The LIFE programme is the European funding programme for environment and climate action. Its budget for 2021-2027 is €5.4 billion, an increase of almost 60% compared to the previous programme. LIFE was created in 1992 and has funded almost 5,500 projects in the EU and associated countries.
The European Commission has approved nearly 168 projects for a total of €380 million across Europe. These projects fall under one of the following four themes:
- Nature and biodiversity
- Circular economy and quality of life
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Clean energy transition
LIFE projects should help meet the ambitions of the European Green Deal and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Different projects can be funded in this way:
- A city-wide biodiversity project in Tartu (Estonia), Aarhus (Denmark) and Riga (Latvia) will be funded. It will establish connectivity and implement habitat restoration measures and engage residents in conservation and restoration work.
- A circular economy project aims to encourage the use of hybrid and fully electric tractors in vineyards and orchards in Spain. The project is expected to reduce fuel use by 45% and lubricating oil by 30%.
- A Cypriot-Greek project supporting climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector aims to develop innovative techniques to reduce the risks of desertification, unsustainable agricultural practices and forest fires.
- The Transition to Clean Energy will fund 7 projects that will open 16 one-stop shops facilitating energy renovation for thousands of homeowners in 5 EU countries.
Source: LIFE Programme: €380 million for 168 new green projects all around Europe
