# 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 Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify eligibility:
  - [ ] Public or private entity (company, NGO, research organization)
  - [ ] From EU member state or associated country (✅ Germany eligible)
  - [ ] Determine if single-applicant or consortium needed (check specific call)
- [ ] Review specific call requirements (deadlines, topics, budget)
- [ ] For SNaP: Check if concept note stage already passed
- [ ] Prepare for two-stage process (concept note → full proposal) if applicable

### Required Documents
- [ ] Project proposal detailing:
  - [ ] Objectives, actions, and expected results
  - [ ] Environmental benefits and impact
  - [ ] Tangible environmental benefits and clear uptake plan
- [ ] Partnership agreements (if consortium required - check specific call)
- [ ] Budget breakdown (up to 60% of eligible costs, 75-95% for priority areas)
- [ ] **Environmental impact assessment** (if required for specific call)
- [ ] Implementation plan
- [ ] Communication and dissemination plan
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Company/organization registration documents

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Review [LIFE Programme Official Site](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2025_en)
2. [ ] Check specific call deadlines:
   - [ ] **SNaP Full Proposals: 5 March 2026** (upcoming)
   - [ ] 2026 LIFE calls: Check CINEA website (typically published in Spring)
3. [ ] For SNaP: Verify concept note was submitted (deadline passed: 4 Sept 2025)
4. [ ] Prepare full proposal with all required documents
5. [ ] Submit through [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders_en)
6. [ ] Submit before deadline: **5 March 2026 for SNaP Full Proposals**

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates clear environmental benefits
- [ ] Aligns with Circular Economy sub-programme:
  - [ ] Waste reduction
  - [ ] Resource efficiency
  - [ ] Recycling
  - [ ] Industrial symbiosis
  - [ ] Climate-neutral processes
- [ ] Shows tangible environmental benefits and clear uptake plan
- [ ] Includes measurable environmental impact
- [ ] Demonstrates industrial symbiosis/circular economy relevance

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save submission confirmation
- [ ] Monitor for evaluation timeline updates
- [ ] Prepare for potential follow-up questions
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Focus on measurable environmental benefits
- Include clear implementation and scaling plans
- Partnerships strengthen applications (though single-applicant projects allowed)
- Technical readiness (TRL 6+) preferred
- **Upcoming deadline: 5 March 2026 for SNaP Full Proposals** - start preparation early
- Check CINEA website regularly for 2026 call announcements