Grant Programme

LIFE
Programme

The EU's dedicated funding instrument for environment and climate action. Funds projects across nature, biodiversity, circular economy, climate change, and clean energy transition.

ABOUT THE LIFE PROGRAMME

LIFE is the EU's only programme exclusively dedicated to the environment and climate action. Managed by CINEA, it funds projects that develop and demonstrate innovative environmental and climate technologies, best practices, and policy implementation across Europe.

€5.43B

Budget 2021-2027

60-95%

Funding Rate

132

Projects Funded in 2024

FOUR SUB-PROGRAMMES

Nature and Biodiversity — Habitat restoration, species protection, Natura 2000 management
Circular Economy and Quality of Life — Waste reduction, air quality, water management, chemicals
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation — Emissions reduction, climate resilience, adaptation strategies
Clean Energy Transition — Energy efficiency, renewables, capacity building, market facilitation

PROJECT TYPES

STANDARD ACTION PROJECTS (SAP)

Best-practice, demonstration, and pilot projects addressing environment and climate challenges. 60-75% funding rate.

STRATEGIC PROJECTS (SIP/SNaP)

Large-scale projects implementing national or regional strategies. €10M-€30M budget, 6-10 year duration.

CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION (CET)

Coordination and support actions removing market barriers to clean energy. Up to 95% funding rate.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Preparation grants to help applicants develop full proposals for strategic projects.

OPEN CALLS

Upcoming

LIFE-2026-SAP

LIFE SAP 2026

~€300M in EU grants for environment and climate action projects. 60-75% funding for biodiversity, circular economy, and climate change mitigation.

Environment • Climate • Biodiversity • Circular Economy

~€300M

Calls open: April 2026

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Upcoming

LIFE-2026-CET

LIFE CET 2026

~€91.4M in EU grants for clean energy transition projects. Up to 95% funding for capacity building, policy support, and market facilitation.

Clean Energy • Energy Efficiency • Renewables • Building Renovation

~€91.4M

Calls open: April 2026

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Upcoming

LIFE-2026-SIP-SNAP

LIFE SIP/SNaP 2026

€10M-€30M in EU grants for large-scale strategy implementation. 60-75% funding for projects implementing national or regional environment and climate plans.

Strategic • Large-scale • Policy Implementation

€10M–€30M

Concept note: ~September 2026

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LIFE publishes annual calls typically in April, with deadlines in September-October. Get notified