Funding “Green projects” under the LIFE programme

LIFE is a funding programme set up by the European Union to support environment and climate projects across the EU. Since its launch in 1992, LIFE has supported more than 5 400 projects with a total budget of more than €6.5 billion. The programme plays a crucial role in advancing environmental and climate policy in the EU and in promoting sustainable development.

The programme has three main components:

• LIFE Environment
• LIFE Climate Action
• LIFE Nature and Biodiversity

LIFE Environment focuses on the development and implementation of environmental policies and strategies, as well as the demonstration of innovative environmental technologies and solutions. LIFE Climate Action supports projects that aim to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change. LIFE Nature and Biodiversity supports projects that aim to protect and restore natural habitats and biodiversity, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources.

LIFE also provides funding for capacity building, technical assistance and communication and dissemination activities related to the supported projects. This support is crucial. This ensures the long-term impact and sustainability of projects beyond the funding period.

Who can apply?

Legal entities (public and private) without category limit (including start-ups and large enterprises), associations, international organisations, etc. Beneficiaries should have the operational, technical and financial capacity to adequately meet the needs and requirements arising from the implementation of the project. Applications may be submitted alone or in partnership. Any cooperation, especially international and interdisciplinary, is encouraged in order to strengthen links between Member States, businesses and industries in the European Union.

Grants and eligible costs

Eligible project costs include: staff salaries, purchase of equipment, materials and consumables, external services, travel costs, indirect costs, etc. The grant is up to 60% of the project budget, which varies according to the different sub-programmes, but is on average between EUR 2 and 4 million per project.

Deadline for submission of project proposals

The deadline for applications is September 2023, except for the Clean Energy Transition call which has a deadline of November 2023. Submission of projects is done electronically through the European Commission portal.

LIFE is a vital tool for promoting environmental and climate sustainability in the EU. The programme focuses on innovation, demonstration and cooperation, helping to advance key areas and build capacity among stakeholders. As the EU continues to face pressing environmental and climate challenges, the LIFE programme has an important role to play in supporting the transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.