LIFE After LIFE
For our consultants in Hoevelaken, the EU LIFE programme is a very important grant programme with which we work a lot. From consortium formation to writing the application, but also from Grant Agreement negotiations to preparing progress and final reports—we assist our clients in all aspects of the grant application and implementation. The EU LIFE programme focuses on demonstration and pilot projects in environment and climate action, with four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and clean energy transition. Projects tend to have a scope of between 2-4 million EUR, with a duration of 4-6 years. The funding rate is 60%.
Entire Hoevelaken office Under The Spell Of LIFE
The LIFE programme is one of those calls that tends to come back every year. Mid-September has high priority in our diaries, as that is when applications are usually due. Around the end of February, we head towards the edge of our seats, because that is when the first reviews come trickling in. In past years, we have had rounds where we submitted around 6 applications, and the entire office was working on LIFE applications. The programme thus holds a special place in our hearts. And, also not unimportant, we are very successful at it! There are years when 3 out of 4 applications submitted by our team are awarded–a succesrate that is considerably higher than the national average.
Every LIFE Project Is Unique
Business as usual? Certainly not! With such a breadth of possibilities in terms of themes, scope, and consortium size, every LIFE project is unique. Last year, for example, we had our largest project ever; the year before that we made a personal record number of applications; and less than a fortnight ago we were privileged to witness a visit by King Willem Alexander, who came to open an installation co-funded by the LIFE programme. A very special occasion indeed.
Obstacles To Applying For LIFE
What kind of obstacles do our clients face when considering a LIFE application? LIFE works with a fixed overhead of 7%. This means that any other potential costs you might consider overhead, and/or your commercial rate, are not fully covered. Also, you have to think ahead: if you submitted an application last September, May 2025 will be the earliest possible starting date for your project if indeed the grant is awarded. Finally, the EC’s application portal is not exactly known for its user-friendliness. Fortunately, we now have plenty of experience with this, and are able to support our clients.
Looking Ahead To 2025
For the projects we submitted this round, we now have our fingers crossed, especially given the large number of applications: this year, for instance, under the circular economy sub-programme, over one hundred more applications were submitted than last year! Of course, we believe in the quality of our proposals, but it is nevertheless a time of great anticipation. Before you know it, we will hopefully be busy again with the contract negotiations in February, and then we can already start thinking about new projects for the next round of calls in 2025. So, there is always more LIFE after LIFE!
