Resilience and circular economy: Europe invests over €103 million in the LIFE programme

Brussels – “Strengthening climate resilience, restoring nature, and the circular economy“: these are the objectives that the EU Commission has set itself with the allocation of over €103 million to seven strategic projects across the European Union. The Commission announced today (9 March) the disbursement of this funding through the proven LIFE programme, involving seven Member States: Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain. 

The Commission’s  press release shows that the initiative not only aims to protect the environment but is also designed to stabilise the economy and improve public health. Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Growth, highlighted the urgency of such action, stating: “The cost of inaction continues to rise. Investing in the climate is not optional: it is essential for our economy, our security and our independence.” Hoekstra added that these projects represent strategic investments necessary to accelerate the clean transition and achieve European climate goals. 

Along the same lines, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasised the value of natural resources: “Today’s investments strengthen Europe’s natural infrastructure, which is the foundation of our economic security, competitiveness, and resilience.” According to Roswall, these long-term projects are fundamental pillars “for achieving a secure and sustainable Europe.” 

Among the seven projects, LIFE HumedalES in Spain stands out, receiving €29.7 million. The Commission emphasises that this is the largest project ever funded under the LIFE programme and involves the restoration of approximately 26,200 hectares of wetlands. Other significant projects include the restoration of reservoirs in Finland (€16.5 million), strengthening climate resilience in the Grand Est region of France (€15.6 million) and implementing alternative models to intensive agriculture (such as agroforestry) in the Portuguese islands of the Azores (€15.8 million). More than €10.1 million is earmarked for climate change adaptation measures in Slovakia, while €8.9 million is dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems and reducing pollution, marine litter, and underwater noise along the coasts and islands of Greece. Finally, almost €7 million will be used to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands, halving the use of raw materials in the chemical, manufacturing and construction sectors by 2030.