The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050; this objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. Therefore, within the Horizon 2020 framework, the EU is promoting specific R&I programmes that can lead the way to realistic technological solutions, empowering citizens and aligning action in key areas such as industrial policy, finance and research, while ensuring social fairness for a just transition.