Spain Urges EU to Keep LIFE Fund Separate in 2028-2034 Budget Talks

Spain circulated a document ahead of the EU environment ministers meeting scheduled for June 25 in Brussels that calls on member states to examine how the LIFE environmental fund can be preserved in the bloc's next long-term budget for 2028-2034, Euronews reported.

The document warns that integrating the programme into broader frameworks such as a potential European Competitiveness Fund could result in loss of visibility, specific funding and capacity for effective implementation. Spain stated that Europe faces a triple environmental crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution, and that there is a clear risk specialised instruments and environmental ambition will be watered down.

Current allocations for biodiversity and nature restoration in the 2021-2027 budget stood at €5.4 billion. The LIFE fund has backed more than 6,000 projects and mobilised over €12 billion in investment since 1992, including breeding programmes that raised the Iberian lynx population from 62 individuals in 2001 to more than 2,000.

The European Parliament's environment committee adopted a text on Tuesday requiring EU countries to meet targets for climate, environment and biodiversity when preparing national plans.

The measure passed with 54 votes in favour and 16 against. The committee opinion states that integration of LIFE-type actions into a broader facility must not dilute its strategic nature, long-term programming stability or support for civil society. Lawmaker Ana Vasconcelos said the attempt to dismantle LIFE was very contentious.

Faustine Bas-Defossez, policy director at the European Environmental Bureau, urged the Council to reinstate LIFE as a standalone fund for 2028-2034. Beate Aikens, senior advocacy officer at WWF EU, said support for LIFE remains unwavering across political groups.