Rules

The Rules for Participation provide the legal basis for all issues regarding participation in the Framework Programme. The Rules are revised for each successive Framework Programme, and are agreed through an official consultative process involving both the European Parliament and the National Governmental representatives for each of the Member States (Council of Ministers). The Framework Programme contracts are derived from this document, and in any dispute over interpretation, the Rules will always take legal precedence.

EC Note on Third Country Involvement in FP7 

In September 2009, the European Commission developed the following information note, specifically related to the participation of third country organisations in FP7. This document explains, in simple terms, that NZ organisations can participate in FP7 projects but that the possibility of funding is as an exception to normal circumstances. The document also indicates the necessary criteria that must be fulfilled to allow EC funds to flow to NZ. This text does not alter the Rules for Participation, but aims to describe this particular situation in lay-man's terms.

Info sheet_v5_final_August2009

The Rules of Participation detail:

Under normal circumstances, most researchers will not consult directly with the Rules, but will instead focus on the detail provided in the Model Grant Agreement (contract). However, the Rules can be useful where a co-ordinator has mis-interpreted the agreement, and the Rules provide clarification.

The FP7 Rules for Participation can be downloaded from here.