LIFE in 2026: an exciting year ahead

No sooner has a successful 2025 drawn to a close than it’s time to take a look ahead to an action-packed LIFE Programme in the coming year. With the recent announcement of more than €358 million of investment in 132 new projects, LIFE will be fully supporting key themes of Europe’s independence moment, including promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, and improving quality of life through better food, water and nature protection.  

Among this year’s moments to look out for will be the Call for Proposals on the Funding & tender opportunities portal for projects under the 4 LIFE sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and quality of life; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and clean energy transition.  If you’re thinking of applying, then be sure not to miss the EU LIFE Info Days planned in April 2026.  

LIFE will once again play a leading role in key events this year including the European Climate Pact Annual Event 2026 (23-25 March); European Sustainable Energy Week (9-11 June); the New European Bauhaus Festival (9-13 June); and European Green Week, the most important environmental event in Europe. The prestigious LIFE Awards 2026 will again mark the climax of European Green Week, with project finalists expected to be announced in the spring. 

LIFE Platform Meetings are a chance for experts from LIFE projects all over Europe to take a deep dive into their specialist areas and to share experiences, knowledge and success stories. Already 4 Platform Meetings are planned for 2026: Climate platform: From strategy to implementation (21-23 April); Marine (9-12 June); Financing for nature restoration; and Reporting requirements under the Nature Restoration Regulation. Full details will be announced on the LIFE Programme pages. 

LIFE will once again be represented at major international conferences and events in 2026, including the Reuse Economy Expo (19-20 May);  Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) Europe Conference (18-22 May); Green Transition Forum 6.0 (1-5 June) and European Congress of Entomology (29 June-3 July). Teams from LIFE projects will join experts from CINEA and other EU agencies at these and other events. 

2026 marks LIFE’s 34th year — a remarkable record during which time the EU has funded more than 6 500 projects, over 1 000 of which are currently operational. This year’s new integrated framework for European climate resilience and risk management demonstrates that LIFE projects are needed now more than ever to protect Europe’s wildlife and nature, support the transition to clean energy, tackle climate change, promote circular economy and ensure quality of life for all EU citizens. We wish you a prosperous and productive 2026!