European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)
The Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) entered into force on 28 August 2009. This new legal form is designed to facilitate the joint establishment and operation of research facilities of European interest.
Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)
Council Regulation n° 723/2009, 25 June 2009
Read more about the background and objectives
Main features of an ERIC
An ERIC is a legal entity based on EU law (Article 171 of the EC Treaty), which is reserved for the purpose of establishing and operating a research infrastructure.
Members will be states and intergovernmental organisations. Members can be represented by one or more public entities with a public service mission.
The ERIC is an easy-to-use legal instrument providing:
- the spirit of a truly European venture (also allowing the participation of non-European countries)
- a legal entity recognised in all EU Member States
- flexibility to adapt to the specific requirements of each infrastructure
- some privileges/exemptions allowed for intergovernmental organisations
- a faster and more cost-efficient process than creating an international organisation
An ERIC can benefit from exemptions from VAT and excise duty in all EU Member States and it may adopt its own procurement procedures, which have to respect the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and competition but are not subject to public procurement procedures.
Read more about the content of the regulation
Setting up an ERIC
- At least three Member States agree to establish and operate together a research infrastructure. Associated countries, third countries and intergovernmental organisations may also be members.
- The members agree on statutes ruling governance, IPR policy, financing, etc.
- The seat has to be in an EU-Member State or in a country associated to the EU Framework programmes.
- The members submit the file to the Commission, which, with the aid of independent experts, examines whether the conditions of the ERIC Regulation are fulfilled. After that, a committee composed of representatives of the EU Member States gives an opinion on the file by qualified majority, following which the Commission decides on the application.
- The decision to set up an ERIC will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Practical Guide
A Practical Guide for applicants is in preparation, listing and advising on the information to be provided in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
