The second Twinning Event of Net4LIFE took place on 21-22 October in Athens, Greece, with the participation of LIFE NCPs from thirteen European countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Latvia, Hungary, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, and Greece.
The first day’s discussions offered an in-depth exchange of experiences among LIFE NCPs on effective capacity building, stakeholder engagement, partner matching, and the future of the LIFE programme. Highlighting the programme’s future within the EU funding landscape and on the role of Net4LIFE in strengthening cooperation, advocacy, and the visibility of LIFE’s added value across member states.
The first day was hosted in the Andreas Syggros Mansion, a 19th-century mansion located in the Syngros urban forest. The agenda focused on showcasing national initiatives and practices for capacity building and featuring strategies for reaching new applicants and engaging local authorities, followed by a workshop on identifying needs and improving partner search strategies. The final session encouraged reflections on the future of the LIFE Programme within the proposed next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The second day was dedicated to field visits and meetings with representatives of Greek organisations implementing LIFE projects. A total of nine LIFE projects were presented, including both IPs and SAPs, covering different sub-programmes: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, and Nature and Biodiversity. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the LIFE project experience of the National Observatory of Athens (LIFE ADAPT2CLIMA and LIFE UrbanProof), the Benaki Phytopathological Institute (LIFE ClimaMED, LIFE PureAgroH2O, LIFE CONOPS, LIFE EcoPest), and the Green Fund (LIFE-IP CEI-Greece and LIFE-IP AdaptInGR).
The event concluded with a visit to ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (LIFE EuroTurtles) and participants had the opportunity to witness the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle, organised by the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. A symbolic moment reflecting the LIFE Programme’s commitment to nature conservation.
Participants praised the event for its relevance and impact, highlighting the value of peer learning and cross-border collaboration. The twinning event reinforced a shared vision for the LIFE Programme and the role of Net4LIFE in empowering NCPs across Europe.
