Toolbox 
Smart Coordination 
Positioning of the ERA-NET scheme
Article 185 Initiatives (formerly Art. 169)
(LISBON TREATY: ARTICLE 185)
Contents:
- General Issues
- Preparation, Set-up and Implementation Steps
- Governance
- Budgetary issues
- Duration and Timing
- State of Play (individual initiatives)
- Relation to ERA-NET
Article 169 of the EC Treaty states that "in implementing the multi-annual framework programme, the Community may make provision, in agreement with the Member States concerned, for participation in research and development programmes undertaken by several Member States, including participation in the structures created for the execution of those programmes."
In practical terms, measures under Article 169 foresee the participation of the Community in the joint implementation of (parts of) research and development national programmes.
Implementing Article 169 in the Seventh Framework Programme implies that the participating EU Member States integrate (rather than simply coordinate) their research efforts by defining and committing themselves to a joint research programme, in which the European Community promotes the voluntary integration of scientific, managerial and financial aspects.
The Community provides financial support to the joint research programme, by co-funding the efforts from national/regional budgets/ programmes.
