A European Research Infrastructure Consortium – ERIC is a full legal entity under Union law. With a membership of at least one EU Member and two EU member or associated states, it has legal personality and full legal capacity recognized in all Member States.
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The primary objective of an ERIC is to establish and operate, through its Members, a Research Infrastructure of European importance on a non-economic basis. In order to promote innovation and knowledge and technology transfer, the ERIC should be allowed to carry out some limited economic activities if they are closely related to its principal task and they do not jeopardize its achievement.
Membership
The members of an ERIC may be Member States, associated countries, third countries other than associated countries and intergovernmental organizations. Further Member or Associated states, third countries or intergovernmental organisations may become members or observers without voting rights.
Legal Framework
The Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) entered into force on 28 August 2009, with the Council Regulation (EC) n. 723/2009. This specific legal form is designed to facilitate the joint establishment and operation of Research Infrastructures of European interest.