On Tuesday 18 April, the European Commission launched a call for projects for the reconstruction of Ukraine, which the EU intends to co-finance under the LIFE programme, the financial instrument specifically dedicated to environmental, climate and clean energy projects.
Two projects will address the reconstruction of Ukraine by helping cities to identify and implement a holistic and sustainable urban planning approach, including innovative and effective solutions and support for the rapid reconstruction of destroyed or damaged infrastructures and facilities. They will come under the ‘Phoenix’ initiative, launched in February (see EUROPE 13143/32).
The third project will aim to develop skills within the framework of the ‘New European Bauhaus’ (NEB), which seeks to bring together sustainability, art and culture in architectural projects (see EUROPE 12581/22). This will involve supporting the NEB Academy in developing training in sustainable construction, circularity and bio-based materials.
Projects deemed eligible will receive EU co-financing under the 2021-2027 budget.
Ukraine joined the LIFE programme on 24 June 2022, three months to the day after the Russian invasion (see EUROPE 12979/17).
LIFE is open to certain third countries, such as members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) that are members of the European Economic Area, EU candidate countries and neighbouring countries (see EUROPE 12603/15). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)