LIFE Programme Explained: EU Support for Sustainability and Climate Goals

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s main funding instrument for environment and climate action and a key driver of the European Green Deal ,with €601.5 million available for 2026. It supports efforts to halt biodiversity loss, promote a circular economy, and protect natural resources such as air, water and soil. LIFE also contributes to achieving EU climate and energy goals, including climate neutrality by 2050, by fostering capacity-building, investments and policies for energy efficiency and renewable solutions. 

What are the LIFE sub-programmes? 

The LIFE Programme is divided into four sub-programmes: 

1. Nature and Biodiversity

Focuses on protecting and restoring nature across Europe and reversing biodiversity loss. It funds projects supporting the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, the Natura 2000 network and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030,  

2. Circular Economy and Quality of Life

Aims to advance a sustainable, circular, toxic-free and climate-resilient economy, while improving environmental quality. It co-finances projects on waste recovery, water, air, soil and chemical management  

3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Supports the transition to a climate-neutral and resilient economy by funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster adaptation to climate impacts. Areas include sustainable farming and land use, renewable energy, urban adaptation, water management and preparation to extreme climate events.

4. Clean Energy Transition

Builds on previous EU energy programmes to drive the shift toward a renewable, energy-efficient and climate-neutral economy. Key areas include policy support, technology deployment, financing, local investment, and citizen participation. The Clean Energy Transition sub-programme includes 13 specific topics. 

Who can apply to LIFE? 

You are eligible to submit a proposal under the LIFE Programme if you are: 

What types of projects can be funded? 

The main types of LIFE grants are: Standard Action Projects (SAPs), Strategic Nature Projects (SNaPs), Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), Coordination and Support Action Grants (CSAs), Technical Assistance, and Specific Operating Grant Agreements.

1- Standard Action Projects:

Aim to develop, demonstrate and promote innovative techniques, methods and approaches and catalyse the large-scale deployment of successful technical and policy-related solutions for implementing EU legislation and policy. 

2- Strategic Nature Projects:

Aim to support the full implementation of prioritised action frameworks for Natura 2000 and other plans/strategies to implement European nature and biodiversity policies with measurable actions and clear timeline and budget.  Total budget: €75 M 

3- Strategic Integrated Projects:

Aim to implement – from a regional to a transnational scale – environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by Member States’ authorities. 

4- Technical assistance

For preparing SIPs and SNaPs: €1 M 

5- Coordination and support action grants

For the clean energy transition sub-programme: aims to support projects focused on capacity building, information sharing and raising awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Total budget: €85.5 M 

This year’s key topics are the following:  

HEATCOOLPLAN: Supporting the delivery of actionable, integrated, and comprehensive local heating and cooling plans  

BETTERRENO: Energy renovation solutions – Boosting building renovation through effective markets and instruments  

INDUSTRY: Supporting the clean energy transition of European industry and businesses  

DIGITAL: Supporting digitalisation of Distribution System Operators for a smart energy transition 

One-Stop-Shops: Integrated services for clean energy transition in private buildings 

EMPOWER: Scaling up smart and clean energy solutions for affordability in EU cities 

6- Specific Operating Grant Agreements 

(SGA OGs) for NGOs: €15 M  

You can check the previous projects that were selected for funding on the LIFE database. 

Eligible costs include :

Personnel, subcontracting, equipment and other direct costs. LIFE can cover 60–70 % of eligible costs, up to 95 % for certain actions and depending on the type of company.

Key dates 

How Leyton can support your project 

LIFE offers a wide range of opportunities for companies committed to climate action, with the last phase of the programme ending in 2027. Since 2021, 716 projects have been funded, with an average EU contribution of €3–5 M.   

Navigating the LIFE programme can be complex, from choosing the right call to understanding the programme’s requirements and preparing competitive proposals, which is why at Leyton Belgium, our technical experts can support your business, research institution or public body at every stage, from project design and the establishment of strong partnerships to the drafting of high-impact proposals, in line with the LIFE programme requirements. 

By partnering with Leyton, you can significantly increase your chances of success and maximise the impact of your innovation. Reach out now to unlock funding and take part in the LIFE programme final phase