LIFE Programme 2021–2027
The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s flagship funding instrument dedicated exclusively to environment, climate action, and the clean energy transition.
IDConsortium
What is LIFE?
Since its launch in 1992, it has supported thousands of innovative projects delivering high environmental and climate impact across Europe.
For the 2021–2027 period, LIFE has a total budget of approximately €5.4 billion, reinforcing its role in supporting the European Green Deal and sustainability objectives.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
• Support the transition to a circular, resource-efficient, and climate-neutral economy
• Protect, restore, and improve the environment
• Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Halt and reverse biodiversity loss
Sub-programmes
LIFE is structured into four sub-programmes:
1. Nature and Biodiversity
The aim of the subprogram “Nature and biodiversity“ is to protect species and their habitats by expanding, nurturing and preserving nature for a sustainable and balanced future.
2. Circular Economy and Quality of Life
The focus of the subprogram “Circular economy and quality of life” is on waste as a resource that needs proper management to provide for crucial raw materials and safe environment. Specific topics include air, water, soil, noise, chemicals and the new European Bauhaus.
3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
In subprogram “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.
4. Clean Energy Transition
The subprogram “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.
Types of Projects and Funding
LIFE supports:
• Pilot, demonstration, and best practice projects
• Strategic integrated and nature projects
• Coordination and support actions
• Governance and awareness-raising projects
Funding typically covers between 60% and 95% of eligible project costs, depending on the type of action.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
• Companies and SMEs
• Public authorities
• Universities and research centres
• NGOs and non-profit organisations
Total Budget
Approximately €5.4 billion
How IDConsortium supports LIFE applicants
At IDConsortium, we provide end-to-end support to organisations applying for the LIFE Programme, ensuring high-quality, competitive proposals aligned with EU priorities.
Our services include:
- Identification of funding opportunities and project positioning
- Consortium building and partner search
- Proposal writing and technical development
- Impact definition, KPIs, and exploitation strategies
- Budget preparation and administrative support
- Review and quality assurance prior to submission
With extensive experience in EU-funded projects, we help maximise success rates and ensure alignment with LIFE evaluation criteria.
Interested in applying?
Contact us at: 📩 info@idconsortium.es
Latest news & calls related to this programme:
LIFE 2026 Call for Proposals
The LIFE 2026 Call for Proposals will fund projects addressing environmental, climate, and energy challenges across Europe.
EU LIFE Programme Info Days present opportunities for environmental and climate action projects
The LIFE Programme Info Days promise to provide invaluable insights and support for organizations seeking funding for environmental and climate action projects in Europe.
30 years of bringing green ideas to LIFE
The LIFE program is the EU’s financial instrument supporting the EU’s Green Deal’s objectives through policy driven actions related to environmental, nature conservation and climate projects.