Funding

Overview

The Commission finances projects and other initiatives for the implementation of the European Union policies and legislation throughout the European Union and further afield. The EU has committed to use 10% of its budget for biodiversity by 2026-2027.

The activities of the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) are financed mainly through the LIFE programme, the European Union’s programme supporting circular economy and quality of life, biodiversity and nature protection.

In addition, DG ENV implements pilot projects and preparatory actions as required by the Budgetary Authority. They aim at testing new environmental policy initiatives and preparing the ground for the adoption of future measures.

Euro notes shown on top of the EU stars — © Warawan Tongsri | Getty Images

Sustainable finance and taxonomy

The EU has made sustainability considerations an integral part of its financial policy to support the EU's related objectives through its sustainable finance policy.

Funding opportunities

Find Your EU Funding Programme for the Environment

The Vademecum on funding and financing for the environment has just been published. A “Must Read” with practical references for project promoters, authorities in charge of the implementation of projects in the Member States and other stakeholders.

The Vademecum has been created to assess opportunities and prepare funding and financing strategies that address the environmental objectives of the European Green Deal (EGD).

Read the guide

EU funding programmes

Find a list of the funding programmes implemented through the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, divided by heading and cluster.

Work programmes

Grants

The bulk of the grants is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). In specific cases, grants are also managed by DG ENV. The calls for proposals are published on the LIFE call for proposals webpage.

The list of Grants published between 2013 and 2020 can be found here.

Call for other grants

DG Environment also supports other grants. See below the specific Calls:

Call for proposals – reference ENV/2023/CFP/BCNF: Pilot project – Biodiversity-climate nexus fund

Calls for tender

Apply here for open calls for tender for services, issued by the Directorate-General for Environment.

Calls for expression of interest

Opportunities for stakeholders, including experts and businesses, to put themselves forward before a call for tender.

Tracking biodiversity expenditure

Tracking how much is spent on biodiversity objectives ensures that efforts and spending have the desired positive outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being. Additionally, as a party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU must report on its domestic and international biodiversity-related financial flows.

See the biodiversity tracking methodology adopted by the Commission.

Nature Credits

In July 2025, the European Commission published a Roadmap towards Nature Credits, setting out a path to increasing private investment in nature-positive actions.

They are emerging as a valuable way to complement public funding with private investment and, in the process, rewarding farmers, foresters, fishers, landowners and local communities who restore and protect natural ecosystems.

For more information on nature credits, go to our Green Forum website.