"LIFE Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Register now for the online LIFE Info Day (30/04/2020)

This year, our LIFE Info Day will be a virtual conference. Take part if you want to learn about our funding opportunities for environmental solutions, nature conservation and climate action. Registrations are open now.

Have your say on the future LIFE Programme (20/03/2020)

What should the new LIFE Programme focus on in 2021-24? Take part in our consultation and your share your wishes for the future EU support for the energy transition, climate action and nature protection by 27 April.

Extended: third deadline for submitting LIFE preparatory project proposals (20/03/2020)

Due to coronavirus-related restrictions for applicants, we are extending the third deadline for submitting proposals for LIFE preparatory projects. You have now time to apply until 20 April 2020.

Order now: LIFE factsheet and poster (20/03/2020)

Our “Investing in a greener future” factsheet and poster with key facts about our funding opportunities and dates for applying are now available. Order your copy now!

Your input for the European Climate Pact (20/03/2020)

Let's create the European Climate Pact together. The European Commission is seeking your views and ideas on how we can achieve a climate-neutral EU. Participate by 27 May and be part of this unique initiative.

Join the #EUinMyRegion campaign (20/03/2020)

The #EUinmyRegion campaign offers you and your LIFE project the chance to shine. Participate now in the campaign’s postcard contest to make your project visible at the European level, and stay in touch for more #EUinmyRegion activities.

How to succeed with your project proposal (20/03/2020)

Are you planning to apply for LIFE Programme funding? In this interview, Alfonso from the LIFE BiobCompo project explains how he and his team applied for their climate change project and shares his top tips on how to succeed.

A LIFE project for a more sustainable beer industry (20/03/2020)

The European Commission has recently presented its new Circular Economy Action Plan to help industries become greener. Learn how the LIFE YEAST project supports the plan by helping make the brewery sector more resource efficient - and our beer more sustainable.

Public engagement to improve a bird’s chances of survival (20/03/2020)

To protect the lesser kestrel in Italy and Greece, the LIFE FALKON project team uses a particular method: it engages pupils, teachers, farmers, architects, tourists and more to guarantee the future of the iconic bird. Read the full story here!

€100 million for new LIFE integrated projects (19/02/2020)

The European Commission invests €101.2 million in new large-scale LIFE projects in nine Member States. Discover the ten new projects that will work in the fields of nature, water, air, waste and climate action – to improve our quality of life.

What the future holds for the LIFE Programme (19/02/2020)

We need to take action to meet our environmental and climate objectives. That’s why the 2021 - 2027 LIFE Programme will support biodiversity, climate action, clean energy and circular economy. Take a look at this report and learn what else is in store for the future LIFE Programme.

Making water fit for LIFE (19/02/2020)

Water is a vital part of our lifes - but it is often contaminated by harmful substances. Several LIFE projects work for a better water quality across the continent to provide us with water that is good and safe for us. Learn more about their actions.

The LIFE Info Day 2020 (30/04/2020)

The LIFE Information and Networking Day 2020 is approaching. If you have an idea for a project on green technology, nature protection or climate action, come to the event and learn more about our funding opportunities.

Your event at the European Natura 2000 Day (21/05/2020)

The Natura 2000 Day is a day to highlight nature protection and restoration. Take part by organising an event with this year’s theme “Young people and nature” in a Natura 2000 site.

Be part of the EU Green Week 2020 (01/06/2020)

Be part of this year’s EU Green Week and take the opportunity to showcase your LIFE project achievements to a wider audience! Register now to host a Green Week partner event or to join the exhibition of the Brussels policy conference.

Sustainable shoes: LIFE steps up to reduce emissions (19/02/2020)

The global demand for shoes is rising - and our environment suffers greatly from the mass production. Our GreenShoes4All project measures the environmental impact of footwear to help producers reduce their waste and emissions.

Climate and cultural history – together for climate action (19/02/2020)

Climate change is not only a major threat to our environment but also to Europe’s cultural and natural heritage. A large-scale LIFE project in Denmark wants to use heritage like history, art and landscapes as a catalyst for climate action.

Improving coexistence with large carnivores through storytelling (19/02/2020)

Good communication is key to spreading the word about LIFE projects and reaching their target groups. Learn how the team of a cross-border LIFE project uses storytelling to improve coexistence between humans and large carnivores in Europe.

Goodbye 2019, hello 2020! (18/12/2019)

2019 draws to a close. Let’s take the opportunity to look at the highlights from LIFE this year and at what’s in store for 2020, a big year for biodiversity.

Save the date: LIFE Information and Networking Day 2020 (30/04/2020)

Do you have an idea for a project on green technology, nature protection or climate action? Come and join us at the LIFE Information and Networking Day 2020 and learn more about our funding opportunities! Registrations will open in spring.

How LIFE protects us from harmful chemicals (18/12/2019)

Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives that provide us with many benefits. But they can also harm our environment and health. Learn how LIFE projects help implement REACH and protect us from harmful substances.

Webinar: Tips & tricks for your communication (18/12/2019)

What are the best ways to spread the word about your LIFE project? Our new webinar, the first of its kind, gives you some tips and tricks on communicating your work and results. Watch the recording now!

#EUSEW2020: Call for policy sessions (22/06/2020)

One of the most significant events dedicated to clean, sustainable and renewable energy in Europe, the EU Sustainable Energy Week, is launching its first call for contributions. Don’t miss out - apply now!

A return to the wild for forest reindeer in Finland (18/12/2019)

The Finnish forest reindeer, a rare sub-species of reindeer, has returned to the wild in western Finland thanks to the WildForestReindeer LIFE project. We caught up with project manager Sakari to find out more.

10 LIFE climate action projects to watch (18/12/2019)

Hundreds of LIFE projects are committed to fight climate change and make our planet thrive. Check out our selection of 10 must-know LIFE climate action projects and learn what they do to make our planet a healthier place to live.

Reducing harmful chemicals in the Baltic Sea (18/12/2019)

Furniture, hygiene items, toys and many other everyday products contain chemicals that can harm our health and nature. Learn how an Interreg project builds on a LIFE project to reduce these harmful substances in the Baltic Sea.

€240 million for new LIFE projects (15/11/2019)

The European Commission invests €240 million in more than 120 new LIFE projects supporting nature, environment and climate action. Read how the new projects will contribute to Europe’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future!

Survey about communication efforts and successes in LIFE projects (15/11/2019)

LIFE projects working on nature conservation: support the LIFE meadow birds project by filling out this survey on communication of nature protection measures! Your experience with acceptance, communication and conflict management counts!

2019 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Info Day (25/11/2019)

A total budget of € 22.5 million is available under the 2019 "Blue Economy Window" call. Come to our Information Day on 25 November in Brussels and learn how to prepare a successful proposal!

Webinar on communications best practices (26/11/2019)

Join this webinar on how to best communicate your LIFE project and get exclusive tips and tricks from other projects! Don’t miss out! You still have time to register!

EU Water Innovation Conference 2019 (11/12/2019)

How can the EU tackle water pollution and prepare for water-related climate change impacts? Be part of the discussion at the 2019 Water Innovation Conference! Register now!

Management of invasive alien species in Europe (18/12/2019)

Invasive species can have a harmful impact on our ecosystems. This joint event will provide a platform for sharing experiences on managing invasive species in Europe. Register now and be part of it!

Interview with 2019 LIFE Awards winner LIFE oLIVE-CLIMA (15/11/2019)

Working closely with farmers, this award-winning LIFE project has reduced the environmental footprint of the olive, one of Greece’s most important agricultural products. At the same time, it has shown how changing cultivation methods can help tackle climate change.

The comeback of the European bison (15/11/2019)

Once widespread across Europe, the bison was driven to extinction in the last century by hunting and habitat loss. Read how the pioneering LIFE project RE-Bison helped Europe’s largest wild land mammal making its comeback!

Tapping into urban water systems for renewable energy (15/11/2019)

Water and energy are two vital resources, but they are becoming critical in cities. The pioneering cross-border LIFE project NEXUS works on using urban water networks as a source of renewable energy.

Conference on the future of the LIFE Programme (06/11/2019)

The European Commission is organising a conference on the future of the LIFE Programme, covering the 2021-2027 funding period to discuss the key challenges where LIFE can help make a difference. You can still sign up!

Webinar on communications best practices (26/11/2019)

Are you a LIFE project beneficiary? Not sure where to start with your communication activities? Then this webinar is for you! Register now for exclusive tips and tricks on how to best communicate your LIFE project.

LIFE Platform meeting on Natura 2000 governance (21/10/2019)

Members of LIFE integrated projects have met to share best practices for managing Natura 2000, a transnational network of sites for threatened species and habitats that covers almost a fifth of the EU’s landmass and seas.

Public consultation on environmental crime (21/10/2019)

You can help protect our precious environment with just a few clicks! Answer the public consultation on environmental crime and contribute to a more effective protection of the environment!

Meet LIFE experts at Ecomondo! (05/11/2019)

Don’t miss your chance to meet experts from the LIFE Programme during the One-to-EU meetings at Ecomondo in Rimini! Book your slot today and find out how to apply to get funding for your green idea!

LIFE Platform meeting on Chemicals (27/11/2019)

LIFE projects and interested parties in the field of chemicals will meet to share best practices and lessons learnt among stakeholders, and promote the added value of the LIFE Programme in the field of chemicals.

EU Clean Air Forum (28/11/2019)

Take part in this year’s EU Clean Air Forum, organised by the European Commission! This time, the focus will be on air quality and health; air quality and energy; air quality and agriculture; and clean air funding mechanisms. Register now!

Interview with 2019 LIFE Awards winner LIFE AGROINTEGRA (21/10/2019)

The LIFE project showed that integrated pest management is a good alternative to chemical pesticides on farms. With the help of natural predators, bio-insecticides and cover crops, the project has achieved a 45% reduction in pesticides used on fruit trees, vineyards and vegetables.

On the trail of the alpine wolf – catching up with LIFE WOLFALPS (21/10/2019)

One and a half years after its finalisation, LIFE caught up with LIFE WOLFALPS, the project that works on a more respectful coexistence between humans and wolfs. Read the interview and learn how the project has improved the long-term outlook of the alpine wolf.

Putting climate change data in the hands of forest managers (21/10/2019)

LIFE FORECCAsT has created an app for smartphones and tablets, which will help foresters plan forest management based on future climate changes. Check out how the innovative “FORECCAsT by BioClimSol” app works!

25% more proposals for new climate projects (19/09/2019)

We have received 166 new proposals in reply to the 2019 call for LIFE climate action projects. That is 25% more compared to last year – showing the growing efforts across the EU and beyond to tackle climate change.

Getting ready for climate change (19/09/2019)

Check out our new brochure “Ready, steady, green! LIFE helps farming and forestry adapt to climate change” and learn about the various LIFE climate actions.

Sharing innovations and practices to restore farmland (19/09/2019)

Intensive farming is a major driver of biodiversity loss, also in Europe. That’s why LIFE programme beneficiaries came together to share innovations and best practices around nature restoration on intensified farmland.

Call for organisations to host European Solidarity Corps volunteers (19/09/2019)

How about offering young people the opportunity to look behind the scenes of your LIFE project? Don’t miss the chance to host European Solidarity Corps volunteers. Find out now if your organisation is eligible.

EU citizens’ attitudes towards climate change (19/09/2019)

93% of EU citizens see climate change as a serious problem, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission. Find out what else Europeans think about climate change.

Europe’s understudied species (27/09/2019)

IUCN and Bruxelles Environnement will share the latest results of the LIFE European Red Lists project on Europe’s understudied species at a conference in Brussels. Register now!

The European Commission at Ecomondo 2019: EU Programmes for your circular ideas (05/11/2019)

Once again, the European Commission will take part in Ecomondo, the annual trade fair for the green and circular economy. Learn about LIFE projects in our sessions and at our stand.

Teaching birds how to arrive at their wintering grounds (19/09/2019)

A man and 29 birds, on a flight over the Alps to teach Northern Bald Ibis their long-forgotten migration path. Read the amazing story of the LIFE project “Reason for Hope Waldrapp”, which is working to reintroduce this endangered species in Europe.

Tackling football’s environmental impact (19/09/2019)

As the new football season kicks off around Europe, one LIFE project is looking to a new goal: To make football matches and stadiums more environmentally friendly.

Voices from Bergamo – A letter from Claudia (19/09/2019)

A student from the University of Bergamo talks about her hopes for safer, greener transport, and her support for the project U-MOB LIFE.

Final deadlines for LIFE climate action and integrated projects proposals (13/08/2019)

Two important reminders: the deadline for the submission of concept notes for LIFE integrated projects is Thursday, 5 September. Applicants to the LIFE climate action sub-programme have until Thursday, 12 September to submit their full proposals for traditional LIFE projects.

LIFE funds species protection on islands across the globe (13/08/2019)

Island habitats can be biodiversity hotspots and critical sites for nesting migratory birds. LIFE projects address their urgent conservation needs – from the Azores to La Réunion. Here are 6 of them.

European Natura 2000 Award: Apply by 30 September (13/08/2019)

LIFE nature projects, don't miss the chance to apply for the European Natura 2000 Award! Check the six categories and fill in your application form before 30 September 2019.

Share your LIFE project photo, get postcards for free (13/08/2019)

Do you have a great photo of your LIFE project? Send it with a short description to #EUinmyRegion and get a chance to receive free postcards for your own communication activities.

Movie time: subscribe to our Youtube channel (13/08/2019)

Keen to learn more about nature conservation, waste management or climate action? We have collected videos on a wide range of LIFE projects. Check our YouTube playlists, subscribe to our channel and press play!

European Mobility Week: Organise a mobility day in your city! (16/09/2019)

If your LIFE project is doing something to promote the idea of sustainable urban mobility, register for European Mobility Week 2019! This year's campaign puts the spotlight on safe walking and cycling.

LIFE platform meeting on nature restoration on intensified farmland (17/09/2019)

Save the date: LIFE projects will meet in Lhee, the Netherlands, to share innovations and best practices around nature restoration on intensified farmland. The platform meeting is as part of the LIFE project ‘Going up a level’.

Rare Finnish freshwater seal gains extra legal protection (13/08/2019)

This seal is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered seals, confined since the last ice age to the freshwaters of Lake Saimaa. LIFE Saimaa Seal's team increased the seal population by addressing some of its main threats.

Transforming onboard waste recycling on aeroplanes (13/08/2019)

Cabin waste recycling is a difficult task onboard flights, where space is limited and waste is mixed together. A LIFE project team have produced a modified waste collection container which is being rolled out during summer 2019 on all flights by its lead partner Iberia.

Stopping forest fires starts early in Hungary (13/08/2019)

Changes in land use and climate have greatly increased the scale and frequency of forest fires in Hungary in recent decades. Raising awareness of this climate change impact is crucial to increasing resilience. The FIRELIFE project provided training in forest fire prevention.

More than 1 100 concepts for new LIFE projects (25/06/2019)

Applicants from 27 EU countries are requesting €2.2 billion in co-financing from the LIFE programme for new environmental projects. The European Commission will now evaluate the concept notes and inform applicants of the results in October.

Apply now for LIFE climate action funding! (24/06/2019)

Are you tackling forest fires or implementing sustainable agriculture? If so, you are taking action against climate change! Submit your full proposal before 12 September and we can help you bring your ideas to life!

Sustainable buildings for Europe’s climate neutral future (24/06/2019)

Several LIFE and Horizon 2020 projects in the building sector got together to discuss the European Union’s climate and energy goals during the LIFE Platform Meeting hosted by LIFE project BE REEL! on 17-18 June in Belgium.

Looking for experts for temporary assignments (24/06/2019)

We are looking for experts to help us evaluate proposals for technical assistance projects in the areas of environment, nature, climate change adaptation and mitigation.

European Natura 2000 Award: application is open (24/06/2019)

Are you running a project in a Natura 2000 site? You can now apply for the Natura 2000 Awards. How to apply? It’s simple: go to the award website and fill in your application form before the 30 September 2019.

Working on a LIFE project? Showcase your story (24/06/2019)

Join the #EUinmyregion contest: send pictures and/or footages and get the chance to win a trip to Brussels! Wait no longer: find out more and submit your material.

LIFE PlanUp webinar: public involvement in national energy and climate plans (27/06/2019)

Working on the implementation of 2030 national energy and climate plans? Attend the webinar to find out good practices in energy and climate governance!

Life of trees: monitoring and modelling Poland’s primeval forest (24/06/2019)

This LIFE project is able to map single trees in Poland’s Białowieża Forest, monitoring changes to the forest structure and help better manage this primeval forest that is home to bisons and lynx.

Pond building to support fire-bellied toad and other rare amphibians (24/06/2019)

Amphibians need clean and abundant ponds to breed, but these have been destroyed on a large scale over recent decades. LIFE Auenamphibien’s main focus is to restore these vital habitats.

Award-winning community solar power in Cyprus (24/06/2019)

The Smart PV project gained the support of European citizens, being awarded the Citizen's Prize at #LIFEAwards19. The project connected almost 300 solar panel owners in a decentralised power network. What’s next?

LIFE awards best projects for nature, environment and climate action (21/05/2019)

The winners of this year’s LIFE Awards have just been unveiled. They come from Italy (Nature category), Spain (Environment category), Greece (Climate Action category) and Cyprus (Citizens' prize).

Natura 2000 Day: 9 spectacular places in the EU where LIFE projects are at work (21/05/2019)

LIFE projects work in some spectacular landscapes around the EU. On this Natura 2000 Day, take a new look at Europe’s dramatic, diverse and precious habitats.

How to write a good LIFE proposal (21/05/2019)

We have asked 3 project leaders and Angelo Salsi, Head of the LIFE unit at EASME, for their insights and tips for successful LIFE project proposals.

LIFE is good for governance (21/05/2019)

Good governance is essential to environmental protection. Read about how LIFE projects work towards ensuring compliance enforcement and avoiding environmental crime.

Naturmødet – The People’s Festival of Nature (23/05/2019)

Celebrate nature and learn about 11 LIFE nature conservation projects at Denmark’s People’s Festival of Nature.

LIFE Platform meeting on climate action and the building sector (17/06/2019)

How can the building sector become resilient to future climatic conditions and extreme weather events? LIFE projects will meet in Brussels to share good practices.

EU Sustainable Energy Week (18/06/2019)

Sustainable energy projects that have been funded by LIFE will be presented at Europe’s biggest conference dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use.

‘Cocoon’ tree growing counters desertification in the Mediterranean (21/05/2019)

As the Mediterranean is experiencing greater water stress and more frequent changes in rainfall and drought, one LIFE project is using a cocoon system for trees which can replace traditional irrigation practices and raise trees’ survival rates to at least 90%.

Volunteering for nature with LIFE and the European Solidarity Corps (21/05/2019)

Adéle and Laura are volunteering with LIFE Volunteer Escapes in Portugal. The project trains students in ecological and conservation activities.

Monitoring emissions for a greener inland shipping sector (21/05/2019)

A consortium of shipping companies, port authorities, regional governments and ship owners are building a wealth of emissions data to help the inland shipping sector to green its fleet.

Apply now for LIFE programme funding! (09/04/2019)

The new LIFE programme calls for proposals have been launched. €400 million of EU funding for environment, nature conservation and climate action projects are available in 2019. Start your application today.

The EU Birds Directive turns 40 (09/04/2019)

The EU Birds Directive marks its 40th year in 2019. Since 1992, projects funded by the LIFE programme have helped in implementing the directive by bringing species back from the brink of extinction.

Co-funding available for close-to-market projects (09/04/2019)

Does your company work on solutions benefiting climate and environment? The LIFE programme co-finances projects that propose a new, demonstrative solution able to bring clear environmental and/or climate advantages.

Help us promote the LIFE programme (09/04/2019)

The new LIFE fact sheet and poster are now available. You can order them for free and help us promote investments in a greener future.

LIFE at the EU Open Days (04/05/2019)

The European institutions open their doors on 4 May. This year, two LIFE projects will exhibit at the event in Brussels, offering visitors a chance to learn about – and contribute to – their work.

Join us for the LIFE Awards and Sparkshow (15/05/2019)

The EU Green Week will celebrate the most successful LIFE projects during the LIFE Sparkshow, when project leaders will pitch their success story to a jury of journalists, and the LIFE awards ceremony in Brussels. Register now and join the celebration.

EU Sustainable Energy Week – save the date! (17/06/2019)

Interested in developments in energy policy? Europe’s biggest energy community will gather in Brussels between 18 and 21 June 2019 to discuss the future of energy. Make sure not to miss the registrations for the policy conference and networking village – sign up or follow #EUSEW19 on Twitter to stay up-to-date!

Boosting solar panels’ efficiency through algae (09/04/2019)

With the help of the LIFE programme, Swedish project SUNALGAE is growing solar energy-retaining algae for use in solar panels while advancing modern-day solar technology.

Saving the Danube's sturgeons (09/04/2019)

Danube sturgeons are now the most threatened fish species worldwide. The LIFE FOR DANUBE STURGEONS project is working with law enforcement to set and uphold fishing bans, while supporting fishing communities to find alternative incomes.

Extracting value from sewage sludge (09/04/2019)

The Dutch LIFE Waste2NeoAlginate project is building new plants to produce and extract valuable alginate-like materials from sludge waste. Alginate is widely used in plaster moulds for medicine, paper production, textiles and food stabilisers.

LIFE Awards: it is your turn to vote (10/04/2019)

Nine LIFE projects have been shortlisted for the LIFE Awards 2019 Citizen’s Prize. Choose your favourite project and cast your vote by 16 May. The winners will be announced during the EU Green Week.