### a common identity repository , creating an individual file for each person that is recorded in the ees , the vis , [ the etias ] , eurodac or [ the ecris - tcn system ] containing the data referred to in article 18 , is established for the purpose of facilitating and assisting the correct identification of persons registered in the ees , the vis , [ the etias ] , the eurodac and [ the ecris - tcn system ] , of supporting the functioning of the multiple - identity detector and of facilitating and streamlining access by law enforcement authorities to non - law enforcement information systems at eu level , where necessary for the prevention , investigation , detection or prosecution of serious crime . ### a common identity repository , creating an individual file for each person that is recorded in the ees , the vis , [ the etias ] , eurodac or [ the ecris - tcn system ] containing the data referred to in article 18 , is established for the purpose of facilitating and assisting the correct identification of persons registered in the ees , the vis , [ the etias ] , the eurodac and [ the ecris - tcn system ] , of supporting the functioning of the multiple - identity detector and of facilitating and streamlining access by law enforcement authorities to non - law enforcement information systems at eu level , where necessary for the prevention , investigation , detection or prosecution of serious crime , while fully respecting the principles of necessity and proportionality .


### for each set of data referred to in paragraph 1 , the cir shall include a reference to the information systems to which the data belongs . ### for each set of data referred to in paragraph 1 , the cir shall include a reference to the information systems to which the data belongs . the officer accessing the cir shall see only the components of the identity file stored in the repository which originate from those information systems he or she is authorised to access .


### for the purposes of preventing , detecting and investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences in a specific case and in order to obtain information on whether data on a specific person is present in the ees , the vis and [ the etias ] or the member state designated authorities and europol may consult the cir . ### for the purposes of preventing , detecting and investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences in a specific case and in order to obtain information on whether data on a specific person is present in the ees , the vis and [ the etias ] or the member state designated authorities and europol may consult the cir . the cir can only be consulted : where reasonable grounds exist that the consultation will substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of the terrorist or other serious criminal offences , in particular where there is a substantiated suspicion that the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under the category of third country nationals whose data are stored in the ees , the vis , the etias and the eurodac system , and after a prior search in the national databases has been carried out and a query of the automated fingerprint identification system of the other member states under decision 2008 / 615 / jha has been launched .


### a multiple - identity detector creating and storing links between data in the eu information systems included in the common identity repository and the sis and as a consequence detecting multiple identities , with the dual purpose of facilitating identity checks and combating identity fraud , is established for the purpose of supporting the functioning of the cir and the objectives of the ees , the vis , the etias ] , eurodac , the sis and [ the ecris - tcn system ] . ### a multiple - identity detector creating and storing links between data in the eu information systems included in the common identity repository and the sis and as a consequence detecting multiple identities , with the dual purpose of facilitating identity checks and combating identity fraud , is established for the purpose of supporting the functioning of the cir and the objectives of the ees , the vis , the etias ] , eurodac , the sis and [ the ecris - tcn system ] , while fully respecting the principles of necessity and proportionality .


### without prejudice to the right of information referred to in articles 11 and 12 of regulation 45 / 2001 and articles 13 and 14 of regulation 2016 / 679 , persons whose data are stored in the shared biometric matching service , the common identity repository or the multiple - identity detector shall be informed by the authority collecting their data , at the time their data are collected , about the processing of personal data for the purposes of this regulation , including about identity and contact details of the respective data controllers , and about the procedures for exercising their rights of access , rectification and erasure , as well as about the contact details of the european data protection supervisor and of the national supervisory authority of the member state responsible for the collection of the data . ### without prejudice to the right of information referred to in articles 11 and 12 of regulation 45 / 2001 and articles 13 and 14 of regulation 2016 / 679 , persons whose data are stored in the shared biometric matching service , the common identity repository or the multiple - identity detector shall be informed by the authority collecting their data , at the time their data are collected , about the processing of personal data for the purposes of this regulation , including about identity and contact details of the respective data controllers , and about the procedures for exercising their rights of access , rectification and erasure , as well as about the contact details of the european data protection supervisor and of the national supervisory authority of the member state responsible for the collection of the data . persons whose data is stored should also be informed of retention periods , automated decision - making and the fact that personal data is not transferred or made available to third countries , international organisations of private parties , with the exception of transfers to interpol .


### the member state responsible for the manual verification of different identities as referred to in article 29 or the member state to which the request has been made shall reply to such requests within 45 days of receipt of the request . ### the member state responsible for the manual verification of different identities as referred to in article 29 or the member state to which the request has been made shall reply to such requests without undue delay and no longer than 45 days with in the receipt of the request .


### if a request for correction or erasure of personal data is made to a member state other than the member state responsible , the member state to which the request has been made shall contact the authorities of the member state responsible within seven days and the member state responsible shall check the accuracy of the data and the lawfulness of the data processing within 30 days of such contact . ### if a request for correction , erasure or restriction of personal data is made to a member state other than the member state responsible , the member state to which the request has been made shall contact the authorities of the member state responsible in writing within seven days and the member state responsible shall check the accuracy of the data and the lawfulness of the data processing within 30 days of such contact .


### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation . the programme should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies . ### in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence industrial development programme should be established . the programme should aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry inter alia cyber defence by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies . the development phase , which follows the research and technology phase , entails significant risks and costs that hamper the further exploitation of the results of research and adversely impact the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry . by supporting the development phase , the programme would contribute to a better exploitation of the results of defence research and it would help to cover the gap between research and production as well as to promote all forms of innovation , as , beyond the results in the defence sector , positive effects can also be expected in the civilian sector . the programme should complement activities carried out in accordance with article 182 tfeu and it does not cover the production of defence products and technologies .


### cross - border collaboration in the development of defence products and technologies has often been hampered by the difficulty to agree on common technical specifications . the absence or limited level of common technical specifications have led to increased complexity , delays and inflated costs in the development phase . the agreement on common technical specifications should be a condition in order to benefit from the union ' s support under this programme . actions aiming at supporting the creation of a common definition of technical specifications should also be eligible for support under the programme . ### cross - border collaboration in the development of defence products and technologies has often been hampered by the difficulty to agree on common technical specifications or standards and promote interoperability . the absence or limited level of common technical specifications or standards have led to increased complexity , delays and inflated costs in the development phase . the agreement on common technical specifications or standards should be a primary condition in order to benefit from the union ' s support under this programme . actions aiming at supporting the creation of a common definition of technical specifications or standards should also be eligible for support under the programme .


### as the programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry , only entities established in the union and effectively controlled by member states or their nationals should be eligible for support . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , shall not be located on the territory of non - member states . ### as the programme aims at enhancing the efficient cooperation and competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry and consolidating the union’s strategic defence autonomy , only entities which are established in the union and have their executive management structures there should be eligible for financial support . undertakings located in third countries should be able to participate in the projects by cooperating with beneficiaries , where they are located in a third country identified in the work programme . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential defence and security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities and assets used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , should not be located on the territory of third countries . the beneficiaries and their subcontractors should not be subject to control by third countries or by third country entities , as control is understood , for example , in competition policy .


### in order to ensure that the funded actions will contribute to the competitiveness of the european defence industry , they should be market - oriented and demand driven . therefore , the fact that member states have already committed to jointly produce and procure the final product or technology , possibly in a coordinated way , should be taken into account in the award criteria . ### in order to ensure that the funded actions contribute to the competitiveness and efficiency of the european defence industry , they should be market - oriented and demand driven . therefore , the fact that member states have already committed to jointly develop , produce or procure the final product or technology , possibly in a coordinated way , should be taken into account in the award criteria . in all cases , the requirements of directive 2009 / 81 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1a should be respected in full , including the transparency and non - discrimination principles , and exceptions should be allowed only within the strict framework of that directive . ___________________ 1a directive 2009 / 81 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the coordination of procedures for the award of certain works contracts , supply contracts and service contracts by contracting authorities or entities in the fields of defence and security , and amending directives 2004 / 17 / ec and 2004 / 18 / ec .


### the commission should establish a multiannual work programme in line with the objectives of the programme . the commission should be assisted in the establishment of the work programme by a committee of member states . in light of the union policy on small and medium enterprises as key to ensuring economic growth , innovation , job creation , and social integration in the union and the fact that the supported actions will typically require trans - national collaboration , it is of importance that the work programme will reflect and enable such cross - border participation of smes and that therefore a proportion of the overall budget will benefit such action . ### the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission with respect to the adoption of a multiannual work programme in line with the objectives of the programme . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law - making . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . in light of the union policy on small and medium - sized enterprises and mid - capitalisation companies as key to ensuring economic growth , innovation , job creation , and social integration in the union and the fact that the supported actions will typically require trans - national collaboration , it is of importance that the work programme will reflect and enable such cross - border participation of smes and mid - caps and that therefore a proportion of the overall budget will benefit such action .


### the design of a defence product , tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the technical specifications on which such design has been developed ; ### the design of a defence product , tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the technical specifications on which such design has been developed which may include partial tests for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment ;


### the proposals submitted following the call for proposals shall be evaluated by the commission assisted by independent experts on the basis of the award criteria of article 10 . ### the proposals submitted following the call for proposals shall be evaluated by the commission assisted by independent experts to be validated upon request by member states , on the basis of the eligibility and award criteria set out in articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 and 10 . close cooperation between governments , industries and r&t organisations is crucial for success of the programme .


### such obstacles to the free movement of data storage or other processing services and to the right of establishment of data storage or other processing providers originate from requirements in the national laws of member states to locate data in a specific geographical area or territory for the purpose of storage or other processing . other rules or administrative practices have an equivalent effect by imposing specific requirements which make it more difficult to store or otherwise process data outside a specific geographical area or territory within the union , such as requirements to use technological facilities that are certified or approved within a specific member state . legal uncertainty as to the extent of legitimate and illegitimate data localisation requirements further limits the choices available to market players and to the public sector regarding the location of data storage or other processing . ### such obstacles to the free movement of data storage or other processing services and to the right of establishment of data storage or other processing providers originate from requirements in the national laws of member states to locate data in a specific geographical area or territory for the purpose of storage or other processing . other rules or administrative practices have an equivalent effect by imposing specific requirements which make it more difficult to store or otherwise process data outside a specific geographical area or territory within the union , such as requirements to use technological facilities that are certified or approved within a specific member state . legal uncertainty as to the extent of legitimate and illegitimate data localisation requirements further limits the choices available to market players and to the public sector regarding the location of data storage or other processing . this regulation in no way limits the freedom of businesses or individuals to make contractual agreements specifying where data is to be located . this regulation only enhances that choice by ensuring that an agreed location may be situated anywhere within the union .


### the commission should periodically review this regulation , in particular with a view to determining the need for modifications in the light of technological or market developments . ### the commission should periodically submit a report on the implementation of this regulation , in particular with a view to determining the need for modifications in the light of technological or market developments . such report should in particular evaluate the experience gained in applying this regulation to mixed data sets , in order to ensure that innovation flourishes , and evaluate the implementation of the public security exception . the commission should also publish guidelines on the complementarity of this regulation and regulation 2016 / 679 with regards to mixed data sets .


### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . ### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market , to the benefits of consumers and businesses .


### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market . ### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . those multiannual financial framework programmes are united by their shared objectives to regulate , implement , facilitate , enforce and protect various activities and actors within the single market regulatory framework . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . some programmes and budget lines have reported a need for simplification of administrative management and reporting procedures . in the area of supporting standardisation , evaluations revealed lack of a common understanding of the management of grant agreements and no solutions for electronic reporting tools and data comparability issues . this complicates both reporting and measurement of impacts and performance of individual actions . the evaluation of the consumer programme also showed that there seems to be significant room for simplification for grants management . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines that will draw lessons from the programmes existing under the current multiannual financial framework . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market .


### it is therefore appropriate to establish a programme for the internal market , competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , and european statistics . the programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027 . ### it is therefore appropriate to establish a programme for the internal market , in order to deepen the internal market and improve its functioning , in the areas of the free movement of goods , services , capital and persons , consumer protection , market surveillance , food supply chain and the competitiveness of enterprises including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . the programme should be established for the duration of seven years from 2021 to 2027 .


### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market . ### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and / or standards and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , the weak use of the principle of mutual recognition and the limited impacts the mutual recognition regulation1a had in achieving the foreseen objectives of ensuring free movement of goods in the single market points out that there is a lot of potential to be unleashed . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market . _________________ 1a regulation no 764 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 laying down procedures relating to the application of certain national technical rules to products lawfully marketed in another member state and repealing decision no 3052 / 95 / ec


### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , internet of things or artificial intelligence . should damage occur , stringent rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses , to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation . ### new regulatory and enforcement challenges relate to a rapidly changing environment of the digital revolution , concerning issues such as cybersecurity , internet of things or artificial intelligence . should damage occur , stringent and enforceable rules on product safety and liability are essential to ensure a policy response that allows european citizens , including consumers and businesses , to benefit from such rules . the programme should therefore contribute to the rapid adaptation and better enforcement of a union product liability regime which fosters innovation .


### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities . ### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , raising awareness of applicable eu product safety rules , intensifying compliance checks as well as promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities .


### product safety is a common concern . the conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market . it is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent . the union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies , verifying their competence , impartiality and independence . the main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the union . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements and to enhance the european accreditation system , in particular in new policy areas , by supporting the european co - operation for accreditation referred to in article 14 of regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council48 . _________________ 48 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 . ### product safety is a common concern . the evaluation of regulation no 765 / 2008 attempted to assess the deterrence or rigorousness of the system of controls in the single market and it has concluded , despite the limitations in the analysis due to the serious lack of data and inhomogeneity of national reports , that market surveillance is not sufficiently rigorous . lack of relevant information on control activities may be also in some cases an indication of actual enforcement gaps1a . in that context , the conformity assessment bodies verify whether products meet the safety requirements before they are placed on the market . it is therefore of paramount importance that the conformity assessment bodies are reliable and competent . the union has put in place a system of accreditation of the conformity assessment bodies , verifying their competence , impartiality and independence . the main challenge is now to keep the accreditation system in line with the latest state of the art and to ensure that it is applied with the same stringency across the union . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure that conformity assessment bodies continue fulfilling the regulatory requirements and to enhance the european accreditation system , in particular in new policy areas , by supporting the european co - operation for accreditation referred to in article 14 of regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council48 . _________________ 1a regulation no 765 / 2008 - setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products 48 regulation no 765 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing regulation no 339 / 93 .


### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , improved access to procurement markets for smes , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 49 directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . ### public procurement is used by public authorities to ensure value for public money spent and to contribute to a more innovative , sustainable , inclusive and competitive internal market . directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council49 , directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council50 and directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council51 provide the legal framework for the integration and effective functioning of the public procurement markets representing 14% of union’s gross domestic product , to the benefit of public authorities , businesses as well as citizens , including consumers . correctly implemented public procurement rules are a crucial tool in the service of a stronger single market and for the growth of eu companies and jobs in the union and whereas the intelligent use of public procurement can be a strategic tool to achieve the eu’s goals of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , accelerating the transition to more sustainable supply chains and business models . the programme should therefore support measures to ensure a wider uptake of strategic public procurement , the professionalisation of public buyers , improved access to procurement markets for smes , increase of transparency , integrity and better data , boosting the digital transformation of procurement and promotion of joint procurement , through strengthening a partnership approach with the member states , improving data gathering and data analysis including through development of dedicated it tools , supporting exchange of experiences and good practices , providing guidance , pursuing beneficial trade agreements , strengthening cooperation among national authorities and launching pilot projects . _________________ 49 directive 2014 / 23 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on the award of concession contracts . 50 directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec . 51 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec .


### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme . ### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical and growing challenges that have been learnt in the day - to - day enforcement of eu competition policy . these challenges include a more complex and demanding it and data driven world as well as the need for a wider and deeper engagement with national authorities and courts . findings from a number of surveys demonstrate that there is scope for reaching out to a wider group of stakeholders impacted by eu competition policy . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic and rapid developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme .


### the actions implemented under the predecessor programmes and budget lines have proven to be adequate and should be retained . the new actions introduced under the programme aim to reinforce in particular the well - functioning internal market . in order to provide more simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the programme and thereby to better deliver on its objectives , the actions should be defined only in terms of overall , generic categories . lists of indicative activities concerning specific objectives in the area of competitiveness , or specific activities stemming from regulatory requirements , like in the area of standardisation , food chain regulation and european statistics should also be included in the programme . ### the actions implemented under the predecessor programmes and budget lines have proven to be adequate and should be retained , while others that have proven to be inadequate shall be terminated . the new actions introduced under the programme aim to reinforce in particular the well - functioning internal market . in order to provide more simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the programme and thereby to better deliver on its objectives , the actions should be defined only in terms of overall , generic categories . lists of indicative activities concerning specific objectives in the area of competitiveness , consumer protection , market surveillance or specific activities stemming from regulatory requirements , like in the area of standardisation , food chain regulation and european statistics should also be included in the programme .


### the programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the digital europe programme established by regulation [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council73 which aims to promote the digitalisation of the union economy and the public sector . __________________ 73 com 434 final ### the programme should promote synergies and complementarities with respect to the digital europe programme established by regulation [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council73 which aims to promote the digitalisation of the union economy and the public sector and increased cybersecurity . __________________ 73 com 434 final


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare as well as a high level of consumer protection and market surveillance throughout the eu ; &#160 ; but also&#160 ; to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies in order to achieve such objective ;


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### improve the competitiveness and functioning of the internal market enhancing it with local economies , tackle market inefficiencies and facilitating the enforcement of the union ' s legal framework , , protect and empower citizens , consumers and business , including its workforce , in particular micro , small and medium sized enterprises contributing to climate goals and sustainable industrial growth as well as to create the conditions for stable and quality employment , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation and sharing of best practices between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ;


### improving the competitiveness of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures that provide various forms of support to smes , access to markets including the internationalisation of smes , favourable business environment for smes , the competitiveness of sectors , the modernisation of industry and the promotion of entrepreneurship ; ### strengthening both the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises with special emphasis on smes and achieving additionality through the provision of measures , paying particular attention to their specific needs , by


### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ; ### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high and uniform level of consumer protection in order to enhance fairness , transparency and trust in the single market , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions , particularly as regards to joint cooperation actions for market surveillance ; better addressing the challenges posed by digitalization to consumer protection and&#160 ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ;


### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , concerning in particular preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange , and use and development of corporate information technology tools . ### when necessary and duly justified , the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , concerning in particular preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities as well as use of information technology networks focusing on information processing and exchange , and use and development of corporate information technology tools , in so far such activities are required for the achievement of the objectives of the programme .


### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ; ### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , particularly as regards to applicable eu rules , the rights of consumers and businesses , &#160 ; best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ;


### capacity building , facilitation and coordination of joint actions between member states and between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission , the decentralised union agencies and third country authorities ; ### capacity building , facilitation and coordination of joint actions between member states and between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission , the decentralised union agencies and third country authorities , and more particularly joint actions aimed at strengthening product safety and enforcement of consumer protection rules in the eu ;


### the evaluation committee for actions implementing the specific objective referred to in article 3 may be composed fully or partially of external experts . ### the evaluation committee for actions implementing the specific objective referred to in article 3 may be composed fully or partially of external experts . the work of the evaluation committee shall be based on the principles of transparency , equal treatment and non - discrimination .


### the programme shall be implemented by work programme referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the programme shall be implemented by work programme in accordance with article 110 of the financial regulation . the work programmes shall be annual or multiannual and shall in particular set out the objectives to be pursued , the expected results , the method of implementation and the total amount of the financing plan . they shall also set out in detail a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable . the work programmes shall be , where applicable , &#160 ; communicated to the european parliament .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . ### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , on the basis of the monitoring conducted in accordance with article 20 , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . it shall also include a comprehensive evaluation of the procedures , objectives and eligibility criteria for the priorities of the ongoing funding period . based on the results of this interim evaluation , recommendations for a review of the programme shall be proposed .


### it is necessary that accessibility to data should ensure that the administrative burden on all entities remains as limited as possible . it requires active dissemination at national level in accordance with directives 2003 / 4 / ec47 and 2007 / 2 / ec48 of the european parliament and of the council and their implementing rules , to ensure the appropriate infrastructure for public access , reporting and data - sharing between public authorities . _________________ 47 directive 2003 / 4 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 28 january 2003 on public access to environmental information and repealing council directive 90 / 313 / eec . 48 directive 2007 / 2 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the european community . ### it is necessary that accessibility to data should ensure that the administrative burden on all entities remains as limited as possible , especially on non - governmental entities such as smes . it requires active dissemination at national level in accordance with directives 2003 / 4 / ec47 and 2007 / 2 / ec48 of the european parliament and of the council and their implementing rules , to ensure the appropriate infrastructure for public access , reporting and data - sharing between public authorities . _________________ 47 directive 2003 / 4 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 28 january 2003 on public access to environmental information and repealing council directive 90 / 313 / eec . 48 directive 2007 / 2 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the european community .


### data reported by member states are essential for the commission to monitor , review and assess the performance of the legislation against the objectives it pursues in order to inform any future evaluation of the legislation , in accordance with paragraph 22 of the interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 201649 . it is appropriate to add provisions to several legislative acts in the environmental sector for the purpose of their future evaluation , on the basis of data collected during implementation , possibly complemented by additional scientific , analytical data . in that context , there is a need for relevant data that will allow better assessment of the efficiency , effectiveness , relevance , coherence and eu value added of union legislation , hence the necessity to ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms that can also serve as indicators for this purpose . _________________ 49 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 . ### data reported by member states are essential for the commission to monitor , review and assess the performance of the legislation against the objectives it pursues in order to inform any future evaluation of the legislation , in accordance with paragraph 22 of the interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 201649 . it is appropriate to add provisions to several legislative acts in the environmental sector for the purpose of their future evaluation , on the basis of data collected during implementation , possibly complemented by additional scientific , analytical data . in that context , there is a need for relevant data that will allow better assessment of the efficiency , effectiveness , relevance , coherence and eu value added of union legislation , hence the necessity to ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms that can also serve as indicators for this purpose both for decision - makers and the general public . _________________ 49 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 .


### the deadline of 15 february referred to in the first subparagraph may be exceptionally extended by the commission to 1 march , upon request by the member state concerned , as provided for in the second subparagraph article 63 of the financial regulation . ### the deadline of 15 february referred to in the first subparagraph may be extended by the commission to 1 may , upon request by the member state concerned , as provided for in the second subparagraph article 63 of the financial regulation .


### prior to 1 december but not before 16 october , pay advances of up to 50 % for direct payments interventions ; ### prior to 1 december but not before 16 october , pay advances of up to 75 % for direct payments interventions ;


### in order to avoid placing an unnecessary burden on agricultural holdings and national administrations , thresholds that exclude non - relevant survey units from the basic entities in respect of which statistics are to be collected should be established . ### it is important to avoid placing unnecessary burden and costs on agricultural holdings and national administrations when implementing this regulation . in this regard , thresholds that exclude non - relevant survey units from the basic entities in respect of which statistics are to be collected should be established .


### in order to take account of emerging data needs mainly stemming from new developments in agriculture , revised legislation and changing policy priorities , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the detailed topics listed in annex iv . in order to provide for compatibility and facilitate the use of other data sources , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the characteristics listed in annex iii . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 201615 . in particular , in order to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council should receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . __________________ 15 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 . ### in order to take account of emerging data needs mainly stemming from new developments in agriculture , revised legislation and changing policy priorities , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the detailed topics listed in annex iv . in order to provide for compatibility and facilitate the use of other data sources , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the characteristics listed in annex iii . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 201615 . in particular , in order to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council should receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . when exercising that power , the commission shall take in to account aspects such as cost and administrative burdens on agricultural holdings and member states . __________________ 15 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 .


### for the years 2023 and 2026 the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 concerning amendments of the detailed topics listed in annex iv . in exercising its power the commission shall ensure that such delegated acts do not impose a significant additional burden or cost on the member states or on the respondents , and that a maximum of 25% , rounded up to the nearest integer , of the detailed topics listed in annex iv are changed for each module by delegated acts . ### for the years 2023 and 2026 the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 concerning amendments of the detailed topics listed in annex iv . in exercising its power the commission shall ensure that such delegated acts do not impose a significant additional burden or cost on the member states or on the respondents and provide full justification in that regard , and that a maximum of 25% , rounded up to the nearest integer , of the detailed topics listed in annex iv are changed for each module by delegated acts .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts for the purpose of specifying the information to be provided on an ad - hoc basis by providing : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts for the purpose of specifying the information to be provided on an ad - hoc basis , if such information is deemed necessary , by providing :


### those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 17 not later than 12 months before the beginning of the survey reference year . ### those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 17 not later than 12 months before the beginning of the survey reference year . while preparing such implementing acts potential extra costs and administrative burdens on agricultural holdings and member states shall be taken in to account .


### for the collection of the ad - hoc data specified in article 9 , the union may provide grants to the national statistical institutes and other national authorities referred to in article 5 of regulation no 223 / 2009 towards covering the cost of the implementation of an ad - hoc data collection . that union financial contribution shall not exceed 90% of the eligible costs . ### for the collection of the ad - hoc data specified in article 9 , the union shall provide grants to the national statistical institutes and other national authorities referred to in article 5 of regulation no 223 / 2009 towards covering the cost of the implementation of an ad - hoc data collection . that union financial contribution shall not exceed 90% of the eligible costs .


### a genuinely humane killing method cannot be effectively and consistently applied in the hunts conducted by the inuit and other indigenous communities , just like in the other seal hunts . nonetheless , it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a manner which reduces pain , distress , fear or other forms of suffering of the animals hunted to the extent possible , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted primarily for commercial purposes . thus , the commission should be enabled to limit , if necessary , the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception in order to prevent the use of the exception by products resulting from hunts which are conducted primarily for commercial purposes . ### it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a sustainable manner , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . accordingly the commission should take measures to inform the public about that objective and counter misinformation and misperception of the seal hunts , thereby restoring consumer confidence . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted solely for commercial purposes . thus , the commission should be enabled to limit , if necessary , the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception in order to prevent the use of the exception by products resulting from hunts which are conducted solely for commercial purposes .


### a genuinely humane killing method cannot be effectively and consistently applied in the hunts conducted by the inuit and other indigenous communities , just like in the other seal hunts . nonetheless , it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a manner which reduces pain , distress , fear or other forms of suffering of the animals hunted to the extent possible , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted primarily for commercial purposes . thus , the commission should be enabled to limit , if necessary , the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception in order to prevent the use of the exception by products resulting from hunts which are conducted primarily for commercial purposes . ### it is appropriate , in light of the objective pursued by regulation no 1007 / 2009 , to make the placing in the union market of products resulting from hunts by the inuit and other indigenous communities conditional upon those hunts being conducted in a sustainable manner , while having regard to the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the inuit and other indigenous communities . accordingly , the commission should take measures to inform the public about the objective of regulation no 1007 / 2009 and its exemption concerning products resulting from hunts conducted by indigenous communities , thereby restoring consumer confidence . the exception granted in respect of seal products resulting from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities should be limited to hunts that contribute to the subsistence need of those communities and are therefore not conducted primarily for commercial purposes . thus , in order to prevent the use of that exception for products resulting from hunts which are conducted primarily for commercial purposes , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of limiting the quantity of seal products placed on the market under that exception and in respect of prohibiting , if necessary , seal products from certain hunts from being placed on the market under that exception . that delegation should be exercised only if necessary , when relevant evidence is presented and where considered appropriate after a consultation with relevant stakeholders .


### the hunt has been traditionally conducted by the community ; ### the hunt is an integral part of the culture and identity of the community ;


### the hunt is conducted in a manner which reduces pain , distress , fear or other forms of suffering of the animals hunted to the extent possible taking into consideration the traditional way of life and the subsistence needs of the community . ### the hunt is an integral part of the socio - economic development , nutrition , culture and identity of the inuit and other indigenous communities contributing to their subsistence and performed with due regard to animal welfare as deemed appropriate by the indigenous community and with due regard to the indigenous communities ' right to economic activities and development , as well as other rights granted to indigenous peoples under international law .


### the above conditions shall apply at the time or point of import for imported products . ### the above conditions shall apply at the time or point of import for imported seal products .


### article 7 reporting by 20 november 2011 and thereafter every 4 years , member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . on the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 1 , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period concerned . ### article 7 is replaced by the following : article 7 reporting by 31 december 2016 and every four years thereafter member states shall submit to the commission a report outlining the actions taken to implement this regulation . 2 . the commission shall submit to the european parliament and to the council a report on the implementation of this regulation within 12 months of the end of each reporting period referred to in paragraph 1 . the first report shall be submitted not later than 31 november 2017 . 2a . in its report submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 , the commission shall assess and review the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation in achieving its objectives . in its assessment and review the commission shall , in particular , consider the socio - economic development , economic activities and development , nutrition , culture and identity of the inuit and other indigenous communities as well as the environment and socio - economic effects of this regulation in areas within the union where seal hunt other than conducted by the inuit and other indigenous communities takes place . 2b . following the assessment and review , the commission reports shall , where appropriate , be accompanied by a legislative proposal .


### all the recognised organisations shall be assessed by the commission , together with the member state which authorised them in accordance with article 3 of directive 2009 / 15 / ec , on a regular basis and at least every two years to verify that they meet the obligations under this regulation and fulfil the minimum criteria set out in annex i . the assessment shall be confined to those activities of the recognised organisations , which fall within the scope of this regulation . ### all the recognised organisations shall be assessed by the commission , together with the member state which authorised them in accordance with article 3 of directive 2009 / 15 / ec , on a regular basis and at least every two years to verify that they meet the obligations under this regulation and fulfil the minimum criteria set out in annex i . the assessment shall be confined to those activities of the recognised organisations , which fall within the scope of this regulation . the commission shall facilitate the participation of member states in the assessment by establishing an oversight programme which may be used by member states in fulfilling their obligations under imo resolution a . 1070 and article 9 of directive 2009 / 15 / ec . '


### in order to empower viewers , including parents and minors , in making informed decisions about the content to be watched , it is necessary that audiovisual media service providers provide sufficient information about content that may impair minors’ physical , mental or moral development . this could be done , for instance , through a system of content descriptors indicating the nature of the content . content descriptors could be delivered through written , graphical or acoustic means . ### in order to empower viewers , including parents and minors , in making informed decisions about the content to be watched , it is necessary that audiovisual media service providers provide sufficient information about content that may impair minors’ physical or mental development . this could be done , for instance , through a system of content descriptors indicating the nature of the content . content descriptors could be delivered through written , graphical or acoustic means .


### there are new challenges , in particular in connection with video - sharing platforms , on which users - particularly minors - increasingly consume audiovisual content . in this context , harmful content and hate speech stored on video - sharing platforms have increasingly given rise to concern . it is necessary , in order to protect minors from harmful content and all citizens from content containing incitement to violence or hatred , to set out proportionate rules on those matters . ### there are new challenges , in particular in connection with video - sharing platforms and social media , on which users - particularly minors - increasingly consume audiovisual content . in this context , harmful content and hate speech available on video - sharing platforms have increasingly given rise to concern . it is necessary , in order to protect minors from harmful content and all citizens from content containing incitement to violence , hatred or terrorism , to set out proportionate rules on those matters .


### ‘ programme’ means a set of moving images with or without sound constituting an individual item within a schedule or a catalogue established by a media service provider , including feature - length films , videos of short duration , sports events , situation comedies , documentaries , children’s programmes and original drama ; ' ; ### ‘ programme’ means a set of moving images with or without sound constituting an individual item within a schedule or a catalogue established by a media service provider , including feature - length films , videos of short duration , sports events , situation comedies , documentaries , children’s programmes , entertainment and reality programmes , and original drama ;


### member states shall ensure by appropriate means that audiovisual media services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction do not contain any incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . ; ### member states shall ensure by appropriate means that audiovisual media services provided by media service providers under their jurisdiction do not contain any incitement to violence , hatred or terrorism , directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation .


### by [ date – no later than four years after adoption ] at the latest , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , to the council and to the european economic and social committee a report on the application of this directive . ### by [ date – no later than four years after adoption ] at the latest , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , to the council and to the european economic and social committee a report on the application of this directive the report shall assess the effectiveness of the self - and co - regulation practices in all member states , in particular in the light of advertising practices , when targeting children and families . if the report concludes that self - regulatory codes of conduct regarding audiovisual commercial communications , e . g . for unhealthy food and sweetened beverages , have not deliver expected results in minimising exposure of children and minors , the commission shall come up with a proposal of regulation on this specific matter .


### a review may be organised by the commission to examine the performance of interreg programmes . ### a review shall be organised by the commission to examine the performance of interreg programmes .


### the outcome of the review shall be recorded in agreed minutes . ### the results of the review shall be recorded in agreed minutes . the commission shall assess the results of the review in writing , publish a performance assessment and communicate this assessment to the european parliament and council .


### the seventh environment action programme18 confirms the union ' s long - term objective for air policy , to achieve levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment , and calls , to that end , for full compliance with the current air quality legislation of the union , post - 2020 strategic targets and actions , enhanced efforts in areas where the population and ecosystems are exposed to high levels of air pollutants , and reinforced synergies between air quality legislation and union ' s policy objectives set for climate change and biodiversity in particular . ––––––––––––––––––––––– 18 proposal for a decision of the european parliament and of the council on a general union environment action programme to 2020 ' living well , within the limits of our planet ' , com 710 , 29 . 11 . 2012 . ### the seventh environment action programme18 confirms the union ' s long - term objective for air policy , to achieve levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment , and calls , to that end , for full compliance with the current air quality legislation of the union , post - 2020 strategic targets and actions , enhanced efforts in areas where the population and ecosystems are exposed to high levels of air pollutants , and reinforced synergies between air quality legislation and union ' s policy objectives set for climate change and biodiversity in particular . the new common agricultural policy for the 2014 - 2020 period offers the possibility for member states to contribute to air quality with specific measures . future evaluation will provide a better understanding of the effects of these measures . ––––––––––––––––––––––– 18 decision no 1386 / 2013 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 20 november 2013 on a general union environment action programme to 2020 ‘ living well , within the limits of our planet’ .


### as regards the year 2020 and thereafter , the revised gothenburg protocol accepted by the council in decision [ xxxx / xxxx / eu ] 20 sets out new emission reduction commitments , taking the year 2005 as a base year , for each party regarding so2 , nox , nh3 , nmvoc and fine particulate matter , promotes emission reductions of black carbon and calls for the collection and keeping of information on the adverse effects of air pollutant concentrations and depositions on human health and the environment and participation in the effects - oriented programmes under the lrtap convention . __________________ 20 council decision 2013 / xxxx / eu on the acceptance of the amendment to the 1999 protocol to the 1979 convention on long - range transboundary air pollution to abate acidification , eutrophication and ground - level ozone . ### as regards the year 2020 and thereafter , the revised gothenburg protocol accepted by the council in decision [ xxxx / xxxx / eu ] 20 sets out new emission reduction commitments , taking the year 2005 as a base year , for each party regarding so2 , nox , nh3 , nmvoc and fine particulate matter , promotes emission reductions of black carbon and calls for the collection and keeping of information on the adverse effects of air pollutant concentrations and depositions on human health and the environment and participation in the effects - oriented programmes under the lrtap convention . however , the ratification of the revised gothenburg protocol is still pending at the european parliament , the council and a number of member states . __________________ 20 council decision 2013 / xxxx / eu on the acceptance of the amendment to the 1999 protocol to the 1979 convention on long - range transboundary air pollution to abate acidification , eutrophication and ground - level ozone .


### member states should adopt and implement a national air pollution control programme with a view to meeting their emission reduction requirements and intermediate emission levels , and to contributing effectively to the achievement of the union air quality objectives . to this effect , member states should take account of the need to reduce emissions in zones and agglomerations affected by excessive air pollutant concentrations and / or in those that contribute significantly to air pollution in other zones and agglomerations , including in neighbouring countries . national air pollution control programmes should , to that end , contribute to the successful implementation of air quality plans enacted under article 23 of directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council23 . _______________________ 23 directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 may 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air in europe . ### member states should adopt and implement a national air pollution control programme with a view to meeting their emission reduction requirements and , where applicable , intermediate emission levels , and to contributing effectively to the achievement of the union air quality objectives . to this effect , member states should take account of the need to reduce emissions in zones and agglomerations affected by excessive air pollutant concentrations and / or in those that contribute significantly to air pollution in other zones and agglomerations , including in neighbouring countries . national air pollution control programmes should , to that end , contribute to the successful implementation of air quality plans enacted under article 23 of directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council23 . _______________________ 23 directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 may 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air in europe .


### 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 programme 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 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 , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions , the achievement of an overall target of 30% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives and the phasing out of environmentally harmful subsidies . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### policies for implementing climate action , mobility , promoting energy and resource efficiency , renewable energy sources , achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security , and for the agricultural sector , fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas ; and ### policies for implementing climate action , clean mobility , promoting energy and resource efficiency , renewable energy sources , achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security , and for the agricultural sector , fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas ; and


### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions . in addition , the commission should be able to require member states to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 . ### prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action . to that effect , member states should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management , linking risk prevention , preparedness and response actions . in addition , the commission should be able to require member states to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters , notably with a view to maximising overall union support to disaster risk management . the administrative burden should be reduced and prevention policies and financial capacities strengthened , including by ensuring necessary links to other key union policies and instruments , notably the european structural and investment funds as listed in recital 2 of regulation no 1303 / 201313 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1303 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund and laying down general provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund and the european maritime and fisheries fund and repealing council regulation no 1083 / 2006 .


### there is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in europe . in addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the european emergency response capacity , from now on referred to as ' european civil protection pool ' , the commission should also establish resceu . the composition of resceu should include emergency response capacities to respond to wildfires , large - scale floods and earthquakes , as well as a field hospital and medical teams in line with world health organisation standards , that can be rapidly deployed . ### there is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in europe . in addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the european emergency response capacity , from now on referred to as ' european civil protection pool ' , the commission should also establish resceu . the composition of resceu should include emergency response capacities to respond to natural or man - made disasters such as wildfires , large - scale floods and earthquakes , as well as a field hospital and medical teams in line with world health organisation standards , that can be rapidly deployed .


### take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , the results of scientific research , best practices and information , including among member states that share common risks . ### take action to promote education , improve the knowledge base on disaster risks , and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , the results of scientific research , best practices and information , including among member states that share common risks , taking into account the possibility of using the european social fund .


### in case of deployment , the commission shall agree with the requesting member state on the operational deployment of resceu capacities . the requesting member state shall facilitate operational co - ordination of its own capacities and resceu activities during operations . ### in case of deployment , the commission shall agree with the requesting member state or states on the operational deployment of resceu capacities . the requesting member state shall facilitate operational co - ordination of its own capacities and resceu activities during operations .


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation , while maintaining the minimum level of basic social security within the national social security schemes . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### 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 regulation will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies 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 preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the mid - term evaluation . ### 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 regulation will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the mid - term evaluation .


### at the same time , seal hunting is an integral part of the culture and identity of the inuit and other indigenous communities and makes a major contribution to their subsistence . for those reasons , seal hunts traditionally conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities do not raise the same public moral concerns as the hunts conducted primarily for commercial purposes . moreover , it is broadly recognised that the fundamental and social interests of inuit and other indigenous communities should not be adversely affected , in accordance with united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and other relevant international instruments . for those reasons , by way of exception , regulation no 1007 / 2009 allows the placing on the market of seal products which result from hunts traditionally conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities and which contribute to their subsistence . ### at the same time , seal hunting is an integral part of the culture and identity of the inuit and other indigenous communities and makes a major contribution to their subsistence , including their right to development and economic activities . for those reasons , seal hunts traditionally conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities , which are considered sustainable and do not harm the health of seal population , do not raise the same public moral concerns as the hunts conducted primarily for commercial purposes . moreover , it is broadly recognised that the fundamental economic and social interests of inuit and other indigenous communities should not be adversely affected , in accordance with united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and other relevant international instruments . furthermore the ilo 169 convention on indigenous and tribal peoples of 1989 emphasizes the indigenous people’s right to self - determination , thereby the right to freely pursue their economic , social and cultural development . for those reasons , by way of exception , regulation no 1007 / 2009 allows the placing on the market of seal products which result from hunts traditionally conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities and which contribute to their subsistence .


### in order to provide for detailed rules as regards placing on the market of seal products , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to provide for detailed rules as regards placing on the market of seal products , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations , including at expert level and with inuit and other indigenous communities concerned . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova fully respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system and a strict separation of powers – and the rule of law , including the independence of the judiciary , guarantees respect for human rights , supports free , independent and pluralistic media , and ensures an effective fight against corruption , the influence of oligarchs and money laundering as well as a thorough , result - orientated investigation into the “bank fraud” . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial and banking sector in moldova and promote effective structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the pre - condition and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service .


### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits . ### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should fully implement appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits . moldova should regularly inform the commission about the implementation of the union’s macro - financial assistance , on the basis of full disclosure and strict compliance with union financial rules , as well as about the reforms related to the union’s macro - financial assistance .