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LIFE – 2021-2027

The LIFE programme supports the EU in achieving its European Green Deal ambitions. LIFE aims to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where net emissions will be zero by 2050 and economic growth will be decoupled from resource use. The programme aims to achieve these goals, while protecting, conserving and enhancing nature across the continent and safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens from environmental and climate impacts.

Budget

5.4 billion euros

Beneficiaries

All beneficiaries

Type of financing

Grant – Co-financing

Budget
5.4 billion euros
Bénéficiaires
All beneficiaries
Type de financement​
Grant – Co-financing
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LIFE – EU financing instrument for environment and climate action – Grants linked to the financing of EU environment and climate action policy

Created in 1992, the LIFE programme is the EU’s financing instrument for environment and climate action. The LIFE programme is divided into two sub-programmes, one for the environment (representing 75% of the overall financial envelope) and one for climate action (representing 25% of the envelope).

Objectives 

  • To develop, demonstrate and promote innovative techniques, methods and approaches for reaching the objectives of Union legislation and policy on the environment, including nature and biodiversity, and on climate action, including the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency, and to contribute to the knowledge base and to the application of best practice, in particular in relation to nature and biodiversity, including through the support of the Natura 2000 network
  • To support the development, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of relevant Union legislation and policy on the environment, including nature and biodiversity, and on climate action and the transition to renewable energy or increased energy efficiency, including by improving governance at all levels, in particular by enhancing the capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society
  • To act as a catalyst for the large-scale deployment of successful technical and policy-related solutions for implementing relevant Union legislation and policy on the environment, including nature and biodiversity, and on climate action and the transition to renewable energy or increased energy efficiency, by replicating results, by integrating related objectives into other policies and into public and private sector practices, by mobilising investment and by improving access to finance

Structure

  • LIFE-Environment
    • Nature and Biodiversity
    • Circular economy and quality of life
  • LIFE-Climate Action
    •  Transition to clean energy
    • Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Priorities

  • Boosting and integrating the implementation of the EU’s policy objectives for halting and reversing loss of wildlife habitats and species across all sectors, as well as the Biodiversity Strategy objectives for 2030
  • Supporting the transition to a circular economy and protecting and improving the quality of EU’s natural resources, including air, soil and water among others
  • Supporting implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework, the EU’s climate neutrality objective by 2050, and the new EU strategy on adaptation to climate change
  • Building capacity, stimulating investments and supporting implementation of policies focused on energy efficiency and small-scale renewables.

Actions financed

  • Information and communication, including awareness-raising campaigns, and corporate communication regarding the political priorities of the Union, as well as regarding the implementation and transposition status of environmental, climate or relevant energy legislation of the Union
  • Studies, surveys, modelling and scenario building
  • Preparation, implementation, monitoring, checking and evaluation of legislation, policies and programmes, as well as assessment and analysis of projects not funded by the LIFE Programme
  • Workshops, conferences and meetings
  • Networking, and best-practice platforms
  • Other activities, such as awarding prizes

How it works ?

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Other European funds

LIFE

Protecting our Planet, Supporting Nature

ESF+

Investing in Citizens for a Strong Social Europe

ERASMUS+

Enriching students, Connecting Europe

CERV

Promoting Diversity, Equality and Rights in the EU

Horizon Europe

Focused on Innovation and Research

Digital Europe

Accelerating Europe’s Digital Transformation

Frequently asked question

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
The LIFE Programme, established by the European Union in 1992, is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Its general objective is to contribute to the implementation, updating, and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects with European added value. This initiative aims to improve the quality of the environment, ensuring a shift towards a clean, circular economy, enhancing the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, and contributing significantly to sustainable development and climate neutrality goals.
The LIFE Programme addresses the economy and quality of life by promoting the transition to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and supporting projects that contribute to a circular economy. By co-financing projects that demonstrate best practices and innovative solutions, LIFE acts as a catalyst for changes that enhance the quality of life across Europe, contributing to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
The Programme is divided into two sub-programmes: one focusing on the environment (LIFE Environment) and the other on climate action (LIFE Climate Action). These areas cover a wide range of topics including climate change mitigation and adaptation, clean energy transition, sustainable energy, conservation of natural habitats, and the development and enforcement of relevant Union legislation and policy.