Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 establishing the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe
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Summary
Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 establishes the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe as Union bodies with legal personality to implement institutionalised European partnerships. It sets out their objectives, tasks, governance structure, membership rules, financial provisions (including Union and other contributions), and operational rules for work programmes, calls and grant management. It also contains transitional and final provisions, including the repeal of earlier Joint Undertaking regulations and arrangements for continuity from Horizon 2020.
Who is affected?
The nine Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings, their public and private members and contributing partners, participating states, and entities applying for or receiving funding under Joint Undertaking calls. It also affects the Commission and other Union bodies involved in oversight, reporting and budgetary control.
Scope
Applies to the establishment, governance, financing and operation of the Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings implementing institutionalised European partnerships for the 2021–2027 period.
Key Points
- Establishes nine Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe as Union bodies with legal personality to implement institutionalised European partnerships.
- Defines objectives, tasks and governance (including governing board, executive director and advisory/stakeholder structures) and planning through multiannual/annual work programmes and budgets.
- Sets rules for membership, contributions (Union and other), budget implementation, financial management, audits, reporting and discharge.
- Provides operational rules for calls, evaluation and award of funding, and management of actions in line with Horizon Europe implementation principles.
- Includes provisions for participating states’ involvement and handling of national contributions, including arrangements linked to the use of those contributions.
- Contains transitional and final provisions, including continuity from prior Horizon 2020 Joint Undertakings and repeal of earlier establishing acts.
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085?
The regulation applies to the nine Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings, their public and private members, contributing partners, participating states, and any entities applying for or receiving funding through Joint Undertaking calls. It also involves the European Commission and other Union bodies responsible for oversight and budgetary control.
What is the main purpose of this regulation?
The regulation establishes the legal framework for the creation, governance, and operation of Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe. These bodies are tasked with implementing institutionalised European partnerships to advance research and innovation objectives for the 2021–2027 period.
What are the key obligations for Joint Undertakings and their members?
Joint Undertakings and their members must adhere to rules on governance, membership, financial contributions, budget management, and reporting. They are also required to follow procedures for calls, evaluation, and grant management as set out in the regulation.
What is the scope of this regulation?
The regulation covers the establishment, governance, financing, and operational rules of the Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings. It applies to all activities related to implementing institutionalised European partnerships during the 2021–2027 period.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties for non-compliance may include financial corrections, recovery of funds, exclusion from future funding, or other administrative measures as provided for under EU financial and research framework rules. Oversight is conducted by the Commission and relevant EU bodies.
How does this regulation interact with other EU research and innovation frameworks?
This regulation builds on and replaces earlier Joint Undertaking regulations from Horizon 2020, ensuring continuity and alignment with the broader Horizon Europe framework. It operates in conjunction with the main Horizon Europe Regulation and related EU financial rules.
What are the practical steps for entities seeking funding under a Joint Undertaking?
Entities must monitor calls for proposals published by the Joint Undertakings, prepare and submit applications in accordance with the published rules, and comply with evaluation and grant management procedures. Successful applicants must also fulfill reporting and financial obligations.
What are the governance structures established by this regulation?
Each Joint Undertaking is governed by a Governing Board, an Executive Director, and advisory or stakeholder bodies. These structures oversee strategic planning, budget allocation, and operational management.
How are financial contributions and budgets managed?
The regulation sets out rules for Union and other contributions, budget implementation, financial management, audits, and reporting. Joint Undertakings are responsible for transparent and accountable use of funds, subject to EU oversight and discharge procedures.
What transitional provisions are included for existing Joint Undertakings?
The regulation includes transitional measures to ensure continuity from Horizon 2020 Joint Undertakings, including the repeal of earlier establishing acts and arrangements for ongoing projects and commitments.
Key Terms
- Joint Undertaking (JU)
- A legal entity established under EU law to implement institutionalised European partnerships in research and innovation under Horizon Europe.
- Institutionalised European Partnership
- A formal collaboration between the EU, member states, and/or industry or other stakeholders to achieve shared research and innovation goals, implemented through Joint Undertakings.
- Governing Board
- The main decision-making body of a Joint Undertaking, responsible for strategic direction, budget approval, and oversight of operations.
- Executive Director
- The chief executive officer of a Joint Undertaking, responsible for day-to-day management and implementation of the work programme.
- Contributing Partner
- An entity, such as a company, research organisation, or public body, that provides financial or in-kind contributions to a Joint Undertaking.
- Work Programme
- A multiannual or annual plan adopted by a Joint Undertaking, detailing research priorities, calls for proposals, and budget allocations.
- Participating State
- An EU Member State or associated country that takes part in a Joint Undertaking, often providing additional funding or support.
- Discharge Procedure
- The process by which the European Parliament and Council approve the financial management and accounts of a Joint Undertaking.
- Call for Proposals
- A public invitation issued by a Joint Undertaking for entities to submit project applications for funding under specified research topics.
- Transitional Provisions
- Rules ensuring the smooth transition from previous Horizon 2020 Joint Undertakings to those established under Horizon Europe, including the handling of ongoing projects and commitments.