The SOILL team gathered in the European capital on 3 and 4 December 2025 for two intensive days of connection, reflection, and forward-looking strategy. This timely series of events and meetings brought together partners and stakeholders at a pivotal moment, as the SOILL-Startup slowly fades out to leave the scene to SOILL-Stepup, which gets ready to kick off in early 2026.
Building on SOILL-Startup, SOILL-Stepup (2026-2027) is the second coordinated and support action which implements the activities and contribute to the objectives of the SOILL Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA). SOILL is implemented through a series of coordinated and support actions. The first one, SOILL-Startup (2024-2025) has played a crucial role in setting the foundations for the entire support structure. SOILL-Stepup will follow aiming to strengthen and expand the SOILL one-stop structure, improving and consolidating the services offered to Mission Soil Living Labs and Lighthouses, expanding the network and its services to applicants, as well as to aligned and emerging Europe-wide Soil Living LAbs and Lighthouses.
The gathering in Brussels offered an ideal opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen partnerships, and set a bold course for the next chapter of the support to EU Mission "A Soil Deal for Europe".
Connecting the Ecosystem of Living Labs
On 3 December, the day kicked off at the European Committee of the Regions with the SOILL Annual Engagement Event, where the central aim was to bring together all Living Labs funded under Mission Soil to strengthen synergies and coordination.
With the first and second waves of Mission Soil Living Labs meeting in person, the morning quickly became a vibrant hub of exchange. Participants shared practical experiences, insights, and lessons from the field, an invaluable preparation for the upcoming SOILL-Stepup phase.
SOILL Annual Engagement Event at Committee of the Regions in Brussels, 3 December 2025
The SOILL Open Conference "Shaping the Future of Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses in Europe" in the afternoon of the same day kept the momentum going. This broader forum welcomed policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and Mission Soil representatives to discuss how Living Labs can be better integrated into national and EU strategies.
Key discussions included:
- Updates on the progress of the Mission Soil, showcasing how Living Labs are translating restoration goals into concrete, local action;
- Reflections from first-wave Living Labs, highlighting both successful outcomes and ongoing challenges.
The dialogue brought together influential voices from the European Commission, notably DG AGRI, DG ENV, DG RTD, as well as the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) representatives. Contributions from Markku Markkula, Vice President at European Committee of the Regions, and Henri Delanghe, Head of the Research and Innovation Unit at DG AGRI, helped set the policy scene and enriched the debate.
Projects funded under Mission Soil, including Nemesis, LivingSoiLL, and SOILCRATES, also shared perspectives to align on future recommendations.
SOILL Open Conference at Committee of the Regions in Brussels, 3 December 2025
Looking Ahead: From SOILL-Startup to SOILL-Stepup
On 4 December, the Final Consortium Meeting brought partners together for a retrospective reflection on two years of intensive collaboration. Through interactive workshops, the team reviewed achievements and identified opportunities for improvement, setting the stage for the project's evolution.
SOILL-Startup partners at Final Consortium Meeting in Brussels, 4 December 2025
The focus swiftly shifted to the future with the first strategic session fully dedicated to SOILL-Stepup. With the new project launching early next year, the consortium began shaping future objectives and expected impacts. Teams explored upcoming work package tasks, discussing how to reinforce cooperation within the consortium and, above all, how to better support Living Labs across Europe in the next phase of the Mission.
SOILL-Startup partners at Final Consortium Meeting in Brussels, 4 December 2025
SOILL is ready to take on the next steps to accelerate Europe's transition toward healthy soils, building upon a strong network of stakeholders - which is already in place - and a clear vision for what comes next.