The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects with European added value.
LIFE began in 1992 and to date there have been five phases of the programme: LIFE I: 1992-1995, LIFE II: 1996-1999, LIFE III: 2000-2006, LIFE+: 2007-2013 & LIFE: 2014-2020.
The currente phase of LIFE 2014-2020 is divided into two subprogrammes: LIFE-Environment and Climate Action. The budget for the period is set at €3.4 billion.