The European Commission presented a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action – LIFE, in which it proposes to modify the existing LIFE+ Programme to have a greater impact, be simpler and more flexible throughout a significantly increased budget. Among the proposals, it would be the creation of a new sub-programme for Climate Action.

The Commission proposes to allocate €3.2 billion over 2014-2020 to a new Programme for the Environment and Climate Action – LIFE. This new programme will be based in the existing LIFE+ Programme but will be reformed to have a greater impact, be simpler and more flexible and have a significantly increased budget. In particular, the new aspects of the future LIFE Programme include the creation of a new sub-programme for Climate Action; a clearer definition of priorities with multi-annual work programmes adopted in consultation with the Member States; and new possibilities to implement programmes on a larger scale through "Integrated projects" which can help mobilise other EU, national and private funds for environmental or climate objectives.

With regard to the sub-programme for Environment, it will support efforts in environment and resource efficiency, biodiversity and environmental governance and information that will promote knowledge sharing, dissemination of best practices, and better compliance, in addition to awareness raising campaigns.

Additionally, the Commission stresses that grants to finance projects will remain the Programme's main type of intervention. Operating grants for NGOs and other bodies will still be possible, and there will also be scope for contributions to innovative financial instruments.