Hans Rhein

Hans Rhein serves as the Head of the LIFE Energy and Climate Unit at the European Commission’s Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), overseeing the EU’s flagship funding instrument for environment and climate action. With extensive experience within the European institutions, he plays a leading role in shaping and implementing sustainability, biodiversity, and climate neutrality strategies. Under his leadership, the LIFE Programme supports thousands of innovative projects across Europe, ranging from nature conservation and circular economy to clean energy and climate resilience. He also fosters strategic synergies between LIFE and other EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, InvestEU, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Hans Rhein is recognised for his ability to build strong partnerships across institutions, governments, local authorities, and civil society, driving measurable results and long-term impact in addressing today’s environmental and climate challenges.