LIFE Awards

Finalists

Every year, the European Commission assess all completed LIFE projects based on various criteria:

contribution to immediate and long-term environmental, economic and social improvements
degree of innovation and transferability
relevance to policy
cost-effectiveness.

The most successful projects are then shortlisted as finalists and go on to compete in the LIFE Awards.

The LIFE Awards ceremony

The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of the LIFE Awards, celebrating two decades of outstanding EU-funded projects delivering tangible impact on the ground.

The winners are selected by an expert jury and announced on the day of the ceremony, which takes place during EU Green Week – Europe’s largest environmental event.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, from 18:00 to 20:00 (CEST), in Brussels, Belgium. Register here.

LIFE Awards 2026

This year, 9 finalist LIFE projects have been selected as some of the most creative and impactful initiatives supporting a greener Europe across three categories.

Nature Protection & Biodiversity

Honouring projects that make an outstanding contribution to protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity across Europe.

Egyptian Vulture New LIFE tackled the sharp decline of Europe’s only long-distance migratory vulture, caused by poisoning, electrocution, persecution and habitat loss, with Balkan populations especially at risk. It helped improve breeding success, engaged thousands of stakeholders, reached over two million people, and strengthened international cooperation to support the species’ long-term survival.
LIFE Danube floodplains aimed to restore natural water regimes and encourage more sustainable land management across the Danube region. It improved water flow, restored key habitats and floodplain forests, and supported the development of more informed environmental policies. The project also raised public awareness and demonstrated practical approaches to large-scale floodplain restoration.
LIFE WOLFALPS EU introduced a coordinated, cross-border approach to wolf conservation across the Alpine region. It improved monitoring, supported livestock protection and awareness efforts, and helped reduce mortality while strengthening cooperation and policy development.

Circular Economy & Quality of Life

Recognising projects that promote sustainable resource use, reduce pollution and improve citizens’ quality of life.

LIFE AIRFRESH promoted urban reforestation by creating new forest areas and developing practical planting guidelines. It helped reduce air pollution and temperatures, improved public health, and influenced urban planning while engaging citizens and offering a model for other European cities.
LIFE Fitting introduced the PLAN-DO toolbox, a set of digital tools to monitor, predict and optimise wastewater treatment performance. It improved water quality, reduced emissions and costs, and supported better decision-making while training professionals and informing policy for more sustainable wastewater management.
LIFE Turn to e-circular promoted a shift towards a circular economy by encouraging repair, reuse and better stakeholder engagement. It kept significant amounts of electronics in use, reduced emissions, influenced policy and provided a replicable model for sustainable e-waste management in Europe.

Climate Action

Celebrating projects that contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

LIFE CLIMATE SMART CHEFS promoted more sustainable eating habits by training food professionals and developing tools for climate-friendly menus. It empowered chefs as sustainability ambassadors, reached over 500 000 people, and supported the shift towards healthier, low-carbon food systems.
LIFE WetLands4CLIMATE developed guidance to enhance the climate benefits of Mediterranean wetlands and improve management practices across Europe. It strengthened scientific knowledge, tested soil management techniques that reduced CO₂ emissions, and reinforced collaboration to support wetlands in achieving EU climate and conservation goals.
LIFE Climate value chains supported the development of shorter, more climate-friendly timber supply chains and encouraged the use of local materials in construction and planning. It helped reduce emissions, strengthen regional value chains and advance the transition towards a circular, low-carbon construction sector in Europe.

In addition, two other awards are presented during the ceremony: the Citizens’ Prize, which is awarded to the LIFE project receiving the strongest public support through an online vote among the finalists, and a special award.