On 23 March 2009, the European Commission adopted a decision providing for the use of flat rates (often classed as per diems) to cover subsistence costs of travel made in FP7 Grant Agreements. The decision complies with other FP7 regulations (such as the Rules for Participation), and is part of a move toward greater use of flat rates and lump sums to simplify FP7 financial management.
Essentially, the flat rates that may be used by FP7 participants are those used by EC staff when they, themselves, are on mission (business travel). Rates are specified for the maximum costs that can be reimbursed for food, accommodation, travel, and other items (such as internet access) in most countries, and should – at a minimum – be used as a guide for NZ participants in FP7 projects. A list of the current rates is available here.
In order that potential beneficiaries may (optionally) make use of these rates, the opportunity to use flat rates must be specifically mentioned in the 2010 Work Programmes, expected to be launched with the 2010 calls for proposals in July 2009.
For further information see the reference of the decision is C(2009)1942 (written procedure PE/2009/1650), and the list of rates in C(2008)6215 (annex attached).