FUTURE for Czech LIFE

Introduction

The Czech Republic has participated in the LIFE Programme since it joined the EU in 2004. In order for the Czech Republic to be able to use the programme more effectively and to obtain more funding to address environmental and climate-change issues and the transition to clean energy, it is necessary to increase the number and quality of project applications submitted.

National Contact Point

To support the implementation of the LIFE Programme in the Czech Republic, the National Contact Point (NCP) has been established within the Ministry of Environment; its activities are supported by the state budget. The NCP has been providing long-term advisory, information, and financial assistance to applicants.

Project Objectives

The FUTURE FOR CZECH LIFE project aims at strengthening the existing knowledge and communication capacity of the NCP and creating a tailor-made service offer that will improve its functioning and provide Czech applicants with professional and effective support for the preparation of a higher number of quality projects.

Key Needs Addressed

The project responds to the needs on the applicants' side, the identified barriers to a better use of EU programmes in the Czech Republic, and issues related to the new set-up and implementation of the LIFE Programme in the period 2021-2027.

Work Packages

To achieve the project’s objectives, activities have been designed in 6 work packages (WPs). The WP activities focus on specific thematic areas, project types, and applicant types:

1. Thematic Areas: e.g., transition to clean energy
2. Project Types: e.g., integrated projects or SAPs
3. Applicant Types: e.g., business entities or specialised sector organisations

Expected Outcomes

In particular, the project will result in:

• Strengthened internal expertise of the NCP in programme knowledge and preparation of project applications
• More active communication with specific applicant groups, with other NCPs, and with the EC/CINEA
• Offering new or innovative services

Project Partnership

The project partner is the Chamber of Renewable Energy Sources, providing expertise in clean energy issues. The project is planned for 3 years (2023-2025).