LIFE – The EU funding instrument for the environment
LIFE (L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement) is the only EU funding programme exclusively geared towards the support of environmental projects. The programme was launched in 1992 and has since contributed to measures in the areas of biodiversity, environmental protection, climate action and energy transition. The primary aim of the LIFE Biodiversity and Nature sub-programme is to protect species and habitats of community-wide importance and to preserve biodiversity. The sub-programme supports creation and management of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas and implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. The LIFE Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme incorporates the fields of water, waste, soil, noise, chemicals, air quality and resource efficiency, as well as environmental administration practices. The latter include testing of policy and management strategies that focus on environmental problems and demonstrating innovative technologies with a view to the link between environment and health. The LIFE Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation sub-programme is aimed at adaptation and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Projects on climate governance and information are also eligible for support. The Clean Energy Transition sub-programme is funded in tandem with European Green Deal projects that actively contribute to transforming the European economy. The aim is to remove current barriers in policy and markets on the path to climate neutrality.
The total budget of LIFE for the funding period 2021-2027 totals 5.432 billion euros. Public and private institutions from all EU Member States or every organisation registered in the EU are eligible to apply for LIFE funding. Cities and districts, agencies and authorities, businesses (including SMEs), research institutions, cooperatives, non-governmental organisations, associations, clubs, et cetera. Every year the European Commission funds new projects. Applications can be submitted to the European Commission once a year. The best projects are selected to receive funding.