The European Commission has recently given its approval for 171 new projects across Europe under the LIFE Programme for environment and climate action. With a total worth of over €396 million, these projects will encompass various areas, including nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition. The LIFE Programme’s co-funding requirements are set to mobilize a total investment exceeding €722 million, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Contributing to the European Green Deal:
The approved LIFE projects are aligned with the European Green Deal, a comprehensive initiative aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. By addressing climate, energy, and environmental goals, these projects will support the EU’s ambitious agenda. They will play a crucial role in biodiversity restoration, reduction of pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, promotion of circularity in the economy, enhancement of climate resilience, and facilitation of the transition to clean energy across Europe.
Notable Projects:
Among the awarded projects, a significant nature and biodiversity initiative involves a collaboration between 13 EU member states and other European countries to tackle fishing bycatch in the North Atlantic, Baltic, and Mediterranean waters. Led by The Netherlands, this project aims to minimize and eliminate bycatch in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Another notable project, focused on promoting a circular economy and quality of life, will take place in Bulgaria. It aims to encourage sustainable consumption, waste prevention, and separate waste collection through the involvement of local authorities, businesses, and citizens. The project seeks to replace traditional landfill dumping with innovative “pay as you throw” door-to-door waste collection and recycling schemes.
In terms of climate change mitigation, a French project will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative and cost-efficient photovoltaic system. By utilizing bifacial solar panels suspended above unexploited sites such as canals and reservoirs, this technology will generate more renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize competition for land use.
Furthermore, a multi-country project will support the clean energy transition within the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, catering) value chain in seven EU countries. This initiative aims to train over 500 workers and engage about 10,000 stakeholders in the accommodation and food service industry to achieve energy savings equivalent to the consumption of 390 million light bulbs annually.
Overview of Funded Projects:
Under the funding of €396 million from the EU, the LIFE Programme will contribute to several specific areas:
1. Nature and Biodiversity: A total of 29 projects, with a budget close to €211 million, will focus on the restoration of freshwater, marine, and coastal ecosystems, habitat improvement, and enhancement of governance. These projects will play a vital role in implementing EU legislation such as the Birds and Habitats Directives and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
2. Circular Economy and Quality of Life: With a mobilized budget of over €298 million, these projects will address areas such as water use, electrical waste, chemicals, and air and noise pollution. The aim is to improve citizens’ quality of life and develop technologies that support the Circular Economy Action Plan.
3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A total of 34 projects, worth approximately €110 million, will contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and governance. These initiatives will facilitate the shift towards a climate-neutral, sustainable, and resilient European economy, aligning with the European Climate Law and the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.
4. Clean Energy Transition: Under this sub-programme, 67 projects, with a total budget surpassing €102 million, will focus on improving market and regulatory conditions for the clean energy transition. These projects will support the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy policies outlined in the REPowerEU plan and the Fit for 55 package.
The approval of 171 new projects under the LIFE Programme demonstrates the European Commission’s commitment to environmental and climate action. With a total funding of over €396 million, these projects will make significant contributions to the European Green Deal goals, supporting nature and biodiversity, circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition.
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