LIFE Call 2026 - single stage

LIFE consists of the 4 sub-programs Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy, Climate Change and Energy Transfer. The type and content of the projects are largely open as long as they contribute to the implementation of the EU program objectives; 
All details on the current calls can be found on the „ Funding & tender opportunities"- Portal of the European Commission .

Standard Action Projects (SAPs): (319 million euros)

• LIFE-2026-SAP-ENV-ENVIRONMENT - Circular Economy and Zero Pollution
• LIFE-2026-SAP-ENV-GOV - Nature Governance
• LIFE-2026-SAP-NAT-NATURE - Nature and Biodiversity
• LIFE-2026-SAP-NAT-GOV - Nature Governance and Information
• LIFE-2026-CLIMA-SAP-CCA - Climate Change Adaptation
• LIFE-2026-CLIMA-SAP-CCM - Climate Change Mitigation
• LIFE-2026-SAP-CLIMA-GOV - Climate Governance and Information

Technical Assistance fot the preparation of projects (1 million euros)

• LIFE-2026-TA-PP-NAT-SNAP
• LIFE-2026-TA-PP-ENV-SIP
• LIFE-2026-TA-PP-CLIMA-SIP

Projects on Legislative and Policy Priorities: (18 million euros)

• LIFE-2026-PLP-ENER-GOV
• LIFE-2026-PLP-ENER-COMPLIANCE
• LIFE-2026-PLP-NAT-ENV

Both private institutions and companies as well as public bodies and NGOs that want to establish environmentally friendly and innovative solutions (products, processes, services) or implement nature conservation projects of European importance are eligible to apply. The aim of the EU Commission is for LIFE projects to bring about relevant changes and results throughout the EU. Research is not the focus of the LIFE funding program. However, LIFE projects can include a research component if the research makes a necessary contribution to achieving the LIFE-compliant project objectives.

The budget available for the call is 338 million euros. 

Depending on the project type, a maximum of 60 - 90% of the project sum is funded;

Legal entities are eligible to apply if they are

• registered in the EU
• or associated with the LIFE program (currently associated with: Iceland, Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro).

Natural persons are not eligible to apply.

Legal entities from third countries (not associated with the LIFE program) are eligible to apply in exceptional cases if their participation is necessary to achieve the objectives of a specific measure in order to ensure the effectiveness of the interventions carried out in the Union. In principle, however, they should bear the costs of their participation themselves.

The project application is submitted electronically via the Funding and Tenders Portal of the European Commission.

The results of the evaluation are expected in February - April 2027, depending on the type of submission.