Grant Agreement Model: A Guide to Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the European Union`s flagship research and innovation program. It is the successor of Horizon 2020 and is designed to give researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators the support they need to drive innovation and create new products, services, and solutions. The program covers a wide range of topics, including health, culture, security, and climate, among others.

One of the most important aspects of Horizon Europe is the grant agreement model. It is the legal instrument that governs the relationship between the European Commission and the grantee. It defines the rights and obligations of the parties, the scope of the project, the budget, and the reporting requirements. In this article, we will explore the main features of the grant agreement model and how it works.

Types of Grant Agreements

Horizon Europe offers several types of grant agreements, depending on the type of project and the role of the grantee. The main types are:

1. Grant Agreement for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): This type of agreement is for collaborative research and innovation projects, where multiple partners contribute to the project. The grantee is usually the coordinator of the project and is responsible for managing the consortium and the budget.

2. Grant Agreement for Innovation Actions (IA): This type of agreement is for projects aimed at developing prototypes, testing new products or services, and bringing innovations to the market. The grantee is usually a single entity, such as a startup or an SME.

3. Grant Agreement for Coordination and Support Actions (CSA): This type of agreement is for projects that support networking, dissemination, and training activities. The grantee is usually a single entity, such as a research institution or a non-profit organization.

Key Features of the Grant Agreement Model

The grant agreement model consists of several sections, each of which defines different aspects of the project. The main sections are:

1. General Information: This section includes the title and acronym of the project, the type of grant agreement, the start and end dates, the budget, and the funding scheme.

2. Scope of the Project: This section describes the objectives of the project, the expected outcomes, and the work plan. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the partners, the intellectual property rights, and the ethics requirements.

3. Reporting and Deliverables: This section specifies the reporting and deliverables requirements, including the periodic reports, the final report, and the dissemination and exploitation plan.

4. Budget and Payment: This section details the budget breakdown, including the eligible costs, the maximum reimbursement rates, and the payment schedule.

5. Amendments and Termination: This section outlines the procedures for amending the grant agreement, including the conditions for changing the work plan, the budget, or the partners. It also defines the grounds for termination, such as the breach of the grant agreement or the inability to achieve the objectives.

Conclusion

The grant agreement model is a critical component of Horizon Europe, as it provides the legal framework for the projects funded under the program. It is essential for the grantee to understand the main features of the grant agreement and to comply with its requirements, to ensure the success of the project and the smooth relationship with the European Commission. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with legal and financial experts to clarify any doubts or concerns regarding the grant agreement model.