The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action, and it is one of the key contributors to the European Green Deal.
Objective(s) and scope
The LIFE Programme (2021-2027) is a European Union initiative with a broad objective of facilitating the transition towards a sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy. Its mission is to safeguard, restore, and enhance the quality of the environment, including air, water, and soil. It aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, tackle ecosystem degradation, and support the implementation and management of the Natura 2000 network, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Additionally, the LIFE Programme seeks to support the execution of general action programmes in line with Article 192(3) TFEU.
The LIFE Programme contributed towards these priorities through four distinct subprogrammes, which include the following:
- Nature and Biodiversity (environmental field)
- Circular Economy and Quality of Life (environmental field)
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (climate action field)
- Clean Energy Transition (climate action field)
The LIFE Programme is committed to supporting innovative and impactful projects that demonstrate tangible results and best practices. These projects can be replicated and scaled up across Europe, thereby amplifying their impact.
Eligible countries
EU Member States, EFTA countries which are part of the EEA (Iceland), and EU acceding countries (Moldova, North Macedonia, Ukraine)
Eligibility criteria (if available)
The applicants must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries
- the coordinator must be established in an eligible country.
Further information on eligibility criteria
Additional details regarding eligibility criteria can be found in Section 6 of the specific calls associated with the LIFE Programme.
Application period
The LIFE Calls for proposals 2024 were published on 18 April 2024 (Funding & tender opportunities portal)
Project example(s)
Fuel Cell and Methanol Reforming system for clean energy on board (Reference: LIFE21-ENV-DE-LIFE-OCEAN/101074503 | Acronym: LIFE21-ENV-DE-LIFE OCEAN)
