Involving civil society in the EU policy process : LIFE support for environmental NGOs in 2014

Founded in 1992, LIFE is the EU's financial instrument for the environment and climate action. While the majority of LIFE budgetary resources are dedicated to funding the actions of projects - at least 81% under the latest Regulation - the programme continues to award annual operating grants in support of the activities of EU-level environmental and/or climate action NGOs. The Regulation (EC) No 1293/2013) says that "operating grants shall support certain operational and administrative costs of non-profit making entities which pursue an aim of general Union interest, and are primarily active in the field of environment or climate action and are involved in the development, implementation and enforcement of Union policy and legislation" (Article 21 of the Regulation). The number of NGOs funded each year has to date varied according to the quality of the applications, the amounts applied for and the total budget available, but typically around 30 NGOs have been supported by LIFE funding. In 2014, 28 NGOs were selected for funding worth around €9 million. The aim of this funding is to strengthen NGO participation in environmental and/or climate action policymaking and implementation. This process should be open, wide reaching and engaging as many stakeholders, including NGOs, as possible. NGOs are particularly able to convey public concerns about the environment and balance the interests of other actors. Moreover, European NGOs play a valuable role in preparing position papers, carrying out research studies and raising awareness. They are also an essential member of many expert groups. Bi-Annual calls for proposals are published on the European Commission - LIFE web page. The received applications for the yearly grants are then evaluated and ranked according to the degree to which the NGO can contribute to priority EU policy areas. Environmental and/or climate action NGOs must be non-profit making, independent and active on a European level. Also, they must have members in at least three Member States. This is the third time a brochure has highlighted examples of activities carried out by environmental and/or climate action NGOs that have been awarded LIFE operating grants. The aim is to give a broad overview of the contributions made by these NGOS in 2014, while at the same time offering in-depth profiles of four NGOs operating in different policy areas.