Availability of documents

1.   Without prejudice to the rules governing State aid, the managing authority shall ensure that all supporting documents related to an operation supported by the Funds are kept at the appropriate level for a 5-year period from 31 December of the year in which the last payment by the managing authority to the beneficiary is made.
2.   The time period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be interrupted either in the case of legal proceedings or by a request of the Commission.