Where the implementation of an operation gives rise to indirect costs, they may be calculated at a flat rate in one of the following ways:

1. (a)

   a flat rate of up to 25 % of eligible direct costs, provided that the rate is calculated on the basis of a fair, equitable and verifiable calculation method or a method applied under schemes for grants funded entirely by the Member State for a similar type of operation and beneficiary;

2. (b)

   a flat rate of up to 15 % of eligible direct staff costs without there being a requirement for the Member State to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate;

3. (c)

   a flat rate applied to eligible direct costs based on existing methods and corresponding rates, applicable in Union policies for a similar type of operation and beneficiary.

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 149 to supplement the provisions on the flat rate and the related methods referred to in point (c) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph.