Variations in the implementation period, suspension and force majeure

The implementation period of the Action is laid down in Article 2 of the Special Conditions. The partner must inform the European Commission without delay of any circumstances likely to hamper or delay the implementation of the Action. The partner 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 partner's request, the EC will send an addendum to the contract

The partner may suspend implementation of all or part of the Action if circumstances (chiefly force majeure) make it too difficult or dangerous to continue. The partner must inform the EC 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, and shall inform 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 Contract that may be necessary to adapt the Action to the new implementing conditions.

Force majeure shall mean any unforeseeable exceptional situation or event beyond the parties’ control which prevents either of them from fulfilling any of their contractual obligations, is not attributable to error or negligence on their part (or the part of their subcontractors, agents or employees), and proves insurmountable in spite of all due diligence.

Defects in equipment or material or delays in making them available, labour disputes, strikes or financial difficulties cannot be invoked as force majeure. A Party shall not be held in breach of its contractual obligations if it is prevented from fulfilling them by 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 take any measure to minimise possible damage.



Sources and useful links:

• General Conditions applicable to European Community-financed grant contracts for external actions, Article 11.