LIFE Programme Multi-Annual Work Programme 2025-2027 Overview

Enriched EU · Found: 2026-03-11 10:41

Overview of the LIFE Programme Work Programme 2025-2027 adopted April 15, 2025, with EUR 2.3 billion total budget. The Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme (EUR 568.5M) covers waste prevention, plastics recycling, resource recovery, circular business models, and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.

Source: https://life-bulgaria.bg/en/the-life-programme-work-programme-for-2025-2027-was-adopted

Funding Details

Funder

European Commission – LIFE Programme

Funding Goal

Support Europe's transition to a clean, circular, and climate-resilient economy through grants for projects in circular economy, zero pollution, nature and biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy.

Funding Amount

Total LIFE 2025–2027 budget: €2.3 billion. Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme: approx. €568.5M. Individual project grants vary; standard action projects typically range from €500,000 to several million euros. LIFE typically co-finances up to 60% of eligible costs.

Deadline

2025–2027 (rolling calls; specific call deadlines published on EU Funding & Tenders Portal) (Rolling)

How to Apply

Applications submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal (ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders). Calls for proposals published throughout the 2025–2027 period. Bulgarian applicants can seek support from the Bulgarian NCP at lifencp@moew.government.bg.

Target Region

European Union (all member states); some eligible third countries

Contact

Bulgarian National Contact Point (NCP): lifencp@moew.government.bg | Address: Sofia 1000, „Knyaginya Maria Luiza" Blvd, № 22 | CINEA (EU implementing agency): https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en

Last Checked

2026-03-11 16:54

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a legal entity (NGO, public body, private company, or research institution) established in an EU member state or eligible associated third country
• Consortia are encouraged; at least one coordinator must be established in an EU member state

Project Scope

• Project must address at least one LIFE priority area: circular economy, zero pollution, nature and biodiversity, climate change mitigation/adaptation, or clean energy
• Project outcomes must demonstrate replicability and transferability, contributing to European Green Deal objectives

Required Documents

• Full application must be submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal within the open call window
• Detailed technical and financial project description, work plan, and monitoring indicators required at application stage

Constraints

• Applicant must provide co-financing for at least 40–45% of total eligible project costs
• Activities in non-EU countries (e.g., Africa, Southeast Asia) are generally not eligible for LIFE funding

Summary

On April 15, 2025, the European Commission adopted the Multi-Annual Work Programme (MAWP) for the LIFE Programme covering 2025–2027 with a total budget of €2.3 billion. LIFE is the EU's dedicated funding instrument for environmental and climate action, structured into four sub-programmes: Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Clean Energy Transition. The programme finances standard action projects, strategic nature projects, and strategic integrated projects across all EU member states and some eligible third countries. The Circular Economy and Quality of Life sub-programme (approximately €568.5M over the period) explicitly covers waste prevention, plastics recycling, resource recovery, circular business models, and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. The Nature and Biodiversity sub-programme funds Natura 2000 site management, marine and coastal ecosystem protection, and biodiversity restoration, making it relevant for marine conservation initiatives. Eligible applicants include NGOs, public authorities, private companies, and research institutions established in EU member states. Co-financing is typically required, with LIFE covering up to 60% of eligible costs for standard action projects and up to 95% for nature/biodiversity projects in exceptional cases. Applications are submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, with individual calls published throughout the 2025–2027 period. The programme is directly aligned with the European Green Deal and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, making it one of the most strategically important grant mechanisms for environmental NGOs operating within Europe, especially those working on circular economy value chains, pollution reduction, or coastal and marine habitat conservation.

Historical Context

LIFE is a long-running EU programme dating back to 1992. The current programming period runs 2021–2027. The 2025–2027 Multi-Annual Work Programme was formally adopted on April 15, 2025. In 2025, over 1,000 project proposals were submitted requesting more than €3.1 billion in funding, indicating record interest in the programme.

Why it was added

LIFE programme circular economy / waste / resource efficiency

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