What is LIFE?

Alberto Baldazzi

European Commission DG XI

The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council regulation concerning the financial instrument for the environment ( Life ).

The objective of Life is to contribute to developing and implementing European Union (EU) policy in relation to the environment, by financing demonstration projects in the following fields: Protection of natural habitats and endangered species ( Life-Nature ), Integration of the environment in industrial activities and land-use planning and development ( Life - Environment ) and technical assistance, nature protection and demonstration projects in third countries bordering the Mediterranean and Baltic seas ( Life-Third countries ).

As the only EU instrument specifically dedicated to the environment, it has a unique position among the EU financing instruments, working on innovatory and model local initiatives to foster the implementation of EU policy and develop new activities. Life dates back to 1992. The first phase was completed in 1992-1995 and the second phase 1995-1999 follows to be completed.

Actions eligible for LIFE funding

Environment

Innovative and demonstration actions for industry; demonstration, promotion and technical assistance actions for local authorities; and preparatory actions to support community legislation and policies.

Nature

Actions aiming at the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora of EU interest.

Third Countries

Technical assistance in the establishment of environment administrative structures, nature conservation actions and demonstration actions to promote sustainable development.

CEECs

For the moment, only Romania is ready to participate in Life- Environment and Life-Nature . Two other associated countries: Slovenia and Estonia are interested in participating from 1999.

LIFE III

The proposed regulation foresees the implementation of a third step of Life , from 2000 to 2004, on the basis of an indicative budget of EURO 613 million (without taking into account enlargement). The objectives are to strengthen the link between individual EU financed activities and the priorities of EU environmental policy, and to broaden the dissemination of results of these actions to a wider European audience.

The participation to Life-Nature and Life - Environmen t of Central and East Europe Countries is possible in the framework of accession preparation and under the condition of their participating financially to the budget of Life ; the other candidate countries such as Cyprus, Malta and Turkey may also participate following the conclusion of related agreements.

The first projects financed under Life III should be presented at the end of the year 1999 and be selected in the middle of the year 2000.