Financial Rules in the Research Framework Programmes - Streamlining rules for participation in EU research programmes

The study provides an overview of the financial rules applicable to EU research framework programmes (FP6 and FP7) in order to identify areas of complexity both in the legal framework and in the way the rules are implemented. Its key findings and recommendations include the following: - rules should be communicated at the time the calls for proposals are published; - consistency of interpretation of the rules to be ensured by various means suggested; - a communication process ensuring consistent and reliable answers to beneficiaries; - the flat rate percentages should be better adapted to the specific categories of beneficiaries (SMEs, universities, NGOs, etc.); - the simplification process should result in a substantial reform of the financial rules applicable to research framework programmes, decided after consultation with all parties involved (beneficiaries and their representatives, DGs involved in FPs, DG BUDG, external auditors and the Court of Auditors); - the evolution of the rules should be smooth, so that the simplification process itself does not create an unnecessary burden.