Thank you, Mr. Al-Jaberi, for your kind introduction.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, welcome to the 19th edition of the LIFE Awards.
We celebrate excellence in environmental and climate action.
For over 30 years, the LIFE Programme has been central to the EUs efforts, supporting 6,000 projects across Europe and beyond. Recently, we included Montenegro in LIFE.
LIFE is unique, providing a fertile testing ground for ambitious ideas that grow into scalable solutions.
More than anything, LIFE is a partnership between the economy and nature, businesses and civil society, the EU and local organizations. Every LIFE project showcases the value of this approach.
Recently, I visited a wonderful LIFE project in Italy. Whenever possible, I try to include a LIFE project in my travel schedule.
Tonight, we spotlight projects that have made a significant difference. Where inspiration, innovation, and impact converge.
Out of more than 100 remarkable projects, we have selected nine amazing finalists. Congratulations to all of you; you are truly the stars of this evening!
Our jury had the tough task of selecting winners in three categories: nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, and climate action.
But thats not all. More than 2,000 of you have cast your votes online for your favorite project in the Citizens Prize. If you havent voted yet, do it now quickly – voting closes in a few minutes.
Its a bit like the Eurovision Song Contest. But better.
We also have a new award this year: the rising star of LIFE. It celebrates a project that is not yet finished, but already making waves in the circular economy, which is one of my absolute priorities and the theme of this years Green Week.
Before we announce the winners, I just want to thank the people and organizations behind this event. Thanks to the jury members, thanks to the teams at CINEA and DG Environment for organizing this wonderful event and being the driving force behind the LIFE programme. Youve done a great job.
Above all, I want to thank the people and organizations behind the projects. Not everyone gets a reward tonight, but in many ways, you are all winners.
Your vision, enthusiasm, and hard work move Europe forward and make the green transition a reality. You help us create more resilient ecosystems, innovate green business models, and drive progress towards a clean future. You are the change-makers, and we are honored to be part of your journey.
I know that there are previous Awards winners watching now, eager to see their successors.
Finally, a special shout-out to all those who have voted, to everyone who has engaged in the projects and helped spread their stories.
Now, let the LIFE Awards truly begin. Lets shine a light on the best of the best and lets be inspired, motivated, and energized to create a more sustainable and innovative future for Europe and beyond!
Thank you, and good luck to all of you!