171 new LIFE projects are launched

171 new LIFE projects are launched

The European Commission has confirmed 171 new LIFE projects that will be implemented throughout the European Union. EUR 396 million was mobilized from the LIFE programme fund for projects with EUR 722 million of total value, which represents an increase of 28.5% compared to last year.

Standing at the heart of the European Green Deal, the LIFE Programme aims to achieve climate neutrality in the European Union by 2050. The financed projects serve to restore nature and protect biodiversity, promote the circular economy and improve the quality of life, increase climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as support the transition to clean energy .

“This year’s LIFE projects are more ambitious than ever.  As we continue to face the existential threats of the climate and biodiversity crises, the LIFE Programme is living proof of our commitment to move from ambition to action and to create a real difference for EU citizens,” said the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius.

Funded projects range from 12.3 million euros to eliminate bycatch in fishing to 1.6 million euros to help rural communities transition to renewable energy. River conservation, coastal protection and e-waste recycling are just some of the approved projects.

You can find the official press release here, and short summaries of the new LIFE projects here.

 

Here are projects lead by Croatian coordinating beneficiaries:

– Nature and Biodiversity

Improving degree of conservation of Natura 2000 target species and habitat types through improvement of river connectivity (Improve River LIFE)

The Croatian consortium behind this project aims to save from the brink of extinction the Salmothymus obtusirostris (Softmouth trout), an endangered species exclusively present in Croatia in the EU. The objective is to make key improvements in the condition of specific habitat features. This will primarily be achieved by ensuring river connectivity in Natura 2000 sites and removing artificial barriers in the area of species distribution.

Project summary

 

– Clean Energy Transition

Building intErventions in vulNerable Districts against Energy poverty (CEESEN-BENDER)

Addressing energy poverty involves prioritising the renovation of old buildings, particularly in Eastern European countries. The project team focuses on empowering vulnerable homeowners and renters living in inefficient buildings. They plan to implement at least 30 building-level intervention roadmaps, targeting approximately 1,500 apartments. Additionally, around 3,500 homeowners, landlords, and building managers will receive technical, legal and financial trainings on energy renovation.

Project summary

 

Establishment of CRoatian One-Stop-Shop facility in North-West Croatia (CROSS)

The people behind this project aim to modernise buildings in the public sector in Croatia. The team provides technical, financial and legal advice, and ensures quality of work in construction and building renovations. Activities include preparation of project pipelines, the design and deployment of advanced funding, procurement, and financing models. Stakeholder engagement and long-term sustainability are also key components.

Project summary

 

Coalitions for Community Energy Catalyzation in Eastern EU (LIFE-COMET)

The multi-country consortium behind this project aims to createenergy communities and coalitions to coordinate actions at the national and international level in Eastern European countries. The consortium behind this project aims at facilitating the formation of such partnerships, as well as delivering trainings and exchanging best practices among countries. A further enlargement to the Eastern part of Europe is in the works for the future.

Project summary

 

Croatian One Stop Shop for Integrated Home Renovation (inCross renoHome)

The consortium behind this project will create a marketplace and one-stop-shops for homeowners and experts to renovate their buildings and make them more energy efficient and climate friendly. It will offer full-service packages that guide the customers from planning to implementation. It will also tackle the barriers and challenges that discourage many homeowners from renovating their buildings. The project will help reduce its energy demand and CO2 emissions in the private housing sector in Croatia.

Project summary