Brussels breathes LIFE into the environment

A new proposal from the European Commission intends to allocate 3.2 billion (2.7 billion) to a new programme for the Environment and Climate Action- LIFE.

Improvements have been set out for the continuation of the programme in an attempt to increase support to 'regional low-carbon and climate-resilience strategies and small-scale climate projects by SMEs, NGOs and local authorities.'

Under the plans, a new sub-programme for Climate Action will be created, and there is the possibility of implementing programmes on a larger scale through 'integrated projects', which will combine other funds for environmental or climate objectives.

Environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said: The LIFE Programme is key to designing better environmental policy. It is available to support all those people and organisations who are working to make sure that legislation results in better outcomes for the environment in Europe."

The LIFE programme sets out the budgetary framework and main orientations for the Europe 2020 strategy. Launched in 1992, it is one of the 'spearheads of EU environmental funding'.

Having financed over 3,500 projects and contributing 2.5 billion(2.1 billion) to environment protection, the programme has also contributed significantly to EU legislation. This includes the Habitats and Birds Directives, and the Water Framework Directive.