The LIFE programme is the EU financial instrument supporting the EU Green Deal’s objectives through policy driven actions related to environmental, nature conservation and climate projects. Since 1992 LIFE has funded more than five thousand projects supporting Nature Conservation, Circular Economy and Climate Mitigation and Adaptation. 

The 2021-2027 LIFE programme has a budget of €5.4 billion and is divided into the following four subprogrammes:

1. Nature and biodiversity
2. Circular economy and quality of life
3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation
4. Clean energy transition 

The aim of the subprogramme “Nature and biodiversity“ is to protect species and their habitats by expanding, nurturing and preserving nature for a sustainable and balanced future.

The focus of the subprogramme “Circular economy and quality of life” is on waste as a resource that needs proper management to provide for crucial raw materials and a safe environment. Specific topics include air, water, soil, noise, chemicals and the new European Bauhaus.

In subprogramme “Climate change mitigation and adaptation” particular attention is given to ozone-depletion, carbon sinks, nature-based solutions in the management of land, coasts and marine areas by predicting, preventing and mitigating the climate change effects. It also includes adapting cities and regions for extreme weather events. 

The subprogramme “Clean energy transition” is dedicated to energy efficiency and renewables with the aim to ease the transition towards an energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy. A specific goal is to remove the market barriers that can hamper the socio-economic transition to sustainable energy.

The LIFE Calls for proposals were launched this year on 17 May 2022 offering the following types of grants:

• Standard Action Projects (SAP). Projects, other than strategic integrated projects, strategic nature projects or technical assistance projects, that pursue the specific objectives of the LIFE programme. 
• Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP). Projects that support the achievement of the Union's nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in Member States to mainstream those objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments.
• Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP). Projects that implement, on a regional, multi-regional, national or transnational scale, environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by Member States' authorities and required by specific environmental, climate or relevant energy legislation or policy of the Union, while ensuring that stakeholders are involved and mobilization of at least one other Union, national or private funding source is ensured. 
• Technical Assistance Projects (TA). Projects that support the development of capacity for participation in standard action projects, the preparation of strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects, the preparation for accessing other Union financial instruments or other measures necessary for preparing the upscaling or replication of results from other projects funded by the LIFE programme, its predecessor programmes or other Union programmes, with a view to pursuing the LIFE programme objectives. 
• Other Action Grants (OAG). Actions needed for the purpose of achieving the general objective of the LIFE programme, including coordination and support actions aimed at capacity-building, at dissemination of information and of knowledge, and at awareness-raising to support the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency. 
• Operating Grants (OG). Grants that support the functioning of non-profit making entities which are involved in the development, implementation and enforcement of the EU legislation and policy, and which are primarily active in the area of the environment or climate action, including energy transition, in line with the objectives of the LIFE programme.

The level of EU funding for most subprogrammes is 60% and follows a unique phase, with the exception of the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) and the Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs), which maintain the usual two-phase procedure.

LIFE Calls for proposals 2022 submission deadlines:

• Standard Action Projects (SAPs) for circular economy and quality of life, nature and biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation subprogrammes: 4 October 2022
• LIFE Action Grants for clean energy transition subprogramme: 16 November 2022
• Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) and Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs):
              Concept notes: 8 September 2022
              Full proposals: 30 March 2023
• Technical Assistance preparation for SIPs and SNAPs: 8 September 2022                    
• Specific Operating Grant Agreements (SGA OG) for non-profit making entities: 21 September 2022


On 21 May 2022 the LIFE programme  turned thirty. The programme was initiated by the European Commission in 1992 to support the piloting and demonstration of green solutions that address European policy priorities in the area of environment and climate mitigation/adaptation.

EAIC LIFE Webinar on 29 June 2022
Interested in the LIFE programme? Register to attend the EAIC webinar on 29 June from 11h30 to 13h00 in Silversquare Bailli, Av. Louise 231, Brussels. This is a hybrid webinar and there will be the possibility to attend on-line. The EAIC will have the honour to welcome Mr. Angelo Salsi, Head of Department at CINEA, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency in charge of managing the LIFE programme. Mr Salsi will provide an overview of the LIFE programme as well as useful tips for applicants. We will also welcome three LIFE project coordinators who will showcase results and share experience from the implementation of LIFE AGREMSO3IL (IMIDA-Spain), Natural HVACR 4 LIFE (DAIKIN-Belgium), LIFE F3 (TROTEC-Belgium and France). This webinar is an initiative of the EAIC members Konnekto and IDConsortium.

Register here if you are interested to attend!

Article courtesy of EAIC member IDConsortium