LIFE. Environment 2002.

Abstract

The LIFE RegulationLIFE is the European Union's Financial Instrument forthe Environment. Launched in 1992, its overall objec-tive is to contribute to the development and imple-mentation of EU environmental policy through thefinancing of specific actions. LIFE has three distinctcomponents -- LIFE-Environment, LIFE-Nature andLIFE-Third countries – and co-finances environmentalinitiatives for environmental and nature conservationprojects throughout the EU, in participating candi-date countries and certain third countries borderingon the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.LIFE has been implemented in phases: EUR 400 mil-lion were allocated for the first phase (1992-1995)and approximately EUR 450 million for the secondphase (1996-1999). For the period 2000 – 2004, LIFEIII has a total proposed budget of EUR 640 millionEuro, 47% of which is earmarked for LIFE-Environment projects in the European Union.