Can private partners participate in the programme?
In general, private partners can participate within projects as project partners and lead partners. Private partners of Member States are eligible for ERDF-funding but they have to take care that it is not in contradiction to the rules of competition law. Please note that ERDF co-financing rate has also to fulfil the requirements of Art. 12 and 29 Reg. (CE) No 1260/1999 and those foreseen by the following regulations: Commission regulation no 68/2001 (of 12 January 2001) on the application of articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid; Commission Regulation no 69/2001 (of 12 January 2001) on the application of articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to the deminimis aid; Commission Regulation no 70/2001 (of 12 January 2001) on the application of articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium sized enterprises (OJ L10 of 13 January 2001). If the Lead Partner is under private law, it has to provide sufficient guarantees equal to the amount of ERDF funds they ar
