Updated last 18.06.2025
What is the program?
The LIFE program is the only EU-level program fully dedicated to nature protection and actions against climate change. Its budget for 2021–2027 is 5.4 billion euros. For environmental initiatives, 3.5 billion euros are allocated, and for climate actions – 1.9 billion euros. The program is part of the European Commission’s Green Deal proposals.
The program is managed by the European Commission, with separate components delegated to the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME).
Each state-owned or private entity in the EU can benefit from LIFE as a coordinator or as a joint beneficiary. Each of the sub-programs has three priority axes on which SMEs can apply.
For the sub-programme “Environment” these are:
- Environment and resource efficiency;
- Nature and biodiversity;
- Environmental governance and information.
For the sub-programme “Climate Actions” these are:
- Climate mitigation;
- Climate adaptation;
- Climate governance and information.
What is the main objective of the LIFE program?
The overall goal of the LIFE program is to contribute to a transition to an economy that is sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, based on renewable energy, climate-neutral and climate-resilient, to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment, including air, water and soil, and to halt and reverse the trend of biodiversity loss and to combat the deterioration of ecosystems, including by supporting the functioning and management of the Natura 2000 network, thus contributing to sustainable development. In addition, LIFE supports the implementation of general Union action programmes adopted pursuant to Article 192(3) TFEU.
The LIFE program aims to:
- Encourage and demonstrate innovative technologies and approaches in the fields of the environment, climate, renewable energy, and energy efficiency;
- Support the implementation and improvement of EU policies and legislation in these areas;
- Act as a catalyst for wider-scale implementation of effective environmental and climate solutions, through dissemination of best practices, mobilization of investments, and facilitating access to funding.
What is the size of the program’s budget?
The financial package for LIFE for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 amounts to EUR 5,432,000,000 at current prices.
What is the timeframe for applying to the program’s procedures?
In the call for proposals for each specific procedure, a concrete application deadline is provided.
How can you apply to the program?
Call for proposals is available on this page.
| For more information | |
 | More information about the LIFE programme, as well as how you can apply, can be found here. |