1. Subject to the criteria set out in Article 197 of the Financial Regulation, 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 which is associated to the EaSI strand pursuant to Article 29;
(iii)
a third country listed in the work programme, subject to conditions specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article;
(b)
any legal entity established under Union law or any international organisation.
2. Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the EaSI strand pursuant to Article 29 shall be exceptionally eligible to participate where necessary for the achievement of the objectives of a given action.
3. Legal entities established in a third country which is not associated to the EaSI strand pursuant to Article 29 shall, in principle, bear the cost of their participation.