LIFE Programme

LIFE Programme

Funds environmental programs that improve ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and energy-transition readiness.

Eligibility · EU member states

The LIFE Programme is the EU's dedicated funding instrument for environment, nature, and climate action, with a budget of approximately EUR 5.4 billion for 2021–2027. It is one of the EU's longest-running programmes, having financed more than 6,500 projects across Europe since its creation in 1992. LIFE is structured into four sub-programmes: Nature and Biodiversity; Circular Economy and Quality of Life; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; and Clean Energy Transition. Annual calls are published each year and were confirmed open for 2026 as of late May 2026. The programme is managed by CINEA (the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) under the oversight of DG ENV and DG CLIMA, and all applications are submitted via the SEDIA Funding and Tenders Portal.

Eligibility extends to for-profit companies, non-profit organisations, universities, and research bodies registered in EU Member States or LIFE-associated countries. Individuals are not eligible. A dedicated LIFE close-to-market initiative specifically supports SMEs and startups seeking to commercialise environmental and clean energy innovations; operating grants are additionally available for non-profit EU entities whose activities align with LIFE objectives. Co-funding rates, award amounts, and call-specific deadlines are published in the Annual Work Programmes rather than at the programme level — applicants must consult CINEA and the SEDIA portal for current figures.

Organisations with strong thematic alignment should register on SEDIA and set up call alerts for their relevant sub-programme. LIFE calls typically include a concept note stage followed by a full application stage, with evaluation criteria weighted toward environmental impact, demonstration value, and transferability. CINEA provides detailed applicant guides and hosts information days for each call cycle; National Contact Points in several Member States can assist with early eligibility and scope assessment.