Article 2 Definitions

For the purpose of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

1. 1..

   ‘institutions’ mean European Parliament, Council, Commission, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, European Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions, Ombudsman, European Data-Protection Supervisor, executive agencies and bodies referred to in Article 185(1) of the Financial Regulation;

2. 2..

   ‘implementing authority or body’ means authorities of the Member States and third countries, international organisations and other bodies participating in the implementation of the budget in accordance with Articles 53 and 54 of the Financial Regulation, with the exception of executive agencies and bodies referred to in Article 185(1) of that Regulation. Member States may assign tasks provided for in this Regulation to other national public authorities, which shall be assimilated to implementing authorities or bodies.

3. 3..

   ‘third parties’ mean candidates, tenderers, contractors, suppliers, service providers and their respective subcontractors, as well as grant applicants, grant beneficiaries, including beneficiaries of direct aid, contractors of grant beneficiaries and entities receiving financial support from a beneficiary of a Community grant pursuant to Article 120 of the Financial Regulation.