Monday 28 November 2022

EU Commission approves €380m funding for new green projects

The European Commission has approved €380 million (£327m) of funding for the implementation of 168 new green projects across the region.

They include supporting nature and biodiversity, circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation while contributing to the clean energy transition across Europe.

The funding will be provided under the LIFE Programme for the environment and climate action, supporting the EU's goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and reaching climate, energy and environmental goals.

Projects include promoting the use of hybrid and all-electric tractors in vineyards and orchards in Spain and developing and promoting innovative techniques to reduce the risks associated with desertification, unsustainable agricultural practices and wildfires in Greece.

In addition, 30 projects will encourage the shift towards a climate-neutral, energy efficient and renewable-based economy while 67 projects will be devoted to improving market and regulatory conditions for the clean energy transition.

The LIFE Programme has co-financed more than 5,500 projects since 1992 and for 2021-27 period, funding has been increased by almost 60%, up to €5.4 billion (£4.7bn).

Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal said: “The climate crisis has severe effects on nature and ecosystems. Extreme heat, droughts, and floods can damage nature and hamper its ability to shield us from the worst impacts of climate change.

“It is why, at COP27, countries emphasised the importance of protecting and restoring nature. LIFE projects make it possible to move from ambition to action, boosting decarbonisation and bringing real change on the ground.”