The Horizon Europe mandate for Cluster 6 is to provide opportunities to enhance and balance environmental, social and economic goals and to set human economic activities on a path towards sustainability. The underlying paradigm of Cluster 6 is therefore the need for a transformative change of the EU economy and society in order to reduce environmental degradation, halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity and better manage natural resources while meeting the EU’s climate objectives and ensuring food and water security.

Research and Innovation (R&I) in this cluster will contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and accelerate the ecological transition required by the European Green Deal. Of particular relevance will be SDG 2 – zero hunger; SDG 3 – good health and wellbeing; SDG 6 - clean water and sanitation; SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth; SDG 9 – industry, innovation, and infrastructure; SDG 11 – sustainable cities and communities; SDG 12 - responsible consumption and production; SDG 13 – climate action, SDG 14 – life below water and SDG 15 - life on land".