Division 2.5.1 Conferences organised by the Presidency of the European Union

Three conferences organised by the Presidency of the European Union, one for each Presidency (second semester 2009 and 2010), are eligible for co-funding by the Community up to EUR 100 000 each, at the maximum community co-financing rate 50 % of the total eligible costs. Policy issues to be addressed in these conferences relate to improve citizens’ health security, to promote health, including the reduction of health inequalities, and to generate and disseminate health information and knowledge.

These events, highly political in nature and involving representation at the highest level both from National Authorities and European representatives, are to be organised exclusively by the Member State holding the Presidency. Given the unique role of the Presidency in the framework of Community activities, the Member State responsible for the organisation of the event is considered as a de jure monopoly.

According to Article 168(1)(c) of the IR, grants can be allocated without a call for proposals to organisations in a de jure or de facto monopoly situation, duly substantiated in the award decision.

The Presidency shall submit a request for grant to the Commission services, via the Permanent Representation, for the conference for which the contribution is requested at least four months before the event. This request for grant shall specify the conference topic, the draft programme, the provisional budget and the composition of the scientific and organisation committees.