
Parliament ratified the agreement on Moldova's accession to the EU Environment and Climate Policy Program LIFE with a budget of 5.43 billion euros.
In particular, the deputies approved in two readings at once the draft ratification of this agreement, which was signed in Chisinau on November 26, 2022 by Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita and European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius. The LIFE program is the only European Union program dedicated exclusively to the environment, which aims to promote the transition to a sustainable and efficient economy based on renewable energy and circular economy principles, as well as to protect nature, improve air and water quality and boost wastewater treatment. LIFE includes EU initiatives and projects on research, innovation and large-scale funding programs. In July 2022, the European Commission started LIFE accession negotiations with a number of non-EU countries, including Moldova, which could 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 the development of a circular economy that is climate resilient and that protects and restores nature. By participating in the LIFE program, Moldova will be able to benefit from funding for many projects related to biodiversity, the circular economy, the transition to clean energy, and adaptation to climate change. Project proposals may be submitted by government agencies, private enterprises, NGOs or civil society organizations. Total budget for the LIFE program for 2021-2027 is 5.4 billion euros (0.48% of the total EU budget). The LIFE program has co-financed more than 5.8 thousand projects within the EU and beyond. // 15.12.2022 — InfoMarket