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's main goals are to:
- help make the shift towards a more sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and -resilient economy.
- protect, restore and enhance our environment.
- halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
- stop the degradation of ecosystems by managing and enhancing the Natura 2000 network, thereby boosting sustainable development.
- encourage and support green ideas from both large and small companies, NGOs, public authorities, citizen groups and academia, amongst others.
The LIFE programme helps 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 overall budget for the implementation of the LIFE programme 2021-2027 is EUR 5.45 billion.
- 4 sub-programmes:
- Nature and Biodiversity
- Circular Economy and Quality of life
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Clean Energy Transition
Support for
Support to
Country
Sectors
Type of funding
Project size
Co-funding
Leverage factor
Managing structure & coordination
The LIFE Programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, for Climate Action and for Energy.
Inspiring Examples
Useful links
Funding column
Support service
No
Who can apply