LIFE 2024 – EU’s Program for the Environment and Climate Action

1.  What is LIFE?

LIFE is EU’s exclusive funding instrument, solely dedicated to promoting climate initiatives, preserving nature, and driving environmental action. The LIFE Program consists of 4 sub-programs:

• Circular Economy and Quality of Life
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
• Nature and Biodiversity
• Clean Energy Transition
   

1.1.  Circular Economy and Quality of Life

The Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-program strives to enable the shift towards a sustainable, circular economy that is energy-efficient and resilient to climate change. Fostering innovative approaches for waste recovery and promoting sustainability in value chains will receive special attention. This applies particularly to the areas of electronics, packaging, plastics, batteries, textiles, construction, and food production. Support will also be provided for projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of water, air, and soil, reducing the impact of chemicals on the environment, and developing environmental governance.
 

1.2.  Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation sub-program plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition towards a resilient, carbon-neutral economy rooted in sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources. In the sphere of climate change mitigation, the sub-program extends its support to initiatives promoting renewable energies and GHG emission reduction, zero-emission mobility, energy efficiency, farming, land management, etc. Co-financed are also climate change adaptation projects, which enhance climate change resilience by developing modern adaptation tools, infrastructure resilience, and preparedness for extreme weather events.
 

1.3.  Nature and Biodiversity

The Nature and Biodiversity sub-program aims to contribute to restoring Europe’s natural capital and impeding the biodiversity loss. It is typically aimed at projects, which support nature conservation and ecosystem restoration, including by protecting birds and invasive alien species. Initiatives may be focused on Natura 2000 sites, or on creating additional protected areas, ecological corridors or other green infrastructure. Projects targeting species welfare and addressing invasive alien species can employ various measures beyond traditional conservation or restoration methods, such as physical infrastructure development or stakeholders’ engagement and awareness-raising campaigns.
 

1.4.  Clean Energy Transition

The Clean Energy Transition sub-program is dedicated to funding projects that aim to strengthen the socioeconomic and regulatory framework necessary for the growth of renewable energies in the current energy market and context. Its primary objective is to drive a transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The targeted actions are designed to overcome market barriers, while simultaneously fostering industry skills and capacity, establishing a robust policy framework, and facilitating private investment. Typically, such projects involve the active participation of numerous small and medium-sized stakeholders, as well as local and regional public authorities, NGOs, and consumers.
 

2. Maximum EU Funding and Grant amount

In the context of project financing, it is commonly observed that project budgets tend to fall within the range of €500,000 to €5,000,000. The LIFE Program helps beneficiaries achieve their goals by providing a significant portion of the funding. It offers financial coverage ranging from 60% to 75% of the total eligible costs, which may include, inter alia, equipment and purchase costs, personnel and subcontracting costs, as well as an indirect cost flat-rate of 7% of the eligible direct costs. 

All traditional LIFE projects (Standard Action Projects, SAPs) are eligible to receive a funding rate of up to 60% as part of the funding allocation mechanism within the program. The Nature and Biodiversity sub-program offers a higher co-financing rate for certain types of projects. Specifically, projects that exclusively target priority habitats/species are eligible for a funding rate of 75%, while projects that address both priority and non-priority habitats/species, can benefit from a co-financing rate of 67%.
 

3. Deadlines for applications

1. Circular Economy and Quality of Life - 19 September 2024

2. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation - 17 September 2024

3. Nature and Biodiversity - 19 September 2024

4. Clean Energy Transition - 19 September 2024

Successful past recipients of funding have included businesses across various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and software development. The program is open to considering support for any company that has the potential to contribute to the transition of the EU economy towards modern, resource-efficient, and competitive practices. This may include efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implement innovative technologies, manage waste, or increase energy efficiency.

4. Conclusion: Your Path to Success

Do you require additional information or seek practical assistance for the available support? To significantly enhance your chances of successful grant application, it is crucial to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the detailed information outlined in the call. Proper planning of activities and meticulous preparation of comprehensive application documentation are essential. Our team of experts at Deloitte Bulgaria is available to help you on your journey to success and provide support, specifically tailored to your unique needs.

Request a free consultation now!

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