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20.12.2013 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
347/185
REGULATION (EU) No 1293/2013 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 11 December 2013
on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing
Regulation (EC) No 614/2007
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE
(3) Those
Union
funding
programmes
cannot
address
all
EUROPEAN UNION,
specific needs relating to the environment and climate
action. For the environment and for climate action,
specific approaches are required to deal with uneven inte
gration of their objectives into Member States' practices,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
uneven and inadequate implementation of the legislation
Union, and in particular Article 192 thereof,
in the Member States, and insufficient dissemination of
information about, and promotion of, policy goals. It is
appropriate to provide a follow-up to the programme
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
established by Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the
European Parliament and of the Council ( 4 ) and adopt a
new regulation. Therefore, this Regulation should
establish a dedicated funding Programme for the
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national
Environment and Climate Action (the "LIFE
parliaments,
Programme"). In order for Union funding to achieve
substantial impact, close synergies and complementarity
should be developed between the LIFE Programme and
other Union funding programmes.
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee ( 1 ),
(4) Environmental
assets
are
unevenly
distributed
across
the
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the
Union, but their benefits concern, and are felt by, the
Regions ( 2 ),
Union as a whole. The Union's obligation to preserve
those assets calls for the consistent application of the
principles of solidarity and responsibility sharing, which
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (
require that some Union environmental and climate

3 ),
problems be better addressed at regional or local level.
Since 1992, LIFE programmes have played an essential
role for better solidarity and responsibility sharing in
Whereas:
preserving the common good of the Union's
environment and climate. The LIFE Programme should
continue playing that role.
(1)
Union environmental and climate policy and legislation
have delivered substantial improvements to the state of
the environment. However, major environmental and
climate challenges remain which, if left unaddressed,
(5) Given
its
characteristics
and
size,
the
LIFE
Programme
will have significant consequences for the Union.
cannot solve all environmental and climate problems.
Rather, its objective should be to act as a catalyst for
changes in policy development and implementation by
providing and disseminating solutions and best practices
(2) Tackling
those
environmental
and
climate
challenges
to achieve environmental and climate goals, and by
should, due to their scale and complexity, be funded
promoting innovative environmental and climate
primarily through the Union's major funding
change technologies. In that endeavour, the LIFE
programmes. In its Communication of 29 June 2011
Programme should support the implementation of the
entitled "A Budget for Europe 2020", recognising the
General Union Environment Action Programme to
climate change challenge, the Commission stated that it
2020 "Living well, within the limits of our planet" as
intends to increase the climate-related proportion of the
established by Decision of the European Parliament
Union budget to at least 20 % with contributions from
and of the Council
( 5 ) ("7th Environment Action
different policies. This Regulation should contribute to
Programme").
the achievement of that goal.
( 4 ) Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the
( 1 ) OJ C 191, 29.6.2012, p. 111.
Council of 23 May 2007 concerning the Financial Instrument for
( 2 ) OJ C 277, 13.9.2012, p. 61.
the Environment (LIFE+) (OJ L 149, 9.6.2007, p. 1).
( 3 ) Position of the European Parliament of 21 November 2013 (not yet
( 5 ) Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of
published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of
20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action
5 December 2013.
Programme to 2020 "Living well, within the limits of our planet".

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L 347/186
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
20.12.2013
(6) This
Regulation
lays
down
a
financial
envelope
of
environmental and climate policy needs that do not fall
EUR 3 456,655 million in current prices, which
within the scope of external action financial instruments,
amounts to 0,318 % of the total amount of commitment
such as certain studies.
appropriations referred to in Council Regulation (EU,
Euratom) No 1311/2013 ( 1 ), for the entire duration of
the LIFE Programme which is to constitute the prime
reference amount, within the meaning of Point 17 of
(11) Environmental
and
climate
requirements
should
be
inte
the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013
grated into the Union's policies and activities. The LIFE
between the European Parliament, the Council and the
Programme should therefore be complementary to other
Commission on budgetary discipline, cooperation in
Union funding programmes, including the European
budgetary matters and on sound financial manage
Regional Development Fund ( 4 ), the European Social
ment (
Fund ( 5 ), the Cohesion Fund ( 6 ), the European Agriculture

2 ), for the European Parliament and the Council
during the annual budgetary procedure.
Guarantee Fund (


7 ), the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development ( 8 ), the European Maritime and
Fisheries Fund, and Horizon 2020 - The Framework
Programme for Research and Innovation ( 9 ) ("Horizon
2020").
(7) In line with the conclusions of the Luxembourg
European Council of December 1997 and of the Thessa
loniki European Council of June 2003, candidate
countries and the Western Balkan countries involved in
The Commission and Member States should ensure such
the Stabilisation and Association Process, as well as
complementarity at all levels. At Union level, comple
countries to which the European Neighbourhood Policy
mentarity should be ensured by establishing structured
applies, should be eligible to participate in Union
cooperation between the LIFE Programme and the
programmes, in accordance with the conditions laid
shared-management Union funding programmes in the
down in the relevant bilateral or multilateral agreements
Common Strategic Framework, established by Regulation
concluded with those countries.
of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU)
No 1303/2013 ( 10 ) ("Common Provisions Regulation"),
in particular in order to promote funding of activities
that complement integrated projects or support the use
of solutions, methods and approaches developed under
(8) Pursuant
to
Council
Decision
2001/822/EC
( 3 ) (the
the LIFE Programme. The LIFE Programme should also
Overseas Association Decision), individuals from an
encourage the uptake of the results of environmental and
overseas country or territory (OCT) and, where appli
climate-related research and innovation of Horizon 2020.
cable, the relevant public and/or private bodies and insti
Within this context it should offer co-financing oppor
tutions in an OCT are eligible to participate in Union
tunities for projects with clear environmental and climate
programmes, subject to the rules and objectives of the
benefits in order to ensure synergies between the LIFE
programme in question, as well as to the arrangements
Programme and Horizon 2020. Coordination is required
applicable to the Member State to which the OCT is
to prevent double funding. The Commission
linked.
( 4 ) Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional
Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the
(9) For
environmental
and
climate
action-related
investments
Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation
within the Union to be effective, some activities need to
(EC) No 1080/2006 (See page 289 of this Official Journal).
(
be implemented outside its borders. Those investments

5 ) Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Social Fund
may not always be financed under the Union's external
and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 (See page 470 of this
action financial instruments. Interventions in countries
Official Journal).
not directly participating in the LIFE Programme, and
( 6 ) Regulation (EU) No 1300/2013 of the European Parliament and of
participation of legal persons based in those countries
the Council of 17 December 2013 on the Cohesion Fund and
in activities financed under the LIFE Programme should
repealing Regulation (EC) No 1084/2006 (See page 281 of this
Official Journal).
exceptionally be possible, provided specific conditions set
( 7 ) Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 of 21 June 2005 on the
out in this Regulation are met.
financing of the common agricultural policy (OJ L 209, 11.8.2005,
p. 1).
( 8 ) Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005.
( 9 ) Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 - The
(10) This
Regulation
should
also
provide
a
framework
for
Framework Programme for research and Innovation (2014–2020)
cooperation with and for providing support to relevant
and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (See page 104 of this
international organisations with a view to responding to
Official Journal).
( 10 ) Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) No
1303/2013 of 17 December 2013 laying down common
( 1 ) Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December
provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the
2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years
European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agri
2014-2020 (See page 884 of this Official Journal).
cultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime
( 2 ) OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.
and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the
( 3 ) Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the
European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund,
association of the overseas countries and territories with the
the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
European Community ("Overseas Association Decision")
and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (See page
(OJ L 314, 30.11.2001, p. 1).
320 of this Official Journal).

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should take steps to prevent overlap and additional
full implementation of Council Directive 92/43/EEC ( 1 )
administrative burden on project beneficiaries arising
and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament
from reporting obligations from different financial instru
and of the Council ( 2 ), as well as maintaining and
ments. To ensure clarity and the practical feasibility of
restoring ecosystems and their services. The LIFE
integrated projects under the LIFE Programme, potential
Programme should contribute to achieving those
arrangements for cooperation should be laid down at an
targets. Therefore, the priority area Nature and Biodi
early stage. Member States should envisage referring to
versity should focus on the implementation and
such arrangements in their Partnership Agreements to
management of the Natura 2000 network set up under
ensure that advantages of integrated projects can be
Directive 92/43/EEC, in particular in relation to the
taken into account during the drawing-up of operational
prioritised action framework prepared on the basis of
or rural development programmes.
Article 8 of that Directive, on the development and
dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity
and Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, as well as
on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the
Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.
(12) Halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and
improving resource efficiency, together with addressing
environment and health-related concerns, remain key
challenges for the Union. These challenges require
increased efforts at Union level to provide solutions
(15) The contribution of the LIFE Programme to the annual
and best practices that help to achieve the targets of
funding needs of the Natura 2000 network should be
the Commission Communication of 3 March 2010
seen in the context of secured biodiversity expenses from
entitled "Europe 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable
other Union funds. Particular importance should be given
and inclusive growth" (the "Europe 2020 Strategy"). In
to integrated projects under the LIFE Programme as a
addition, improved governance, in particular through
coordinated funding mechanism for the Natura 2000
awareness raising and stakeholder involvement, is
network, given their potential to leverage funds and to
essential to deliver environmental objectives. Therefore
increase the absorption capacity for nature and biodi
the sub-programme for Environment should have three
versity spending within other Union funds.
priority areas for action: Environment and Resource Effi
ciency, Nature and Biodiversity, and Environmental
Governance and Information. It should be possible for
projects financed by the LIFE Programme to contribute to
the achievement of the specific objectives of more than
one of those priority areas and to involve the partici
pation of more than one Member State.
(16) Forests
play a significant role for environment and
climate as regards, for instance, biodiversity, water, soil,
and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Forests
and soils help to regulate the climate by taking up
carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the atmosphere and storing
immense amounts of carbon. To optimise that role, the
provision of relevant, compatible data and information is
(13) The
Commission
Communication
of
20
September
2011
necessary. This Regulation should therefore also represent
entitled "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe"
a framework for supporting synergies between environ
proposed the milestones and actions that are needed to
mental and climate actions associated with forests and
put the Union on a path to resource-efficient and
soils, including their monitoring. Other areas for
sustainable growth. Therefore, the priority area
increased synergies are water scarcity and droughts, as
Environment and Resource Efficiency should support
well as management of flood risks.
the effective implementation of Union environmental
policy by the public and private sectors, in particular in
the environmental sectors covered by the Roadmap to a
Resource Efficient Europe, by facilitating the development
and sharing of new solutions and best practices. In this
context the Commission should ensure consistency and
(17) With
a
view
to
optimising
the
use
of
LIFE
Programme
avoid overlap with Horizon 2020.
resources, synergies between actions under the sub-
programme for Environment, in particular to protect
biodiversity, and climate change mitigation and adap
tation measures under the sub-programme for Climate
Action should be fostered.
(14) The Commission Communication of 3 May 2011
( 1 ) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation
entitled "Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU
of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206,
biodiversity strategy to 2020" (the "Union Biodiversity
22.7.1992, p. 7).
( 2 ) Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Strategy to 2020") has set targets to halt and reverse
Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds
biodiversity loss. Those targets include, inter alia, the
(OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).

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L 347/188
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
20.12.2013
(18) The
Commission
Communication
of
15
December
2011
(21) Full
implementation
of
environmental
and
climate
policy
entitled "A Roadmap for moving to a competitive low
and legislation is inextricably linked to achieving better
carbon economy in 2050" (the "Roadmap 2050")
governance, improving stakeholder involvement and
acknowledged that testing new approaches to climate
disseminating information. Therefore, the priority areas
change mitigation would remain essential for moving
Governance and Information should in both sub-
to a low-carbon economy. Adaptation to climate
programmes support the development of cooperation
change, as a cross-cutting Union priority, also needs to
platforms and the sharing of best practices for more
be ensured. Moreover, governance promotion and
effective compliance and enforcement, including
awareness raising is essential to deliver constructive
training programmes for judges and public prosecutors,
results and to ensure stakeholder involvement. Therefore,
and should generate support from the public and stake
the sub-programme for Climate Action should support
holders for the Union's policy-making efforts in the areas
efforts contributing to three priority areas: Climate
of environment and climate. In particular, they should
Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation and
support improvements in the dissemination of
Climate Governance and Information. It should be
knowledge base and best practices in the implementation
possible for projects financed by the LIFE Programme
of Union legislation, in awareness raising, and in public
to contribute to the achievement of the specific
participation, access to information and access to justice
objectives of more than one of those priority areas and
on environmental matters.
to involve the participation of more than one Member
State.
(22) In
the
framework
of
this
Regulation,
support
should
be
provided in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom)
(19) The priority
area Climate Change Mitigation should
No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the
contribute to the development and implementation of
Council ( 2 ). Projects financed under the LIFE Programme
Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular
should meet eligibility and award criteria to secure the
with regard to greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting,
best possible use of Union funds and to ensure Union
policies related to land use, land-use change and forestry,
added value. When evaluating Union added value, the
conservation of natural carbon sinks, the emissions
Commission should pay particular attention, as
trading system, Member States' effort to reduce
applicable to the priority areas, to the potential of
greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture and storage,
projects to be replicated and transferred, the sustainability
renewable energy, energy efficiency, transport and fuels,
of their results and the contribution to achieving the
ozone layer protection and fluorinated gases. The
general and specific objectives of the priority areas as
construction of carbon capture and storage infrastructure
well as to the thematic priorities implemented through
is considered beyond the scope of the LIFE Programme
the project topics. Projects with cross-sectoral impacts
and is therefore not to be supported.
should be encouraged. The Commission should also
promote and encourage the use of green public
procurement, in particular when implementing projects.
(20) The
first
consequences
of
climate
change
can
already
be
seen in Europe and worldwide, such as extreme weather
conditions leading to floods and droughts, and rising
(23) In
order
to
maintain
a
level
playing
field
for
all
under
temperatures and sea levels. The priority area Climate
takings active in the internal market and to avoid undue
Change Adaptation should therefore help populations,
distortions of competition, funding provided under the
economic sectors and regions to adapt to such impacts
LIFE Programme should address market failures, where
through specific adaptation measures and strategies, in
appropriate. Moreover, in cases where funding constitutes
order to ensure a more resilient Union. Actions in this
state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the
field should be complementary to actions eligible for
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
funding under the civil protection financial instrument
(TFEU), it should be designed in a way consistent with
as established by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the
state aid rules so as to prevent market distortions, such
European Parliament and of the Council
( 1 ). The
as crowding-out of private funding, creating ineffective
construction of large infrastructure is considered
market structures or preserving inefficient companies,
beyond the scope of the LIFE Programme and is
therefore not to be supported.
( 2 ) Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the Financial rules
( 1 ) Decision 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the
applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing
Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection
Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298,
Mechanism (See page 924 of this Official Journal).
26.10.2012, p. 1).

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of
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Union L
347/189
and may not be put into effect until it is approved by the
exploit synergies and ensure consistency between
Commission in accordance with Article 108(3) TFEU,
different Union funding sources by providing a
unless it complies with a regulation adopted pursuant
strategic environmental and climate focus while
to Council Regulation (EC) No 994/98 ( 1 ).
ensuring that procedures are simplified.
(24) In
order
to
improve
the
implementation
of
environ
(27) Integrated
projects,
having
a
strong
focus
on
implemen
mental and climate policy and enhance the integration
tation of Union environmental and climate legislation
of environmental and climate objectives in other policies,
and policy through integrated approaches, require
the LIFE Programme should promote projects that
action in all parts of the Union and in all sectors
support integrated approaches to the implementation of
targeted in this Regulation. This calls for the introduction
environmental and climate legislation and policy. Such
of a distributional element in the selection process to
integrated projects should serve as concrete tools for
facilitate geographical balance, and for Member States
enhancing the integration of environment and climate
to endeavour, if necessary supported by a LIFE
objectives into other Union policies and into overall
technical assistance project, to prepare and propose at
Union expenditure in line with the Europe 2020
least one integrated project during the LIFE programming
strategy. They should provide examples of good
period.
practice for efficient and well-coordinated implemen
tation of Union environmental and climate policy in
Member States and regions. For the sub-programme for
Environment, integrated projects should focus primarily
on the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategy
(28) Given the novelty of the integrated project approach,
to 2020, with particular regard to the effective
stakeholders should be supported, when needed, by
management and consolidation of the Natura 2000
technical assistance. A two-stage application procedure
network set up by Directive 92/43/EEC through the
should alleviate the application phase. In the first stage,
implementation of prioritised action frameworks
a financial plan should indicate which other Union,
prepared on the basis of Article 8 of that Directive, of
national or private funding sources are to be mobilised
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of
and to what extent. Only in the second stage should
the Council (
letters of intent from at least one other funding source

2 ), and of waste and air legislation.
be required so as to ensure that the requirement of
mobilisation of an additional funding source is fulfilled.
The extent to which other Union funds are mobilised
should be taken into account during the award phase.
(25) Integrated
projects,
while
focusing
on
the
themes
ident
ified, should be multi-purpose delivery mechanisms (e.g.
aiming at environmental benefits and capacity-building)
that make it possible to achieve results in other policy
areas, in particular the marine environment in accordance
(29) The success of integrated projects is dependent on close
with the objectives of Directive 2008/56/EC of the
cooperation between national, regional and local auth
European Parliament and of the Council ( 3 ). Integrated
orities and the non-state actors concerned by the LIFE
projects could also be envisaged in other environmental
Programme's objectives. The principles of transparency
areas. For the sub-programme for Climate Action, those
and disclosure of decisions concerning the development,
projects should in particular concern climate change
implementation, assessment and monitoring of projects
mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans.
should therefore be applied.
(26) Integrated projects should support only a series of
(30) For projects under the sub-programme for the
specific activities and measures, while other activities
Environment, other than integrated projects, a propor
that complement those included in the project should
tionate distribution of funds among all Member States
be funded from other Union funding programmes, as
for the duration of the first multiannual work
well as from national, regional and private sector
programme should, in line with the principles of soli
funds. Funding through the LIFE Programme should
darity and responsibility sharing, be made through the
establishment of indicative national allocations.
( 1 ) Council Regulation (EC) No 994/98 of 7 May 1998 on the appli
cation of Articles 92 and 93 of the Treaty establishing the European
Community to certain categories of horizontal State aid (OJ L 142,
14.5.1998, p. 1).
( 2 ) Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the
(31) In
order
to
build
Member
States'
capacity
to
participate
Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for
in the LIFE Programme, guaranteed funding for capacity-
Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327,
building projects should be made available to any
22.12.2000, p. 1).
Member State that meets the relevant requirements estab
( 3 ) Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the
lished by this Regulation. Such funding should be made
Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for
Community action in the field of marine environmental policy
available on the basis of an agreed capacity-building plan
(Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).
outlining the interventions and funding required.

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Official Journal of the European Union
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(32) Quality should serve as the overarching criterion
the areas of environment or climate. Financial
governing the project evaluation and award process in
instruments supported by the LIFE Programme should
the LIFE Programme. The distributional elements
be used to address specific market needs in a cost-
introduced for the purpose of reflecting geographical
effective way, in line with the objectives of the
balance are of an indicative nature and should not
Programme, and should not crowd out private financing.
suggest secured funds or allocations per Member State.
It should be possible to combine financial instruments
with grants funded from the Union budget, including
under this Regulation.
(33) The Union is a party to the United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access
to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice
(36) The
experience
of
past
LIFE
programmes
has
highlighted
in Environmental matters (the "Aarhus Convention"). The
the need to focus efforts on concrete environmental and
work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and
climate policy priorities and areas for action. Those
networks of non-profit-making entities which pursue an
thematic priorities should not be exhaustive to allow
aim of general Union interest should therefore be
applicants to submit proposals in other areas and to
supported, since they are effective in supporting the
incorporate new ideas to react to new challenges. Multi
aims of the Aarhus Convention by advocating the
annual work programmes should also be flexible to
concerns and views of Union citizens as part of the
achieve the LIFE Programme targets and objectives,
policy development process as well as in supporting its
while providing the necessary stability of project topics
implementation, and in raising awareness of environ
implementing the thematic priorities for potential
mental and climate-related problems and policy
applicants to plan, prepare and submit proposals. The
responses. It is appropriate for the LIFE Programme to
first multiannual work programme should be valid for
support a broad range of NGOs as well as networks of
four years to be followed by a second work programme
non-profit-making entities which pursue an aim of
of three years' duration. Both work programmes should
general Union interest, primarily active in the field of
contain a non-exhaustive list of project topics imple
environment or climate action, through the competitive
menting the thematic priorities.
and transparent award of operating grants, in order to
help them make effective contributions to Union policy,
and to promote and strengthen implementation and
enforcement of Union environmental and climate objec
tives, as well as build up and strengthen their capacity to
become more efficient partners.
(37) The
experience
of
past
LIFE
programmes
has
highlighted
the importance of LIFE national contact points, in
particular in providing support to applicants and bene
ficiaries and thereby contributing to the successful imple
mentation of the programmes. The system of LIFE
national and regional contact points should therefore
be continued and, where possible, strengthened, in
(34) In order to carry out its role in the initiation of environ
mental and climate policy development and implemen
particular in Member States with low project uptake,
tation, the Commission should use resources from the
and collaboration between the Commission and the
LIFE Programme to support the initiation, implemen
LIFE national contact points and amongst LIFE national
tation and mainstreaming of Union environmental and
and regional contact points should be reinforced. The
climate policy and legislation, including the purchase of
experience of past LIFE programmes has also highlighted
services and goods. Financial resources allocated to
the importance of ensuring the effective dissemination of
communication activities under this Regulation should
project results and networking activities to increase the
also cover corporate communication on the political
leverage effect and Union added value of the LIFE
priorities of the Union, as well as on the implementation
Programme, in particular through the organisation of
and transposition status of all major Union environ
seminars, workshops and other activities aiming at the
mental and climate legislation.
exchange of experience, knowledge and good practices

within the Union. The Commission should therefore
continue and strengthen targeted dissemination activities,
including those with a specific focus on integrated
projects, in particular in Member States with low
project uptake, and in relation to specific sectors, and
facilitate the cooperation and exchange of experiences
between LIFE beneficiaries and others. The Commission
(35) The current gap in the market between the demand for
should also continue to regularly publish the list of
and supply of loans, equity and risk capital is likely to
projects financed through the LIFE Programme,
persist in the context of a financial crisis and, it is appro
including a short description of objectives and results
priate, therefore, to allow the use of financial instruments
achieved and a summary of the funds committed using
to support projects with revenue generating capacity in
appropriate media and technologies.

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(38) With
a
view
to
simplifying
the
LIFE
Programme
and
change in the management structure of the LIFE
reducing the administrative burden for applicants and
Programme and of the projects should be subject to an
beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates
ex-ante cost-benefit analysis and give special
and lump sums without compromising the eligibility of
consideration to ensuring adequate and comprehensive
VAT and of permanent staff costs under the conditions
expertise, in particular in the priority area Nature and
laid down by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. As
Biodiversity.
per current practice, the sum of the public organisations'
(as coordinating beneficiary and/or associated beneficiary)
contributions to the project should exceed by at least 2 %
the sum of the salary costs of the personnel of national
administrations charged to the project. Union funds
(42) The
financial
interests
of
the
Union
should
be
protected
should not be used to subsidise national budgets, for
through proportionate measures throughout the expen
example, to cover VAT costs. However, only limited
diture cycle, including the prevention, detection and
information is available on the amounts of Union
investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost,
funds used to cover VAT. The Commission should,
unduly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate,
therefore, provide an overview, in the mid-term and ex-
penalties.
post evaluations of the LIFE Programme, of VAT
reimbursements per Member State that project bene
ficiaries under the LIFE Programme have requested at
the final payment stage.
(43) In order to secure the best possible evaluation of the use
of Union funds, the power to adopt acts in accordance
with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the
Commission in respect of performance indicators
(39) The
maximum
co-financing
rates
should
be
set
at
such
applicable to thematic priorities for the sub-programme
levels as are necessary to maintain the effective level of
for Environment and the priority areas for the sub-
support provided by the LIFE Programme.
programme for Climate Action, of modification of the
thematic priorities set out in Annex III, and of increasing
the percentage of the budget allocated to grants for
projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodi
versity. It is of particular importance that the
(40) The
LIFE
Programme
and
its
sub-programmes
should
be
Commission carry out appropriate consultations during
regularly monitored and evaluated based on
its preparatory work, including at expert level. The
corresponding performance indicators to allow for read
Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated
justments, including any necessary revision of the
acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appro
thematic priorities. When further defining the
priate transmission of relevant documents to the
performance indicators for the assessment of
European Parliament and to the Council.
programmes and projects, the Commission should place
emphasis on quality monitoring on the basis of
performance indicators and expected results and
impacts. The Commission should also propose a
method for monitoring the long-term success of
(44) In
order
to
ensure
uniform
conditions
for
the
implemen
projects, in particular in the priority area Nature and
tation of this Regulation relating to the adoption of the
Biodiversity. In order to provide evidence of the co-
multiannual work programmes, implementing powers
benefits that both sub-programmes can bring to
should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers
climate action and biodiversity, and to provide
should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU)
information on the level of spending, the monitoring
No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the
of the LIFE Programme should track climate-related
Council ( 1 )
expenditure and biodiversity-related expenditure, as
defined in "A Budget for Europe 2020". Such tracking
should be based on a simple methodology by placing the
expenditure in one of three categories: climate/biodi
(45) If the Committee for the LIFE Programme for the
versity-related expenditure only (to be counted as
Environment and Climate Action does not deliver any
100 %), significantly climate/biodiversity-related expen
opinion on a draft implementing act, the Commission
diture (to be counted as 40 %), and not climate/biodi
should, in accordance with the second subparagraph of
versity-related expenditure (to be counted as 0 %). That
Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, not adopt
methodology should not exclude the use of more precise
the draft implementing act. The recourse to this
methodologies, where appropriate.
procedure should be justified, inter alia, by the need to
assess the proportionate distribution of funds between
integrated projects, in particular the maximum amount
that a single integrated project may receive.
(41) Given
the
long-standing
experience
of
the
Commission
in
managing the LIFE Programme and projects, and the
( 1 ) Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of
positive experience of LIFE beneficiaries with external
the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general
principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of
Monitoring Teams, management of the LIFE
the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55,
Programme should remain within the Commission. Any
28.2.2011, p. 13).

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(46) To ensure efficient transition between the measures
Article 2
adopted under Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 and the
LIFE Programme, it is necessary to continue to
Definitions
monitor, audit and qualitatively assess the activities
For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions
financed under that Regulation following its expiry.
apply:
(47) The
added
value
of
the
LIFE
Programme
derives
from
the
specificity of its approach and focus which make its
(a) "pilot projects" means projects that apply a technique or
interventions particularly adapted to environmental and
method that has not been applied or tested before, or else
climate needs. The LIFE Programme can contribute to
where, that offer potential environmental or climate
more effective implementation of environmental
advantages compared to current best practice and that can
policies than Member States acting on their own
subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situ
because of increased pooling of resources and expertise.
ations;
It also provides the platform for developing and
exchanging best practices and knowledge, improving,
catalysing, and accelerating changes in the implemen
tation of the acquis, and building capacity, supporting
private actors, in particular SMEs, in testing small-scale
(b) "demonstration projects" means projects that put into
technologies and solutions, and allowing Member States
practice, test, evaluate and disseminate actions, method
and stakeholders to learn from each other. Moreover, the
ologies or approaches that are new or unknown in the
LIFE Programme creates synergies across Union and
specific context of the project, such as the geographical,
national funds while leveraging additional private sector
ecological, socio-economic context, and that could be
funds, thereby increasing the coherence of Union inter
applied elsewhere in similar circumstances;
vention and promoting a more homogeneous implemen
tation of the acquis.
(c) "best practice projects" means projects that apply appro
priate, cost-effective and state-of-the-art techniques,
(48) Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely
methods and approaches taking into account the specific
contributing to the implementation and development of
context of the project;
Union environmental and climate policy and legislation,
including the integration of the environment and climate
objectives into other policies, and promoting better
governance, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the
Member States but can rather, by reason of scale and
(d) "integrated projects" means projects implementing on a
effects of this Regulation, be better achieved at Union
large territorial scale, in particular, regional, multi-regional,
level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance
national or trans-national scale, environmental or climate
with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5
plans or strategies required by specific Union environmental
of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the
or climate legislation, developed pursuant to other Union
principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this
acts or developed by Member States' authorities, primarily in
Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in
the areas of nature, including, inter alia, Natura 2000
order to achieve those objectives.
network management, water, waste, air and climate
change mitigation and adaptation, while ensuring
involvement of stakeholders and promoting the coor
dination with and mobilisation of at least one other
(49) Regulation (EC) No
614/2007 should therefore be
relevant Union, national or private funding source;
repealed,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
(e) "technical assistance projects" means projects providing, by
way of action grants, financial support to help applicants
prepare integrated projects, and in particular to ensure that
those projects comply with the timing, technical and
TITLE I
financial requirements of the LIFE Programme in coor
dination with funds referred to in Article 8(3);
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
ACTION (LIFE)
Article 1
(f) "capacity-building projects" means projects providing, by
Establishment
way of action grants, financial support to the activities
required to build the capacity of Member States, including
A Programme for the Environment and Climate Action covering
LIFE national or regional contact points, with a view to
the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 (the
enabling Member States to participate more effectively in
"LIFE Programme") is hereby established.
the LIFE Programme;

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(g) "preparatory projects" means projects primarily identified by
improvements. In relation to the objective of contributing
the Commission in cooperation with Member States to
to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, attributable envi
support specific needs for the development and implemen
ronmental improvements shall be measured through the
tation of Union environmental or climate policy and legis
percentage of the Natura 2000 network restored or
lation;
brought to adequate management, surface and type of
ecosystems restored, and number and type of habitats and
species targeted with improving conservation status;
(h) "information, awareness and dissemination projects" means
projects aimed at supporting communication, dissemination
of information and awareness raising in the fields of the
sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action.
(b) as regards the general objectives linked to development and
implementation referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1, the
number of interventions developed or undertaken that
Article 3
implement plans, programmes or strategies pursuant to
Union environmental or climate policy and legislation,
General objectives and performance indicators
and the number of interventions suitable for replication or
transfer;
1. The
LIFE
Programme
shall
in
particular
have
the
following
general objectives:
(c) as regards the general objectives linked to integration and
(a) to contribute to the shift towards a resource-efficient, low-
mainstreaming referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1, the
carbon and climate- resilient economy, to the protection
number of interventions achieving synergies with or main
and improvement of the quality of the environment and
streamed into other Union funding programmes, or inte
to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, including the
grated into public or private sector practice;
support of the Natura 2000 network and tackling the degra
dation of ecosystems;
(d) as regards the general objective referred to in point (c) of
(b) to improve the development, implementation and
paragraph 1, the number of interventions to ensure better
enforcement of Union environmental and climate policy
governance, dissemination of information and awareness of
and legislation, and to act as a catalyst for, and promote,
environmental and climate aspects.
the integration and mainstreaming of environmental and
climate objectives into other Union policies and public
and private sector practice, including by increasing the
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in
public and private sector's capacity;
accordance with Article 29 to further define the performance
indicators in view of their application to the priority areas and
thematic priorities referred to in Article 9 and Annex III
(c) to support better environmental and climate governance at
respectively as regards the sub-programme for Environment,
all levels, including better involvement of civil society,
and in Article 13 as regards the sub-programme for Climate
NGOs and local actors;
Action.
(d) to support the implementation of the 7th Environment
Action Programme.
Article 4
Budget
In pursuing those objectives, the LIFE Programme shall
contribute to sustainable development and to the achievement
1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the LIFE
of the objectives and targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy and of
Programme for the period from 2014 to 2020 is set at
relevant Union environment and climate strategies and plans.
EUR 3 456 655 000 in current prices, which amounts to
0,318 % of the total amount of commitment appropriations
as referred to in Regulation (EU) No 1311/2013.
2. The
general
objectives
set
out
in
paragraph
1
shall
be
pursued through the following sub-programmes:
The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European
(a) the sub-programme for Environment;
Parliament and by the Council within the limits of the multi
annual financial framework.
(b) the sub-programme for Climate Action.
2. The
budgetary
breakdown
for
the
sub-programmes
shall
be as follows:
3. The
performance
of
the
LIFE
Programme
shall
be
assessed,
in particular, against the following indicators:
(a) EUR 2 592 491 250 of the overall financial envelope
(a) as regards the general objective referred to in point (a) of
referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the sub-
paragraph 1, attributable environmental and climate
programme for Environment;

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(b) EUR 864 163 750 of the overall financial envelope referred
their institutions and bodies, shall be possible where needed for
to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the sub-programme
the purpose of achieving the general objectives set out in
for Climate Action.
Article 3.
Article 5
Article 8
Participation of third countries in the LIFE Programme
Complementarity
The LIFE Programme shall be open to the participation of the
following countries:
1. The
Commission
and
the
Member
States
shall
ensure
that
support from the LIFE Programme is consistent with the policies
and priorities of the Union and complementary to other
(a) European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries which are
financial instruments of the Union while also ensuring that
parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area
simplification measures are implemented.
(EEA);
2. Operations
financed
under
the
LIFE
Programme
shall
(b) candidate countries, potential candidates and acceding
comply with Union and national law, including Union state
countries to the Union;
aid rules. In particular, funding under the LIFE Programme
which constitutes state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1)
TFEU shall be notified by Member States to the Commission
(c) countries to which the European Neighbourhood Policy
and may not be put into effect until it is approved by the
applies;
Commission in accordance with Article 108(3) TFEU, unless
it complies with a regulation adopted pursuant to Article 2(1)
and Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 994/98.
(d) countries which have become members of the European
Environmental Agency in accordance with Council Regu
lation (EC) No 933/1999 ( 1 ).
3. In
accordance
with
their
respective
responsibilities,
the
Commission and the Member States shall ensure coordination
Such participation shall be pursued in accordance with the
between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Devel
conditions laid down in the respective bilateral or multilateral
opment Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund,
agreements establishing the general principles for those third
the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the
countries' participation in Union programmes.
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, in order to create
synergies, particularly in the context of integrated projects,
and to support the use of solutions, methods and approaches
Article 6
developed under the LIFE Programme. Such coordination shall
take place within the framework established by the Common
Activities outside the Union or in overseas countries and
Provisions Regulation and through the Common Strategic
territories
Framework and the mechanisms set out in the Partnership
1. Without
prejudice
to
Article
5,
the
LIFE
Programme
may Agreements as required by that Regulation.
finance activities outside the Union and in overseas countries
and territories (OCTs) in accordance with Decision
2001/822/EC (the Overseas Association Decision), provided
4. The
Commission
shall
also
ensure
consistency
and
those activities are necessary to achieve Union environmental
synergies, and avoid overlap between the LIFE Programme
and climate objectives and to ensure the effectiveness of inter
and other Union policies and financial instruments, in particular
ventions carried out in Member State territories to which the
Horizon 2020 and those in the framework of the Union's
Treaties apply.
external action.
2. A
legal
person
established
outside
the
Union
may
be
able
to participate in the projects referred to in Article 18, provided
TITLE II
the beneficiary coordinating the project is based in the Union
THE SUB-PROGRAMMES
and the activity to be carried out outside the Union meets the
requirements set out in paragraph 1 of this Article.
CHAPTER 1
The sub-programme for Environment
Article 7
International cooperation
Article 9
In the course of implementing the LIFE Programme,
Priority areas of the sub-programme for Environment
cooperation with relevant international organisations, and with
1. The
sub-programme
for
Environment
shall
have
three
priority areas:
( 1 ) Council Regulation (EC) No 933/1999 of 29 April 1999 amending
Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90 on the establishment of the European
Environmental Agency and the European environment information
and observation network (OJ L 117, 5.5.1999, p. 1).
(a) Environment and Resource Efficiency;

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(b) Nature and Biodiversity;
(a) to develop, test and demonstrate policy or management
approaches, best practices and solutions, including devel
opment and demonstration of innovative technologies, to
(c) Environmental Governance and Information.
environmental challenges, suitable for being replicated,
transferred or mainstreamed, including with respect to the
2. The
priority
areas
referred
to
in
paragraph
1
encompass
link between the environment and health, and in support of
the thematic priorities set out in Annex III.
resource efficiency-related policy and legislation, including
the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe;
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts,
where necessary, in accordance with Article 29 to add, delete or
(b) to support the application, development, testing and
amend the thematic priorities set out in Annex III based on the
demonstration of integrated approaches for the implemen
following criteria:
tation of plans and programmes pursuant to Union envi
ronmental policy and legislation, primarily in the areas of
water, waste and air;
(a) the priorities set out in the 7th Environment Action
Programme;
(c) to improve the knowledge base for the development, imple
(b) the specific objectives set out for each priority area referred
mentation, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of Union
to in Articles 10, 11 and 12;
environmental policy and legislation, and for the assessment
and monitoring of the factors, pressures and responses that
impact on the environment within and outside the Union.
(c) the experience gathered in the implementation of the multi
annual work programme referred to in Article 24;
Article 11
(d) the experience gathered in the implementation of the inte
Specific objectives for the priority area Nature and
grated projects;
Biodiversity
The specific objectives of the sub-programme for Environment
(e) the priorities derived from new Union environmental legis
for the priority area Nature and Biodiversity shall in particular
lation adopted after 23 December 2013; or
be:
(f) the experience gathered in the implementation of existing
(a) to contribute to the development and implementation of
Union environmental legislation and policy.
Union policy and legislation in the area of nature and
biodiversity, including the Union Biodiversity Strategy to
The Commission shall review and, if necessary, revise the
2020, and Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, in
thematic priorities set out in Annex III at the latest by the
particular by applying, developing, testing and demon
mid-term evaluation of the LIFE Programme referred to in
strating approaches, best practices and solutions;
point (a) of Article 27(2).
(b) to support the further development, implementation and
3. At
least
55
%
of
the
budgetary
resources
allocated
to
management of the Natura 2000 network set up under
projects supported by way of action grants under the sub-
Article 3 of Directive 92/43/EEC, in particular the appli
programme for Environment shall be dedicated to projects
cation, development, testing and demonstration of inte
supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity.
grated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised
action frameworks prepared on the basis of Article 8 of that
Directive;
4. The
Commission
shall
be
empowered
to
adopt
delegated
acts in accordance with Article 29 in order to increase the
percentage referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article by a
maximum of 10 %, provided that the total funds requested
(c) to improve the knowledge base for the development, imple
over two consecutive years by way of proposals that fall
mentation, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of Union
under the priority area of Nature and Biodiversity and that
nature and biodiversity policy and legislation, and for the
meet minimum quality requirements exceed by more than
assessment and monitoring of the factors, pressures and
20 % the corresponding amount calculated for the two years
responses that impact on nature and biodiversity within
preceding those years.
and outside the Union.
Article 10
Article 12
Specific objectives for the priority area Environment and
Specific objectives for the priority area Environmental
Resource Efficiency
Governance and Information
The specific objectives of the sub-programme for Environment
The specific objectives of the sub-programme for Environment
for the priority area Environment and Resource Efficiency shall
for the priority area Environmental Governance and
in particular be:
Information shall in particular be:

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(a) to promote awareness raising on environmental matters,
effective climate change mitigation actions and measures
including generating public and stakeholder support of
and to enhance the capacity to apply that knowledge in
Union policy-making in the field of the environment, and
practice;
to promote knowledge on sustainable development and new
patterns for sustainable consumption;
(c) to facilitate the development and implementation of inte
grated approaches, such as for climate change mitigation
strategies and action plans, at local, regional or national
(b) to support communication, management, and dissemination
level;
of information in the field of the environment, and to
facilitate knowledge sharing on successful environmental
solutions and practice, including by developing cooperation
(d) to contribute to the development and demonstration of
platforms among stakeholders and training;
innovative climate change mitigation technologies,
systems, methods and instruments that are suitable for
being replicated, transferred or mainstreamed.
(c) to promote and contribute to more effective compliance
with and enforcement of Union environmental legislation,
in particular by promoting the development and dissemi
Article 15
nation of best practices and policy approaches;
Specific objectives for the priority area Climate Change
Adaptation
(d) to promote better environmental governance by broadening
With a view to contributing to supporting efforts leading to
stakeholder involvement, including NGOs, in consultation
increased resilience to climate change, the priority area Climate
on and implementation of policy.
Change Adaptation shall in particular have the following

specific objectives:
CHAPTER 2
(a) to contribute to the development and implementation of
Union policy on climate change adaptation, including main
The sub-programme for Climate Action
streaming across policy areas, in particular by developing,
testing and demonstrating policy or management
Article 13
approaches, best practices and solutions for climate
Priority areas of the sub-programme for Climate Action
change adaptation, including, where appropriate,
ecosystem-based approaches;
The sub-programme for Climate Action shall have three priority
areas:
(b) to improve the knowledge base for the development,
assessment, monitoring, evaluation and implementation of
effective climate change adaptation actions and measures,
(a) Climate Change Mitigation;
prioritising, where appropriate, those applying an
ecosystem-based approach, and to enhance the capacity to
apply that knowledge in practice;
(b) Climate Change Adaptation;
(c) to facilitate the development and implementation of inte
(c) Climate Governance and Information.
grated approaches, such as for climate change adaptation
strategies and action plans, at local, regional or national
level, prioritising, where appropriate, ecosystem-based
approaches;
Article 14
Specific objectives for the priority area Climate Change
Mitigation
(d) to contribute to the development and demonstration of
innovative climate change adaptation technologies,
With a view to contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas
systems, methods and instruments that are suitable for
emissions, the priority area Climate Change Mitigation shall in
being replicated, transferred or mainstreamed.
particular have the following specific objectives:
Article 16
(a) to contribute to the implementation and development of
Specific objectives for the priority area Climate Govern
Union policy and legislation on climate change mitigation,
ance and Information
including mainstreaming across policy areas, in particular by
developing, testing and demonstrating policy or
The specific objectives of the priority area Climate Governance
management approaches, best practices and solutions for
and Information shall in particular be:
climate change mitigation;
(a) to promote awareness raising on climate matters, including
generating public and stakeholder support of Union policy-
(b) to improve the knowledge base for the development,
making in the field of the climate, and to promote knowl
assessment, monitoring, evaluation and implementation of
edge on sustainable development;

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(b) to support communication, management, and dissemination
5. A
maximum
of
30
%
of
the
budgetary
resources
allocated
of information in the field of the climate and to facilitate
to action grants in accordance with paragraph 4 may be allo
knowledge sharing on successful climate solutions and prac
cated to integrated projects. That maximum percentage shall be
tice, including by developing cooperation platforms among
re-evaluated in the framework of the mid-term evaluation of the
stakeholders and training;
LIFE Programme referred to in point (a) of Article 27(2) and
accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal.
(c) to promote and contribute to more effective compliance
with and enforcement of Union climate legislation, in par
Article 18
ticular by promoting the development and dissemination of
best practices and policy approaches;
Projects
Action grants may finance the following projects:
(d) to promote better climate governance by broadening stake
holder involvement, including NGOs, in consultation on
and implementation of policy.
(a) pilot projects;

TITLE III
(b) demonstration projects;
COMMON IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS
(c) best practice projects;
CHAPTER 1
(d) integrated projects;
Funding
Article 17
(e) technical assistance projects;
Types of funding
1. Union
funding
may
take
the
following
legal
forms:
(f) capacity-building projects;
(a) grants;
(g) preparatory projects;
(b) public procurement contracts;
(h) information, awareness, and dissemination projects;
(c) contributions to financial instruments in accordance with
(i) any other projects needed for the purpose of achieving the
provisions on financial instruments under Regulation (EU,
general objectives set out in Article 3.
Euratom) No 966/2012, in particular Articles 139 and 140
thereof, and with operational requirements set out in spe
cific Union acts;
Article 19
Eligibility and award criteria and project selection
(d) any other interventions needed for the purpose of achieving
1. Projects
referred
to
in
Article
18
shall
satisfy
the
eligibility
the general objectives set out in Article 3.
criteria based on the definitions set out in Article 2 and the
following award criteria:
2. The
Commission
shall
implement
this
Regulation
in
ac
cordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.
(a) being of Union interest by making a significant contribution
to the achievement of one of the general objectives of the
3. Funding
under
this
Regulation
which
constitutes
state
aid
LIFE Programme set out in Article 3 as well as the specific
within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU shall be imple
objectives for the priority areas listed in Article 9, the them
mented in a way consistent with the relevant Union state aid
atic priorities set out in Annex III, or the specific objectives
rules.
for the priority areas listed in Article 13;
4. At least 81 % of the budgetary resources for the LIFE
(b) ensuring a cost-effective approach and being technically and
Programme shall be allocated to projects supported by way of
financially coherent; and
action grants or, where appropriate, financial instruments as
referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1.
(c) being sound in the proposed implementation.
The Commission may include those financial instruments
as part of the multiannual work programme referred to in
2. The
award
of
projects
shall
be
subject
to
the
projects
Article 24, subject to an ex-ante evaluation as referred to in
meeting minimum quality requirements in conformity with
point (f) of Article 140(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom)
the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU, Euratom)
No 966/2012.
No 966/2012.

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3. Projects financed by the LIFE Programme under one prior
7. The
Commission
shall
have
special
regard
to
transnational
ity area shall avoid undermining environmental or climate ob
projects where transnational cooperation is essential to guaran
jectives in another priority area and, where possible, promote
tee environmental protection and climate objectives, and shall
synergies between different objectives as well as the use of green
endeavour to ensure that at least 15 % of the budgetary re
public procurement.
sources dedicated to projects are allocated to transnational pro
jects. The Commission shall consider the award of funding to
transnational projects even in cases where the indicative
4. The
Commission
shall
ensure
geographical
balance
for national allocation balance of one or more Member States par
integrated projects by indicatively allocating at least three inte
ticipating in those transnational projects has been exceeded.
grated projects to each Member State, ensuring at least one
integrated project under the sub-programme for Environment
and at least one integrated project under the sub-programme for
8. During
the
first
multiannual
work
programme,
a
Member
Climate Action during the LIFE programming period referred to
State shall be eligible for funding for one capacity-building pro
in Article 1.
ject up to an amount of EUR 1 000 000 provided it meets one
of the following criteria:
Integrated projects shall be distributed with a view to meeting
the targets set in accordance with point (c) of Article 24(2) for
(a) the Member State's average absorption level of its indicative
each of the areas referred to in point (d) of Article 2.
national allocation for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, as
established under Article 6 of Regulation (EC)
No 614/2007, is below 70 %;
In order to evaluate compliance with the provision of mobili
sation of Union, national or private funds referred to in point
(d) of Article 2, proposals for integrated projects shall be ac
(b) the Member State's GDP per capita in 2012 was below
companied by:
90 % of the Union average; or
(a) at the first stage of the application process: a financial plan;
(c) the Member State acceded to the Union after 1 January
and
2013.
(b) at the second stage of the application process: at least one
During the second multiannual work programme, a Member
letter of intent indicating the extent to which other relevant
State shall be eligible for funding for one capacity-building pro
Union, national or private funding sources are to be mobi
ject up to an amount of EUR 750 000 provided it meets the
lised, and specifying such sources of funding.
following criteria:
5. The Commission shall, for the duration of the first multi
annual work programme, ensure geographical balance for pro
(a) the Member State's average absorption level of its indicative
jects other than integrated projects submitted under the sub-
national allocation for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016,
programme for Environment, by proportionately distributing
referred to in paragraph 5, is below 70 %; and
funds among all Member States according to indicative national
allocations established in accordance with the criteria set out in
Annex I. Where indicative national allocations are not appli
(b) the Member State's average absorption level of its indicative
cable, projects shall be selected exclusively on the basis of merit.
national allocation for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 has
increased compared to the average absorption level for the
years 2010, 2011 and 2012.
6. If the sum of co-financing that is necessary for funding
projects, other than integrated projects, that are submitted by a
Member State, and that are on the list compiled by the Com
In order to be eligible for funding for capacity-building projects,
mission at the end of the selection procedure is less than the
a Member State shall commit to maintaining resources dedi
indicative allocation for that Member State, the Commission
cated to the LIFE Programme, including inter alia staffing levels,
shall, subject to the conditions laid down in paragraphs 1 and
at levels that are no lower than those in place in 2012, for the
2 being met, use the balance of that indicative national allo
duration of the relevant multiannual work programme. That
cation to co-finance those projects submitted by other Member
commitment shall be set out in the capacity-building plan re
States, excluding projects in OCTs, that make the greatest con
ferred to in paragraph 9.
tribution to the achievement of the general objectives set out in
Article 3.
By way of exception to the eligibility provisions of the first and
second subparagraphs and for the entire duration of the LIFE
When presenting the list of projects to be co-financed, the
Programme, a Member State shall be ineligible for funding for
Commission shall report to the Committee for the LIFE Pro
capacity-building projects if its GDP per capita in 2012 was
gramme for the Environment and Climate Action on how it
above 105 % of the Union average. Funding for capacity-build
took into account the allocation criteria established in accord
ing projects shall be limited to one project per Member State
ance with paragraphs 4 and 5.
per multiannual work programme.

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9. The
Commission
shall
establish
a
fast-track
award
pro
(iii) up to 75 % of eligible costs for projects funded under
cedure for all capacity-building projects. Applications for such
the priority area Nature and Biodiversity in the sub-
capacity-building projects may be submitted as from 23 De
programme for Environment that concern priority ha
cember 2013. Applications shall be based on a capacity-build
bitats or species for the implementation of Directive
ing plan to be agreed between the Member State and the Com
92/43/EEC or the species of birds considered as a prior
mission outlining the interventions to be funded by the LIFE
ity for funding by the Committee for Adaptation to
Programme in order to develop the Member State's capacity to
Technical and Scientific Progress set up pursuant to
submit successful applications for funding for projects under the
Article 16 of Directive 2009/147/EC when necessary
sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action. Such
to achieve the conservation objective;
interventions may include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) recruitment of new personnel and training for LIFE national
(iv) up to 100 % of eligible costs for projects referred to in
or regional contact points;
point (f) of Article 18.
(b) facilitating exchanges of experience and best practices and
2. Conditions
for
the
eligibility
of
costs
are
laid
down
in
promoting the dissemination and use of results of projects
Article 126 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. Such
under the LIFE Programme;
costs shall include VAT and staff costs.
(c) 'train the trainer' approaches;
The Commission shall provide an overview, in the mid-term
and ex-post evaluations of the LIFE Programme, of VAT re
(d) exchange and secondment programmes between public
imbursements per Member State that project beneficiaries
authorities in Member States, in particular 'best in class'
under the LIFE Programme have requested at the final payment
exchange activities.
stage.
The interventions covered by the capacity-building plan may
include the procurement of experts to address ad-hoc gaps in
3. Costs relating to the purchase of land shall be considered
technical and process capability, but may not include the pro
eligible for Union financing for projects referred to in Article 18
curement of experts whose primary function is the drafting of
provided that:
proposals for submission under the annual calls for proposals.
The capacity-building plan shall also outline estimates for the
(a) the purchase will contribute to improving, maintaining and
costs of such interventions.
restoring the integrity of the Natura 2000 network set up
under Article 3 of Directive 92/43/EEC, including through
improving connectivity by the creation of corridors, step
Article 20
ping stones, or other elements of green infrastructure;
Co-financing rates and eligibility of costs for projects
1. The
maximum
co-financing
rates
for
the
projects
referred (b) land purchase is the only or most cost-effective way of
to in Article 18 shall be:
achieving the desired conservation outcome;
(a) for the duration of the first multiannual work programme,
up to 60 % of eligible costs for all projects, other than those
(c) the land purchased is reserved in the long term for uses
specified in point (c), funded under both sub-programmes
consistent with the objectives set out in Articles 11, 14 or
for Environment and Climate Action;
15; and
(b) for the duration of the second multiannual work pro
gramme, up to 55 % of eligible costs for all projects,
(d) the Member State concerned shall, by way of transfer or
other than those specified in point (c), funded under both
otherwise, ensure the long-term assignment of such land to
sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action;
nature conservation purposes.
(c) for the entire duration of the LIFE Programme:
Article 21
Operating grants
(i) up to 60 % of eligible costs for projects referred to in
points (d), (e) and (g) of Article 18;
1. Operating
grants
shall
support
certain
operational
and
administrative costs of non-profit making entities which pursue
an aim of general Union interest, are primarily active in the field
(ii) subject to point (iii), up to 60 % of eligible costs for
of environment or climate action and are involved in the devel
projects funded under the priority area Nature and
opment, implementation and enforcement of Union policy and
Biodiversity in the sub-programme for Environment;
legislation.

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2. The
maximum
rate
of
Union
co-financing
for
operating
CHAPTER 2
grants referred to in paragraph 1 shall be 70 % of eligible costs.
Implementing measures
Article 24
Article 22
Multiannual work programmes
Other types of activities
1. The
Commission
shall,
by
means
of
implementing
acts,
The LIFE Programme may finance activities implemented by the
adopt multiannual work programmes for the LIFE Programme.
Commission in support of the initiation, implementation and
Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with
mainstreaming of Union environmental and climate policies and
the examination procedure referred to in Article 30(2).
legislation for the purpose of achieving the general objectives
set out in Article 3. Such activities may include:
The duration of the first multiannual work programme shall be
four years and the duration of the second multiannual work
programme shall be three years.
(a) information and communication, including awareness
raising campaigns. Financial resources allocated to com
munication activities pursuant to this Regulation shall also
cover corporate communication regarding the political
2. Each
multiannual
work
programme
shall
specify,
in
line
priorities of the Union, as well as regarding the implemen
with the general objectives set out in Article 3, the following:
tation and transposition status of all major Union environ
mental and climate legislation;
(a) the allocation of funds between priority areas and between
different types of funding within each sub-programme in
(b) studies, surveys, modelling and scenario building;
conformity with Articles 9(3), 17(4) and 17(5). No further
pre-allocation for project action grants between or within
each priority area shall take place, with the exception of
technical assistance projects and capacity-building projects;
(c) preparation, implementation, monitoring, checking and
evaluation of projects, policies, programmes and legislation;
(b) the project topics implementing the thematic priorities set
out in Annex III for projects to be financed for the period
covered by the multiannual work programme;
(d) workshops, conferences and meetings;
(c) qualitative and quantitative outcomes, indicators and targets
for each priority area and type of projects for the period
(e) networking and best-practice platforms;
covered by the multiannual work programme in accordance
with the performance indicators pursuant to Article 3(3)
and the specific objectives set out for each priority area in
Articles 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16;
(f) any other activities needed for the purpose of achieving the
general objectives referred to in Article 3.
(d) the technical methodology for the project selection pro
cedure and selection and award criteria for grants in con
Article 23
formity with Articles 2 and 19 of this Regulation and the
relevant provisions of Regulation (EU, Euratom)
Beneficiaries
No 966/2012;
The LIFE Programme may fund public and private bodies.
(e) indicative timetables for the calls for proposals for the
period covered by the multiannual work programme.
With a view to ensuring the visibility of the LIFE Programme,
the beneficiaries shall publicise the LIFE Programme and the
results of their projects, always mentioning the Union support
received. The LIFE Programme logo, depicted in Annex II, shall
3. In the framework of the multiannual work programmes
be used for all communication activities and appear on notice
the Commission shall publish annual calls for proposals for the
boards at strategic places visible to the public. All durable goods
priority areas listed in Article 9(1) and Article 13. The Com
acquired in the framework of the LIFE Programme shall bear the
mission shall ensure that unused funds in a given call for pro
LIFE Programme logo except in cases specified by the
posals are reallocated between the different types of projects
Commission.
referred to in Article 18.

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4. The
Commission
shall,
by
means
of
an
implementing
act, The Commission shall calculate indicative national allocations,
review the multiannual work programme at the latest by the
in accordance with the criteria set out in Annex I, for the
mid-term evaluation of the LIFE Programme. That implementing
duration of the second multiannual work programme
act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination pro
exclusively for the purposes of benchmarking Member States'
cedure referred to in Article 30(2).
performance.
Article 25
2. The
Commission
shall
submit
to
the
European
Parliament,
Methods of implementation
the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and
the Committee of the Regions the following reports:
The Commission shall implement the activities in pursuit of the
general objectives set out in Article 3 of this Regulation in
accordance with the methods of implementation of the budget
set out in Article 58 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012,
(a) no later than 30 June 2017, an external and independent
in particular direct or indirect management by the Commission
mid-term evaluation report of the LIFE Programme (and its
on a centralised basis, or joint management with international
sub-programmes), including qualitative and quantitative as
organisations.
pects of its implementation, the amount of climate-related
expenditure and biodiversity-related expenditure, the extent
to which synergies between the objectives have been
Article 26
reached, and its complementarity with other relevant
Union programmes, the achievement of the objectives of
Administrative and technical assistance
all the measures (at the level of results and impacts, when
The financial allocation of the LIFE Programme may also cover
possible), the efficiency of the use of resources and the
necessary expenditure relating to preparatory, monitoring, con
Union added value of the Programme, with a view to taking
trol, audit, communication and evaluation activities required
a decision on the renewal, modification or suspension of the
directly for the management of the LIFE Programme and the
measures. That mid-term evaluation report shall also include
achievement of its general objectives set out in Article 3.
a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contribution of
the LIFE Programme to the conservation status of habitats
and species listed under Directives 92/43/EEC and
2009/147/EC. The evaluation shall additionally address the
The Commission shall, on a regular basis and in collaboration
scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence,
with the LIFE national contact points, organise seminars and
the continued relevance of all objectives, as well as the
workshops, publish lists of projects funded under the LIFE Pro
contribution of the measures under the LIFE Programme
gramme or undertake other activities to facilitate exchanges of
to the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives and targets and to
experience, knowledge and best practices on all projects and the
sustainable development. It shall take into account evalu
replication and transfer of project results across the Union. To
ation results on the long-term impact of LIFE+. The mid-
that end, the Commission shall undertake activities targeting the
term evaluation report shall be accompanied by remarks by
dissemination of project results amongst LIFE beneficiaries and
the Commission including the manner in which the findings
others with a specific focus, where relevant, on Member States
of the mid-term evaluation shall be taken into account
with a low uptake of LIFE funds and shall facilitate the com
when implementing the LIFE Programme, and, in particular,
munication and cooperation between completed or ongoing
the extent to which the thematic priorities set out in Annex
projects with new project beneficiaries, applicants or stake
III need to be modified.
holders in the same field.
The Commission shall also organise specific seminars, work
The mid-term evaluation report shall contain or be accom
shops or, where appropriate, other types of activities at least
panied by a thorough assessment of the extent and quality
every two years to facilitate exchanges of experience, knowledge
of the demand for, planning and implementation of inte
and best practices as regards the design, preparation and im
grated projects. A special focus shall be given to the realised
plementation of integrated projects as well as on the effective
or expected success of integrated projects in leveraging
ness of the assistance provided through technical assistance pro
other Union funds, taking into account, in particular, the
jects. Those activities shall involve national or regional adminis
benefits of increased coherence with other Union funding
trations managing other Union funds and other relevant stake
instruments, the extent to which stakeholders have been
holders.
involved and the extent to which previous projects under
LIFE+ have been or are expected to be covered by integrated
projects.
Article 27
Monitoring and evaluation
(b) no later than 31 December 2023, an external and indepen
1. The
Commission
shall
regularly
monitor
and
report
on
dent ex-post evaluation report covering the implementation
the implementation of the LIFE Programme (and its sub-pro
and results of the LIFE Programme (and its sub-pro
grammes), including the amount of climate-related expenditure
grammes), including the amount of climate-related expendi
and biodiversity-related expenditure. It shall also assess synergies
ture and biodiversity-related expenditure, the extent to
between the LIFE Programme and other complementary Union
which the LIFE Programme as a whole, and each of its
programmes, and in particular between its sub-programmes.
sub-programmes, has achieved its objectives, the extent to

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which synergies between the various objectives have been
TITLE IV
realised, and the contribution of the LIFE Programme to
achieving the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives and targets.
FINAL PROVISIONS
The ex-post evaluation report shall also examine the extent
to which integration of environment and climate objectives
Article 29
into other Union policies has been achieved and, to the
extent possible, the economic benefit achieved through the
Exercise of the delegation
LIFE Programme as well as the impact and added value for
1. The
power
to
adopt
delegated
acts
is
conferred
on
the
the communities involved.
Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.
3. The Commission shall make the results of the evaluations
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles
undertaken pursuant to this Article publicly available.
3(3), 9(2) and 9(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for a
period of seven years from 23 December 2013.
Article 28
3. The
delegation
of
power
referred
to
in
Articles
3(3),
9(2)
and 9(4) may be revoked at any time by the European Parlia
Protection of the financial interests of the Union
ment or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end
1. The
Commission
shall
take
appropriate
measures
to
en
to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall
sure that, where activities financed under this Regulation are
take effect the day following the publication of the decision in
implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected
the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date
by the application of preventive measures against fraud, cor
specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated
ruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks
acts already in force.
and, if irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the
amounts unduly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, pro
4. As
soon
as
it
adopts
a
delegated
act,
the
Commission
shall
portionate and dissuasive administrative and financial penalties.
notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the
Council.
2. The
Commission
or
its
representatives
and
the
Court
of 5. A
delegated
act
adopted
pursuant
to
Articles
3(3),
9(2)
Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of docu
and 9(4) shall enter into force only if no objection has been
ments and on-the-spot checks, over all beneficiaries, contractors
expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council
and subcontractors who have received Union funds under the
within a period of two months of notification of that act to
LIFE Programme.
the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry
of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have
both informed the Commission that they will not object. That
The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out on-the-
period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the
spot checks and inspections on economic operators concerned
European Parliament or of the Council.
directly or indirectly by such funding in accordance with the
procedures laid down in Council Regulation (Euratom, EC)
Article 30
No 2185/96 ( 1 ) with a view to establishing whether there has
been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the
Committee procedure
financial interests of the Union in connection with a grant
agreement or grant decision or a contract concerning Union
1. The
Commission
shall
be
assisted
by
the
Committee
for
funding.
the LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action.
That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of
Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
Without prejudice to the first and second subparagraphs, co
operation agreements with third countries and international
2. Where
reference
is
made
to
this
paragraph,
Article
5
of
organisations and grant agreements, grant decisions and
Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.
contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation
shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors
and OLAF to conduct such audits, on-the-spot checks and in
Where the Committee delivers no opinion, the Commission
spections.
shall not adopt the draft implementing act and the third sub
paragraph of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall
apply.
3. Beneficiaries
of
Union
funds
shall
keep
available
to
the
Commission, for a period of five years following the last pay
Article 31
ment in respect of any project, all supporting documents re
garding the expenditure on that project.
Repeal

Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 is repealed with effect from
( 1 ) Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November
1 January 2014.
1996 concerning on–the–spot checks and inspections carried out
by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities'
financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L 292,
References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as
15.11.1996, p. 2).
references to this Regulation.

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Article 32
3. The
amounts
needed
within
the
financial
envelope
to
pro
vide for monitoring, communication and auditing measures in
Transitional measures
the period following 31 December 2020 shall be deemed to be
1. Notwithstanding
the
first
paragraph
of
Article
31, confirmed only if they are consistent with the financial frame
measures started before 1 January 2014 pursuant to Regulation
work applicable from 1 January 2021.
(EC) No 614/2007 shall, until their completion, continue to be
governed by that Regulation and shall comply with the tech
4. The
appropriations
corresponding
to
assigned
revenue
nical provisions defined therein. The Committee referred to in
arising from the repayment of amounts wrongly paid pursuant
Article 30(1) of this Regulation shall replace the Committee
to Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 shall be used, in accordance
referred to in Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 614/2007
with Article 21 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, to
from 23 December 2013.
finance the LIFE Programme.
Article 33
2. The
financial
allocation
for
the
LIFE
Programme
may
also
Entry into force
cover technical and administrative assistance expenses, including
any obligatory monitoring, communication and evaluation
This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following
required pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 following
that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European
its expiry, to ensure the transition between the measures
Union.
adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 and the
LIFE Programme.
It shall apply from 1 January 2014.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Strasbourg, 11 December 2013.
For the European Parliament
For the Council
The President
The President
M. SCHULZ
V. LEKEVIIUS

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ANNEX I
Criteria for establishing indicative national allocations for projects, other than integrated projects, submitted
under the sub-programme for Environment
In line with the principles of solidarity and responsibility sharing, the Commission shall allocate funds among all Member
States for the LIFE programming period referred to in Article 1 for projects, other than integrated projects, based on the
following criteria:
(a) Population
(i) total population of each Member State (50 % weighting); and
(ii) population density of each Member State, up to a limit of twice the Union's average population density (5 %
weighting)
(b) Nature and Biodiversity
(i) total area of Natura 2000 sites for each Member State expressed as a proportion of the total area of Natura 2000
(25 % weighting); and
(ii) proportion of a Member State's territory covered by Natura 2000 sites (20 % weighting).

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ANNEX II
The LIFE Programme logo

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ANNEX III
Thematic priorities for the sub-programme for Environment referred in Article 9
A. Priority area Environment and Resource Efficiency:
(a) Thematic priorities for Water, including the marine environment: activities for the implementation of the specific
objectives for water set out in the Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Europe and the 7th Environment Action
Programme, in particular:
(i) integrated approaches for the implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC;
(ii) activities for the implementation of Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 1 );
(iii) activities for the implementation of the programme of measures of Directive 2008/56/EC with a view to
achieving good environmental status of marine waters;
(iv) activities to ensure safe and efficient use of water resources, improving quantitative water management,
preserving a high level of water quality and avoiding misuse and deterioration of water resources.
(b) Thematic priorities for Waste: activities for the implementation of the specific objectives for waste set out in the
Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Europe and the 7th Environment Action Programme, in particular:
(i) integrated approaches for the implementation of waste plans and programmes;
(ii) activities for the implementation and development of Union waste legislation, with particular emphasis on the
first steps of the Union waste hierarchy (prevention, re-use and recycling);
(iii) activities for resource efficiency and lifecycle impact of products, consumption patterns and dematerialisation
of the economy.
(c) Thematic priorities for Resource Efficiency, including soil and forests, and green and circular economy: activities
for the implementation of the Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Europe and of the 7th Environment Action
Programme that are not covered by other thematic priorities referred to in this Annex, in particular:
(i) activities for industrial symbiosis and knowledge transfer, and development of new models for the shift
towards a circular and green economy;
(ii) activities for the Soil Thematic Strategy (Commission Communication of 22 September 2006 entitled
"Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection") with special emphasis on mitigation and compensation of soil
sealing, and improved land use;
(iii) activities for forest monitoring and information systems, and to prevent forest fires.
(d) Thematic priorities for Environment and Health, including chemicals and noise: support activities for the imple
mentation of the specific objectives for environment and health set out in the 7th Environment Action
Programme, in particular:
(i) support activities for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and
of the Council ( 2 ) (REACH) and Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the
Council ( 3 ) (Biocidal Products Regulation) to ensure a safer, more sustainable or economical use of
chemicals (including nanomaterials);
( 1 ) Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood
risks (OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27).
( 2 ) Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration,
Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive
1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council
Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006,
p. 27).
( 3 ) Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the
market and use of biocidal products (OJ L 167, 27.6.2012, p. 1).

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(ii) support activities to facilitate the implementation of Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council ( 1 ) (Noise Directive) in order to achieve noise levels that do not give rise to significant negative
impacts on and risks to human health;
(iii) support activities for avoiding major accidents in particular facilitating the implementation of Directive
2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 2 ) (Seveso III Directive).
(e) Thematic priorities for Air quality and emissions, including urban environment: support activities for the imple
mentation of the specific objectives for air and emissions in the Roadmap for a Resource-Efficient Europe and the
7th Environment Action Programme, in particular:
(i) integrated approaches to the implementation of Air quality legislation;
(ii) support activities to facilitate compliance with Union air quality and related air emissions standards including
Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and the Council ( 3 ) (National Emissions Ceilings Directive);
(iii) support activities for the enhanced implementation of Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and
of the Council ( 4 ) (Industrial Emissions Directive) with a special emphasis on improving the process of defining
and implementing best available techniques, ensuring easy public access to information and enhancing the
contribution of the Industrial Emissions Directive to innovation.
B. Priority area Nature and Biodiversity:
(a) Thematic priorities for Nature: activities for the implementation of Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, in
particular:
(i) activities aimed at improving the conservation status of habitats and species, including marine habitats and
species, and bird species, of Union interest;
(ii) activities in support of the Natura 2000 network bio-geographical seminars;
(iii) integrated approaches for the implementation of prioritised action frameworks.
(b) Thematic priorities for Biodiversity: activities for the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, in
particular:
(i) activities aimed at contributing to the achievement of Target 2;
(ii) activities aimed at contributing to the achievement of Targets 3, 4 and 5.
C. Priority area Environmental Governance and Information
(a) information, communication and awareness raising campaigns in line with the priorities of the 7th Environment
Action Programme;
(b) activities in support of effective control process as well as measures to promote compliance in relation to Union
environmental legislation, and in support of information systems and information tools on the implementation of
Union environmental legislation.
( 1 ) Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of
environmental noise (OJ L 189, 18.7.2002, p. 12).
( 2 ) Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards
involving dangerous substances, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC (OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1).
( 3 ) Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain
atmospheric pollutants (OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22).
( 4 ) Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated
pollution prevention and control) (OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17).

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L 347/208
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
20.12.2013
Commission statements
Maximum amount that a single IP may receive
The Commission attaches high importance to ensuring a proportionate distribution of funds among inte
grated projects in order to fund as many integrated projects as possible and guarantee a balanced
distribution of integrated projects among all Member States. In this context, the Commission will
propose when discussing the draft work programme with the members of the LIFE committee the
maximum amount that a single integrated project may receive. This proposal will be submitted as part
of the methodology for project selection to be adopted as part of the multiannual work programme.
Status of funding Biodiversity in OCTs
The Commission attaches high importance to the protection of environment and biodiversity in Overseas
Countries and Territories, as is illustrated by the Overseas Association Decision proposal which includes
these sectors in the areas of cooperation between the European Union and OCTs and outlines the different
actions which could be eligible for funding by the European Union in this regard.
The BEST preparatory action has been a successful initiative that has been embraced by OCTs and has
delivered tangible results for biodiversity and ecosystem services. As BEST is drawing to a close, the
Commission is favourably considering following up on it under one of the new instruments, namely
Global Public Goods and Challenges programme under the Development Cooperation Instrument.
This specific possibility for funding biodiversity in OCTs will be complemented by the opportunities offered
under Article 6 of the LIFE programme for the period 2014-2020.

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