Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 establishing the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/1488 (EuroHPC)
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Summary
This Regulation establishes the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) as a Union body to coordinate and fund the development, acquisition, deployment and operation of world-class supercomputing and related infrastructure and services in Europe. It sets the JU’s objectives, tasks, governance, membership, budgetary contributions, procurement/hosting arrangements and access policies for EuroHPC systems. It also lays down rules on financial control, audits and protection of the Union’s financial interests, and repeals the previous EuroHPC JU Regulation (EU) 2018/1488.
Who is affected?
The Regulation affects the European Commission, participating Member States (Participating States), and private members (industry, including SMEs, and research organisations) participating in the EuroHPC JU. It also affects hosting entities/consortia operating EuroHPC systems and public/private users seeking access to EuroHPC computing resources and services.
Scope
It applies to the establishment, governance, funding, procurement/hosting and access arrangements of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the EuroHPC infrastructure and services it supports across participating states.
Key Points
- Establishes the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking as a legal entity and defines its mission, objectives, tasks and activities to strengthen Europe’s high-performance computing ecosystem.
- Sets governance and operational structures (including the Governing Board and Executive Director) and requires programming and work plans to implement calls, procurements and operations.
- Lays down rules for acquiring/procuring, deploying, operating and upgrading EuroHPC systems and selecting hosting entities, including hosting agreements and ownership arrangements.
- Provides for access policies and allocation of access time to EuroHPC resources, including conditions for different categories of users and potential commercial access modalities.
- Defines funding and contributions from the Union, participating states and private members, and establishes financial rules, controls, audits and anti-fraud safeguards to protect the EU budget.
- Repeals Regulation (EU) 2018/1488 and continues the EuroHPC JU framework under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 (EuroHPC)?
The Regulation applies to the European Commission, participating Member States, private members (such as industry, SMEs, and research organisations) involved in the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, as well as entities hosting or operating EuroHPC systems and users seeking access to EuroHPC resources.
What is the main objective of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking?
The main objective is to develop, acquire, deploy, and operate a world-class high-performance computing infrastructure and ecosystem in Europe, supporting research, innovation, and industrial competitiveness.
What entities can become members of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking?
Membership is open to the European Union, participating Member States, and private members such as industry representatives, SMEs, and research organisations that meet the criteria set out in the Regulation.
What are the key obligations for participating states and private members?
Participating states and private members must contribute financially or in-kind to the EuroHPC JU, participate in governance and decision-making, and adhere to the rules for procurement, hosting, and access to EuroHPC systems.
How are EuroHPC systems procured and hosted?
EuroHPC systems are procured through competitive procedures, with hosting entities or consortia selected based on criteria such as technical capability, co-funding, and compliance with security and operational requirements.
What are the access policies for EuroHPC resources?
Access to EuroHPC resources is allocated based on defined policies, with different categories of users (public and private) and potential for commercial access. Allocation is determined by the JU’s access policy and work programmes.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the Regulation?
Penalties may include exclusion from participation, recovery of funds, or other measures as provided under EU financial rules and anti-fraud safeguards. The Regulation also provides for audits and financial controls to ensure compliance.
How does this Regulation interact with previous EuroHPC legislation?
Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 repeals and replaces Regulation (EU) 2018/1488, continuing and updating the EuroHPC JU framework for the period 2021–2027.
What practical steps should an organisation take to participate in EuroHPC activities?
Organisations should review eligibility criteria, prepare to contribute financially or in-kind, monitor calls and work programmes, and comply with procurement and access procedures established by the EuroHPC JU.
What is the timeline for the implementation of this Regulation?
The Regulation is in force for the duration of the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, with ongoing calls, procurements, and operations as defined in the JU’s programming documents.
Key Terms
- EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU)
- A Union body established to coordinate and fund the development, deployment, and operation of high-performance computing infrastructure and services in Europe.
- Participating States
- EU Member States or associated countries that have joined the EuroHPC JU and contribute to its activities and governance.
- Private Members
- Industry representatives, SMEs, and research organisations that participate in the EuroHPC JU, contributing resources and expertise.
- Governing Board
- The main decision-making body of the EuroHPC JU, responsible for strategic direction, budget, and work plans.
- Executive Director
- The chief executive responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the EuroHPC JU’s activities.
- Hosting Entity/Consortium
- An organisation or group of organisations selected to host and operate EuroHPC supercomputing systems.
- Access Policy
- The set of rules and procedures governing how users can access EuroHPC computing resources and under what conditions.
- Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
- The EU’s long-term budget plan, under which the EuroHPC JU is funded for the 2021–2027 period.
- In-kind Contribution
- Non-monetary contributions, such as equipment, services, or personnel, provided by members to support EuroHPC JU activities.
- Work Programme
- A document outlining the planned activities, calls, and priorities for the EuroHPC JU within a given period.