EU Commission Unveils €3.4bn Net-Zero Funding, LIFE Grants, Fertiliser Reform
European Commission selects 77 net-zero projects for €3.4bn, grants €390m to 135 LIFE projects, and proposes fertiliser reform.
The story in focus
The European Commission announced €3.4 billion for 77 net-zero technology projects under the Innovation Fund and over €390 million for 135 LIFE climate and environment projects. It also proposed a Nitrates Directive amendment to reduce farmers' reliance on chemical fertilisers, open for feedback until 13 November 2026.
- 77 net-zero projects selected for €3.4 billion from the Innovation Fund, funded by EU ETS revenues.
- 135 new climate and environment projects receive over €390 million under the LIFE programme.
- Draft amendment to Nitrates Directive aims to let farmers use certain liquid digestates as fertiliser alternatives.
Net-zero and LIFE funding
The European Commission has selected 77 European net-zero technology projects to receive €3.4 billion under the Innovation Fund's net-zero technologies call. The funding reinvests EU Emissions Trading System revenues in decarbonisation technologies. The Commission estimates the projects could avoid around 290 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over their first decade.
Separately, the Commission granted more than €390 million to 135 new projects under the LIFE programme for environment and climate action. The EU contribution represents more than half of the €579 million total investment needs, with the remainder from national, regional and local governments, businesses and other partners.
Agricultural autonomy proposal
On Friday, 16 October, the Commission put forward a draft proposal to reduce farmers' costs and reliance on chemical fertilisers. The targeted amendment to the Nitrates Directive would give Member States flexibility to allow certain liquid digestates from livestock manure, meeting RENURE criteria, as alternatives to mineral fertilisers.
The proposal is supported by a Joint Research Centre report. Stakeholders can give feedback until 13 November 2026. After analysis, the Commission will send the proposal to the Nitrates Committee; if approved, it goes to the European Parliament and Council, which have three months to object.
What is the deadline for feedback on the Commission's draft Nitrates Directive amendment?
Feedback on the draft targeted amendment can be submitted until 13 November 2026. The Commission will then analyse responses and send the proposal to the Nitrates Committee.
Sources & further reading
- Daily News 19 / 10 / 2026 ↗ec.europa.eu
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