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Strategic Analysis
This call targets the establishment of 4-5 Living Labs in either the Alpine or Atlantic biogeographical region to co-design and implement locally adapted solutions for soil health challenges. A winning proposal will demonstrate a robust multi-actor approach, clear methodologies for baseline monitoring and impact assessment, and a credible strategy for the long-term sustainability and scalability of the Living Labs beyond the project duration.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
support the establishment of four to five living labs either in the Alpine or in the Atlantic biogeographical region [7] . Proposals must clearly indicate which of these two biogeographical regions they focus on and must establish the majority of the living labs within the chosen biogeographical region. Living labs under each proposal should work together on common soil health challenge(s) relevant to the selected biogeographical region. The living labs must be located in at least three different Member States and/or Associated Countries. Proposals should explain the rationale and mechanism for cooperation within and across the living labs and how the work undertaken will contribute to one or more of the Mission’s specific objectives [8] . Proposals with all living labs focusing on soil heath on forests or natural/semi-natural land types are excluded from this topic as a dedicated topic is opened in this work programme (HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-02-two-stage: Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands);
establish an interdisciplinary, participatory and multi-actor approach in the living labs to co-design, co-develop, and co-implement locally adapted solutions (practices, tools, strategies, etc.) for the common soil health challenge(s) taking into account relevant soil health drivers and pressures [9] . Proposed solutions should be adapted to the different environmental, socio-economic and cultural contexts in which the living labs are operating;
establish for each living lab a baseline of the soil conditions to allow for an accurate co-assessment of the changes in the different sites over time. Monitor improvements on soil health and ecosystem associated services. The set of soil health indicators/descriptors presented in the proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience should be used as a basis; proposals may complement with additional indicators tailored to the addressed soil health challenge(s), pedoclimatic conditions, land use, and other local/regional factors;
assess and demonstrate the technical, social, economic, cultural and environmental viability of the proposed solutions, as well as their potential scalability and transferability to diverse contexts;
identify high performing sites that may be converted into lighthouses, either at proposal stage or later lighthouses;
propose strategies (e.g., financial, organisational) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the established living labs beyond the Horizon Europe funding. Strategies should include the identification of possible business models and actions involving a mix of public or private funding schemes, financial instruments, cooperation with local authorities, engagement of social economy entities, social enterprises, business communities, SMEs, as well as attracting investors and entrepreneurs.
enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I to co-create and co-implement economically viable soil health solutions;
improved soil health monitoring and increased availability of high quality, standardised soil data at local and regional level;
increased availability of practice-oriented knowledge for land managers and land users, leading to better adoption of effective soil health solutions in diverse contexts;
policy makers are more aware of local needs regarding soil health, including the factors that influence it, and can use this knowledge to design and implement more effective policies to enhance soil health, while considering the economic sustainability of solutions.
Set up 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soils by 2030.
Reduce land degradation relating to desertification.
Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks, no net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils.
Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration.
Prevent erosion.
Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops.
Reduce the EU global footprint on soils.
Increase soil literacy in society.
Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good health and well-being.
Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land.
Common Agricultural Policy
highThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the EU's framework for supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. It includes direct payments, market measures, and rural development programs, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, climate action, and biodiversity protection under its Green Architecture.
Recent reforms (2023-2027) integrate eco-schemes, conditionality rules (e.g., Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions), and agri-environment-climate measures to align with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how the project aligns with CAP's eco-schemes or rural development measures, particularly those targeting soil health (e.g., crop rotation, cover crops, reduced tillage).
Proposals should highlight synergies with CAP Strategic Plans at the national/regional level, especially for forestry and semi-natural lands, and show how outcomes contribute to CAP's environmental objectives (e.g., soil carbon sequestration, reduced erosion).
Inclusion of farmers, foresters, or land managers in living labs is critical, as is evidence of how results could inform future CAP policy or implementation.
European Green Deal
highThe European Green Deal is the EU’s roadmap for making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It encompasses policies and initiatives across sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and health, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainability, and protect biodiversity. The Green Deal also emphasizes a just transition, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the environmental sustainability of health and care systems, particularly how reducing low-value care can contribute to the Green Deal’s goals (e.g., reducing waste, improving resource efficiency). Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions align with circular economy principles, climate neutrality targets, or sustainable procurement practices in health care.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
highThe EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a core part of the European Green Deal, aiming to restore ecosystems, halt biodiversity loss, and enhance resilience. Key targets include protecting 30% of EU land and sea, restoring degraded ecosystems, and integrating biodiversity into agriculture, forestry, and other land-use sectors.
It emphasizes nature-based solutions, strict protection of primary and old-growth forests, and the expansion of the Natura 2000 network. The strategy also calls for legally binding restoration targets, which are addressed in the proposed Nature Restoration Law.
Evaluators expect proposals to explicitly link soil health improvements to biodiversity outcomes, such as enhanced soil biodiversity, reduced erosion, or restored ecosystem functions (e.g., water retention, nutrient cycling).
Proposals should demonstrate how living labs contribute to the strategy's targets, such as restoring 3 billion trees by 2030 or improving forest resilience. Integration with Natura 2000 sites or other protected areas is a plus.
Co-design with conservation stakeholders and alignment with the Nature Restoration Law (once adopted) will strengthen the proposal.
EU Soil Strategy for 2030
highThe EU Soil Strategy for 2030 sets out a framework to achieve healthy soils by 2050, with concrete actions by 2030. It aims to address soil degradation, improve soil health monitoring, and promote sustainable soil management across land uses, including agriculture, forestry, and urban areas.
Key objectives include reducing soil sealing, combating desertification, and increasing soil organic carbon. The strategy also underpins the proposed Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive, which seeks to establish a harmonized EU-wide soil health monitoring system.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly address the strategy's core objectives, such as improving soil health indicators (e.g., organic carbon, biodiversity, structure) in forests and semi-natural lands.
Proposals should demonstrate how living labs will test or validate sustainable soil management practices (e.g., reduced compaction, organic amendments, agroforestry) and contribute to the strategy's targets, such as zero net land degradation by 2030.
Alignment with the proposed Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive is critical, including the use of harmonized soil health indicators and data-sharing mechanisms.
proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive
highThe proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive (often referred to as the Soil Health Law) is a key legislative initiative stemming from the EU Soil Strategy for 2030. Its primary goal is to establish a robust and harmonized framework for monitoring soil health across the EU, ensuring that all soils are in a healthy condition by 2050.
It proposes common definitions for soil health, a framework for monitoring, and requirements for Member States to identify degraded soils, implement restoration measures, and report on progress.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how living labs will contribute to the objectives of the proposed Directive, particularly regarding soil health monitoring and data collection.
Proposals should outline the use of harmonized soil health indicators, contribute to the development or testing of monitoring methodologies, and show how data generated can feed into national or EU-level soil health assessments.
Emphasis on identifying degraded soils and testing restoration measures in line with the Directive's aims will be highly valued.
Zero Pollution Action Plan
highThe Zero Pollution Action Plan is a key component of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce pollution to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems by 2050. It sets 2030 targets to reduce air, water, and soil pollution, including a 50% reduction in nutrient losses and 30% reduction in microplastics released into the environment.
The plan emphasizes a preventive approach, integrating pollution reduction into all relevant policies, including agriculture, industry, and transport. It also calls for improved monitoring and enforcement of existing pollution laws.
Evaluators expect proposals to address how living labs will contribute to reducing soil pollution (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics) in forests and semi-natural lands, aligning with the plan's 2030 targets.
Proposals should demonstrate how soil health improvements (e.g., enhanced organic matter, reduced erosion) can mitigate pollution risks, such as nutrient runoff or sediment transport into water bodies.
Integration with existing pollution monitoring systems (e.g., European Environment Agency frameworks) and collaboration with environmental agencies is encouraged.
Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU
mediumThe Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU (COM/2024/98 final) outlines a strategic approach to enhance the EU's competitiveness and resilience in these critical technological areas. It aims to address bottlenecks, foster innovation, and accelerate the development and deployment of biotechnological solutions across various sectors, including health, agriculture, and industry.
The communication emphasizes creating an enabling environment through R&D support, skilled workforce development, and streamlined regulatory processes.
Evaluators would expect proposals to demonstrate how the living labs integrate or leverage advanced biotechnological solutions (e.g., microbial technologies, bio-based products for soil improvement, biosensors) that align with the communication's goal of fostering innovation and competitiveness in the EU's biotech sector.
Proposals could highlight how their approach contributes to the development or scaling up of novel bio-based solutions for sustainable land management, potentially linking to biomanufacturing processes if applicable.
Specific requirements
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Multi-actor approach required
Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach as defined in the introduction to this work programme part.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in the introduction to this work programme part. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — Proposals must focus on one of the two designated biogeographical regions: Alpine or Atlantic, i.e., the majority of the living labs of each proposal must be located in one of these two biogeographical regions. Proposals must clearly indicate which biogeographical region they focus on. To ensure a balanced portfolio covering different biogeographical regions, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to those that are the highest ranked within Alpine or Atlantic biogeographical regions, provided that the applications attain all thresholds.[[ Biogeographical regions in Europe according to the European Environmental Agency.]] are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — The overall threshold for the second stage evaluation will be 12, with a minimum threshold of 4 for the ‘Excellence’ criterion. are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties to facilitate active involvement of smaller actors (e.g. land managers and owners such as farmers, SMEs or civil societies) in one or more of the living labs of the project. The support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants (further to calls or, if duly justified, without a call for proposals). The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is EUR 60 000. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that clearly articulate a focus on one specific biogeographical region (Alpine OR Atlantic) and demonstrate how the proposed Living Labs will collectively address common soil health challenges relevant to that region. Strong emphasis will be placed on the genuine multi-actor engagement, the interdisciplinary nature of the approach, the use of indicators from the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive for baseline and monitoring, and concrete plans for identifying lighthouses and ensuring the financial and organisational sustainability of the Living Labs.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1support the establishment of four to five living labs either in the Alpine or in the Atlantic biogeographical region [7] . Proposals must clearly indicate which of these two biogeographical regions they focus on and must establish the majority of the living labs within the chosen biogeographical region. Living labs under each proposal should work together on common soil health challenge(s) relevant to the selected biogeographical region. The living labs must be located in at least three different Member States and/or Associated Countries. Proposals should explain the rationale and mechanism for cooperation within and across the living labs and how the work undertaken will contribute to one or more of the Mission’s specific objectives [8] . Proposals with all living labs focusing on soil heath on forests or natural/semi-natural land types are excluded from this topic as a dedicated topic is opened in this work programme (HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-02-two-stage: Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2establish an interdisciplinary, participatory and multi-actor approach in the living labs to co-design, co-develop, and co-implement locally adapted solutions (practices, tools, strategies, etc.) for the common soil health challenge(s) taking into account relevant soil health drivers and pressures [9] . Proposed solutions should be adapted to the different environmental, socio-economic and cultural contexts in which the living labs are operating; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3establish for each living lab a baseline of the soil conditions to allow for an accurate co-assessment of the changes in the different sites over time. Monitor improvements on soil health and ecosystem associated services. The set of soil health indicators/descriptors presented in the proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience should be used as a basis; proposals may complement with additional indicators tailored to the addressed soil health challenge(s), pedoclimatic conditions, land use, and other local/regional factors; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4assess and demonstrate the technical, social, economic, cultural and environmental viability of the proposed solutions, as well as their potential scalability and transferability to diverse contexts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5identify high performing sites that may be converted into lighthouses, either at proposal stage or later lighthouses; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6propose strategies (e.g., financial, organisational) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the established living labs beyond the Horizon Europe funding. Strategies should include the identification of possible business models and actions involving a mix of public or private funding schemes, financial instruments, cooperation with local authorities, engagement of social economy entities, social enterprises, business communities, SMEs, as well as attracting investors and entrepreneurs. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1enhanced capacities for participatory, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary R&I to co-create and co-implement economically viable soil health solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2improved soil health monitoring and increased availability of high quality, standardised soil data at local and regional level; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3increased availability of practice-oriented knowledge for land managers and land users, leading to better adoption of effective soil health solutions in diverse contexts; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4policy makers are more aware of local needs regarding soil health, including the factors that influence it, and can use this knowledge to design and implement more effective policies to enhance soil health, while considering the economic sustainability of solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Contribution from Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (SSHA)An effective contribution from social sciences, humanities and the arts (SSHA) is expected to foster social innovation, knowledge transfer and socio-cultural and behavioural change. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Multi-actor approach and stakeholder engagement in living labsProjects must adopt the multi-actor approach, involving researchers, landowners, industry/SMEs, public administrators, and civil society representatives, clearly describing their capabilities, roles, and resources. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Collaboration and resource allocation for SOILLDedicated tasks and appropriate resources should be envisaged to collaborate with SOILL for capacity building, knowledge exchange, promotion, dissemination, networking, and regular monitoring activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Synergies with Mission Soil projects and clustering activitiesProposals should include dedicated tasks and resources to collaborate with relevant projects and initiatives, including those funded under Mission Soil, and participate in Mission Soil clustering activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Cooperation with European research infrastructures (ESFRI)Proposals are encouraged to consider, where relevant, the data, expertise, and services offered by European research infrastructures (ESFRI). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Coordination with HE Partnerships and EIP-AGRI operational groupsProposals are encouraged to cooperate with the Horizon Europe Partnerships on Agroecology and on Sustainable Food Systems, as well as relevant local networks such as EIP-AGRI operational groups. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Open access and collaboration with EUSO and SoilWiseProposals must demonstrate a route towards open access, longevity, and interoperability of knowledge through collaboration with the European Union Soil Observatory (EUSO) and the SoilWise project, making data and maps publicly available via EUSO. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Adherence to FAIR data principlesConcrete efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of the funded project is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Set up 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition to healthy soils by 2030. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Reduce land degradation relating to desertification. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks, no net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Prevent erosion. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Reduce the EU global footprint on soils. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Increase soil literacy in society. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good health and well-being. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI10Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1common agricultural policyThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the EU's framework for supporting farmers, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. It includes direct payments, market measures, and rural development programs, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, climate action, and biodiversity protection under its Green Architecture . Recent reforms (2023-2027) integrate eco-schemes, conditionality rules (e.g., Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions), and agri-environment-climate measures to align with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european green dealThe European Green Deal is the EU’s roadmap for making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It encompasses policies and initiatives across sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and health, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainability, and protect biodiversity. The Green Deal also emphasizes a just transition, ensuring that no one is left behind. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu biodiversity strategy for 2030The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a core part of the European Green Deal , aiming to restore ecosystems, halt biodiversity loss, and enhance resilience. Key targets include protecting 30% of EU land and sea , restoring degraded ecosystems, and integrating biodiversity into agriculture, forestry, and other land-use sectors. It emphasizes nature-based solutions , strict protection of primary and old-growth forests, and the expansion of the Natura 2000 network. The strategy also calls for legally binding restoration targets, which are addressed in the proposed Nature Restoration Law . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu soil strategy for 2030The EU Soil Strategy for 2030 sets out a framework to achieve healthy soils by 2050, with concrete actions by 2030. It aims to address soil degradation, improve soil health monitoring, and promote sustainable soil management across land uses, including agriculture, forestry, and urban areas. Key objectives include reducing soil sealing, combating desertification, and increasing soil organic carbon. The strategy also underpins the proposed Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive , which seeks to establish a harmonized EU-wide soil health monitoring system. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5proposal for a soil monitoring and resilience directiveThe proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive (often referred to as the Soil Health Law) is a key legislative initiative stemming from the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 . Its primary goal is to establish a robust and harmonized framework for monitoring soil health across the EU, ensuring that all soils are in a healthy condition by 2050. It proposes common definitions for soil health, a framework for monitoring, and requirements for Member States to identify degraded soils, implement restoration measures, and report on progress. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6zero pollution action planThe Zero Pollution Action Plan is a key component of the European Green Deal , aiming to reduce pollution to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems by 2050. It sets 2030 targets to reduce air, water, and soil pollution, including a 50% reduction in nutrient losses and 30% reduction in microplastics released into the environment. The plan emphasizes a preventive approach , integrating pollution reduction into all relevant policies, including agriculture, industry, and transport. It also calls for improved monitoring and enforcement of existing pollution laws. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Multi-actor approach required
Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach as defined in the introduction to this work programme part.
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