Calls for proposals for 2026 have been launched under the European LIFE program. The 2026 calls cover a wide range of topics, including: nature conservation and biodiversity, the circular economy and quality of life, climate change mitigation and adaptation to this change, the transition to clean energy, including building renovation, heating and cooling, energy poverty, and energy communities. The application deadlines for most calls are September 16 or 22, 2026.
The LIFE Program is the EU’s flagship instrument for funding environmental and climate projects. It focuses on innovative and demonstration projects with significant impact and the potential for replication across Europe. Organizations from both the public and private sectors can participate, often as part of international consortia. In most cases, funding from the LIFE program covers 60% of eligible costs, with a minimum amount of 1 million euros.& Czech project leaders can usually obtain funding for an additional 25% of costs under the national call.
Specifically, projects should focus on:
• protecting, conserving, and restoring European wildlife, biodiversity, and natural areas;
• motivating individuals and businesses to rethink consumption habits, reduce, reuse, and recycle;
• promoting a sustainable, prosperous, and competitive economy and quality of life.
• reducing harmful emissions, strengthening resilience to climate change, and helping to cope with extreme weather events.
• accelerating Europe’s transition to clean, renewable, and self-sufficient energy supplies.
• increase the energy efficiency, flexibility, and overall resilience of the EU’s energy system.
• accelerate investment in the energy sector and promote citizen engagement and support for the energy transition.
All calls are now available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
For LIFE calls, there are two deadlines:
- September 16, 2026: for projects in the “Clean Energy Transition” area
- September 22, 2026: for projects under the areas “Nature and Biodiversity,” “ Circular Economy and Quality of Life and „Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation"
IMPORTANT!
Czech applicants in the European call must simultaneously submit an application to the complementaryCzech national call, in which up to 3 applications per institution and the deadline is already June 12, 2026.
Four information days were held from June 28–30 , during which applicants were informed about the LIFE sub-programs, the priority themes of the 2026 calls, and received useful advice on how to prepare a high-quality project proposal. RECORDINGS from these events will be available soon.
Source: cinea.ac.europa.eu