Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERIC): participation of associated countries

PURPOSE: to amend the legal framework for a European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERIC).

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EU) No 1261/2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 723/2009 concerning the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERIC).

CONTENT: the ERIC Regulation was adopted in 2009 with the aim of establishing a legal framework laying down the requirements and procedures for, and the effect of, setting up a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC).

This Regulation amends the legal framework applicable to the European Research Infrastructure Consortium in order to make it easier for associated countries to become members of an ERIC.

Associated countries play an integral role in the preparation and the implementation of European research infrastructures and should be able to participate in ERICs on the same footing as Member States, as they contribute to the scientific excellence of Union research and to the competitiveness of the Union’s economy through their support.

The amendment seeks to ensure that a minimum of one Member State together with at least two Member States or associated countries is necessary for establishing an ERIC. Furthermore, it is provided that Member States or associated countries shall hold jointly the majority of voting rights in the general assembly.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 26.12.2013.