Introductory text

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^f1, and in particular Article 24(1) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002^f2, and in particular Article 84(2) thereof,

After consulting the LIFE Committee for Environment and Climate Action,

Whereas:

In order to ensure implementation of the LIFE programme, it is necessary to adopt a multiannual work programme for 2018-2020.

In order to set a framework for the implementation of the two LIFE sub-programmes, the multiannual work programme for 2018-2020 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, the criteria for the attribution of grants and indicative timetables for the calls for proposals.

The multiannual work programme for 2018-2020 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.

The two innovative financial instruments identified as appropriate tools for funding projects, in accordance with Article 17(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 and trialled throughout the LIFE multiannual work programme for 2014-2017 demonstrated their 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. These pilots should therefore be continued.

In view of the experience gained 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, the 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 remain entrusted to that institution.

In order to ensure a seamless implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013, this Decision should apply as of the day following that of the end of the applicability of the LIFE multiannual work programme for 2014-2017,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: