Continuation of LIFE+ beyond 2013 (archive)

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.

Proposal of the European Commission for the future EU financial instrument for the environment and climate protection (continuation of LIFE+).

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.

LIFE+ beyond 2013: proposal

Download:LIFE+ beyond 2013: proposal

(PDF~ 500 KB)

Press release

Download: LIFE+ Beyond 2013 Press release

(PDF~ 100 KB)

Background documents: continuation of LIFE+ beyond 2013

Impact assessment

Download: Impact assessment with Annexes

(PDF~ 320 KB)

Download:Impact assessment: Summary

(PDF~ 300 KB)

Study supporting the ex-ante evaluation and impact assessment

Memorandum and FAQs

Citizen's summary

Slideshow presentations

Download: Presentation of the Commission proposal and of the LIFE Sub-programme for Environment

(PPT~7 MB)

 

(PDF~3,9 MB)

 

Download: Presentation of the LIFE Sub-programme for Climate Action

(PPT~7 MB)

 

(PDF~260 KB)

 

Main changes include:

• Creation of a separate sub-programme for Climate Action;
• Clearer definition of priority areas for the Programme with multi-annual work programmes adopted in consultation with the Member States;
• Promotion of a new type of projects - "Integrated projects" – aiming at implementing on a large territorial scale environmental or climate strategies or action plans, and mobilising other EU, national and private funds. These will focus primarily on the nature, water, waste, air, and climate change mitigation and adaptation sectors.

The sub-programme for Environment will support efforts for better implementation and integration of environmental objectives in the following areas:

• "Environment and Resource Efficiency" will focus on implementation of environment policy and exclude market replication-oriented innovation;
• "Biodiversity" will develop best practices for wider biodiversity challenges, while keeping its focus on Natura 2000;
• "Environmental Governance and Information" will promote knowledge sharing, dissemination of best practices, and better compliance, in addition to awareness raising campaigns.

The sub-programme for Climate Action will support efforts for better implementation and integration of climate-related objectives in the following areas:

• "Climate Change Mitigation" will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions;

• "Climate Change Adaptation" will focus onincreasing resilience to climate change;

• "Climate Governance and Information" will focus on increasing awareness, communication, cooperation and dissemination on climate mitigation and adaptation actions.

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.