Background The LIFE programme introduced action grants for capacity-building projects for the 2014-2017 funding period. These are projects designed to build Member States' capacity to participate more effectively in the LIFE Programme. Specifically, these projects propose interventions to develop the capacity to submit successful applications for funding for projects under the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action. Member States that meet the criteria may each receive funding of up to one million euros for one capacity-building project. Only national level public bodies responsible for implementation of LIFE in an eligible Member State in the European Union may apply for capacity-building projects. Objectives The LIFE Capacity Building Slovenia project aims to improve environmental policy implementation by fostering awareness of the LIFE Programme and helping to develop more and better LIFE project applications. Furthermore, it aims to increase LIFE Programme and other EU funding absorption capacity, in order to implement strategic and operational environmental programmes in Slovenia. The project also aims to foster and disseminate project management skills, thereby empowering a project-based approach to tackling environmental challenges. Expected results: Through this capacity building project and its training activities, newly-recruited and existing personnel in the Slovenian Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning will gain much-needed experience, knowledge and know-how in LIFE project planning, implementation and evaluation processes. This will consist of activities related to the elaboration of project ideas, preparation of project proposals, and the necessary project management. The personnel involved will also deepen and transfer their knowledge of EU environmental policy and legislation into a broader area of competence. Thus, it is expected that the overall Slovenian capacity to implement the EU Life Programme will be enhanced in the near future.