A financial instrument for the Environment (LIFE)
The proposal for a Council Regulation (COM(91) 28) of 31 January 1991 concerns the establishment of a financial instrument for the environment (LIFE) to enter into force on 1 June 1991, providing a coherent financial framework for Community environmental policy while complying with the polluter-pays principle and the subsidiarity principle. Existing budgetary lines (ACE, ACNAT, MEDSPA, NORSPA) shall be incorporated. The total required appropriation for 1991 is estimated at ECU 64.5 million, made up of an appropriation for LIFE together with the combined appropriations of the other budget lines. Actions relating to ACE and MEDSPA - these two financial instruments being repealed by the present Regulation - shall be of priority during 1991 and 1992, together with actions aiming to resolve serious environmental problems or those of particular Community interest, plus technical assistance and financial support actions in third countries.