The Programme
The LIFE Programme
The EU's dedicated funding instrument for environment and climate action – running since 1992, with €5.43 billion for 2021–2027, co-financing projects across the Union and access countries like Ukraine.
LIFE Calls for proposals 2026
The 2026 calls are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Explore every open call – with deadlines, topic descriptions and direct submission links.
What is LIFE?
LIFE is the European Union's only funding programme entirely dedicated to environment and climate action. Since 1992 it has co-financed more than 6,000 projects across Europe, helping translate EU environmental and climate law into concrete results on the ground.
The current 2021–2027 programme has a budget of <strong>€5.43 billion</strong> and is structured around four sub-programmes covering nature, circular economy, climate action and the clean energy transition. It is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Total LIFE budget for 2021–2027
More than 6,000 projects co-financed across Europe
EU co-financing rate, depending on project type
Typical project duration
Sub-programmes
Nature & Biodiversity (NAT)
Protects and restores nature; halts biodiversity loss. Supports the Birds & Habitats Directives, EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
Circular Economy & Quality of Life (ENV)
Circular, toxic-free, resource-efficient solutions: water, soil, air, waste, chemicals, noise – and environmental governance.
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (CCM/CCA)
Cuts emissions and builds resilience to climate impacts. A priority area for Ukraine – no Ukrainian-aligned project has been funded here yet.
Clean Energy Transition (CET)
Accelerates energy efficiency, renewables and the market uptake of clean-energy solutions through CSA grants.
Project types
Standard Action Projects (SAP)
Best-practice, demonstration, pilot or information actions – the most common type of LIFE project.
Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP)
Large-scale projects implementing environmental or climate strategies on a regional or national scale.
Strategic Nature Projects (SNaP)
Implementing a Member State's Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 and biodiversity.
Technical Assistance (TA)
Preparatory support to design future SIPs and SNaPs, including governance and funding strategies.
Coordination & Support Actions (CSA)
Used in the Clean Energy Transition sub-programme – market uptake, capacity building, policy support.
Operating Grants
Multiannual support to NGOs active in environment and climate at EU level.
Who can apply
Public authorities, NGOs, universities and research institutes, municipalities, businesses (including SMEs), associations and other legal entities – established in the EU, in an EEA/EFTA country, or in a LIFE access country such as <strong>Ukraine</strong>.
Ukraine & LIFE
On 24 June 2022 Ukraine became a <strong>LIFE access country</strong>, gaining full eligibility to lead and participate in LIFE projects on the same terms as EU Member States. LIFE is now one of the most concrete EU instruments supporting Ukraine's green recovery, post-war environmental restoration and alignment with the EU environmental and climate acquis.
Despite strong potential, Ukrainian participation is still uneven across sub-programmes – and notably <strong>absent from Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation</strong>. Closing that gap is one of the core objectives of the InCL-U-DE project.
Ukraine's first participation in LIFE
Ukraine becomes a LIFE access country – full eligibility to lead and join projects
18 projects · 34 Ukrainian organisations involved
InCL-U-DE's goal: more, better, lasting Ukrainian participation
LIFE priorities for Ukraine
Areas where LIFE funding can make the biggest difference for Ukraine – and where InCL-U-DE supports consortium-building, proposal preparation and capacity development.
Post-war environmental recovery
Restoration of ecosystems damaged by hostilities – forests, rivers, protected areas, soils.
Climate resilience & adaptation
Adapting communities, agriculture and infrastructure to a changing climate – a sub-programme where Ukraine is not yet represented.
Circular economy & waste
Modernising waste management, demolition-waste reuse and circular industrial practices in line with EU acquis.
Clean energy transition
Energy efficiency in buildings, renewables, energy communities, one-stop shops and tackling energy poverty.
Nature & biodiversity
Natura 2000-aligned protection, Emerald Network sites, species action plans and nature restoration.
EU approximation
LIFE projects directly support Ukraine's alignment with the EU environmental and climate acquis on the path to accession.
How to join a LIFE project
1. Find the right call
Use our 2026 calls page or the EU Funding & Tenders Portal to identify a topic matching your idea.
2. Build a consortium
Most LIFE projects are partnerships. Connect with Ukrainian and EU organisations – InCL-U-DE can help.
3. Prepare the proposal
Develop objectives, work packages, budget and impact. Free consultations available through InCL-U-DE.
4. Submit on the Portal
All proposals are submitted electronically through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal.