The paper introduces the 6G-GOALS approach, which aims to integrate goal-oriented and semantic communication into AI-native 6G networks. This approach enhances information exchange between intelligent agents by focusing on relevant, effective, and timely data transmission, optimizing bandwidth, latency, energy, and electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. The 6G-GOALS project is built on three pillars: AI-enhanced semantic data representation, foundational AI reasoning, and sustainability through efficient wireless services. The system architecture leverages the O-RAN framework, incorporating a semantic plane, semantic RICs, and semantic reasoning engines. Key components include a semantic engine, semantic RIC, RAN semantic plane, application plane, UE and edge components, knowledge base, and an enhanced core network. The project also explores innovative technology enablers, such as AI-empowered semantic data representation, timing-aware semantic communication, and 6G sustainability via semantic-empowered RAN. Two proof-of-concept (PoC) scenarios are described: hardware implementation of semantic communication and semantic communications-enabled cooperative robotics. The PoCs aim to demonstrate the practical performance of semantic and goal-oriented communications in real-world applications.The paper introduces the 6G-GOALS approach, which aims to integrate goal-oriented and semantic communication into AI-native 6G networks. This approach enhances information exchange between intelligent agents by focusing on relevant, effective, and timely data transmission, optimizing bandwidth, latency, energy, and electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. The 6G-GOALS project is built on three pillars: AI-enhanced semantic data representation, foundational AI reasoning, and sustainability through efficient wireless services. The system architecture leverages the O-RAN framework, incorporating a semantic plane, semantic RICs, and semantic reasoning engines. Key components include a semantic engine, semantic RIC, RAN semantic plane, application plane, UE and edge components, knowledge base, and an enhanced core network. The project also explores innovative technology enablers, such as AI-empowered semantic data representation, timing-aware semantic communication, and 6G sustainability via semantic-empowered RAN. Two proof-of-concept (PoC) scenarios are described: hardware implementation of semantic communication and semantic communications-enabled cooperative robotics. The PoCs aim to demonstrate the practical performance of semantic and goal-oriented communications in real-world applications.