Empowering EU Member States: EUR 396 million allocated to nature, circular economy, climate action and clean energy transition projects under the LIFE Programme

The European Commission has announced EUR 396 million in funding for 171 new LIFE projects across Europe, mobilising a total investment of more than EUR 722 million, through the programme’s co-funding requirements, which represents a 28,5 per cent increase compared to last year.  

At the heart of the European Green Deal, the LIFE Programme aims to get the EU climate-neutral by 2050. This year’s money will fund projects in nearly all EU countries covering nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and the clean energy transition. 

‘This year’s LIFE projects are more ambitious than ever,’ says Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. ‘As we continue to face the existential threats of the climate and biodiversity crises, the LIFE Programme is living proof of our commitment to move from ambition to action and to create a real difference for EU citizens.’ 

Funding announced today ranges from EUR 12.3 million to eliminate fishing bycatch to EUR 1.6 million to help rural communities’ transition to renewable energy. River conservation, coastal protection and electronic waste recycling are just a few of the projects approved. 

‘When I see the wide range of LIFE projects, what they have already achieved and the impact they will have in the future, I am hugely optimistic that we can address these great challenges,’ adds Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate Action. ‘The LIFE Programme has created a winning combination of EU funding, highly committed individuals, organisations and businesses, innovation and talent.’ 

See the official press release here and a summary of all the new LIFE projects here.