The European Commission has announced a major investment of more than €103 million to support seven strategic environmental and climate projects across Europe under the
EU’s LIFE Programme. The funding aims to strengthen environmental protection, boost climate resilience, support sustainable economic development and improve public health across the continent.
The projects, located in Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain, will help accelerate the implementation of key EU environmental and climate policies. They focus on areas such as water resilience, ecosystem restoration, circular economy initiatives and sustainable land use. In addition to EU support, the initiatives are expected to attract further public and private investment at national level.
Seven Strategic Projects Across Europe
Finland – protecting water ecosystems
In Finland, the ACWA LIFE project will receive €16.5 million to restore and safeguard vital water ecosystems. The initiative focuses on protecting streams, lakes, river basins, coastal waters and groundwater, helping secure long-term water resources while improving ecosystem health.
France – climate resilience in the Grand Est region
The LIFE ADAPT EST project in France will strengthen climate resilience in the Grand Est region. With €15.6 million in EU funding, the programme will improve climate expertise, water governance and infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Greece – restoring marine ecosystems
Greece will receive €8.9 million for the LIFE SIP GR Blue initiative, which targets the restoration of marine ecosystems across coastal and island regions. The project aims to reduce pollution, marine litter and underwater noise, supporting healthier oceans and sustainable coastal livelihoods.
Netherlands – transition to a circular economy
In the Netherlands, the CEL4LIFE project will support the province of Limburg in transitioning to a circular economy. Backed by €6.9 million from the EU, the project aims to cut raw material use by half by 2030 in sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing and construction.
Portugal – circular solutions in the Azores
Portugal’s LIFE IP AGRILOOP project will receive €15.8 million to implement circular economy solutions across the Azores islands. The initiative will focus on agroforestry, agri-food systems and tourism, improving resource efficiency and sustainability.
Slovakia – nature-based climate adaptation
In Slovakia, the NatAdaptSK project will receive €10.1 million to introduce nature-based solutions that address climate risks. The project targets improvements in water management, agriculture, forests and biodiversity, helping communities better adapt to climate impacts.
Spain – record Wetland restoration project
Spain’s LIFE HumedalES is the largest project ever funded by the LIFE Programme, receiving €29.7 million. The initiative will restore around 26,200 hectares of wetlands across 107 Natura 2000 sites, enhancing flood protection, water security and biodiversity conservation.
Supporting Europe’s climate and environmental goals
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s primary funding instrument dedicated to environmental protection, climate action and clean energy. Since its launch in 1992, it has supported more than 6,500 projects across EU Member States and partner countries.
The newly funded projects form part of the programme’s €5.43 billion budget for 2021–2027, which contributes to the EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 under the European Climate Law.
They also support broader EU policies, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and sustainable urban development initiatives.
The LIFE Programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Looking ahead, the European Commission has proposed integrating LIFE initiatives into the next Multiannual Financial Framework, ensuring continued support for projects that drive Europe’s clean transition and decarbonisation efforts.