The European Commission has launched two online consultations in order to gather opinion over the future of funding instruments in the field of environment. The first consultation related to the next financial instrument for the environment, which will succeed the LIFE+ instrument after its expiry at the end of 2013. The second one seeks opinions over the financing of Natura 2000 Network. Interested parties may submit their opinions until 15 and 17 February respectively.

The Financial Instrument for the Environment LIFE+ has contributed more than 2 billion Euro to environment protection since 1992. In relation to this instrument, the Commission aims to gather opinions on the objectives, priorities and modes of support for the next financial instrument.

The online Consultation on a future EU financial instrument for the environment to continue LIFE+, is part of a wider public consultation, whose results will be used by the Commission when formulating a proposal for a new instrument. Contributions are especially welcome from national, regional and local administrations, environmental stakeholders, the private sector, and the general public.

Consultation is made up with 9 questions, available in six EU languages, and will be open until 15 February.

The second consultation, on financing Natura 2000, will feed into a communication expected in the summer of 2011, assessing the current approach to financing the network. The Consultation on Future EU co-financing of Natura 2000 asks if the approach taken so far has been adequate for the effective implementation of the network, and looks for ways to enhance the successes to date.

The views of public authorities, the private sector, environmental stakeholders and interested citizens are sought. The consultation consists of 10 questions, although open answers and comments are also welcome. Natura 2000, the cornerstone of EU biodiversity policy, is the biggest interconnected network of protected areas in the world which now covers nearly 18% of the EU's terrestrial area.

The consultation is also available in six languages and will be open until 17 February 2011.