- Nature and biodiversity, with a budget of EUR 2.1 billion;
- Circular economy and quality of life, with a budget of EUR 1.3 billion;
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a budget of EUR 1 billion;
- Clean energy transition, with a budget of EUR 1 billion.
How much is available for carbon removal?
The LIFE Programme puts more emphasis on nature-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR), such as soil carbon sequestration, dedicating a total of EUR 7.2 towards projects of this nature. Such projects can both be covered by the “nature and biodiversity” and “climate change mitigation and adaptation” subprogrammes. Indirect funding for CDR totalled EUR 103.6 million so far.
On the horizon
For the first time, the 2024 LIFE call for project, under the “climate change mitigation and adaptation” sub-programme, specifically mentioned engineered carbon removal technologies. The LIFE programme opens new calls every year for each sub-programme.
Technology readiness level support
The LIFE programme does not specify which technology readiness level (TRL) levels it supports. Based on past calls for projects, it can provide support for a broad range of projects, including the testing of innovation technologies, community-building and awareness-raising projects, and small-scale removals projects.
Eligibility
Proposals submitted to LIFE are evaluated against four criteria: relevance, impact, quality and resources. To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet both individual thresholds in the four criteria (10 points out of 20) and an overall threshold (55 out of 90). Depending on the call for projects, bonus points can also be attributed to projects.
In general, LIFE calls for projects are restricted to a list of possible technologies and approaches.
The LIFE Programme is open to all EU member states and third countries participating in the programme.
Funding rates
Up to 60% of eligible project costs, such as personnel, equipment or land purchase costs. Up to 75% of eligible project costs can be covered in the case of projects under the subprogramme ‘Nature and Biodiversity’, especially those that concern priority habitats or species.