€86 Million Investment by the Commission Boosts Climate Resilience and Water Security Efforts

The European Commission recently announced a major investment of €86 million in new projects aimed at enhancing water quality, tackling pollution, and boosting fire and flood protection. This funding is part of broader efforts to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.

These selected projects, spread across Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia, and Iceland, are designed to help local and regional authorities comply with environmental regulations and adopt sustainable practices.

In Denmark, the LIFE ACT project is set to support 27 municipalities in accelerating local climate initiatives. With €28.4 million in funding, including €17 million from the EU, it aims to cut municipal CO₂ emissions by 75% and enhance 2,900 km of coastline against climate change by 2050.

Estonia’s LIFE SIP WET-EST project, backed by €29.9 million (with €17.9 million from the EU), aims to improve water quality in the Western Estonian river basin. The project seeks to control pollution, restore ecosystems, and mitigate drought and flood risks.

Poland’s initiative in the Pomorskie Voivodeship region has a budget of €21.9 million, of which the EU contributes €13.1 million. With 31 partners, including universities and local governments, the project aims to achieve a 65% recycling rate and reduce landfill waste to just 10% by 2035.

Slovenia’s LIFE4ADAPT project, funded to the tune of €26.5 million (including €14.2 million from the EU), focuses on improving resilience to droughts and wildfires. This funding will enhance climate risk management and educational outreach.

In Iceland, the LIFE ICEWATER project brings together government and research entities to improve water quality. With €39.6 million in total funding (including €23.8 million from the EU), it emphasizes sustainable water use.

Additionally, the Commission has laid out plans for the LIFE Programme from 2025 to 2027, with an overall budget of €2.3 billion targeting various environmental challenges, including pollution and biodiversity loss.

The LIFE Programme, which started in 1992, is the only EU funding initiative dedicated solely to environmental and climate goals. It has financed over 6,000 projects, highlighting a consistent commitment to eco-friendly advancements in Europe.

Water resilience is particularly vital for Europe’s economic strength. A well-managed water industry not only addresses environmental issues but also contributes to economic growth. Recent surveys indicate a strong public demand for action on water management and climate resilience, underscoring the importance of these investments.

The next call for proposals is expected to be announced in April 2025, with virtual sessions set to assist aspiring applicants. For further information on these initiatives and the broader goals of the LIFE Programme, you can visit the [European Commission’s website](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/news/introduction-life-programme_en).

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