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The aid will take the form of direct grants, with a maximum of €50,000 per company. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

On this basis, the Commission approved the Romanian scheme under EU State aid rules.

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

 

Commission clears acquisition of the Ingenico Group by Allianz

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Poseidon Holdco S.A.S. (together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Ingenico Group') of France by Allianz SE of Germany.

The transaction relates primarily to manufacture and supply of point-of-sale payment terminals and related payment-acceptance solutions and services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12601.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

Commission clears acquisition of Exolaunch by EFMS

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Exolaunch GmbH of Germany by EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (‘EFMS') of Luxembourg.

The transaction relates primarily to space-related services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission's competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12534.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

 

 

Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings

Note that these items can be subject to changes.

Upcoming events of the European Commission

Eurostat press releases

Calendar items of the President and Commissioners

Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners