The European Commission is investing more than EUR 103 million in seven strategic projects across Europe with funding under the LIFE programme dedicated to environment, climate and clean energy objectives.
The selected projects, focused on reinforcing economic stability, food systems and environmental ecosystems, are located in Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain.
Supporting and accelerating the implementation of EU environmental and climate policies, the projects are focused notably on climate and water resilience, nature restoration, circular economy and sustainable land use. These are expected to mobilise additional national public and private investment.
In Finland, ACWA LIFE aims to restore and protect streams, lakes, coastal waters, river basins and groundwater to secure water resources and ecosystem health. It will receive €16.5 million from the EU.
The LIFE ADAPT EST in France will strengthen climate resilience in the Grand Est region through more expertise on climate, water governance and infrastructure that can withhold extreme weather events. The EU will provide €15.6 million to this project.
In Greece, LIFE SIP GR Blue focuses on restoring marine ecosystems and reducing pollution, marine litter and underwater noise across coasts and islands, strengthening ocean health and coastal livelihoods. The EU will provide €8.9 million to the project.
In the Netherlands, CEL4LIFE will support Limburg’s transition to a circular economy. Aiming to halve raw material use in chemicals, manufacturing and construction by 2030, the project will receive €6.9 million from the EU.
In Portugal, the LIFE IP AGRILOOP will implement circular solutions in the Azores, across agroforestry, agrifood and tourism, strengthening resource efficiency in the islands. It will receive €15.8 million of EU funding.
NatAdaptSK in Slovakia includes nature-based solutions for water, agriculture, forests and biodiversity to reduce climate risks for affected communities. The EU will provide €10.1 million to the project.
In Spain, LIFE HumedalES is the largest project ever financed under the LIFE Programme. The project aims to restore around 26,200 hectares of wetlands across 107 Natura 2000 sites, improving flood protection, water security and biodiversity. It will receive €29.7 million of EU funding.
Funding for the seven strategic projects announced today is part of a wider €5.43 billion budget assigned to the LIFE programme under the 2021-2027 EU long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework).
