The European Commission is investing over €103 million in seven strategic projects across Europe through funding under the LIFE programme, which is entirely dedicated to environmental, climate, and clean energy objectives.
These projects focus in particular on climate and water resilience, nature restoration, the circular economy, and sustainable land use. The selected projects are located in Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain.
In Finland, the ACWA LIFE project will receive €16.5 million from the European Union and aims to restore and protect rivers, lakes, coastal waters, river basins, and groundwater. The goal is to ensure sustainable water resources and preserve the health of local ecosystems.
In France, LIFE ADAPT EST aims to strengthen climate resilience in the Grand Est region. By developing advanced climate expertise, improving water governance, and implementing infrastructure capable of managing extreme weather events, the project will receive €15.6 million from the EU.
In Greece, LIFE SIP GR Blue will focus on restoring marine ecosystems and reducing pollution, marine litter, and underwater noise along coasts and islands. With €8.9 million in funding, the project aims to enhance ocean health and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In the Netherlands, CEL4LIFE will support the Limburg region’s transition to a circular economy. With the goal of halving raw material use in the chemical, manufacturing, and construction sectors by 2030, the project will receive €6.9 million from the EU.
In Portugal, LIFE IP AGRILOOP will implement circular solutions in the Azores by integrating agroforestry practices, agro-food development, and sustainable tourism. With €15.8 million in funding, the project seeks to optimize resource use on the islands and promote a more sustainable development model.
In Slovakia, NatAdaptSK will adopt nature-based solutions for water management, agriculture, forests, and biodiversity, aiming to reduce climate risks for the most vulnerable communities. The project will receive €10.1 million from the EU.
Finally, in Spain, LIFE HumedalES stands out as the largest project ever funded under the LIFE programme. With a contribution of €29.7 million, it aims to restore approximately 26,200 hectares of wetlands across 107 Natura 2000 sites, improving flood protection, water security, and biodiversity.
Since 1992, the LIFE programme has co-financed more than 6,500 projects across the EU and associated countries. It actively contributes to achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050 under European climate legislation. The programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).