In this first in a series of articles on the range of European Commission funding opportunities available on preparedness and disaster risk management, we look at the LIFE Programme calls, which have recently been launched for this year.
LIFE is the EU’s funding programme for environment and climate action. Its 2025 calls also ‘encourage projects that support preparedness for extreme weather events and their cascading effects, notably at local level and in the outermost regions.’ ‘No-regret’ adaptation solutions with multiple co-benefits, like nature-based solutions and disaster risk prevention measures, are also promoted.
LIFE (L'Instrument Financier pour l'Environnement), is the European Funding Instrument for the Environment and Climate Action, structured around grants, prizes, and procurement. The Programme is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
The LIFE Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation component is of particular relevance to the fields of Preparedness and Disaster Risk Management, particularly following the recent publication of the Preparedness Union Strategy. This sub-programme includes three priority areas, which are Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Governance and Information.
The overall goal is to develop and promote innovative techniques for EU climate objectives, enhancing best practices, supporting enforcement and governance with stakeholder involvement, and catalysing wide-scale adoption of solutions.
The 2025 calls were launched last 24 April 2025; with Info Days sessions held from 13 to 15 May 2025.
Beneficiaries of the LIFE Programme include a wide range of entities such as local and national public authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and universities. Such organisations should be based in the EU or linked overseas countries and territories, third countries associated to the Programme, or legal entities created under Union law or any international organisation.
Project proposals should support national, regional, and local authorities in advancing and enhancing adaptation strategies and policies.
Climate Adaptation, alongside Climate Change Governance and Information, aligns with the European Climate Law and the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, aiming at tackling the consequences of climate change and better preparing communities to confront these challenges by reducing vulnerability gaps and building resilience.
This priority area is in synergy with European Disaster Risk Management policies, creating a strong bridge between climate action and preparedness – with a focus on anticipatory actions rather than response alone.
Collaborative initiatives are encouraged between the private sector, cities, city networks, labour unions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and research and innovation entities. Priorities include the mobilisation of additional finance dedicated to adaptation efforts and resilience investments.
A key focus area is the empowerment and equipping of end-users. This means providing them tools, training, and access to critical data, including information obtained from space technologies, to refine climate strategies and plans.
Furthermore, the call priorities include increasing the granularity of data and strategies, enhancing the capacities of public and private actors, and securing an active involvement of the civil society. Raising awareness and understanding is a priority, placing emphasis on the relation to the Preparedness Union Strategy (PUS) for effective climate adaptation.
Several LIFE projects across Europe are implementing innovative solutions to mitigate wildfires, a growing threat exacerbated by climate change.
‘This is a great example of LIFE working closely with local authorities to make a real difference to the lives of citizens.’
The LIFE FLOPRES project is enhancing flood prevention in vulnerable riverside communities in Poland and Slovakia by installing advanced sensors. These communities, in Slovakia's Prešov region (particularly Roma families) and Poland's Małopolska region, are at high risk of flash floods due to climate change.
Funded with €3.2 million over three years, the project has already installed over 270 smart sensors, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology, meteorological forecasting, and hydrological modelling to provide real-time flood warnings. Recent installations include 92 devices in Poland and 176 in Slovakia. These sensors monitor water levels, soil conditions, and atmospheric data, improving flood prediction and prevention.
‘LIFE REFOREST was a great opportunity to increase our knowledge of the prevention and control of soil erosion after a fire.’
LIFE projects aim to reduce deadly forest fires across Europe - European Commission
In northern Italy, the GreenChainSAW4LIFE project focuses on climate-smart forest supply chains, aiming to reduce forest fires and save around 200 tonnes of CO2 annually through a low-emission energy community and digital planning. In Spain and Portugal, the LIFE LANDSCAPE FIRE project used goats to eat dry grass and shrubs, which has helped cut wildfires in half since its inception. This approach earned them a nomination for the LIFE Awards 2025.
For post-fire recovery, the LIFE REFOREST project is employing state-of-the-art biotechnology to support rapid soil and vegetation recovery, significantly reducing soil erosion and water pollution in Spain and Portugal. These projects align with various EU strategies, including climate adaptation, forest management, soil protection, and bioeconomy, highlighting their multifaceted approach to combatting forest fires in Europe.
By Valentina Anna Amato, Blue Book Trainee ECHO B.3
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