The LIFE Programme announced that 1095 applications were made across 4 sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and clean energy transition. The number of applications increased by 22% compared to 2024, while the amount of EU funding requested — more than €3.1 billion — also increased, by 16%. Overall, in line with the Programme’s co-financing rules, the request was made for the EU to fund around two-thirds of the total cost, while national, regional and local governments, public-private partnerships, businesses, and civil society organizations would cover the remainder.
All four LIFE sub-programmes drew in applications:
- Nature and biodiversity. 168 submissions: total value €1.620 billion / requested EU contribution €940 million (58%) – up 22.6% from 137 in 2024 and 55.6% from 108 in 2023.
- Circular economy and quality of life. 348 submissions: total value €1.862 billion / requested EU contribution €939 million (50%) – up 31.3% from 265 in 2024 and 124.5% from 155 in 2023.
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation. 260 submissions: total value € 1.171 billion / requested EU contribution €598 million (51%) – up 42.1% from 183 in 2024 and 37.6% from 133 in 2023.
- Clean energy transition. 319 submissions: total value €970 million / requested EU contribution €656 million (67%) – up 2.9% from 310 submissions in 2024 and 35% from 236 applications.
LIFE projects generally aim to:
- Safeguard Europe’s nature by halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity.
- Enhance the circular economy using innovative technologies and solutions.
- Protect, restore and improve the environment to ultimately enhance the quality of citizens’ lives.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience to climate change, and raise awareness of climate change mitigation.
- Drive the clean energy transition through energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions.