### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities with regard inter alia to education , work , employment and universal accessibility . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ; ### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , accessible , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving access to culture ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ;


### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes . ### member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2019 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 15% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2021 to 2025 to targeted actions and structural reforms to support youth employment and school - to - work transition , pathways to reintegrate into education or training and second chance education , in particular in the context of implementing youth guarantee schemes .


### the resources referred to in article 7 shall be programmed under a dedicated priority or programme . ### the resources referred to in article 7 shall be programmed under a part of a priority , dedicated priority or programme .


### support in accordance with article 7 shall be programmed under a dedicated priority and it shall support the specific objective set out in point of article 4 . ### support in accordance with article 7 shall be programmed under a part of a priority or a dedicated priority and it shall support the specific objective set out in point of article 4 .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that aid provided in the framework of the esf + support for addressing material deprivation respects the dignity and prevents stigmatisation of the most deprived persons . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure that aid provided in the framework of the esf + support for addressing material deprivation respects the dignity , fosters the independence and personal development and prevents stigmatisation of the most deprived persons .


### the delivery of food and / or material assistance may be complemented with re - orientation towards competent services and other accompanying measures aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons . ### the delivery of food and / or material assistance shall be complemented with re - orientation towards competent services and other accompanying incentives or psychological motivation aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons .


### a new type of visa should be established for both visa - exempt and visa - requiring third - country nationals planning to circulate in the territory of two or more member states for more than 90 days , provided that they do not intend to stay for more than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the territory of the same member state . at the same time , the 90 days per 180 days rule should be maintained as a general dividing line between short stays and long stays , as it does not pose any problems for the vast majority of travellers . ### a new type of visa should be established for both visa - exempt and visa - requiring third - country nationals planning for professional reasons to circulate in the territory of two or more member states for more than 90 days , provided that they do not intend to stay for more than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the territory of the same member state . at the same time , the 90 days per 180 days rule should be maintained as a general dividing line between short stays and long stays , as it does not pose any problems for the vast majority of travellers .


### ‘ touring visa’ means an authorisation issued by a member state with a view to an intended stay in the territory of two or more member states for a duration of more than 90 days in any 180 - day period , provided that the applicant does not intend to stay for more than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the territory of the same member state . ### ‘ touring visa’ means an authorisation issued by a member state with a view to an intended stay in the territory of two or more member states for a duration of 15 months in any 18 month period , provided that the applicant does not intend to stay for more than 90 days in any 180 - day period in the territory of the same member state .


### the length of authorised stay shall be decided on the basis of a thorough examination of the application . the length of authorised stay shall not exceed one year , but it can be extended for up to a further year in accordance with article 8 . ### the total length of authorised stay on the territory of two or more member states shall be decided on the basis of a thorough examination of the application . the length of authorised stay shall not exceed 15 months in any period of 18 months .


### building on the existing initiatives , a stable and reliable union resettlement framework should be established for the resettlement of persons in need of international protection to be implemented in accordance with annual union resettlement plans and targeted union resettlement schemes which effectively deliver on member states ' concrete commitments . ### building on the existing initiatives , a stable and reliable union resettlement framework should be established for the resettlement of persons in need of international protection to be implemented in accordance with union resettlement plans and targeted union resettlement schemes which effectively deliver on member states ' concrete commitments .


### such a framework is a necessary part of a well - managed migration policy to reduce divergences among national resettlement practices and procedures , provide for the legal and safe arrival to the territory of the member states of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection , help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states and thereby reducing the pressure of spontaneous arrivals on the member states ' asylum systems , be an expression of solidarity with countries in regions to which or within which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , help achieve union ' s foreign policy objectives by increasing the union ' s leverage vis - à - vis third countries , and effectively contribute to global resettlement initiatives through speaking with one voice in international fora and with third countries . ### such a framework , provided that it serves to enhance legal avenues for migration , is a necessary part of a well - managed migration policy and contributes to the smooth functioning of the common european asylum system to harmonise national resettlement practices and procedures , provide for the legal and safe arrival to the territory of the member states of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection , help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states and thereby reducing the pressure of spontaneous arrivals on the member states ' asylum systems , be an expression of solidarity with countries in regions to which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , help achieve union ' s foreign policy objectives by increasing the union ' s leverage vis - à - vis third countries , and effectively contribute to global resettlement initiatives through speaking with one voice in international fora and with third countries . by speaking with one voice in this way and by taking responsibility for meeting a fair share of global resettlement needs , the union should set an example and endeavour to secure undertakings from third countries to show solidarity in their turn and contribute to global resettlement efforts .


### in order to help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states , show solidarity with countries in regions to which or within which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , and help achieve the union ' s foreign policy objectives , the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur should fit in a tailored engagement with third countries to better manage migration as foreseen in the commission ' s communication of 7 june 2016 on establishing a new partnership framework with third countries under the european agenda on migration32 . _________________ 32 com 377 final . ### in order to help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states , show solidarity with countries in regions to which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , and help achieve the union ' s foreign policy objectives , the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur should fit in a tailored engagement with third countries , in order , in particular , to give priority to the strategic use of resettlement .


### these powers should be exercised on a proposal from the commission on the maximum total number of persons to be resettled and overall geographical priorities . the commission should make its proposal simultaneously with its proposal on the draft union annual budget . the council should aim to adopt the proposal within two months . the commission and the council should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee . ### these powers should be exercised on a proposal from the commission on the target number of persons to be resettled and overall geographical priorities . the commission should make its proposal simultaneously with its proposal on the draft union annual budget . the council should aim to adopt the proposal within two months . the commission and the council should take into account the recommendations made by the high - level resettlement committee .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , the commission should be empowered to establish targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the total number of persons to be resettled and participation of the member state , consistent with the annual union resettlement plan . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the annual union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the annual union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 . 2 . 2011 , p . 13 . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , the commission should be empowered to establish targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the target number of persons to be resettled and participation of the member state , consistent with the union resettlement plan . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the recommendations made by the high - level resettlement committee . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 . 2 . 2011 , p . 13 .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , the commission should be empowered to establish targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the total number of persons to be resettled and participation of the member state , consistent with the annual union resettlement plan . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the annual union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the annual union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 / 02 / 2011 , p . 13 . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , the commission should be empowered to establish targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the total number of persons to be resettled and the voluntary participation of the member state , consistent with the annual union resettlement plan . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the annual union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the annual union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 / 02 / 2011 , p . 13 .


### [ the european union agency for asylum ] should assist member states in the implementation of union resettlement framework in accordance with its mandate . ### [ the european union agency for asylum ] should assist member states and cooperate with the related third countries in the implementation of union resettlement framework in accordance with its mandate , including by providing practical and technical assistance and operational support .


### [ the european union agency for asylum ] should assist member states in the implementation of union resettlement framework in accordance with its mandate . ### member states should be given support to help them honour their commitments and thus ensure the smooth functioning of the union resettlement framework . [ the european union agency for asylum ] should provide the member states with that support , at their request and in accordance with its mandate .


### a high - level resettlement committee should be established to allow for broad consultations with all stakeholders on the implementation of the union resettlement framework . ### a high - level resettlement committee should be established to allow for broad and systematic consultations with all parties involved in the implementation of the union resettlement framework . the high - level committee should draw up recommendations to serve as the basis for drafting the union plan and the targeted plans .


### : ' resettlement ' means the admission of third - country nationals or stateless persons in need of international protection from a third country to which or within which they have been displaced to the territory of one of the member states with a view to granting them international protection ' ; ### : ' resettlement ' means the admission , at the request of the office of the united nations high commissioner for refugees , of third - country nationals or stateless persons in need of international protection from a third country to which they have been displaced to the territory of one of the member states with a view to granting them international protection ' ;


### for the purposes of this regulation ' resettlement ' means the admission of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection from a third country to which or within which they have been displaced to the territory of the member states with a view to granting them international protection . ### for the purposes of this regulation ' resettlement ' means the admission , at the request of the office of the united nations high commissioner for refugees , of third - country nationals or stateless persons in need of international protection from a third country to which they have been displaced to the territory of one of the member states with a view to granting them international protection ' ;


### contribute to international resettlement initiatives . ### encourage all the member states to take part in resettlement efforts and thus contribute to international resettlement initiatives by increasing the number of resettlement places made available by the union member states .


### the number of persons in need of international protection displaced to or within a third country and any onward movement of those persons to the territory of the member states ; ### global resettlement needs as defined by the unhcr , in particular as regards : - the number of persons in need of international protection displaced to a third country and any onward movement of those persons to the territory of the member states ; - the situation of these persons and their degree of vulnerability , cases of persons who are long - term refugees and the scope for strategic use of resettlement ;


### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , nationality , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to or stay in it , or , failing that , ### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , nationality , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to it , or , failing that ,


### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to or staying in their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a real risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ; ### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a real risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ;


### third - country nationals and stateless persons who fall within at least one of the following categories : ### third - country nationals and stateless persons who meet the conditions stated in point and fall within at least one of the following categories :


### –persons with legal and / or physical protection needs ; ### –persons with legal and / or physical protection needs , including those facing a threat of refoulement ;


### on the basis of a proposal from the commission , the council shall adopt an annual union resettlement plan in the year preceding that in which it is to be implemented . ### on the basis of a proposal from the commission , the council shall adopt a union resettlement plan every two years , in the year preceding that in which it is to be implemented .


### details about the participation of the member states in the annual union resettlement plan and their contributions to the total number of persons to be resettled ; ### details about the participation of the member states in the union resettlement plan and their contributions to the target number of persons to be resettled ;


### precise number of persons to be resettled from the maximum total number as set out in the annual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states in the targeted union resettlement scheme ; ### the precise number of persons to be resettled from the target number as set out in the annual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states in the targeted union resettlement scheme ;


### the specification of the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur as referred to in article 4 ; ### the specification of the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur as referred to in article 4 and , where appropriate , the priorities and measures anticipated by the union in relation to those regions or third countries in the context of strategic use of resettlement ;


### member states shall take a decision on the resettlement of third - country nationals or stateless persons on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible and not later than eight months from their registration . member states may extend that time - limit of eight months by a period of not more than four months , where complex issues of fact or law are involved . ### member states shall take a decision on the resettlement of third - country nationals or stateless persons on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible and not later than eight months from their registration . member states may extend that time - limit of eight months by a period of not more than four months , where complex issues of fact or law are involved . if , after the time limits referred to in this paragraph have elapsed , the member state has not communicated any decision and has also not supplied any justification , a resettlement procedure may be initiated by another member state in relation to the third - country national or stateless person concerned .


### offer to make travel arrangements , including fit - to - travel medical checks , and provide transfer to their territory free of charge , and that offer shall include , where necessary , the facilitation of exit procedures in the third country from where the third - country national or the stateless person is admitted ; ### offer to make travel arrangements , including fit - to - travel medical checks , and provide transfer to their territory free of charge , and that offer shall include , where necessary , the facilitation of exit procedures in the third country from where the third - country national or the stateless person is admitted . when organising the travel , member states shall take account of any needs that the persons concerned have in view of their vulnerability ;


### for the purpose of implementing the ordinary procedure , prior to identifying third - country nationals or stateless persons , member states may request unhcr , or where applicable , [ the european union agency for asylum ] or relevant international bodies to refer to them third - country nationals or stateless persons in relation to whom those entities have fully assessed : ### for the purpose of implementing the ordinary procedure , prior to identifying third - country nationals or stateless persons , member states shall request unhcr to refer to them third - country nationals or stateless persons in relation to whom those entities have fully assessed :


### where a negative decision is taken , no resettlement of the person concerned shall occur . ### where the procedure is not successfully completed , no resettlement of the person concerned shall occur . this failure of the procedure may be due to a negative decision by the member state or a refusal on the part of the third - country national or stateless person to be resettled . member states shall without delay communicate the reasons for the failure of procedures to the other member states , the european union agency for asylum and the unhcr .


### offer a pre - departure orientation programme to third - country nationals or stateless persons , which may include information about their rights and obligations , language classes , and information about the member state ' s social , cultural and political set - up . ### require third - country nationals or stateless persons to attend a pre - departure orientation programme , if possible lasting for a minimum of three days , which shall include information about their rights and obligations , language classes , and information about the member state ' s social , cultural and political set - up , as well as the european union . member states shall also offer a post - arrival integration programme , wherever possible designed for people who have been resettled and taking account of their particular vulnerabilities .


### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , and the member states . [ the european union agency for asylum , ] unhcr , and iom may be invited . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the annual union resettlement plan . ### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , [ the european union agency for asylum , ] and the member states . the unhcr and iom shall be invited . representatives of other interested parties may be invited . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the annual union resettlement plan .


### the high - level resettlement committee shall be chaired by the commission . it shall meet whenever necessary at the invitation of the commission or at a request of a member state and shall meet at least once a year . ### the high - level resettlement committee shall be chaired by the commission . it shall meet whenever necessary at the invitation of the commission or at a request of a member state or the european parliament and shall meet at least once a year .


### the commission shall consult the high - level resettlement committee on issues related to the implementation of the union resettlement framework . ### the commission and the council shall take full account of the recommendations of the high - level resettlement committee on issues related to the implementation of the union resettlement framework , particularly in drafting the union plan and the targeted plans .


### ‘ it is important for enhanced solidarity that the fund provides , in coordination and in synergy with the humanitarian assistance managed by the commission where appropriate , additional support to address emergency situations of heavy migratory pressure in member states or third countries , or in the event of mass influx of displaced persons , pursuant to council directive 2001 / 55 / ec1 , through emergency assistance . emergency assistance should also include support to ad hoc humanitarian admission programmes aimed at allowing temporary stay on the territory of a member state in the event of an urgent humanitarian crisis in third countries . however , such other humanitarian admission programmes are without prejudice to , and should not undermine , the union ' s resettlement programme that explicitly aims as from the start to provide a durable solution to persons in need of international protection transferred to the union from third countries . to that end , member states should not be entitled to receive additional lump sums in respect of persons granted temporary stay on the territory of a member state under such other humanitarian admission programmes . ’ ### recital 46 shall be amended as follows : ‘ it is important for enhanced solidarity that the fund provides , in coordination and in synergy with the humanitarian assistance managed by the commission where appropriate , additional support to address emergency situations of heavy migratory pressure in member states or third countries , or in the event of mass influx of displaced persons , pursuant to council directive 2001 / 55 / ec1 , through emergency assistance . emergency assistance should also include support to ad hoc humanitarian admission programmes aimed at allowing temporary stay on the territory of a member state in the event of an urgent humanitarian crisis in third countries . however , such other humanitarian admission programmes are without prejudice to , and should not undermine , the union ' s resettlement scheme that explicitly aims as from the start to provide a durable solution to persons in need of international protection transferred to the union from third countries . ’


### resources for the union resettlement framework ### resources for the union resettlement framework and for national resettlement and humanitarian admission plans


### the european parliament and the council shall , on the basis of the proposal of the commission , taking into account the report referred to in paragraph 1 , review this regulation by 30 june 2020 . ### the european parliament and the council shall , on the basis of the proposal of the commission , taking into account the report referred to in paragraph 1 , review this regulation 18 months after the submission of the commission report on the application of this regulation .


### the world health organisation regional office for europe conducted a detailed review of the list of parameters and parametric values laid down in directive 98 / 83 / ec in order to establish whether there is a need to adapt it in light of technical and scientific progress . in view of the results of that review74 , enteric pathogens and legionella should be controlled , six chemical parameters or parameter groups should be added , and three representative endocrine disrupting compounds should be considered with precautionary benchmark values . for three of the new parameters , parametric values that are more stringent than the ones proposed by the who , yet still feasible , should be laid down in light of the precautionary principle . for lead , the who noted that concentrations should be as low as reasonably practical , and for chromium , the value remains under who review ; therefore , for both parameters , a transitional period of ten years should apply before the values become more stringent . _________________ 74 drinking water parameter cooperation project of the who regional office for europe ' support to the revision of annex i council directive 98 / 83 / ec on the quality of water intended for human consumption recommendation ' , 11 september 2017 . . ### the world health organisation regional office for europe conducted a detailed review of the list of parameters and parametric values laid down in directive 98 / 83 / ec in order to establish whether there is a need to adapt it in light of technical and scientific progress . in view of the results of that review74 , enteric pathogens and legionella should be controlled and six chemical parameters or parameter groups should be added . based on its review , the who also recommended that three parametric values be made less stringent and five parameters be removed from the list . in order to achieve a high level of protection for human health based on latest scientific data , it is appropriate to follow these recommendations in this directive . for lead , the who noted that concentrations should be as low as reasonably practical , and for chromium , the value remains under who review . _________________ 74 drinking water parameter cooperation project of the who regional office for europe ' support to the revision of annex i council directive 98 / 83 / ec on the quality of water intended for human consumption recommendation ' , 11 september 2017 . .


### the 7th environment action programme to 2020 ‘ living well , within the limits of our planet’90 , requires that the public have access to clear environmental information at national level . directive 98 / 83 / ec only provided for passive access to information , meaning that member states merely had to ensure that information was available . those provisions should therefore be replaced to ensure that up - to - date information is easily accessible , for instance on a website whose link should be actively distributed . the up - to - date information should not only include results from the monitoring programmes , but also additional information that the public may find useful , such as information on indicators , which often influence consumers ' perception of tap water . to that end , the indicator parameters of directive 98 / 83 / ec that did not provide health - related information should be replaced by on - line information on those parameters . for very large water suppliers , additional information on , inter alia , energy efficiency , management , governance , cost structure , and treatment applied , should also be available on - line . it is assumed that better consumer knowledge and improved transparency will contribute to increasing citizens ' confidence in the water supplied to them . this in turn is expected to lead to increased use of tap water , thereby contributing to reduced plastic litter and greenhouse gas emissions , and a positive impact on climate change mitigation and the environment as a whole . _________________ 90 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’ . ### the 7th environment action programme to 2020 ‘ living well , within the limits of our planet’90 , requires that the public have access to clear environmental information at national level . directive 98 / 83 / ec only provided for passive access to information , meaning that member states merely had to ensure that information was available . those provisions should therefore be replaced to ensure that up - to - date information is easily accessible , for instance on a website whose link should be actively distributed . the up - to - date information on results from the monitoring programmes should include information on parameter values listed in annex i , part ba that the public may find particularly useful since they often influence consumers ' perception of tap water . for very large water suppliers , additional information related to water quality on , inter alia , treatment applied , should also be available on - line . it is assumed that better consumer knowledge and improved transparency will contribute to increasing citizens ' confidence in the water supplied to them . this in turn is expected to lead to increased use of tap water as drinking water , thereby contributing to reduced plastic litter and greenhouse gas emissions , and a positive impact on climate change mitigation and the environment as a whole . _________________ 90 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’ .


### without prejudice to articles 6 and 7 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec , member states shall ensure that a hazard assessment is performed covering the bodies of water used for the abstraction of water intended for human consumption that provide more than 10 m3 a day as an average . the hazard assessment shall include the following elements : ### without prejudice to directive 2000 / 60 / ec , in particular articles 4 to 8 , member states shall ensure that their competent water authorities perform a hazard assessment covering the bodies of water used for the abstraction of water intended for human consumption that provide more than 10 m3 a day as an average . the hazard assessment shall include the following elements :


### member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that regular monitoring of the quality of water intended for human consumption is carried out , in order to check that the water available to consumers meets the requirements of this directive and in particular the parametric values set in accordance with article 5 . samples shall be taken so that they are representative of the quality of the water consumed throughout the year . in addition , member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that , where disinfection forms part of the preparation or distribution of water intended for human consumption , the efficiency of the disinfection treatment applied is verified , and that any contamination from disinfection by - products is kept as low as possible without compromising the disinfection . ### member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that regular monitoring of the quality of water intended for human consumption is carried out , in order to check that it meets the requirements of this directive and in particular the parametric values set in accordance with article 5 . samples shall be taken so that they are representative of the quality of the water consumed throughout the year . in addition , member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that , where disinfection forms part of the preparation or distribution of water intended for human consumption , the efficiency of the disinfection treatment applied is verified , and that any contamination from disinfection by - products is kept as low as possible without compromising the disinfection .


### member states shall ensure that all persons supplied receive regularly and at least once a year , and in the most appropriate form without having to request it , the following information : ### member states shall ensure that all persons supplied receive regularly and at least once a year , and in the most appropriate and easily accessible form without having to request it , the following information :


### ' vis registered applicant ' means an applicant whose data are registered in the visa information system ; ### ' vis registered visa applicant ' means an applicant whose data are registered in the visa information system ;


### the consulate shall start processing the visa application on the basis of facsimile or copies of the supporting documents . applicants who are not yet registered in the vis shall provide the original . the consulate may ask for original documents from applicants who are vis registered applicants or vis registered regular travellers , only where there is doubt about the authenticity of a specific document . ### the consulate shall start processing the visa application on the basis of facsimile , copies or scans of the supporting documents . applicants whose data are not yet registered in the vis or applicants who are registered in the vis and have never obtained a visa shall provide the original . the consulate may ask for original documents from applicants who are vis registered applicants and who have obtained at least one visa , only where there is doubt about the authenticity of a specific document .


### minors under the age of eighteen years ; ### minors under the age of twelve years ;


### a member state may require the central authorities of other member states to consult its central authorities during the examination of applications lodged by nationals of specific third countries or specific categories of such nationals . such consultation shall not apply to applications for airport transit visas . ### a member state may require the central authorities of other member states to consult its central authorities during the examination of applications lodged by nationals of specific third countries or specific categories of such nationals . such consultation shall not apply to applications for airport transit visas or to visas with limited territorial validity issued under eu resettlement and relocation programmes and mechanisms , pursuant to article 22 .


### that period may be extended up to a maximum of 20 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed . ### the deadlines laid down in paragraph 1 may be extended up to a maximum of 20 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed .


### applicants referred to in paragraph 3 who have lawfully used the multiple entry visa valid for three years shall be issued a multiple entry visa valid for five years provided that the application is lodged no later than one year from the expiry date of the multiple entry visa valid for three years . ### applicants who have previously obtained a multiple entry visa valid for three years or a multiple entry visa valid for five years and who have already lawfully used such visas on multiple occasions shall be issued a multiple entry visa valid for five years provided that the application is lodged no later than one year following the expiry date of the multiple entry visa most recently obtained .


### the storage and handling of visa stickers shall be subject to adequate security measures to avoid fraud or loss . each consulate shall keep an account of its stock of visa stickers and register how each visa sticker has been used . ### the storage and handling of visa stickers shall be subject to adequate security measures to avoid fraud or loss . each consulate shall keep an account of its stock of visa stickers and register how each visa sticker has been used . digital systems shall therefore be developed to ensure transparency in the management of visa stickers .


### member states’ consulates shall keep archives of applications . each individual file shall contain the application form , copies of relevant supporting documents , a record of checks made and the reference number of the visa issued , in order for staff to be able to reconstruct , if need be , the background for the decision taken on the application . ### member states’ consulates shall keep digital archives of applications . each individual file shall contain the application form , copies of relevant supporting documents , a record of checks made and the reference number of the visa issued , in order for staff to be able to reconstruct , if need be , the background for the decision taken on the application .


### member states shall deploy appropriate staff in sufficient numbers to carry out the tasks relating to the examining of applications , in such a way as to ensure reasonable and harmonised quality of service to the public . ### member states shall deploy appropriate staff in sufficient numbers to carry out the tasks relating to the examining of applications , in such a way as to ensure reasonable and harmonised quality of service to the public . staff shall receive training on electronic and digital file management .


### the european council of october 2014 made a commitment to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . all sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving these emission reductions and the target will be delivered in the most cost - effective manner through the union emission trading system delivering a reduction of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 . this was confirmed in the intended nationally determined reduction commitment of the union and its member states submitted to the secretariat of the un framework convention on climate change on 6 march 201516 . __________________ 16 http : / / www4 . unfccc . int / submissions / indc / submission%20pages / submissions . aspx ### the european council of october 2014 made a commitment to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . all sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving these emission reductions and the target will be delivered in the most cost - effective manner through the union emission trading system delivering a reduction of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 . this was confirmed in the intended nationally determined reduction commitment of the union and its member states submitted to the secretariat of the un framework convention on climate change on 6 march 2015 [ 1 ] . the paris agreement on climate change , approved at the 21st session of the conference of the parties to the united nations framework convention on climate change , marks a new level of global commitment , aiming to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°c above pre - industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1 , 5°c . in accordance with the agreement , all sectors of the economy have to contribute to the reduction of co2 emissions . targets and measures agreed at the international level , such as in the international civil aviation organization and the international maritime organization , are welcomed if they achieve adequate emissions reductions . __________________ 16 http : / / www4 . unfccc . int / submissions / indc / submission%20pages / submissions . aspx


### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . ### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed and more effective eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , third countries or subnational regions , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . while the union is clear on its intention to maintain the eu ets as the centrepiece of union climate policy , other countries and regions in the world are following the union climate policies . in 2016 , some 40 countries and more than 20 cities , states and provinces use carbon - pricing mechanisms , to different extents , with more planning to implement them in the future . the union encourages other countries to follow and persevere in their efforts .


### it is a key union priority to establish a resilient energy union to provide secure , sustainable , competitive and affordable energy to its citizens . achieving this requires continuation of ambitious climate action with the eu ets as the cornerstone of europe’s climate policy , and progress on the other aspects of energy union17 . implementing the ambition decided in the 2030 framework contributes to delivering a meaningful carbon price and continuing to stimulate cost - efficient greenhouse gas emission reductions . __________________ 17 com80 , establishing a framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy ### it is a key union priority to establish a resilient energy union to provide secure , sustainable , competitive and affordable energy to its citizens . achieving this requires continuation of ambitious climate action with the eu ets as the cornerstone of europe ' s climate policy , and progress on the other aspects of energy union17 , while ensuring these aspects , such as those related to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources , enhance the goals of the eu ets and do not undermine its market effectiveness . implementing the ambition decided in the 2030 framework contributes to delivering a meaningful carbon price and continuing to stimulate cost - efficient greenhouse gas emission reductions , in order to meet the union ' s long - term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% in 2050 . it is regretted that the carbon price signal during phase 3 has not been high enough to incentivize investments in low carbon technology and processes . a carbon price that is sufficient to incentivise investments in decarbonisation of the production is key for a well - functioning eu ets . the re - industrialisation 20% target of industry ' s share in the union ' s gdp by 2020 in this context is to be emphasised , as well as the importance of innovation , investments in r&d , employment and skills renewal . __________________ 17 com80 , establishing a framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy


### eu ets funding should be coherent with other union funding programmes , including european structural and investment funds , so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending . ### eu ets funding should be coherent with other union funding programmes , including horizon 2020 , the european fund for strategic investments , and european structural and investment funds , taking into account the european investment bank climate investment strategy to ensure the effectiveness of public spending .


### eu ets funding should be coherent with other union funding programmes , including european structural and investment funds , so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending . ### eu ets funding should be coherent with other union funding programmes , including horizon 2020 , the european fund for strategic investments , european structural and investment funds , and the european investment bank climate investment strategy , so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending .


### ' 1 . this directive shall apply to emissions from the activities listed in annex i and greenhouse gases listed in annex ii . ' ### in article 2 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . this directive shall apply to emissions from the activities listed in annex i and greenhouse gases listed in annex ii . emissions from maritime transport shall be covered by the scope of this directive as set out in chapter iva . '


### ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used for one or more of the following : ' ### in paragraph 3 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' 3 . member states shall use the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , for one or more of the following : '


### ' member states shall be deemed to have fulfilled the provisions of this paragraph if they have in place and implement fiscal or financial support policies , including in particular in developing countries , or domestic regulatory policies , which leverage financial support , established for the purposes set out in the first subparagraph and which have a value equivalent to at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and . ' ### in paragraph 3 , subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' member states shall be deemed to have fulfilled the provisions of this paragraph if they have in place and implement fiscal or financial support policies , including in particular in developing countries , or domestic regulatory policies , which leverage additional financial support , established for the purposes set out in the first subparagraph and which have a value equivalent to the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , and have reported these policies through a standardised template provided by the commission . '


### the commission shall monitor the functioning of the european carbon market . each year , it shall submit a report to the european parliament and to the council on the functioning of the carbon market including the implementation of the auctions , liquidity and the volumes traded . if necessary , member states shall ensure that any relevant information is submitted to the commission at least two months before the commission adopts the report . ### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : “5 . the commission shall monitor the functioning of the european carbon market . each year , it shall submit a report to the european parliament and to the council on the functioning of the carbon market including the implementation of the auctions , liquidity and the volumes traded . the report shall also address the interaction between the eu ets and other climate and energy measures at union and national level , and shall analyse the implications of various policy instruments on the functioning of eu ets market , especially on the supply - demand balance in the carbon market . the report shall also address the pass - through of the costs of allowances in the product prices for the most relevant sectors and sub - sectors , in particular in relation to their market shares . if necessary , member states shall ensure that any relevant information is submitted to the commission at least two months before the commission adopts the report . ”


### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases , together with 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / … of the european parliament and of the council . ### 3% of the union - wide quantity of allowances issued in accordance with articles 9 and 9a over the period from 2021 to 2030 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases .


### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases , together with 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / … of the european parliament and of the council . ### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 will be placed in the msr .


### 400 million allowances shall be available to support innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in industrial sectors listed in annex i , and to help stimulate the construction and operation of commercial demonstration projects that aim at the environmentally safe capture and geological storage of co2 as well as demonstration projects of innovative renewable energy technologies , in the territory of the union . ### 400 million of the allowances to be auctioned shall be auctioned to support , on a technology - neutral basis , innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in industrial sectors listed in annex i , and to help stimulate the construction and operation of commercial demonstration projects that aim , for instance , at the environmentally safe capture and geological storage or use of co2 as well as demonstration projects of innovative renewable energy technologies , in the territory of the union .


### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40 % may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed . ### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in the whole range of low - carbon industrial technologies and concepts for existing and new installations , and of low - carbon industrial processes , support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs , ccu and innovative renewable energy technologies and concepts that are not yet commercially viable , and within the extractive industry . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 75% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 55% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed .


### measures to support certain energy - intensive industries in the event of carbon leakage ### transitional measures to support certain energy - intensive industries in the event of carbon leakage


### member states shall require benefiting electricity generators and network operators to report by 28 february of each year on the implementation of their selected investments . member states shall report on this to the commission , and the commission shall make such reports public . ### member states shall require benefiting electricity generators and network operators to report by 28 february of each year on the implementation of their selected investments . member states shall annually report on this to the commission , and the commission shall make such reports public .


### following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 25 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . ### in article 27 , first paragraph is replaced by the following : “following consultation with the operator and subject to its agreement , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 50 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures .


### ' 1 . following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 25 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . ' ### in article 27 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 50 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve a comparable and economically practicable contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the measures applying to that installation that will achieve a comparable and economically practicable contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states shall allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 below 50 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake comparable and economically practicable measures . '


### the erc shall operate according to the principles of scientific excellence , autonomy , efficiency , effectiveness , transparency and accountability . it shall ensure continuity with erc actions conducted under decision … / ec . ### the erc shall operate according to the principles of scientific excellence , autonomy , sound financial management , transparency and accountability . it shall ensure continuity with erc actions conducted under decision … / ec .


### a code of conduct addressing , inter alia , the avoidance of conflict of interests . ### a code of conduct addressing , inter alia , the avoidance of conflict of interests shall be established by the commission . members of the erc scientific council and the chair of the erc are expected to accept the code of conduct upon assuming office .


### the commission shall depart from the positions established by the scientific council in accordance with points , , , and of the first subparagraph only when it considers that the provisions of this decision have not been respected . in that case , the commission shall adopt measures to maintain continuity in the implementation of the specific programme and the achievements of its objectives , setting out the points of departure from the scientific s and duly motivating them . ### the commission shall depart from the positions established by the scientific council in accordance with points , , and of the first subparagraph only when it considers that the provisions of this decision have not been respected . in that case , the commission shall adopt measures to maintain continuity in the implementation of the specific programme and the achievements of its objectives , setting out the points of departure from the scientific s and duly motivating them .


### the eic shall include the high level board provided for in article 10 . . ### the eic shall include the high level board provided for in article 10 and , if needed , will be supported by the dedicated implementation structure provided for in article 8 .


### the commission shall ensure that the implementation of the eic is : ### the commission shall ensure that the implementation of the eic activities are :


### for the purpose of managing eic blended finance , the commission shall make use of indirect management , or where this is not possible , may establish a special purpose vehicle . the commission shall seek to ensure the participation of other public and private investors . where this is not possible at the initial set up , the special purpose vehicle will be structured in such a way that it can attract other public or private investors in order to increase the leverage effect of the union contribution . ### for the purpose of managing eic blended finance , the commission shall make use of indirect management , or where this is not possible , may establish a special purpose vehicle in conformity with the financial regulation . the commission shall seek to ensure the participation of other public and private investors . where this is not possible at the initial set up , the special purpose vehicle will be structured in such a way that it can attract other public or private investors in order to increase the leverage effect of the union contribution .


### for reasons of transparency and in order to strengthen the scrutiny and the democratic accountability of european political parties and the link between european civil society and the union institutions , in particular the european parliament , access to funding from the general budget of the european union should be made conditional upon the publication by the member parties of the programme and logo of the european political party concerned , as well as information regarding the gender representation among the candidates at the last elections to the european parliament and among the members of the european parliament . ### for reasons of transparency and in order to strengthen the scrutiny and the democratic accountability of european political parties and the link between european civil society and the union institutions , in particular the european parliament , access to funding from the general budget of the european union should be made conditional upon the publication , in a comprehensive , detailed , reliable , user - friendly and accessible way , by the member parties of the programme and logo of the european political party concerned , as well as information regarding the gender representation among the candidates at the last elections to the european parliament and among the members of the european parliament .


### european political parties and their affiliated european political foundations wishing to obtain recognition as such at union level by virtue of european legal status and to receive public funding from the general budget of the european union should respect certain principles and fulfil certain conditions . in particular , it is necessary for european political parties and their affiliated european political foundations to respect the values on which the union is founded , as expressed in article 2 teu . ### recital 12 is replaced by the following : “european political parties and their affiliated european political foundations wishing to obtain recognition as such at union level by virtue of european legal status and to receive public funding from the general budget of the european union should respect certain principles and fulfil certain conditions . in particular , it is necessary for european political parties and their affiliated european political foundations to respect , especially in their programme and in their activities , the values on which the union is founded , as expressed in article 2 teu , namely respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities . ”


### by the way of derogation from article 18 and as regards applications for funding for the financial year 2019 , the authorising officer of the european parliament shall , before deciding on an application on funding , request evidence from a european political party demonstrating that its member parties have continuously published on their websites , for a period beginning one month after the entry into force of regulation no . xx / 2018 , the political programme and logo of the european political party as well as information , in relation to each of the member parties of the european political party , on the gender representation among the candidates at the last elections to the european parliament and among the members of the european parliament . ### article 18 shall be applicable from the application for funding for the financial year 2020 onwards .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , knowledge , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable skills , knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions .


### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact . ### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity programmes and projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact .


### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people’s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination . ### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people’s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . participants in volunteering activities should be compensated for costs related to the volunteering activity . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed every five years and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled .


### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the programme should be ensured at european , national and local level . special attention should be paid to social enterprises encouraging them to support the european solidarity corps activities . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the programme , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders . ### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the programme should be ensured at european , national , regional and local level . special attention should be paid to social enterprises encouraging them to support the european solidarity corps activities . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the programme , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed every five years and may be revoked .


### it is imperative that contracting authorities and contracting entities have access to a range of high - quality products meeting their purchasing requirements at a competitive price . therefore contracting authorities and contracting entities should be able not to apply price adjustment measures limiting access of non - covered goods and services in case there are no union and / or covered goods or services available which meet the requirements of the contracting authority or contracting entity to safeguard essential public needs , for example in the fields of health and public safety , or where the application of the measure would lead to a disproportionate increase in the price or costs of the contract . ### it is imperative that contracting authorities and contracting entities have access to a range of high - quality products meeting their purchasing requirements at a competitive price and offering the best value for money . therefore contracting authorities and contracting entities should be able not to apply price adjustment measures limiting access of non - covered goods and services in case there are no union and / or covered goods or services available which meet the requirements of the contracting authority or contracting entity to safeguard essential public needs , for example in the fields of health and public safety , or where the application of the measure would lead to a disproportionate increase in the price or costs of the contract .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council22 . __________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for the control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council22 . in the same purpose , all the european institutions should take into account the changes effected by this regulation and adjust their own procurement rules accordingly to reflect these changes . __________________ 22 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for the control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers .


### the commission shall determine the contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities , listed by member state , whose procurement is concerned by the measure . to provide the basis for this determination , each member state shall submit a list of appropriate contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities . the commission shall ensure that an appropriate level of action is taken and that a fair distribution of the burden among member states is achieved . ### the commission shall determine the contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities , listed by member state , whose procurement is concerned by the measure . to provide the basis for this determination , each member state shall submit a list of appropriate contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities . this list can be updated by the member states in case of necessity . the commission shall ensure that an appropriate level of action is taken and that a fair distribution of the burden among member states is achieved .


### member states should issue certificates of qualification only to persons that have the minimum levels of competence , the minimum age , the minimum medical fitness and the navigation time required for obtaining a specific qualification . ### member states should issue certificates of qualification only to persons that have the required levels of competence , the minimum age , the minimum medical fitness and the navigation time required for obtaining a specific qualification .


### to safeguard the mutual recognition of qualifications , the certificates of qualification should be based on the competences necessary for the operation of vessels . member states should ensure that persons receiving certificates of qualification have the corresponding minimum levels of competence , verified following an appropriate assessment . such assessments may take the form of an administrative examination or may form part of approved training programmes carried out in accordance with common standards in order to ensure a comparable minimum level of competence in all member states for various qualifications . ### to safeguard the mutual recognition of qualifications , the certificates of qualification should be based on the competences necessary for the operation of vessels . member states should ensure that persons receiving certificates of qualification have the corresponding required levels of competence , verified following an appropriate assessment . such assessments may take the form of an administrative examination or may form part of approved training programmes carried out in accordance with common standards in order to ensure a comparable minimum level of competence in all member states for various qualifications .


### when necessary for ensuring safety of navigation , member states may identify stretches of inland waterways with specific risks , except for inland waterways of a maritime character referred to in article 7 , where such risks are due to : ### when necessary for ensuring safety of navigation , member states shall identify stretches of inland waterways with specific risks , except for inland waterways of a maritime character referred to in article 7 , where such risks are due to :


### that they meet the minimum requirements laid down in annex i on age , competence , administrative compliance and navigation time corresponding to the qualification applied for ; ### that they meet the minimum requirements laid down in annex i on age , required competence , administrative compliance and navigation time corresponding to the qualification applied for ;


### that they meet the minimum requirements laid down in annex i on age , competence , administrative compliance and navigation time corresponding to the specific authorisation applied for . ### that they meet the minimum requirements laid down in annex i on age , required competence , administrative compliance and navigation time corresponding to the specific authorisation applied for .


### the member states that identify inland waterways stretches with specific risks in the meaning of article 8 , shall define the additional competence required from boatmasters navigating on these stretches and the means to prove that such requirements are met . ### the member states having identified inland waterways stretches with specific risks in the meaning of article 8 , shall define the additional competence required from boatmasters navigating on these stretches and the means to prove that such requirements are met .


### the union is party to the united nations’ convention on the rights of people with disabilities . the provisions of that convention are thus , from the time of its entry into force , an integral part of the european union legal order and union legislation must as far as possible be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the convention . the convention provides , among other things , in its article 7 that parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children . ### the union is party to the united nations’ convention on the rights of people with disabilities . the provisions of that convention are thus , from the time of its entry into force , an integral part of the european union legal order and union legislation must as far as possible be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the convention . the convention provides , among other things , in its article 7 that parties shall take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children . moreover , in its article 23 , the convention provides that parties shall take effective and appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities in all matters relating to marriage , family , parenthood and relationships .


### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paternity leave for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law . ### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paternity leave for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law .


### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship . ### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship , as well as self - employed workers , as defined by law , collective agreement and / or practices in force in each member state , in accordance with the criteria for determining the status of a worker as established by the case law of the court of justice of the european union .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers or the equivalent second parents as defined in national law have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days around the occasion of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child ;


### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents having a disability and parents with children with a disability or long - term illness . ### member states shall assess the arrangements needed to make sure the application of parental leave is adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , disabled parents , parents with mental health problems , parents of children with a disability , a long - term illness or mental health problems .


### directive 2008 / 106 / ec also contains a centralised mechanism for the recognition of seafarers ' certificates issued by third countries . the regulatory fitness programme evaluation14 showed that significant cost savings for the member states were achieved since the introduction of the centralised mechanism . however , the evaluation also revealed that , with regard to some of the recognised third countries , only a very limited number of seafarers was subsequently employed in union vessels . therefore , in order to use the available human and financial resources in a more efficient way , the procedure for the recognition of third countries should be based on an analysis of the need for such recognition , including an estimation of the number of masters and officers originating from that country who are likely to be employed in union vessels . __________________ 14 swd19 . ### directive 2008 / 106 / ec also contains a centralised mechanism for the recognition of seafarers ' certificates issued by third countries . the regulatory fitness programme evaluation14 showed that significant cost savings for the member states were achieved since the introduction of the centralised mechanism . however , the evaluation also revealed that , with regard to some of the recognised third countries , only a very limited number of endorsements attesting to the recognition of certificates were issued by member states in relation to certificates of competency or certificates of proficiency issued by these third countries . __________________ 14 swd19 .