(20 November 2015) – The European Commission has approved an investment package of €264.8 million to support 96 new projects spanning to 21 Member States, funded under the LIFE programme for the environment. The EU will co-finance the projects by providing € 160.6 million.
The Commission received 1 117 applications in response to a call for proposals that closed in June 2014. Of these, 96 were selected for co-funding through the programme’s three components.
The 51 LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency projects will mobilise € 103.3 million, of which the EU will provide € 56.2 million. These projects cover actions in five thematic areas: air, environment and health, resource efficiency, waste and water. Out of these close to half the funds will be dedicated to 14 resource efficiency projects that will facilitate Europe’s transition to a more circular economy.
The 39 LIFE Nature & Biodiversity projects improve the conservation status of endangered species and habitats and contribute to the EU’s goal of halting biodiversity loss. They have a total budget of € 153.9 million, to which the EU will contribute € 100 million.
The 6 LIFE Governance and Information projects aim to raise the awareness of environmental issues. They have a total budget of € 7.5 million, to which the EU will contribute nearly € 4.5 million.