1.The Decision adopting a rural development programme shall set the maximum contribution from the EAFRD for each axis within a flexibility threshold to be defined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 90(2). The decision shall clearly identify, where necessary, the appropriations allocated to the regions eligible under the Convergence Objective.
2.The EAFRD contribution shall be calculated on the basis of the amount of eligible public expenditure.
3.The EAFRD contribution rate shall be established for each axis.
(a)In the case of axis 1 (competitiveness) and axis 3 (diversification and quality of life) as well as for the technical assistance according to Article 66(2) the following ceilings shall apply respectively:
75 % of the eligible public expenditure in the regions eligible under the Convergence Objective;
50 % of the eligible public expenditure in the other regions.
(b)In the case of axis 2 (improving the environment and the countryside) and axis 4 (Leader) the following ceilings shall apply respectively:
80 % of the eligible public expenditure in the regions eligible under the Convergence Objective;
55 % of the eligible public expenditure in the other regions.
The minimum EAFRD contribution rate at axis level shall be 20 %.
4.Notwithstanding the ceilings set out in paragraph 3, the EAFRD contribution may be increased to 85 % for the programmes of the outermost regions and the smaller Aegean Islands within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93.
[F14a. Paragraphs 3 and 4 may, in certain cases, not apply in Portugal for an amount of EUR 320 million.]
5.For Member States opting for a specific programme pursuant to Article 66(3), second subparagraph, the ceiling of the EAFRD contribution shall be 50 % of the eligible public expenditure.
6.Technical assistance measures taken at the initiative of the Commission or on its behalf may be funded at 100 %.
7.An expenditure co-financed by the EAFRD shall not be co-financed by way of a contribution from the Structural Funds, the CF or any other Community financial instrument.
It may be co-financed under only one axis of the rural development programme. Where an operation falls under measures from more than one axis, the expenditure shall be attributed to the dominant axis.
8.Public expenditure on aid to enterprises shall comply with the aid limits laid down in respect of State aid, unless this Regulation provides otherwise.