### “where management cost and fees as referred to in point of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 and in paragraph 2 of this article are charged by the body implementing the fund of funds or bodies implementing financial instruments pursuant to point of article 38 and points and of article 38 , they shall not exceed the thresholds defined in the delegated act referred to in paragraph 6 of this article . whereas management costs shall comprise direct or indirect cost items reimbursed against evidence of expenditure , management fees shall refer to an agreed price for services rendered established via a competitive market process , where applicable . management costs and fees shall be based on a performance based calculation methodology . ; ” ### “where management cost and fees as referred to in point of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 and in paragraph 2 of this article are charged by the body implementing the fund of funds or bodies implementing financial instruments pursuant to point of article 38 and points , and of article 38 , they shall not exceed the thresholds defined in the delegated act referred to in paragraph 6 of this article . whereas management costs shall comprise direct or indirect cost items reimbursed against evidence of expenditure , management fees shall refer to an agreed price for services rendered established via a competitive market process , where applicable . management costs and fees shall be based on a performance based calculation methodology . ; ”


### an operation may receive support from one or more esi funds or from one or more programmes and from other union instruments , provided that the expenditure declared in a payment application for one of the esi funds does not receive support from another fund or union instrument , or support from the same fund under another programme . the amount of expenditure to be entered into a payment application of an esi fund may be calculated for each esi fund on a pro rata basis in accordance with the document setting out the conditions for support . ### an operation may receive support from one or more esi funds or from one or more programmes and from other union instruments , provided that the expenditure declared in a payment application for one of the esi funds relates to support distinct from the support from another fund or union instrument , or support from the same fund under another programme . the amount of expenditure to be entered into a payment application of an esi fund may be calculated for each esi fund on a pro rata basis in accordance with the document setting out the conditions for support .


### ' the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the beneficiaries under this measure shall be chosen through calls for tenders . the selection procedure shall be governed by public procurement law and shall be open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . ' ### in article 15 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the providers under this measure shall be chosen through a selection procedure open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . '


### ' with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2018 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . ' ### in article 75 , subparagraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2020 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . '


### “ “arable land” means land cultivated for crop production or areas available for crop production but lying fallow , including areas set aside in accordance with articles 22 , 23 and 24 of regulation no 1257 / 1999 , with article 39 of regulation no 1698 / 2005 and with article 28 of regulation no 1305 / 2013 , irrespective of whether or not that land is under greenhouses or under fixed or mobile cover ; ” ### - 1a . in article 4 , point is replaced by the following : “ “arable land” means land cultivated for crop production or areas available for crop production but lying fallow including areas set aside in accordance with articles 22 , 23 and 24 of regulation no 1257 / 1999 , with article 39 of regulation no 1698 / 2005 and with article 28 of regulation no 1305 / 2013 , irrespective of whether or not that land is under greenhouses or under fixed or mobile cover ; it may include , where member states so decide , all areas lying fallow and covered by grasses or other herbaceous forage that were agricultural areas but not permanent grassland at the time of being left to lie fallow for the first time ; ”


### “ “permanent grassland and permanent pasture” means land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more ; it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide , land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas ; ” ### - 1b . in article 4 , point is replaced by the following : “ “permanent grassland and permanent pasture” means land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for seven years or more ; it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide , land which can be grazed and , where member states so decide , other sources of non - forage animal feed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide : land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas , and / or land which can be grazed where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant , or absent , in grazing areas ; for the purpose of this definition member states may decide that the following practices are crop rotations : the seeding of grasses or other herbaceous forage on an area after removal of a prior cover of grass or other herbaceous forage if the new cover is established by species or a mix of species other than the prior cover , or the seeding of grasses or other herbaceous forage on an area directly or after removal of a prior cover of grass or other herbaceous forage ; ”


### the payment deadline referred to in paragraph 2 may be suspended by the managing authority in either of the following duly justified cases : ### the payment deadline referred to in paragraph 2 may be interrupted by the managing authority in either of the following duly justified cases :


### to achieve this objective , actions should be taken at union level to protect people and goods from increasingly transnational threats and to support the work carried out by member states’ competent authorities . terrorism , serious and organised crime , itinerant crime , drug trafficking , corruption , cybercrime , trafficking in human beings and arms , among others , continue to challenge the internal security of the union . ### to achieve this objective , actions should be taken at union level to protect people , critical infrastructure and goods from increasingly transnational threats and to support the work carried out by member states’ competent authorities . terrorism , serious and organised crime , itinerant crime , trafficking , including that of arms and drugs , corruption , money laundering , cybercrime , trafficking in human beings , sexual exploitation , including that of children , and hybrid threats as well as chemical , biological , radiological and nuclear threats , among others , continue to challenge the internal security of the union .


### funding from the union budget should concentrate on activities where union intervention can bring added value compared to action by member states alone . in - line with articles 84 and 87 of the tfeu , funding should support measures to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention and police cooperation involving all the member states’ competent authorities concerning especially information exchange , increased operational cooperation and supporting efforts to strengthen capabilities to combat and to prevent crime . the fund should not support operating costs and activities related to the essential functions of the member states concerning the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal and national security as referred to in article 72 of the tfeu . ### funding from the union budget should concentrate on activities where union intervention can bring added value compared to action by member states alone . in line with articles 84 and 87 of the tfeu , funding should support measures to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention , joint training and police and judicial cooperation involving all the member states’ competent authorities and union agencies concerning especially information exchange , increased operational cooperation and supporting efforts to strengthen capabilities to combat and to prevent crime . the fund should not support operating costs and activities related to the essential functions of the member states concerning the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal and national security as referred to in article 72 of the tfeu .


### the fund should be implemented in full compliance with the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and with the union’s international obligations as regards fundamental rights . ### the fund should be implemented in full compliance with the values of the union as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union , the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and with the union’s international obligations as regards fundamental rights .


### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address evolving and emerging threats with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities . ### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime and protecting critical infrastructure . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address new threats such as online trafficking and hybrid threats , chemical , biological , radiological and nuclear threats , and evolving threats with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities .


### within the comprehensive framework of the fund , the financial assistance provided through the fund should in particular support police and judicial cooperation and prevention in the fields of serious and organised crime , illicit arms trafficking , corruption , money laundering , drug trafficking , environmental crime , exchange of and access to information , terrorism , trafficking in human beings , exploitation of illegal immigration , child sexual exploitation , distribution of child abuse images and child pornography , and cybercrime . the fund should also support the protection of people , public spaces and critical infrastructure against security - related incidents and the effective management of security - related risks and crises , including through the development of common policies , legislation and practical cooperation . the fund should build on the results and investments of its predecessors : ### within the comprehensive framework of the fund , the financial assistance provided through the fund should in particular support information exchange and access to information as well as police and judicial cooperation and prevention in the fields of serious and organised crime , illicit arms trafficking , corruption , money laundering , drug trafficking , environmental crime , exchange of and access to information , terrorism , trafficking in human beings , exploitation of illegal immigration , child sexual exploitation , distribution of child abuse images and child pornography , and cybercrime . the fund should also support the protection of people , public spaces and critical infrastructure against security - related incidents and the effective management of security - related risks and crises , including through joint training , the development of common policies , legislation and practical cooperation .


### with a view to ensuring that the fund makes an effective contribution to a higher level of internal security throughout the european union , to the development of a genuine security union , it should be used in a way that adds most value to the action of the member states . ### with a view to ensuring that the fund makes an effective contribution to a higher level of internal security throughout the european union , to the development of a genuine security union , it should be used in a way that adds most european value to the action of the member states .


### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes address the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in annex ii and that the allocation of resources between objectives ensures that the overall policy objective can be met . ### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes contribute to achieving the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in annex ii and that the allocation of resources between objectives is proportional to the challenges and requirements and ensures that the overall policy objective can be met .


### the fund should be coherent with and complementary to other union financial programmes in the field of security . synergies will be sought ensured in particular with the asylum and migration fund , the integrated border management fund consisting of the border management and visa instrument established by regulation x and the customs control equipment instrument established by regulation x as well as the other cohesion policy funds covered by regulation x [ cpr ] , the security research part of the horizon europe programme established by regulation x , the rights and values programme established by regulation x , the justice programme established by regulation eu x , the digital europe programme established by regulation eu x and the investeu programme established by regulation eu x . synergies should be sought in particular on security of infrastructure and public spaces , cybersecurity and the prevention of radicalisation . effective coordination mechanisms are essential to maximise the effective achievement of policy objectives , exploit economies of scale and avoid overlaps between actions . ### the fund should be coherent with and complementary to other union financial programmes in the field of security . synergies will be sought ensured in particular with the asylum and migration fund , the integrated border management fund consisting of the border management and visa instrument established by regulation x and the customs control equipment instrument established by regulation x as well as the other cohesion policy funds covered by regulation x [ cpr ] , the security research part of the horizon europe programme established by regulation x , the rights and values programme established by regulation x , the justice programme established by regulation eu x , the digital europe programme established by regulation eu x and the investeu programme established by regulation eu x . synergies should be sought in particular on security of infrastructure and public spaces , cybersecurity , victim protection and the prevention of radicalisation . effective coordination mechanisms are essential to maximise the effective achievement of policy objectives , exploit economies of scale and avoid overlaps between actions .


### member states should be encouraged to use part of their programme allocation to fund actions listed in annex iv benefiting from a higher union contribution . ### member states should be encouraged to use part of their programme allocation to fund actions listed in annex iv benefiting from a higher union contribution , primarily because of their significant european added value or their high importance for the union .


### to complement the implementation of its policy objective at national level through member states’ programmes , the fund should also provide support for actions at union level . such actions should serve overall strategic purposes within the scope of intervention of the fund relating to policy analysis and innovation , transnational mutual learning and partnerships and the testing of new initiatives and actions across the union . ### to complement the implementation of its policy objective at national level through member states’ programmes , the fund should also provide support for actions at union level . such actions should serve overall strategic purposes within the scope of intervention of the fund relating to policy analysis and innovation , transnational mutual learning and partnerships and the testing of new initiatives and actions across the union or among certain member states . in this regard , member states’ intelligence services should be approached to ensure a more effective fight against terrorism and serious and organised crime and to understand their cross - border nature ; this will encourage their cooperation . the fund should support member states’ efforts to exchange best practice and to promote joint training in order to help develop a culture of cooperation and mutual trust between intelligence services .


### in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council19 , council regulation no 2988 / 9520 , council regulation no 2185 / 9621 and council regulation 2017 / 193922 , the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including the prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative sanctions . in particular , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 , the european anti - fraud office may carry out administrate investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with council regulation 2017 / 1939 , the european public prosecutor’s office may investigate and prosecute fraud and other illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the union as provided for in directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council23 . in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the union’s financial interests to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf , the eppo and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . __________________ 19 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 . 20 council regulation no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 21 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 22 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . 23 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law . ### in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council19 , council regulation no 2988 / 9520 , council regulation no 2185 / 9621 and council regulation 2017 / 193922 , the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including the prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative and / or criminal sanctions . in particular , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 , the european anti - fraud office may carry out administrate investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with council regulation 2017 / 1939 , the european public prosecutor’s office may investigate and prosecute fraud and other illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the union as provided for in directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council23 . in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the union’s financial interests to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf , the eppo and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . member states must cooperate fully and give all the necessary assistance to the union’s institutions , agencies and bodies in order to protect the union’s financial interests . __________________ 19 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 . 20 council regulation no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 21 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 22 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . 23 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this fund will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the fund ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this fund will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the mff 2021 - 2027 period and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027 . relevant actions will be identified during the fund ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime . ### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious , organised and international crime , cybercrime , trafficking in drugs and human organs and by assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund shall also support preparedness for and management of security - related risk and crisis .


### to increase the exchange of information among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities and other relevant union bodies as well as with third countries and international organisations ; ### to increase the exchange of information among and within the member states ' law enforcement , judicial and other competent authorities and other relevant member state and union bodies , in particular europol and eurojust , as well as with third countries and international organisations ;


### to intensify cross - border joint operations among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities in relation to serious and organised crime with a cross - border dimension ; and ### to intensify coordination and cooperation , including cross - border joint operations among and within the member states’ law enforcement and other competent authorities in relation to terrorism and serious and organised crime with a cross - border dimension ; and


### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented through the implementation measures listed in annex ii . ### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented inter alia through the implementation measures listed in annex ii .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that the support provided under this regulation and by the member states is consistent with the relevant activities , policies and priorities of the union and is complementary to other union instruments . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure that the support provided under this regulation and by the member states is consistent with the relevant activities , policies and priorities of the union and is complementary to other union instruments , in particular action taken under other union funds .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the fund for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 2 500 000 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the fund for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 2 209 725 000 in 2018 prices .


### funding from the thematic facility shall address priorities with a high added value to the union or to be used to respond to urgent needs , in line with agreed union priorities as outlined in annex ii . ### funding from the thematic facility shall address priorities with a high added value to the union or to be used to respond to urgent needs , in line with agreed union priorities as outlined in annex ii . the allocation of resources from the thematic facility among the various priorities must as far as possible be proportional to the challenges and needs in order to ensure that the objectives of the fund can be achieved .


### the commission shall ensure that the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction are associated to the development of the programmes at an early stage , as regards the areas of their competence . specifically , member states shall consult europol on the design of their actions in particular when including eu policy cycle or empact actions or actions coordinated by the joint cybercrime action taskforce in their programmes . prior to including training in their programmes , member states shall coordinate with cepol in order to avoid overlaps . ### the commission shall ensure that the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction are associated from the start to the process of developing the programmes , as regards the areas of their competence . specifically , the commission shall consult europol on the draft programmes , in particular when including eu policy cycle or empact actions or actions coordinated by the joint cybercrime action taskforce in their programmes . prior to including training in their programmes , member states shall coordinate with cepol in order to avoid overlaps .


### union priorities and acquis in the area of security in particular information exchange and interoperability of it systems ; ### union priorities and acquis in the area of security , in particular coordination and cooperation between law enforcement authorities as well as information exchange , quality of data , efficiency , supply of data and interoperability of it systems ;


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the fund and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the fund shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives of this regulation . ### the commission shall , for the benefit of the public , implement information and communication actions relating to the fund and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the fund shall also contribute in particular to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives of this regulation .


### the complementarity between the actions supported by the fund and support provided by other union funds , in particular those in or in relation to third countries ; ### the complementarity and coherence between the actions supported by the fund and support provided by other union funds , in particular those in or in relation to third countries ;


### –actions supporting an effective and coordinated response to crisis linking up existing sector - specific capabilities , expertise centres and situation awareness centres , including those for health , civil protection and terrorism ; ### –actions supporting an effective and coordinated response to crisis linking up existing sector - specific capabilities , expertise centres and situation awareness centres , including those for health , civil protection , terrorism and cybercrime ;


### value of illicit drug seizures achieved with involvement of cross - border cooperation between law enforcement agencies . ### value of seizures of illicit drugs , arms , products which are the result of wildlife trafficking and trafficking of cultural goods achieved with cross - border cooperation between law enforcement agencies .


### 12a ### trafficking of cultural objects


### 12b ### trafficking of endangered species


### number of searches performed in the schengen information system ; ### number of alerts signalled to , and searches performed in , the schengen information system ;


### data source : member states , union action grant beneficiaries ### data source : europol , member states , union action grant beneficiaries


### data source : member states ### data source : member states , europol , enisa


### data source : rsr ### data source : rsr , member states


### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public authorities and providers of public services to offer free local wireless connectivity as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life . such entities could include municipalities and other local public authorities , libraries and hospitals . ### support of this kind should encourage entities with a public mission such as public authorities and providers of public services on the local level to offer free local wireless connectivity as an ancillary service to their public mission so as to ensure that local communities can experience the benefits of very high - speed broadband in the centres of public life . such entities could include municipalities and other local public authorities , local offices of regional authorities , regional local services , libraries and hospitals .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , research , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises , start - ups , and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### in the last years , the union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs , such as the capital markets union , the digital single market strategy , the clean energy for all europeans package , the union action plan for the circular economy , the low - emission mobility strategy , the defence and the space strategy for europe . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing . ### in the last years , the union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs , such as the capital markets union , the digital single market strategy , the clean energy for all europeans package , the union action plan for the circular economy , horizon 2020 , the low - emission mobility strategy , the defence and the space strategy for europe . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing .


### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union . ### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , scientific excellence , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union .


### the union endorsed the objectives set out in the united nations agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals and the paris agreement in 2015 as well as the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015 - 2030 . to achieve the agreed objectives , including those embedded in the environmental policies of the union , action pursuing sustainable development is to be stepped up significantly . therefore , the principles of sustainable development should feature prominently in the design of the investeu fund . ### the union endorsed the objectives set out in the united nations agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals and the paris agreement in 2015 as well as the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015 - 2030 . to achieve the agreed objectives , including those embedded in the environmental policies of the union , action pursuing sustainable development is to be stepped up significantly and environmentally harmful subsidies to be phased - out . therefore , the principles of sustainable development should feature prominently in the design of the investeu fund .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme shall contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate and environmental objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . the climate tracking methodology used shall be in line with international standards of multilateral development banks and the eib .


### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence . ### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses in urban and rural areas . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges by simplifying their access to finance and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . programmes such as cosme and h2020 have been important for smes in that they facilitated access to finance in all phases of their lifecycle , and that this was added to by efsi for which there was a quick sme uptake . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners . ### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national or regional promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners .


### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### to increase and simplify the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### smes policy window : simplified access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals . ### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance , female entrepreneurship and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals .


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the policy windows referred to in point , , , of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental , economical and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment , economical and social dimensions . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission in close cooperation with implementing partners . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing .


### railway infrastructure , other rail projects , and maritime ports ; ### railway infrastructure , other rail projects , inland waterway infrastructure and maritime ports ;


### development of digital connectivity infrastructure , in particular through projects supporting deployment of very high capacity digital networks . ### development of digital connectivity infrastructure , in particular through projects supporting deployment of very high capacity digital networks in urban and rural areas .


### microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; ### microfinance , social enterprise finance , female entrepreneurship and social economy ;


### draft by court of justice ### article 35 is replaced by the following : article 35 without prejudice to the second paragraph of article 36 , the deliberations of the court of justice shall be and shall remain secret .


### draft by court of justice ### article 36 is replaced by the following : article 36 judgments shall state the reasons on which they are based . they shall contain the names of the judges who took part in the deliberations . any judge who has taken part in the consideration of the case by a chamber , by the grand chamber or by the full court shall be entitled to annex to the judgment either a separate opinion , concurring with or dissenting from that judgment , or a bare statement of dissent . the second paragraph of this article shall not apply to the decisions referred to in articles 3 , 6 , and the third paragraph of article 18 .


### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution allowing full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . ### electronic visa application systems developed by member states are essential in order to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution ensuring full digitisation should be developed by 2025 in the form of an online platform and an eu e - visa , thereby making full use of the recent legal and technological developments , to allow visa application online to accommodate the needs of applicants and attract more visitors to the schengen area . the electronic visa application system should be fully accessible for the people with disabilities . straightforward and streamlined procedural guarantees should be strengthened and uniformly applied .


### if the visit includes more than one destination , or if several separate visits are to be carried out within a period of two months , the member state whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit in terms of the length of stay , counted in days ; or ; ### if the visit includes more than one destination , or if several separate visits are to be carried out within a period of two months , the member state where the host organisation or undertaking is located , if applicable , or the member state whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit in terms of the length of stay , counted in days or , if the main destination cannot be ascertained , the member states through whose external border the applicant intends to enter the territory of the member states ;


### member states may require applicants to present a proof of sponsorship and private accommodation or both by completing a form drawn up by each member state . that form shall indicate in particular : ### member states may require applicants to present a proof of sponsorship , private accommodation or proof of sufficient means to cover expenses , including confirmation from inbound agent that accommodation arrangements are being handled by completing form drawn up by each member state . that form shall indicate in particular :


### applications shall be decided within 10 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 19 . ### applications shall be decided within 10 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 19 , or within five calendar days for visa applicants whose data are already recorded in the visa information system and whose biometric identifiers have been collected in accordance with article 13 .


### for a validity period of two years shall be issued , provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple - entry visa valid for one year ; ### for a validity period of two years shall be issued , provided that the applicant has , within the preceding two years , obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple - entry visa valid for one year ;


### for a validity period of five years , provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple - entry visa valid for two years . ; ### for a validity period of five years , provided that the applicant has , within the preceding three years , obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple - entry visa valid for two years . ;


### the member state concerned shall establish appropriate structures and deploy specially trained staff for the processing of visa applications and the carrying out of all verifications and risk assessment , as set out in article 21 . ### the member state concerned shall establish appropriate structures and deploy specially trained staff for the processing of visa applications and the carrying out of all verifications and risk assessment , as set out in article 21 . staff shall receive training on digital file management .


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . moreover the principle of technological neutrality has to be the very basic principle of any effort in order to ensure and stimulate a competitive environment and encourage further research and innovation in this field .


### the maximum impact can be achieved if public procurement of clean vehicles is targeted in areas that have a relatively high degree of air pollution . public authorities in member states are encouraged to particularly focus on those areas when concluding the implementation of their domestic minimum targets and to reflect related action in their reporting under this amended directive . ### the maximum impact can be achieved if public procurement of clean vehicles is targeted in areas that have a relatively high degree of air pollution . public authorities in member states are encouraged to particularly focus on those areas when concluding the implementation of their domestic minimum targets and to reflect related action in their reporting under this amended directive . in order to avoid disproportionate burden and optimise the potential results of this directive , appropriate technical assistance should be provided to the public authorities .


### this directive requires contracting authorities , contracting entities as well as certain operators to take into account lifetime energy and environmental impacts , including energy consumption and emissions of co2 and of certain pollutants , when purchasing road transport vehicles with the objectives of promoting and stimulating the market for clean and energy - efficient vehicles and improving the contribution of the transport sector to the environment , climate and energy policies of the community . ### article 1 is amended as follows : ' this directive requires contracting authorities , contracting entities as well as certain operators to take into account lifetime energy and environmental impacts , including energy consumption and emissions of co2 and of certain pollutants , when purchasing , leasing , renting or hire - purchasing road transport vehicles with the objectives of promoting and stimulating the market for clean and energy - efficient vehicles and improving the contribution of the transport sector to the environment , climate and energy policies of the union . '


### a vehicle of category m1 or m2 with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ; ### a vehicle of category m1 or m2 powered by alternative fuels complying with article 2 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu and with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ;


### a vehicle of category n1 with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ; ### a vehicle of category n1 powered by alternative fuels complying with article 2 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu and with a maximum tail - pipe emission expressed in co2g / km and real driving pollutant emissions below a percentage of the applicable emission limits as referred to in table 2 in the annex , or ;


### the commission shall submit a report on the application of this directive and on the actions taken by individual member states for the effective implementation of this directive to the european parliament and to the council every three years starting on 1 january 2027 , following the reporting from member states . ### the commission shall submit a report on the application of this directive and on the actions taken by individual member states for the effective implementation of this directive to the european parliament and to the council every three years starting on 1 january 2027 , following the reporting from member states . this report shall be integrated in the overall assessment of the transport , environment , climate and energy policies of the union . the commission shall submit an intermediary report by 1 january 2024 on the steps undertaken to implement this directive , following reporting by member states .


### those reports shall assess the effects of this directive , especially of the options referred to in article 5 , and the need for further action , and include proposals , as appropriate . in those reports , the commission shall compare the nominal and relative numbers of vehicles purchased corresponding to the best market alternative in terms of lifetime energy and environmental impacts , within each of the categories of vehicles listed in table 3 of the annex , to the overall market for these vehicles and estimate how the options referred to in article 5 have affected the market . the commission shall assess the need for further action and include proposals , as appropriate . ### paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' 2 . those reports shall assess the effects of this directive , especially of article 5 , in promoting and stimulating the market for clean and energy efficient vehicles and the need for further action , and include proposals , as appropriate . in those reports , the commission shall compare the nominal and relative numbers of vehicles purchased , leased , rented or hire - purchased corresponding to the best market alternative in terms of lifetime energy and environmental impacts , within each of the categories of vehicles listed in article 4 , to the overall market for these vehicles and estimate how the minimum targets referred to in article 5 have affected the market in the union as a whole and in each of the member states . additionally , the commission shall assess the effects of this directive on the european industry . the commission shall assess the need for further action and include proposals , as appropriate . '


### no later than the date of the first report , the commission shall examine the options referred to in article 5 , present an evaluation of the methodology set out in article 6 and propose appropriate adjustments , if necessary . ### paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : ' 3 . no later than the date of the first report , the commission shall examine member states compliance with the minimum targets referred to in article 5 , present an evaluation of the methodology used to define these targets and propose appropriate adjustments of either the methodology or the targets , if necessary . '


### where the taking - up and pursuit of certain employed or self - employed activities are conditional on complying with certain provisions relating to specific professional qualifications , laid down directly or indirectly by the member states , it is necessary to ensure that such provisions are justified by public interest objectives , such as those within the meaning of the treaty , namely public policy , public security and public health or by overriding reasons of general interest , recognised as such in the case - law of the court of justice . it is important to ensure that public interest objectives are adequately identified in order to determine the intensity of the regulation . for example , in order to ensure a high level of protection of public health , member states should enjoy a margin of discretion to decide on the degree of protection which they wish to afford to public health and on the way in which that protection is to be achieved . it is also necessary to clarify that among the overriding reasons of general interest , recognised by the court of justice , are preserving the financial equilibrium of the social security system ; the protection of consumers , recipients of services and workers ; the safeguarding of the proper administration of justice ; fairness of trade transactions ; combating fraud and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance ; road safety ; the protection of the environment and the urban environment ; the health of animals ; intellectual property ; the safeguarding and conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage , social policy objectives and cultural policy objectives . according to settled case - law , purely economic reasons , having essentially protectionist aims , as well as purely administrative reasons , such as carrying out controls or gathering statistics cannot constitute an overriding reason of general interest . ### where the taking - up and pursuit of certain employed or self - employed activities are conditional on complying with certain provisions relating to specific professional qualifications , laid down directly or indirectly by the member states , it is necessary to ensure that such provisions are justified by public interest objectives , such as those within the meaning of the treaty , namely public policy , public security and public health or by overriding reasons of general interest , recognised as such in the case - law of the court of justice . where these objectives apply , regulation of professions should be considered as a necessary safeguard of the public interest rather than an obstacle to competition and free movement . it is important to ensure that public interest objectives are adequately identified in order to determine the intensity of the regulation . for example , in order to ensure a high level of protection of public health , member states should enjoy a margin of discretion to decide on the degree of protection which they wish to afford to public health and on the way in which that protection is to be achieved . it is also necessary to clarify that among the overriding reasons of general interest , recognised by the court of justice , are preserving the financial equilibrium of the social security system ; the protection of consumers , recipients of services , including patients , and workers ; the safeguarding of the proper administration of justice ; fairness of trade transactions ; combating fraud and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance ; road safety ; the protection of the environment and the urban environment ; the health of animals ; intellectual property ; the safeguarding and conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage , social policy objectives and cultural policy objectives . according to settled case - law , purely economic reasons , having essentially protectionist aims , as well as purely administrative reasons , such as carrying out controls or gathering statistics cannot constitute an overriding reason of general interest .


### the reasons for considering that a provision is justified , necessary and proportionate shall be substantiated by qualitative and , wherever possible , quantitative evidence . ### the reasons for considering that a provision is justified , necessary and proportionate shall be substantiated by qualitative and , wherever possible and relevant , quantitative evidence .


### the relevant competent authorities shall consider in particular whether those provisions are objectively justified on the basis of public policy , public security or public health , or by overriding reasons in the public interest , such as preserving the financial equilibrium of the social security system , the protection of consumers , recipients of services and workers , the safeguarding of the proper administration of justice , fairness of trade transactions , combating fraud and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance , road safety , the protection of the environment and the urban environment , the health of animals , intellectual property , the safeguarding and conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage , social policy objectives and cultural policy objectives . ### the relevant competent authorities shall consider in particular whether those provisions are objectively justified on the basis of public policy , public security or public health , or by overriding reasons in the public interest , such as preserving the financial equilibrium of the social security system , the protection of consumers , recipients of services , including patients , and workers , the safeguarding of the proper administration of justice , fairness of trade transactions , combating fraud and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance , road safety , the protection of the environment and the urban environment , the health of animals , intellectual property , the safeguarding and conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage , social policy objectives and cultural policy objectives .


### when assessing the necessity and the proportionality of the provisions , the relevant competent authorities shall consider in particular : ### when assessing the necessity and the proportionality of the provisions , the extent of the assessment shall be proportionate to the content and the impact of the provision . the relevant competent authorities shall consider the following criteria where applicable to the respective provision :


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries and potential private sector investors , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 .


### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion and union policy objectives . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . the scoreboard of indicators used for the project assessment shall also be made public . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib .


### providing pro - active support on the establishment of investment platforms ; ### providing pro - active support on the establishment of investment platforms with a view to simultaneously supporting smaller - scale projects , while bearing in mind that the requirement of innovativeness must be fulfilled ;


### providing advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### providing advice on the combination of other sources and potential synergies of union funding and investments with the efsi .


### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local , regional and national levels , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds .


### the financial management of the guarantee fund should be transferred from the eib to the commission , which has an established practice of managing similar investments . by taking over the asset management of the guarantee fund , the commission should be able to streamline and consolidate its asset management activities , building on existing structures and a good track record . ### the financial management of the guarantee fund should be transferred from the eib to the commission , which has an established practice of managing similar investments . by taking over the asset management of the guarantee fund , the commission should be able to streamline and consolidate its asset management activities as well as to coordinate all external financing aspects of the european agenda on migration , building on existing structures and further strengthening its track record .


### in addition , it shall , by 31 may of each year , submit to the european parliament , to the council and to the court of auditors an annual report on the management of the guarantee fund in the previous calendar year . the annual report shall contain the presentation of the financial position of the guarantee fund at the end of the previous calendar year , the financial flows during the previous calendar year as well as the significant transactions and any relevant information on the financial accounts . the report shall also include information about the financial management and performance and the risk of the guarantee fund at the end of the previous calendar year . ### in addition , it shall , by 31 may of each year , submit to the european parliament , to the council and to the court of auditors an annual report on the management of the guarantee fund in the previous calendar year . the annual report shall contain the presentation of the financial position of the guarantee fund at the end of the previous calendar year , the financial flows during the previous calendar year as well as the significant transactions and any relevant information on the financial accounts , as well as conclusions and lessons learned . the report shall also include information about the financial management and performance and the risk of the guarantee fund at the end of the previous calendar year .


### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution allowing full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . ### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution ensuring full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . electronic visa application system should be fully accessible for the people with disabilities . straightforward and streamlined procedural guarantees should be strengthened and uniformly applied .


### member states may require applicants to present a proof of sponsorship and private accommodation or both by completing a form drawn up by each member state . that form shall indicate in particular : ### member states may require applicants to present a proof of sponsorship , private accommodation or proof of sufficient means to cover expenses , including confirmation from inbound agent that accommodation arrangements are being handled by completing form drawn up by each member state . that form shall indicate in particular :


### the address of the accommodation ; ### the address of the accommodation ; if travel is organized by a tour operator proof of sufficient means to cover expenses or confirmation from inbound agent that accommodation arrangements are being handle ;


### the member state concerned shall establish appropriate structures and deploy specially trained staff for the processing of visa applications and the carrying out of all verifications and risk assessment , as set out in article 21 . ### the member state concerned shall establish appropriate structures and deploy specially trained staff for the processing of visa applications and the carrying out of all verifications and risk assessment , as set out in article 21 . staff shall receive training on digital file management .


### when requested by the authority , the committee shall give an opinion on whether a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data . in both cases the committee may request any relevant document and evidence from the authority , the european parliament , the european political party or european political foundation concerned , other political parties , political foundations or other stakeholders , and it may request to hear their representatives . in the case of opinions on whether a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data , the supervisory authorities referred to in the article 10 shall cooperate with the committee in accordance with applicable law . ### when requested by the authority , the committee shall give an opinion on whether a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data . in both cases the committee may request any relevant document and evidence from the authority , the european parliament , the european political party or european political foundation concerned , other political parties , political foundations or other stakeholders , and it may request to hear their representatives . in the case of opinions on whether a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data , the supervisory authorities referred to in the article 10 shall cooperate with the committee in accordance with applicable law and in compliance with the duty of professional secrecy as laid down in article 54 of regulation 2016 / 679 and in [ article 56 ] of regulation [ 2018 / xxxx ] .


### where , in accordance with article 10a , the committee issues an opinion finding that a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data . ; ### where , in accordance with article 10a , the committee issues an opinion finding that a european political party or a european political foundation has deliberately influenced or attempted to influence the outcome of elections to the european parliament by taking advantage of an infringement of the applicable rules on the protection of personal data . in this case , due account shall be taken of the ne bis in idem principle ;


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , research , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises , start - ups , and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### according to the 2018 global risks report issued by the world economic forum , half of the ten most critical risks threatening the global economy relate to the environment . such risks include air , soil and water pollution , extreme weather events , biodiversity losses and failures of climate - change mitigation and adaptation . environmental principles are strongly embedded in the treaties and many of the union ' s policies . therefore , the mainstreaming of environmental objectives should be promoted in the investeu fund related operations . environmental protection and related risk prevention and management should be integrated in the preparation and implementation of investments . the eu should also track its biodiversity - related and air pollution control - related expenditure in order to fulfil the reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity and directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council15 investment allocated to environmentally sustainability objectives should therefore be tracked using common methodologies coherent with that developed under other union programmes applying to climate , biodiversity and air pollution management in order to allow assessing the individual and combined impact of investments on the key components of the natural capital , including air , water , land and biodiversity . __________________ 15 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec . ### according to the 2018 global risks report issued by the world economic forum , half of the ten most critical risks threatening the global economy relate to the environment . such risks include air , soil , inland water and ocean pollution , extreme weather events , biodiversity losses and failures of climate - change mitigation and adaptation . environmental principles are strongly embedded in the treaties and many of the union ' s policies . therefore , the mainstreaming of environmental objectives should be promoted in the investeu fund related operations . environmental protection and related risk prevention and management should be integrated in the preparation and implementation of investments . the eu should also track its biodiversity - related and air pollution control - related expenditure in order to fulfil the reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity and directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council15 investment allocated to environmentally sustainability objectives should therefore be tracked using common methodologies coherent with that developed under other union programmes applying to climate , biodiversity and air pollution management in order to allow assessing the individual and combined impact of investments on the key components of the natural capital , including air , water , land and biodiversity . __________________ 15 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec .


### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence . ### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses , in urban and rural areas . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges by simplifying their access to finance and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . programmes such as cosme and h2020 have been important for smes in that they facilitated access to finance in all phases of their lifecycle , and that this was added to by efsi for which there was a quick sme uptake . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners . ### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national or regional promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners .


### in order to ensure that interventions under the eu compartment of the investeu fund focus on market failures and sub - optimal investment situations at union level , but , at the same time , satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach , the eu guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners , which alone or together with other implementing partners , can cover at least three member states . however , it is expected that around 75 % of the eu guarantee under the eu compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the investeu fund in all member states . ### in order to ensure that interventions under the eu compartment of the investeu fund focus on market failures and sub - optimal investment situations at union level , but , at the same time , satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach , the eu guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners , which alone or together with other implementing partners , can cover at least two member states . however , it is expected that around 75 % of the eu guarantee under the eu compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the investeu fund in all member states .


### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### to increase and simplify the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### smes policy window : simplified access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals . ### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance , female entrepreneurship and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the investeu programme and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the investeu programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall launch an effective , informative and eu - wide communication strategy to accompany the investeu programme in order increase the visibility of this programme , especially for smes , and therefore to attract the best potential projects . financial resources allocated to the investeu programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### development of sustainable transport infrastructures , and equipment and innovative technologies in accordance with union transport priorities and the commitments taken under the paris agreement , in particular through : ### development of sustainable transport infrastructures and innovative mobility solutions , and equipment and innovative technologies in accordance with union transport priorities and the commitments taken under the paris agreement , in particular through :


### projects supporting development of the ten - t infrastructure , including its urban nodes , maritime and inland ports , multimodal terminals and their connection to the main networks ; ### projects supporting development of the ten - t infrastructure , including its urban nodes , maritime and inland ports , airports , multimodal terminals and their connection to the main networks ;


### microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; ### microfinance , social enterprise finance , female entrepreneurship and social economy ;


### it is in the interest of a coherent approach to personal data protection throughout the union , and of the free movement of personal data within the union , to align as far as possible the data protection rules for union institutions and bodies with the data protection rules adopted for the public sector in the member states . whenever the provisions of this regulation are based on the same concept as the provisions of regulation 2016 / 679 , those two provisions should be interpreted homogeneously , in particular because the scheme of this regulation should be understood as equivalent to the scheme of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### it is in the interest of a coherent approach to personal data protection throughout the union , and of the free movement of personal data within the union , to align the data protection rules for union institutions and bodies with the data protection rules adopted for the public sector in the member states . whenever the provisions of this regulation are based on the same concept as the provisions of regulation 2016 / 679 , those two provisions should be interpreted homogeneously , in particular because the scheme of this regulation should be understood as equivalent to the scheme of regulation 2016 / 679 .