Created in 1992, the LIFE (L’Instrument Financier pour l’Environnement) programme is the European Union’s funding programme for the environment and climate action. The programme has implemented thus far more than 5.500 projects across the EU and in third countries. The overall aim of the programme is to achieve the environmental and climate protection objectives and targets set jointly by the Member States through active cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Since the formation of the program, it has undergone several changes. The regulation (EU) No 1293/2013 of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) entered into force on 11th December, which has brought about fundamental changes. Under the new regulation, the European Commission has determined two multi-annual work programs for the period 2014-2017 and 2018-2020. The work programs include the budgetary allocation between the project areas and project types, the project themes, the selection method criteria, timetables and indicators. From 2014, another new element of the LIFE programme that Member States may also apply for so-called integrated projects, which are the implementation of plans, strategies and programs on a large scale.

Currently the 2021-2027 programming period is underway, which sees an increase of the funding by almost 60% by the European Commission. The new LIFE programme complements the objectives of the European Green Deal by supporting the implementation of the EU’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the circular economy Action Plan and the Renewal Wave Strategy. It also contributes to green and inclusive economic from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also new is that, from the 2020 calls for proposal that volunteering can be accounted for in projects and financial support can be provided to third parties (organizations outside the project partnership such as non-profit organizations, local authorities or local citizens’ groups) to implement initiatives that contribute to the project’s objectives.

Under the new LIFE programme, the eligible themes of the program have also changed. LIFE has four new sub-programmes:

1. Nature and biodiversity
2. Circular economy and quality of life
3. Climate change mitigation and adaptation
4. Clean energy transition

The LIFE Programme is managed by European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, for Climate Action and for Energy.

Hungary’s participation in the LIFE / LIFE +

Our country has been participating in the LIFE program since 2001. Since then, a number of our projects for nature protection and environmental protection are supported by the European Union. Significant habitat restoration and conservation programs implemented under the LIFE programme.

The first domestic supported climate policy project was the LIFE16 CCA/HU/000115 “Municipalities as integrators and coordinators in adaptation to climate change” entitled LIFE-MICACC project, which implemented between 1 September 2017 and 30 November 2021 under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior of Hungary. Building on the experience and results of the LIFE-MICACC project, the LIFE20 CCA/HU/001604 “Integrated application of innovative water management methods at river basin by coordination of local governments” entitled LIFE LOGOS 4 WATERS project was developed.

Call for proposals

The call for proposals is published annually on the European Commission LIFE website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/

The applications will be considered by the European Commission.

 The following national contact points can provide more information on the LIFE Programme in Hungary:

ENVIRONMENT
Tel.: +36 1 795 8498
E-mail: kfsf@tim.gov.hu

NATURE
Éva Sashalmi – LIFE NCP
Phone: +36 1 896 3149
E-mail: lifenature@am.gov.hu

CLIMATE ACTION
Csilla Sánta– LIFE NCP
Phone: +36 1 896 1897
E-mail: csilla.santa@tim.gov.hu, lifeclimate@tim.gov.hu

CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION
Zina Horváth – LIFE NCP
E-mail: zina.horvath@tim.gov.hu
lifecleanenergy@tim.gov.hu

FINANCE
E-mail: lifecapacity@mfk.gov.hu