This document lays down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in actions under the Seventh Framework Programme and for the dissemination of research results (2007-2013). It was presented on December 23, 2005 and the attachment is the version of the update on October 6, 2006. The document is available here in the English version and its Slovenian translation.

The current proposal contains four chapters: introductory provisions (subject matter, definitions and confidentiality ), participation in indirect actions (minimum conditions to participate, procedural aspects, including minimum numbers of participants, their place of establishment, proposal submission and evaluation, implementation and grant agreements, monitoring of projects and programmes, Community financial contribution: eligibility for funding and forms of grants, reimbursement rates, payment, distribution, recovery and guarantees), the European Investment Bank, and rules for dissemination and use and access rights (ownership, protection, publication, dissemination and use, and access rights to background and foreground).

The minimum number of participants and conditions of place of establishment of the participants is established according to the type of action. Legal entities established in Associated countries may participate on the same basis as those established in Member States.

The rules identify the procedures for issuing calls for proposals and the exceptions to calls for proposals, for submission, evaluation, selection and award of procedures. In addition, they establish the procedures for the appointment of external experts. Further detailed internal rules governing the procedures for submission, evaluation, selection and award of proposals are to be established by the Commission and include provisions relating to the appointment of independent experts. Those rules will include special provisions for two-stage submission procedures and for two-step evaluation (with single submission).