The European Commission has launched its 2020 call for project proposals under the LIFE programme and also have taken measures to make it easier to apply in times of coronavirus restrictions including extended deadlines. This year more than €450 million was earmarked for nature conservation, environmental protection and climate action projects. LIFE funds projects under its environment and climate action sub-programmes, thereby helping implement the European Green Deal.

 

New measures that the European Commission has already introduced to lessen the impact of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic include:

• All submission deadlines are being extended by one month.
• Private entities are no longer obliged to launch open tenders for contracts above 135 000 euros.
• Projects can financially support small, local initiatives.
• A special section on start-up companies has been integrated into the guidelines.
• More information available at: https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/news/make-your-green-idea-reality-apply-now-life-funding

 

How to apply

 

Applying for traditional projects with a climate change focus involves submitting a full proposal by October 2020. This includes proposals for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects as well as climate governance and information initiatives.

 

For traditional projects that address environmental and nature themes, there is a two-stage application process: candidates first outline their idea in a concept note by July 2020. If your concept note is shortlisted, you will then have until February 2021 to submit a full project proposal. The two-stage process covers nature conservation and biodiversity, environment and resource efficiency, as well as environmental governance and information projects.

 

Applications for integrated projects also follow a two-stage process.

 

You can find more information on how to apply on the 2020 LIFE call for proposals page: https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/section/life/calls-proposals