Voor de LIFE-programmaperiode van 2021 tot 2027 heeft de EU € 5,43 miljard beschikbaar gesteld voor projecten die een positief effect hebben op milieu en klimaat.
Iedere call heeft een openingsdatum en een sluitingsdatum. Binnen deze periode moet de subsidieaanvraag ingediend worden. Er is nog geen nieuwe openstelling bekendgemaakt.
LIFE is the European funding program that supports organizations in projects related to nature, environment, and climate. The program focuses on four main themes:
Nature and biodiversity: Protection and restoration of natural areas and endangered species.
Circular economy and quality of life: Smarter use of resources and improvement of air and water quality.
Climate mitigation and adaptation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
Renewable energy transition: Moving toward sustainable energy and a climate-neutral economy.
For 2025, €600 million is available. Funding typically covers 60% of project costs, with a maximum of 75% for nature projects involving priority species or habitats. The application period runs from 24 April to 23 September 2025.
LIFE is intended for organizations such as companies, knowledge institutions, governments, and NGOs within the EU. Projects must have a minimum budget of €1 million, a duration of 3 to 5 years, and be innovative with potential for scaling.
The most important questions about the LIFE program are answered here. Don’t see your question listed?
What is LIFE?
The LIFE program focuses on two core themes: Environment and Climate, each with specific objectives and topics. These themes are divided into four sub-programs:
Nature & Biodiversity: Supports projects that protect natural areas, endangered species, and natural resources in line with European legislation. Funding is typically 60%, and up to 75% for projects aimed at biodiversity conservation.
Circular Economy & Quality of Life: Supports projects that promote more efficient use of resources, recycling of waste, and improvements in air and water quality. Funding is typically 60%.
Climate Mitigation & Adaptation: Focuses on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support adaptation to climate change, and disseminate climate knowledge. Funding is typically 60%.
Renewable Energy Transition: Supports the shift to sustainable energy and a climate-neutral economy, including policy development, citizen engagement, and new sustainable services. Funding is usually 60%, but can reach up to 95% for network activities.
Am I eligible for LIFE?
The LIFE program is open to all organizations, including businesses, research institutions, government bodies, and NGOs, that work within the EU on innovations in one of the program’s focus areas.
What do I need to do for LIFE?
Eligibility and Requirements for a Successful LIFE Application
Organizational Requirements:
One or more parties must participate in the project.
All participating organizations must be established in an EU member state.
Project Requirements:
Minimum Budget: Projects must have a minimum contribution of €1 million. Smaller projects have a lower chance of success, as their impact is usually limited.
Project Duration: 3 to 5 years.
Project Stage: Must be in the pilot or demonstration phase, with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 6 to 8.
Replicability: The EU places strong emphasis on how well the innovation can be applied in other parts of Europe; this is a key factor in evaluation.
Compliance: The project must align with EU objectives and regulations.
What Can LIFE Offer You?
The total budget of the LIFE subsidy program for 2021–2027 is €5.43 billion. For the 2024 calls, a total of €571 million is available.
The co-financing rate typically covers up to 60% of project costs, with some exceptions allowing higher percentages depending on the project type.
I engage with parties that are innovative in software development, physical product development, or other technical innovations.
In the LIFE program, the quality of the project is central, evaluated through a tender principle, which makes the process highly competitive. We ensure your application is of high quality. Additionally, we support you with project and time administration, so you can focus fully on your innovative project.
