1. The eligibility criteria set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall apply to entities, in addition to the criteria set out in Article 197 of the Financial Regulation.
2. The following entities shall be eligible:
(a)
legal entities established in any of the following countries or territories:
(i)
a Member State or an overseas country or territory linked to it;
(ii)
a third country associated to the LIFE Programme;
(iii)
other third countries listed in the multiannual work programme referred to in Article 18, under the conditions specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article;
(b)
any legal entity created under Union law or any international organisation.
3. Natural persons shall not be eligible.
4. Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the LIFE Programme shall be exceptionally eligible to participate where this is necessary for the achievement of the objectives of a given action to ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in the Union.
5. Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the LIFE Programme shall in principle bear the cost of their participation.