Advances
Article 10
1. At the reasoned request of a Member State, the Commission may grant an advance for each project of up to 50 % of the financial contribution granted in the decision provided for in Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 861/2006. The amount of the advance shall be deducted from any interim payment as well as from the final payment of the financial contribution for that project to the concerned Member State. 2. The request by the Member State shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the contract between the relevant administration and the supplier. 3. If a binding legal commitment is not made by the competent authority of a Member State within the period laid down in Article 4 of this Regulation, any advance granted shall be repaid forthwith.