The LIFE programme supports projects that contribute to environmental and climate protection in Europe. It offers reliable, long-term funding as well as a unified administrative framework for supported initiatives. Through its projects, LIFE makes an important contribution to implementing the European Green Deal.
The programme supports the implementation, updating and further development of EU policies in the fields of environment and climate. In doing so, LIFE contributes to sustainable development within the European Union. For the 2021–2027 funding period, the LIFE programme has a budget of around 5.43 billion Euro.
The 2025 call is already closed, and a new call is expected to be launched in April 2026.
The programme aims to achieve the following objectives:
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Supporting Europe’s transition to a fair and prosperous society with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.
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Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource consumption.
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Protecting, conserving and improving Europe’s natural habitats while safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens from environmental and climate-related impacts.
The LIFE initiative is divided into four sub-programmes:
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Nature and Biodiversity: Protection and restoration of habitats and biodiversity
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Circular Economy and Quality of Life: Resource efficiency, air quality, water and waste management
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Climate Mitigation and Adaptation: Emission reduction, resilience to climate risks
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Clean Energy Transition: Promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy and behavioural change
Why should I submit a project idea to the LIFE programme?
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Up to 60–75% EU co-funding (depending on project type)
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International visibility and networking
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Contribution to the implementation of the EU Green Deal
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Strengthening national strategies (e.g. biodiversity, climate, energy)
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Support from FFG during the application process
The submission process in 8 steps:
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Develop a project idea – objectives, impact, EU relevance
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Select the appropriate call – published annually in spring via CINEA
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Find partners (optional but recommended)
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Prepare the proposal – via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
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Use FFG advisory services – call pre-check, idea consultation, info days, proposal check
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Submit online before the deadline
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Evaluation by CINEA (according to established criteria)
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Grant agreement & project start (approx. 6–9 months after submission)
LIFE in Austria
Austria is currently participating with 12 ongoing projects in the “Nature” sub-programme, 4 projects in the “Climate” sub-programme, 10 projects in the “Clean Energy” sub-programme, and 9 projects in the “Circular Economy & Quality of Life” sub-programme. A factsheet on LIFE in Austria is available online.
Shaping more LIFE ideas together
The following video shows how the LIFE programme, with over 6,000 projects, is driving meaningful positive change for the environment and for people’s lives!