LIFE — Standard Action Projects (SAP)
Administers research teams and institutions for LIFE Standard Action Projects in climate technology, energy systems, and agriculture innovation.
Eligibility · EU member states
The LIFE 2026 Standard Action Projects (SAP) calls are the core project funding mechanism of the LIFE Programme for the 2021–2027 programme period, administered by CINEA. The LIFE Programme covers four sub-programmes — Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Clean Energy Transition — with a combined 2021–2027 budget of approximately €5.4 billion. Standard Action Projects are field implementation projects distinct from the larger Strategic Integrated and Strategic Nature project types. All seven LIFE 2026 SAP topic calls share a single deadline of 22 September 2026. The Clean Energy Transition sub-programme alone opened seven parallel SAP calls on 21 April 2026, covering topics including heating and cooling plans, energy efficiency policy, building renovation, clean energy for industry, renewable heating and cooling, build-up skills, and energy efficiency standards.
Eligibility is open to all legal entities registered in EU member states — companies, non-profits, universities, and research organisations are all eligible. Individual applicants are not eligible. Project activities must take place within the EU. Co-financing rates and per-project award ceilings are published per call topic on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal rather than at the programme level; applicants must review the specific call documentation for the relevant SAP topic. LIFE has historically co-funded between 55% and 75% of eligible costs depending on project type and sub-programme.
Applications are submitted via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. LIFE projects over approximately €5 million have historically required multi-partner consortia, although small to medium SAPs can be led by a single organisation. The LIFE programme has funded over 6,500 projects historically. To maximise competitiveness, applicants should demonstrate clear environmental or climate impact, replicability across EU member states, and a credible sustainability plan for outcomes beyond the funding period.
Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Zero Pollution, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental and Climate Governance projects across EU member states under the LIFE Programme.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see how to apply
Sign up free to see the timeline