Ecology, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Legislation, Markets and Companies

According to EC, the "LIFE" sub-program for environment will provide EUR 238.86 million in 2014 to develop and implement innovative ways to respond to environmental challenges across Europe, focusing on the conservation of nature and bio-diversity, resource efficiency and environmental governance and information.

"Innovative environmental and nature conservation projects around Europe will receive more funds than ever before. This will help achieve sustainable growth through investment in a resource-efficient economy and will help member states and local authorities to implement plans and strategies in key policy areas like nature, waste, air and water," European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said.

The sub-program is part of the EU "LIFE" Program 2014-2020 and will provide EUR 2,592 million for the environment over the next seven years. It will also support better governance, dissemination of information and awareness-raising on environmental matters.

Interested organizations are encouraged to start preparations as early as possible by developing their project ideas, forming partnerships with relevant stakeholders and identifying complementary financial support. For "traditional projects", the Commission particularly welcomes proposals in line with the priority project topics set out in the "LIFE" multi-annual work program for 2014-2017.

The deadline for applications for traditional projects is October 16, while for integrated projects it has been fixed at October 10. The next call for "LIFE" proposals will target operating grants for non-profit organizations active at European level in climate and environmental issues and will be launched this autumn.

"LIFE" is an EU funding program that has been running since 1992 and has co-financed more than 4,000 projects.