Involving civil society in the EU policy process : LIFE support for environmental NGOs in 2013

LIFE, the EU's financial instrument for the environment, was founded in 1992. The last phase of the programme, LIFE+, ran from 2007-2013 and had a budget of €2.143 billion. Though around 78% of the LIFE+ budget was dedicated to funding the actions of projects, LIFE+ also supported the activities of EU-level environmental NGOs through the competitive and transparent awarding of annual operating grants. Specifically, the LIFE+ Regulation provided funding for "operational activities of NGOs that are primarily active in protecting and enhancing the environment at European level and involved in the development and implementation of Community policy and legislation" (Annex 1 to the Regulation). The number of NGOs funded each year varied according to the quality of the applications, the amounts applied for and the total budget available, but typically around 30 NGOs were supported by LIFE funding. This funding for NGOs aimed to strengthen their participation in environmental policy making and implementation. It is vital that this process is as open and wide reaching as possible, involving all stakeholders, including NGOs that are well placed to convey public concerns about the environment and balance the interests of other actors. European NGOs also play a valuable role in preparing position papers and being present on expert groups, as well as by conducting research studies and raising awareness. Calls for proposals are published on the DG Environment web page and the received applications for the yearly grants are then evaluated and ranked according to the degree in which the NGO can contribute to priority EU policy areas. Environmental NGOs must be non-profit making, independent and active on a European level. Also, they must have members in at least three EU Member States. This is the second time a brochure has showcased examples of activities carried out by environmental NGOs receiving the LIFE operating grants. This brochure gives a broad overview of the contributions made by the 32 NGOs funded during 2013, including more in-depth descriptions of the activities carried out by four NGOs in different policy areas.