Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) Update   

As we near the end of a very busy 2023, it is hard to believe we are already fast approaching the mid-point of Horizon Europe and indeed the co-creation process of developing the second Horizon Europe Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 is already well underway. This Strategic Plan will set out the policy priorities for the remainder of Horizon Europe, as well as expected impacts. It will be the basis for the remaining work programmes of the various Clusters. It is perhaps a good time to take stock of the performance of Irish participants in Cluster 6 to date.  

Irish participation to date:  

To date, Irish participants have drawn down approximately €62M (Source: EU Dashboard) under Cluster 6. This figure does not include many proposals recommended for funding in 2023 that are in the process of finalising their grant agreements. Based on grant agreements being finalised, we would estimate a total drawdown of approximately €87M which is just over 3% of the overall budget available. Two-stage proposals and reserve list proposals are still being evaluated – this should further add to the total.   

Key figures are:

• 224 successful participations representing a success rate of over 30% for applicants.

• 23 successful projects with Irish Coordinators

• TEAGASC ranked 7th in Europe in terms of funding in Cluster 6 

This is a very solid performance from the Irish research community so well done to all successful participants.

• Biodiversity and ecosystem services

• Fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly food systems

• Circular economy and the bioeconomy

• Clean environment and zero pollution

• Lands, oceans and water for climate action

• Resilient, inclusive and healthy and green, rural coastal and urban communities

• Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the 

Green Deal

If you missed the Cluster 6 Information Days, watch the recording to learn more about the topics open for funding and how to apply! 

EU Missions Update: Adaptation to Climate Change  

The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change focuses on supporting EU regions, cities and local authorities in their efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The Mission contributes to putting the EU’s adaptation strategy in practice by helping the regions to:

  •   better understand the climate risks they will be confronted with in the future

  •   develop their pathways to be better prepared and cope with the changing climate

  •   test and deploy on-the-ground innovative solutions needed to build resilience.

The Mission's objective is to assist at least 150 European regions in their journeys to climate resilience by 2050.

The Mission aims to get a wide range of regions and communities on board and assist them, alongside their national adaptation strategy, on their specific journey, whether they are just starting out or are already taking steps towards adaptation to climate risks.  

Regional and local authorities that share the ambitions of the Mission have manifested their interest to sign the Mission Charter and join the Mission. They declared their willingness to cooperate, mobilise resources and develop activities in their respective region and communities to reach their adaptation goals.  

Other entities, such as research institutions or businesses were invited to endorse the Charter and join the Mission’s community of organisations working together towards climate resilience as Friends of the Mission.  

The total number of signatories to the Mission Charter now stands at 308 from 25 EU countries, with 17 more parties coming from countries associated or potentially associated with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme.

Mission Portal (MIP4Adapt)    

The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change’s online Portal is a hub for European regional and local authorities preparing and planning their adaptation pathways to climate resilience. The Portal provides:    

• Background information on the Mission

• Knowledge, data and tools to support regions and local authorities in their adaptation journey.     

• EU Mission Solutions that showcase best practices and examples of effective climate adaptation         action.   

• News and events relevant to the Mission and climate adaptation and resilience.  

• A gateway to the Mission’s EU Adaptation Community of Practice.  

Visit the Mission portal

It is inviting public entities overseeing Climate-Related Risk Assessments and Risk Management Plans, along with non-profit organisations dedicated to mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing community resilience, to apply for its upcoming open call and benefit from:  

 • Financial support of up to EUR 300,000 to enhance regional climate and emergency risk management plans.  

 • Access and support to the comprehensive CLIMAAX methodological framework and toolbox, providing a structured approach to climate assessments.  

 • Tailored technical guidance to implement region-specific methodologies utilising local data and methods.  

Keep up to date with the Innovation Call on the CLIMAAX website.