LIFE 2025: Apply for EU Green Funding for Environment and Climate Projects

LIFE is the European Union’s exclusive funding instrument dedicated to environmental and climate action. It supports innovative projects that drive sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and the clean energy transition. LIFE 2025 is structured into four key sub-programmes:

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

Circular Economy and Quality of Life

This sub-programme promotes a shift toward a circular, energy-efficient economy resilient to climate change. It prioritises projects that:

• Improve waste prevention, reuse, and recycling
• Promote sustainability across sectors like electronics, packaging, plastics, batteries, textiles, construction, and biowaste
• Enhance water, air, and soil quality
• Reduce environmental impact of chemicals
• Strengthen environmental governance

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

This sub-programme facilitates the EU’s transition to a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient economy. Eligible initiatives may focus on:

• Renewable energy and GHG emission reductions
• Zero-emission mobility
• Sustainable agriculture and land management
• Climate adaptation tools and early-warning systems
• Infrastructure resilience against extreme weather events

Nature and Biodiversity

This sub-programme supports efforts to restore Europe’s natural capital and combat biodiversity loss. Project priorities include:

• Protection of priority species and habitats
• Restoration of ecosystems and ecological corridors
• Conservation of Natura 2000 sites
• Mitigation of invasive alien species
• Stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns

Clean Energy Transition

his sub-programme accelerates the EU’s clean energy transformation by:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks
• Addressing market barriers for renewable energy
• Supporting skills development in the energy sector
• Mobilising private investment
• Engaging SMEs, NGOs, public authorities, and consumers

LIFE Programme Funding and Co-financing Rates

LIFE provides substantial EU co-financing for eligible projects, typically ranging from €1 million to €10 million in total project costs. Funding rates include:

• Up to 60% of total eligible costs for Circular Economy and Climate Actions
• Up to 75% for Nature & Biodiversity projects
• Up to 95% for Clean Energy Transition

Eligible costs may include personnel, subcontracting, equipment, and indirect costs (flat rate of 7%).

Key Deadlines for LIFE 2025 Applications

All four LIFE sub-programmes have the same application deadline: 23 September 2025.

The LIFE Programme is open to public and private entities, including:

• Companies across all sectors (agriculture, energy, manufacturing, etc.)
• NGOs
• Public authorities
• Research institutions

Ideal projects contribute to EU climate and environmental goals by:

• Reducing GHG emissions
• Implementing green technologies
• Improving resource efficiency
• Protecting ecosystems

Your Path to a Successful LIFE Application

To maximise your chances of securing LIFE funding, it is essential to:

• Understand the specific requirements of the call
• Strategically plan project activities
• Prepare detailed and accurate documentation

Our dedicated LIFE Programme consultants at Deloitte Bulgaria provide expert, personalised support throughout the entire process. We help you assess eligibility, strengthen your proposal, and guide you toward a successful submission.

Get in touch with a LIFE consultant today and turn your green project into a reality.