Description

The LIFE program is the main European instrument dedicated exclusively to environmental and climate issues. The 2026 calls for proposals support projects capable of testing, demonstrating, validating, and implementing concrete solutions in the areas of nature conservation, biodiversity restoration, the circular economy, quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the transition to clean energy. Applications are open to public and private legal entities registered in the European Union or in countries associated with the program. In France, this may include local governments, public institutions, NGOs, associations, companies, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or mid-sized companies, laboratories, research centers, and universities. Funded projects generally span several years, with budgets often ranging from 2 to 5 million euros, or even more depending on the type of call for proposals. The French Ministry of Ecology supports French project proposers by providing them with information, advice, assistance with project development, and proofreading services, while CINEA publishes European calls for proposals and their deadlines. For standard projects under the “Nature and Biodiversity,” “Circular Economy,” and “Quality of Life and Climate” subprograms, the deadline is September 22, 2026. For the “Energy” subprogram, the deadline for certain CSA actions is September 16, 2026, and for certain strategic projects, the summary notes must be submitted by September 3, 2026.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Be a public or private legal entity registered in the European Union or in a country associated with the program.
• Lead a project related to nature, biodiversity, the circular economy, quality of life, climate, or clean energy.
• Present an innovative, demonstrative, replicable, or useful solution for the implementation of European policies.
• Submit the application electronically through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders portal.
• Be sure to meet the deadline for the subprogram you have selected.

Application procedure