LIFE, THE EUROPEAN INSTRUMENT DEDICATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT

The LIFE program is the only European R&D&I funding program exclusively devoted to fund activities with environmental and climate objectives. This program began in 1992 and until 2013 focused on the areas of nature and biodiversity, governance and environmental information. From 2014 to 2020, the program was structured in two sub-programs: environment and climate action.

1. Environmental subprogram: divided into three thematic areas, with a budget of more than 2.6 million euros: Nature and biodiversity // Environment and resource efficiency // Governance and information
2. Climate action: divided into three thematic areas, with a budget of more than 900 million euros.Mitigación: Adaptation // Governance and information

In the context of the new funding framework program of the European Union, Horizon Europe, the new regulation of the LIFE program has been designed with its corresponding Multiannual Work Program 2021-2021, highlighting the following novelties, such as the inclusion of a third subprogram: Transition to a clean energy. What’s more. The co-financing rates have been reviewed and the multi-annual budget increased, estimated at 5.450 million euros.

The funded Projects will be managed by CINEA, the new European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Agency, whose mission is to support all value agents to adapt the European green pact through an R&D&I management program of high quality.

Another noteworthy fact is that the LIFE program aims to favor the innovation and commercialization of solutions and products developed by Start-Ups in a context of risk-free incubation that allows companies to bring their solution to market safely, and supported by the adequate financial, technical and commercial means. The LIFE program welcomes proposals whose association combines the knowledge and experience of established players in the market, together with the promotion of emerging companies or Start-Ups that wish to commercialize their solution or product.

It is very important to note that all requested projects must present quantified and credible key impact indicators (KPIs) to measure the expected impacts of the project in the different subprograms and areas. If the project is selected for financing, compliance with the different indicators must be reported during the life of the project, including social and economic indicators, which will be mandatory for all projects.