LIFE was the EU's financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some candidate, acceding and neighbouring countries. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed around 2,750 projects, contributing approximately €1.35 billion to the protection of the environment.

LIFE+ has entered into force with the publication of the Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May in the Official Journal L149 of 9 June 2007. With a budget of €2.5 billion for the period 2007-2013, LIFE+ is a limited but focused funding instrument providing specific support for the development and implementation of Community environmental policy and legislation, in particular the objectives of the 6th EAP (Decision 1600/2002/EC) and resulting thematic strategies. It comprises three components:

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity

Best practice and/or demonstration projects contributing to the implementation of the objectives of the Birds and Habitats Directives (Council Directives 79/409 EEC and 92/43/EEC)

-Demonstration and/or innovation projects contributing to the implementation of the objectives of the Commission Communication COM (2006) 216 final: “Halting the loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond".

LIFE+ Environment Policy & Governance

-Demonstration and/or innovation projects related to any of the “priority areas of action” set out in the document “LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance, Guidelines for applicants”.

LIFE+ Information & Communication

-Communication and awareness raising campaigns related to the implementation, updating and development of European environmental policy and legislation set out in the document "LIFE+ Information and Communication, Guidelines for applicants 2008".

-Awareness raising campaigns for the prevention of forest fires and training for forest fire agents.

At least 78% of LIFE+ will be for the co-financing of project action grants, of which at least 50% will be for nature and biodiversity projects. The European Commission will use the remaining sum for operational expenses. At present expenditure is only eligible in the EU27, although the future participation of certain third countries is possible if supplementary appropriations are received (see Article 8 of the LIFE+ Regulation). The European Commission organises the annual call for proposals and, with the help of external experts, will select, revise and monitor the projects and be responsible for making the appropriate payments.

Please note that this year’s call for proposals will be issued on the 15th May 2009 and will be open till the 15th September 2009. In the meantime, the Commission will organise workshops for potential applicants in each Member state during the period 15th May-15th July 2009. The focal point will then forward proposals to the commission for evaluation whom will award the final decision in July 2010 with the earliest possible start of projects selected being 1st September 2010.

For further information visit: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm

Please note that Malta’s LIFE+ website with interesting information and beneficial link will be launched shortly.