The LIFE Programme announced that 1 430 applications were made in response to the 2026 Call for Proposals for funding across the 4 LIFE sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and clean energy transition.
The number of submissions rose once again this year — by 30% compared to 2025 — while the €4.3 billion of EU funding requested represents an increase of 38%.
Submissions increased across all 4 LIFE sub-programmes:
- 246 projects proposals were submitted to the Nature and Biodiversity sub-programme, with the goal of contributing to the protection and restoration of Europe’s nature and halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
- 448 projects proposals were submitted to the circular economy and quality of life sub-programme, aiming to deploy innovative technologies and solutions to advance circular economy while enhancing the quality of citizens’ lives.
- 373 projects proposals were submitted for the climate change mitigation and adaptation sub-programme, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change.
- 363 projects proposals were submitted for the clean energy transition a sub-programme, aiming to support the uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy, scale up clean energy solutions, facilitate affordable and sustainable energy transition across Europe.
LIFE project applications can be submitted by a single organisation or by several entities working in collaboration with each other, but not by individuals. Applications may cover one or more EU Member States or countries associated with the LIFE Programme. Projects must support EU objectives to strengthen competitiveness, close the innovation gap and decarbonise the economy, and should also be aligned with European nature, climate, environmental protection and clean energy transition policies. Each proposal is independently evaluated. CINEA, the EU Executive Agency managing the programme, will notify applicants of the results in spring 2027. The successful ones will sign grant agreements in summer 2027 and begin work later that year.
About the LIFE Programme
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. With a budget of more than €5.4 billion spanning 2021-2027, the LIFE Programme has co-funded around 6 500 projects since its inception almost 35 years ago.
The work programme for the implementation of the LIFE Programme in 2025-2027 established an overall budget of €2.3 billion for projects tackling circular economy, zero pollution, nature and biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition. The LIFE Programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).