ANNEX IISupplementary provisions
ANNEX II Costs incurred by the Regional Advisory Councils Part 1 Contribution towards the start-up costs of the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) The Community will contribute part of the operating costs from the year of their establishment for a maximum of five years. The amount allocated to each RAC for operating costs will not exceed 90 % of its operating budget and may not exceed 200 000 EUR in the first year. In the four following years, the maximum financial contribution will be degressive ( 1 ) and depend on the budget available. The Commission will conclude with each RAC and for each year an ‘operating grant agreement’ which will set the precise terms and conditions and the procedure for the grant of financing. Only the actual expenses will be subject to the Community contribution, which will be granted on condition that the other sources of financing have been allocated. The eligible costs will consist of the costs necessary to ensure the normal operation of the RACs and enable them to pursue their aims. The following direct costs will be eligible: — personnel expenses (cost of personnel per day of work on the project), — new or used equipment, — materials and supplies, — dissemination of information to members, — travel and accommodation expenses of experts attending RAC meetings (based on scales or rules laid down by the Commission departments), — audits, — a contingency reserve of not more than 5 % of eligible direct costs. Part 2 Interpretation and translation costs The Commission will conclude with each RAC and for each year an action grant agreement of up to 50 000 EUR which will set the precise terms and conditions and the procedure for the grant of financing. ( 1 ) First year: 200 000 EUR (90 %), second year: 165 000 EUR (75 %), third year: 132 000 EUR (60 %), fourth year: 121 000 EUR (55 %), fifth year: 110 000 EUR (50 %).