The LIFE Programme announced that 1 095 applications were submitted across four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and clean energy transition. The number of applications increased by 22 % compared to 2024, while the amount of EU funding requested – more than EUR 3.1 billion – also increased, by 16 %. Overall, in line with the Programme’s co-financing rules, a request was made for the EU to fund around two-thirds of the total cost, while national, regional and local governments, public-private partnerships, businesses, and civil society organisations would cover the remainder.

All four LIFE sub-programmes drew in applications:

• Nature and biodiversity. 168 submissions: total value EUR 1 620 billion / requested EU contribution EUR 940 million (58 %) – up 22.6 % from 137 in 2024 and 55.6 % from 108 in 2023.
• Circular economy and quality of life. 348 submissions: total value EUR  1 862 billion / requested EU contribution EUR 939 million (50 %) – up 31.3 % from 265 in 2024 and 124.5 % from 155 in 2023.
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation. 260 submissions: total value EUR  1 171 billion / requested EU contribution EUR 598 million (51 %) – up 42.1 % from 183 in 2024 and 37.6 % from 133 in 2023.
• Clean energy transition. 319 submissions: total value EUR 970 million / requested EU contribution EUR 656 million (67 %) – up 2.9 % from 310 submissions in 2024 and 35 % from 236 applications.

LIFE projects generally aim to:

• safeguard Europe's nature by halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity;
• enhance the circular economy using innovative technologies and solutions;
• protect, restore, and improve the environment to ultimately enhance the quality of citizens’ lives;
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience to climate change, and raise awareness of climate change mitigation;
• drive the clean energy transition through energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions.