DESCA 2.1 released: Updated consortium agreement for Horizon Europe projects

The new version, DESCA Horizon Europe 2.1, provides project consortia with an updated model for consortium agreements under Horizon Europe. The revised version takes into account recent stakeholder feedback and legal amendments, and facilitates collaboration in European research and innovation projects. DESCA has been regarded for years as the de facto standard for consortium agreements in EU-funded projects and is used across Europe by research institutions, universities and companies.

What is DESCA?

DESCA (“Development of a Simplified Consortium Agreement”) is a standardised model agreement for consortia in EU research projects. For most projects under Horizon Europe, a consortium agreement between the project partners is mandatory. DESCA provides a tried-and-tested and widely accepted framework for this purpose. The model agreement was originally developed for the 7th EU Framework Programme and has been continuously refined for Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

DESCA HE 2.1: Key changes at a glance

The new version DESCA HE 2.1 introduces several substantive and legal amendments:

• Alignment with DESCA AP 2.0 (associated partners)
• New subsection on claims against auxiliary persons
• Incorporation of recent changes in Belgian law
• Improved structure and additional explanations for greater clarity

The update enhances legal certainty and supports consortia in the efficient implementation of their projects.

DESCA AP 2.0: Involvement of associated partners

Back in August 2025, a supplementary version, DESCA HE AP 2.0, was published, specifically governing the participation of so-called associated partners.

These partners:

• do not sign the EU grant agreement
• do not receive direct EU funding
• are nevertheless actively involved in the project work

DESCA AP 2.0 contains specific contractual provisions for this purpose, as well as differentiated provisions for:

• Projects with actual costs (Actual Cost Grants)
• Projects with lump-sum funding (Lump Sum Grants)

Significance for Horizon Europe projects

The use of a structured consortium agreement is crucial to the success of the project. DESCA supports consortia in particular with:

• Regulating partners’ rights and obligations
• Dealing with intellectual property (IPR)
• Organising project management and governance
• Clarifying liability and financial issues

In this way, DESCA creates a reliable foundation for complex international collaborations within the European Research Area.

Strong European backing

DESCA is backed by a broad European network of leading research and innovation organisations, including:

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Helmholtz Association
• LERU (League of European Research Universities)
• EARTO (European Association of Research and Technology Organisations)
• KoWi (EU Cooperation Office of the Science Organisations)

DESCA is supported by an advisory group comprising around 100 experts from across Europe.

Relevance for Germany and Bavaria

For stakeholders in Germany and particularly in Bavaria – including universities, research institutions and innovative companies – DESCA is a key tool for successful participation in Horizon Europe projects.

A well-founded consortium agreement is often crucial for:

• successful application
• smooth project implementation
• legally compliant international cooperation

Getting off to a successful start in Horizon Europe – with the right consortium strategy

A solid consortium agreement is a key success factor for EU research projects. DESCA provides you with a proven framework – but optimising it requires experience and a strategic approach.

Are you planning to participate in Horizon Europe or are you already part of a consortium?

Take advantage of BayFOR’s support: Find out more about the service and secure professional guidance for application submission, consortium formation and project implementation.

M. A. Verena Bürger-Michalek
Head of Unit Project Management
Phone: +49 89 9901888-174
Email: buerger@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org