Upcoming

€10M–€30M For Large-Scale Strategy Implementation

LIFE Strategic Projects fund the implementation of existing national and regional environment and climate strategies. Two-stage application process with concept note in September 2026 and full proposal in March 2027.

~€158M Total Budget
€10M–€30M Per Project
60-75% Funding Rate
6-10 Year Projects

What Are LIFE Strategic Projects?

LIFE Strategic Projects are the largest projects funded under the LIFE Programme. They implement existing national or regional environment and climate strategies at scale, leveraging significant complementary funding from other EU, national, and private sources.

The 2026 call covers both Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) for environment and climate strategies, and Strategic Nature Projects (SNaP) for nature and biodiversity strategies. The two-stage application process starts with a concept note in September 2026, followed by a full proposal for shortlisted applicants in March 2027.

What Gets Funded

  • National strategy implementation
  • Regional action plan delivery
  • Nature management at scale
  • Climate adaptation planning
  • Complementary funding leverage
  • Multi-stakeholder coordination
  • Policy implementation

Is This Grant For You?

You Qualify If

  • Your project implements an existing national or regional environment/climate strategy
  • Your organisation is a public authority or large organisation capable of managing €10M+ projects
  • You can leverage significant complementary funding from other sources
  • Your project spans 6-10 years
  • You have support from national or regional authorities

Not For You If

  • Your project does not implement an existing strategy or plan
  • Your organisation cannot manage multi-million euro projects
  • You cannot demonstrate complementary funding sources
  • Your project is a small-scale pilot or demonstration

Two Strategic Project Types

Lot 1

Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP)

~€86M

Implement environmental or climate strategies, plans, or action plans at regional, multi-regional, or national scale. 60% co-financing.

Lot 2

Strategic Nature Projects (SNaP)

~€72M

Implement Prioritised Action Frameworks or other nature and biodiversity strategies. 75% co-financing for nature conservation.

Which lot fits your project? Let's discuss.

Our Support Packages

Eligibility & Strategy

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Project type recommendation
  • Concept note strategy
  • Go/no-go recommendation
  • Delivered in 5 business days
Fixed fee
Get Assessed

Post-Award

For successful applicants

  • Compliance monitoring
  • Progress & financial reporting
  • Audit preparation
  • CINEA relationship management
  • Complementary funding coordination
Retainer or per-deliverable
Get Support

Important Dates

April 21, 2026 Call publication
~July 2026 Last date to engage Fundwiser (concept note)
~September 2026 Concept note deadline (Stage 1)
~January 2027 Concept note results
~March 2027 Full proposal deadline (Stage 2)
~Q3 2027 Final decision and grant agreement

Frequently Asked

What's the difference between SIP and SNaP?

SIP (Strategic Integrated Projects) implement environment or climate strategies and plans. SNaP (Strategic Nature Projects) specifically implement Prioritised Action Frameworks or nature/biodiversity strategies. SNaP projects receive 75% co-financing vs. 60% for SIP.

What strategies can be implemented?

National or regional strategies such as National Energy and Climate Plans, Waste Management Plans, Air Quality Plans, Prioritised Action Frameworks, River Basin Management Plans, and similar officially adopted plans.

What is complementary funding?

Strategic projects must leverage additional funding from other EU (e.g., Structural Funds, Horizon Europe), national, regional, or private sources. This multiplier effect is a key evaluation criterion.

Who typically leads these projects?

Public authorities (ministries, agencies, regional governments) or large organisations with the capacity to manage multi-year, multi-million euro projects. Strong institutional backing is essential.

Is this a two-stage process?

Yes. First, submit a concept note (September 2026). If shortlisted, you're invited to submit a full proposal (March 2027). This reduces the effort for unsuccessful applicants.

Is this a loan or grant?

This is a grant — no repayment required.

Large-Scale Strategy
Implementation?

€10M-€30M per project. Let's discuss your strategic project.