The LIFE programme as state support for innovative development in Ukraine’s agricultural sector: legal aspects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37772/2518-1718-2026-2(54)-10Keywords:
beneficiary, climate, recipient, project, regulation (EU)Abstract
Problem setting. Ukraine received the status of candidate for EU membership during martial law and has a developed agriculture. However, its innovative level depends on state and third-party support. Thus, EU programs allow Ukrainian agriculture to implement various projects, including innovative development of agriculture. The results of selecting certain projects that will receive funding depend on many conditions and factors enshrined in EU legislation for a particular program. For example, the LIFE programme, which deals with environmental and climate issues, is offered in Ukraine for innovative development of agriculture. Analysis of recent researches and publications. At present, there is no comprehensive study devoted to the legal nature of the LIFE programme, let alone the EU’s support for innovative agricultural development within the framework of this program. One of the most recent studies on this programme is the paper by A. Navarro et al. is dedicated to the conservation of large carnivores. It is also possible to highlight some other scientific directions on state support of agriculture in Ukraine and the EU. For example, K. Deininger and D. Ayalew Ali attempted to identify the impact of a grant program to support agricultural producers in Ukraine during martial law. M. Agovino, A. Ferraro, and G. Musella examined the impact of EU agricultural policy on sustainable agriculture in its member countries. Purpose of the research is to analyse EU legislation on Ukraine’s participation as a candidate for EU membership in the LIFE programme in the direction of state support for the innovative development of Ukrainian agriculture and to formulate recommendations in this area. Article’s main body. The paper examines some aspects of the Regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013, which determine the selection of certain projects for subsequent funding. First, the relationship between the LIFE programme and the EU common agricultural policy is analysed. Secondly, the impact of the EU financial regulations (the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. (Date of end of validity 29.09.2024) and the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union) for participation in the LIFE programme. Thirdly, it characterises Article 12 of the Regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 on the list of organisations eligible to participate in the LIFE programme, and reflects the author’s formulated views on its action. Fourthly, the list of beneficiaries and recipients in the LIFE programme is examined. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The study revealed that current EU legislation requires review and amendment in order to directly achieve the objectives set out in the Regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013. Ukraine will be able to implement the proposed projects under the LIFE programme, when the geographical balance is removed from this legislative act, and a clear list of requirements for organisations that will directly implement the projects, as well as a list of beneficiaries and recipients, will appear. The Regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 will be automatically amended in line with corresponding changes to EU legislation.
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