The European Commission has officially launched two new Mission Soil topics focused on Living Labs as part of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025, aimed at expanding the network of Soil Health Living Labs across Europe. These new funding opportunities will support the creation and establishment of 20 Living Labs through collaborative projects focused on innovative, regionally grounded solutions for improving soil health.
The calls, published on May 15, 2025, invite applicants to submit proposals for the following topics:
- Living Labs for Soil Remediation and Green Redevelopment of Brownfield (HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-01)
This topic targets the regeneration of brownfield sites, previously industrial or commercial areas now in decline, through Living Labs that co-develop and test nature-based solutions for soil remediation and sustainable urban redevelopment. These efforts align with the New European Bauhaus and aim to bring new life to underused land within urban areas.- Single Stage submission
- Expected EU contribution per project: €12 million
- Indicative budget: €12 million
- Deadline: 30 September 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time)
Download the template of the application form
This topic supports the deployment of 4–5 Living Labs per project in the Continental, Boreal, and Alpine biogeographical regions, areas facing distinct but pressing soil-related challenges. By deploying Living Labs in these geographies, the EU aims to foster region-specific solutions, promote sustainable land use practices, and strengthen soil governance in real-world settings. Each proposal should focus on one biogeographical region, with Living Labs established across at least three EU Member States and/or Associated Countries.
- Two Stage submission
- Expected EU contribution per project: €12 million
- Indicative budget: EUR 36.00 million
- Deadline:
- First stage: 4 September 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time)
- Second stage: 18 February 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time)
Download the template of the application form
Both topics are Research and Innovation Actions, providing 100% EU funding and requiring a multi-actor approach, including support to third parties.
Read info on Financial Support to Third Parties
Support for Applicants: Tools, Guidance and Events from SOILL
To guide interested stakeholders through these Living Lab topics, SOILL provides an integrated support framework that goes beyond information, fostering real partnerships and ensuring every applicant has the resources they need.
The Help Desk of the SOILL HUB, which will officially be launched on 5 June 2025 - World Environment Day, offers timely responses to technical or thematic queries, while the online Matchmaking Platform helps you identify and connect with potential project partners across Europe. Promotional materials, including detailed factsheets and flyer, will be released soon to ensure all applicants have access to clear, concise guidance on scope, eligibility, and application tips.
In addition, a series of interactive engagement events, hosted in multiple European cities and online, will bring together prospective applicants and experienced Mission Soil Living Lab leaders. These events will feature panel discussions, matchmaking sessions, and brokerage opportunities focused specifically on the 2025 topics. The first events supporting these new Living Lab topics are scheduled as follows:
- 26 May – Brussels (Hybrid): PREPSOIL Final Event
This event will showcase how SOILL-Startup builds on the outcomes of the PREPSOIL project to expand the Living Lab approach, ensure continuity across regions, and strengthen the deployment of the Mission Soil across Europe. - 4 June – Brussels (Hybrid): Organic Agriculture and Agroecology
Targeted at organisations interested in collaborative platforms for sustainable soil management, this event explores how organic and agroecological practices can be integrated within Living Labs. 11 June – Turin (Hybrid): Mission Soil Living Labs and Soil Literacy
Focusing on the critical role of soil literacy in supporting the success and long-term impact of Living Labs, this event will bring together land managers, researchers, educators, public authorities, and others to strengthen community engagement and awareness in the context of the 2025 Mission Soil topics.
Get involved, join the upcoming SOILL engagement events to connect with partners, get practical guidance, and hear from those already leading Living Labs on the ground.