# LIFE Programme - "Circular Economy and Quality of Life"

## Overview
LIFE is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action, supporting pilot, demonstration and best-practice projects in circular economy.

## Managing Body
CINEA (EU Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency)

## Funding Type
Grants for pilot, demonstration and best-practice projects

## Funding Amount
- €1–10 million per project
- Up to 60% of eligible costs
- Higher co-funding rates (75–95%) for certain priority areas
- €73M allocated for Circular Economy sub-programme in 2025

## Deadlines
- Annual call cycles
- 2025 LIFE call submission deadline: 23 Sept 2025 (closed - deadline passed)
- 2026 LIFE calls: Check CINEA website for upcoming deadlines (typically published in Spring)
- Strategic Nature Projects (SNaP): Concept notes deadline 4 Sept 2025 (closed), Full proposals deadline 5 March 2026 (upcoming)

## Eligibility
- Public or private entities (companies, NGOs, research organizations)
- From EU member states or certain associated countries
- Single-applicant projects allowed, though partnerships common

## Thematic Alignment
LIFE's Environment strand includes Circular Economy sub-programme supporting:
- Waste reduction
- Resource efficiency
- Recycling
- Industrial symbiosis
- Climate-neutral processes
- Projects must show tangible environmental benefits and clear uptake plan

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Industrial symbiosis pilots
- Waste-to-resource platforms
- Resource efficiency demonstrations
- Cross-company circular solutions

## Links
- [LIFE Programme Official Site](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2025_en)
- [LIFE 2025 Call Details](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2025_en)
- [KPMG LIFE Programme Overview](https://kpmg.com/fi/en/insights/tax-and-legal/pioneering-a-greener-future-eu-life-programme-2025.html)

## Application Tips
- Focus on measurable environmental benefits
- Include clear implementation and scaling plans
- Partnerships strengthen applications
- Technical readiness (TRL 6+) preferred