Calls for LIFE programme 2022 are open

The EU LIFE programme funds projects focusing on nature, climate and sustainability, with room for both water-related activities and other marine activities. The LIFE programme is one of the instruments through which the European Commission aims to implement its policy and strategy. 

The LIFE programme was established in 1992 and has co-funded more than 5,500 projects in the EU and beyond. For 2021-2027, the EU has provided a budget of €5.4 billion for the programme. The amount available for 2022 is €598 million.

LIFE includes four sub-programmes: nature & biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and the transition to clean energy. The last sub-programme builds on project calls around energy efficiency within Horizon 2020. 

Pilot and demonstration projects (including prototypes) are possible within the various topics. Demonstration projects focus on putting into practice, testing, evaluating and disseminating actions, methodologies or approaches that are new or unknown in the project’s specific context.

Additionally, best practices can also be demonstrated. This includes applying cost-effective and advanced techniques, methods and approaches, again taking into account the project’s specific context.

The added value within the topic (value for money), and the replication potential (to other member states, sectors, etc.) are the primary criteria, followed by the degree of innovation, scalability & replication. The European Commission is mainly looking for technologies and solutions that are ready to be applied on an industrial or commercial scale during the project’s lifetime.

The LIFE programme does not support research projects, nor ‘major’ infrastructure. Within the demonstration projects, it is possible that start-ups and spin-offs of knowledge institutions scale up their innovative technology with the help of other business partners

The LIFE programme offers much freedom in terms of project duration, number of partners and budgets. Projects are free to choose their partners (1 or multiple partners) and may have a local, regional, national or international nature. The project budget is typically somewhere between €500K and €5M. The average project duration is 3-5 years.

Would you like to learn more about this support programme? Check out the info flyer or watch the 2021 info session recordings (still relevant).

Any questions? Please contact Kinnie De Beule.