Created in 1992, the LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action, which has co-financed more than 5,000 projects helping Europe to become greener. As of 2021, the LIFE programme includes the new Clean Energy Transition sub-programme.
The LIFE programme is the only EU funding scheme dedicated exclusively to the environment, nature conservation and climate action.
The overall budget for the implementation of the LIFE programme 2021-2027 will be EUR 5.432 billion.
For the Calls 2024, Life has a budget of 571 million €.
The LIFE programme‘s main goals are to:
The LIFE programme will help the EU to reach its European Green Deal ambitions by:
- transforming the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are zero net emissions in 2050 and where economic growth is separate from resource use.
- protecting, conserving and enhancing nature across the continent.
- safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens from environment and climate-related impacts.
The LIFE programme is divided into two fields: one for the environment and another for climate action.
The environment field has two sub-programmes:
The climate action field also has two sub-programmes:
Each year, LIFE will publish Calls for Proposals for different types of projects.
Types of activities funded under LIFE programme and maximum EU funding of eligible costs:
- Action Grants:
- Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs): 60%
- Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs): 60%
- Standard action projects (SAPs): 60%. Except Nature & Biodiversity => 75 % (exclusively priority habitats/species) & 67% (priority & non-priority habitats/species).
- Technical Assistance (TA): TA-PP and TA-R 60%, TA-CAP 95%
- Other actions (OA): 60%-90%-95%-100%
- Operating Grants (70%)
LIFE Programme is currently managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
To find out more you can visit:
–European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
–Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico
Should you require any further information you may contact us through our email proyectos_internacionales.opi@uco.es or by telephone 957218039