LIFE II: financial instrument for the environment (amend. regul. 1973/92/EEC)

The Council noted the Commission’s presentation of its proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1973/92 establishing a financial instrument for the environment (LIFE). The amendments proposed stem from experience of the first three years’ implementation of the instrument. They are designed to make the instrument more effective, having regard to its specific nature, the principle of subsidiarity, greater transparency in procedures and the simplification of administrative burdens. The Council noted the resolve of the incoming Spanish Presidency to expedite examination of the proposal, so that it can be adopted rapidly.