Members of the European Parliament's Environment Committee voted on Tuesday 20 November in Brussels in favour of doubling the financial resources allocated to the LIFE Environment and Climate Action Programme in the EU's future post-2020 budget.
By an overwhelming majority (44 votes in favour, 1 against and 4 abstentions), they supported a global envelope of €7.27 billion, at current prices (currently €3.5 billion) for this financial instrument. This is more than 2 billion more than what the European Commission had proposed (5.45 billion) for LIFE in the draft multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12032).
Of the LIFE envelope, €5.32 billion will be dedicated to the environment and the LIFE sub-programmes for nature, biodiversity, the circular economy and quality of life. These funds will be provided for a maximum period of 4 years. The objective will be to improve the environment and health, to halt and reverse the decline in biodiversity.
1.95 billion will be dedicated to climate action over a maximum period of 3 years. This amount will contribute to the overall objective of devoting at least 25% of budget expenditure to achieving the EU's climate objectives.
The Dutch rapporteur, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ALDE), is delighted: "LIFE remains a crucial, effective and efficient financial instrument to contribute to achieving the EU’s environment and climate objectives." he commented. He considers that "A doubling of the financial envelope for the LIFE programme is the bare minimum required."
According to MEPs, LIFE post-2020 should stimulate investment and support activities that contribute to the transition to a clean, energy-efficient, zero-emission and climate-resilient economy. The programme should also stimulate initiatives that contribute to improving environmental performance and sustainability.
In allocating resources, MEPs want priority to be given to programmes promoting the use of green public procurement, programmes based on a cost/benefit approach and coherent projects with the greatest potential to mobilise significant investment.
The Commission and the Member States will have to ensure the proper implementation of the programme as well as the synergy between LIFE and other EU policies and programmes.
Parliament will vote on this dossier at first reading at the plenary session from 10 to 13 December. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)