The European Commission has launched its 2020 Call for project proposals under the LIFE Programme – EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. This year with new measures applied due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, more than €450 million will be granted to nature conservation, environmental protection and climate action projects. LIFE funds projects under its environment and climate action sub-programmes, thereby helping implement the European Green Deal.
New measures due to COVID-19
All applicants – businesses, both big and small, institutions and NGOs – are encouraged to look at their project idea and identify any element that could potentially improve our collective ability to avoid or to deal with a similar future crisis. There are undoubtedly strong links between the environment and climate, and human health that we should explore.
LIFE and start-ups
Larger companies are encouraged to consider their LIFE project as a potential incubator for start-ups. Normally start-ups don’t qualify as a coordinating beneficiary due to their limited financial capacity. They could however be a key player (owner of know-how or knowledge) in partnership with a larger company. In this way, the start-up may be given the chance to move to a full market development, and the larger company would gain access to the knowledge, while limiting the risk thanks to the LIFE support.
LIFE and local initiatives
All projects will be allowed to financially support local initiatives that may contribute to the project objective. This will take the form of grants that the beneficiary may give to third parties responsible for such initiatives. In this way, LIFE financing will reach very small local groups that do not have the capacity to act as an associated beneficiary in the project, but could play a role in reaching the project objectives.
In addition, all submission deadlines are being extended by one month and private entities are no longer obliged to launch open tenders for contracts above €135 000.
To view all new features and related details download this package or visit the LIFE Programme website.