Life+, is the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value.

CIP-EIP, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, is meant to improve the competitiveness of European companies facing the challenges of globalization. The programme is mainly aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which will receive support for innovation activities, better access to finance and business support services. It will run from 2007 to 2013.

FP6, the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development from 2002 till 2006. Set up by the European Union in order to fund and promote European research and technological development. It was a collection of the actions at EU level. The main objective of FP6 was to contribute to the creation of the European Research Area by improving integration and co-ordination of research in Europe.

FP7, the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, is the European Union's chief instrument for funding research over the period 2007 to 2013. It brings together all research-related EU initiatives under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment. 

Interreg,  is a Community initiative that aims to stimulate interregional cooperation in the European Union. It started in 1989, and is financed under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The current programme is Interreg IV, covering the period 2007–2013.

EUREKA, is a pan-European research and development funding and coordination organization. EUREKA aims to coordinate efforts of governments, research institutes and commercial companies concerning innovation.

ERDF, The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a fund allocated by the European Union. The scope for 2007-2013 will be: Convergence, Regional competitiveness & employment and Territorial cooperation.

JRC, the Joint Research Centre  provides independent scientific and technical advice to the European Commission and Member States of the European Union (EU) in support of EU policies.

COST, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and. It was founded in 1971. COST contributes towards the realization of the European Research Area (ERA) and is presently used by the scientific communities of 36 European countries to cooperate in common research projects supported by national funds.

For a complete list of EU environmental funding opportunities visit here