Three projects funded by LIFE are forging new ways to recycle everyday products that contain critical raw materials (CRM). Recovering more critical raw materials is central to the EU’s move towards a more circular economy.

Environmental and wildlife crimes are cross-border, global problems that need modern solutions. LIFE projects are using new technologies and digital platforms to help national authorities identify crimes and deter potential offenders.

Thousands of newly-installed nesting boxes are welcoming back swifts and bats to cities in Slovakia. Working closely with landlords, the LIFE project APUS and NYCTALUS also ensured that construction work would not occur during nesting periods.

The sustainability of our seas will be at the top of the global political agenda when the Our Ocean conference takes place next week. The LIFE programme is making a positive impact on the marine environment, with projects tackling pressures and threats identified in the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive, such as underwater noise.

The European Commission has approved an investment package of € 243 million from the EU budget for projects supporting nature, the environment and quality of life in Europe's transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future. EU funding under the LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action will mobilise additional investments leading to a total of € 430.7 million going towards 142 new projects. With numerous trans-national projects funded, LIFE will have an impact in every EU Member State.

"Food waste is not only unethical; it is a shameful waste of natural and economic resources," said Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, at the recent LIFE platform meeting on food waste in Budapest. He added that it has no place in the EU, where 55 million people go without a quality meal every second day.

A host of LIFE projects are at the green technologies expo, ECOMONDO, next month. They will be showcasing their solutions reduce waste, noise, greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful environmental impacts.

The EU is committed to halving the amount of food waste per capita in Europe in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Food savings are required across the chain, from reducing production losses to reducing the amount of food that is thrown away.