The document is designed to help improve the uptake of EU funds for biodiversity and in particular for the management and restoration of Natura 2000 sites in the current multiannual financial framework (MFF). The guide analyses possibilities of financing investments in Natura 2000 from different EU funds, in particular related to agriculture, cohesion, marine and fisheries policies as well as the LIFE programme and other relevant funds and instruments. These opportunities are presented in the context of the current EU priorities including the European Green Deal, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the NextGenerationEU recovery package.
The EU has committed to allocate 10% of its budget to biodiversity by 2026 and 30% to climate action during the financing period 2021–2027. This guide is therefore aimed at assisting the Member States authorities as well as the potential beneficiaries and other stakeholders in accessing the funds for nature in both of these crucial stages of the funding cycle. To inspire future applicants and beneficiaries we also present a number of real-life case studies of best practices in using EU funds.