The LIFE programme provides financial support for the implementation of projects that contribute to environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the transition to a sustainable economy in the European Union. The Programme has existed since 1992 and has co-financed thousands of projects across Europe to date.

In the 2021–2027 programming period, LIFE introduces a special category of Strategic Projects that build on the Integrated Projects from the previous programming period. Their aim is to implement key European, national, or regional strategies and plans in the fields of environment, nature, and climate.

Strategic projects help Member States implement existing EU plans and policies, while also promoting coordination between different funding sources and cooperation among a large number of stakeholders.

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Types of LIFE Strategic Projects

Within the LIFE programme, there are two types of strategic projects:

Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP)

Strategic Integrated Projects support the implementation of large-scale strategies and action plans in the fields of environment and climate policy at regional, national, or transnational level.

The objectives of these projects are:

• implementation of national or regional plans and strategies (e.g. climate, energy, or environmental plans);
• mobilising additional funding sources from EU funds, national budgets, or private investments;
• coordinating the various stakeholders needed to implement the strategy;
• strengthening the capacity of institutions and organisations involved in policy implementation.

Examples of plans that SIP projects can implement include:

• National Energy and Climate Plans;
• waste management plans;
• water and river basin management plans;
• circular economy strategies;
• air quality plans.

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Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP)

Strategic Nature Projects focus on the implementation of policies and plans related to nature protection and biodiversity.

Their main objective is to implement plans derived from European nature legislation, particularly:

• the Priority Action Framework (PAF) for the Natura 2000 network;
• national or regional biodiversity and nature protection strategies;
• other plans and programmes for the conservation of natural habitats and species.

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Key Characteristics of LIFE Strategic Projects

Strategic projects have several distinctive features:

• they are implemented over a large geographical area (regional, national, or transnational);
• they focus on implementing existing strategies and plans, rather than individual pilot projects;
• they involve a large number of partners and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors;
• they mobilize additional financial resources from other sources;
• they ensure long-term impact and sustainability of results.

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Who Can Apply?

All legal entities registered in the European Union can apply for LIFE projects, including:

• public authorities;
• local and regional authorities;
• public institutions;
• non-governmental organizations;
• private companies and other organizations.

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Why Are Strategic Projects Important?

LIFE strategic projects enable Member States and regions to effectively implement key European policies in the fields of environment and climate change. They connect different funding sources, strengthen cooperation between institutions, and enable the implementation of large strategic plans with long-term impact on the environment and society.

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Examples of LIFE Strategic Projects

Climate

LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 – A project in Spain implementing a regional climate adaptation strategy by integrating climate measures into urban planning and city management.

Circular Economy

LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – A Strategic Integrated Project through which Greece implements its national circular economy plan by improving waste management systems and increasing resource efficiency.

River Basin Management (Water)

LIFE IP RBMP Malta – A project supporting the implementation of river basin management plans in Malta, aiming to improve water resource management and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Air Protection

LIFE IP PREPAIR – A strategic project implementing air quality improvement plans in northern Italy and surrounding regions through measures to reduce emissions from transport, industry, and heating.

Nature Protection

LIFE NatConnect2030 – A Strategic Nature Project in Italy implementing the Priority Action Framework (PAF) for the Natura 2000 network through habitat restoration and strengthened management of protected areas.

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CINEA information leaflet on strategic projects