Two Irish projects are among those that will benefit from more than €7m in EU LIFE programme funding, it has been announced. The funds aim to help 27 climate, energy and environment NGOs in 14 European countries implement various 'Green Deal driver' projects.

The two Irish projects to receive funding are: LEGACY4LIFE, which aims to strengthen environmental and climate action in Ireland, and DIRECT LIFE, which aims to encourage civil society participation in the circular economy in Ireland. 

This special 'LIFE 2020 Call for Proposals from NGOs on the European Green Deal (NGO4GD)' aims to lessen the impact of Covid-19 on the non-profit sector's operations.

A significant share of the economy and labour market comprises NGOs, and they have suffered greatly from the pandemic. In some cases, the impact has been worse than in other sectors. The announcement is LIFE's response to help NGOs recover while boosting public participation in the European Green Deal.

The funds will help 27 climate, energy and environment NGOs in 14 European countries implement various 'Green Deal driver' projects. Initiatives will occur in Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The new projects support the European Green Deal's goal of making the EU the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. They also contribute to key Green Deal elements like the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, its Farm to Fork Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan.

"LIFE wants to help in this time of crisis so that NGOs can continue operating. We also want to place the Green Deal higher on the agenda. This special round of funding is win-win for all concerned," said Angelo Salsi, head of department ‘Natural resources, climate, sustainable blue economy and clean energy’ at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

Find out more about all 27 projects in the following short descriptions