The European Commission has opened a call for proposals under the LIFE Programme to fund a dedicated compliance support facility for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers on EU ecodesign and energy labelling rules. The total budget is €2.5 million for a single grant. The application deadline is 22 September 2026. Ukraine is an associated country under LIFE, so Ukrainian organisations can participate on the same terms as EU-based applicants.
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What this call is about
EU ecodesign and energy labelling rules cover more than 30 product categories. The European Commission estimates that these regulations will deliver annual energy savings of 230 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2030. In practice, however, non-compliance rates for certain product groups reach 70%.
The main driver of non-compliance is low awareness among market operators: manufacturers, online retailers, and installers. Small and medium-sized businesses outside of trade associations, or based in less accessible regions, are especially underserved by existing information channels.
The LIFE-2026-PLP-ENER-COMPLIANCE call funds the creation of a facility that addresses this gap with two complementary approaches: reactive support (answering specific queries from operators) and proactive outreach (spot checks, training, dissemination).
Who can apply
Any public or private legal entity registered in an EU member state or in a country associated with the LIFE Programme can apply. Ukraine has been an associated country since June 2022, with participation formally confirmed in official EU documents in March 2026. Ukrainian organisations can therefore act as consortium coordinator or as a partner.
The consortium must include at least three independent organisations from different eligible countries. The European Commission notes that proposals with a balanced mix of European trade associations and consumer organisations will receive preference in evaluation.
Eligible organisation types include:
- trade associations representing manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers
- consumer organisations and NGOs
- research institutions and energy agencies
- public bodies
- private companies
Funded activities and key parameters
The winning consortium will run several interconnected workstreams over 36 months.
Helpdesk and helpline service
An operational service answering queries from manufacturers, suppliers, online retailers, and installers about ecodesign and energy labelling requirements. Priority goes to SMEs and businesses outside trade associations.
Online compliance sweeps
Two pilot spot checks of energy labelling across online shops in multiple EU member states simultaneously, within the same quarter, focused on a specific product group. After each sweep, non-compliant shops receive bilateral follow-up support, training, and compliance tips.
EPREL promotion
Active promotion of the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) among market operators to increase correct data entry and registry use.
Training and communication
Targeted awareness activities, webinars, and guidance materials for market operators. The quantitative target set by the Commission: at least 5,000 economic operators engaged per million euros of EU funding – so 12,500 or more over the full project.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | LIFE – Clean Energy Transition |
| Call reference | LIFE-2026-PLP-ENER-COMPLIANCE |
| Deadline | 22 September 2026, 17:00 CEST |
| Total budget | €2,500,000 (1 grant) |
| Funding rate | up to 95% of eligible costs |
| Project duration | approx. 36 months |
| Minimum consortium | 3 independent organisations from different eligible countries |
| Ukraine eligibility | Yes – associated country since June 2022 |
| Managing authority | CINEA (European Commission) |
| Submission portal | Open call page → |
How to prepare and apply
All applications go through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Each proposal under LIFE-2026-PLP covers a single topic only. The Commission expects to award one grant under this track.
A practical preparation timeline:
- By 30 June 2026: form the consortium (min. 3 organisations from different countries), assign roles among partners
- July–August 2026: develop the project concept, work plan, and detailed budget
- By 22 September 2026: register on the Portal and submit the full application
The full call documentation – including the call fiche, model grant agreement, and online manual – is available on the CINEA website and directly on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal call page. CINEA held information sessions in April 2026; recordings are on the LIFE YouTube channel.
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