European Union will provide financial support to the Republic of Moldova for environmental and climate change action projects within the `LIFE` Programme

The European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilița, signed on 26 November 2022 the Agreement on the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union Programme for the Environment and Climate Policies “LIFE” (hereinafter – LIFE).

LIFE is the only EU funding programme exclusively geared towards the support of environmental projects aiming at contributing to the transition to a sustainable and efficient economy based on renewable energy sources and circular economy principles, as well as protecting the nature, improving the quality of air and water, increasing treatment of wastewater.

LIFE includes the European Union’s initiatives and projects for research, innovation and large-scale funding programmes.

In July 2022, the Commission launched negotiations on the association of several non-EU countries, including the Republic of Moldova, to the LIFE, allowing these countries to join the program through bilateral association agreements. Joining LIFE will help Moldova to promote innovative environmental and climate techniques, approaches and good practices that will contribute to a circular economy, resilient to climate change and that protects and restores nature.

By participating in the LIFE Programme, Moldova will be able to access financing for several projects, which refer to biodiversity, circular economy, transition to clean energy, as well as climate mitigation and adaptation. Project proposals may be submitted by public entities, private enterprises, NGOs or civil society organisations.

The total budget of the LIFE program for 2021-2027 is of €5.4 billion. It has co-financed more than 5,800 projects throughout the EU and beyond.

After signing the LIFE Agreement, the officials participated in the planting of 12 maple trees, symbolising the flag of the European Union, in the Chişinău Botanical Garden. By this action, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, expressed his solidarity with the “Plant your Future” initiative – a campaign to green Moldova, conducted under the auspices of the country’s state authorities.

More information about the Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) can be accessed at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/programme-environment-and-climate-action-life_en