General information
The LIFE programme is the only financial instrument the European Union devoted exclusively to co-financing projects in the field of protection and improvement of the environment and human impact on climate and adaptation to its changes. Its main purpose is to support the process of implementing Community environmental law, the implementation of EU policy in this area, as well as the identification and promotion of new solutions for environmental problems in nature.
The LIFE programme – action programme for the environment and climate change (2014-2020) was established by Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) on 11 December 2013. The implementation of the programme was divided into two periods, within which the so-called Multiannual Work Programmes will be adopted, used by the EC to define the implementation framework of LIFE in a given period.
I Multi-annual Work Programme for the years 2014-2017 – approved and in force
II Multi-annual Work Programme will be valid from 2018 to 2020
The scope of the LIFE programme and the specific objectives of the priority areas are shown in the following diagram:
* in accordance with the Polish translation of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) of 11 December 2013, the name of this area is "mitigating the effects of climate change"
The LIFE programme is managed by the European Commission, which every year publishes a call for proposals (call for proposals). Everyone registered in the European Union (public entities, as well as private, commercial, and non-commercial ones) may be a beneficiary of the LIFE programme. The total budget of the LIFE Programme for the period 2014-2020 is EUR 3 456 million including measures for the environment – EUR 2 592 million and for climate – EUR 864 million. The budget for financing projects in the 2014-2017 financial perspective is EUR 1 347 million in the framework of the sub-programme for Environment, and EUR 449 million for the sub-programme for Climate Action.
Standard LIFE project funding by the European Commission amounts to up to 60% of eligible costs, and, in the case of projects for priority habitats and species – up to 75%. Polish Applicants may also apply for co-financing of the project with NFEP&WM national measures complementing the finances of the project up to 95% of eligible costs. (EC co-funding, NFEP&WM co-funding)
The current LIFE programme – action programme for the environment and climate, including the 2014-2020 financial perspective, is the continuation of the financial instrument LIFE + present in the years 2007-2013. History of LIFE