Best projects and 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 LIFE projects subsequently become finalists, and compete in the LIFE Awards. 

The LIFE Awards ceremony

The LIFE Awards recognise the most innovative, inspirational and effective LIFE projects in three categories: nature protection, circular economy and quality of life, and climate action. The winners are selected by an expert jury and announced on the day of the ceremony, which takes place during the EU Green Week – Europe’s biggest environmental event. 

LIFE Awards 2025

The LIFE Awards ceremony will take place on 3 June in the context of the Green Week. Register now to attend onsite or online.

From an initial pool of 100-150 projects, nine finalists are selected across three categories: 

• Nature Protection & Biodiversity,
• Circular Economy & Quality of Life
• Climate Action 

Besides the Citizens' Prize, this year the Special Award will honour a project that excelled in the circular economy, the main topic of the Green Week 2025.