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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
News article6 May 2021

It’s official: EU to invest €5.4 billion in new LIFE projects

The European Parliament has officially approved the deal with EU Member States on the new LIFE programme which will run from 2021 to 2027.

EU to invest €5.4 billion in new LIFE projects

Under the deal, LIFE funding will increase to €5.4 billion. This is 60% more than the previous period.  €3.5 billion will go to environmental projects and the remaining €1.9 billion will be allocated to those on climate action.

Commenting on the announcement, Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries said:

‘For almost 30 years, LIFE projects have been an inspiration to citizens, public bodies, industry and NGOs. Each LIFE project means concrete action on the ground, resulting in more biodiversity, less pollution, more climate action and cleaner energy. We all look forward to seeing the continuation of this success story.’

The file’s rapporteur Nils Torvalds of Renew Europe added:

‘The LIFE programme is the only EU programme for the environment. It brings citizens together to work for the climate and environment. This makes it different from normal EU programmes and adds to its legitimacy.’

Jean-Claude Merciol, Head of LIFE Programme Unit at DG Environment of the European Commission and lead negotiator said:

‘It has been a long and highly constructive journey to reach this point. I would like to thank all the rapporteurs, both past and present, for their excellent work. This agreement is a balanced one which I very much welcome and I look forward to seeing LIFE’s continued positive impact on the ground.’

A new look LIFE

LIFE is expanding into four new sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition. 

Learn about these new sub-programmes here.

More information

Find out more on our new LIFE website at https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en and connect with us on social media:

Twitter @LIFEprogramme, Facebook @LIFE.programme, LinkedIn LIFE Programme and YouTube LIFE programme

Details

Publication date
6 May 2021
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