LIFE is the EU’s funding programme for the environment and climate action.
Aims & Objectives
LIFE is the EU’s funding programme for protecting the environment, tackling climate change, and supporting the transition to clean energy. It helps communities, businesses, and organisations make the shift towards a sustainable, circular, climate-neutral, and climate-resilient economy.
LIFE's main goals are to:
help communities transition towards a more sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and -resilient economy
protect, restore and enhance the environment
halt and reverse biodiversity loss
stop the degradation of ecosystems by managing and enhancing the Natura 2000 network for rare and threatened species.
What does it support?
LIFE funds projects that align with its four sub-programmes:
Nature and biodiversity - protecting species, habitats, and ecosystems
Circular economy and quality of life - reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing environmental quality
Climate change mitigation and adaptation - cutting greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate impacts
Clean energy transition - promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy systems
In these sub-programmes, LIFE funds activities such as:
Strategic nature projects that support the achievement of EU nature and biodiversity objectives
Strategic integrated projects that implement environmental or climate strategies or action plans on a regional, multi-regional, national or transnational scale
Standard action projects that pursue the specific objectives of the LIFE programme
Building capacity to support energy efficiency and renewable energy
Studies, the evaluation and monitoring of policies, information and communication activities, prizes, etc.
The programme has a total budget of €5.4 billion for 2021-2027.
Project Example
LEAP – Local Energy Agencies in the Peripheral Regions
TheAran Islands Energy Co-op is a partner in the LIFE-funded project “LEAP – Local Energy Agencies in the Peripheral Regions.” Alongside partners Atlantic Technological University, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, and Sligo County Councils, and Údarás na Gaeltachta, the LEAP project will create 3 Local Energy Agencies in the North and West of Ireland to support integrated home renovation services. Learn about the LEAP project on the ATU website.
