
Moldova joined the EU’s LIFE Environment and Climate Activity Program with a budget of 5.43 billion euros until 2027.
In particular, the agreement on Moldova's accession to this program was signed by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilitsa and European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius. LIFE is the only EU program exclusively devoted to the environment, which aims to foster the transition towards a sustainable and efficient economy, based on renewable energy sources and the principles of a circular economy, as well as to protect nature, improve air and water quality and increase wastewater treatment. LIFE includes EU initiatives and projects for research, innovation and large-scale funding programs. In July 2022, the European Commission started negotiations on joining LIFE with a number of non-EU countries, including Moldova, which can join the program through bilateral association agreements. Joining LIFE will help Moldova promote innovative environmental and climate practices, approaches and best practices that will contribute to a circular economy that is resilient to climate change and that protects and restores nature. By participating in the LIFE program, Moldova will be able to benefit from funding of many projects related to biodiversity, the circular economy, the transition to clean energy, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Project proposals can be submitted by state agencies, private businesses, NGOs or civil society organizations. The total budget of LIFE for 2021-2027 is 5.4 billion euros (0.48% of the total EU budget). LIFE has co-financed over 5.800 projects within and outside the EU. // 28.11.2022 - InfoMarket