14.07.2021.
A conference on the new programming period was held, presenting the possibilities for using project funding for achieving environmental and climate goals through the EU centralised LIFE programme envelope in the 2021 – 2027 period, for which the total of EUR 5.43 billion has been allocated.The LIFE programme aims at achieving environmental and climate objectives, in particular the European Green Deal facilitating a just transition towards a sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy, protecting, restoring and improving the quality of the environment, including the air, water and soil, protection of biodiversity, and Natura 2000 management.
Minister Tomislav Ćorić, PhD, opened the event saying that significant resources for large infrastructural projects, solving of the key drawbacks, and creating the preconditions for the green transition have been secured through different EU funds and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. He added that the focus should also be directed at strengthening capacities and broadening knowledge, skills, and developing innovative techniques and methods, and solutions to achieve ambitious goals.
“The areas covered by the LIFE programme in the past years should be getting more public attention in Croatia and EU considering the climate change we are witnessing. Environmental and biodiversity protection and insisting on the circular economy are preconditions for improving the quality of life on a global scale. So LIFE programme, as an upgrade to the standard, offers a number of financial envelopes allowing all interested stakeholders from the EU area and all institutions with the relevant knowledge and skills to apply and get the funding to improve their business and the environment at the same time,” said Ćorić.
The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund has been one of the partners in the implementation of the LIFE programme from the very start. “The European Commission is the leader in the fight against climate change, and Croatia has been an active stakeholder not only because green policies have been integrated into our strategies and plans, but because we are dedicated to the implementation of specific projects in different segments of green and sustainable development. The projects implemented within the LIFE framework are an important segment of the whole scheme all, and it my pleasure that we will have the opportunity to continue our cooperation in the upcoming 7-year period,” said Aleksandra Čilić, head of the Environmental Protection Sector at EPEEF, saying that the Fund has so far provided 14 million kunas for the implementation of the projects that were carried under the LIFE programme. Since 2013 to-date, more than 50 beneficiaries from Croatia have participated, or are participating, in 37 LIFE projects.
Angelo Salsi, representative of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), which is also responsible for the implementation of the LIFE Programme in the European Union, pointed out his appreciation of the fact that Croatia was the first Member State to organise LIFE Info Days to present the new programming period and opening of the new call for proposals for 2021. “For almost three decades, the LIFE programme has been financing environmental and climate projects, and back then these issues were not as urgent as they are today, having priority in the European Green Deal and promotion of sustainable policies in the European Union. The new financial envelope is worth more than EUR 5 billion, and in the upcoming period LIFE has more funding and more ambitions for the implementation of thematic policies”, he added.
Applicants from the Republic of Croatia will have an additional option to request national financial support from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.
Introductory presentation was closed by the head of the European Commission Representation in the Republic of Croatia, Ognian Zlatev. “The LIFE programme is very ambitious and adds value to the Green Deal objectives. It is no longer the question of whether we want to do something about environmental protection, but how quickly can we jump on board. It is essential to bravely go forward to ensure the future for the generations to come. If we don’t do this now, the ramifications could be irreparable. The LIFE programme is here to help us crate a green and sustainable future for all of us. LIFE will facilitate the shift towards a sustainable economy, and improve the quality of environment and life,” concluded Zlatev.
The LIFE programme info webinar is the first in a series of events organised by the National Focal Point for providing information and support to potential applicants to LIFE programme projects, with the aim of having a higher number of quality applications and successful absorption of EU funding under the LIFE programme.
