Proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324 as regards the continuation of the Union’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe
Date: 2023-06-28
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Subjects: Framework Programme for Research and Development, Mediterranean region (EU), Mediterranean third countries, Union for the Mediterranean, eligibility criteria, innovation, research and development, scientific cooperation, self-sufficiency in food, water resources

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   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 28.6.2023  COM(2023) 359 final 2023/0207 (COD)  Proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324 as regards the continuation of the Union’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe  
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

• 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

Reasons for and objectives of the proposal 

The  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in  the  Mediterranean  Area  (PRIMA)  is  an 
Institutionalised European Partnership under Article 185 TFEU established by Decision (EU) 
2017/13241,  in  which  the  EU  participates  in  a  research  programme  undertaken  jointly  by 
several Member States. 

PRIMA  aims  to  build  research  and  innovation  capacities  and  to  develop  knowledge  and 
common  innovative  solutions  for  agro-food  systems,  to  make  them  sustainable,  and  for 
integrated  water  provision  and  management  in  the  Mediterranean  area.  Achieving  this 
strategic  objective  will  make  water  provision  and  food  systems  more  climate  resilient, 
efficient,  cost-effective  and  environmentally  and  socially  sustainable,  and  will  contribute  to 
solving  water  scarcity,  food  security,  nutrition,  health,  well-being  and  migration  problems 
upstream.   

PRIMA  currently  consists  of  nineteen  Participating  States:  eleven  EU  Member  States 
(Croatia,  Cyprus,  France,  Germany,  Greece,  Italy,  Luxembourg,  Malta,  Portugal,  Slovenia, 
and Spain); three countries associated to Horizon 2020 (Israel, Tunisia and Turkey) and five 
third  countries  non-associated  to  Horizon  2020  (Algeria,  Egypt,  Jordan,  Lebanon  and 
Morocco). 

PRIMA  started  its  operation  in  2018  under  the  predecessor  Framework  Programme  for 
Research  and  Innovation  (R&I)  Horizon  2020.  The  active  period  for  launching  R&I  calls 
under Horizon 2020 will last until 2024. The total foreseen Union contribution under Horizon 
2020  amounts  to  EUR  220  million  and  the  original  financial  commitments  of  Participating 
States  exceeded  EUR  270  million.  Currently,  the  Union’s  contribution  comes  from  the 
Horizon  2020  programme.  Until  the  end  of  2022,  PRIMA  funded  202  collaborative  R&I 
projects  with  a  total  budget  of  EUR  285.7  million  with  the  contribution  from  the  Union’s 
budget at the level of EUR 142.67 million and with contribution from the Participating States 
at the level of EUR 143.03 million.  
PRIMA was subject to an interim evaluation in 2022 published on 31 May 20232. According 
to  the  interim  evaluation  report,  PRIMA  has  shown  to  be  an  effective  instrument  for  R&I 
collaboration  in  the  Mediterranean,  implementing  key  R&I  interests  in  line  with  the  EU’s 
geopolitical  priorities.  Based  on  their  positive  experience,  a  majority  of  the  Participating 
States  declared  their  long-term  commitment  to  this  initiative  and  called  for  continued 
participation of the EU in the current form of an Article 185 TFEU institutionalised European 
partnership.  

This  proposal  for  an  amendment  of Decision 2017/1324  (the PRIMA Basic Act) constitutes 
an extension of active operation (publication of R&I calls) until 2027 under the current R&I 
Framework Programme- Horizon Europe. The amendment will provide for additional budget, 
from  both  the  EU  financial  contribution  from  the  Horizon  Europe  programme  and  the 
Participating  States’  financial  contributions,  to  ensure  continuation  at  the  current  level  of 

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Decision  (EU)  2017/1324  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  4  July  2017  on  the 
participation  of  the  Union  in  the  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in  the  Mediterranean  Area 
(PRIMA) jointly undertaken by several Member States, (OJ L 185, 18.7.2017, p. 1) 
Interim Evaluation of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) 
COM(2023) 285 final 

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activities for three further years. The PRIMA operating rules will be adapted to the Horizon 
Europe  rules  including  better  protection  of  the  Union’s  financial  interests,  monitoring  and 
reporting. The extension of the active phase of PRIMA to 2027 will bring this initiative in line 
with the programme cycle under Horizon Europe. 

The  amendment  of  the  PRIMA  Basic  Act  will  enable  the  extended  activities  of  PRIMA  to 
continue  its  current  objectives  of  tackling  the  existing  and  emerging  challenges  related  to 
water,  agricultural  and  food  systems  in  the  Mediterranean  region,  while  promoting  science 
diplomacy,  facilitating  the  alignment  of  national  R&I  policies  and  enabling  international 
scientific collaboration. The thematic focus became even more relevant in recent years, due to 
increasing  effects  of  climate  change,  the  effects  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  the 
destabilising effect  of  Russia’s illegal  and unjustified aggression against  the Ukraine on the 
fragile agriculture markets in a number of Mediterranean countries. 

• 

Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area 

The  thematic  areas  and  objectives  of  the  PRIMA  partnership  in  terms  of  Decision  (EU) 
2017/1324 remain unchanged. The thematic focus on water, agriculture and food systems is 
consistent with the current priorities of the EU, in particular with the European Green Deal3 
and  related  Farm  to  Fork  strategy4,  and  Climate  Adaptation  strategy5  and  Zero  Pollution 
Action Plan6. The objectives of PRIMA are also  well aligned with the objectives of the EU 
Bioeconomy Strategy7.  

The Horizon Europe R&I programme is set to contribute to the European Green Deal and the 
PRIMA partnership appears to be a specific instrument for effective contribution to a number 
of Green Deal objectives. The PRIMA partnership is more particularly in conformity with the 
objectives of Horizon Europe cluster (vi) ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture 
and  Environment’.  The  PRIMA  Strategic  Research  and  Innovation  Agenda  is  fully 
compatible  with  the  cluster  (vi)  Strategic  Plan.  The  PRIMA  annual  work  programmes  are 
closely  coordinated  with  cluster  (vi)  part  of  the  Horizon  Europe  Work  Programmes  and 
programming  documents  of  the  European  Missions8  ‘Soil  Deal  for  Europe’,  ‘Restore  our 
Oceans  and  Waters’  and  ‘Adaptation  to  Climate  Change’  to  ensure  complementarity  and 
synergies. 

The  proposal  for  extension  of  PRIMA  is  consistent  with  the  criteria  and  rules  for 
institutionalised  European  partnerships  stipulated  by  the  Horizon  Europe  Regulation9.  In 
particular,  it  complies  with  the  new  requirements  for  Article  185  TFEU  partnerships 
introduced by the Horizon Europe Regulation. 

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9 

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, 
healthy and environmentally friendly food system, COM/2020/381 final 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Forging a climate-resilient Europe - 
the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, COM/2021/82 final 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All 
EU Action Plan: 'Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil', COM/2021/400 final 
A sustainable Bioeconomy for Europe: Strengthening the connection between economy, society and the 
environment, COM(2018) 673 final 
EU Missions in Horizon Europe (europa.eu) 
Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing 
Horizon  Europe  –  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation,  laying  down  its  rules  for 
participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013  

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The condition of mandatory participation threshold of at least 40% of the Member States set 
out  in  Annex  III  is  met,  as  eleven  Member  States  representing  41%  of  Member  States 
participate in PRIMA. 

The long-term commitment of partners as required by Annex III 1(d) was demonstrated at the 
launch of the PRIMA partnership when the majority of Participating States committed to the 
funding  period  of  ten  years.  The  Participating  States  reiterated  their  commitment  in  the 
declaration of the Union for Mediterranean ministerial meeting in July 202210, in their letters 
to the Commission and in their statements at the Competitiveness Council in December 2022.  

The  PRIMA  partnership  fits  within  the  scope  of  the  thematic  areas  for  institutionalised 
European partnerships defined in Annex VI of the Horizon Europe Regulation, specifically to 
the  partnership  area  5  ‘Sustainable,  inclusive  and  circular  bio-based  solutions’,  as  water, 
agricultural and food systems are integral parts of bioeconomy and bio-based systems. 

• 

Consistency with other Union policies 

PRIMA develops and demonstrates innovative solutions that support the implementation of a 
number  of  EU  policies.  PRIMA-  funded  projects,  with  their  thematic  focus  on  water, 
agriculture and food, contribute to the objectives of sectoral policies such as the water policy, 
in  particular  the  Water  Framework  Directive11,  the  Common  Agricultural  Policy,  the 
Bioeconomy  Strategy,  the  Climate  Adaptation  Strategy  and  the  Circular  Economy  Action 
Plan12.  

As  an  instrument  for  international  collaboration,  PRIMA  strengthens  strategic,  long-term 
regional cooperation between the EU and the Southern Mediterranean region, in line with the 
EU cooperation framework with Southern Neighbourhood Countries, as expressed in the Joint 
Communication for a New Agenda for the Mediterranean13 and its Economic and Investment 
Plan,  as  well  as  the  regional  policy  dialogue  with  Mediterranean  partners  endorsed  at  the 
Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Regional Platform for Research and Innovation. The New 
Agenda for the Mediterranean sets out objectives for the years to come to build fairer, more 
prosperous and inclusive societies for the benefit of people, especially the youth, where R&I 
is a key element. 

In the context of the Union for Mediterranean R&I Roadmaps, the PRIMA partnership will be 
instrumental for the implementation of the climate change roadmap, as acknowledged by the 
UfM R&I Ministerial Declaration in 2022.  
PRIMA  supports  also  the  implementation  of  the  EU’s  Global  Approach  to  R&I14,  which 
prioritises the Mediterranean as one of its regions for cooperation. 

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UfM-Ministerial-Declaration-RI-EN-270622.pdf (ufmsecretariat.org) 
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a 
framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327 , 22/12/2000 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - A new Circular Economy Action 
Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe, COM/2020/98 final 
joint_communication_renewed_partnership_southern_neighbourhood.pdf (europa.eu) 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  on  the  Global  Approach  to 
Research  and  Innovation  Europe's  strategy  for  international  cooperation  in  a  changing  world, 
COM/2021/252 final 

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By  contributing  to  solving  water  scarcity,  food  security,  nutrition,  health,  well-being  and 
migration problems, PRIMA will support significantly the implementation of the 2030 United 
Nations  Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development,  in  particular  Sustainable  Development  Goal 
(SDG) 2  (Zero  Hunger),  SDG 6  (Clean  Water  and  Sanitation),  SDG 10  (Reduced 
Inequalities),  and  SDG 12  (Responsible  Consumption  and  Production),  notably  in  the 
Mediterranean region. 

By addressing the interlinkages between water, energy and food and their reliance and impact 
on  ecosystems,  PRIMA  plays  an  important  role  to  accelerate  the  much-needed  transition 
towards  a  green  economy  in  the  Mediterranean  region  fostering  green  and  sustainable 
development  solutions  to  increase  the  resilience  to  climate  change,  thus  contributing  to  the 
European Green Deal objectives in the region. More particularly, PRIMA activities under the 
thematic  area  of  water  management  contributes  to  delivering  the  European  Green  Deal 
objectives related to the Zero Pollution Action Plan, Biodiversity Strategy and the upcoming 
Integrated  Nutrient  Management  Action  Plan,  while  activities  related  to  thematic  areas  on 
farming  systems  and  food  value  chain  will  support  the  implementation  of  Farm  to  Fork 
Strategy. 

PRIMA is further exploring promising synergies with other Horizon Europe instruments, e.g. 
the Horizon Europe missions, notably the missions “A Soil Deal for Europe” and “Save our 
Oceans  and  Waters  by  2030”.  PRIMA  envisages  sharing  its  knowledge,  infrastructure  and 
network  with  relevant  partners  to  support  missions  by  designing  specific  joint  actions  (e.g. 
coordinated  calls  with  the  Horizon  Europe  Mission  “A  Soil  Deal  for  Europe”  in  PRIMA’s 
Annual  Work Plans).  PRIMA can further strengthen the international  dimension of Horizon 
Europe Partnerships15: Sustainable food systems for people, planet & climate; Water Security 
for  the  Planet;  Agroecology  living  labs  and  research  infrastructures;  Agriculture  of  data; 
Animal health and welfare.  

PRIMA  is  also  complementary  to  the  Food  and  Nutrition  Security  and  Sustainable 
Agriculture (FNSSA) priority of the EU-African Union High Level Policy Dialogue research 
and  innovation  cooperation.  The  FNSSA  priority  opens  the  way  to  PRIMA  partners  for 
further pan-African and cross-European collaboration. 

2. 

• 

LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY 

Legal basis 

The  proposal  extends  the  period  within  which  the  Union  shall  continue  its  participation  in 
PRIMA setting out the necessary legal framework to enable it to operate under the Horizon 
Europe  R&I  Framework  Programme  as  well  as  the  Financial  Regulation16  while  further 
pursuing the activities initiated under the Horizon 2020 R&I Framework Programme.   

The proposed amendments are founded on the same legal basis as the legislative act they seek 
to amend, notably Article 185 TFEU and second paragraph of Article 188 TFEU.  

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European Partnerships in Horizon Europe (europa.eu) 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on 
the  financial  rules  applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  Union,  amending  Regulations  (EU)  No 
1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) 
No  1316/2013,  (EU)  No  223/2014,  (EU)  No  283/2014,  and  Decision  No  541/2014/EU  and  repealing 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, pp. 1-222) 

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• 

Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)  

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

The  objectives  of  PRIMA,  the  attainment  of  which  shall  continue  to  be  central  in  this 
proposal, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting alone this taking into 
account  that  there  is  an  evident,  demonstrable  added  value  in  action  being  undertaken  at 
Union level given the scale, scope and complexity of the efforts needed for the achievement 
of the ambitions it aims to pursue. Moreover, given that the proposal aims at supplementing 
already existing EU legislation, this continues to be best achieved at EU level rather than by 
different  national  initiatives.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  proposal  should  also  continue  to 
complement and reinforce national, local and regional activities in the relevant area. 

• 

Proportionality 

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  -(PRIMA-IS)-  has  already  demonstrated  that  it  can  implement  the 
programme  efficiently  and  effectively17.  The  Union  will  provide  incentives  for  improved 
coordination,  ensure  synergies  with  and  contributions  to  EU  policies  and  the  priorities  of 
Horizon Europe, monitor implementation of the programme and ensure protection of the EU’s 
financial interests 

• 

Choice of the instrument 

This proposal is for an amending Decision of a previously existing legislative act enacted on 
the basis of Article 185 TFEU. For this kind of instrument, Article 188(2) TFEU requires that 
the European Parliament and the Council adopt a decision.  

The  results  of  the  first  years  of  PRIMA  implementation  and  the  indications  from  Call  for 
Evidence  (see  also  section  3.  ‘Stakeholder  consultation’  below)  have  shown  that  an 
institutionalised European partnership under Article 185 TFEU is the most appropriate way to 
achieve the objectives of PRIMA.  Such an institutionalised partnership  is also  the preferred 
choice of the Participating States. 

Continuing PRIMA as a partnership initiative under Article 185 TFEU would further enable 
the development of the ongoing collaboration with Neighbourhood countries. The Union and 
the countries concerned will carry on determining together their mutual priorities, entering a 
new phase of cooperation, in line with the priorities of the European Neighbourhood Policy. 

Furthermore, an institutionalised European partnership based on Article  185 TFEU allows a 
wide  range  of  research  and  innovation  actions  and  financial  contributions,  according  to  the 
funding source (either Horizon Europe or national), management and rules, which has proven 
to be efficient during the first years of the implementation of PRIMA. This instrument is also 
appropriate for the participation of third countries. 

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Interim Evaluation of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), 
COM(2023) 285 final 

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3. 

• 

RESULTS 
CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 

EX-POST 

EVALUATIONS, 

OF 

STAKEHOLDER 

Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation 

In 2022, independent, third-party experts conducted an interim evaluation of PRIMA covering 
the period from the inception of PRIMA (2017) until March 2022. 

The interim  evaluation  confirmed that PRIMA had made good progress  in  implementing its 
objectives  and  it  is  well  managed.  PRIMA  adequately  addresses  environmental,  socio-
economic and policy challenges that are crucial to the future development and sustainability 
of  the  Mediterranean  region,  and  plays  a  unique  role  in  the  Mediterranean  research  and 
innovation ecosystem. PRIMA helped foster scientific integration across Participating States, 
allowing especially the Southern Mediterranean Participating States to leverage their research 
and innovation capacities.   

PRIMA’s  EU  added  value  is  also  high,  as  it  contributes  to  key  EU  political  priorities, 
objectives  and  initiatives  such  as  the  European  Green  Deal,  in  particular  Farm  to  Fork  and 
Biodiversity  strategies,  Bioeconomy  Strategy,  Climate  Adaptation  Strategy  and  the  Circular 
Economy Action Plan, as well as the overarching SDGs.  

The interim evaluation report also recommends actions to further improve PRIMA outcomes 
and impacts.  

• 

Stakeholder consultations 

No stakeholder consultation has been carried out. The original public consultation input is still 
considered  as  valid.  The  character  of  proposed  amendments  does  not  require  a  new 
stakeholders consultation. 

• 

Collection and use of expertise 

In the context of the interim evaluation, a Call for Evidence has been published and the results 
have been taken into consideration. 

• 

Impact assessment 

No impact assessment has been carried out. The original analysis and choice of options is still 
considered  as  valid.  The  character  of  the  amendment  does  not  require  a  new  impact 
assessment. 

• 

Regulatory fitness and simplification 

No simplification effect is expected as the proposal is an extension of the existing partnership. 

• 

Fundamental rights 

 The proposed Decision has no consequences for the protection of fundamental rights. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS 

The  total  Union  contribution  to  the  extended  initiative  shall  be  up  to  EUR  325  million 
including the EEA contribution. Out of this amount, EUR 220 million were committed from 
the Horizon 2020 Programme for the programming period 2018-2024. EUR 105 million, to be 
committed in the period 2025-2027, will come from the Horizon Europe, cluster (vi) ‘Food, 
Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’. 

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The maximum amount of the EU contribution to administrative costs for the whole duration 
of  the  initiative  is  up  to  6%,  corresponding  to  EUR  19.5  million  from  the  total  Union 
contribution of EUR 325 million. 

The  EU  contribution  is  managed  by  the  PRIMA  Implementation  Structure  (PRIMA-IS), 
following  the  delegation  agreement  and  transfer  of  funds  agreement.  The  provisions  of  the 
Decision and of the delegation agreement concluded in 2018 between the Commission and the 
PRIMA-IS must ensure that the EU financial interests are protected.  

5. 

• 

OTHER ELEMENTS 

Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements 

The  implementation  of  the  initiative  will  be  based  on  an  updated  strategic  research  and 
innovation agenda agreed between the Commission and Participating States. 

PRIMA’s performance will be monitored through annual reports submitted by the PRIMA-IS 
to  the  European  Commission  for  approval.  This  will  include  reporting  progress  on  the  key 
performance  indicators  and  other  metrics  set  out  in  the  strategic  research  and  innovation 
agenda. 

The  proposal  foresees  an  additional  interim  evaluation  not  later  than  2025  and  a  final 
evaluation not later than 2030. 

• 

Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal 

Article 1 amends the Decision 2017/1324 and adapts it to the new regulatory framework set 
by the Horizon Europe Regulation (EU) 2021/695 and the Financial Regulation 2018/1046.  

Article  1(1)  provides  for  amendment  of  the  international  agreements  with  the  five 
Participating States that are not associated to Horizon Europe programme.  

Article  1(3)  provides  for  additional  Union  financial  contribution  from  the  Horizon  Europe 
programme  and  specifies  from  which  budget  line  of  the  Horizon  Europe  Programme  the 
Union financial contribution will be provided.  

Article  1(5)  specifies  the  minimum  financial  contribution  of  the  Participating  States  and 
extends the duration to which such contribution is committed, i.e. until 31 December 2031. 

Articles 1(6) extends the active period of PRIMA operation until 2027.  

Articles  1(12)  introduces  new  provisions  related  to  access  to  results  and  information  on 
proposals. 

Article 1(14) introduces new provisions related to monitoring and evaluation. 

Article  1(15)  introduces  new  provisions  related  to  confidentiality,  conflicts  of  interest,  and 
ongoing actions, activities and commitments. 

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2023/0207 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324 as regards the continuation of the Union’s 
participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area 
(PRIMA) under Horizon Europe 

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 Committee18,  

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

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Decision  (EU)  2017/1324  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council19  was 
adopted  under  the  previous  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation, 
namely Horizon 2020, for a period up to 31 December 2028.  

In  accordance  with  the  PRIMA  basic  act,  the  final  calls  for  proposals  under  the 
relevant annual work programme will be launched in 2024 and all indirect R&I actions 
will be finalised by 2028.  

The  Member  States  participating  in  PRIMA  declared  their  intention  to  continue  in 
their  joint  initiative  beyond  2024  and  called  for  the  continued  participation  of  the 
Union in the same institutional framework of Article 185.  

Since the initial rationale and objectives of PRIMA partnership are still valid and the 
interim evaluation report20 concluded that PRIMA  is a successful instrument with an 
added value for the Union, the Union should continue to provide financial support to 
allow PRIMA to fund research and innovation actions under the same thematic scope 
until 2027, and bring that instrument in synchronisation with the Union’s multiannual 

Opinion  of  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  on  the  ‘Proposal  for  a  Decision  of  the 
European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  the  participation  of  the  Union  in  the  Partnership  for 
Research  and  Innovation  in  the  Mediterranean  Area  (PRIMA)  jointly  undertaken  by  several  Member 
States’(COM(2016) 662 final — 2016/0325 (COD), C 125, 21.4.2017, p. 80.  
Decision  (EU)  2017/1324  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  4  July  2017  on  the 
participation  of  the  Union  in  the  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in  the  Mediterranean  Area 
(PRIMA) jointly undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 185, 18.7.2017, p. 1). 
COM(2023) 285final 

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(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

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24 

financial  framework  (MFF)  and  MFF-aligned  programming  cycles  of  R&I 
programmes. Moreover, the overall duration of PRIMA should be extended until 2031 
to allow for the full implementation of supported research and innovation actions. 

The  continued  Union  financial  support  to  PRIMA  should  come  from  the  general 
budget  of  the  Union  allocated  to  the  Specific  Programme  implementing  Horizon 
Europe,  established  by  Council  Decision  2021/76421,  and  in  particular  from  Pillar  II 
‘Global  challenges  and  European  Industrial  Competitiveness’,  and  the  relevant 
thematic  cluster  (vi)  ‘Food,  Bioeconomy,  Natural  Resources,  Agriculture  and 
Environment’.  

PRIMA  is  funded under Regulation  (EU) No 1291/2013  of the European Parliament 
and of the Council22. For the purpose of its continuation from 2025 onward, it should, 
be funded and operated under Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council23. Therefore, Decision (EU) 2017/1324 should be aligned with the 
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 
of the European Parliament and of the Council24.  

Decision (EU) 2017/1324 should be aligned with the objectives and the research and 
innovation priorities of Horizon Europe and with the general principles and conditions 
laid down in Article 10, and Annex III  and Annex VI of Regulation  (EU) 2021/695. 
Therefore,  it  is  necessary  to  have at  least  40% of Member States participating in  the 
extended  PRIMA  partnership.  Moreover,  the  PRIMA  partnership  should  operate  in 
one  of  the  priority  areas  for  institutionalised  European  partnerships,  and  that  all 
Participating  States  should  express  their  long-term  financial  commitment.  Those 
conditions are already met as current Member State participation rate is 41%, PRIMA 
partnership  fits  in  the  priority  area  Partnership  Area  5:  ‘Sustainable,  inclusive  and 
circular bio-based solutions’ of Annex VI, and the Participating States declared their 
long-term financial commitments to the PRIMA partnership.   

The  Union’s  financial  contribution  to  the  PRIMA  Partnership  should  be  subject  to  a 
formal commitment by the Participating States to make a financial contribution at least 
at  the  level  of  the  Union  contribution.  For  that  reason,  compliance  with  the  formal 
financial  commitments  should  be  closely  monitored  by  the  PRIMA  implementation 
structure (PRIMA-IS) on a regular basis. 

For the purpose of achieving the objectives of PRIMA, the aggregate contribution  of 
the Participating States should be at least equal to the Union contribution. Participating 
States  should  therefore  match  the  Union  contribution  under  Horizon  Europe  in 

Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Specific Programme implementing 
Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research  
and Innovation, and repealing Decision 
2013/743/EU (OJ L 167I, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 
Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 
establishing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and 
repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC Text with EEA relevance (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104) 
Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing 
Horizon  Europe  –  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation,  laying  down  its  rules  for 
participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 
(OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1) 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on 
the  financial  rules  applicable  to  the  general  budget  of  the  Union,  amending  Regulations  (EU)  No 
1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) 
No  1316/2013,  (EU)  No  223/2014,  (EU)  No  283/2014,  and  Decision  No  541/2014/EU  and  repealing 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). 

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(10) 

accordance  with  the  principle  set  out  in  Annex  III  to  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695.  In 
order  to  ensure  that  that  principle  is  fully  safeguarded,  only  contributions  from 
Participating States made after 31 December 2024 should be taken into account. 

In  order  to  ensure  their  continued  commitment  to  the  objectives  of  PRIMA  funded 
under  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  and  commitment  to    new  obligations    pursuant  to 
Regulation (EU) 2021/695 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046, Algeria, Egypt, 
Jordan,  Lebanon  and  Morocco  should  formally  accept  the  new  terms  and  conditions 
stemming from this amending decision, by concluding agreements with the Union, in 
the  form  of  an  exchange  of  letters,  amending  and  supplementing  the  existing 
international  agreements  for  scientific  and  technological  cooperation  concluded  with 
them.  This  should  not  affect  their  participation  in  activities  of  PRIMA  funded  under 
Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013.  

(11)  The  overall  Union  contribution  should  be  set  as  a  maximum  amount.  It  should  be 
possible,  in  accordance  with  Article  16(5)  of  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695,  that  the 
Union  contribution  from  Horizon  Europe  to  PRIMA  be  increased  by  such 
contributions  from  third  countries  associated  to  Horizon  Europe.  This  should  be 
subject to the total amount by which the Union contribution is increased being at least 
matched by the contribution from the Participating States. 

(12)  Taking  into  account  the  objectives  of  PRIMA,  entities  established  in  third  countries 
which  are  not  Participating  States  should  be  eligible  to  apply  for  funding  in  specific 
call  topics  provided  for  in  the  PRIMA  annual  work  programme.  All  appropriate 
measures,  including  contractual  measures,  should  be  taken  to  protect  the  financial 
interests of the Union. For that purpose, science and technology agreements with third 
countries in which such entities are established should be concluded. 

(13)  While ex post audits of expenditure on indirect action funded under Regulation (EU) 
No  1291/2013  should  continue  to  be  performed  in  accordance  with  the  relevant 
provisions of that Regulation, indirect actions funded under Horizon Europe should be 
audited in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695.  

(14)  Regulation (EU) 2021/695 places an increased focus on access to the results and other 
action  related  information  by  the  Commission  for  the  purpose  of  developing, 
implementing  and  monitoring  Union  policies  or  programmes  in  the  case  of 
institutionalised  European  partnerships.  Therefore,  the  PRIMA-IS should  ensure  that 
the Commission  has  access  to  all information  related to  the indirect  actions it funds, 
including contributions and results of beneficiaries participating in indirect actions. To 
uphold  their  interest,  the  Participating  States  should  also  have  access  to  information 
relating  to  proposals  which  include  applicants  established  in  their  territories.  Such 
access rights should comply with applicable confidentiality rules. 

(15)  The  extension  of  PRIMA  requires  monitoring  and  evaluation  of  this  partnership  in 
accordance with Horizon Europe related provisions. The Commission should conduct 
an  interim  evaluation  of  PRIMA  by  31  December  2025  at  the  latest,  and,  a  final 
evaluation by 31 December 2031 at the latest, that should feed into the overall interim 
and final evaluations of Horizon Europe. The evaluations should assess the quality and 
efficiency  of  PRIMA  and  the  progress  made  towards  achieving  its  objectives.  The 
Commission  should  publish  and  disseminate  the  results  and  conclusions  of  those 
evaluations. In accordance with Article 10(2), point (c), of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, 
PRIMA  should  have  a  clear  life-cycle  approach,  be  limited  in  time  and  include  the 
conditions for phasing-out the funding under Horizon Europe.  

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(16)  Decision (EU) 2017/1324 should therefore be amended accordingly, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 

Decision (EU) 2017/1324 is amended as follows: 

(1) 

Article 1 is amended as follows: 

(a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 

‘1.  The  Union  shall  participate  in  the  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in 
the  Mediterranean  Area  (‘PRIMA’),  an  institutionalised  European  partnership  as 
referred to in Article 10(1), point (c), of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council25,  jointly  undertaken  by  Croatia,  Cyprus,  France, 
Germany,  Greece,  Israel,  Italy,  Luxembourg,  Malta,  Portugal,  Slovenia,  Spain, 
Tunisia and Turkey (‘Participating States’), in  accordance with  the conditions  laid 
down in this Decision and upon notification of their participation in the activities of 
PRIMA by signing a letter of commitment.’; 

(b) paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 

‘2.  Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco shall continue to be Participating 
States  for  the  purpose  of  the  activities  of  PRIMA  funded  under  Article  3(1), 
point (a). For the purpose of their participation in activities of PRIMA funded under 
Article 3(1), point (b), they shall only be considered Participating States subject to 
the conclusion of an agreement,  in  the form  of  exchange of letters, amending  and 
supplementing the existing international agreements for scientific and technological 
cooperation  with  the  Union  and  setting  out  the  new  terms  and  conditions  of  their 
participation in PRIMA.’; 

(c) paragraphs 3 and 4 are replaced by the following: 

‘3.  Any Member State and any third country associated to Horizon 2020 or Horizon 
Europe,  other  than  those  listed  in  paragraph  1  of  this  Article,  may  participate  in 
PRIMA provided that  they fulfil the condition  laid down in  Article 4(1), point (c) 
and comply, in particular, with Article 11(5). They shall sign a letter of commitment 
confirming the terms and conditions of their participation in PRIMA with regard to 
Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe respectively.  

Member States  and third countries  associated to  Horizon  2020  or Horizon  Europe 
that  fulfil  the  conditions  set  out  in  the  first  subparagraph  shall  be  considered  as 
Participating States for the purposes of this Decision. 

4.  Any third country not associated to Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe, other than 
those listed in paragraph 2, may participate in PRIMA provided that:  

25 

25  
Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  28  April  2021 
establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its 
rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 
1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1) 

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(a) they  fulfil  the  condition  laid  down  in  Article  4(1),  point  (c)  and  comply,  in 

particular, with Article 11(5);  

(b) the 

their 
implementation  structure  for  PRIMA  (‘PRIMA-IS’)  approves 
participation  in  PRIMA  after  examining  the  relevance  of  their  participation  to 
achieving the objectives of PRIMA; and 

(c) they  conclude  an  international  agreement  for  scientific  and  technological 
cooperation  with  the  Union  setting  out  the  terms  and  conditions  of  their 
participation in PRIMA. 

Third  countries  that  fulfil  the  conditions  set  out  in  the  first  subparagraph  shall  be 
considered as Participating States for the purposes of this Decision.’; 

(2) 

in Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 

‘1.  PRIMA  shall  contribute  to  the  general  and  specific  objectives  of  Regulation 
(EU) 2021/695  and in  particular  Article 3 thereof and shall deliver on the  general 
objectives of building research and innovation capacities and developing knowledge 
and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems, making them sustainable, 
and  for  integrated  water  provision  and  management  in  the  Mediterranean  area, 
making those systems, their management and the provision more climate resilient, 
efficient, cost-effective and environmentally and socially sustainable, and contribute 
to solving water scarcity, food security, nutrition, health, well-being and migration 
problems upstream.’ ; 

(3) 

Article 3 is amended as follows: 

(a) paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following: 

‘1.  The Union financial contribution, including EEA appropriations, shall equal the 
Participating States’ contributions to PRIMA. The Union contribution shall be up to 
EUR 325 000 000 and shall be distributed as follows:  

(a)  up to EUR 220 000 000 from Horizon 2020;  

(b)  up to EUR 105 000 000 from Horizon Europe.   

The  amount  of  the  Union  financial  contribution  from  Horizon  Europe  may  be 
increased  by  contributions  from  third  countries  associated  to  Horizon  Europe  in 
accordance  with  Article  16(5) of  Regulation  (EU) 2021/695  and provided that the 
total increase in the Union contribution is at least matched by the contribution from 
the Participating States referred to in Article 1(1). 

2.  The  Union  financial  contribution  referred  to  in  paragraph  1,  point  (a)  of  this 
Article  shall  be  paid  from  the  appropriations  in  the  general  budget  of  the  Union 
allocated  to  the  relevant  parts  of  the  specific  programme  implementing  Horizon 
2020, established by Council Decision 2013/743/EU, and in particular from Part II 
‘Industrial  leadership’  and  Part  III  ‘Societal  challenges’,  in  accordance  with 
Article 57  of  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  and  Article  62(1),  point  (c)(vii)  of 
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.’ ; 

b) the following paragraph 2a is inserted: 

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‘2a.  The  Union  financial  contribution  referred  to  in  paragraph  1,  point  (b)  of  this 
Article  shall  be  paid  from  the  appropriations  in  the  general  budget  of  the  Union 
allocated  to  the  relevant  parts  of  the  specific  programme  implementing  Horizon 
Europe, established by Council Decision 2021/76426, and in particular from Pillar II 
‘Global  challenges  and  European  Industrial  Competitiveness’,  cluster  (vi)  ‘Food, 
Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’, and in accordance 
with Article 62(1), point (c)(vii) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.’ ; 

(4) 

Article 4 is amended as follows: 

(a) in paragraph 1, points (b), (c) and (d) are replaced by the following: 

‘(b)  the  designation  by  the  Participating  States,  or  by  organisations  designated  by 
the  Participating  States,  of  an  entity  with  legal  personality,  as  referred  to  in 
Article  62(1),  point  (c)(vii)  of  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  No  2018/1046,  as 
PRIMA-IS, which shall be responsible for implementing PRIMA efficiently, for 
receiving, allocating and monitoring the Union financial contribution referred to 
in Article 3(1) of this Decision as well as the Participating States' contributions, 
where appropriate, and for ensuring that all necessary actions are undertaken to 
achieve the objectives of PRIMA; 

(c)  the  commitment  by  each  Participating  State  to  contribute  to  the  financing  of 
PRIMA with a contribution from national resources relevant to the objectives of 
PRIMA that is at least equal to the Union contribution;  

(d) the demonstration by PRIMA-IS of its capacity to implement PRIMA, including 
receiving, allocating and monitoring the Union financial contribution referred to 
in Article 3(1) in the framework of indirect management of the Union budget in 
accordance with Articles 62 and 154 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.’ ; 

(b) paragraph 2, point (c) is replaced by the following : 

‘(c)  the  compliance  by  PRIMA-IS  with  the  reporting  requirements  set  out  in 

Article 155 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046;’ ; 

(c) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: 

‘The Commission  shall assess on an ongoing basis the fulfilment of commitments 
undertaken  by  the  Participating  States  and  may  take  appropriate  measures, 
including those in Article 9.’;  

(5) 

Article 5 is amended as follows: 

(a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 

‘1.  The Participating States shall make or arrange for their national funding bodies 
to  make  contributions,  whether  financial  or  in  kind,  of  at  least  EUR  325  000  000 
during the period from 7 August 2017 until 31 December 2031.’ ;  

26 

Council Decision (EU)  2021/764 of 10 May 2021 establishing the Specific Programme implementing 
Horizon  Europe  –  the  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Innovation,  and  repealing  Decision 
2013/743/EU  (OJ L 167I, 12.5.2021, p. 1). 

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(b) paragraph 6 is replaced by the following:  

‘6.  Contributions  referred  to  in  paragraph  2,  points  (a),  (b)  and  (c)  counting  as 
contributions  from  Participating  States  shall  be  made  after  the  adoption  of  the 
annual work programme. Where the annual work programme is adopted during the 
reference year referred to in Article 6(2), the contributions referred to in paragraph 
2,  point  (c),  counting  as  contributions  from  Participating  States  included  in  the 
annual  work  programme,  may  include  contributions  made  from  1  January  of  that 
year. However, the contributions  referred to  in  paragraph 2, point (c), counting as 
the  first  annual  work 
contributions  from  Participating  States 
programme, may include contributions made after 7 August 2017.’; 

included 

in 

(6) 

Article 6 is replaced by the following:  

Article 6 

Activities and implementation of PRIMA 

‘1.  PRIMA shall support a wide range of research and innovation activities, as described 
in its annual work programme, by means of:  

(a)  indirect  actions  within  the  meaning  of  Regulations  (EU)  No  1290/2013  and  (EU) 
2021/695 funded by PRIMA-IS in accordance with Article 7 of this Decision, mainly 
in the form of grants following transnational open, transparent and competitive calls 
for proposals organised by PRIMA-IS, including:  

(i) research and innovation actions, as well as innovation actions;  

(ii) coordination  and  support  actions  focusing  on  dissemination  and  outreach  to 

promote PRIMA and maximise its impacts;  

(b) activities funded by the Participating States without the Union financial contribution 
referred  to  in  Article  3(1)  that  contribute  to  the  objectives  of  PRIMA  or  that  are 
directly linked to the uptake of results from projects under PRIMA  and that consist 
of:  

(i)  activities  selected  following  transnational  open,  transparent  and  competitive 
calls for proposals organised by PRIMA-IS, managed by the national funding 
bodies  under  the  national  programmes  of  the  Participating  States,  providing 
financial support mainly in the form of grants;  

(ii) activities under the national programmes of the Participating States including 

transnational projects.  

2.  PRIMA  shall  be  implemented  on  the  basis  of  annual  work  programmes  covering 
activities to be undertaken for the period from 1 January to 31 December of a given  year 
(‘reference year’). PRIMA-IS shall adopt the annual work programmes by 31 March of 
the reference year, after obtaining approval from the Commission. In adopting the annual 
work programmes, both PRIMA-IS and the Commission shall act without undue delay. 
PRIMA-IS shall make the annual work programme publicly available.  

3.  Activities referred to in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 may be launched only in the 
reference year and only after the adoption of the annual work programme for that year.  

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4.  If  the  annual  work  programme  is  adopted  during  the  reference  year,  the  Union 
financial  contribution  referred  to  in  Article  3(1)  may  be  used  to  reimburse  the 
administrative costs of PRIMA-IS incurred from 1 January of that reference year in line 
with the annual work programme. However, the Union financial contribution referred to 
in  Article  3(1)  may  reimburse  administrative  costs  of  PRIMA-IS  incurred  as  from  7 
August 2017 in line with the first annual work programme.  

5.  Activities  may  be  funded  under  PRIMA  only  if  they  are  set  out  in  the  annual  work 
programme.  The  annual  work  programme  shall  distinguish  between  the  activities 
referred  to  in  paragraph  1,  point  (a),  the  activities  referred  to  in  paragraph  1,  point  (b) 
and  the  administrative  costs  of  PRIMA-IS.  It  shall  provide  for  their  corresponding 
expenditure  estimates  as  well  as  for  the  budget  allocation  to  activities  funded  with  the 
Union  financial  contribution  referred  to  in  Article  3(1)  and  to  activities  funded  by  the 
Participating States without the Union financial contribution referred to in Article 3(1). 
The annual work programme shall also include the estimated value of the Participating 
States' in-kind contributions referred to in point (b) of Article 5(2).  

6.  Amended  annual  work  programmes  for  a  reference  year  and  annual  work 
programmes for subsequent reference years shall take into account the results of previous 
calls  for  proposals.  They  shall  endeavour  to  address  insufficient  coverage  of  scientific 
topics,  in  particular,  those  initially  addressed  in  activities  under  paragraph  1,  point  (b) 
that could not be adequately funded. 

7.  The  final  activities  to  be  funded,  including  the  final  calls  for  proposals  under  the 
relevant  annual  work  programmes  shall  be  launched  by  31  December  2027.  In  duly 
justified cases, they may be launched by 31 December 2028. 

8.  Activities  to  be  funded  by  the  Participating  States  without  the  Union  financial 
contribution referred to in Article 3(1) may be included in the annual work programme 
only  following  the  positive  outcome  of  their  external  independent  evaluation  by 
international  peer  review  with  regard  to  the  objectives  of  PRIMA,  as  organised  by 
PRIMA-IS. 

9.  Activities included in the annual work programme that are funded by the Participating 
States  in  accordance  with  Article  6(1),  point  (b)  shall  be  implemented  in  compliance 
with common principles to be adopted by the PRIMA-IS, after obtaining approval from 
the Commission. The common principles shall take into account the principles set out in 
this  Decision,  in  Title  VIII  of  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  2018/1046  and  in  Chapter  II 
of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. PRIMA-IS shall also adopt, after obtaining approval from 
the  Commission,  the  reporting  requirements  of  the  Participating  States  to  PRIMA-IS, 
including with regard to indicators inserted into each of those activities. 

10.  The activities referred to in paragraph 1, point (b)(i) shall, in addition to the common 
principles referred to in paragraph 9, comply with the following conditions:  

(a)  the  proposals  shall  be  for  transnational  projects,  with  minimum  participation  of  at 
least  three  independent  legal  entities  established  in  three  different  countries 
considered  to  be  Participating  States  in  accordance  with  this  Decision  by  the 
submission deadline under the relevant call for proposals, of which:  

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(i) at  least  one  is  established  in  a  Member  State  or  third  country  associated  to 
Horizon  2020  or  Horizon  Europe  respectively  and  does  not  fall  under  point 
(ii); and 

(ii) at least one is established in a third country listed in Article 1(2), or in a third 

country bordering the Mediterranean Sea; 

(b) the proposals shall be selected following transnational calls for proposals and shall be 
evaluated by at least three independent experts, on the basis of the following award 
criteria: excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of the implementation;  

(c) the proposals shall be ranked according to the evaluation results. The selection shall 
be made by PRIMA-IS and should follow that ranking. The Participating States shall 
agree  on  an  adequate  funding  mode  that  allows  for  maximising  the  number  of 
proposals above threshold to be funded on the basis of that ranking, in particular, by 
providing reserve amounts to the national contributions for calls for proposals. In the 
event that one or more projects cannot be funded, the projects following directly in 
the ranking may be selected.  

11.  PRIMA-IS  shall  monitor  and  report  annually 
implementation of all activities included in the annual work programme. 

to 

the  Commission  on  the 

12.  Any  communication  or  publication  relating  to  the  activities  of  PRIMA,  and 
performed  in  cooperation  with  PRIMA,  whether  undertaken  by  PRIMA-IS,  a 
Participating State or its national funding bodies, or participants to an activity, shall be 
labelled  or  co-labelled  as  follows:‘[name  of  the  activity]  is  part  of  the  PRIMA 
programme co-funded by the European Union.’ ; 

(7) 

Article 7 is replaced by the following: 

Article 7 

Rules for participation and dissemination 

‘1.  PRIMA-IS  shall  be  considered  to  be  a  funding  body  within  the  meaning  of 
Regulation  (EU) No 1290/2013  and of  Article 2(14) of Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  and 
shall provide financial support to indirect actions referred to in Article 6(1), point (a) of 
this  Decision  in  accordance  with  the  rules  set  out  in  the  respective  Regulations  and 
subject to the derogations set out in this Article. 

2.   In  accordance  with  Article  17(2)  of  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  and  by  way  of 
derogation  from  Article  9(1),  point  (b)  of  Regulation  (EU)  No  1290/2013,  and  from 
Article 22(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the minimum number of participants shall be 
three legal entities established in three different countries considered to be Participating 
States by the submission deadline under the relevant call for proposals of which at least 
one is established:  

(a)  in  a  Member  State  or  third  country  associated  to  Horizon  2020  or  Horizon  Europe 

respectively and does not fall under point (b); and 

(b)  in  a  third  country  listed  in  Article  1(2),  or  in  a  third  country  bordering  the 

Mediterranean Sea. 

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3.  By way of derogation from Article 9(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 and from 
Article  22(2)  of  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695,  in  duly  justified  cases  provided  for  in  the 
annual work programme, the minimum condition shall be the participation of one legal 
entity established in a Participating State by the submission deadline under the relevant 
call for proposals.  

4.  By way of derogation from  Article 10(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 
and from Article 23(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the following participants 
shall be eligible for funding by PRIMA-IS:  

(a) any legal entity established in a Participating State or created pursuant to Union law; 

(b) any international European interest organisation, as defined in Article 2(1), point (12) 
of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 for activities of PRIMA funded under Article 3(1), 
point  (a)  or  any  international  European  research  organisation,  as  defined  in  Article 
2(15) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695  for activities of PRIMA funded under Article 3 
(1), point (b).   

5.  In  the  case  of  a  participating  international  organisation  or  of  a  participating  legal 
entity  established  in  a  country  which  is  not  a  Participating  State,  neither  of  which  is 
eligible  for  funding  in  accordance  with  paragraph  4,  funding  by  PRIMA-IS  may  be 
granted provided that at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:  

(a) participation of the international organisation or legal entity concerned is deemed to 

be essential by PRIMA-IS for implementing the action;  

(b)  participation  of  such  entities  is  foreseen  in  the  annual  work  programme  and  the 
possibility  of  such  funding  is  provided  for  under  a  bilateral  scientific  and 
technological agreement or under any other arrangement that ensures the protection 
of the financial interest of the Union, which is concluded between the Union and, the 
international  organisation  or,  for  entities  established  in  a  country  which  is  not  a 
Participating State, the country in which the legal entity is established.   

6.  Without  prejudice  to  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  2018/1046,  the  applicable  model 
grant agreement may lay down that legal entities established in countries which are not 
Participating  States  and  which  receive  funding  from  PRIMA-IS  shall  also  provide 
appropriate financial guarantees. 

7.  The Union shall conclude agreements with third countries that allow the protection of 
the financial interests of the Union.’ ;  

(8) 

Article 8 is amended as follows: 

(a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : 

‘1.  Subject  to  a  positive ex-ante assessment  of  PRIMA-IS  in  accordance  with 
Article  154(3)  of  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom)  2018/1046  and  the  provision  of 
adequate  financial  guarantees  in  accordance  with  point  Article  62(1),  point  (c)(vi) 
of  that  Regulation,  the  Commission,  on  behalf  of  the  Union,  shall  conclude  a 
Financial  Framework  Partnership  agreement  and  contribution  agreements  with 
PRIMA-IS.’ ; 

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(b) in paragraph 2 the first sentence is replaced by the following: 

‘ The Financial Framework Partnership agreement referred to in paragraph 1 of this 
Article  shall  be  concluded  in  accordance  with  Article  130  of  Regulation  (EU, 
Euratom) 2018/1046.’; 

(9) 

In Article 9 the following paragraph 3 is added: 

‘3.  The Commission’s decision to terminate, proportionally reduce  or suspend the 
Union  financial  contribution  shall  not  hinder  the  reimbursement  of  eligible  costs 
already  incurred  by  the  Participating  States  before  the  decision  is  notified  to 
PRIMA IS.’; 

(10)  Article 10 is amended as follows: 

(a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 

‘1.  Ex-post  audits  of  expenditure  on  indirect  action  under  Regulation  (EU)  No 
1291/2013 shall be carried out by PRIMA-IS in accordance with Article 29 of that 
Regulation.’; 

(b) the following paragraph 1a is inserted: 

‘1a.  Audits  of  expenditure  on  indirect  actions  under  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695 
shall be carried out by the PRIMA IS in accordance with Article 53 of  Regulation 
(EU)  2021/695  as  part  of  the  Horizon  Europe  programme  indirect  actions,  in 
particular in  accordance  with  the audit strategy  referred to  in  Article 53(2) of that 
Regulation.’; 

(11)  Article 11 is amended as follows: 

(a) the following paragraph 3a is inserted: 

‘3a.  The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is empowered, in accordance 
with  Council  Regulation  (EU)  2017/193927,  to  investigate  and  prosecute  criminal 
offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as set out in Article 4 of that 
Regulation.’ ; 

(b) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: 

‘4.  Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 3a, contracts, grant agreements and grant 
decisions,  resulting  from  the  implementation  of  this  Decision  shall  contain 
provisions  expressly  empowering  the  Commission,  PRIMA-IS,  the  Court  of 
Auditors,  the  EPPO  and  OLAF  to  conduct  such  audits  and  investigations  in 
accordance  with  their  respective  competences.  Where  the  implementation  of  an 
action is outsourced or sub-delegated, in whole or in part, or where it requires the 
award of a procurement contract or financial support to a third party, the contract, 
grant  agreement  or  grant  decision  shall  include  the  contractor's  or  beneficiary's 

27 

Council  Regulation  (EU)  2017/1939  of  12  October  2017  implementing  enhanced  cooperation  on  the 
establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’)(OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1) 

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obligation  to  impose  on  any  third  party  involved  explicit  acceptance  of  those 
powers of the Commission, PRIMA-IS, the Court of Auditors, EPPO and OLAF.’;  

(c) the following paragraph 4a is inserted: 

‘ 4a.  The  PRIMA- IS  shall  grant  each  Participating  States’  national  court  of 
auditors,  on  their  request,  access  to  all  the  information  related  to  the  national 
contributions  of  the  respective  Participating  State,  including  information  in 
electronic format, needed in order to conduct their audits.’; 

(d) paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : 

‘5.  In  implementing  PRIMA,  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) 2018/1046.’;   

(12) 

the following Article 11a is inserted: 

‘Article 11a 

Access to results and information on proposals 

1.  The PRIMA- IS shall provide the Commission access to all information related to the 
indirect  actions  it  funds.  Such  information  shall  include  contributions  and  results  of 
beneficiaries participating in indirect actions, or any other information deemed necessary 
for  developing,  implementing,  monitoring  and  evaluating  Union  or  where  applicable 
Participating States’ policies or programmes.   

2.  For  the  purposes  of  developing,  implementing,  monitoring  and  evaluating  Union 
policies  or  programmes,  the  PRIMA-IS  shall  provide  the  Commission  with  the 
information  included  in  submitted  proposals.  This  shall  apply  mutatis  mutandis  to 
Participating  States  regarding  proposals  which  include  applicants  established  in  their 
respective territories.’;  

(13) 

in Article 12, paragraphs 2 to 5 are replaced by the following: 

‘2.  PRIMA-IS  shall  be  governed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  in  which  all 
Participating  States  are  represented.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  the  decision-
making body of PRIMA-IS. 

The Board of Trustees, after obtaining approval from the Commission,  shall adopt 
the following: 

(a) 

the annual work programme; 

(b) 

the common principles referred to in Article 6(9); 

(c) 

the Participating States' reporting requirements to PRIMA-IS. 

The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  verify  that  the  conditions  set  out  in  Article  1(3)  and 
point (c) of Article 4(1) are fulfilled and shall inform the Commission accordingly. 

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The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  approve  the  participation  in  PRIMA  of  any  third 
country not associated to Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe other than those listed in 
Article  1(2),  after  examining  the  relevance  of  its  participation  to  achieving  the 
objectives of PRIMA. 

Each  Participating  State  shall  have  one  vote  in  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Decisions 
shall be taken by consensus. Where no consensus is reached the Board of Trustees 
shall adopt its decisions by a majority of at least 75 % of the valid votes cast. 

The Union, represented by the Commission, shall be invited to all the meetings of 
the Board of Trustees as an observer, and may take part in the discussions. It shall 
receive all necessary documents. 

3.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  determine  the  number  of  Steering  Committee 
members,  which  shall  not  be  less  than  five,  and  shall  appoint  them.  The  Steering 
Committee shall monitor the work of the director and advise the Board of Trustees 
on the implementation  of PRIMA by the Secretariat.  In particular, it shall provide 
guidance  on  the  implementation  of  the  annual  budget  and  on  the  annual  work 
programme. 

4.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  establish  the  Secretariat  of  PRIMA-IS  as  the 
executive body of PRIMA. 

The Secretariat shall: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

 implement the annual work programme; 

 provide support to the other bodies of PRIMA-IS; 

 monitor and report on the implementation of PRIMA; 

 manage  the  Union  financial  contribution  referred  to  in  Article  3(1)  and  the 
Participating States' financial contributions and report on their use; 

 increase the visibility of PRIMA through advocacy and communication; 

 liaise  with  the  Commission  in  accordance  with  the  financial  framework 
partnership agreement referred to in Article 8; 

(g) 

 ensure the transparency of PRIMA activities. 

5.  The Board of Trustees shall appoint a Scientific Advisory Committee consisting 
of  renowned  independent  experts,  competent  in  areas  relevant  to  PRIMA.  The 
Board  of  Trustees  shall  establish  the  number  of  Scientific  Advisory  Committee 
members, and the arrangements for their appointment in accordance with Article 49 
of Regulation (EU) 2021/695.’; 

(14)  Article 14 is replaced by the following: 

‘Article 14 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

1.  The  activities  of  PRIMA  shall  be  continuously  monitored  and  subject  to  periodic 
reviews  to  ensure  the  highest  impact,  scientific  excellence  and  the  most  effective  and 

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efficient  use  of  resources.  The  outcome  of  the  monitoring  and  of  the  periodic  reviews 
shall  feed  into  the  monitoring  of  European  partnerships  as  part  of  the  Horizon  Europe 
evaluations, pursuant to Articles 50 and 52 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695.   

2.  The  PRIMA-IS  shall  organise  the  continuous  monitoring  and  reporting  of  the 
management  and  the  implementation  of  their  activities  and  the  periodic  reviews  of  the 
outputs,  results  and  impact  of  the  funded  indirect  actions  implemented  in  accordance 
with Article 50 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 and Annex III to that Regulation.   

3.  The Commission shall conduct an interim evaluation and a final evaluation of PRIMA 
in  the  framework  of  the  Horizon  Europe  evaluations,  in  accordance  with  Article  52  of 
Regulation (EU) 2021/695, with the assistance of external independent experts selected 
on the basis of an open and transparent process.  

4.  The  interim  and  final  evaluations  referred  to  in  paragraph  3  shall  examine  how 
PRIMA  fulfils  its  mission  and  objectives,  cover  all  its  activities  and  evaluate  its 
European added value, effectiveness, efficiency, including its openness and transparency, 
the  relevance  of  the  activities  pursued,  including  in  industry  and  by  SMEs,  and  their 
consistency  and  complementarity  with  relevant  regional,  national  and  Union  policies, 
including  synergies  with  other  parts  of  Horizon  Europe,  such  as  other  partnerships, 
missions, clusters and thematic or specific programmes. The evaluations shall take into 
account the views of stakeholders, at both Union and national level. They shall include, 
where  relevant,  an  assessment  of  the  most  effective  policy  intervention  mode  for  any 
future action, as well as the relevance and coherence of any possible renewal of PRIMA, 
given  the  overall  policy  priorities  and  the  research  and  innovation  support  landscape, 
including  the  positioning  against  other  initiatives  supported  through  Horizon  Europe. 
When  carrying  out  those  evaluations,  the  Commission  shall  fully  consider  the 
administrative impact on PRIMA and shall seek to reduce the administrative burden and 
to ensure that the evaluation process is kept simple and fully transparent. 

5.  The  Commission  shall  publish  and  disseminate  the  results  and  conclusions  of  the 
evaluations referred to in paragraph 3.’ ; 

(15)  

the following Articles 14a, 14b and 14c are inserted : 

‘Article 14a 

Confidentiality 

Without  prejudice  to  Article  11a  the  PRIMA-  IS  shall  ensure  the  protection  of 
confidential information, the disclosure of which beyond the Union institutions, bodies, 
offices  or  agencies,  has  the  potential  to  damage  the  interests  of  the  PRIMA-IS,  its 
members or of the participants in the activities of PRIMA. Such confidential information 
shall include personal, commercial, sensitive non-classified and classified information.  

Article 14b  

Conflicts of interest  

1.  The PRIMA-IS, its  bodies, members and staff shall avoid  any  conflict  of  interest  in 
carrying out their activities.   

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2.  The  PRIMA-IS  shall  adopt  rules  for  the  prevention,  avoidance  and  management  of 
conflicts of interest in respect of its staff, the members and other persons serving in any 
of  its  bodies  or  groups  of  the  PRIMA-IS,  in  accordance  with  Article  61  of  Regulation 
(EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.   

3.  The  PRIMA-IS  shall  establish  a  code  of  conduct  for  members  of  its  bodies,  which 
shall include the publication of declarations of professional activities, financial interests 
and conflicts of interest in accordance with data protection rules.  

Article 14c 

Ongoing actions, activities and commitments 

Actions  or  activities  of  the  PRIMA-IS  or  commitments  by  the  Participating  States 
referred to in this Decision initiated or undertaken under Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013, 
shall  continue  to  be  governed  by  the  provisions  of  that  Regulation  except  where 
otherwise provided in this Decision.’.  

Article 2 

Entry into force 

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

Article 3 

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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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

Contents 

1. 

1.1. 

1.2. 

1.3. 

1.4. 

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE ................................................. 3 

Title of the proposal/initiative ...................................................................................... 3 

Policy area(s) concerned (Programme cluster) ............................................................ 3 

The proposal/initiative relates to: ................................................................................. 3 

Grounds for the proposal/initiative .............................................................................. 3 

1.4.1.  Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term including a detailed timeline for 

roll-out of the implementation of the initiative ............................................................ 3 

1.4.2.  Added value of Union involvement (it may result from different factors, e.g. 

coordination gains, legal certainty, greater effectiveness or complementarities). For 
the purposes of this point 'added value of Union involvement' is the value resulting 
from Union intervention which is additional to the value that would have been 
otherwise created by Member States alone. ................................................................. 4 

1.4.3.  Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past .................................................. 4 

1.4.4.  Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments ..................... 5 

1.5. 

1.6. 

2. 

2.1. 

2.2. 

2.2.1. 

2.2.2. 

Duration and financial impact ...................................................................................... 6 

Management mode(s) planned ..................................................................................... 6 

MANAGEMENT MEASURES ................................................................................... 8 

Monitoring and reporting rules .................................................................................... 8 

Management and control system(s) ............................................................................. 8 

Justification of the management mode(s), the funding implementation mechanism(s), 
the payment modalities and the control strategy proposed .......................................... 8 

Information concerning the risks identified and the internal control system(s) set up 
to mitigate them ............................................................................................................ 9 

2.2.3.  Estimation and justification of the cost-effectiveness of the controls (ratio of "control 

costs ÷ value of the related funds managed"), and assessment of the expected levels 
of risk of error (at payment & at closure) .................................................................... 9 

2.3. 

3. 

3.1. 

Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities ................................................................ 9 

ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE ............ 10 

Heading of the multiannual financial framework and new expenditure budget line(s) 
proposed ..................................................................................................................... 10 

3.2. 

Estimated impact on expenditure ............................................................................... 11 

3.2.1.  Summary of estimated impact on expenditure ........................................................... 11 

3.2.2.  Summary of estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature ........... 13 

3.2.3.  Third-party contributions ........................................................................................... 15 

3.3. 

Estimated impact on revenue ..................................................................................... 15 

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LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

1. 

FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE  

1.1. 

Title of the proposal/initiative  

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

amending  Decision  (EU)  2017/1324  as  regards  the  continuation  of  the  Union’s 
participation  in  the  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in  the  Mediterranean 
Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe 

1.2. 

Policy area(s) concerned (Programme cluster) 

Activity:  Horizon  Europe,  Pillar  II  ‘Global  challenges  and  European  Industrial 
Competitiveness’,  cluster  (vi)  Food,  Bioeconomy,  Natural  Resources,  Agriculture 
and Environment 

1.3. 

The proposal/initiative relates to:  

 a new action  
 a new action following a pilot project/preparatory action28  

 the extension of an existing action  

 a merger or redirection of one or more actions towards another/a new action  

1.4. 

Grounds for the proposal/initiative  

1.4.1.  Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term including a detailed timeline for 

roll-out of the implementation of the initiative 

The initiative main objective is to support collaborative research and innovation that 
will  tackle  some  challenges  driven  by  climate  change,  population  growth  and 
urbanisation, and contribute to sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. 
The  initiative  will  deliver  innovative  solutions  in  the  fields  of  water  management, 
agriculture and food systems contributing to health and wellbeing of the population 
and  will  help  prevent  societal  conflicts  and  mass  migration  in  the  Southern 
Mediterranean.  

The  initiative  will  extend  the  active  operation  of  the  existing  PRIMA  partnership 
established under article 185 TFEU by Decision 2017/1324 (PRIMA basic act). The 
current  PRIMA  partnership’s  operation  period  is  2018-2024  and  the  Union 
contribution is provided by the Horizon 2020 programme. This initiative will extend 
the  period  of  active  operation  to  2027  and  will  bring  PRIMA  partnership  in 
synchronisation  with  Union’s  multiannual  financial  framework  (MFF)  and  MFF-
aligned programming cycles of R&I programmes.   

The  extension  of  PRIMA  partnership  will  require  additional  financial  contributions 
from the Union and Participating States. It is proposed that PRIMA will continue to 
operate  in  the  same  thematic  areas  (water  management,  agriculture  and  food 
systems) at the same level of activities with the annual budget of approximately EUR 
70  million  Eur.  The  Union  annual  contribution  amounts  to  approximately  EUR  35  
million EUR and the Participating States contribute financially with at least the same 

28 

As referred to in Article 58(2)(a) or (b) of the Financial Regulation. 

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amount. The Participating States also contribute with additional in-kind contribution 
(R&I actions programmed and funded at national level).  

Industrial  Competitiveness’,  cluster 

The additional financial contribution from the Union at the level of EUR 105 million 
EUR  for  the  period  2025-2027  will  come  from  Horizon  Europe,  Pillar  II  ‘Global 
(vi)  Food, 
challenges  and  European 
Bioeconomy,  Natural  Resources,  Agriculture  and  Environment.  The  initiative 
complies  with  the  new  requirements  for  institutional  partnerships  introduced  by 
Horizon  Europe  regulation  (Article  10,  Annex  III  and  Annex  VI),  e.g.  the 
participation  of Member States exceeds the 40% minimum, PRIMA falls under the 
priority areas for institutional partnership, and the Participating States expressed their 
long-term commitments to the partnership.  

As  the  new  Union’s  financial  contribution  comes  from  a  different  programme  the 
PRIMA basic act has to be adapted to the new regulatory framework. This initiative 
will amend the Decision 2017/1324 in particular to adapt it  to the Regulation (EU) 
2021/695 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. The new regulatory framework 
has  to  be  reflected  also  in  the  international  agreements  with  5  Participating  States 
that  are  not  Member  States  nor  associated  to  Horizon  Europe  (Algeria,  Egypt, 
Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco).  

Adoption  of  the  Decision  amending  the  PRIMA  basic  act  is  expected  in  2024. 
Consequently, a new Financial Framework Agreement and a contribution agreement 
will  be  concluded  with  the  existing  PRIMA  dedicated  implementing  structure 
(PRIMA-IS).  The  Union  contribution  will  be  implemented  in  three  annual 
commitments based on PRIMA Annual Work Programmes in 2025, 2026 and 2027.  

The period for implementation of indirect actions will be extended to 2031. 

1.4.2.  Added  value  of  Union  involvement  (it  may  result  from  different  factors,  e.g. 
coordination gains, legal certainty, greater effectiveness or complementarities). For 
the purposes of this point 'added value of Union involvement' is the value resulting 
from  Union  intervention,  which  is  additional  to  the  value  that  would  have  been 
otherwise created by Member States alone. 

PRIMA  Article  185  partnership  is  expected  to  have  impacts  in  terms  of  excellent 
collaborative  R&I  activities,  focusing  and  alignment  of  national  R&I  systems  and 
science  diplomacy.  The  institutional  format  and  the  participation  of  the  EU  in  the 
partnership achieve the impacts that would not be possible to achieve through other 
forms of collaboration at national level and non-institutionalised format.  

PRIMA has demonstrated a significant financial leverage impact, influenced national 
R&I  strategies  so  they  are  aligned  and  complementary  to  PRIMA’s  strategic  R&I 
agenda and triggered a reform of R&I funding procedures in the Participating States 
where  national 
funding  procedures  hampered  scientific  collaboration.  The 
institutionalised format has enabled participation of non-associated countries on the 
equal  footing  with  other  Participating  States,  which  would  not  be  possible  in  non-
institutionalised partnerships and without EU participation.   

The  EU  added  value  was  confirmed  by  the  interim  evaluation  report  conducted  in 
2022 by external evaluators.  

1.4.3.  Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past 

The PRIMA partnership demonstrated during the first years of its operation that it is 
an  effective  instrument  for  international  scientific  collaboration  and  science 

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diplomacy. The interim evaluation report concluded it is achieving its objectives and 
delivers a significant EU added value. Many Participating States, both EU  Member 
States and non-EU countries consider PRIMA as a model for R&I collaboration that 
could  be  applied  in  other  thematic  areas  in  the  future,  as  expressed  in  the  UfM 
ministerial  meeting  in  2022,  in  letters  to  the  Commission  and  statements  in  the 
Competitiveness Council meeting in December 2022.  

1.4.4.  Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments 

At  strategic  level  PRIMA  partnership  is  compatible  with  EU  policy  priorities, 
notable  the  Green  Deal,  Climate  Adaptation  Strategy,  Farm  to  Fork  Startegy, 
Bioeconomy Strategy, Circular Economy Action Plan, CAP and Water policies. 

At programing level the PRIMA Annual Work Plans are well cordinated with other 
relevant R&I instruments such as the Soil Mission, the Climate Adaptation mission 
or  the  Water  for  All  partnership.  PRIMA  is  complementary  to  the  Mediterranean 
Initiative in the Horzion Europe Work Programme 2023-2024. 

In  the  period  of  extension  2025-2027  the  PRIMA  programming  documents  will  be 
cooordinated with the existing insturments and initiatives as well as with the relevant 
new initiatives stemming from the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027. 

1.5. 

Duration and financial impact  

 limited duration  

–    in effect from [01/01]2025 to [31/12]2031  

–    Financial impact from 2025 to 2027 for commitment appropriations and from 

2025 to 2031 for payment appropriations.  

 unlimited duration 

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

–  followed by full-scale operation. 

1.6.  Management mode(s) planned29  

 Direct management by the Commission 

 by its departments, including by its staff in the Union delegations;  

 by the executive agencies  

 Shared management with the Member States  

 Indirect management by entrusting budget implementation tasks to: 

 third countries or the bodies they have designated; 

 international organisations and their agencies (to be specified); 

the EIB and the European Investment Fund; 

 bodies referred to in Articles 70 and 71 of the Financial Regulation; 

29 

Details of management modes and references to the Financial Regulation may be found on the 
BudgWeb site: 
https://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/budgweb/EN/man/budgmanag/Pages/budgmanag.aspx  

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 public law bodies; 

  bodies  governed  by  private  law  with  a  public  service  mission  to  the  extent  that 

they provide adequate financial guarantees; 

 bodies governed by the private law of a Member State that are entrusted with the 
implementation of a public-private partnership and that provide adequate financial 
guarantees; 

  persons  entrusted  with  the  implementation  of  specific  actions  in  the  CFSP 

pursuant to Title V of the TEU, and identified in the relevant basic act. 

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

Comments 

PRIMA  dedicated  implementing  structure  (PRIMA-IS)  is  a  foundation  under  Spanish  law 
governed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees  representing  the  Participating  States.  The  European 
Commission is an observer in the Board of Trustees.  

The Union’s financial contribution to the initiative will be provided through the PRIMA-IS. 
The  Participating  States  provided  individual  financial  guarantees  through  which  they 
collectively  accept  financial  liability  for  any  financial  loss  to  the  EU  up  the  level  of  Union 
financial contribution. These financial guarantees will be renewed by the Participating States 
for the period 2025-2027 after the adoption of the amended PRIMA basic act. 

2. 

MANAGEMENT MEASURES  

2.1.  Monitoring and reporting rules  

The  amended  PRIMA  basic  act  will  align  the  monitoring  and  reporting  rules  to  the 
requirements  of  Regulation  (EU)  2021/695  and  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom) 
2018/1046.  

PRIMA-IS will report on activities and fulfilment of obligations of the Participating 
States on annual basis. 

The Commission will carry out an additional interim evaluation in 2025 and the final 
evaluation in 2030. The results of these evaluations will be presented to the European 
Parliament and the Council. 

2.2.  Management and control system(s)  

2.2.1. 

Justification of the management mode(s), the funding implementation mechanism(s), 
the payment modalities and the control strategy proposed 

The  PRIMA  partnership  in  the  period  of  extension  2025-2027  will  continue  to  be 
implemented  in  indirect  management  mode.  This  is  justified  as  a  implementation 
mode  for  public-public  partnerships  with  financial  and  in  kind  contributions  from 
Participating States.  

The PRIMA budget will be implemented by the existing PRIMA-IS. Before the new 
Transfer  of  Funds  Agreement  are  concluded  the  Commission  will  verify  if  the 
PRIMA-IS  continues  to  meet  the  requirements  of  Regulation  (EU,  Euratom) 
2018/1046  concerning  financial  management  and  internal  control  framework  and 
what changes need to be implemented to the existing Delegation Agreement.  

Annual  budgets  will  be  implemented  through  Annual  Work  Plans  that  will  be 
scrutinised and approved by the Commission.  

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27 

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The Commission will ensure that the rules applicable to PRIMA  fully comply with 
the requirements of the Financial Regulation. 

Monitoring  arrangements,  including  through  the  Union  supervision  into  the 
governance of the Partnership, as well as reporting arrangements will ensure that the 
Commission  services  can  meet  the  accountability  requirements  both  to  the  College 
and to the Budgetary Authority. 

The internal control framework for PRIMA-IS for the implementation of the PRIMA 
is built on: 

the  implementation  of  the  Internal  Control  Standards  offering  at  least 

• 
equivalent guarantees to those of the Commission; 

procedures for selecting the best projects through independent  evaluation  and 

• 
conclusion of grant agreements; 

• 

project and contract management throughout the lifetime of every project; 

ex-ante  checks    of  claims,  including  receipt  of  audit  certificates  and  ex-ante 

• 
certification of cost methodologies; 

ex-post  audits  on  a  sample  of  claims  as  part  of  the  Horizon  Europe  ex-post 

• 
audits; 

• 

scientific evaluation of project results 

2.2.2. 

Information concerning the risks identified and the internal control system(s) set up 
to mitigate them 

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

The  control  method  will  be  in  line  with  the  requirements  as  laid  out  in  the  EU 
financial  regulations,  and  in  particular  that  the  Commission  retains  the  right  to 
terminate, reduce or suspend its contribution if the implementation is not acceptable 
or appropriate. 

(2)  Capacity  of  participating  states 
programme. 

to  finance 

their  contributions 

to 

the 

EU  funds  can  only  be  released  upon  evidence  of  national  annual  financial 
commitments and appropriate 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. 

2.2.3.  Estimation and justification of the cost-effectiveness of the controls (ratio of "control 
costs ÷ value of the related funds managed"), and assessment of the expected levels 
of risk of error (at payment & at closure)  

As the rules for participation of Horizon Europe applicable to PRIMA are similar to 
those that the Commission will use in its Work Programme, it can be expected that 
the  error  margin  will  be  similar  to  that  foreseen  by  the  Commission  for  Horizon 
Europe, i.e. to give reasonable assurance that the risk of error over the course of the 
multiannual expenditure period is, on an annual basis, within a range of 2-5%. 

See  the  Legislative  Financial  Statement  for  Horizon  Europe  for  full  details  of  the 
error rate expected with respect to participants. 

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2.3.  Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities  

Specify existing or envisaged prevention and protection measures, e.g. from the Anti-Fraud Strategy. 

The Commission will ensure that procedures to fight against fraud at all stages of the 
management process are applied by the PRIMA-IS.  

The  proposals  for  Horizon  Europe  have  been  subject  to  fraud  proofing  and  an 
assessment  of  their  impact.  Overall,  the  measures  proposed  should  have  a  positive 
impact on the fight against fraud, especially the greater emphasis on risk-based audit 
and reinforced scientific evaluation and control. 

The Commission will ensure that appropriate measures are in place to guarantee that, 
when actions financed under this Regulation 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 deterrent penalties. 

The Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and 
on-the-spot,  over  all  grant  beneficiaries,  contractors  and  subcontractors  who  have 
received Union funds under the Programme. 

The  European  Anti-Fraud  Office  (OLAF)  may  carry  out  on-the-spot  checks  and 
inspections on economic operators concerned directly or indirectly by such funding 
in accordance with the procedures laid down in Regulation  

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3. 

3.1. 

Heading of 
multiannual 
financial 
framework 

ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE  

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

Budget line 

Type of  
expenditure 

Contribution  

Heading 1 

Single  Market,  Innovation  and  Digital  – 
Horizon Europe 

Diff./Non-
diff.30 

from 
EFTA 
countries31 

from 
candidate 
countries32 

from 
third 
countrie
s 

within the 
meaning of 
Article [21(2)(b)] 
of the Financial 
Regulation  

1 

01  02  02  60  –  cluster  (vi)  Food, 
Bioeconomy,  Natural  Resources, 
Agriculture and Environment 

Diff. 

YES 

YES 

YES 

YES 

30 
31 
32 

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

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30 

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3.2. 

Estimated impact on expenditure  

3.2.1. 

Summary of estimated impact on expenditure  

Heading of multiannual financial  
framework  

Single Market, Innovation and Digital – Horizon Europe - 
Cluster (vi) Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and 
Environment 

1 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Operational  appropriations  (split  according  to 
the budget lines listed under 3.1)  

Commitments33 

Payments34 

Appropriations of an administrative nature 
financed from the envelope of the programme35  

Commitments = 
Payments 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

TOTAL appropriations for the envelope 
of the programme 

Commitments 

=1+3 

Payments 

=2+3 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

Post 
2027 

TOTAL 

34.100 

34.100 

36.800 

0 

105.000 

1.200 

20.940 

20.940 

61.920 

105.000 

0.147 

 0.097  

0.097 

32.247 

34.197 

36.897 

0 

0 

0.341   

105.341 

1.347  

21.037 

21.037  

61.920  

 105.341 

33 

34 

35 

Commitments  for  years  2025  and  2026  include  each  EUR 1.2M  for  PRIMA  administrative  costs.  Commitments  for  year  2027  include  EUR 1.2M  for  2027  and 
EUR 2.7M for Post 2027 PRIMA administrative costs. 
Payments  for  years  2026  and  2027  include  each  EUR 1.2M  for  PRIMA  administrative  costs.  Payments  in  Post  2027  include  EUR 2.7M  for  Post  2027  PRIMA 
administrative costs. 
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. Covering the administration of the Horizon Europe actions. The FTE costs are determined on the basis of the average yearly cost to be used as from 
2023 for salaries for Contractual Staff (EUR 0.091) including other administrative costs (EUR 0.029) referred to buildings and IT costs for Indirect Research staff. 
The indication of staff needs in the Commission DGs is as well of indicative and non-binding nature. 

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Heading of multiannual financial  
framework  

7 

‘Administrative expenditure’ 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

Post 
2027 

TOTAL 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Human resources  
Other administrative expenditure  
TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 
7 of the multiannual financial framework 

(Total  commitments  = 
Total payments) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

Post 
2027 

TOTAL 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

TOTAL appropriations  
across HEADINGS  
of the multiannual financial framework  

Commitments 

Payments 

34.250 

34.201 

36.902 

0 

105.353 

1.350  

21.041 

21.042  

61.920  

105.353 

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3.2.2. 

Summary of estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature 

–    The  proposal/initiative  does  not  require  the  use  of  appropriations  of  an 

administrative nature  

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

nature, as explained below: 

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Years 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

TOTAL 

HEADING 7 
of the multiannual 
financial framework 

Human resources  

Other administrative 
expenditure  

Subtotal HEADING 7 
of the multiannual 
financial framework  

Outside HEADING 736 
of the multiannual 
financial framework  

Human resources  

Other expenditure  
of an administrative 
nature 

Subtotal  
outside HEADING 7 
of the multiannual 
financial framework  

0.091 

0.091 

0.091 

0.273 

0.056 

0.006 

0.006 

0.068 

0.147 

0.097 

0.097 

0.341 

TOTAL 

0.147 

0.097 

0.097 

0.341 

The  appropriations  required  for  human  resources  and  other  expenditure  of  an  administrative  nature  will  be  met  by 
appropriations from the DG that 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. 

36 

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.  

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3.2.2.1.  Estimated requirements of human resources 

–    The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources.  

–    The  proposal/initiative  requires  the  use  of  human  resources,  as  explained 

below37 

Estimate to be expressed in full time equivalent units 

Years 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

 Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary staff) 

Headquarters and Commission’s 
Representation Offices 

Delegations 

Research 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 External staff (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE) - AC, AL, END, INT and JED 38 
Heading 7 

Financed from 
HEADING 7 of 
the multiannual 
financial 
framework  

- at Headquarters 

- in Delegations  

Financed from the 
envelope of the 
programme 39 

- at Headquarters 

- in Delegations  

Research 

Other (specify) 

TOTAL 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

- 

1 

The human resources required will be met by staff from the DG 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 and temporary staff 

n/a 

External staff 

for 

and 
Policy  Officer 
evaluation/governance administrative tasks and responsibilities  for the  Commission. To 
represent  European  Commission  in  all  decision  bodies  of  the  Partnership  (Board  if 
Trustees of PRIMA-IS) and ensure compliance with Basic Act and EU policies. 

supervision 

programme 

guidance 

policy 

and 

37 
38 

39 

The indication of staff needs in the Commission DGs is as well of indicative and non-binding nature. 
AC=  Contract  Staff;  AL  =  Local  Staff;  END  =  Seconded  National  Expert;  INT  =  agency  staff; 
JPD= Junior Professionals in Delegations.  
Sub-ceiling for external staff covered by operational appropriations (former ‘BA’ lines). 

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3.2.3.  Third-party contributions  

The proposal/initiative: 

–    does not provide for co-financing by third parties 

–    provides for the co-financing by third parties estimated below: 

Appropriations in EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Years 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

TOTAL 

Participating States  

TOTAL appropriations 
co-financed  

35.000 

35.000 

35.000 

105.000 

35.000 

35.000 

35.000 

105.000 

3.3. 

Estimated impact on revenue  

–    The proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue. 

–    The proposal/initiative has the following financial impact: 

– 

– 

 

 

on own resources  

on other revenue 

please indicate, if the revenue is assigned to expenditure lines  

EUR million (to three decimal places) 

Impact of the proposal/initiative40 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

Budget revenue line: 

Article …………. 

For assigned revenue, specify the budget expenditure line(s) affected. 

Other  remarks  (e.g.  method/formula  used  for  calculating  the  impact  on  revenue  or  any  other 
information).  

40 

As regards traditional own resources (customs duties, sugar levies), the amounts indicated must be net 
amounts, i.e. gross amounts after deduction of 20 % for collection costs. 

EN 

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