EUREKA STRUCTURE

CHAIR

The EUREKA Chair rotates yearly among EUREKA’s member countries, with a mandate running from July to June the following year. It implements a three-year rolling programme in cooperation with the previous and future Chairs (the 'Troika'). Its role is to sustain the momentum of the work of EUREKA, organise in the chair country the MC or IPC, as well as High-Level Group (HLG), Executive Group (EG) and National Project Coordinator (NPC) meetings, which it also chairs. The Chair represents EUREKA externally and agrees with the ESE on the level of support it should provide, which is then incorporated into the ESE’s business plan.

MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE – MC

The MC is the political body of EUREKA where the ministers lay down political guidelines, decide on further developments, approval/dismissal of members and officially announce the new EUREKA projects endorsed during the Chairmanship year. It gathers biennially the ministers from each EUREKA member country and a Commissioner from the European Commission (EC).

INTER-PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE – IPC

It takes place alternate years with the MC. The IPC raises the public awareness of EUREKA’s role and possibilities and makes recommendations on strategic issues to be presented to ministers.

HIGH-LEVEL GROUP – HLG

is the key decision-making body of EUREKA. The ministry responsible for EUREKA in each member country names its High-Level Representative (HLR) which in turn endorses new EUREKA projects, takes decisions on the management of EUREKA and prepares new EUREKA policy discussions for the MC.

EXECUTIVE GROUP – EG

The EG is a small group comprising members from the Troika countries meeting at least eight times a year. It reports and implements the decisions taken by the HLG. It represents a balance of EUREKA members, whose role is to act as an executive body on behalf of the HLG. An EC member is also invited to attend EG meetings. The EG is also responsible for debating key policy issues, deciding on topics delegated by the HLG and advising successive Chairs.

NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATORS – NPCs

NPCs are running the National EUREKA Offices at an operational level and are responsible for project generation, national and international support and follow-up. They are the direct contact with project participants facilitating the setting-up and running of a project. NPCs meetings (4-5 times annually) are a good forum for exchange of experiences and best-practice discussions.