The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s (EU) funding instrument for the environment and climate action. LIFE Programme contributes to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and laws by co-financing projects with a high European added value.
In 2021, a new funding period of the LIFE Programme was launched, covering the years 2021–2027. The European Commission (EC) also approved a new multiannual work programme for the implementation of the LIFE Programme objectives for the period 2021–2024. This document defines the priority areas of the environmental and climate sub-programmes to be supported through LIFE projects.
With the new funding period and the associated regulatory documents, several changes were introduced in the LIFE Programme starting from 2021, including:
- The previously used eProposal system was replaced by the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal, which allows not only the submission of project proposals but also access to all relevant information and documentation for each priority area;
- Applicants for traditional projects are required to submit a full project proposal — concept notes are no longer required under this call;
- Calls are published across a total of 34 topics, with varying conditions and submission deadlines;
- Project proposals are subject to page limits;
- The implementation period for traditional projects is defined as up to 10 years;
- The possibility to include voluntary work has been introduced.
Following the changes introduced in 2022, the LIFE Programme retains two main sub-programmes — Environment and Climate Action — although the priority areas within them have been revised. Since 2021, the programme has also been complemented by the “Clean Energy Transition” priority area, which is part of the Climate sub-programme.
Structure of the LIFE Programme:
Environment
- Nature and Biodiversity
- Circular Economy and Quality of Life
Climate Action
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Clean Energy Transition
Project proposals are submitted via the Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal.