LIFEohjelma

LIFEohjelma, commonly referred to in Finnish as LIFE-ohjelma, is the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Established in 1992, LIFE supports projects that protect nature and biodiversity, improve environmental policy and governance, and advance climate action. It serves as a key instrument for testing innovative solutions, demonstrating best practices, and promoting the replication of successful approaches across the EU.

The programme is administered by the European Commission and implemented in cooperation with national authorities of EU member states. In the current programming period, LIFE has two main sub-programmes: LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment & Climate Action. It funds project grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building activities, and often requires co-financing from national or private partners. The emphasis is on funding initiatives that deliver tangible environmental benefits, advance policy implementation, and foster innovation.

Eligible participants include public bodies, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, and universities. Projects typically range from nature conservation and restoration to improvements in environmental policy, pollution reduction, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. LIFE also supports cross-border cooperation and the dissemination of results to promote broader uptake by policymakers, industry, and civil society.

Since its inception, LIFE has financed thousands of projects across EU member states and associated countries, contributing to EU environmental and climate objectives and serving as a testing ground for scalable solutions. The programme’s ongoing iterations reflect the EU’s commitment to sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and climate action.