Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 18 July 2018
on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (revoked)
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PART ONE

FINANCIAL REGULATION
TITLE I

SUBJECT MATTER, DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Subject matter
Article 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Definitions
Article 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compliance of secondary legislation with this Regulation
Article 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Periods, dates and time limits
Article 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Protection of personal data
Article 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE II

BUDGET AND BUDGETARY PRINCIPLES

Respect for budgetary principles
Article 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 1

Principles of unity and of budgetary accuracy

Scope of the budget
Article 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specific rules on the principles of unity and budgetary accuracy
Article 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Principle of annuality

Definition
Article 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Budgetary accounting for revenue and appropriations
Article 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitment of appropriations
Article 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cancellation and carry-over of appropriations
Article 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Detailed provisions on cancellation and carry-over of appropriations
Article 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Decommitments
Article 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Making appropriations corresponding to decommitments available again
Article 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules applicable in the event of late adoption of the budget
Article 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Principle of equilibrium

Definition and scope
Article 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance from financial year
Article 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 4

Principle of unit of account

Use of euro
Article 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 5

Principle of universality

Scope
Article 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assigned revenue
Article 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Structure to accommodate assigned revenue and provision of corresponding appropriations
Article 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contributions from Member States to research programmes
Article 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assigned revenue resulting from the participation of EFTA States in certain Union programmes
Article 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donations
Article 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporate sponsorship
Article 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules on deductions and exchange rate adjustments
Article 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 6

Principle of specification

General provisions
Article 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfers by Union institutions other than the Commission
Article 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfers by the Commission
Article 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfer proposals submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council by Union institutions
Article 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfers subject to special provisions
Article 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 7

Principle of sound financial management and performance

Performance and principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness
Article 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Evaluations
Article 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compulsory financial statement
Article 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Internal control of budget implementation
Article 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 8

Principle of transparency

Publication of accounts and budgets
Article 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publication of information on recipients and other information
Article 38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE III

ESTABLISHMENT AND STRUCTURE OF THE BUDGET
CHAPTER 1

Establishment of the budget

Estimates of revenue and expenditure
Article 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Estimated budget of the Union bodies referred to in Article 70
Article 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Draft budget
Article 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letter of amendment to the draft budget
Article 42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Obligations of Member States as a result of the adoption of the budget
Article 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Draft amending budgets
Article 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Early transmission of estimates and draft budgets
Article 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Structure and presentation of the budget

Structure of the budget
Article 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Budget nomenclature
Article 47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Negative revenue
Article 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provisions
Article 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Negative reserve
Article 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Emergency Aid Reserve
Article 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Presentation of the budget
Article 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules on the establishment plans for staff
Article 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Budgetary discipline

Compliance with the multiannual financial framework and Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom
Article 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compliance of Union acts with the budget
Article 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE IV

BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION
CHAPTER 1

General provisions

Budget implementation in accordance with the principle of sound financial management
Article 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Information on transfers of personal data for audit purposes
Article 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic act and exceptions
Article 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Budget implementation by Union institutions other than the Commission
Article 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delegation of budget implementation powers
Article 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conflict of interests
Article 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Methods of implementation

Methods of budget implementation
Article 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shared management with Member States
Article 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

European offices and Union bodies
Section 1

European offices

Scope of competences of European offices
Article 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appropriations regarding European offices
Article 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-obligatory tasks
Article 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounting records of European offices
Article 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Agencies and Union bodies

Applicability to the Euratom Supply Agency
Article 68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive agencies
Article 69. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bodies set up under the TFEU and the Euratom Treaty
Article 70. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Public-private partnership bodies
Article 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 4

Financial actors
Section 1

Principle of segregation of duties

Segregation of duties
Article 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Authorising officer

Authorising officer
Article 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powers and duties of the authorising officer
Article 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keeping of supporting documents by authorising officers
Article 75. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powers and duties of Heads of Union Delegations
Article 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

Accounting officer

Powers and duties of the accounting officer
Article 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appointment and termination of duties of the accounting officer
Article 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powers which may be delegated by the accounting officer
Article 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounting rules
Article 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Organisation of the accounts
Article 81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keeping the accounts
Article 82. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Content and keeping of budget accounts
Article 83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General accounts
Article 84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bank accounts
Article 85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treasury management
Article 86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The inventory of assets
Article 87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 4

Imprest administrator

Imprest accounts
Article 88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Creation and administration of imprest accounts
Article 89. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 5

Liability of financial actors
Section 1

General rules

Withdrawal of delegation of powers to and suspension of duties of financial actors
Article 90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liability of financial actors for illegal activity, fraud or corruption
Article 91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Rules applicable to authorising officers responsible

Rules applicable to authorising officers
Article 92. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treatment of financial irregularities on the part of a member of staff
Article 93. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

Rules applicable to accounting officers and imprest administrators

Rules applicable to accounting officers
Article 94. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules applicable to imprest administrators
Article 95. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 6

Revenue operations
Section 1

Making own resources available

Own resources
Article 96. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Estimate of amounts receivable

Estimate of amounts receivable
Article 97. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

Establishment of amounts receivable

Establishment of amounts receivable
Article 98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Default interest
Article 99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 4

Authorisation of recovery

Authorisation of recovery
Article 100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 5

Recovery

Rules on recovery
Article 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recovery by offsetting
Article 102. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recovery procedure failing voluntary payment
Article 103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additional time for payment
Article 104. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Limitation period
Article 105. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

National treatment for entitlements of the Union
Article 106. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fines, other penalties, sanctions and accrued interest imposed by Union institutions
Article 107. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recovery of fines, other penalties or sanctions imposed by Union institutions
Article 108. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Compensatory interests
Article 109. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 7

Expenditure operations

Financing decisions
Article 110. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expenditure operations
Article 111. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Types of budgetary commitments
Article 112. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments for EAGF appropriations
Article 113. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Time limits for commitments
Article 114. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Types of payments
Article 115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Time limits for payments
Article 116. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 8

Internal auditor

Appointment of the internal auditor
Article 117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powers and duties of the internal auditor
Article 118. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Work programme of the internal auditor
Article 119. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Independence of the internal auditor
Article 120. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liability of the internal auditor
Article 121. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Action before the Court of Justice of the European Union
Article 122. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Internal audit progress committees
Article 123. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE V

COMMON RULES
CHAPTER 1

Rules applicable to direct, indirect and shared management

Scope
Article 124. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forms of Union contribution
Article 125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cross-reliance on assessments
Article 126. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cross-reliance on audits
Article 127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use of already available information
Article 128. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cooperation for protection of the financial interests of the Union
Article 129. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Rules applicable to direct and indirect management
Section 1

Rules on procedures and management

Financial framework partnerships
Article 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Suspension, termination and reduction
Article 131. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Record-keeping
Article 132. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adversarial procedure and means of redress
Article 133. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate rebates and guarantee fee subsidies
Article 134. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Early-detection and exclusion system

Protection of the financial interests of the Union by means of detection of risks, exclusion and imposition of financial penalties
Article 135. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exclusion criteria and decisions on exclusions
Article 136. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Declaration and evidence of absence of an exclusion situation
Article 137. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial penalties
Article 138. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duration of exclusion and limitation period
Article 139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publication of exclusion and financial penalties
Article 140. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rejection from an award procedure
Article 141. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The early-detection and exclusion system
Article 142. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Panel
Article 143. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Functioning of the database for the early-detection and exclusion system
Article 144. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exception applicable to the Joint Research Centre
Article 145. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

IT systems and e-government

Electronic management of operations
Article 146. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

e-Government
Article 147. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Electronic exchange systems
Article 148. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Submission of application documents
Article 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Rules applicable to direct management

Evaluation committee
Article 150. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Clarification and correction of application documents
Article 151. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guarantees
Article 152. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guarantee on pre-financing
Article 153. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE VI

INDIRECT MANAGEMENT

Indirect management
Article 154. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Implementation of Union funds and budgetary guarantees
Article 155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indirect management with international organisations
Article 156. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indirect management with Member State organisations
Article 157. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indirect management with third countries
Article 158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Blending operations
Article 159. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE VII

PROCUREMENT AND CONCESSIONS
CHAPTER 1

Common provisions

Principles applicable to contracts and scope
Article 160. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annex on procurement and delegation of powers
Article 161. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mixed contracts and common procurement vocabulary
Article 162. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publicity measures
Article 163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Procurement procedures
Article 164. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interinstitutional procurement and joint procurement
Article 165. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preparation of a procurement procedure
Article 166. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Award of contracts
Article 167. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Submission, electronic communication and evaluation
Article 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contacts during the procurement procedure
Article 169. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Award decision and information to candidates or tenderers
Article 170. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cancellation of the procurement procedure
Article 171. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Performance and modifications of the contract
Article 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Performance guarantees and retention money guarantees
Article 173. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Provisions applicable to contracts awarded by Union institutions on their own account

The contracting authority
Article 174. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thresholds applicable and standstill period
Article 175. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules on access to procurement
Article 176. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Procurement rules of the World Trade Organisation
Article 177. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Provisions applicable for procurement in the field of external actions

External action procurement
Article 178. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules on access to procurement in the field of external actions
Article 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE VIII

GRANTS
CHAPTER 1

Scope and form of grants

Scope and form of grants
Article 180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lump sums, unit costs and flat-rate financing
Article 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Single lump sums
Article 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checks and controls on beneficiaries related to lump sums, unit costs and flat rates
Article 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Periodic assessment of lump sums, unit costs or flat-rates
Article 184. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Usual cost accounting practices of the beneficiary
Article 185. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eligible costs
Article 186. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Affiliated entities and sole beneficiary
Article 187. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Principles

General principles applicable to grants
Article 188. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transparency
Article 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Co-financing
Article 190. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principle of non-cumulative award and prohibition of double funding
Article 191. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

No-profit principle
Article 192. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principle of non-retroactivity
Article 193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Grant award procedure and grant agreement

Content and publication of calls for proposals
Article 194. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exceptions to calls for proposals
Article 195. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Content of grant applications
Article 196. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eligibility criteria
Article 197. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selection criteria
Article 198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Award criteria
Article 199. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Evaluation procedure
Article 200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grant agreement
Article 201. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 4

Implementation of grants

Amount of the grant and extension of audit findings
Article 202. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supporting documents for payment requests
Article 203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial support to third parties
Article 204. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Implementation contracts
Article 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE IX

PRIZES

General rules
Article 206. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules of contest, award and publication
Article 207. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE X

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, BUDGETARY GUARANTEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
CHAPTER 1

Common provisions

Scope and implementation
Article 208. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principles and conditions applicable to financial instruments and budgetary guarantees
Article 209. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial liability of the Union
Article 210. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Provisioning of financial liabilities
Article 211. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common provisioning fund
Article 212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effective provisioning rate
Article 213. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annual reporting
Article 214. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Specific provisions
Section 1

Financial instruments

Rules and implementation
Article 215. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial instruments directly implemented by the Commission
Article 216. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treatment of contributions from funds implemented under shared management
Article 217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Budgetary guarantees

Rules for budgetary guarantees
Article 218. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Implementation of budgetary guarantees
Article 219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

Financial assistance

Rules and implementation
Article 220. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XI

CONTRIBUTIONS TO EUROPEAN POLITICAL PARTIES

General provisions
Article 221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principles
Article 222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Budgetary aspects
Article 223. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Call for contributions
Article 224. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Award procedure
Article 225. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form of contributions
Article 226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guarantees
Article 227. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use of contributions
Article 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Report on the use of the contributions
Article 229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount of the contribution
Article 230. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Control and penalties
Article 231. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Record keeping
Article 232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selection of external audit bodies or experts
Article 233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XII

OTHER BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION INSTRUMENTS

Union trust funds for external actions
Article 234. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Implementation of Union trust funds for external actions
Article 235. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Use of budget support
Article 236. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Remunerated external experts
Article 237. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-remunerated experts
Article 238. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership fees and other payments of subscriptions
Article 239. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expenditure on the members and staff of Union institutions
Article 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XIII

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTING
CHAPTER 1

Annual accounts
Section 1

Accounting framework

Structure of the accounts
Article 241. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supporting documents
Article 242. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial statements
Article 243. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 2

Budget implementation reports

Budget implementation reports
Article 244. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 3

Annual accounts timetable

Provisional accounts
Article 245. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Approval of the final consolidated accounts
Article 246. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Integrated financial and accountability reporting

Integrated financial and accountability reporting
Article 247. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Budgetary and other financial reporting

Monthly reporting on budget implementation
Article 248. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annual report on budgetary and financial management
Article 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annual report on financial instruments, budgetary guarantees and financial assistance
Article 250. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Status report on accounting issues
Article 251. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reporting on Union trust funds for external actions
Article 252. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Publication of information on recipients
Article 253. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XIV

EXTERNAL AUDIT AND DISCHARGE
CHAPTER 1

External audit

External audit by the Court of Auditors
Article 254. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rules and procedure on the audit
Article 255. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checks on securities and cash
Article 256. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Court of Auditors’ right of access
Article 257. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annual report of the Court of Auditors
Article 258. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special reports of the Court of Auditors
Article 259. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Discharge

Timetable of the discharge procedure
Article 260. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The discharge procedure
Article 261. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Follow-up measures
Article 262. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specific provisions regarding the EEAS
Article 263. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XV

ADMINISTRATIVE APPROPRIATIONS

General provisions
Article 264. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payments made in advance
Article 265. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specific provisions regarding building projects
Article 266. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Early information procedure and prior approval procedure
Article 267. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE XVI

INFORMATION REQUESTS AND DELEGATED ACTS

Information requests by the European Parliament and by the Council
Article 268. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercise of the delegation
Article 269. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART TWO

AMENDMENTS TO SECTOR-SPECIFIC RULES

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013
Article 270. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013
Article 271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 272. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013
Article 273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013
Article 274. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013
Article 275. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 223/2014
Article 276. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 283/2014
Article 277. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amendment to Decision No 541/2014/EU
Article 278. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART THREE

FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Transitional provisions
Article 279. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Review
Article 280. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Repeal
Article 281. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Entry into force and application
Article 282. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ANNEX I
CHAPTER 1

Common provisions
SECTION 1

Framework contracts and publicity
1.

Framework contracts and specific contracts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.

The duration of a framework contract shall not exceed four years, save in exceptional cases duly justified in particular by the subject matter of the framework contract.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2.

Where a framework contract is concluded with a single economic operator, the specific contracts shall be awarded within the limits of the terms laid down in the framework contract.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.

Where a framework contract is to be concluded with several economic operators (‘multiple framework contract’), it may take the form of separate contracts signed in identical terms with each contractor.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4.

A multiple framework contract with reopening of competition shall be concluded with at least three economic operators, provided that there is a sufficient number of admissible tenders as referred to in point 29.3.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.

The contracting authority may make known its intentions of planned procurement for the financial year through the publication of a prior information notice. It shall cover a period equal to or less than 12 months from the date on which the notice is sent to the Publications Office of the European Union (the Publications Office).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3.

The contracting authority shall send to the Publications Office an award notice on the results of the procedure no later than 30 days after the signature of a contract or framework contract with a value equal to or greater than the thresholds referred to in Article 175(1).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.

The contracting authority shall publish an award notice:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.

Contract award information shall contain the name of the contractor, the amount legally committed and the subject matter of the contract and, in the case of direct contracts and specific contracts, it shall comply with Article 38(3).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.

Publication of notices
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.

The Publications Office shall publish the notices referred to in points 2 and 3 in the Official Journal of the European Union no later than:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.

Other forms of advertising
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2

Procurement procedures
6.

Minimum number of candidates and arrangements for negotiation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.

Points 6.1 and 6.2 shall not apply in the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.5.

During a negotiation, the contracting authority shall ensure equal treatment for all tenderers.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.

Innovation partnership
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1.

An innovation partnership shall aim at the development of an innovative product, service or innovative works and the subsequent purchase of the resulting works, supplies or services, provided that they correspond to the performance levels and maximum costs agreed between the contracting authorities and the partners.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2.

Before launching an innovation partnership, the contracting authority shall consult the market as provided for in point 15 in order to ascertain that the work, supply or service does not exist on the market or as near-to-market development activity.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3.

In the procurement documents, the contracting authority shall specify the arrangements applicable to intellectual property rights.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.

Design contests
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1.

Design contests shall be subject to the rules on advertising set out in point 2 and may include the award of prizes.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2.

The jury shall be appointed by the authorising officer responsible. It shall be composed exclusively of natural persons who are independent of candidates in the contest. Where a particular professional qualification is required from candidates in a contest, at least one third of the members of the jury shall have the same or an equivalent qualification.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.3.

The proposals of the jury, based on the merits of each project, and its ranking and remarks, shall be recorded in a report signed by its members.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.

Dynamic purchasing system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.3.

The contracting authority shall give any economic operator, throughout the period of validity of the dynamic purchasing system, the possibility of requesting to participate in the system. It shall complete its evaluation of such requests within 10 working days of their receipt. That deadline may be prolonged to 15 working days where justified. However, the contracting authority may extend the evaluation period provided that no invitation to tender is issued in the meantime.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.

The contracting authority shall indicate the period of validity of the dynamic purchasing system in the contract notice.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.

Competitive dialogue
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.1.

The contracting authority shall specify its needs and requirements, the award criteria and an indicative timeframe in the contract notice or in a descriptive document.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.2.

The contracting authority shall open a dialogue with the candidates satisfying the selection criteria in order to identify and define the means best suited to satisfying its needs. It may discuss all aspects of the procurement with the selected candidates during that dialogue but it cannot alter its needs and requirements and award criteria as provided for in point 10.1.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.3.

The contracting authority shall continue the dialogue until it can identify the solution or solutions which are capable of meeting its needs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.

Use of a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.1.

Where the contracting authority uses the negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice, it shall comply with the arrangements on negotiation set out in Article 164(4) and in point 6.5.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.

Use of a competitive procedure with negotiation or competitive dialogue
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.1.

When the contracting authority uses the competitive procedure with negotiation or the competitive dialogue, it shall follow the arrangements on negotiation set out in Article 164(4) and in point 6.5. The contracting authority may use those procedures, regardless of the estimated value of the contract, in the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.2.

A tender shall be considered irregular in any of the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.3.

A tender shall be considered unacceptable in any of the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.

Procedure involving a call for expression of interest
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.1.

For contracts with a value below the thresholds referred to in Article 175(1) or in Article 178(1), and without prejudice to points 11 and 12, the contracting authority may use a call for expression of interest to do either of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.2.

The list drawn up following a call for expression of interest shall be valid for not more than four years from the date on which the notice referred to in point 3.1 is published.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13.3.

Where a contract is to be awarded, the contracting authority shall invite all candidates or vendors entered on the relevant list or sub-list to do either of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.

Middle, low and very low value contracts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.

Preliminary market consultation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.

Procurement documents
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.1.

The procurement documents shall include the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.2.

The invitation to tender shall:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.3.

The tender specifications shall contain the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.4.

The draft contract shall:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.

Technical specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.1.

Technical specifications shall allow equal access of economic operators to the procurement procedures and not have the effect of creating unjustified obstacles to the opening up of procurement to competition.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.2.

The characteristics referred to in point 17.1 may include as appropriate:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.3.

The technical specifications shall be formulated in any of the following ways:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.5.

Where the contracting authority uses the option provided for in point (b) of point 17.3 to formulate technical specifications in terms of performance or of functional requirements, it shall not reject a tender which complies with a national standard transposing a European standard, a European technical approval, a common technical specifications, an international standard or technical reference systems established by a European standardisation body, if those specifications address the performance or functional requirements which it has laid down.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.6.

Where a contracting authority intends to purchase works, supplies or services with specific environmental, social or other characteristics, it may require a specific label or specific requirements from a label, provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.7.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.8.

Unless justified by the subject matter of the contract, technical specifications shall not refer to a specific make or source, or a particular process which characterises the products or services provided by a specific economic operator, or to trade marks, patents, types or a specific origin or production with the effect of favouring or eliminating certain products or economic operators.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.

Exclusion and selection criteria
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.1.

For the purpose of Article 137, the contracting authority shall accept the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) referred to in Directive 2014/24/EU, or, failing that, a declaration on honour signed and dated.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.2.

The contracting authority shall indicate in the procurement documents the selection criteria, the minimum levels of capacity and the evidence required to prove that capacity. All requirements shall be related and proportionate to the subject matter of the contract.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.3.

With regard to capacity to pursue the professional activity, the contracting authority may require an economic operator to fulfil at least one of the following conditions:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.4.

When receiving requests to participate or tenders, the contracting authority shall accept the ESPD or, failing that, a declaration on honour stating that the candidate or tenderer fulfils the selection criteria. The requirement to submit an ESPD or a declaration on honour may be waived for very low value contracts.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.5.

The contracting authority may, depending on its assessment of risks, decide not to require evidence of the legal, regulatory, financial, economic, technical and professional capacity of economic operators in the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.6.

An economic operator may, where appropriate and for a particular contract, rely on the capacities of other entities, regardless of the legal nature of the links which it has with them. It shall in that case prove to the contracting authority that it will have at its disposal the resources necessary for the performance of the contract by producing a commitment by those entities to that effect.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.7.

The contracting authority shall verify whether the entities on whose capacity the economic operator intends to rely and the envisaged subcontractors, when subcontracting represents a significant part of the contract, fulfil the relevant selection criteria.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.8.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.9.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.

Economic and financial capacity
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.1.

To ensure that economic operators possess the necessary economic and financial capacity to perform the contract, the contracting authority may require in particular that:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.3.

The contracting authority shall define in the procurement documents the evidence to be provided by an economic operator to demonstrate its economic and financial capacity. It may request in particular one or more of the following documents:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.

Technical and professional capacity
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.2.

The contracting authority shall define in the procurement documents the evidence to be provided by an economic operator to demonstrate its technical and professional capacity. It may request one or more of the following documents:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.

Award criteria
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.2.

The contracting authority shall specify in the procurement documents the relative weighting which it gives to each of the criteria chosen to determine the most economically advantageous tender except when using the lowest price method. Those weightings may be expressed as a range with an appropriate maximum spread.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.4.

Life-cycle costing shall cover parts or all of the following costs, to the extent relevant, over the life cycle of works, supplies or services:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.5.

Where the contracting authority assesses the costs using a life-cycle costing approach, it shall indicate in the procurement documents the data to be provided by the tenderers and the method which it will use to determine the life-cycle costs on the basis of those data.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.

Use of electronic auctions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.1.

The contracting authority may use electronic auctions, in which new prices, revised downwards, or new values concerning certain elements of tenders are presented.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.2.

In open, restricted or competitive procedures with negotiation, the contracting authority may decide that the award of a public contract is preceded by an electronic auction when the procurement documents can be established with precision.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.3.

The contracting authority which decides to hold an electronic auction shall state that fact in the contract notice.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.4.

All tenderers who have submitted admissible tenders shall be invited simultaneously by electronic means to participate in the electronic auction using the connections in accordance with the instructions. The invitation shall specify the date and time of the start of the electronic auction.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.5.

The invitation shall be accompanied by the outcome of a full evaluation of the relevant tender.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.7.

The contracting authority shall close an electronic auction in one or more of the following ways:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22.8.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.

Abnormally low tenders
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.1.

If, for a given contract, the price or costs proposed in a tender appears to be abnormally low, the contracting authority shall request in writing details of the constituent elements of the price or costs which it considers relevant and shall give the tenderer the opportunity to present its observations.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.2.

The contracting authority shall only reject the tender where the evidence supplied does not satisfactorily account for the low price or costs proposed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.

Time limits for receipt of tenders and requests to participate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.1.

The time limits shall be longer than the minimum time limits set out in this point where tenders can only be drawn up after a visit to the site or after an on-the-spot consultation of the documents supporting the procurement documents.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.6.

In the procedures after a call for expression of interest referred to in point 13.1, the time limit shall be:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.7.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25.

Access to procurement documents and time limit to provide additional information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25.1.

The contracting authority shall offer direct access free of charge by electronic means to the procurement documents from the date of publication of the contract notice or, for the procedures without contract notice or referred to in point 13, from the date of dispatch of the invitation to tender.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25.2.

The contracting authority shall provide additional information linked to the procurement documents simultaneously and in writing to all interested economic operators as soon as possible.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25.3.

The contracting authority shall extend the time limit for receipt of tenders where:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26.

Time limits in urgent cases
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26.1.

Where duly substantiated urgency renders impracticable the minimum time limits laid down in points 24.2 and 24.3 for open or restricted procedures, the contracting authority may set:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.

Electronic catalogues
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.2.

Where the presentation of tenders in the form of electronic catalogues is accepted or required, the contracting authority shall:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.3.

Where a multiple framework contract has been concluded following the submission of tenders in the form of electronic catalogues, the contracting authority may provide that the reopening of competition for specific contracts takes place on the basis of updated catalogues by using one of the following methods:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27.4.

When using the method referred to in point (b) of point 27.3, the contracting authority shall notify contractors of the date and time at which they intend to collect the information needed to constitute tenders adapted to the requirements of the specific contract in question and shall give contractors the possibility to refuse such collection of information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.

Opening of tenders and requests to participate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.2.

Where the value of a contract is equal to or greater than the thresholds referred to in Article 175(1), the authorising officer responsible shall appoint a committee to open the tenders. The authorising officer may waive that obligation on the basis of a risk analysis when reopening competition within a framework contract and for the cases referred to in the second subparagraph of point 11.1 except points (d) and (g) of that subparagraph.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29.

Evaluation of tenders and requests to participate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.

Results of the evaluation and award decision
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.1.

The outcome of the evaluation shall be an evaluation report containing the proposal to award the contract. The evaluation report shall be dated and signed by the person or persons who carried out the evaluation or by the members of the evaluation committee. That report may be signed in an electronic system providing sufficient identification of the signatory.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.2.

The evaluation report shall contain the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.3.

The contracting authority shall take its award decision providing any of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.4.

The authorising officer may merge the content of the evaluation report and the award decision into a single document and sign it in any of the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.

Information for candidates and tenderers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.1.

The contracting authority shall inform all candidates or tenderers, simultaneously and individually, by electronic means of decisions reached concerning the outcome of the procedure as soon as possible after any of the following stages:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31.3.

When the contracting authority communicates by electronic means, information shall be deemed to have been received by candidates or tenderers if the contracting authority can prove to have sent it to the electronic address referred to in the tender or in the request to participate.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 2

Provisions applicable to contracts awarded by Union institutions on their own account
32.

Central purchasing body
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32.1.

A central purchasing body may act as any of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33.

Lots
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33.2.

Where the subject matter of a contract is subdivided into several lots, each one being the subject of an individual contract, the total value of all the lots shall be taken into account for the overall evaluation pursuant to the applicable threshold.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.

Arrangements for estimating the value of a contract
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.1.

The contracting authority shall estimate the value of a contract based on the total amount payable, including any form of options and any renewal.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.2.

For framework contracts and dynamic purchasing systems the value to be taken into account shall be the maximum value of all the contracts envisaged during the total duration of the framework contract or dynamic purchasing system.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.3.

For service contracts, account shall be taken of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.4.

In the case of service contracts which do not specify a total price or of supply contracts for leasing, hire, rental or hire purchase of products, the basis for calculating the estimated contract value shall be:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.5.

In the case of service or supply contracts which are awarded regularly or are to be renewed within a given period, the basis for calculating the estimated contract value shall be any of the following:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34.7.

In the case of concession contracts, the value shall be the estimated total turnover of the concessionaire generated over the duration of the contract.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.

Standstill period before signature of the contract
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.1.

The standstill period shall run from either of the following dates:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.2.

The period set out in point 35.1 shall not apply in the following cases:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 3

Procurement in the field of external actions
36.

Special provisions relating to thresholds and the arrangements for awarding contracts in the field of external actions
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37.

Advertising
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37.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38.

Thresholds and procedures
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38.1.

The procurement procedures in the field of external actions shall be as follows:
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38.2.

The use of procurement procedures according to thresholds shall be as follows:
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38.3.

In the restricted procedure referred to in point (a) of point 38.1, the contract notice shall state the number of candidates who will be invited to submit tenders. For service contracts at least four candidates shall be invited. The number of candidates allowed to submit tenders shall be sufficient to ensure genuine competition.
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38.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38.5.

Under the simplified procedure referred to in point (d) of point 38.1, the contracting authority shall draw up a list of at least three tenderers of its choice, without publication of a notice.
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38.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39.

Use of the negotiated procedure for service, supply and works contracts
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39.1.

Contracting authorities may use the negotiated procedure with a single tender in the following cases:
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39.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40.

Tender specifications
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41.

Time limits for procedures
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41.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41.4.

In open procedures, the time limits for receipt of tenders, running from the date following that on which the contract notice is published, shall be at least:
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41.5.

In local open procedures, the time limits for receipt of tenders, running from the date when the contract notice is published, shall be at least:
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41.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ANNEX II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulation revoked (31.12.2020) by The European Union Budget, and Economic and Monetary Policy (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/484), regs. 1, 2(l); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)