Xjenza Malta hosted the “Horizon Europe Missions: Empowering Local Communities” workshop at Villa Bighi, Kalkara on 19 February. The event , intended for the local councils, provided an in-depth look at the opportunities within Horizon Europe, focusing on the five EU Missions that aim to address global challenges in health, climate, cities, environment and society.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation, has a budget of over EUR93 billion for 2021–2027, and Xjenza Malta, as Malta’s National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, offers monetary aid to tap into these opportunities through the “Horizon Europe support schemes”, guidance and support to local councils and stakeholders, helping them navigate such funding opportunities.
Alison Zerafa Civelli, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, praised the initiative, stating: “This event is a key step in empowering our local councils to engage with Horizon Europe and leverage the immense potential for positive societal change through these missions.”
These Missions which are designed to foster innovative solutions that are aligned with the EU’s long-term objectives include goals for climate change adaptation, cancer research, sustainable oceans, smart cities, and healthy soils. Through workshops like these, Maltese entities are encouraged to apply for up to 100% funding to contribute to these missions.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation, has a budget of over EUR93 billion for 2021–2027, and Xjenza Malta, as Malta’s National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, offers monetary aid to tap into these opportunities through the “Horizon Europe support schemes”, guidance and support to local councils and stakeholders, helping them navigate such funding opportunities.
Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, noted the crucial role of local councils in fostering innovation, saying: “Local councils are integral in driving forward innovation at the grassroots level and ensuring the success of these initiatives.”
Alison Zerafa Civelli, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, praised the initiative, stating: “This event is a key step in empowering our local councils to engage with Horizon Europe and leverage the immense potential for positive societal change through these missions.”
During the event, participants explored Horizon Europe’s funding mechanisms through interactive group exercises, Citizen Science Initiatives, and a live demonstration of the Funding and Tenders Portal, which help guide the application process.
The EU Missions focus on several key priorities, including the Green Deal, Climate Adaptation Strategy, European Bauhaus, and the Beating Cancer Plan. The climate-related missions aim to support at least 150 European regions in becoming climate-resilient by 2030 and promote the achievement of Climate City Contracts to foster climate-neutral and smart cities. The missions focused on environmental restoration include efforts to restore our oceans and waters by creating a network of lighthouses to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems, alongside promoting healthy soils through the establishment of 100 living labs by 2030. Additionally, the health-focused mission aims to improve the lives of over 3 million people by 2030 through cancer prevention and cure.
The workshop successfully brought together stakeholders to explore funding opportunities, build connections, and gain the knowledge needed to help shape Europe’s future.
For more information on Horizon Europe and upcoming funding opportunities, visit the or contact by email.
Press Release by The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation
