Home News The LIFE programme 2022 is now open for applications

The LIFE programme 2022 is now open for applications

Marilyn Amirkhan30 May 2022

The LIFE programme, the EU programme for Environment and Climate Action, published all calls for proposals for the year 2022 on 17 May 2022. The objectives of this LIFE Call of 2022 are the promotion of a circular economy, protection of biodiversity, air, soil and water, improvement of quality of life for EU citizens, clean energy and tackling climate change.

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For whom is the LIFE programme?
What kind of projects are eligible under the LIFE programme?
Deadlines
Budget for the LIFE 2022 Call
Process and evaluation
Want to know more about LIFE 2022?

For whom is the LIFE programme?

Practically all EU-based organisations can join. Eligible participants (beneficiaries and affiliates) are public or private bodies from EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs) and listed EEA countries and non-EU countries associated to the LIFE programme).

What kind of projects are eligible under the LIFE programme?

The LIFE programme Standard Action Projects (SAP) aim to implement innovative and best practice solutions in areas of:

Environment with two subprogrammes Nature and Biodiversity, and Circular Economy and Quality of Life;
Climate Action with two subprogrammes Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Clean Energy Transition.

Objectives of LIFE 2022 Call

The following activities under each subprogramme can be funded under this Call:

Sub-programme	Funded activities
Nature and Biodiversity	Restoring or improving areas of biodiversity, habitats, or species under at least one of the two areas of intervention: Space for nature or Safeguarding our species Nature governance: EU nature and biodiversity legislation-related compliance assurance, public participation and access to justice
Circular Economy and Quality of Life	Circular Economy and Waste Recovery of resources from waste, reduction or prevention of resource use and waste Air Air quality improvement, reduction of air pollutants. New: infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles and green maritime transport Water Water quality and quantity management, coastal and marine waters management, water services. New: nature-based solutions Soil Protection of the quality of EU’s soil, restoration, protection and improvement of soil health and prevention of soil degradation Noise Substantial reduction of noise inside densely populated urban areas Chemicals Reduction of the impact on the environment or human health, chemical production and use. New: digital alternatives for animal testing A new European Bauhaus Holistic reduction of environmental impacts of new buildings Environmental Governance
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation	Mitigation: Low-carbon solutions, use of renewables and energy efficiency, enhancement of natural carbon sinks Adaptation: Nature-based solutions, adapting cities and regions to climate change, climate proofing, water management, extreme weather events Climate governance and information Incentivising behavioural change, awareness-raising activities, GHG monitoring/reporting
Clean Energy Transition (CET)	Creating national, regional and local policy framework Accelerating technology roll-out, digitalisation, new services and business models Attracting private finance for sustainable energy Development of local and regional investment projects Involving and empowering citizens in the clean energy transition

Deadlines

The deadline under Standard Action Projects (SAPs) for circular economy and quality of life, nature and biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation sub-programmes is 4 October 2022.

LIFE Action Grants for Clean Energy Transition (CET) sub-programme deadline is 16 November 2022.

Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) and Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs) have a deadline for concept notes on 8 September 2022 and for full proposals on 7 March 2023.

Budget for the LIFE 2022 Call

The LIFE Call has a total budget of € 598 million available for the following categories:

Sub-programme	Available budget	Indicative project budget	Funding rate
Nature and Biodiversity	€ 242 million	€ 1 – 13 million	Max. 60%
Circular Economy and Quality of Life	€ 158 million	€ 0.7 – 10 million	Max. 60%
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation	€ 99 million	€ 0.7 – 5 million	Max. 60%
Clean Energy Transition	€ 98 million	€ 0.4 – 2,5 million	Max. 95% for Other Action Grants

Process and evaluation

The proposals follow the standard submission and evaluation procedure (one-stage submission and one-step evaluation). They involve mandatory application forms, annexes and supporting documents. The typical duration of the project is two to five years while the maximum project duration is ten years. If eligible, proposals are evaluated against the operational capacity and award criteria. The starting date of projects is normally after the grant signature, exceptionally after the proposal submission date.

Want to know more about LIFE 2022?

Hezelburcht has supervised several LIFE applications in recent years. LIFE is a specific programme that requires significant preparation. We would be pleased to support your organisation with the LIFE application process. Our aim is to create a strong application with the highest chance of success. Contact us to discuss the possibilities for your project.

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