The LIFE programme is an important European instrument for the development and implementation of European climate, nature and environmental policy. You can apply for LIFE funding for projects in four different topics: Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and Clean Energy Transition. All types of organisations can apply for funding from the LIFE programme. Companies, governments, knowledge institutions and NGOs. For the 2021-2027 programme period, Europe has € 5.43 billion available for projects that improve the living environment. The LIFE call 2026 is open from 21 April 2026, with deadlines on 16 and 22 September 2026. 

What are the focus areas of the LIFE programme?

The programme consists of four focus areas. These focus areas are extensive, a lot is possible with LIFE funding. For example: using less water for crops, more organic pesticides instead of chemical ones, protect animal species or insects, removing waste from water or sustainable street lights. A lot of different topics. In general, LIFE helps projects that develop European policy on one of the following topics:

🦉 Nature and biodiversity

Within the Nature and Biodiversity call, nature conservation projects that protect and restore European nature with the aim of halting and reversing biodiversity loss are eligible for funding. The programme contributes to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, part of the Green Deal.

♻️ Circular economy & quality of life

The Circular Economy and Quality of Life call promotes the transition to a sustainable, circular and toxin-free economy. It supports environmental projects that contribute to a better environment in Europe, especially in the field of resource recovery and environmental management. These include resource recovery from waste, water, air, noise, environmental, soil and chemical management.

🌦 Climate mitigation and adaptation

The Climate Mitigation and Adaptation call supports the transition to a climate-neutral, resilient and sustainable EU economy. Projects on agriculture, land use, peat management, renewable energy and energy efficiency are eligible for funding under this topic.

⚡ Clean energy transition

Within the Clean Energy Transition topic, projects that contribute to EU policies for renewable and sustainable energy are eligible for funding. The focus is on the Green Deal, the energy and climate goals for 2030 and the long-term strategy for a low-carbon energy supply in 2050.

LIFE deadlines in 2026

On 21 April 2026, the LIFE calls are published:

• Nature and biodiversity – 22 September 2026
• Circular economy & quality of life – 22 September 2026
• Climate mitigation and adaptation – 22 September 2026
• Clean energy transition – 16 September 2026

Conditions for the eligibility of the LIFE grant

To be eligible for LIFE funding, projects must meet a number of conditions:

• The project budget must be at least € 1 million;
• The average project duration is between 4 and 6 years (max. 10 years);
• The project must be in the pilot or demonstration phase, at a minimum of TRL 6 up to TRL 8;
• The project must not be funded by another EU grant;
• The innovation must be replicable in other EU Member States. The applicant must keep interested parties informed of the project’s progress via a website;
• International cooperation (within the EU) offers significant advantages in the evaluation process but is not mandatory.

Who can apply?

Applications may be submitted individually or as part of a consortium (for example, with international partners). All organisations within the European Union are eligible to apply for LIFE funding, including:

• Governments (local, regional, and national)
• Non-profit organisations
• Universities and research institutions
• Companies (including SMEs)
• Public–private partnerships

Next to the EU, there are also some other countries that can participate:

• Moldova participates in the LIFE Programme (agreement signed on 26 November 2022 — entry into force retroactive on 01 January 2021)
• North Macedonia participates in the LIFE Programme (agreement signed on 03 July 2023 — entry into force retroactive on 01 January 2023)
• Montenegro participates in the LIFE Programme (agreement signed on 15 May 2025 — entry into force retroactive on 01 January 2025)
• Ukraine and Iceland

Grant contribution

In most cases, the LIFE grant covers 60% of the eligible project costs. Typical project budget is € 3 to € 10 million and the grant amount is around € 2 to € 5 million. For nature projects focusing on priority species or habitats, this may increase to 75%. The LIFE grant operates on the basis of co-financing, meaning that applicants must contribute part of the project costs themselves (either directly or through partners).

Type of grants

• Standard Action Projects (SAP)
• Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP)
• Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP)
• Technical Assistance Projects (TA)
• Other Actions Grants (OAG)
• Operating Grants (OG)

Extensive expertise and track record in LIFE

For Hezelburcht, the LIFE grant programme is an important grant in which we support many relations. September is a month dedicated to LIFE applications within Hezelburcht. In recent years, we submitted an average of six applications per year. And we are pretty successful at it – our success rate is about 75%! That’s a lot higher than the average success rate of the totale LIFE programme.

Our services for your LIFE 2026 grant application

At Hezelburcht, we understand that the grant process can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why we offer comprehensive support to take the burden off your shoulders:

• Writing the application: Our experienced consultants draft a compelling grant application that aligns with your project goals.
• Budget preparation: We assist in accurately and realistically budgeting your project costs, ensuring your application is financially sound.
• Advice on forming a consortium: If necessary, we provide advice on assembling a strong consortium of partners to enhance your project.
• Support during contract negotiations: We guide you through the contract phase to ensure favourable conditions.
• Communication with the grant provider: We maintain contact with the grant provider, keeping you informed of the progress.
• Preparation of reports and amendment requests: Even after the grant is awarded, we are here to support you with reports and any necessary amendments.

Interested in applying?

LIFE projects must be innovative and demonstrate a new technique or approach. Each year, there is a term in which applications can be submitted per project category. Would you like to know more about the opportunities LIFE can offer for your organisation? Get in touch with our LIFE specialists via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com.