European Commission to open negotiations for Ukraine's participation in the LIFE programme 

The European Commission is today starting negotiations with Ukraine so that the country can join the LIFE programme. 

By joining LIFE, Ukraine will be able to benefit from financing to help restore its environment after the destruction from the Russian invasion, be it pollution, destruction of ecosystems, or other long-term effects.  

The decision was conveyed by Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, to his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ruslan Strilets.  

Commissioner Sinkevičius said: 'The Commission has completed all the prerequisites to start negotiations on joining the LIFE programme, thus, there are no reasons to delay the process. The Russian aggression on Ukraine and its impact on climate and environment made this partnership even more important, and we are ready to support Ukraine in joining the LIFE programme.'