Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 13 June 2012 —
Insula v Commission

(Case T‑110/10)

Arbitration clause — Financing contract for research and development projects — El Hierro contract — Lack of supporting documents and non-compliance with the contractual requirements in respect of the declared expenses — Reimbursement of sums advanced — Counterclaim by the Commission

1.                     Proceedings — Referral to the General Court under an arbitration clause — Contract subject to national law — Application of national provisions on jurisdiction — Exclusion (Art. 272 TFEU) (see para. 30)

2.                     Proceedings — Referral to the General Court under an arbitration clause — Contract providing for Community financial assistance for a research and development project — Claim for repayment of certain costs — Counterclaim with claim for interest for delay — Application of national law — Finding of non-compliance with contractual obligations — Commission’s right to repayment of the advance, plus interest for delay at the rate applied by the European Central Bank (Art. 272 TFEU; Commission Regulation No 2342/2002, Art. 86(2)) (see paras 29, 44, 66)

Re:

APPLICATION, submitted on the basis of Article 272 TFEU, seeking a declaration, first, that the Commission’s request for reimbursement of the sum of EUR 84 120 is unfounded and, second, that the Commission be ordered to issue a ‘credit note’ in the amount of EUR 84 120.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders the Conseil scientifique international pour le développement des îles (Insula) to pay the European Commission the principal sum of EUR 84 120, increased by default interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum, from 26 January 2010 until full payment of that principal sum;

3. Dismisses the remainder of the Commission’s counterclaim;

4. Orders Insula to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by the Commission.