The European Commission is investing €86 million in new Strategic Integrated Projects under the 2023 LIFE Programme calls for proposals. The selected projects focus on improving water quality and availability, cleaning up polluted rivers, improving fire and flood protection, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This funding supports the EU’s broader goal of becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The selected projects are located in Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia and Iceland and will help national, regional and local authorities implement European environmental and climate legislation. They are expected to mobilise significant additional investment from other EU funding sources, which includes agricultural, structural, regional and research funds, in addition to national funds and private sector investment.
- In Denmark, the LIFE ACT project brings together 27 municipalities to boost local climate action. With a budget of €28.4 million, of which €17 million from the EU, the goal is to cut municipal CO₂ emissions by 75% and make 2,900 km of coastline more climate-resilient by 2050.
- In Estonia, the LIFE SIP WET-EST project aims to improve water quality in the Western Estonian river basin. It will receive €29.9 million in funding, including €17.9 million from the EU. The project is future-proofing the Western Estonian river basin by controlling pollution, restoring ecosystems and reducing risks from droughts and floods.
- Poland is receiving a €21.9 million budget, of which the EU will provide €13.1 million, to tackle major recycling and landfill challenges in the Pomorskie Voivodeship region. 31 project partners, including the regional government, municipalities and universities, have set an ambitious 65% recycling target while aiming to cut landfill waste to 10% by 2035.
- In Slovenia, the LIFE4ADAPT project will help the country deal with droughts, forest fires, and floods. With €26.5 million in funding, €14.2 million from the EU, it will support the Climate Service Centre and Climate Portal in managing climate risks and offering education programmes.
- In Iceland, the LIFE ICEWATER project will improve water quality through cooperation between public bodies, researchers, and municipalities. It has a budget of €39.6 million, with €23.8 million coming from the EU. The project will encourage sustainable water use and reduce pressure on water resources.
On top of these awards, the Commission has adopted the work programme for the implementation of the LIFE Programme in 2025-2027. It sets out key strategies, actions and funding opportunities with the aim to drive Europe's transition to a clean, circular, competitive and climate-resilient economy. The work programme establishes an overall budget of €2.3 billion for projects tackling circular economy, zero pollution, nature and biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy.
The LIFE Programme is the only EU funding programme entirely dedicated to environmental, climate and energy objectives. It has co-financed more than 6,000 projects since 1992 across the EU and associated countries. Funding for the five Strategic Integrated Projects as described above is part of a wider €5.43 billion budget assigned to the LIFE programme under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
The programme is actively contributing to achieving the EU's climate neutrality objective by 2050 under the European Climate Law. It also supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Water Framework Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, contributing to a clean energy transition. The LIFE Programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
The LIFE calls for proposals 2025 are expected to be published on the Funding & tender opportunities portal on 24 April 2025. Follow our website and LinkedIN page to stay up to date with the latest news and funding opportunities in the EU and beyond.
