SSH CENTRE has launched a collection of reports highlighting the extent to which Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) aspects are currently integrated into three key EU research and innovation (R&I) policy initiatives: the Horizon Europe Partnerships, the Horizon Europe Missions, and the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). The SSH CENTRE reports provide recommendations on how to better integrate SSH insights into these EU R&I policy initiatives.  

To support the launch of the reports, a series of blog posts are being written to introduce the content of each report. This third blog post in the series focuses on the citizens’ recommendations and is written by Julie Malaize, Project Executive at Debating Europe (Friends of Europe).

The report, titled Citizen-led Recommendations for the Horizon Europe Missions on Sustainability, encapsulates the insights and suggestions from 160 European citizens engaged in discussions on four pivotal EU Missions on sustainability. It also includes recommendations for gathering citizen perspectives.

This blog post delves into the key recommendations from the report, highlighting the collective voice of citizens striving for a sustainable future.

Read the full report here

Key Thematic Recommendations 

  1. Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities

Citizens emphasized the necessity for urban areas to transition towards climate neutrality through:

  • Enhanced Public Transportation: Investing in efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly public transport systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
  • Green Infrastructure: Incorporating more green spaces, such as parks and vertical gardens, to improve air quality and urban biodiversity.
  • Renewable Energy Adoption: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources in residential and commercial buildings to decrease carbon footprints.
  1. Adaptation to Climate Change

To bolster resilience against climate change impacts, the recommendations include:

  • Community Education: Implementing educational programs to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptive practices.
  • Infrastructure Resilience: Upgrading existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and functionality of essential services.
  • Ecosystem-Based Approaches: Utilizing natural solutions, such as wetland restoration, to mitigate flooding and preserve biodiversity.
  1. A Soil Deal for Europe

Recognizing the foundational role of healthy soils, citizens propose:

  • Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and organic farming to maintain soil fertility.
  • Soil Pollution Prevention: Implementing stricter regulations to control industrial discharges and prevent soil contamination.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the populace on the importance of soil health for food security and environmental sustainability.
  1. Restore Our Ocean and Waters

To protect aquatic ecosystems, the report suggests:

  • Pollution Reduction: Enforcing measures to decrease plastic usage and improve waste management to prevent marine litter.
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices: Regulating fishing activities to prevent overexploitation and preserve marine biodiversity.
  • Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts and decision-making processes related to water resources.

Gathering Citizen Perspectives for Horizon Europe Missions 

A key aspect of the report is the emphasis on improving citizen engagement in EU sustainability missions. The report underscores that involving citizens in policy design leads to more inclusive, transparent, and effective solutions. The recommendations for gathering citizen perspectives include:

Recommendation 1: Use Small, Diverse, Well-Moderated Groups 

Small online focus groups (max. 10 participants) create an open, balanced dialogue. Diversity in nationality, gender, and perspectives enriches discussions. Neutral moderators should use pre-approved questions to guide conversations. Prioritizing these principles fosters inclusive, trust-based citizen engagement.

Recommendation 2: Simplify and Contextualize EU Policy Language 

Avoiding technical jargon like “Horizon Europe Missions” improves recruitment and engagement. Using accessible language and real-world challenges makes discussions more relatable. However, this limited direct focus on policy goals. A three-phase approach can bridge this gap:

  1. Preparation – Provide clear, visually engaging summaries of key issues.
  2. Framing – Start discussions with relatable societal challenges.
  3. Policy Connection – Gradually introduce policy objectives using plain language.
    This ensures inclusivity while aligning with EU priorities.

Recommendation 3: Enhance Moderation for Deeper Engagement 

Moderators should receive training on Horizon Europe Missions to subtly guide discussions without overloading participants with technical details. Scenario-based exercises can align discussions with policy themes. Digital tools (e.g., interactive polls) can boost engagement but may exclude some participants. Blending online focus groups with in-person events can help address this digital divide.

Recommendation 4: Maintain Engagement Beyond Focus Groups 

Sustained engagement builds trust. Inform participants how their insights shape policy through summaries, online panels, and follow-up discussions. Inviting them to expert panels and sharing recorded discussions online strengthens involvement and visibility. Social media channels can further maintain long-term participation.

A Call for Action 

These citizen-driven recommendations underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between policymakers, communities, and individuals to achieve the ambitious goals set by the Horizon Europe Missions. By strengthening citizen engagement and integrating these insights, Europe can pave the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future. 

For a more detailed exploration of these recommendations, refer to the full report: Citizen-led Recommendations for the Horizon Europe Missions on Sustainability.