Scope

SIPs should aim at the full implementation of the strategies and plans listed in “Objective”. This might not mean that the SIP will cover all actions foreseen in the strategy/plan or that the strategy/plan will be fully implemented during the lifetime of the SIP. However, the SIP shall include strategic actions to catalyse a process and mobilise supplementary commitments and funding that will lead, in due time, to the full implementation of the plan or strategy.

SIPs shall promote the coordination with and mobilisation of other relevant Union, national or private funding sources for the implementation of the complementary measures or actions outside of the SIP in the framework of the targeted plan or strategy, giving preference to EU funding. Within the SIP itself, however, co-funding may not come from other EU funding sources.

SIPs shall actively involve the main stakeholders necessary for the implementation of the targeted plan or strategy. They should be involved in both the design and implementation of the given project. This involvement is expected to be achieved by including them – where possible and reasonable – as associated beneficiaries of the SIP, or through their active participation in the implementation of the SIP itself and/or of the complementary actions.

SIPs should facilitate and result in the building up of strategic capacities among the competent authorities and stakeholders to ensure a long-term sustainability of project results and actions, and to ensure that they will be able to function as co-deliverers of the targeted plan or strategy during or after the end of the SIP.

The SIP complexity requires an adaptive approach in the design of the implementing mechanism. For this reason, SIPs will be implemented based on a revolving programming mechanism structured in phases (i.e. Phase 1, Phase 2, etc.). Each phase should normally last at least 3 years, to reduce administrative burden, although duration might be shorter if properly justified.

Expected impact

• After the project end (3-5 years after): catalysing full implementation of the targeted eligible plan(s)/strategy(ies)/action plan(s) as per the “objectives”.
• Significant contribution to the favourable conservation status of natural habitats and species of EU importance maintained and/or restored as per measures identified in the target plan.
• Significant contribution to the reduction of pressures on habitats and species and restored degraded ecosystems as per measures identified in the targeted plan(s)/strategy(ies)/action plan(s).

Actions

The call covers the following topics:

– LIFE-2026-STRAT-NAT-SNaP-two-stage – Strategic Nature Projects

– LIFE-2026-STRAT-ENV-SIP-two-stage – Strategic Integrated Projects – Environment

– LIFE-2026-STRAT-CLIMA-SIP-two-stage – Strategic Integrated Projects – Climate Action