Spain issued a strong warning that one of the EU's flagship environmental funds risks losing its impact if it is absorbed into broader funding structures as negotiations over the multi-annual budget intensify, according to a document seen by Euronews.
In the document circulated ahead of environment ministers' meeting in Brussels on June 25, Spain called on EU countries to examine how the LIFE environmental fund — the bloc’s main funding instrument for climate and environmental action — can be safeguarded in the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028–2034.
"The proposal to integrate the LIFE programme into broader financial frameworks (such as a potential European Competitiveness Fund) could, if implemented, lead to a loss of visibility, specific funding and the capacity for effective implementation on the ground, subordinating environmental objectives to other priorities," Spain warns.
It argues that Europe is facing a “triple environmental crisis” of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution and that "there is a clear risk" that "specialised instruments and environmental ambition will be watered down," in the current budget debate.
The document also raises concerns that the European Commission's proposed funding levels for biodiversity and nature restoration in the 2028–2034 budget may be lower than current allocations, which stood at €5.4 billion for the 2021-2027 budget.
