The PlantaSYST Grant Agreement No 739582 was signed by the Project Coordinator Dr. Tsanko Gechev and the Director General of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission Robert-Jan Smits at a special Teaming Award Ceremony in Brussels on 16.2.2017. The signature was part of a meeting between the EU Commission, representatives of all successful Teaming Phase 2 applicants, and representatives from the national authorities providing co-funding. The meeting commenced with presentations of the 10 Teaming projects by the project coordinators.  

During a lunch break, the Teaming representatives and the Governmental officials met with the EU senior officials, as well as with the respective project officers, to discuss various aspects of the implementation of their projects. After the working lunch, Magda De Carli (Head of Unit, DG RTD) presented the policy expectations from the 10 Teaming projects. She mentioned the expected the possibility of synergies with the ESIF. In 10 years, EU would like to see an ambitious structure that is a pioneer of change and has the following key success features:

• Scientific excellence
• Growth impact
• Solid partnership between all parties involved
• Full autonomy
• Long-term sustainability
• Alignment with RIS3
• Long-term financial commitment

Peter Van Der Zandt (Head of Unit, REA) presented the operational expectations from the Teaming projects. He said: “This is a historic moment, your Teaming projects are the first of their kind and are the flagships of the H2020 policy”…..”Today I committed 140 Mil. Eur., which does not happen every day….We will be next to you to help you and to make sure the job is done successfully”.   Robert-Jan Smits, the Director General of DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, said: “Your Teaming projects are the jewel in the crown”. He also said ”This is new for us as well, we will be learning by doing”. He emphasized on the importance of the excellence, autonomy, and the commitment from the structural funds. He also emphasized on the commitment required by the Government and said there will be regular meetings with the national authorities. The official part of the Teaming Award Ceremony ended with signatures of the 10 Grant Agreements.