LIFE Calls for Proposals 2025: claim your share of €600 million and help create a sustainable future for Europe.
The Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programs have been released, offering a wide range of funding opportunities and supporting projects aligned with EU priorities, including green transition, digital transformation, and health resilience.
The cross-border renewable energy (CB RES) status is a mandatory requirement for projects to access EU funding under the CB RES window of the CEF Energy programme.
On 13 June, the call for Energy Fair stand holders opened to all organisations, SMEs, youth associations, and many more, working on clean energy. Don’t forget about the other open calls! Interested stakeholders have time until 22 January to apply as a policy session organiser, while the deadline to apply or nominate someone for the EUSEW Awards is 29 January.
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), Europe’s flagship event on renewable energy and energy efficiency, will return in Brussels and online from 9 to 11 June 2026. Three calls are open: the call for Policy Sessions, the call for the EUSEW Awards, and the call for hosting a stand at the Energy Fair.
This article highlights the year’s central themes in the BUILD UP portal, from national renovation plans and digitalisation to one-stop-shops, and the community’s selected topic: energy poverty and vulnerable people.
Since its launch in November 2022, Green Assist has been growing steadily. Check out here to discover Green Assist in numbers:
Agenda
LIFE CET experts
This event will take place from 3 to 4 December 2025, in Bologna, Italy, and is hosted by the University of Bologna and its IMAGE LIFE project, together with the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
The 12th Atlantic Stakeholders Platform Conference (ASPC), along with the Interreg Atlantic Area Annual Event and the Blue Synergies Event, are coming to Galway in November! These key events bring together stakeholders from across the Atlantic region to explore synergies, share knowledge, and shape the future of sustainable development in our ocean. Make sure to secure your registration and don’t miss out on this amazing event.
Held within the framework of the Smart City Expo World Congress, TBWC aims to catalyse positive change in how we plan, construct, renovate and operate buildings and urban infrastructure, accelerating the shift towards a circular and digitalised model that ensures efficiency, resilience and net-zero cities.
About EUSEW
Today the European Union has capacity to produce 11 million tons to meet the demand of 8 tons of hydrogen. This is 8% of the global hydrogen demand, and close to 80% is about ammonia. Only 1% of this hydrogen is based on clean energy sources. So, there is still a lot to do to increase this percentage.Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director of Energy Security and International Relations, Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission
We visited 20 000 homes in Ghent and guided people through renovations, and our conclusion was that for every euro we invested in guidance, citizens invest 17 euro in energy renovations.Cathy De Bruyne, Director, Environment and Climate Service, City of Ghent
This summary report in English presents the key findings of a comprehensive study commissioned by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), a study that explores how marine space in the German EEZ can be used more efficiently through multi-use concepts. It focuses on combining offshore wind farms with additional uses such as aquaculture, passive fisheries, ecological restoration and research, outlining technical, legal and spatial planning conditions for their integration. The report supports future policy development and planning frameworks for sustainable, multi-purpose use of ocean space in the North and Baltic Seas.
The European Commission has launched the 'European Affordable Housing Plan', placing housing at the centre of the European agenda and highlighting the need for coordinated public action, financing and reforms to ensure access to affordable housing.
A study commissioned by Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) examines how multiple maritime activities can share space within offshore wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ. Conducted by s.Pro, Ramboll and Kiel University of Applied Sciences, it finds that combining offshore wind with low-trophic aquaculture, passive fishing, ecological restoration and research is technically and legally feasible. The study highlights logistical, economic and regulatory challenges and recommends pilot zones, early spatial planning integration, and inspiration from the Dutch “area passport” model.
The 6th Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings (EEHB) Conference will explore energy efficiency in historic buildings, addressing climate resilience, bio-based materials, digital tools, public policies, and heritage-compatible retrofit solutions.
The 13th European Congress of Entomology (ECE) will be held in Tours, France, from 29 June to 3 July 2026. The LIFE Programme and several LIFE projects will join with a stand and presentations.
European Maritime Days 2026 will take place in Limassol as an in-person event, with plenary sessions streamed live. This flagship occasion celebrates “maritime Europe”, showcasing the diversity of sea-related activities and highlighting the vital role our seas play in everyday life. Join Europe’s maritime community to network, exchange ideas, and shape joint action for a sustainable blue economy.
New calls
These awards highlight achievements that contribute to the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and encourage others to adopt best practices in building a clean energy future. The call to submit your application or nominate a candidate is now open and more information is available in the EUSEW 2026 info session recording.
CINEA aims to purchase a service that facilitates and encourages holders of marine data not yet involved in the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) to release their data for integration, safekeeping and subsequent distribution through EMODnet.
Organised by the European Commission’s flagship algae project EU4Algae, the 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit will take place in Berlin, Germany, on 16–17 October 2025. The Summit aims to inform EU Member State administrations about the benefits of algae cultivation and products, inspiring coordinated action under the EU Algae Initiative. National and regional authorities from across the EU involved in macro- and microalgae cultivation and applications — from food and feed to cosmetics, wastewater treatment, and beyond — will gather to share inspiring success stories and participate in expert panel discussions. This invitation-only event promises valuable insights. Stay tuned for updates and key outcomes!
The European Commission has announced EUR 396 million in funding for 171 new LIFE projects across Europe. River conservation, coastal protection and electronic waste recycling are just a few of the projects approved. Discover all new LIFE projects now!
Two dynamic and engaging panel sessions were held, drawing on panellists, themselves representing multiple stakeholders, from different sectors and geographical regions. Panellists provided their thoughts and insights to questions posed, in some cases highlighting opposing viewpoints, but always it was an exciting and balanced discussion.
Passionate about the environment and climate action and great at social media? The LIFE Programme is hiring a Social Media Officer to help amplify Europe’s green transition. Apply by 31 October!
The updated action plan of CINEA’s Anti-Fraud Strategy is now in place, reinforcing training, procurement, vigilance and reporting to strengthen fraud prevention across programmes. Learn more on how CINEA is ensuring EU funds are protected.
The evaluations for Horizon Europe Energy and the EU Cities Mission successfully finished on 11 April for the calls that opened on 17 September and closed in early February. The colleagues managed a huge exercise - evaluating around 900 proposals in 18 topics over 7 weeks for Energy, and 208 proposals for the Cities Mission. Well done to all involved!
