The European Commission (EC) has published an orientation paper that details its proposed Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, and Materials (NMP) research priorities for 2012. The approach for 2012, according to the EC, will include increased attention on sustainability and societal challenges. According to the paper, “Broadly speaking, calls of the NMP Theme in 2012 and 2013 will continue to span the spectrum from enabling research, to applications and demonstration activities. The NMP Theme covers the entire range of industrial research activities. Sustainability and societal challenges have always been implicit in NMP strategies, but are receiving increased attention. In a few words, the NMP Theme focuses on smart and sustainable growth, for a greener industry, its three constituent activities being the tools rather than ends in themselves.” In terms of specific challenges, the following issues are addressed in the paper: energy and energy efficiency; environmental issues and sustainable development; raw materials; factories of the future; European energy-efficient buildings; and, green cars. The paper is available to download.