LIFE Programme

The LIFE Programme is the only European Union financial instrument dedicated exclusively to the environment and climate protection, with a budget of EUR 5.4 billion for 2021–2027. It is a directly managed programme administered by the CINEA agency, to which applications are submitted in English via the Funding & Tenders portal. LIFE has four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and clean energy transition. The standard EU co-financing rate is 60%, rising to 75% for projects protecting priority species and habitats. Typical applicants are state nature conservation organisations, local authorities, non-profit organisations, research institutions, and private companies with environmental innovations. In Slovakia, LIFE has funded, for example, projects for the protection of birds of prey, wetland revitalisation, and improving air quality. The national contact point is the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic, which provides consultations for the preparation of applications.