Variations in the implementation period, suspension and force majeure
Extension of the implementation period
The implementation period of the Action is written in Article 2 of the Special Conditions. The Grant Beneficiary must inform the Contracting Authority without delay of any circumstances likely to hamper or delay the implementation of the Action. It may request an extension of the Action's implementation period no later than one month before it ends. The request must be accompanied by all the supporting evidence needed for its appraisal. In case of acceptance of the request, the Contracting Authority will send an addendum to the contract the the Grant Beneficiary will have to undersign in duplicate.
Suspension of the Action
The Grant Beneficiary may ask to suspend implementation of all or part of the Action if circumstances (chiefly force majeure or fait du prince) make it too difficult or dangerous to continue. The partner must inform the Contracting Authority without delay and provide all the necessary details. The partner shall endeavour to minimise the time of its suspension and shall resume implementation once circumstances allow, informing the EC accordingly.
The implementation period of the Action shall be extended by a period equivalent to the length of suspension, without prejudice to any amendment to the Grant Contract that may be necessary to adapt the Action to the new implementing conditions.
Force majeure
Force majeure refers to any unforeseeable exceptional situation or event beyond the contractual parties’ control which prevents either of them to fulfil any of their contractual obligations, is not attributable to error or negligence on their part (or the part of their contractors, sub-grantees or employees), and requires immediate action.
Defects in equipment or material or delays in making them available, labour disputes, strikes or financial difficulties cannot be invoked as force majeure. The party faced with force majeure shall inform the other party without delay, stating the nature, probable duration and foreseeable effects of the problem, and takes any measure to minimise possible damage to the overall project implementation.
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