Proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the participation of the Union in a European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research jointly undertaken by several Member States
Date: 2013-07-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, innovation, metrology, research and development

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION 

Brussels, 10.7.2013  
COM(2013) 497 final 

2013/0242 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on the participation of the Union in a European Metrology Programme for Innovation 
and Research jointly undertaken by several Member States 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

{SWD(2013) 249 final} 
{SWD(2013) 250 final} 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

1.1 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

Objectives of the proposal 

This proposal concerns the participation by the European Union in the European Metrology 
Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) undertaken by several Member States. 

In  line  with  the  Europe  2020  strategy,  the  Innovation  Union  flagship  initiative  and  the 
European  Research  Area  and  Horizon  2020,  the  overarching  goal  of  this  initiative  is  to 
address the challenges faced by the European Metrology  Research  System  and  to  maximise 
the benefits of improved measurement solutions for Europe. The overall objectives of EMPIR 
are to: 

•  Provide  integrated  and  fit-for-purpose  metrology  solutions  supporting  innovation  and 
industrial  competitiveness  and  measurement  technologies  to  tackle  societal  challenges 
such  as  health,  environment  and  energy  including  support  to  policy  development  and 
implementation; 

•  Create an  integrated European Metrology Research  system  with  critical  mass  and  active 

engagement at regional, national, European and international level. 

1.2 

Grounds for the proposal 

Metrology,  the  science  of  measurement,  is  the  central  nerve  in  the  spine  of  our  high-tech 
world.  Every  aspect  of  our  daily  lives  is  affected  by  metrology  and  ever  more  precise  and 
reliable  measurements  are  essential  to  drive  innovation  and  economic  growth  within  our 
knowledge-based  economy.  What  we  cannot  measure,  we  do  not  understand  properly,  and 
cannot control, manufacture or process reliably. Thus, advances in metrology have a profound 
impact on our understanding of and ability to shape the world around us. 

Reliable  and  traceable  measurement  allows  the  wider  scientific  community  to  build  better 
instruments and do better science. It opens up new territory for industry, creating space and 
opportunity to innovate. It crucially underpins and advances understanding and agreement in 
global challenges such as energy, health care and climate change. 

All  governments  in  technologically  advanced  countries  support  a  metrology  infrastructure 
because of the benefits it brings and its strong character as a public good that justifies public 
intervention.  Major  economic  powers  in  the  world  are  increasing  their  investment  in 
metrology research and related infrastructures. Given the level of investment in metrology and 
its role in promoting scientific excellence and industrial competitiveness, individual Member 
States or a few acting together could not compete globally. 
The  current  European  metrology  research  programme  (EMRP)  is  a  joint  initiative1 
implemented by 22 national metrology institutes. It is based on Article 185 of the Treaty on 
the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union  (TFEU),  which,  in  implementing  the  multiannual 
Framework  Programme,  makes  it  possible  to  coordinate  national  research  programmes.  The 
interim evaluation has recognised the value of the initiative. The main achievement of EMRP 
is strong integration by jointly programming 50 % of dedicated national funding for metrology 
research in Europe. It has reduced fragmentation, avoided unnecessary duplication and helped 
achieve critical mass by concentrating resources on key areas through close collaboration with 

1 

Decision No 912/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 on the 
participation  by  the  Community  in  a  European  metrology  research  and  development  programme 
undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 257 of 30.9.2009). 

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the  best  researchers.  EMRP  projects  deliver  European  measurement  solutions  for  major 
societal challenges and provide common European inputs into standards and regulations. 

Although substantial progress has been achieved under the EMRP, it has become evident that 
the  system  needs  to  tackle  several  challenges  in  order  to  increase  the  impact  of  metrology 
research on growth and on solving socio-economic challenges. 

EMPIR,  the  successor  programme,  will  contribute  to  a  number  of  flagship  initiatives  under 
EUROPE  2020  that  are  affected  by  metrology  research,  including  ‘Innovation  Union’,  ‘A 
digital  agenda  for  Europe’,  ‘Resource-efficient  Europe’  and  ‘An  industrial  policy  for  the 
globalisation  era’.  It  will  do  this  by  developing  innovative  solutions  for  the  management  of 
natural  resources,  by  supporting  the  standardisation  process  that  enables  global  trade 
opportunities  for  new  products  and  services  and  by  allowing  the  efficient  testing  of 
communication  satellites,  for  example.  EMPIR  will  strongly  contribute  to  achieving  the 
objectives of Horizon 2020 by supporting topics of direct relevance for a number of Horizon 
2020 priorities. 

2. 

RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND 
IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 

2.1 

Consultation on the future of the European Metrology Research Programme 

The  Commission  has  carried  out  extensive  consultations  on  a  future  European  Metrology 
Research Programme. 624 respondents reacted to the online public consultation carried out in 
2012. They expressed their views on the relevance of metrology research, identified problems 
the European Metrology Research system is facing and assessed a number of policy options. 
72 %  of  responses  came  from  organisations  and  28 %  from  individuals.  The  main 
contributions  from  organisations  were  received  from  research  organisations  (32 %)  and 
businesses (16 %, of which 69 % SMEs). The consultation highlighted a number of problems, 
including  insufficient  industrial  exploitation,  the  lack  of  cooperation  of  National  Metrology 
Institutes  (NMIs)  with  the  wider  science  base,  huge  capacity  gaps  between  EU  Member 
States, insufficient mobility of researchers within the NMIs and the lack of engagement with 
European standardisation. 

An expert panel carried out an interim evaluation of the EMRP after three years of running of 
the  programme.  The  Commission  adopted  its  report  in  April  2012.  The  interim  evaluation 
recognised the value of the initiative and indicated considerable progress on coordination of 
research. The Panel shared the view that ‘EMRP is a well-managed joint European research 
programme  that  has  already  achieved  a  relatively  high  level  of  scientific,  management  and 
financial integration after only two years of implementation.’ and that ‘EMRP has certainly 
been successful in creating a Metrology ERA (European Research Area)’. 

The interim evaluation was more critical of the lack of progress on opening the system to the 
best science and capacity building structures. It suggested introducing dedicated instruments 
to  support  innovation  and  regulatory/standardisation  roadmaps  in  any  future  initiative  to 
increase the socio-economic impacts of metrology research. 

The Commission also consulted its services through  the  Impact  Assessment  Steering  Group 
meetings in 2012, which contributed to the plan and roadmap for the preparation of the impact 
assessment  report,  in  particular  the  problem  statement  and  the  relevance  of  the  EMPIR  to 
other Directorate Generals of the European Commission. 

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2.2 

The policy options 

The final version of the impact assessment report included the following options: 

Under  Option  1  (‘No  dedicated  EU  action’),  EU  participation  in  the  EMRP  would  be 
discontinued after the end of its current funding phase in 2013. No dedicated provision would 
be made in EU research policies, programmes or funding to support EMRP objectives. Access 
to  EU  funding  would  be  limited  to  competition  for  ad-hoc  project  funding  through  Horizon 
2020 for topics that include aspects of metrology. 

Option 2 (‘Business as usual — EMRP2’) would continue with an identical initiative focused 
entirely  on  coordination  and  integration  of  fundamental  and  challenge  driven  research.  This 
would include some calls on topics relevant to the industry. 

Option  3  (‘Improved  Article  185  initiative  —  EMPIR’  would  build  on  the  success  of  the 
EMRP by implementing a more ambitious and inclusive Article 185 initiative that is aligned 
with  the  Europe  2020  objectives.  The  scope  of  the  programme  would  be  broadened  by 
including  dedicated  modules  on  industrial  research  and  exploitation,  on  support  for 
standardisation  and  on  capacity  building.  Due  to  the  change  of  scope,  the  name  of  the 
programme  would  change  from  ‘European  Metrology  Research  programme’  to  European 
Metrology  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation’.  This  option  would  also  involve  the 
stakeholders more and also directly involve the broader research community. The level of EU 
financing from Horizon 2020 would increase compared to FP7 due to the resources needed to 
compensate for the increased scope and the increased duration of the programme. The number 
of participating states would increase from 22 to [28]. 

2.3 

Results of the impact assessment 

The  impact  assessment  report  concluded  that  Option  3  is  clearly  the  preferred  option, 
considering its effectiveness in achieving the objectives, efficiency and consistency across all 
criteria.  This  is  fully  supported  by  the  results  of  the  public  consultation  (93 %  of  responses 
rate  the  option  ‘very  suitable’  or  ‘appropriate’).  The  option  will  build  on  the  previous 
achievements  of  EMRP  by  continuing  the  current  activities  while  integrating  additional 
activities  right  from  the  start  to  address  the  problems  that  could  not  be  addressed  under  the 
setup of the current initiative. In February 2013, the Impact Assessment Board reviewed and 
approved the report. In its opinion it requested improvements of the impact assessment report, 
which have been taken into account. In particular, the report now better explains the specific 
problems,  the  underlying  drivers  and  the  relation  between  objectives  and  targets.  The 
description of the new programme compared to the current initiative was improved in order to 
better clarify how the new programme will tackle the identified weaknesses. 

3. 

3.1 

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL 

Legal basis 

The proposal for EMPIR is based on Article 185 of the TFEU, concerning the participation of 
the European Union in research and development programmes undertaken by several Member 
States, including participation in the structures created for the execution of those programmes. 

3.2 

Subsidiarity principle 

The  subsidiarity  principle  applies  as  the  proposal  does  not  fall  under  the  exclusive 
competence  of  the  European  Union.  Subsidiarity  is  safeguarded  by  basing  the  proposal  on 
Article  185  of  the  TFEU,  which  explicitly  provides  for  the  participation  of  the  Union  in 
research programmes undertaken by several Member States. 

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The objectives of the proposal cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone as 
the  scale  and  complexity  of  metrology  requirements require investments that go beyond the 
core  research  budgets  of  the  European  NMIs.  The  excellence  required  for  research  and 
development of cutting-edge metrology solutions is spread across national borders and hence 
cannot be brought together at national level only. Without a consistent approach at European 
level with critical mass, there is a high risk of duplication of efforts, with the consequence of 
increased costs. 

The added-value of public intervention at EU level lies in the EU’s capacity to bring together 
compartmentalised national research programmes, help design common research and funding 
strategies  across  national  borders,  and  achieve  a  critical  mass  of  actors  and  investments 
required  to  tackle  the  challenges  the  metrology  research  system  faces,  while  raising  the 
efficiency of public spending. The EU is expected to contribute 50 % of total funding. 

3.3 

Proportionality principle 

Art. 185 of the TFEU invites the Union to “make provision, in agreement with the Member 
States  concerned,  for  participation  in  research  and  development  programmes  undertaken  by 
several  Member  States,  including  participation  in  the  structures  created  for  the  execution  of 
those programmes”. Member States are the driving force of the initiative. 

The  proposal  complies  with  the  proportionality  principle  as  Member  States  will  be 
responsible  for  developing  their  joint  programme  and  all  operational  aspects.  The  dedicated 
implementation structure EURAMET  e.V. has already demonstrated for the current initiative 
EMRP  that  it  can  implement  the  programme  efficiently  and  effectively.  The  Union  will 
provide incentives for improved coordination, ensure synergies with and contribution to EU 
policies and to the priorities of Horizon 2020, monitor implementation of the programme and 
ensure the protection of the EU’s financial interests. 

3.4 

Choice of the instrument 

The proposed initiative EMPIR will be based on Article 185 of the TFEU. The conclusions of 
the  interim  evaluation  and  an  analysis  of  the  options  in  the  impact  assessment  have 
demonstrated that Article 185 is the most appropriate means  for  achieving  the objectives of 
EMPIR. 

3.5 

Derogations from the rules for participation 

In EMPIR, funding contributed by participating states mainly represents resources allocated 
as  direct  expenditure  in  the  selected  projects  via  institutional  funding  of  the  National 
Metrology  Institutes  (NMI)  and  Designated  Institutes  (DI)  participating  in  the  projects. 
Institutional funding of the NMI and DI covers the share of their overheads allocated to the 
projects (indirect costs of the projects) and not reimbursed in EMPIR.  

The EU contribution for NMI and DI must match the contribution made by the participating 
states, taking into account not only the institutional funding as described above, but also the 
cash contribution of participating states to the administrative costs (up to EUR 30 million) and 
the  proportion  of  Union  funding  allocated  to  other  entities  (about  EUR  90  million).  It  is 
therefore  expected  that  the  EU  contribution  for  NMI  and  DI  will  be  EUR  210  million 
(43,75%)  and  the  contribution  from  participating  states  to  NMI  and  DI  will  be  EUR  270 
million (56,25%). 

Compliance with the matching principle will be ensured by adapting the EU contribution and 
setting a lower flat rate for the EU financing of indirect costs for NMI and DI compared to 
that set by the Horizon 2020 Rules for Participation. Considering that data from NMI and DI 
participating  in  EMRP  projects  on  the  basis  of  full  indirect  costs  show  that  their  indirect 

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eligible costs amount to 140% of the direct eligible costs of the projects in accordance with 
FP7 rules for participation, NMIs and DIs will declare indirect eligible costs on the basis of a 
flat  rate  of  5%  of  their  direct  eligible  costs.  Other  legal  entities  participating  in  the  projects 
will be funded according to Horizon 2020 Rules for Participation. 

This entails derogation from Article 24 for NMI and DI. 

The  proposal  provides  safeguards  to  ensure  that  the  principles  of  equal  treatment  and 
transparency  are  respected  by  the  dedicated  implementation  structure  when  providing 
financial  support  to  third  parties,  and  the  EU’s  financial  interests  are  protected.  It  also 
provides for detailed provisions to this effect in an agreement to be concluded by the Union 
and the dedicated implementation structure. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION 

The  Legislative  Financial  Statement  presented  with  this  decision  sets  out  the  indicative 
budgetary  implications.  The  maximum  Union’s  financial  contribution,  including  EFTA 
appropriations, to EMPIR shall be EUR 300 million in current prices for the duration of the 
Horizon  2020  Framework  Programme.  The  contributions  will  be  made  from  the  following 
challenges and themes2: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Leadership  in  nanotechnologies,  advanced  materials,  biotechnology  and  advanced 
manufacturing and processing (EUR 52,5 million) 

Leadership in information and communications technology (EUR 37,5 million) 

Improving lifelong health and wellbeing (EUR 60 million) 

Improving  food  security,  developing  sustainable  agriculture,  marine  and  maritime 
research and the bio-economy (EUR 15 million) 

Making the transition to a reliable, sustainable and competitive energy system (EUR 
60 million) 

Achieving  a  European  transport  system  that  is  resource-efficient,  environmentally 
friendly, safe and seamless (EUR 22,5 million) 

Achieving  a  resource-efficient  and  climate  change  resilient  economy  and  a 
sustainable supply of raw materials (EUR 52,5 million) 

The provisions of the Decision and of the delegation agreement to be concluded between the 
Commission  and  the  dedicated  implementation  structure  must  ensure  that  the  EU  financial 
interests are protected. 

5. 

5.1 

OPTIONAL ELEMENTS 

Simplification 

The  proposal  will  simplify  the  administrative  procedures  for  public  authorities  and  bodies 
(EU or national) and for private parties. 

The EU will deal directly with the dedicated implementation structure of EMPIR, which will 
be in charge of allocating, monitoring and reporting on the use of the EU’s contribution. 

2 

The amount is indicative and will depend on the final amount for DG RTD and DG CNECT under the 
above mentioned challenge(s) /theme(s). 

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5.2 

Review/revision/sunset clause 

The proposal includes a review clause for an interim review not later than 2018. 

5.3 

European Economic Area 

The  proposed  act  concerns  an  EEA  matter  and  should  therefore  extend  to  the  European 
Economic Area. 

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2013/0242 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on the participation of the Union in a European Metrology Programme for Innovation 
and Research jointly undertaken by several Member States 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  and  in  particular 
Article 185 and the second paragraph of Article 188 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee3,  

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

In  its  Communication  Europe  2020  A  strategy  for  smart,  sustainable  and  inclusive 
growth4  the  Commission  underscores  the  need  to  develop  favourable  conditions  for 
investment  in  knowledge  and  innovation  so  as  to  achieve  smart,  sustainable  and 
inclusive growth in the Union. Both European Parliament and Council have endorsed 
that strategy. 

Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) 
established  by  Regulation  (EU)  No  …/2013  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council  of  …  20135  (hereinafter  "Horizon  2020  Framework  Programme")  aims  at 
achieving  a  greater  impact  on  research  and  innovation  by  contributing  to  the 
strengthening  of  public-public  partnerships,  including  through  Union  participation  in 
programmes undertaken by several Member States in accordance with Article 185 of 
the Treaty.  

By  Decision  No  912/2009/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
16 September  2009  on  the  participation  by  the  Community  in  a  European  metrology 
research  and  development  programme  undertaken  by  several  Member  States6,  the 
Community  decided  to  make  a  financial  contribution  to  the  European  Metrology 
Research  Programme  (hereinafter  "EMRP")  matching  that  of  the  participating  states 
but  not  exceeding  EUR  200  million,  for  the  duration  of  the  Seventh  Framework 
Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and 

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6 

OJ C … [ESC opinion] 
COM(2010)2020 final of 3 March 2010. 
OJ … [H2020 FP] 
OJ L 257, 30.9.2009, p. 12. 

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(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

demonstration activities (2007-2013) established by Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the 
European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 20067.  

In  April  2012,  the  Commission  communicated  to  the  European  Parliament  and  the 
Council  a  report  on  Interim  Evaluation  of  the  European  Metrology  Research 
Programme – EMRP8. That evaluation was carried out by an expert panel three years 
after the beginning of the programme. The overall opinion of the expert panel was that 
EMRP  is  a  well-managed  joint  European  research  programme  that  has  already 
achieved  a  relatively  high  level  of  scientific,  management  and  financial  integration. 
The  expert  panel  noted,  however,  limited  industrial  exploitation,  limited  opening  to 
excellent  science  outside  the  metrology  institutes  and  insufficient  capacity  building. 
The  expert  panel  was  also  of  the  opinion  that  a  more  inclusive  European  metrology 
research area could be built by implementing EMRP. 

According  to  Council  Decision  …  /2013/EU  of  …  2013  establishing  the  Specific 
Programme  implementing  Horizon  2020  -  The  Framework  Programme  for  Research 
and  Innovation  (2014-2020)9  further  support  may  be  provided  to  the  European 
Metrology Research Programme. 

The  European  Metrology  Programme  for  Innovation  and  Research  (hereinafter 
"EMPIR"), aligned with the Europe 2020 strategy and the related flagship initiatives, 
in  particular  ‘Innovation  Union’10,  ‘A  Digital  Agenda  for  Europe’11,  ‘Resource-
efficient  Europe’12  and  ‘An  industrial  Policy  for  the  Globalisation  Era’13,  will  be  a 
more ambitious and inclusive programme implemented for ten years (2014-2024) by 
[28] participating states. As part of the improvements from the previous programme, 
EMPIR  will  include  activities  on  innovation  and  industrial  exploitation,  on  research 
for norms and standards and on capacity building.  

The  participating  states  intend  to  contribute  to  implement  EMPIR  during  the  period 
covered by EMPIR (2014-2024).  

A  ceiling  should  be  established  for  the  Union’s  participation  in  EMPIR  for  the 
duration of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. Within that ceiling, the Union 
contribution should be equal to the contribution of the participating states to EMPIR in 
order  to  achieve  a  high  leverage  effect  and  ensure  a  stronger  integration  of 
participating states programmes. 

In line with the objectives of Regulation (EU) No …/2013, any Member State and any 
country associated to the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme should be entitled to 
participate in EMPIR. 

(10)  The Union’s financial contribution should be subject to formal commitments from the 
participating  states  to  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  EMPIR  and  fulfilment  of 
those  commitments.  Participating  states’  contributions  to  EMPIR  should  include  a 
contribution  to  administrative  costs  within  a  ceiling  of  5%  of  the  budget  of  EMPIR. 
Participating  states  should  commit  to  increase,  if  necessary,  their  contribution  to 
EMPIR  by  a  reserve  funding  capability  of  50  %  to  ensure  that they are able  to fund 

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OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1. 
COM(2012) 174 final of 16 April 2012. 
OJ … [H2020 SP] 
COM(2010) 546 final of 6 October 2010. 
COM(2010) 245 final/2 of 26 August 2010 
COM(2011) 21 of 26 January 2011  
COM(2012) 582 final of 10 October 2012  

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their  national  entities  (National  Metrology  Institutes  and  Designated  Institutes) 
participating in the selected projects.  

(11)  The  joint  implementation  of  EMPIR  requires  an  implementation  structure.  The 
participating states have agreed on the implementation structure for EMRP and set up 
in  2007  EURAMET  e.V.  (hereinafter  "EURAMET"),  the  European  Regional 
Metrology Organisation and a non-profit association under German law. EURAMET 
also has tasks and obligations related to the wider European and global harmonisation 
of metrology. Membership of EURAMET is open to all European National Metrology 
Institutes  (NMI),  as  members,  and  to  Designated  Institutes  (DI),  as  associates. 
Membership  in  EURAMET  is  not  conditional  upon  existence  of  national  metrology 
research  programmes.  Given  that,  according  to  the  Report  on  Interim  Evaluation  of 
EMRP, the governance structure of EURAMET has proved to be efficient and of high 
quality for the implementation of the EMRP, EURAMET should also be used for the 
implementation  of  EMPIR.  EURAMET  should  be  the  recipient  of  the  Union’s 
financial contribution.  

(12) 

In  order  to  achieve  the  objectives  of  EMPIR,  EURAMET  should  provide  financial 
support mainly in the form of grants to participants in actions selected at the level of 
EURAMET. Those actions should be selected following calls for proposals under the 
responsibility  of  EURAMET.  The  ranking  list  should  be  binding  as  regards  the 
selection  of  proposals  and  the  allocation  of  funding  from  the  Union’s  financial 
contribution and from the contributions from participating states for EMPIR projects.  

(13)  The  Union’s  financial  contribution  should  be  managed  in  accordance  with  the 
principle  of  sound  financial  management  and  with  the  rules  on  indirect  management 
set out in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of 
the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget 
of  the  Union14  and  Commission  Delegated  Regulation  (EU)  No  1268/2012  of  29 
October 2012 on the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/201215. 

(14) 

In  order  to  protect  the  Union's  financial  interests,  the  Commission  should  have  the 
right  to  reduce,  suspend  or  terminate  the  Union’s  financial  contribution  if  EMPIR  is 
implemented  inadequately,  partially  or  late,  or  if  the  participating  states  do  not 
contribute,  or  contribute  partially  or  late,  to  the  financing  of  EMPIR.  Those  rights 
should be provided for in the delegation agreement to be concluded between the Union 
and EURAMET.  

(15)  Participation in indirect actions funded by EMPIR is subject to Regulation (EU) No … 
/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of … 2013 laying down the rules 
for the participation and dissemination in 'Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme 
for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)'16. However, due to specific operating needs 
of  EMPIR  it  is  necessary  to  provide  for  derogations  from  that  Regulation  in 
accordance  with  Article  1(3)  of  that  Regulation  [Rules  for  the  participation  and 
dissemination in Horizon 2020]. 

(16)  The  contribution  from  participating  states  mainly  represents  institutional  funding  of 
the  NMI  and  DI  participating  in  the  selected  projects.  The  contribution  from 
participating states should also include a cash contribution to the administrative costs 

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16 

OJ L 298 of 26.10.2012. 
OJ L 362 of 31.12.2012. 
OJ … [H2020 RfP] 

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of  EMPIR.  A  proportion  of  the  Union’s  contribution  should  be  allocated  to  entities 
other  than  NMI  and  DI  participating  in  the  selected  projects.  The  calculation  of  the 
Union’s financial contribution for NMI and DI participating in EMPIR projects should 
ensure that the Union’s contribution to EMPIR does not exceed the contribution of the 
participating  states.  Considering  that  the  institutional  funding  of  the  NMI  and  DI  by 
participating states corresponds to the overheads allocated to the EMPIR projects and 
not  reimbursed  by  the  Union’s  contribution,  the  flat  rate  for  the  financing  of  the 
eligible indirect costs of the NMI and DI should be adapted compared to that set in the 
Regulation  (EU)  No  …  /2013  [laying  down  the  rules  for  the  participation  and 
dissemination  in  ‘Horizon  2020  -  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and 
Innovation (2014-2020)’]. This flat rate should be determined on the basis of the full 
indirect  costs  declared  as  eligible  by  NMI  and  DI  participating  in  EMRP  projects, 
which  are  stable  and  constitute  a  reliable  approximation  of  the  indirect  costs  to  be 
incurred  by  NMI  and  DI  participating  in  EMPIR  projects.  Since  those  indirect  costs 
amount  to  140%  of  the  total  direct  eligible  costs  of  NMI  and  DI,  except  those  for 
subcontracting and in kind contributions free of charge not used on their premises, the 
flat  rate  for  the  financing  of  indirect  costs  of  NMI  and  DI  should  be  lowered  from 
[20%] in accordance with Regulation (EU) No … /2013 to 5%. It is thus appropriate to 
provide  for  derogation  from  Article  24  of  that  Regulation  for  NMI  and  DI.  Other 
entities  participating  in  EMPIR  projects  should  be  funded  in  accordance  with  that 
Regulation.  

(17)  The  appropriateness  of  the  funding  model  with  regard  to  the  matching  principle 
between Union and non-Union funds should be re-assessed at the time of the interim 
evaluation of EMPIR. 

(18)  Audits of recipients of Union funds provided in accordance with this Decision should 
ensure  a  reduction  of  administrative  burden,  in  compliance  with  Regulation  (EU) 
No …/2013 [the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme].  

(19)  The  Union’s  financial  interests  should  be  protected  through  proportionate  measures 
throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation 
of  irregularities,  the  recovery  of  funds  lost,  wrongly  paid  or  incorrectly  used  and, 
where  appropriate,  administrative  and  financial  penalties  in  accordance  with 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. 

(20)  The  Commission  should  conduct  an  interim  evaluation  assessing  in  particular  the 
quality  and  efficiency  of  EMPIR,  progress  towards  the  objectives  set  and  a  final 
evaluation and prepare a report on those evaluations.  

(21)  Upon  request  from  the  Commission,  EURAMET  and  the  participating  states  should 
submit  any  information  the  Commission  needs  to  include  in  the  reports  on  the 
evaluation of EMPIR.  

(22)  The objective of the decision is the Union participation in EMPIR, namely to support 
the  provision  of  appropriate,  integrated  and  fit-for-purpose  metrology  solutions  and 
the creation of an integrated European Metrology Research system with critical mass 
and  active  engagement  at  regional,  national,  European  and  international  level  that 
cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The scale and complexity 
of  metrology  requirements  calls  for  investments  that  go  beyond  the  core  research 
budgets  of  the  National  Metrology  Institutes  and  their  Designated  Institutes.  The 
excellence required for research and development of cutting-edge metrology solutions 
is  spread  across  national  borders  and  hence  cannot  be  brought  together  at  national 
level  only.  Since  the  objective  can  therefore  be  better  achieved  at  Union  level  by 

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integrating national efforts into a consistent European approach, by bringing together 
compartmentalised national research programmes, by helping design common research 
and  funding  strategies  across  national  borders,  and  by  achieving  the  critical  mass  of 
actors  and  investments  required,  the  Union  may  adopt  measures,  in  accordance  with 
the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In 
accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this decision 
does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 
Participation in the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research 

The  Union  shall  participate  in  the  European  Metrology  Programme  for  Innovation 
and  Research  (hereinafter  "EMPIR")  jointly  undertaken  by  Belgium,  Bulgaria,  the 
Czech  Republic,  Denmark,  Germany,  Estonia,  Ireland,  Greece,  Spain,  France, 
Croatia,  Italy,  Hungary,  the  Netherlands,  Austria,  Poland,  Portugal,  Romania, 
Slovenia,  Slovakia,  Finland,  Sweden,  the  United  Kingdom,  as  well  as  [Bosnia  and 
Herzegovina,  Norway,  Serbia,  Switzerland  and  Turkey]  (hereinafter  "participating 
states"), in accordance with the conditions set out in this Decision. 

(EU)  No  …/2013  … 

Any other Member State and any other country associated to the Horizon 2020 - The 
Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation  (2014-2020)  established  by 
Regulation 
(hereinafter  "Horizon  2020  Framework 
Programme")  may  participate  in  EMPIR  provided  it  fulfils  the  condition  set  out  in 
Article 3(1)(c) of this Decision. Those Member States and associated countries that 
fulfil  the  conditions  set  out  in  Article  3(1)(c)  of  this  Decision  shall  be  regarded  as 
Participating States for the purposes of this Decision. 

Article 2 
Union’s financial contribution  

The  maximum  Union’s  financial  contribution,  including  EFTA  appropriations,  to 
EMPIR shall be EUR 300 million. The contribution shall be paid from appropriations 
in  the  general  budget  of  the  Union  allocated  to  the  relevant  parts  of  the  Specific 
Programme,  implementing  Horizon  2020  Framework  Programme,  established  by 
Decision  …  /2013/EU,  in  accordance  with  Article  58(1)(c)(vi)  and  Articles  60  and 
61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. 

Without  exceeding  the  maximum  amount  set  out  in  paragraph  1,  the  Union’s 
contribution shall be equal to the contributions of the Participating States to EMPIR 
excluding  the  contributions  of  the  Participating  States  to  administrative  costs 
exceeding 5% of EMPIR budget. 

The  Union’s  contribution  shall  not  be  used  to  cover  the  administrative  costs  of 
EMPIR. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

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Article 3 
Conditions for the Union’s financial contribution 

1. 

The Union’s financial contribution shall be conditional upon the following: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

the  demonstration  by  the  Participating  States  that  EMPIR  is  set  up  in 
accordance with Annexes I and II; 

the  designation  by  the  Participating  States,  or  National  Metrology  Institutes 
(NMI)  designated  by  Participating  States,  of  EURAMET  e.V.  (hereinafter 
"EURAMET"),  as  the  structure  responsible  for  implementing  EMPIR  and  for 
receiving, allocating and monitoring the Union’s financial contribution; 

the  commitment  by  each  participating  state  to  contribute  to  the  financing  of 
EMPIR and to establish a reserve funding capability of 50% of the amount of 
the commitment;  

the  demonstration  by  EURAMET  of  its  capacity  to  implement  EMPIR, 
including receiving, allocating and monitoring the Union’s contribution in the 
framework  of  indirect  management  of  the  Union  budget  in  accordance  with 
Articles 58, 60 and 61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012; 

(e) 

the establishment of a governance model for EMPIR in accordance with Annex 
III; 

2. 

During  the  implementation  of  EMPIR,  the  Union  contribution  shall  also  be 
conditional upon the following:  

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

the implementation by EURAMET of EMPIR objectives set out in Annex I and 
activities set out in Annex II in accordance with the rules for the participation 
and dissemination referred to in Article 5; 

the  maintenance  of  an  appropriate  and  efficient  governance  model  in 
accordance with Annex III; 

the  compliance  by  EURAMET  with  the  reporting  requirements  set  out  in 
Article 60(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012; 

(d) 

the fulfilment of the commitments referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1. 

Article 4 
Contributions from Participating States  

Contributions from the Participating States shall consist of the following: 

(a) 

contributions through institutional funding of the NMI and the Designated Institutes 
(DI) participating in EMPIR projects;  

(b) 

financial contributions to the administrative costs of EMPIR.  

Article 5 
Rules for participation and dissemination 

1. 

For  the  purposes  of  Regulation  (EU)  No  …  [Rules  for  the  participation  and 
dissemination in Horizon 2020] EURAMET shall be considered a funding body and 
shall provide financial support to indirect actions in accordance with Annex II to this 
Decision.  

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2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

By  way  of  derogation  from  Article  24(1)  of  Regulation  (EU)  No  …  [Rules  for  the 
participation and dissemination in Horizon 2020], indirect eligible costs of NMI and 
DI participating in projects funded by EMPIR shall be determined by applying a flat 
rate  of  5%  of  their  total  direct  eligible  costs,  excluding  direct  eligible  costs  for 
subcontracting and the costs of resources made available by third parties which are 
not  used  on  the  premises  of  the  beneficiary,  as  well  as  financial  support  to  third 
parties.  

The  interim  evaluation  of  EMPIR  referred  to  in  Article  12  shall  include  an 
assessment of the full indirect costs of the NMI and the DI participating in EMPIR 
projects and of the corresponding institutional funding.  

On the basis of this assessment and for the purpose of Article 2(2), EURAMET may 
reduce the flat rate set out in paragraph 2. 

If  not  sufficient,  EURAMET  may,  by  way  of  derogation  from  Article  22(3)  of 
Regulation  (EU)  No  …  [Rules  for  the  participation  and  dissemination  in  Horizon 
2020], apply a lower reimbursement rate to the eligible costs of the NMI and the DI 
participating in projects funded by EMPIR. 

Article 6 
Implementation of EMPIR  

EMPIR shall be implemented on the basis of annual work plans. 

EURAMET  shall  provide  financial  support  mainly  in  the  form  of  grants  to 
participants following calls for proposals. 

Before  identifying  the  topics  of  each  call  for  proposals,  EURAMET  shall  invite 
interested individuals or organisations  from  the  metrology  research community  and 
users to suggest potential research topics.  

Article 7 
Agreements between the Union and EURAMET  

Subject  to  a  positive  ex-ante  assessment  of  EURAMET  in  accordance  with  Article 
61(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, the Commission, on behalf of the 
Union,  shall  conclude  a  delegation  agreement  and  annual  transfer  of  funds 
agreements with EURAMET. 

The  delegation  agreement  referred  to  in  paragraph  1  shall  be  concluded  in 
accordance with Articles 58(3), 60 and 61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 
and in Article 40 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012. It shall also set out 
the following: 

(a) 

(b) 

the  requirements  for  EURAMET’s  contribution  regarding  the  performance 
indicators set out in Annex II to Decision (EU) No … [the Specific Programme 
implementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme]; 

the requirements for EURAMET’s contribution to the monitoring referred to in 
Annex III to Decision (EU) No … [the Specific Programme implementing the 
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme];  

(c) 

the specific performance indicators related to the functioning of EURAMET; 

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14 

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(d) 

the  requirements  for  EURAMET  regarding  the  provision  of  information  on 
administrative  costs  and  of  detailed  figures  concerning  the  implementation  of 
EMPIR; 

(e) 

the  arrangements  regarding  the  provision  of  data  necessary  to  ensure  that  the 
Commission is able to meet its dissemination and reporting obligations. 

Article 8 
Termination, reduction or suspension of the Union’s financial contribution 

If  EMPIR  is  not  implemented  or  is  implemented  inadequately,  partially  or  late,  the 
Commission  may  terminate,  proportionally  reduce  or  suspend  the  Union’s  financial 
contribution in line with actual implementation of EMPIR. 

If the Participating States do not contribute, contribute partially or late to the financing of the 
EMPIR  the  Commission  may  terminate,  proportionally  reduce  or  suspend  the  Union’s 
financial  contribution,  taking  into  account  the  amount  of  funding  allocated  by  the 
Participating States to implement EMPIR.  

Article 9 
Ex-post audits  

1. 

Ex-post audits of expenditure on indirect actions shall be carried out by EURAMET 
in  accordance  with  Article  23  of  Regulation  (EU)  No  …  [the  Horizon  2020 
Framework Programme].  

2. 

The Commission may decide to carry out the audits referred to in paragraph 1 itself. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Article 10 
Protection of the financial interests of the Union 

The  Commission  shall  take  appropriate  measures  ensuring  that,  when  actions 
financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are 
protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any 
other illegal activities, by effective checks and, if irregularities are detected, by the 
recovery  of  the  amounts  wrongly  paid  and,  where  appropriate,  by  effective, 
proportionate and dissuasive administrative and financial penalties.  

EURAMET shall grant Commission staff and other persons authorised by it, as well 
as the Court of Auditors, access to its sites and premises and to all the information, 
including information in electronic format, needed in order to conduct their audits. 

The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out investigations, including on-
the-spot  checks  and  inspections,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  and  procedures 
laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council17  and  Council  Regulation  (Euratom,  EC)  No  2185/9618  with  a  view  to 
establishing  whether  there  has  been  fraud,  corruption  or  any  other  illegal  activity 
affecting the financial interests of the Union in connection with a grant agreement or 
grant decision or a contract funded in accordance with this Decision. 

17 
18 

OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 

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4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

Contracts, grant  agreements and grant decisions, resulting from the implementation 
of  this  Decision  shall  contain  provisions  expressly  empowering  the  Commission, 
EURAMET,  the  Court  of  Auditors  and  OLAF  to  conduct  such  audits  and 
investigations, according to their respective competences.  

In  implementing  EMPIR,  the  Participating  States  shall  take  the  legislative, 
regulatory,  administrative  and  other  measures  necessary  for  protecting  the  Union’s 
financial  interests,  in  particular,  to  ensure  full  recovery  of  any  amounts  due  to  the 
Union  in  accordance  with  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  No  966/2012  and  Delegated 
Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012. 

Article 11 
Communication of information 

At the request of the Commission, EURAMET shall send any information necessary 
for the preparation of the reports referred to in Article 12. 

The  Participating  States  shall  submit  to  the  Commission,  through  EURAMET,  any 
information  requested  by  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  or  the  Court  of 
Auditors concerning the financial management of EMPIR. 

The  Commission  shall  include  the  information  referred  to  in  paragraph  2  in  the 
reports referred to in Article 12. 

Article 12 
Evaluation 

By  31  December  2017  the  Commission  shall  conduct  an  interim  evaluation  of 
EMPIR.  The  Commission  shall  prepare  a  report  on  that  evaluation  which  includes 
conclusions of the evaluation and observations by the Commission. The Commission 
shall send that report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 30 June 2018. 

At  the  end  of  the  Union’s  participation  in  EMPIR,  but  no  later  than  31 December 
2024, the Commission shall conduct a final evaluation of EMPIR. The Commission 
shall  prepare  a  report  on  that  evaluation  which  includes  results  of  that  evaluation. 
The Commission shall send that report to the European Parliament and the Council. 

Article 13 
Entry into force 

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

Article 14 
Addressees  

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

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ANNEX I 

Objectives of EMPIR  

EMPIR shall pursue the following general objectives: 

(a) 

integrated  and  fit-for-purpose  metrology  solutions 
provide  appropriate, 
supporting  innovation  and  industrial  competitiveness  as  well  as  measurement 
technologies  addressing  societal  challenges  such  as  health,  environment  and 
energy including support to policy development and implementation; 

(b) 

create  an  integrated  European  Metrology  Research  system  with  critical  mass 
and active engagement at regional, national, European and international level.  

ANNEX II 

Indirect actions supported by EMPIR  

1. 

1.1. 

1.2. 

1.3. 

1.4. 

1.5. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

EMPIR may support the following indirect actions in the area of joint research and 
technological development: 

scientific-technical  actions  supporting  fundamental  scientific  metrology  laying  the 
basis for all successive steps including applied metrology research and development 
and metrology related services; 

metrology  research  to  provide  solutions  for  societal  challenges  focusing  on 
contributions for energy, environment and health;  

research in order to develop novel measurement instrumentation aiming at industrial 
take-up of metrological technologies to stimulate innovation in industry;  

pre-normative  and  co-normative  metrology  research  and  development  for  priority 
documentary  standards  aiming  to  use  the  expertise  of  metrology  institutes  of  the 
participating  states  to  support  policy  implementation  and  accelerate  innovative 
products and services to market;  

metrology  capacity-building  activities  on  different  technological  levels  aiming  to 
achieve a balanced and integrated metrology system in the participating states.  

EMPIR may support further actions for the dissemination and exploitation of results 
of metrology research. 

EMPIR may support other actions specifically addressing metrology institutes which 
have no or limited scientific capabilities, by supporting them in using other European 
Union,  national  or  regional  programmes  for  training  and  mobility,  cross-border 
cooperation or investment in metrology infrastructure.  

EMPIR  may  support  organisation  of  networking  activities  to  promote  EMPIR  and 
maximise its impact.  

The  indirect  actions  referred  to  in  point  1  shall  be  carried  out  by  NMI  and  DI. 
However, EMPIR shall encourage and support the participation of other entities. This 
approach is expected to lead to around 15% of the budget of EMPIR going to those 
entities. 

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ANNEX III 

Implementation and governance of EMPIR 

Role of EURAMET 

EURAMET  shall  be  responsible  for  implementing  EMPIR,  subject  to  Article  3.  It 
shall manage the Union’s financial contribution to EMPIR and shall be responsible 
for preparing and implementing the annual work plan, the organisations of calls for 
proposals,  the  handling  of  proposal  evaluation  and  ranking  and  any  other  activities 
resulting  from  the  annual  work  plan.  EURAMET  shall  be  responsible  for  grant 
management  including  signature  of  grant  agreements,  the  receipt,  allocation  and 
monitoring of the use of the Union’s financial contribution and payments to EMPIR 
participants in the selected projects. 

The monitoring of the Union’s financial contribution shall cover all the activities of 
control  and  audit,  ex-ante  and/or  ex-post  control,  necessary  to  carry  out  the  tasks 
delegated  to  EURAMET  by  the  Commission.  Those  activities  shall  aim  to  gain 
reasonable  assurance  on  the  legality  and  regularity  of  the  underlying  transactions, 
and on the eligibility of the costs declared under grant agreements. 

EURAMET may entrust certain administrative and logistical tasks in implementing 
EMPIR to the participating states. 

The organisational structure of EURAMET involved in implementing EMPIR 

The EMPIR Committee shall be EMPIR’s decision-making body. 

The  EMPIR  Committee  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  EURAMET 
members from the  participating  states. The voting weights shall be calculated from 
the national commitments according to a square root rule. 

It shall take in particular decisions on the strategic research and innovation agenda, 
the planning of calls for proposals, the evaluation review procedure, the selection of 
the  projects  to  be  funded  according  to  the  ranking  lists  and  the  monitoring  of 
progress  of  the  funded  projects.  It  shall  adopt  the  annual  work  plan  after  obtaining 
approval from the Commission. 

The  Commission  shall  have  observer  status  in  the  meetings  of  the  EMPIR 
Committee.  However,  the  adoption  of  the  annual  work  plan  by  the  EMPIR 
Committee  shall  require  the  prior  consent  of  the  Commission.  The  EMPIR 
Committee shall invite the Commission to its meetings and send the Commission the 
relevant documents. The Commission may take part in the discussions in the EMPIR 
Committee. 

The Chairperson of the EMPIR committee and his/her deputy shall be elected by the 
EMPIR  Committee.  The  Chairperson  of  the  EMPIR  committee  shall  be  one  of  the 
two  vice-chairpersons  of  EURAMET.  The  Chairperson  of  the  EMPIR  committee 
shall represent EURAMET in matters related to EMPIR.  

The  Research  Council  shall  be  composed  of  high-level  experts  from  industry, 
research,  academia  and  international  stakeholder  organisations.  It  shall  provide 
independent strategic advice on the annual work plan of EMPIR. The members of the 
Research Council shall be appointed by the EURAMET General Assembly. 

The  Secretariat  of  EURAMET  providing  general  administrative  support  for 
EURAMET shall keep the bank accounts for EMPIR. 

I 

1. 

2. 

II 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

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5. 

The  Management  support  unit  shall  be  established  as  part  of  the  Secretariat  of 
EURAMET  and  shall  be  responsible  for  the  implementation  and  the  day-to-day 
management of EMPIR.  

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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE  

1.1.  Title of the proposal/initiative  

1.2.  Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure 

1.3.  Nature of the proposal/initiative  

1.4.  Objectives  

1.5.  Grounds for the proposal/initiative  

1.6.  Duration and financial impact  

1.7.  Management mode(s) envisaged  

2. 

MANAGEMENT MEASURES 

2.1.  Monitoring and reporting rules  

2.2.  Management and control system  

2.3.  Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities  

3. 

ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE  

3.1.  Heading(s)  of  the  multiannual  financial  framework  and  expenditure  budget 
line(s) affected  

3.2.  Estimated impact on expenditure  

3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on expenditure  

3.2.2. Estimated impact on operational appropriations  

3.2.3. Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature 

3.2.4. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework 

3.2.5. Third-party contributions  

3.3.  Estimated impact on revenue 

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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE 

1.1. 

Title of the proposal/initiative 

Participation  of  the  European  Union  in  a  European  Metrology  Programme  for 
Innovation and Research (EMPIR) jointly undertaken by several Member States 
Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure19 

1.2. 

Research and Innovation: Horizon 2020 Framework Programme 

1.3. 

Nature of the proposal/initiative 

(cid:133) The proposal/initiative relates to a new action 

(cid:133)  The  proposal/initiative  relates  to  a  new  action  following  a  pilot  project/preparatory 
action20 

(cid:133) The proposal/initiative relates to the extension of an existing action 

X The proposal/initiative relates to an action redirected towards a new action 

1.4. 

Objectives 

1.4.1.  The  Commission’s  multiannual 

strategic  objective(s) 

targeted  by 

the 

proposal/initiative 

The overall objectives of EMPIR are to: 

(1) Provide integrated and fit-for-purpose metrology solutions supporting innovation 
and  industrial  competitiveness  as  well  as  measurement  technologies  addressing 
societal  challenges  such  as  health,  environment  and  energy  including  support  to 
policy development and implementation. 

(2) Create an integrated European Metrology Research system with critical mass and 
active engagement at regional, national, European and international level. 

1.4.2. 

Specific objective(s) and ABM/ABB activity(ies) concerned 

The  main  operational  objective  of  this  legislative  proposal,  namely  the  Union’s 
participation in a Joint R&D and Innovation Programme undertaken between several 
Member States in the field of metrology, is already provided for in the Horizon 2020 
Framework Programme for RTD. 

The specific objective associated with this operational objective is the establishment 
and operation of EMPIR with R&D projects as the main output. 

1.4.3.  Expected result(s) and impact 

Specify the effects which the proposal/initiative should have on the beneficiaries/groups targeted. 

EMPIR will combine Union and national investments in metrology research in order 
to provide appropriate, integrated and fit-for-purpose metrology solutions supporting 
innovation and industrial competitiveness as well as measurement technologies 
addressing societal challenges such as health, environment and energy. 

19 
20 

ABM: Activity-Based Management — ABB: Activity-Based Budgeting. 
As referred to in Article 49(6)(a) or (b) of the Financial Regulation. 

EN 

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This will support the creation of an integrated European Metrology Research system 
with critical mass and active engagement at regional, national, European and 
international level. 

1.4.4. 

Indicators of results and impact 

Specify the indicators for monitoring implementation of the proposal/initiative. 

The following results are expected that will be measured through related indicators: 

Boost industrial uptake and improve standardisation 

Indicators:  (a)  turnover  from  new  or  significantly  improved  products  and  services 
that can be attributed to the research activities of EMPIR and its predecessors [target: 
EUR  400  million],  (b)  share  of  industry-driven  research  projects  [target:  20 %],  (c) 
value  of  business  investment  in  EMPIR  projects,  (d)  share  of  dedicated  normative 
research  [target:  10 %],  (e)  CEN/CENELEC/ISO/IEC  Technical  Committees  and 
equivalent  standardisation  bodies  with  potential  to  benefit  directly  from  EMPIR 
projects engaging with the programme. 

Underpin  a  coherent,  sustainable  and  integrated  European  metrology  landscape  to 
fully exploit the EU potential. 

Indicators: (f) share of dedicated national metrology research investments in Europe 
coordinated or influenced via the programme [target: 50 %], (g) participation of non-
NMI/DI scientists in the programme [target: double compared to EMRP] (h) level of 
investments  from  Structural  Funds  and  other  European,  national  or  regional 
programmes  in  metrology-related  activities  (i)  European  leadership  in  international 
metrology committees. 

Programme efficiency 

Indicators: (j) quality of the proposal submission, evaluation and selection procedure, 
(k) time to grant, (l) running costs for operating EMPIR [target: ≤ 5 %]. 

Significant socio-economic benefits and contribution to key policy objectives 

This  will  be  assessed  as  part  of  the  independent  interim  and  final  evaluation,  in 
addition to the other indicators. 

1.5. 

Grounds for the proposal/initiative 

1.5.1.  Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term 

EMPIR  will  combine  Union  and  national  resources  and  ensure  that  metrology 
research has a greater impact on growth and solving socio-economic challenges and 
address  the  on-going  fragmentation  and  structural  weaknesses  of  the  European 
metrology research and innovation system. 

1.5.2.  Added value of EU involvement 

The added-value of public intervention at EU level lies in the EU’s capacity to bring 
together  compartmentalised  national  research  programmes,  help  design  common 
research and funding strategies across national borders, and achieve a critical mass of 
actors  and  investments  required  to  tackle  the  challenges  the  metrology  research 
system is facing while raising the efficiency of public spending. 

EMPIR will enhance measurement capabilities with strategic impact for Europe. This 
will  be  done  in  a  coherent  and  non-fragmented  way  with  higher  critical  mass  and 
lead to more cost-effective and interoperable solutions. 

EN 

22 

   EN 

1.5.3.  Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past 

The  interim  evaluation  of  the  predecessor  EMRP  operated  under  FP7  identified 
certain  shortcomings  that  have  been  addressed  in  the  design  of  EMPIR  (Dedicated 
support to innovation, standardisation, capacity building and opening the programme 
to the best science). 

1.5.4.  Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments 

EMPIR  will  contribute  to  a  number  of  flagship  initiatives  under  EUROPE  2020 
which  are  affected  by  metrology  research,  including  ‘Innovation  Union’,  ‘A  digital 
agenda  for  Europe’,  ‘Resource-efficient  Europe’  and  ‘An  industrial  policy  for  the 
globalisation era’. 

EMPIR  will  strongly  contribute  to  achieving  the  objectives  of  Horizon  2020  by 
supporting topics of direct relevance to Horizon 2020 priorities. 

1.6. 

Duration and financial impact 

X Proposal/initiative of limited duration 

–  Proposal/initiative in effect from 1/1/2014 to 31/12/2024 

–  Financial  impact  from  2014  to  2020  for  commitment  appropriations  and  2014  – 

2024 for payment appropriations 

(cid:133) Proposal/initiative of unlimited duration 

–  Implementation with a start-up period from YYYY to YYYY, 

–  followed by full-scale operation. 
1.7.  Management mode(s) envisaged21 

(cid:133) Centralised direct management by the Commission 

X  Centralised  indirect  management  with  the  delegation  of  implementation  tasks 
to: 

–  (cid:133)  executive agencies 
–  (cid:133)  bodies set up by the Communities22 

–  X  national public-sector bodies/bodies with public-service mission 

–  (cid:133)  persons entrusted with the implementation of specific actions pursuant to Title 
V of the Treaty on European Union and identified in the relevant basic act within 
the meaning of Article 49 of the Financial Regulation 

(cid:133) Shared management with the Member States 

(cid:133) Decentralised management with third countries 

(cid:133) Joint management with international organisations (to be specified) 

If more than one management mode is indicated, please provide details in the ‘Comments’ section. 

21 

22 

Details  of  management  modes  and  references  to  the  Financial  Regulation  may  be  found  on  the 
BudgWeb site: http://www.cc.cec/budg/man/budgmanag/budgmanag_en.html. 
As referred to in Article 185 of the Financial Regulation. 

EN 

23 

   EN 

                                                 
Comments 

A dedicated implementation structure entitled EURAMET (hereinafter EURAMET) has been 
established  and  is  governed  by  the  participating  states  for  managing  the  initiative.  The 
Union’s financial contribution to the initiative will be provided through this organisation. 

2. 

MANAGEMENT MEASURES 

2.1.  Monitoring and reporting rules 

Specify frequency and conditions. 

Once established, the EMPIR will be monitored through annual reports provided by 
EURAMET. 

This will be accompanied by an interim evaluation conducted not later than 2017. At 
the  end  of  the  Union’s  participation  in  EMPIR,  and  not  later  than  2024,  an 
independent  final  evaluation  will  review  the  achievement  of  objectives,  outcomes 
and impacts. 

2.2.  Management and control system 

2.2.1.  Risk(s) identified 

1)  Capacity  of  the  dedicated  implementation  structure  EURAMET.  to  manage  the 
Union’s budget and to protect the EU’s financial interests. 

2) Capacity of participating states to finance their contributions to the programme. 

2.2.2.  Control method(s) envisaged 

Risk 1: see chapter 2.3. 

Risk  2:  EU  funds  only  can  be  released  upon  evidence  of  national  financial 
commitments, both at annual financing agreement level and at the level of payments 
towards  national  participants  in  the  projects.  Another  safeguard  is  that  EU  funding 
cannot exceed 50 % of the total public funding provided in the programme and EU 
funding cannot cover administrative expenditure. 

2.2.3.  Costs and benefits of controls and probable non-compliance rate 

The control system set up for implementation of the programme will be designed so 
as  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  of  achieving  adequate  management  of  the  risks 
relating  to  the  effectiveness  and  efficiency  of  the  operations  as  well  as  the  legality 
and regularity of the underlying transactions, taking due account the special nature of 
EMPIR  as  public-public  partnership.  The  control  system  must  strike  a  balance 
between  trust  and  control,  taking  into  account  administrative  and  other  costs  of 
controls  at  all  levels,  especially  for  participants,  so  that  it  can  best  contribute  to 
achieving the objectives of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. 

2.3.  Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities 

Specify existing or envisaged prevention and protection measures. 

Article 3 of the Decision establishing EMPIR states that the Union’s contribution is 
conditional upon the compliance by EURAMET with the reporting requirements set 
out in Article 60(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012. According to Article 
8, the Commission may terminate, reduce or suspend its contribution.  

EN 

24 

   EN 

The delegation agreement to be concluded between the Commission and EURAMET 
in  compliance  with  Article  61  of  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  No  966/2012  will 
provide for the Commission to supervise the activities of EURAMET,  in particular 
by carrying out audits. 

3. 

3.1. 

ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE 

Heading(s)  of  the  multiannual  financial  framework  and  expenditure  budget 
line(s) affected 

•  Existing  budget  lines  in  order  of  multiannual  financial  framework  headings  and 

budget lines. TABLE TO BE UPDATED AFTER AGREEMENT 

Heading of 
multiannual 
financial 
framework 

Budget line 

Number  
[Description ………………………...……….] 

1A 

1A 

1A 

1A 

1A 

1A 

1A 

1A 

08.0204  
Horizontal activities of Horizon 2020 

08 02 02 01 
Leadership in nanotechnologies, advanced 
materials, biotechnology and advanced 
manufacturing and processing 

08 02 03 01 
Improving lifelong health and wellbeing 

08 02 03 02 
Improving food security, developing 
sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime 
research and the bio-economy  

08 02 03 03 
Making the transition to a reliable, sustainable 
and competitive energy system  

08 02 03 04 
Achieving a European transport system that is 
resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, 
safe and seamless  

08 02 03 05 
Achieving a resource-efficient and climate 
change resilient economy and a sustainable 
supply of raw materials  

09 04 02 01 
Leadership in information and 
communications technology  

Type of  
expenditure
Diff./non-
diff. 
(23) 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Diff./non-
diff. 

Contribution  

from 
candidate 
countries25 

from third 
countries 

from 
EFTA 
countries
24 

YES 

YES 

YES 

within the 
meaning of Article 
18(1)(aa) of the 
Financial 
Regulation  
YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

23 
24 
25 

Diff. = Differentiated appropriations / Non-Diff. = Non-differentiated appropriations. 
EFTA: European Free Trade Association.  
Candidate countries and, where applicable, potential candidate countries from the Western Balkans. 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
                                                 
3.2. 

Estimated impact on expenditure 

3.2.1. 

Summary of estimated impact on expenditure 

Heading of multiannual financial framework:  Number 

1A 

Heading 1A Competitiveness for growth and jobs 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

advanced 
advanced 

Payments 

DG: RTD,CNECT 

(cid:121) Operational appropriations  

08 02 02 01 
Leadership 
materials, 
manufacturing and processing  

in  nanotechnologies, 
and 
biotechnology 

08 02 03 01 
Improving lifelong health and wellbeing  

08 02 03 02 
Improving  food  security,  developing  sustainable 
agriculture,  marine  and  maritime  research  and 
the bio-economy  

08 02 03 03 
Making  the  transition  to  a  reliable,  sustainable 
and competitive energy system  

08 02 03 04 
Achieving  a  European  transport  system  that  is 
resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, safe 
and seamless  

08 02 03 05 
Achieving  a 
resource-efficient  and  climate 
change  resilient  economy  and  a  sustainable 

Year  
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

Year 
2021-
2024 

TOTAL26 

Commitments 

(1) 

5,000 

8,000 

8,500 

8,500 

8,000 

7,500 

7,000 

52,500 

(2) 

(1a) 

(2a) 

(1b) 

(2b) 

0,500 

5,300 

8,050 

8,500 

8,450 

7,950 

13,750 

52,500 

5,714 

1,429 

9,143 

0,571 

2,285 

9,714 

6,057 

2,429 

9,714 

9,200 

2,429 

9,143 

9,714 

2,285 

8,572 

9,658 

2,143 

8,000 

9,086 

2,000 

15,714 

60,000 

60,000 

15,000 

0,143 

1,514 

2,300 

2,429 

2,414 

2,271 

3,929 

15,000 

Commitments 

Payments 

Commitments 

Payments 

Commitments 

(1c) 

5,714 

9,144 

9,714 

9,714 

9,143 

8,571 

8,000 

Payments 

(2c) 

0,572 

6,057 

9,200 

9,714 

9,657 

9,086 

15,714 

Commitments 

(1d) 

2,143 

3,428 

3,643 

3,643 

3,429 

3,214 

3,000 

60,000 

60,000 

22,500 

Payments 

(2d) 

0,214 

2,272 

3,450 

3,643 

3,621 

3,407 

5,893 

22,500 

Commitments 

(1e) 

5,000 

8,000 

8,500 

8,500 

8,000 

7,500 

7,000 

Payments 

(2e) 

0,500 

5,300 

8,050 

8,500 

8,450 

7,950 

13,750 

52,500 

52,500 

26 

The amount is indicative and will depend on the final amount for DG RTD and DG CNECT under the above mentioned challenge(s) /theme(s). 

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
supply of raw materials  

TOTAL appropriations 
for DG RTD 

09 04 02 01 
Leadership  in  information  and  communications 
technology  

TOTAL appropriations 
for DG CNECT 

TOTAL appropriations 
for DG RTD, CNECT 

Payments 

Commitments 

Payments 

Commitments 

Payments 

(2f) 

=1f 

=2f 

(3) 

=1+1a 
- f 

=2+2a 
– f 

Commitments 

Payments 

=1+1a 
- e 

=2+2a 
- e 

25,000 

40,000 

42,500 

42,500 

40,000 

37,500 

35,000 

262,500 

2,500 

26,500 

40,250 

42,500 

42,250 

39,750 

68,750 

262,500 

Commitments 

(1f) 

5,000 

5,000 

7,500 

10,000 

10,000 

5,000 

0,500 

5,000 

0,500 

5,000 

7,500 

5,000 

5,250 

7,750 

19,000 

10,000 

10,000 

5,250 

7,750 

19,000 

37,500 

37,500 

37,500 

37,500 

25,000 

40,000 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

45,000 

300,000 

2,500 

26,500 

40,750 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

87,750 

300,000 

(cid:121) TOTAL operational appropriations  

Commitments 
Payments 

(cid:121)  TOTAL  appropriations  of  an  administrative  nature 
financed from the envelope for specific programmes(08 01 
05)  

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

TOTAL appropriations  
under HEADING 1A 
of the multiannual financial framework 

Commitments 

=4+ 6 

Payments 

=5+ 6 

25,000 

40,000 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

45,000 

2,500 

26,500 

40,750 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

87,750 

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

300,000 

300,000 

0,975 

25,131 

40,134 

47,636 

47,639 

47,642 

47,645 

445,148 

300,975 

0,131 

2,634 

26,636 

40,889 

47,642 

47,645 

47,648 

87,750 

300,975 

This table shows the annual source of financing of EMPIR. However, the budget for EMPIR will be implemented by the budget line 08.0204 Horizontal activities of Horizon 
2020. 

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heading of multiannual financial  
framework  

1A 

Heading 1A Competitiveness for growth and jobs ‘Administrative expenditure’ 

DG: RTD 

(cid:121) Human resources 

(cid:121) Other administrative expenditure  

Year  
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

TOTAL 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

0,975 

TOTAL DG RTD 

Appropriations  

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

0,975 

TOTAL appropriations 
for HEADING 1A 
of the multiannual financial framework  

(Total  commitments  = 
Total payments) 

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

0,975 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

TOTAL appropriations  
under HEADINGS 1 to 5 
of the multiannual financial framework  

Commitments 

Payments 

Year  
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

Year 
2021 - 
2024 

TOTAL 

25,131 

40,134 

47,636 

47,639 

47,642 

47,645 

445,148 

300,975 

0,131 

2,634 

26,636 

40,889 

47,642 

47,645 

47,648 

87,750 

300,975 

EN 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2.2.  Estimated impact on operational appropriations 

–  (cid:133)  The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriations 

–  X  The proposal/initiative requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below: 

Year 
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

TOTAL 

Commitment appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Indicate 
objectives 
and outputs 

(cid:216) 

Type 

r
Avera
e
b
ge 
m
u
cost  N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

r
e
b
m
u
N

Cost 

l
a
t
o
T

r
e
b
m
u
N

Total Cost 

Establishment and operation of the 
EMPIR 

Output*, ** 

R&D 
projects 

25 

50,000 

40 

80,000

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000

47 

95,000 

47 

90,000

300 

600,000 

Subtotal for specific objective No 1 

25 

50,000 

40 

80,000

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000

47 

95,000 

47 

90,000

300 

600,000 

TOTAL COST 

25 

50,000 

40 

80,000

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000 

47 

95,000

47 

95,000 

47 

90,000

300 

600,000 

1 The EU contribution to the total costs shall not exceed EUR 300 million. 

(*) The administrative costs of EURAMET e.V. for the implementation of EMPIR, within a ceiling of EUR 30 million [5 %], will be covered by the participating States. 
without any Union contribution. 

(**) An average cost of EUR 2 million is assumed for each EMPIR project. The overall programme budget of EUR 600 million is estimated to fund approximately 300 
projects.  

EN 

29 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2.3.  Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature 

3.2.3.1.  Summary 

–  (cid:133)  The  proposal/initiative  does  not  require  the  use  of  appropriations  of  an 

administrative nature 

–  X  The proposal/initiative requires the use of appropriations of an administrative 

nature, as explained below: 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Year  
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

TOTAL 

HEADING 5 
of the multiannual financial 
framework 

Human resources  

Other administrative expenditure  

Subtotal HEADING 5 
of the multiannual financial 
framework  

Outside HEADING 527 of the 
multiannual financial 
framework 

Human resources  

Other expenditure  
of an administrative nature 

Subtotal  
outside HEADING 5 
of the multiannual financial 
framework  

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

TOTAL 

0,131 

0,134 

0,136 

0,139 

0,142 

0,145 

0,148 

0,975 

0,975 

0,975 

The  administrative  appropriations  required  will  be  met  by  the  appropriations  of  the  DG  which  are  already  assigned  to 
management  of  the  action  and/or  which  have  been  redeployed  within  the  DG,  together  if  necessary  with  any  additional 
allocation  which  may  be  granted  to  the  managing  DG  under  the  annual  allocation  procedure  and  in  the  light  of budgetary 
constraints,

27 

Technical  and/or  administrative  assistance  and  expenditure  in  support  of  the  implementation  of  EU 
programmes and/or actions (former ‘BA’ lines), indirect research, direct research. 

EN 

30 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
3.2.3.2.  Estimated requirements of human resources 

–  (cid:133)  The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources, 

–  X  The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below: 

(cid:121) Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary agents) 

08 01 01 01 (Headquarters and Commission’s Representation Offices) 
XX 01 01 02 (Delegations) 
08 01 05 01 (Indirect research) 
10 01 05 01 (Direct research) 

(cid:121) External personnel (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE)28 

XX 01 02 01 (CA, INT, SNE from the ‘global envelope’) 
XX 01 02 02 (CA, INT, JED, LA and SNE in the delegations) 
XX 01 04 yy29 

- at headquarters 
- in delegations  

XX 01 05 02 (CA, SNE, INT — Indirect research) 

10 01 05 02 (CA, SNE, INT — Direct research) 
Other budget lines (specify) 
TOTAL 

Year  
2014 

Year 
2015 

Year 
2016 

Year 
2017 

Year 
2018 

Year 
2019 

Year 
2020 

TOTAL 

Estimate to be expressed in full time equivalent units 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

7 

28 

29 

CA= Contract Agent; LA = Local Agent; SNE = Seconded National Expert; INT = agency staff (‘Intérimaire’); JED= ‘Jeune Expert en Délégation’ (Young Experts 
in Delegations).  
Sub-ceiling for external staff covered by operational appropriations (former ‘BA’ lines). 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
The  human  resources  required  will  be  met  by  staff  from  DG  Research  &  Innovation  who  are  already  assigned  to  management  of  the  action  and/or  have  been 
redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure 
and in the light of budgetary constraints, 

Description of tasks to be carried out: 

Officials:  

Participation in meetings of the EMPIR committee and the meetings of the EMPIR Research Council as well as workshops and 
dissemination events 

Observer in EMPIR proposal evaluations 

Negotiation and preparation of agreement with the DIS 

Preparation of annual financing decision and related payments 

Approval of the annual work plan 

Monitoring of implementation based on the yearly reports, and coordination of the interim and final evaluations 

Financial and legal auditing of the implementation of EMPIR 

External staff n/a 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
 
 
3.2.4.  Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework 

–  X  Proposal/initiative  is  compatible  with  the  current  multiannual  financial 

framework, 

–  (cid:133)  Proposal/initiative  will  entail  reprogramming  of  the  relevant  heading  in  the 

multiannual financial framework,  

–  (cid:133)  Proposal/initiative requires application of the flexibility instrument or revision 

of the multiannual financial framework, 

3.2.5.  Third-party contributions 

–  The proposal/initiative provides for the co-financing estimated below: 

Appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places) 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

Total 

Participating States 

TOTAL appropriations 
co-financed  

25,000 

40,000 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

45,000 

300,000 

25,000 

40,000 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

47,500 

45,000 

300,000 

Co-financing details 

A  maximum  European  Union  contribution  of  up  to  EUR  300  million  shall  be 
provided, subject to a contribution of at least EUR 300 million by the participating 
states between 2014-2024 from national budgets to EMPIR. 

3.3. 

Estimated impact on revenue 

–  X  Proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue, 

–  (cid:133)  Proposal/initiative has the following financial impact: 

– 

– 

(cid:133) 

(cid:133) 

on own resources 

on miscellaneous revenue 

EN 

33 

   EN