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The LIFE Programme is one of the spearheads of EU environmental funding. Since its launch in 1992, it has been subject to many evaluations, including an ex-post evaluation covering 1996-2006, and a mid-term evaluation for the period 2007-2009.
They concluded that while LIFE remained a crucial, successful and effective financial instrument for achieving EU environmental policy objectives, it required some modifications in order to fulfil its EU added-value potential. The Commission therefore launched a discussion process on the future of LIFE+ from 2014 onwards; with a view to designing a future EU financial instrument (a continuation of LIFE+) that would best address the needs of the environment and climate protection.
The resulting proposal of the European Commission for regulation on the establishment of a programme for the Environment and Climate action (LIFE) for the period 2014-2020 was published on 12 December 2011.
This proposal is being discussed by the Council and the European Parliament at present. If the new regulation is adopted as anticipated before end of 2013, a first call for proposals under the new instruments will be indicatively launched in May or June 2014.
The Commission proposes to allocate EUR 3.2 billion over 2014-2020 to a new LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action. The proposed new LIFE Regulation will build on the success of the existing LIFE+ Programme but will be better structured, more strategic, simplified and more flexible. Emphasis will also be placed on better governance. Read The press release below.
Download: Presentation of the Commission proposal and of the LIFE Sub-programme for Environment
The sub-programme for Environment will support efforts for better implementation and integration of environmental objectives in the following areas:
The sub-programme for Climate Action will support efforts for better implementation and integration of climate-related objectives in the following areas:
Grants to finance projects will remain the main type of intervention of the Programme. Operating grants for NGOs and other bodies will remain possible, and there will also be scope for contributions to innovative financial instruments.
LIFE will enlarge its territorial scope to countries outside the EU, under certain conditions, and will adopt lighter procedures.