LIFE Awards 2026

As part of EU Green Week 2026, the LIFE Awards celebrate outstanding LIFE projects completed last year that contribute to nature and environmental protection, climate action and sustainability across Europe. Established by the European Commission in 2006, the awards recognise excellence in nature conservation, environmental sustainability and climate resilience. This year’s edition is particularly special, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the LIFE Awards.

Each year, nine finalist projects are selected as some of the most creative and impactful initiatives supporting a greener Europe across three categories. Meet the finalists for the 2026 LIFE Awards below:

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

• Egyptian Vulture New LIFE: Urgent Action to Strengthen the Balkan Population of the Egyptian Vulture and Secure Its Flyway.
• LIFE Danube floodplains: Restoration and management of Danube floodplain habitats.
• LIFE WOLFALPS EU: Coordinated actions to improve wolf-human coexistence at the alpine population level.

Circular Economy & Quality of Life
Recognising projects that promote sustainable resource use, reduce pollution and improve citizens’ quality of life.

• LIFE AIRFRESH: AIR pollution removal by FoRESts for a better human well-being.
• LIFE Fitting: Demonstration of an innovative PLAN-DO toolbox for a safer, resource-efficient and fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment.
• LIFE Turn to e-circular: Awareness building of the circular economy key elements among households in the field of EE equipment.

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

• LIFE CLIMATE SMART CHEFS: Empowering chefs for a climate-smart, sustainable and healthy food system in the EU.
• LIFE WetLands4CLIMATE: Mediterranean Wetlands Management and Restoration as Carbon Sinks.
• LIFE Climate value chains: Establishing climate friendly processing chains to reduce carbon emissions and support the new green deal.

Citizens’ Prize

This prize is awarded to the LIFE project receiving the highest level of public support through an online vote among the finalists – have your say by voting for your favourite.

And last but not least, a Special Award will also be presented

The event will be followed by a cocktail.