The European Commission has recently published a preview of the LIFE call for proposals, one of the largest funding programmes focused on the environment and climate.

For the 2021-2027 cycle, the LIFE programme will focus on two sectors – environment and climate action – and will be divided into four sub-programmes:

- Nature and biodiversity: The primary objectives are the protection and restoration of nature and biodiversity, where damaged or altered, not only through the funding of projects specifically aimed at developing and promoting best practices, but also through new "strategic projects". These new initiatives will aim to support the implementation of relevant European policies in various areas, such as agriculture and rural development.

- Circular economy and quality of life: actions funded under this topic will contribute to developing technologies and solutions aimed at facilitating the transition towards an economic model that incorporates the principles of circularity and sustainability and protects the environment, while also improving the quality of life.

- Climate change mitigation and adaptation: the objective of this sub-programme is to support and encourage the transition to a green economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience to climate change, and stimulating greater awareness of the issue.

- Clean energy transition: this new sub-programme will fund project proposals aimed at supporting the achievement of the objectives of the European Green Deal, the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, and the long-term strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050.

The publication of the Work Programme and the opening of the Call for Proposals are scheduled for June 2021.

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