Calls for proposals for the LIFE programme have been published

A total of €601.5 million in support has been provided under the EU's programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) for 2026.

What are the main features of LIFE funding?

• Non-refundable grant to help demonstrators supporting environmental, circular economy, climate protection and clean energy transition projects within the framework of 4 sub-programmes

• Maximum aid intensity: Up to 60% of the costs (in some cases 95%)
• Pre-financing: Up to 30% of the grant is available as pre-financing
• Consortium: typically recommended, but not mandatory
• Eligible costs and activities: Personnel expenses, subcontractors, purchase of equipment, and goods and services. Funding can be provided for pilot and demonstration projects, regulatory developments and the implementation of best practices.
• Reporting period: Typically 5 years

Which projects are eligible for LIFE funding?

• Budget: Typically €1-5 million
• Duration: Typically 2-5 years, but maximum 10 years
•  Project content:
  • Providing a solution to a specific environmental or climate-related problem
  • Ensuring a measurable contribution to the objectives of the sub-programmes through KPIs
  • Achieving innovation with long-term impact through the demonstration of new technologies at least at TRL 5 level (early prototype)
  • Applying a sustainable, replicable and transferable solution
• Typical sectors: Food industry, Agriculture, Chemical / heavy industry, Energy sector, Waste management / recycling, Manufacturing industry, Construction sector, Logistics / transportation, ICT / digital solutions for environmental protection 

Main criteria for a successful application:

• Innovation:
  How does the solution go beyond the state of the art?
• Excellence:
  In what way is the solution better than competitors’ solutions?
• Sustainability:
  What impact does the new solution have?
• Replicability:
  To what extent can the solution be replicated and represent progress for European industry?
• Market potential:
  What quantifiable impact will the solution have?

Main deadlines:

• Deadline for submission: 22 September 2026
• Rating notification: February/March 2027
• Conclusion of the grant agreement: May/June 2027

Among the previously funded projects are companies from the food, agriculture, heavy industry, waste management, manufacturing and energy sectors, but it may also be relevant for any business, regardless of industry, that has project ideas related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing waste, introducing innovative technologies or energy efficiency.

If you would like more information about the funding or are interested in practical considerations related to the application, please do not hesitate to contact our local LIFE experts, who work together with Deloitte’s international team of specialists focusing on LIFE projects.