Regulation (EU) 2021/783 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

What it is

to establish a programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) for the period 2021-2027. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: the EU is a global leader in environmental protection and climate action. The Commission considers the shift towards a clean, energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy to be a priority . The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted the report by Gerben-Jan GERBRANDY (ALDE, NL) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013. The committee recommended that the European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure should amend the Commission's proposal as follows. Objective : the proposed Regulation aims to establish a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), covering the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027. Members stressed that LIFE is the only programme specifically dedicated to the environment and climate and as such it plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of EU legislation in these areas. It shall contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of at least 25% of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the MFF 2021-2027 period, and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027. · contribute to the shift towards a clean, circular, energy-efficient, net-zero emission and climate-resilient economy; · halt and reverse biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems, thereby contributing to sustainable development. · promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the Union legislation and policy on environment and climate action, including the transition to clean, renewable energy and increased energy efficiency; · contribute to the knowledge base, effective management and application of best practice, in relation to nature and biodiversity, including through the support of the Natura 2000 network; · support the implementation of General Union Environment Action Programmes and improve environmental and climate governance at all levels, including by enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society. Budget : the financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR 6.44 billion in 2018 prices (EUR 7.27 billion in current prices) as opposed to EUR 5.45 billion in current prices proposed by the Commission). Environment : EUR 4.71 billion at 2018 prices , of which: (i) EUR 2.82 billion for the Nature and Biodiversity sub-programme and (ii) EUR 1.88 billion for the Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme; Climate Action area : EUR 1.95 billion of which: (i) EUR 950 million for the sub-programme 'Climate change mitigation and…

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