EU publishes version 2.0 of the Annotated Grant Agreement

The European Commission has published the Annotated Grant Agreement (AGA) in version 2.0 – with numerous clarifications, new notes and an interactive linking system activated for the first time. This is the most comprehensive revision since the entry into force of the new Financial Framework 2021-2027.

What's new? - An overview of the main changes 

1. Legal clarity through the new EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509

The AGA version 2.0 adapts all cross-references to the new EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509. This will ensure legal certainty for future claims and accounts under the budget base that will apply from 30 September 2024.

2. New rules for personnel costs and daily rates 

Precise instructions are now available for those wishing to charge personnel costs after the end of the project period: the daily rate must refer to the same annual average (215 days) - otherwise comparability is lost.

3. Revised unit costs for travel 

The travel rules are updated: ferries and boats are now treated in the same way as breakfast and commuting allowances - all in line with the new Commission Decision C(2021)35.

4. Financial support to third parties (FSTP): clarification & guidelines 

Payments to third parties are now subject to clear rules, complemented by new guidelines. This is particularly relevant for funded projects involving grants to external actors.

5. Combined EU and RRF funding regulated for the first time

For the first time, version 2.0 provides clear guidelines for the combination of EU funds and national reconstruction funds (RRF). This will provide Member States with planning certainty for mixed funding projects.

6. New rules for RELEX and external programmes 

External EU funding programmes (RELEX, NDICI-GE, IPA III) now have their own grounds for termination and an alternative language and accounting system.

7. Additions to Article 20: Simplified costs, new working models 

Two new special cases have been introduced: Those using seasonal working models will be able to invoice differently, provided they are properly documented.

8. EU values, ethics, gender: stricter requirements 

In Annex 5, the rules on gender equality plans (GEPs), ethical principles and the use of intellectual property (IPR) have been tightened.