Summary
Introduction to the LIFE program
For over three decades, the European Union has been developing its environmental commitment through the LIFE program, the only funding mechanism exclusively dedicated to ecological and climate issues. Launched in 1992, this financial tool now forms the basis of the EU's environmental policy and represents a major lever for realizing the ambitions of the European Green Deal.
In the landscape of European financing mechanisms, LIFE stands out for its total specialization in environmental and climate issues. Unlike generalist programs such as Horizon Europe, which cover innovation in all its aspects, LIFE exclusively targets initiatives that generate tangible impacts on environmental preservation, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation.
LIFE's strategic ambitions align perfectly with the European objective of transitioning to a sustainable, circular, and climate-neutral economy. The program aims in particular to:
- To promote the emergence of a sustainable, circular and resource-efficient economy
- Preserve and improve environmental quality
- Stop and reverse biodiversity loss
- Consolidate the Natura 2000 network and EU biodiversity approaches
- Encouraging exemplary environmental and climate governance
For the current budget period (2021-2027), the LIFE programme benefits from a considerably strengthened envelope of 5.43 billion euros, illustrating the intensification of the European commitment to ecological and climate challenges.
Ambitious goals for a sustainable future
Priorities and Areas of Intervention
The LIFE program is central to European environmental strategies, with clearly defined objectives and a concrete impact on the ground. Understanding its priorities will allow you to perfectly align your project with the evaluators' expectations.
Thematic architecture
The LIFE program is organized around four complementary pillars, each targeting specific aspects of contemporary environmental challenges:
Nature protection and biodiversity
- Preservation and rehabilitation of ecosystems
- Safeguarding vulnerable species
- Optimization of the Natura 2000 network
- Expansion of green and blue ecological infrastructure
- Control of invasive species
Circular economy and improved quality of life
- Accelerating the transition to a circular economy
- Optimizing air quality and reducing pollution
- Optimized management of waste and natural resources
- Limiting noise and chemical pollution
- Preservation of water quality and soils
Climate adaptation and mitigation
- Innovation in climate change adaptation
- Reduction of GHG emissions
- Strengthening the climate resilience of infrastructure and natural environments
- Implementation of European climate strategies
Energy transition
- Removing barriers to the energy transition
- Improving energy efficiency
- Deployment of renewable energies at a local scale
- Education and training on energy issues
Focus on priority sectors
Beyond this structure, LIFE particularly favors projects that:
- They generate concrete solutions with a quantifiable environmental impact
- They exhibit an innovative, pioneering, or demonstrative character.
- They offer potential for reproduction and expansion across Europe.
- They bring together diverse stakeholders (public, private, and non-profit sectors)
- They contribute directly to the application of European environmental regulations and strategies
Alignment with European policies
LIFE is part of the implementation of several major European policy frameworks:
- The European Green Deal
- The EU's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy
- The action plan for the circular economy and the "zero pollution" approach«
- European climate legislation and the adaptation strategy
- The "Farm to Fork" strategy for sustainable food
- The Habitats and Birds Directives and the Natura 2000 network
Expected impact at European level
LIFE projects must demonstrate their potential to generate significant impacts:
- Direct and measurable contribution to the EU's environmental and climate objectives
- Multiplier effects and replicability on a European scale
- Development and dissemination of best environmental practices
- Concrete improvement in the conservation status of species and habitats
- Raising awareness and mobilizing citizens around environmental and climate issues
- Catalyzing complementary investments in the areas of environment and climate
Types of Supported Projects
Standard Action Projects (SAPs)
Pilot projects : Application of new or previously untested techniques or methodologies
Demonstration projects : Implementation of innovative or little-known solutions within the specific context of the project
Good practice projects Application of appropriate and economically viable techniques, methodologies and approaches
Information and awareness projects Support for communication and information dissemination
Strategic Projects
Integrated Strategic Projects (SIP)
- Large-scale initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
- Implementation of regional, national or supranational environmental or climate strategies
- Budget generally exceeding 10 million euros with the obligation to mobilize other funds
Strategic Nature Protection Projects (SNAP)
- Specific focus on the implementation of the Natura 2000 priority action frameworks
- Large-scale initiatives for natural conservation
Other Categories
Technical Assistance (TA) Projects Support for the preparation of SIPs and SNAPs, capacity building
Other Actions (OA) Coordination actions for the renewable energy transition and the improvement of energy efficiency
The standard duration ranges from 2 to 5 years for classic projects, up to 10 years for integrated strategic projects, with budgets ranging from a few hundred thousand euros to more than 10 million euros.
Concrete Examples and Innovations
Here are some representative examples of initiatives funded by LIFE:
- Ecological rehabilitation of a degraded wetland with reintroduction of endangered species (Spain-Portugal)
- Development and implementation of an innovative microplastics processing technology (France-Belgium-Netherlands)
- Creation of a network of ecological corridors for the preservation of large carnivores in the Carpathians (Romania-Slovakia-Poland)
- Implementation of an innovative low-carbon district heating system based on industrial heat recovery (Finland-Sweden)
Innovative technologies and approaches
LIFE particularly favors projects that:
- They develop or test disruptive environmental technologies
- They propose innovative models of environmental governance
- They incorporate nature-based solutions.
- They apply innovative methodologies for environmental monitoring and assessment
- Develop sustainable and circular economic models
High-potential sectors
Although all environmental and climate sectors are eligible, certain areas receive particular attention:
- Conservation and restoration of biodiversity
- Natural solutions for climate adaptation
- Circular economy and new sustainable economic models
- Sustainable and resilient cities
- Renewable energies and territorial energy efficiency
- Sustainable agriculture and forestry
- Innovative water and waste management
- Pollution control and sanitation technologies
Innochain Support
Specialized expertise on this program
For many years, Innochain has developed in-depth expertise in the LIFE program through successful support of public and private organizations. Our team brings together program specialists and technical experts in environment and climate, who have a thorough understanding of the evaluation criteria and specific expectations of LIFE.
Our specialist consultants have a thorough understanding of the technical, administrative, and financial aspects of the program. They can guide you through the specifics of each LIFE sub-program and project category, from the initial eligibility audit to post-award administrative follow-up.
Tailor-made support methodology
Our support approach for the LIFE program is based on a validated methodology in 6 phases:
1. Strategic Audit Comprehensive analysis of your project, its potential environmental/climate impact, and its compatibility with LIFE criteria
2. Strategic Positioning : Identifying the optimal LIFE sub-programme and project category for your initiative
3. Consortium Assembly Activating our European network to identify and mobilize essential strategic partners
4. Technical and financial architecture Definition of work packages, deliverables, impact indicators, and optimized budget allocation
5. Proposal Design Production of a comprehensive and persuasive dossier, with a particular focus on environmental impact and European added value
6. Post-filing support Support during the negotiation phases with the Commission and the deployment of project management
Range of services
Innochain offers comprehensive or customized support according to your requirements:
- Eligibility audit and environmental/climate impact assessment
- Strategic direction and positioning within the LIFE program
- Prospecting and building a network of qualified European partners
- Technical architecture of the project in accordance with LIFE specifications
- Development of the financial plan and budget optimization
- Complete drafting of the application file
- Deployment of environmental key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Preparation for the evaluators' questions
- Administrative support for contracting
- LIFE Project Management Training
- Technical and financial reporting support
Eligibility Requirements
Organizational criteria
Eligibility for the LIFE program requires meeting the following conditions:
- Legal status : Legal entities registered in an eligible country
- Types of organizations Public entities, private organizations (commercial and non-commercial), NGOs
- Geographic coverage :
- Member states of the European Union
- Overseas countries and territories (OCT)
- Third countries associated with the program
- Third countries specified in the work program (with limitations)
Organizations involved
LIFE caters to a wide range of organizations:
Companies SMEs and large companies, particularly those developing innovative environmental technologies or services
Public sector : National, regional and local authorities, development agencies
Non-profit sector Environmental NGOs, foundations, nature conservation associations
Research and teaching Research institutes and universities, preferably in partnership with operational stakeholders
Land managers Owners and managers of natural areas for conservation projects
Multidisciplinary consortia combining scientific expertise, operational capacity and local roots are particularly valued.
Geographic criteria
The LIFE program mainly covers:
- The 27 member states of the European Union
- Countries associated with the program (such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- Candidate countries and potential candidates (with certain restrictions)
- European Neighbourhood Policy countries (under specific conditions)
For Nature and Biodiversity projects, concrete conservation actions must take place within the EU, unless otherwise justified. Actions in third countries must be essential to achieving the EU's environmental objectives.
Technical and scientific requirements
LIFE projects must meet several technical criteria:
- Scientific basis : Based on robust scientific data and knowledge
- Quantifiable impact : Ability to demonstrate and measure environmental/climate impacts
- Innovation or demonstration Clear added value compared to existing practices
- Reproducibility : Potential for replication in other European contexts
- Sustainability Credible strategy for ensuring continuity of results post-financing
Financial Terms
Financing structure
LIFE co-financing rates vary depending on the sub-program and the type of project:
Standard projects (SAP)
- General rate: 60% of eligible costs
- Projects concerning priority habitats or species: up to 75%
Strategic Projects (SIP/SNAP)
- Co-financing rate: 60% of eligible costs
Technical assistance projects
- Co-financing rate: 60% of eligible costs
Other actions
- Varies depending on specific calls, usually between 60% and 95%
Ceilings and amounts
Funding amounts vary depending on the type of project:
Standard projects Typical EU contribution between €500,000 and €5 million
Strategic projects Typical EU contribution between 10 and 20 million euros, with a requirement to mobilize additional sources
Technical assistance projects EU contribution up to 100,000 euros
Eligible costs
Accepted cost categories include:
- Staff costs directly allocated to the project
- Travel expenses related to project activities
- Durable equipment (depreciation proportional to use)
- Consumables and supplies needed
- Subcontracting (limited to 35% of the total budget)
- Other costs: dissemination, publications, translations, audits
- Indirect costs: a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs
Co-financing
The LIFE co-financing principle implies:
- Minimum contribution from beneficiaries of 40% of the total budget (25% for certain Nature projects)
- Sources of co-financing: own resources or other non-European sources
- For SIPs and SNAPs: obligation to mobilize at least one additional source
- General exclusion of in-kind contributions
- Possibility of supplementary funding through national sources
Application Process
Calendar and calls for projects
The LIFE program operates on an annual schedule:
- Publication of calls : Generally in spring (April-May)
- Submission process One or two steps depending on the type of project
- Timeframes for standard projects 3-4 months after publication of the call
- Delays for SIP/SNAP Two-phase process (concept note followed by full proposal)
- Assessment : 5 to 8 months depending on the complexity
- Contractualization : 3 to 5 months after selection
- Startup : First half of the following year
Required documentation
The LIFE application requires several elements:
- Administrative forms (Part A) Partner information, budget, declarations:
- Technical description (Part B) Detailed presentation of the project and objectives
- In-depth information (Part C) : In-depth technical description, work plan, impacts
- Financial annexes Detailed budget tables
- Visual aids Maps and photos for field projects
- Statements of support : Letters of commitment from co-financiers and stakeholders
Submission Steps
The LIFE submission process includes the following steps:
- Creating an account on the European funding portal (Funding & Tender Portal)
- Project Registration and obtaining an identification code
- Invitation of partners to join the proposal on the portal
- Completing administrative forms with basic information
- Development of technical documents detailing the project
- Preparation of financial annexes and supporting documents
- Final check of conformity and consistency
- Electronic submission before the deadline
For strategic projects (SIP/SNAP), submission is done in two distinct phases spaced several months apart.
Evaluation criteria
The LIFE assessment is based on four main criteria:
Relevance (0-20 points)
- Contribution to LIFE Specific Objectives
- Alignment with European political priorities
- Strategic design and European added value
Impact (0-25 points)
- Ambition and credibility of expected impacts
- Long-term sustainability of results
- Replication and transfer potential
Quality (0-20 points)
- Clarity, logic and completeness of the proposal
- Technical and methodological feasibility
- Cost-effectiveness
Resources (0-15 points)
- Adequacy of resources with objectives
- Team skills and experience
- Governance structure and risk management
Minimum threshold required: 55/80 points, with a minimum of 50% for each criterion.
Success Rates and Best Practices
Performance statistics
The characteristics of success of the LIFE program:
- Average success rate : Approximately 15-20% on European scale for standard projects
- Thematic variations Slightly higher for Nature and Biodiversity (17-22%)
- Variations through innovation Lower rate for innovative projects (10-15%)
- Competitiveness Growing, with over 800 applications annually
- Budget Significant increase 2021-2027, slightly improving the outlook
Common pitfalls
The main errors identified that caused penalties:
- Insufficient additionality compared to existing actions
- Environmental impact vaguely quantified
- Poor alignment with European policies
- Fuzzy replication strategy
- Unbalanced or poorly justified budget
- Incomplete or unsuitable partnership
- Insufficient sustainability strategy
Differentiation factors
Key elements for success:
- Quantified environmental impact with precise indicators
- Innovative or demonstrative character clearly established
- A balanced consortium including public authorities, technical experts, and end users
- Strategic alignment with European priorities
- Robust replication plan
- Optimized cost-effectiveness approach
- Appropriate communication strategy
- Credible post-project plan
Feedback from Innochain
Our experience supporting multiple LIFE projects has led us to identify the most effective approaches:
- The prior commitment of the public authorities involved significantly strengthens the legitimacy of the project.
- Highlighting an integrated approach that combines various environmental benefits is particularly appreciated.
- An optimal balance between concrete interventions in the field (60-70%) and communication/dissemination activities (15-20%)
- The use of standardized instruments to measure impacts (carbon footprint, life cycle analysis, etc.)
- The diversification of co-financing demonstrates the involvement of stakeholders
- A realistic schedule that includes sufficient leeway for administrative procedures and unforeseen events.
FAQ about the LIFE program
Frequently Asked Questions by Businesses
Can an SME manage a LIFE project on its own?
Yes, SMEs can coordinate a LIFE project, particularly for standard action projects. However, a multi-stakeholder partnership is generally better evaluated as it demonstrates a broader impact and greater replication potential.
Does LIFE fund basic research?
No, LIFE does not fund basic research. The program prioritizes the practical application, demonstration, and deployment of environmental solutions. Research may represent a minor component (maximum 20% of the budget) if it is necessary for the implementation or evaluation of concrete actions.
Can projects take place outside the EU?
The main actions should generally take place within the EU. Limited actions may be implemented in third countries if necessary to achieve European environmental objectives or to ensure the effectiveness of interventions within the European territory.
How to structure an effective consortium?
An effective LIFE consortium requires:
- Complementary expertise
- Full value chain coverage
- Territorial balance for transnational projects
- Involvement of public authorities
- Optimal size (3-8 partners for standard projects)
- Demonstrated operational capability of each partner
How can we quantify environmental impacts?
The impact assessment is based on:
- Standardized performance indicators (KPIs)
- Precise calculation methodology
- Establishing a baseline situation
- Demonstration of additionality
- Distinction between direct and indirect impacts
- Rigorous monitoring plan
Maximize your chances of success with our expertise
Ready to launch your LIFE project?
Innochain assists you at every stage, from preliminary analysis to final submission, to optimize your prospects of obtaining LIFE funding and generating a major environmental impact.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to discuss your environmental or climate project. Together, let's work towards a more environmentally friendly future for Europe and our planet.