EU invests over €380 million in 133 new LIFE projects

The Commission has granted today more than €380 million to 133 new projects across Europe under the LIFE Programme for environment and climate action. The allocated amount represents more than half of the €574 million total investment needs for these projects – the remainder coming from national, regional and local governments, public-private partnerships, businesses, and civil society organisations.
LIFE projects aim to contribute to reaching the European Green Deal’s broad range of climate, energy and environmental goals, including the EU’s aim to become climate-neutral by 2050 and to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The projects will cover all areas of the LIFE programme, mobilizing:

• €143 million (of which the EU will provide €74 million) to contribute to circular economy and improving quality of life, with 26 projects reducing water use, industrial and household waste, air and noise pollution, as well as making the business case for reducing, reusing and recycling;
•  close to €216 million (€144.5 million EU contribution) for nature and biodiversity projects to restore freshwater, marine and coastal ecosystems, and habitats; and improve the conservation status of birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals;
• some €110 million (nearly €62 million EU contribution) for climate resilience, climate mitigation and governance and information;
• €105 million (€99 million EU contribution) for governance and market solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition.

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