On 23-24 June, the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission hosted the conference Research and Innovation for a Competitive Green Transition in Brussels. This satellite event of the European Research and Innovation (R&I) Days 2025 gathered a diverse audience of policymakers, researchers, investors, industry leaders and civil society actors from across Europe and beyond.
The event provided a dynamic forum to explore how research and innovation are accelerating Europe’s green transformation and strengthening its global competitiveness. It showcased how R&I solutions enhance citizens’ quality of life and support the European Green Deal.
Over two days, participants engaged with more than 50 speakers in plenaries and policy sessions on key themes such as green diplomacy, startups, green disinformation and green capital. R&I solutions sessions featured Horizon-funded projects delivering tangible results, and the Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ community also played an active role throughout the event.
An accompanying exhibition featured 15 innovative projects funded by Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020, supporting climate neutrality, green transition and environmental restoration, covering diverse themes from zero food waste to circular economy.
Financing the green transition and blue solutions in action
A key focus of the conference was the financial aspect of the green transition. A high-level panel, featuring distinguished speakers including John Bell, Director for Healthy Planet at DG RTD and Deputy Manager of Mission Ocean and Waters, explored how the EU can close the investment gap to meet its 2030 climate targets.
Discussions underscored encouraging trends: companies and investors are increasingly driven by purpose and green and impact investing are gaining traction. Europe’s stable investment environment and robust EU funding instruments, such as Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council (EIC) were highlighted as vital enablers. Experts stressed the need for stronger alignment between EU and Member States funding and private capital to mobilise the large-scale investments needed for a green, digital and socially inclusive transformation.
John Bell, Director Healthy Planet, DG RTD, and Deputy Mission Manager said:
If we do not invest in decarbonisation, the restoration of nature, and in addressing pollution, we are going to have to pay for the cost of inaction.
A dedicated panel within the R&I solutions sessions explored the ‘blue’ dimension of the green transition. Horizon-funded projects, including MERLIN – an endorser of the Mission Ocean and Waters Charter – showcased cutting-edge innovations like nature-based solutions and PFAS remediation.
Discussions underscored the need for integrated, multi-level stakeholder engagement throughout all project phases and stressed the importance of going beyond basin boundaries due to cross-ecosystem impacts. The Water Resilience Strategy and EU Ocean Pact were highlighted as key tools for reducing pollution and advancing coordinated research and innovation to protect and restore aquatic systems.
Mission Ocean and Waters on display
At the R&I for a Competitive Green Transition Exhibition, highlights included BlueMissionMed, the Mediterranean lighthouse for Mission Ocean and Waters, which drives regional cooperation and scalable solutions. Among its many outcomes, visitors were invited to explore Our Blue Treasure, a children’s book designed to promote early ocean literacy. Demonstrating the role of digital tools in sustainability, the Iliad project – part of the European Digital Twin Ocean (DTO) – showcased how they integrate diverse data to simulate marine ecosystems and support sustainable decision-making.
As Mission Ocean and Waters moves into its next phase – scaling up solutions and deepening local engagement – it is set to play an increasingly important role in supporting the EU’s green transition and building a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe.
To learn more about Mission Ocean and Waters, discover upcoming events, project stories and funding opportunities.