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Research and Innovation for Environment​

Research and innovation are essential for advancing the objectives of the European Green Deal, especially through the integration of scientific knowledge into the design, implementation, evaluation, and review of EU environmental policies. Here’s a summary of key components and initiatives:
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  1. EU Foresight System (FORENV): An early foresight exercise aimed at identifying emerging environmental issues and opportunities. It uses Horizon-Scanning methodology to anticipate risks and improve policy quality.
  2. Science for Environment Policy: A service provided by the Directorate-General for Environment, offering news and updates to connect the latest environmental research with policy-making. This initiative helps policymakers stay informed about relevant scientific developments.
  3. Horizon Europe: The EU’s current Research and Innovation program, which supports research into environmental challenges and the development of innovative solutions. Important opportunities are highlighted in Cluster 6, which focuses on Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment.
  4. EU Missions in Horizon Europe: These missions aim to centralize research and innovation in EU actions, with specific goals like making 150 European regions climate-resilient by 2030, supporting cancer prevention and treatment, restoring oceans and waters, achieving 100 climate-neutral cities, and promoting healthy soils through 100 living labs and lighthouses.
  5. European Environment Agency (EEA): An EU agency providing essential data to support the EU’s environmental and climate goals. Established along with its European Environment Information and Observation Network (EIONET) in 1990, it offers objective information necessary for effective policy-making and keeps the public informed about environmental conditions.

These initiatives underscore the EU's commitment to integrating up-to-date scientific and technical data in environmental policy-making, ensuring policies are effective and grounded in the latest research.

For more detailed information, you can explore the following resources: