LIFE: should my project be funded by another EU programme?
LIFE+ will “not finance measures that fall within the eligibility criteria and main scope of, or receive assistance for the same purpose from, other Community financial instruments” (Article 9 of the LIFE+ Regulation).
Applicants are responsible for carrying out this check before they submit a LIFE+ proposal. Any activities that fall within the eligibility or scope of another EU Programme will not be funded through LIFE+. This may lead to the rejection of an application in its entirety or to a lower level of co-financing than was expected, because some activities in the proposal are deemed ineligible.
Other EU funding programmes
- Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
- Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
- European Fisheries Fund (EFF)
- European Structural and Cohesion Funds
- Interregional Cooperation Programmes (INTERREG)
- General advice on EU funding opportunities for environmental activities
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
FP7 supports research and development activities in the European Union, including those within the ‘Environment (including climate change)’ and ‘Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology’ themes.
- Seventh Framework Programme
- Beta Technology the UK National Contact Point for FP7 and LIFE+ can provide further detailed advice
Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)
The CIP aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises. Targeting small and medium sized enterprises, the CIP will support innovation activities (including eco-innovation) through its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme. Some activities may also be eligible in the Intelligent Energy Europe Programmme.
- Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme
- Information and advice on UK eligibility for CIP funding can be obtained via Enterprise Europe Network or the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
The Rural Development Programme aims to safeguard and enhance the rural environment, improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and foster competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.
- The Rural Development Programme for England (2007-13)
- Rural Development Programme for Scotland
- Rural Development Programme for Wales
- Rural Development Programmme for Northern Ireland
European Fisheries Fund (EFF)
The European Fisheries Fund replaced the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) on 1 January 2007 and is designed to secure a sustainable European fishing and aquaculture industry. For advice about applying for funds in the UK.
- England - Marine and Fisheries Agency Grants
- Scotland - Fisheries Grants and Subsidies
- Wales - Fisheries
- Northern Ireland - Fisheries Grants
European Structural and Cohesion Funds
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform provides advice and contacts about accessing EU Structural and Cohesion Funds in the UK. These instruments support social and economic restructuring across the EU and could link in with environmental topics.
Interregional Cooperation Programmes (INTERREG)
INTERREG IVC Programme: aims to promote inter-regional cooperation and has two main priorities: ‘Innovation and knowledge economy’ and ‘Environment and risk prevention’.
INTERREG IVB North Sea Region Programme: aims to expand the scope of territorial cooperation and focus on high quality projects in innovation, the environment, accessibility, and sustainable and competitive communities.
INTERREG IVB for North West Europe Programme: funding priorities include ‘Nature and heritage’ and ‘Water and flood risks’.
Page last modified: 18 November 2008