COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 19 March 2014
on the adoption of the LIFE multiannual work programme for 2014-17
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2014/203/EU)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 (1), and in particular Article 24(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
In order to ensure implementation of the LIFE Programme, it is necessary to adopt a multiannual work programme for 2014-17.
(2)
In order to set a framework for the implementation of the two LIFE sub-programmes, the multiannual work programme for 2014-17 should specify the indicative allocation of funds between priority areas and types of funding, the project topics implementing the thematic priorities set out in Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013, the technical selection methodology for projects, the criteria for the attribution of grants and indicative timetables for the calls for proposals.
(3)
The multiannual work programme for 2014-17 should also contain qualitative and quantitative outcomes, indicators and targets for each priority area and type of projects, in accordance with the performance indicators and specific objectives for each priority area, with a view to facilitate the evaluation of the results and impact of the programme. On the basis of ex-ante assessments the Commission identified two innovative financial instruments as appropriate tools for funding projects, in accordance with Article 17(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013.
(4)
Those financial instruments should be trialled throughout the multiannual work programme in order to demonstrate their considerable potential to leverage funding from investors in the field of biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation, thus addressing current financial barriers to the uptake of projects in those areas.
(5)
Based on the positive experience with other financial instruments managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as the geographical coverage of the EIB which enables it to reach potential beneficiaries across the Union, implementation of the Natural Capital Financing Facility and of the Private Financing for Energy Efficiency Instrument, funded through contributions from the LIFE programme, should be entrusted to that institution.
(6)
In order to ensure an efficient implementation of the multiannual work programme and as Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 applies from 1 January 2014, this Decision should apply from the date of the adoption of this Decision.
(7)
The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for the LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action established by Article 30 of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The multiannual work programme
The LIFE multiannual work programme for 2014-17, as set out in the Annex, is adopted.
Article 2
Union contribution to the multiannual work programme
The maximum contribution to the LIFE multiannual work programme for 2014-17 is set at EUR 1 796 242 000 and shall be used to finance the relevant sub-programmes and priority areas as follows:
(1)
an overall amount of EUR 1 347 074 499 for the sub-programme for Environment which shall be divided as follows:
(a)
EUR 495 845 763 for the priority area ‘Environment and Resource Efficiency’;
(b)
EUR 610 068 900 for the priority area ‘Nature and Biodiversity’;
(c)
EUR 162 999 836 for the priority area ‘Environmental Governance and Information’;
(d)
EUR 78 160 000 for related support expenditure;
(2)
an overall amount of EUR 449 167 501 for the sub-programme for Climate Action which shall be divided as follows:
(a)
EUR 193 559 591 for the priority area ‘Climate Change Mitigation’;
(b)
EUR 190 389 591 for the priority area ‘Climate Change Adaptation’;
(c)
EUR 47 588 319 for the priority area ‘Climate Governance and Information’;
(d)
EUR 17 630 000 for related support expenditure.
Article 3
Financial instruments
1. The following financial instruments, as described in the Annex, shall receive contributions pursuant to Article 17(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013:
(a)
the Private Financing for Energy Efficiency Instrument;
(b)
the Natural Capital Financing Facility.
2. The implementation of the contribution to the Private Financing for Energy Efficiency Instrument and the Natural Capital Financing Facility shall be entrusted to the European Investment Bank.
Article 4
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the first day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 19 March 2014.
Done at Brussels, 19 March 2014.