Funding instruments of the European Union

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Photo: European Union

On the part of the European Union, several financing instruments are available for selection for the preservation of wetlands.

LIFE

LIFE is a funding instrument to support the environmental policy of the Community. Within the framework of the LIFE Programme, among other things, those nature conservation projects are funded, which are required “to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the populations and species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable status.” LIFE contributes thus considerably to the implementation of the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). In particular, the focus is on the establishment of the European network of protected areas Natura 2000, which aims at the in-situ protection of habitats and highly endangered animal and plant species throughout Europe.

INTERREG

Interreg, or, as it is called officially the “European territorial cooperation” is part of the structural and investment policies of the European Union. For more than 30 years trans-boundary cooperation projects between regions and towns, which have an influence on daily life, have been supported by it, for example on climate change and environmental and resource protection. There exist 7 trans-boundary INTERREG Programmes with Austrian neighbouring countries, 3 trans-national INTERREG programmes and 4 inter-regional networking programmes.

Common Agricultural Policy – Rural Development

The CAP has always been one of the most important fields of policy of Europe and has been permanently adapted to new challenges since its existence. Thus more and more project measures are offered in the field of Rural Development, which are, directly or indirectly, in favour of the protection or the improvement of wetlands.

LEADER+

Community initiative to encourage innovations in rural areas

LEADER is a Community initiative of the European Union which has existed since 1991: Liaison Entre Actions de Developpement de l´Economie Rurale (links between actions for the development of the rural economy). LEADER focuses on cooperation and networking between rural areas.

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