How the EU budget is spent: LIFE programme

Briefing 16-02-2015

LIFE, the EU's only funding programme entirely devoted to environmental objectives, is meant to act as a catalyst for developments in this policy area. Its achievements since 1992 include: improved conservation and restoration of some 4.7 million hectares of land; higher air quality for some 12 million people; waste prevention of around 300 000 tonnes; and recycling of a further 1 million tonnes. For 2014-20, LIFE has two components: environment and climate action. In addition, the EU 'mainstreams' these objectives into many funding programmes, with the aim of allocating 20% of its 2014-20 resources to climate-related expenditure.