Article 23Designation of authorities
1.For the implementation of its multiannual programme and annual programmes the Member State shall designate the following:
(a)a responsible authority: a functional body of the Member State or national public authority or body designated by the Member State or a body governed by the private law of the Member State and which has a public sevice mission, which shall be responsible for the management of the multiannual programme and annual programmes supported by the Fund and shall handle all communication with the Commission;
(b)a certifying authority: a national public authority or body, or individual acting as such body or authority, designated by the Member State to certify declarations of expenditure before they are sent to the Commission;
(c)an audit authority: a national public authority or body, provided that it is functionally independent of the responsible authority and the certifying authority, designated by the Member State and responsible for verifying the effective functioning of the management and control system;
(d)where appropriate, a delegated authority.
2.The Member State shall lay down rules governing its relations with the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 and their relations with the Commission.
3.Subject to Article 22(b), some or all of the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article may be located within the same body.
4.The rules for implementing Articles 24 to 28 shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 52(2).