### this regulation takes into account the economic , social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges . in particular , actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation , digitalisation , the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption , population ageing , social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers . integrating consumer interests into all union policies , in accordance with article 12 tfeu , should be given high priority . coordination with other union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies . in order to promote synergies and avoid duplication , other union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields . ### this regulation takes into account the economic , social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges . in particular , actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation , digitalisation , the growing level of complexity of decisions that consumers have to make , the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption , population ageing , social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers . integrating consumer interests into all union policies , in accordance with article 12 tfeu , should be given high priority . coordination with other union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies . in order to promote synergies and avoid duplication , other union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields .


### this regulation takes into account the economic , social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges . in particular , actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation , digitalisation , the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption , population ageing , social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers . integrating consumer interests into all union policies , in accordance with article 12 tfeu , should be given high priority . coordination with other union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies . in order to promote synergies and avoid duplication , other union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields . ### this regulation takes into account the economic , social and technical environment and the concomitant emerging challenges . in particular , actions funded under this programme will seek to address issues linked to globalisation , digitalisation , the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption , population ageing , social exclusion and the issue of vulnerable consumers . integrating consumer interests into all union policies , in accordance with article 12 tfeu , is a high priority . coordination with other union policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies . in order to promote synergies and avoid duplication , other union funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields .


### it is important to improve consumer protection . to achieve this general objective , specific objectives should be set as regards safety , consumer information and education , rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights . the value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated . for the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed . ### it is important to improve consumer protection . to achieve this general objective , specific objectives should be set as regards safety , consumer information and education and support for consumer organisations , rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights . the value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated . to evaluate consumer policy , indicators should be developed that may be supplemented by background details .


### it is important to improve consumer protection . to achieve this general objective , specific objectives should be set as regards safety , consumer information and education , rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights . the value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated . for the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed . ### it is important to improve consumer protection . to achieve this general objective , specific objectives should be set as regards safety , consumer information and education , rights and redress as well as enforcement in respect of consumer rights . differences do , however , still exist at national level in those areas , and the measures taken under the programme should be targeted at areas of maximum harmonisation , in order to provide clarity for consumers and businesses . the value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should regularly be monitored and evaluated and the benefits of simplification , smart regulation and the minimising of cost for consumers and administrative burdens for smes should always be taken into consideration . for the purposes of evaluating consumer policy indicators should be developed .


### in the context of the implementation of the programme , where appropriate , cooperation with third countries not participating in the programme should be encouraged , taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the union . ### in the context of the implementation of the programme , and given the globalisation of the production chain and the increasing interdependence of markets , cooperation with third countries not participating in the programme should be encouraged , taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the union .


### in order to amend certain non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adaptation of the indicators set out in annex ii . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and council . ### in order to amend and supplement certain non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adoption of the annual work programmes and the adaptation of the indicators set out in annex ii , and in order to supplement the list of actions in annex i . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations throughout its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and council .


### the aim of the programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market . the programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health , safety and economic interests of consumers , as well as to promoting their right to information , education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests . the programme will complement , support and monitor the policies of member states . ### the aim of the programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market . the programme will do so , within the framework of an overall strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , by contributing to protecting the health , safety and economic interests of consumers , as well as to promoting their right to information , education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests . the programme will complement , support and monitor the policies of member states .


### the aim of the programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market . the programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health , safety and economic interests of consumers , as well as to promoting their right to information , education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests . the programme will complement , support and monitor the policies of member states . ### the aim of the programme is to support the policy objective of placing the empowered consumer at the centre of the internal market . the programme will do so by contributing to protecting the health , safety and economic and legal interests of consumers , as well as to promoting their right to information , education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests . the programme will complement , support and monitor the policies of member states .


### this objective will be measured in particular through the activity of the eu rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products . ### this objective will be measured in particular through the activity and effectiveness of the eu rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products .


### objective 2 - information and education : to improve consumers ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations . ### objective 2 - information and education : to improve consumers ' as well as smes ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations .


### objective ii – information and education : to improve consumers ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations ### objective ii – consumer information and education , and support for consumer organisations : to improve consumers ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations


### support to consumer organisations ### financial contributions to the functioning of european consumer organisations .


### information and education : to improve consumers ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations ### consumer information and education , and support for consumer organisations : to improve consumers ' education , information and awareness of their rights , to develop the evidence base for consumer policy and to provide support to consumer organisations


### objective 3 - rights and redress : to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution . this objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve cross - border disputes and through the activity of a union - wide on - line dispute resolution system . ### objective 3 - rights and redress : to strengthen consumer rights in particular through smart regulatory action and improving access to affordable alternative dispute resolution . this objective will be measured in particular through the recourse to alternative dispute resolution to solve domestic and cross - border disputes and through the activity of a union - wide on - line dispute resolution system .


### rights and redress : to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution ### rights and redress : to develop and strengthen consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to individual and , where appropriate , collective redress including alternative dispute resolution


### objective 3 : rights and redress : to consolidate consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to redress including alternative dispute resolution ### objective 3 : rights and redress : to develop and strengthen consumer rights in particular through regulatory action and improving access to individual and , where appropriate , collective redress including alternative dispute resolution


### building the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers ; ### building and improving access to the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers , for designing smart and targeted regulations and for detecting any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers’ needs ;


### building the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers ### building and improving access to the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers , for designing smart and targeted regulations and for detecting any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers’ needs


### building the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers ### building and improving access to the evidence base for policy - making in areas affecting consumers


### under objective 2 – information and education : ### under objective 2 – consumer information and education , and support to consumer organisations :


### support to consumer organisations ; ### financial contributions to the functioning of european consumer organisations ;


### enhancing the transparency of consumer markets and consumer information ### enhancing the transparency of consumer markets and consumer information , particularly through comparison websites providing comparable , reliable and easily accessible data , including for cross - border cases


### enhancing consumer education ### enhancing consumer education as a life - long process


### preparation by the commission of consumer protection legislation and other regulatory initiatives , monitoring the transposition by member states and the subsequent evaluation of its impact , and the promotion of co - regulatory and self - regulatory initiatives ; ### preparation by the commission of consumer protection legislation and other regulatory initiatives , monitoring the transposition by member states and the subsequent evaluation of its impact , and the promotion of co - regulatory and self - regulatory initiatives and monitoring the real impact of these initiatives on consumer markets ;


### facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers , in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes , including on - line , also through the development and maintenance of relevant it tools ### facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and the effectiveness of individual and , where appropriate , collective dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers , in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes , including on - line , devoting particular attention to specific measures for vulnerable persons such as older people and / or people with lower levels of educational attainment ; monitoring of the functioning and the effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers , also through the development and maintenance of relevant it tools and the exchange of existing best practice and experience in the member states


### facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers , in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes , including on - line , also through the development and maintenance of relevant it tools ### facilitating access to and monitoring of the functioning and effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms for consumers , for both collective disputes and individual ones , in particular of alternative dispute resolution schemes , including on - line , also through the development and maintenance of relevant it tools


### financial contributions for joint actions with public or non - profit bodies constituting community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes , including ### financial contributions for joint actions and the signing of partnership agreements with public or non - profit bodies constituting community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes , including


### financial contributions for joint actions with public or non - profit bodies constituting union networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes . ### financial contributions for joint actions and signature of partnership agreements with public or non - profit bodies constituting union networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes .


### financial contributions for joint actions with public or non - profit bodies constituting community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes , including the development and maintenance of it tools necessary for the proper functioning of the european consumer centres network . ### financial contributions for joint actions with public or non - profit bodies constituting community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution , including out of court online resolution schemes , including : the development and maintenance of it tools necessary for the proper functioning of the european consumer centres network ; b ) actions to raise the profile and visibility of european consumer centres .


### a more detailed description of the content that those actions may have is included in annex i . ### a more detailed description of the content that those actions may have is included in annex i . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 15 , in order to complete the list set out in annex i with additional actions of similar type and impact pursuing the specific objectives mentioned in article 3 .


### they are mandated to represent the interests of consumers at union level by organisations in at least half of the member states that are representative , in accordance with national rules or practice , of consumers , and that are active at regional or national level . ### they are mandated to represent the interests of consumers at union level by organisations in at least half of the member states that are representative , in accordance with national rules or practice , of consumers , and that are active at local , regional or national level .


### grants for action may be awarded to a public body or a non - profit - making body selected through a transparent procedure and designated by a member state or a third country referred to in article 7 of this regulation . the designated body shall be part of an union network which provides information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution . ### grants for action may be awarded to a public body or a non - profit - making body selected through a transparent procedure and designated by a member state or a third country referred to in article 7 of this regulation , and partnership agreements may be concluded with those bodies . the designated body shall be part of a union network which provides information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution .


### grants for action may be awarded to complaint handling bodies established and operating in the union and in countries of the european free trade associations participating in the european economic area , which are responsible for collecting consumer complaints , or attempting to resolve complaints , or giving advice , or providing information to consumers about complaints or enquiries , and which are a third party to a complaint or enquiry by a consumer about a trader . they do not include consumer complaint handling mechanisms operated by traders and dealing with enquiries and complaints directly with the consumer or mechanisms providing complaint handling services operated by or on behalf of a trader . ### grants for action may be awarded to complaint handling bodies established and operating in the member states of the union and in countries of the european free trade association participating in the european economic area , which are responsible for collecting consumer complaints , or attempting to resolve complaints , or giving advice , or providing information to consumers about complaints or enquiries , and which are a third party to a complaint or enquiry by a consumer about a trader .


### the financial allocation for the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives ; in particular , studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . ### the financial allocation for the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme .


### the commission shall implement the programme by adopting annual work programmes in the form of implementing acts setting out the elements provided for in regulation no 1605 / 2002 and in particular : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 15 in order to adopt annual work programmes setting out the elements provided for in regulation no 1605 / 2002 and in particular :


### where appropriate , the authorisation to use lump sums , standard scales of unit costs or flat - rate financing in line with regulation no 1605 / 2002 ; ### where appropriate , the authorisation to use partnership agreements , lump sums , standard scales of unit costs or flat - rate financing in line with regulation no 1605 / 2002 ;


### the delegation of power referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of the programme 2014 - 2020 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of the programme 2014 - 2020 .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 3 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 3 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 3 , 4 or 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### development and maintenance of it tools ; ### development , modernisation and maintenance of it tools in particular so that the efficiency of existing systems can be improved by increasing the potential for data export , statistical sorting and extraction , and facilitating the electronic exchange and use of data between member states ;


### administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries other than the ones falling under article 7 ; ### administrative , enforcement and product traceability cooperation , plus development of preventive actions , with third countries other than the ones falling under article 7 , and in particular with those third countries from which come the majority of products notified in the union for non - conformity with union legislation ;


### union - wide studies and analysis on consumers and consumer markets ; ### union - wide studies and analysis on consumers and consumer markets in order to design smart and targeted regulations , to detect any market malfunctioning or changes in consumers ' needs ;


### development and maintenance of databases ; ### development and maintenance of databases , in particular to make the data collected available to stakeholders ;


### capacity building for regional , national and european consumer organisations , notably through training and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members , in particular for consumer organisations in member states which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the member states ; ### capacity building for local , regional , national and european consumer organisations , notably through training available in various languages and throughout the european union and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members , in particular for consumer organisations in member states where they are not sufficiently developed or which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the member states ;


### capacity building for regional , national and european consumer organisations , notably through training and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members , in particular for consumer organisations in member states which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the member states ; ### capacity building for local , regional , national and european consumer organisations , notably through training available in various languages and throughout the european union , and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members , in particular for consumer organisations in cross - border areas , or in member states where they are not sufficiently developed , or which demonstrate a relatively low level of consumer confidence and awareness as evidenced by monitoring of consumer markets and the consumer environment in the member states ;


### actions increasing consumers ' access to relevant information on products and markets ; ### actions increasing consumers’ access to relevant information on products and markets , whether this be offline or online ;


### support to union - wide bodies for the development of codes of conduct / best practices / guidelines for price / quality / sustainability comparison ; ### support to union - wide bodies for the development of price comparison websites , codes of conduct / best practices or guidelines for price / quality / sustainability comparison ;


### development of an interactive platform for exchange of best practices and consumer education materials directed to key target groups in particular young consumers , in synergy with the european financing programme in education and training ; ### development of an interactive platform for exchange of best practices and materials for lifelong consumer education ;


### development of education measures and materials on e . g . consumer rights including cross - border issues , health and safety , union consumer legislation , sustainable consumption , financial literacy . ### development of education materials in collaboration with stakeholders in particular by making use of materials produced for previous initiatives , such as dolceta , on various media including digital , which are likely to be of value to all categories of the population ; materials on e . g . consumer rights including cross - border issues , health and safety , union consumer legislation , the meaning of the union’s logos , sustainable consumption , forms of ethical consumption and financial literacy .


### preparation , transposition assessment , monitoring , evaluation , implementation and enforcement by member states of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives and the promotion of co - regulatory and self - regulatory initiatives , including ### preparation , transposition assessment , monitoring , evaluation , implementation and enforcement by member states of consumer protection legislative and other regulatory initiatives , promotion of co - regulatory and self - regulatory initiatives , and monitoring the real impact of these initiatives on consumer markets , including


### administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the programme . ### administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the programme and with international organisations .


### because of the pace of technological change , this regulation should adopt an approach which is open to innovations . ### because of the pace of technological change , this regulation should adopt an approach which aims at stimulating innovations .


### to enhance people ' s trust in the internal market and to promote the use of trust services and products , the notions of qualified trust services and qualified trust service provider should be introduced with a view to indicating requirements and obligations to ensure high - level security of whatever qualified trust services and products are used or provided . ### to enhance people ' s trust in the internal market and to promote the use of trust services and products , the notions of qualified trust services and qualified trust service provider should be introduced with a view to indicating requirements and obligations to ensure high - level security of whatever qualified trust services and products are used or provided . both qualified and advanced electronic signatures may be legally equivalent to handwritten signatures . nothing in this regulation shall limit the ability of any natural or legal person to demonstrate with evidence the non - reliability of any form of electronic signature . however , in case of qualified electronic signature the burden of proof when questioning the identity of the signatory shall rest with the contesting party .


### to enhance people ' s trust in the internal market and to promote the use of trust services and products , the notions of qualified trust services and qualified trust service provider should be introduced with a view to indicating requirements and obligations to ensure high - level security of whatever qualified trust services and products are used or provided . ### to enhance trust of small and medium enterprises and consumers in the internal market and to promote the use of trust services and products , the notions of qualified trust services and qualified trust service provider should be introduced with a view to indicating requirements and obligations to ensure high - level security of whatever qualified trust services and products are used or provided .


### this regulation establishes a legal framework for electronic signatures , electronic seals , electronic time stamps , electronic documents , electronic delivery services and website authentication . ### this regulation establishes a legal framework for electronic signatures , electronic seals , electronic time stamps , electronic documents and electronic delivery services .


### ' electronic identification ' means the process of using person identification data in electronic form unambiguously representing a natural or legal person ; ### ' electronic identification ' means the process of using person identification data in electronic form representing a natural or legal person either unambiguously or to the degree necessary for the specific purpose ;


### ‘ trust service’ means any electronic service consisting in the creation , verification , validation , handling and preservation of electronic signatures , electronic seals , electronic time stamps , electronic documents , electronic delivery services , website authentication , and electronic certificates , including certificates for electronic signature and for electronic seals ; ### ' trust service ' means any electronic service consisting in the creation , verification , validation , handling and preservation of electronic signatures , electronic seals , electronic time stamps , electronic documents , electronic delivery services , or electronic certificates , including certificates for electronic signature and for electronic seals ;


### when an electronic identification using an electronic identification means and authentication is required under national legislation or administrative practice to access a service online , any electronic identification means issued in another member state falling under a scheme included in the list published by the commission pursuant to the procedure referred to in article 7 shall be recognised and accepted for the purposes of accessing this service . ### when an electronic identification using an electronic identification means and authentication is required under national legislation or administrative practice to access a service online , electronic identification means of the same or higher security assurance level issued in another member state , notified pursuant to the procedure referred to in article 7 , shall be recognised for the purposes of accessing this service online six months following the publication of the list of notified schemes by the commission .


### the electronic identification means are issued by , on behalf of or under the responsibility of the notifying member state ; ### the electronic identification means are recognized by , issued by or on behalf of the notifying member state ;


### the notifying member state ensures that the person identification data are attributed unambiguously to the natural or legal person referred to in article 3 point1 ; ### the notifying member state ensures that the person identification data are attributed to the natural or legal person referred to in article 3 point1 either unambiguously or to the degree necessary for the specific purpose ;


### the notifying member state ensures the availability of an authentication possibility online , at any time and free of charge so that any relying party can validate the person identification data received in electronic form . member states shall not impose any specific technical requirements on relying parties established outside of their territory intending to carry out such authentication . when either the notified identification scheme or authentication possibility is breached or partly compromised , member states shall suspend or revoke without delay the notified identification scheme or authentication possibility or the compromised parts concerned and inform the other member states and the commission pursuant to article 7 ; ### the notifying member state ensures the availability of an authentication possibility online , at any time and , in case of access to public services , free of charge so that any relying party outside the territory of this member state can validate the person identification data received in electronic form . member states shall not impose any disproportionate specific technical requirements on relying parties established outside of their territory intending to carry out such authentication . when either the notified identification scheme or authentication possibility is breached or partly compromised , member states shall suspend or revoke without delay the notified identification scheme or authentication possibility or the compromised parts concerned and inform the other member states and the commission pursuant to article 7 ;


### the notifying member state takes liability for : ### the notifying member state ensures :


### the unambiguous attribution of the person identification data referred to in point , and ### the attribution of the person identification data referred to in point , and


### information on by whom the registration of the unambiguous person identifiers is managed ; ### information on by which entity the registration of the person identifiers is managed ;


### six months after the entry into force of the regulation , the commission shall publish in the official journal of the european union the list of the electronic identification schemes which were notified pursuant to paragraph 1 and the basic information thereon . ### six months after the entry into force of the regulation , the commission shall publish in the official journal of the european union as well as on a publicly available website the list of the electronic identification schemes which were notified pursuant to paragraph 1 and the basic information thereon .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , define the circumstances , formats and procedures for the purpose of paragraphs 1 , 2 and . 3 those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . ### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , define the formats and procedures for the purpose of paragraphs 1 , 2 and . 3 those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 .


### qualified trust service providers shall notify the supervisory body of their intention to start providing a qualified trust service and shall submit to the supervisory body a security audit report carried out by a recognised independent body , as provided for in article 16 . qualified trust service providers may start to provide the qualified trust service after they have submitted the notification and security audit report to the supervisory body . ### trust service providers shall notify the supervisory body of their intention to provide a qualified trust service and shall submit to the supervisory body a security audit report carried out by a recognised independent body , as provided for in article 16 .


### if the verification is not concluded within one month , the supervisory body shall inform the qualified trust service provider specifying the reasons of the delay and the period by which the verification shall be concluded . ### if the verification is not concluded within one month , the supervisory body shall inform the qualified trust service provider specifying the reasons of the delay and the period by which the verification shall be concluded . the total period may not exceed 3 months .


### coordination ### interoperability and coordination


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 38 concerning the facilitation of cross border interoperability of electronic identification means by setting of minimum technical requirements . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts according to the examination procedure referred to in article 39 establishing standards and technical requirements for cross border interoperability and security of electronic identification means .


### a qualified trust service provider shall be liable for any direct damage caused to any natural or legal person due to failure to meet the requirements laid down in this regulation , in particular in article 19 , unless the qualified trust service provider can prove that he has not acted negligently . ### a qualified trust service provider shall be liable for : any direct damage caused to any natural or legal person due to failure to meet the requirements laid down in this regulation , in particular in article 19 , unless the qualified trust service provider can prove that he has not acted negligently . point shall apply mutatis mutandis where he guaranteed , pursuant to article 11 paragraph 1 point , for the compliance with the requirements of this regulation by a qualified trust service provider established in a third country , unless the qualified trust service provider established in the union can prove that the former has not acted negligently .


### qualified trust services and qualified certificates provided by qualified trust service providers established in a third country shall be accepted as qualified trust services and qualified certificates provided by a qualified trust service providers established in the territory of the union if the qualified trust services or qualified certificates originating from the third country are recognised under an agreement between the union and third countries or international organisations in accordance with article 218 tfue . ### qualified trust services and qualified certificates provided by qualified trust service providers established in a third country shall be accepted as qualified trust services and qualified certificates provided by a qualified trust service providers established in the territory of the union if : the qualified trust service provider fulfils the requirements laid down in this regulation and has been accredited under a voluntary accreditation scheme established in a member state ; or the qualified trust service provider established within the union which fulfils the requirements laid down in this regulation guarantees the compliance with the requirements laid down in this regulation ; or the qualified trust services or qualified certificates originating from the third country are recognised under an agreement between the union and third countries or international organisations in accordance with article 218 tfue .


### member states shall designate an appropriate body established in their territory or , upon mutual agreement , in another member state under the responsibility of the designating member state . supervisory bodies shall be given all supervisory and investigatory powers that are necessary for the exercise of their tasks . ### member states shall designate a supervisory body established in their territory or , upon mutual agreement , in another member state under the responsibility of the designating member state . the designated supervisory body , its addresses and the names of responsible persons shall be communicated to the commission . supervisory bodies shall be given adequate resources necessary for the exercise of their tasks .


### compliance with the request would be incompatible with this regulation . ### compliance with the request would go beyond the tasks and powers of the supervisory body set out in this regulation .


### where appropriate , supervisory bodies may carry out joint investigations in which staff from other member states’ supervisory bodies is involved . ### where appropriate , supervisory bodies may carry out joint supervisory actions .


### trust service providers who are established in the territory of the union shall take appropriate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of the trust services they provide . having regard to state of the art , these measures shall ensure that the level of security is appropriate to the degree of risk . in particular , measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of security incidents and inform stakeholders of adverse effects of any incidents . ### trust service providers who are established in the territory of the union shall take appropriate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of the trust services they provide . having regard to the technological development , these measures shall fully respect the data protection rights and ensure a level of security appropriate to the degree of risk . in particular , measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of security incidents and inform stakeholders of adverse effects of any significant incidents .


### without prejudice to article 16 , any trust service provider may submit the report of a security audit carried out by a recognised independent body to the supervisory body to confirm that appropriate security measures have been taken . ### without prejudice to article 16 , any trust service provider shall , without undue delay and not later than 6 months following the commencement of its activities , submit the report of a compliance audit carried out by a recognised independent body to the supervisory body to confirm that appropriate security measures have been taken .


### where appropriate , in particular if a breach of security or loss of integrity concerns two or more member states , the supervisory body concerned shall inform supervisory bodies in other member states and the european network and information security agency . ### where appropriate , in particular if a breach of security or loss of integrity concerns two or more member states , the supervisory body concerned shall inform supervisory bodies in these member states and the european network and information security agency .


### in order to implement paragraphs 1 and 2 , the competent supervisory body shall have the power to issue binding instructions to trust service providers . ### in order to ensure compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 , the competent supervisory body shall have the power to issue binding instructions to trust service providers .


### qualified trust service providers shall be audited by a recognised independent body once a year to confirm that they and the qualified trust services provided by them fulfil the requirements set out in this regulation , and shall submit the resulting security audit report to the supervisory body . ### qualified trust service providers shall be audited by a recognised independent body every two years and following any significant technological or organizational changes to confirm that they and the qualified trust services provided by them fulfil the requirements set out in this regulation , and shall submit the resulting compliance audit report to the supervisory body .


### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , the supervisory body may at any time audit the qualified trust service providers to confirm that they and the qualified trust services provided by them still meet the conditions set out in this regulation , either on its own initiative or in response to a request from the commission . the supervisory body shall inform the data protection authorities of the results of its audits , in case personal data protection rules appear to have been breached . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , in case of substantiated doubts , the supervisory body may at any time audit the qualified trust service providers to confirm that they and the qualified trust services provided by them still meet the conditions set out in this regulation , either on its own initiative or in response to a request from a supervisory body in another member state . the supervisory body shall inform the data protection authorities of the results of its audits , in case personal data protection rules appear to have been breached .


### the supervisory body shall have the power to issue binding instructions to qualified trust service providers to remedy any failure to fulfil the requirements indicated in the security audit report . ### the supervisory body shall have the power to issue binding instructions to qualified trust service providers to remedy any failure to fulfil the requirements set out in this regulation .


### member states shall establish , maintain and publish , in a secure manner , electronically signed or sealed trusted lists provided for in paragraph 1 in a form suitable for automated processing . ### member states shall establish , maintain and publish , in a secure manner , electronically signed or sealed trusted lists provided for in paragraph 1 in a form suitable for automated processing of both the list itself as well as the individual certificates .


### when issuing a qualified certificate , a qualified trust service provider shall verify , by appropriate means and in accordance with national law , the identity and , if applicable , any specific attributes of the natural or legal person to whom a qualified certificate is issued . ### when issuing a qualified certificate , a qualified trust service provider shall verify , by appropriate means and in accordance with national and union law , the identity and , if applicable , any specific attributes of the natural or legal person to whom a qualified certificate is issued .


### use trustworthy systems and products which are protected against modification and guarantee the technical security and reliability of the process supported by them ; ### use systems and products which are protected against unauthorized modification and guarantee the technical security and reliability of the process supported by them ;


### use trustworthy systems to store data provided to them , in a verifiable form so that : ### use systems to store data provided to them , in a verifiable form so that :


### – they are publicly available for retrieval only where the consent of the person to whom the data has been issued has been obtained , ### – they are publicly available for retrieval only where national or union law allows for this or where the consent of the person to whom the data has been issued has been obtained ,


### record for an appropriate period of time all relevant information concerning data issued and received by the qualified trust service provider , in particular for the purpose of providing evidence in legal proceedings . such recording may be done electronically ; ### record for an appropriate period of time , regardless of whether the qualified trust service provider has ceased to provide qualified trust services , all relevant information concerning data issued and received by the qualified trust service provider , in particular for the purpose of providing evidence in legal proceedings . such recording may be done electronically ;


### with regard to paragraph 3 , qualified trust service providers issuing qualified certificates shall provide to any relying party information on the validity or revocation status of qualified certificates issued by them . this information shall be made available at any time at least on a certificate basis in an automated manner which is reliable , free of charge and efficient . ### with regard to paragraph 3 , qualified trust service providers issuing qualified certificates shall provide to any relying party information on the validity or revocation status of qualified certificates issued by them . this information shall be made available at any time at least on a certificate basis in an automated manner .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , establish reference numbers of standards for trustworthy systems and products . compliance with the requirements laid down in article 19 shall be presumed where trustworthy systems and products meet those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union . ### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , establish reference numbers of standards for systems and products , for which compliance with the requirements laid down in article 19 shall be presumed . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union .


### if an electronic signature with a security assurance level below qualified electronic signature is required , in particular by a member state for accessing a service online offered by a public sector body on the basis of an appropriate assessment of the risks involved in such a service , all electronic signatures matching at least the same security assurance level shall be recognised and accepted . ### if an electronic signature with a security assurance level below qualified electronic signature is required by a member state for accessing a service online offered by a public sector body , on the basis of an appropriate assessment of the risks involved in such a service , all electronic signatures matching at least the same security assurance level shall be recognised .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , establish reference numbers of standards for the security levels of electronic signature . compliance with the security level defined in a delegated act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 shall be presumed when an electronic signature meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , establish definitions of the different security levels of electronic signatures referred to in paragraph 4 and reference numbers of standards for the security levels of electronic signatures . compliance with a defined security level shall be presumed when an electronic signature meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , establish reference numbers of standards for the security assurance levels of electronic seals . compliance with the security assurance level defined in a delegated act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 shall be presumed when an electronic seal meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union . ### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , define different security assurance levels of electronic seals referred to in paragraph 4 and establish reference numbers of standards for the security assurance levels of electronic seals . compliance with the security assurance level defined in a delegated act adopted pursuant to paragraph 6 shall be presumed when an electronic seal meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union .


### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , establish reference numbers of standards for qualified certificates for electronic signature . compliance with the requirements laid down in annex i shall be presumed where a qualified certificate for electronic signature meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union . ### the commission may , by means of implementing acts , specify the requirements laid down in annex i and establish reference numbers of standards for qualified certificates for electronic signature . compliance with the requirements laid down in annex i shall be presumed where a qualified certificate for electronic signature meets those standards . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 39 . the commission shall publish those acts in the official journal of the european union .


### allows relying parties to receive the result of the validation process in an automated manner which is reliable , efficient and bearing the advanced electronic signature or advanced electronic seal of the provider of the qualified validation service . ### allows relying parties to receive the result of the validation process in an automated manner bearing the advanced electronic signature or advanced electronic seal of the provider of the qualified validation service .


### member states should be able to contact the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence in order to keep him informed of the applicable procedures and the legal consequences under the law of the member state of the offence . in doing so , member states should consider sending the information concerning road safety related traffic offences in the language of the registration documents or the language most likely to be understood by the person concerned , to ensure that that person has a clear understanding of the information which is being shared with him . this will allow that person to respond to the information in an appropriate way , in particular by asking for more information , settling the fine or by exercising their rights of defence , in particular in the case of mistaken identity . further proceedings are covered by applicable legal instruments , including instruments on mutual assistance and on mutual recognition . ### member states should be able to contact the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence in order to keep him informed of the applicable procedures and the legal consequences under the law of the member state of the offence . in doing so , member states should consider sending the information concerning road safety related traffic offences in the language of the registration documents or the language most likely to be understood by the person concerned , to ensure that that person has a clear understanding of the information which is being shared with him . the information should be sent using a procedure that ensures confirmation of receipt by the person concerned only , and not by a third party , in order to protect confidentiality and be certain that the person concerned has indeed received it . this will allow that person to respond to the information in an appropriate way , in particular by asking for more information , settling the fine or by exercising their rights of defence , in particular in the case of mistaken identity . further proceedings are covered by applicable legal instruments , including instruments on mutual assistance and on mutual recognition .


### closer cooperation between law enforcement authorities should go hand in hand with respect for fundamental rights , in particular the right to respect for privacy and to protection of personal data , to be guaranteed by special data protection arrangements which should take particular account of the specific nature of cross - border online access to databases . such requirements are satisfied by the prüm decisions . ### closer cooperation between law enforcement authorities should go hand in hand with respect for fundamental rights , in particular the right to respect for privacy and to protection of personal data , guaranteed by special data protection arrangements which take particular account of the specific nature of cross - border online access to databases . such requirements are satisfied by the prüm decisions .


### the member state of the offence shall , under this directive , use the data obtained in order to establish who is personally liable for road safety related traffic offences referred to in articles 2 and 3 . ### the member state of the offence shall , under this directive , use the data obtained in order to establish , if possible , who is personally liable for road safety related traffic offences referred to in articles 2 and 3 .


### member states shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the exchange of information is carried out by interoperable electronic means and to ensure that this exchange of information is conducted in a cost efficient and secure manner , as far as possible using existing software applications such as the one especially designed for the purposes of article 12 of decision 2008 / 615 / jha , and amended versions of that software . ### member states shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the exchange of information is carried out by interoperable electronic means without exchange of data involving other databases . member states shall ensure that this exchange of information is conducted in a cost efficient and secure manner guaranteeing the confidentiality of the data transmitted , as far as possible using existing software applications such as the one especially designed for the purposes of article 12 of decision 2008 / 615 / jha , and amended versions of that software .


### where the member state of the offence decides to initiate follow - up proceedings in relation to the road safety related traffic offences referred to in article 2 , it informs , in accordance with its law , the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence of the legal consequences thereof within the territory of the member state of the offence under the law of that member state . ### where the member state of the offence decides to initiate follow - up proceedings in relation to the road safety related traffic offences referred to in article 2 , it informs , with confirmation of receipt and on a strictly confidential basis , in accordance with its law and this directive , the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence of the legal consequences thereof within the territory of the member state of the offence under the law of that member state .


### when sending the information letter to the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence , the member state of the offence shall , in accordance with its law , include any relevant information such as the nature of the road safety related offence referred to in article 2 , the place , date and time of the offence and , where appropriate , data concerning the device used for detecting the offence . ### when sending , with confirmation of receipt and on a strictly confidential basis , the information letter to the owner , the holder of the vehicle or the otherwise identified person suspected of committing the road safety related traffic offence , the member state of the offence shall , in accordance with its law and this directive , include any relevant information , notably the nature of the road safety related offence referred to in article 2 , the place , date and time of the offence , texts of the national law infringed and the penalty and , where appropriate , data concerning the device used for detecting the offence .


### the provisions on data protection set out in the council framework decision 2008 / 977 / jha of 27 november 2008 on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters3 shall apply to personal data processed under this directive . 3 oj l 350 , 30 . 12 . 2008 , p . 60 . ### the provisions on data protection set out in directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data3 shall apply to personal data processed under this directive . this information shall be sent solely for the purposes of this directive , and , upon conclusion of proceedings , all data must be verifiably deleted . 3 oj l 281 , 23 . 11 . 1995 , p . 31 .


### each participating member state shall submit to the council and commission information necessary for the purpose of multilateral surveillance at regular intervals under article 121 of the treaty in the form of a stability programme , which provides an essential basis for price stability and for strong sustainable growth conducive to employment creation . ### each participating member state shall submit to the council and commission information necessary for the purpose of multilateral surveillance at regular intervals under article 121 of the treaty in the form of a stability programme , which provides an essential basis for price stability and for strong sustainable growth and the advancement of the single market conducive to employment creation .


### the information about the paths for the general government balance and debt ratio , the growth of government expenditure , the planned growth path of government revenue at unchanged policy , the planned discretionary revenue measures and the main economic assumptions referred to in paragraph 2 and shall be on an annual basis and shall cover , the preceding year , the current year and at least the following three years . ### the information about the paths for the general government balance and debt ratio , the growth of government expenditure , the planned growth path of government revenue at unchanged policy , the planned discretionary revenue measures , the paths for growth and indicators of the competitiveness of the economy , including the advancement of the single market , and the main economic assumptions referred to in paragraph 2 and shall be on an annual basis and shall cover , the preceding year , the current year and at least the following three years .


### in the event of a significant deviation from prudent fiscal - policy making referred in the fourth subparagraph of article 5 of this regulation , and in order to prevent the occurrence of an excessive deficit , the commission , in accordance with article 121 of the treaty may address a warning to the member state concerned . ### in the event of a significant observed deviation from the adjustment path towards the medium - term objective referred in the fourth subparagraph of article 5 of this regulation , the commission may request additional reporting from the member state concerned and in order to prevent the occurrence of an excessive deficit , the commission , in accordance with article 121 tfeu may address a warning to the member state concerned . such a warning shall be made public and the european parliament may invite the member state concerned to explain its policies before its competent committee . in the event of such significant deviation , the commission may require additional reporting from the member state concerned . the council shall , within one month of any significant deviation as referred to in the first subparagraph , adopt a recommendation for policy measures setting a deadline of no more than five months , for addressing the deviation , on the basis of a commission recommendation , based on article 121 tfeu . in the event of a particularly significant deviation or in a particularly serious situation , the deadline shall be no more than three months . the council , on a proposal from the commission , shall make the recommendation public . the commission shall monitor the measures contained in the recommendation on the basis of surveillance visits in accordance with article 6a and prepare a report to the council . that report may be made public . if the member state concerned fails to take appropriate action within the deadline specified in a council recommendation under the second subparagraph , the council shall immediately adopt a final recommendation setting out the non - compliance of the member state on the basis of a further commission recommendation in accordance with article 121 tfeu . at the same time , the council , on a proposal from the commission , shall address a formal report to the european council . the process from the council recommendation referred to in the second subparagraph to the final council recommendation and report to the european council referred to in the fourth subparagraph shall be no longer than six months .


### member states shall , without prejudice to the requirements of union legislation on product design , including directive 2009 / 125 / ec , encourage cooperation between producers and recyclers and measures to promote the design and production of eee , notably in view of facilitating re - use , dismantling and recovery of weee , its components and materials . in this context , member states shall take appropriate measures so that producers do not prevent , through specific design features or manufacturing processes , weee from being re - used , unless such specific design features or manufacturing processes present overriding advantages , for example , with regard to the protection of the environment and / or safety requirements . ### member states shall , without prejudice to the requirements of union legislation on product design , including directive 2009 / 125 / ec , encourage cooperation between producers and recyclers and measures to promote the design and production of eee , notably in view of facilitating re - use , dismantling and recovery of weee , its components and materials . in this context , member states shall take appropriate measures so that producers do not prevent , through specific design features or manufacturing processes , weee from being re - used , unless such specific design features or manufacturing processes present overriding advantages , for example , with regard to the protection of the environment and / or safety requirements . eco - design requirements facilitating re - use , dismantling or recovery of weee or the reuse of consumables which include electrical or electronic parts essential to their function , and reducing hazardous substance emissions shall be established no later than 31 december 2014 in the framework of the implementing measures adopted pursuant to directive 2009 / 125 / ec .


### on the basis of a report of the commission accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal , the european parliament and the council shall , by …* , re - examine the collection rate of 45 % and the related deadline referred to in paragraph 1 with a view inter alia to possibly setting individual collection rates for one or more categories set out in annex iii , particularly for temperature exchange equipment and for lamps containing mercury . _________ * oj : please insert the date - 3 years from the date of entry into force of this directive . ### on the basis of a report of the commission accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal , the european parliament and the council shall , by 31 december 2012 , re - examine the collection rate and the deadlines referred to in paragraph 1 with a view inter alia to setting individual collection rates for one or more categories set out in annex iii , particularly for photovoltaic panels , temperature exchange equipment , lamps , including light bulbs , and small appliances , including small it and telecommunications devices .


### proposal for a decision of the european parliament and of the council on the european year of development ### proposal for a decision of the european parliament and of the council for the european year for development


### the lisbon treaty has firmly anchored development policy within eu external action in support of the eu’s interest in a stable and prosperous world . development policy also helps address other global challenges and contributes to the eu - 2020 strategy . ### the lisbon treaty has firmly anchored development policy within eu external action in support of the eu’s interest in a stable and prosperous and more equitable world . development policy also helps address other global challenges and contributes to the eu - 2020 strategy .


### the eu has been a leader in formulating and implementing the concept of policy coherence for development , which aims at strengthening synergies between non - aid policies and development objectives . ### the eu has been a leader in formulating and implementing the concept of policy coherence for development , which aims at strengthening synergies and reducing contradictions between non - aid policies and development objectives .


### in 2000 , the international community undertook to take concrete steps by 2015 to fight poverty , with the adoption of the millennium development goals , objectives which were accepted by the union and its member states . ### in 2000 , the international community undertook to take concrete steps by 2015 to fight poverty , with the adoption of the millennium development goals , objectives and commitments which were accepted by the union and its member states .


### a european year of development in 2015 will provide a timely opportunity to raise general public awareness of the current orientation of european development policy . information is needed on how an outward - looking europe can help to ensure global sustainability . this includes raising awareness of global interdependence and illustrating that development is more than just aid . ### a european year for development in 2015 will provide a timely opportunity to raise general public awareness of the current orientation of european development policy . information is needed on how an outward - looking europe can help to ensure global sustainability . this includes raising awareness of global interdependence and illustrating that development is more than just aid .


### in order to optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of the activities envisaged for the european year of development , it is important that a set of preparatory actions be carried out in 2013 and 2014 . ### in order to optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of the activities envisaged for the european year for development , it is important that a set of preparatory actions be carried out in 2013 and 2014 .


### since , due to the need for multilateral partnerships , transnational exchange of information and union - wide awareness - raising and dissemination of good practices , the objectives of the european year of development cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states and can therefore , given the scale of the european year of development , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives , ### since , due to the need for multilateral partnerships , transnational exchange of information and union - wide awareness - raising and dissemination of good practices , the objectives of the european year for development cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states and can therefore , given the scale of the european year of development , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives ,


### 2015 shall be designated the ‘ european year of development’ . ### 2015 shall be designated the ‘ european year for development’ . the motto of the european year shall be ' a life in dignity for all ' .


### - to inform eu citizens about eu development cooperation , highlighting what the european union can already achieve as the biggest aid donor in the world and how it could do even more with the combined strength of its member states and its institutions . ### - to inform eu citizens about development cooperation , in particular those living in member states without a long - standing tradition in that area , highlighting what the european union can achieve as the biggest aid donor in the world and to raise awareness about the potential added value of a joined - up effort of the union and its member states .


### - to stimulate the active interest of european citizens in development cooperation and foster a sense of responsibility and opportunity as regards their participation in policy formulation and implementation ; and ### - to stimulate the active interest of european citizens in development cooperation and in the living conditions of people living in developing countries ;


### the measures taken to achieve the objectives set out in article 2 may include the following initiatives organised at union , national , regional or local level , as detailed in the annex to this decision : ### the measures taken to achieve the objectives set out in article 2 may include the following initiatives organised in close cooperation with development partners at union , national , regional or local level , both within the union and in developing countries , as detailed in the annex to this decision :


### – communication campaigns to disseminate key messages targeted at the general public and more specific audiences , including through social media ; ### – communication campaigns to disseminate key messages targeted at the general public and more specific audiences , by adequate pedagogic means in particular in the education sector , including through social media ;


### – undertaking studies and surveys and disseminating their results . ### – undertaking surveys and disseminating their results .


### the commission may identify other activities as contributing to the objectives of the european year and may allow references to the european year to be used in promoting those activities , insofar as they contribute to achieving the objectives set out in article 2 . ### the commission may identify other activities as contributing to the objectives of the european year and may allow references to the european year and the motto ' a life in dignity for all ' to be used in promoting those activities , insofar as they contribute to achieving the objectives set out in article 2 .


### the national coordinators shall , in close coordination with the commission , consult and cooperate with a wide range of relevant stakeholders , including civil society , national parliaments , social partners and , where appropriate , the national agencies or contact points for the relevant union programmes . ### the national coordinators shall , in close coordination with the commission , consult and cooperate with a wide range of relevant stakeholders , including civil society , national parliaments , social partners , the private sector and , where appropriate , the national agencies or contact points for the relevant union programmes .


### by 1 june 2014 , member states are invited to transmit to the commission their proposed work programme , which shall set out details of the national activities planned for the european year of development , according to the objectives listed in article 2 and the details of the measures set out in the annex . ### by 1 june 2014 , member states are invited to transmit to the commission their proposed work programme , which shall set out details of the national activities planned for the european year for development , according to the objectives listed in article 2 and the details of the measures set out in the annex .


### the commission shall convene meetings of the national coordinators to coordinate implementation of the european year and to exchange information on implementation at eu and national level . ### the commission shall convene meetings of the national coordinators to coordinate implementation of the european year and to exchange information on implementation at eu and national level . the commission shall invite to those meetings , as observers , representatives of civil society and representatives of the european parliament .


### the commission shall make the theme of the european year a priority in the communication activities of its representations in the member states and the european union delegations in partner countries . similarly , relevant key union - level networks receiving support from the general budget of the union for their running costs shall make the theme of the european year a priority in their work programmes . ### the commission shall make the european year a priority in the communication activities of its representations in the member states and the union delegations in partner countries . union delegations shall support development partners in third countries with a view to their participation in activities related to the european year , whether they take place in the union or in third countries .


### the commission may award co - financing to each national coordinating body in accordance with the procedure set out in part c of the annex . ### the commission may award co - financing to each national coordinating body in accordance with the procedure set out in part c of the annex , whereby priority shall be given to those member states which have become development aid donors more recently or where appreciation and awareness of development challenges among the population is particularly low .


### by 31 december 2016 , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on the implementation , results and overall assessment of the initiatives provided for in this decision . ### by 31 july 2016 , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on the implementation , results and overall assessment of the initiatives provided for in this decision in order to prepare appropriate follow - up action .


### implementation of the european year will centre on a broad union - wide information and communication campaign complemented by action taken by the member states . both union and national action can also involve civil society , social partners and other stakeholders with a view to creating a sense of ownership among key actors . ### implementation of the european year will centre on a broad union - wide information and communication campaign complemented by action taken by the member states . both union and national action should involve development cooperation stakeholders such as civil society , youth organisations , social partners , parliaments , bilateral development agencies and other stakeholders with a view to creating a sense of ownership among key actors .


### - establishment of an information website on europa dedicated to action taken in the context of the european year . ### - establishment of an open and interactive information website on europa and other internet - based communication means dedicated to action taken in the context of the european year ;


### high - visibility events on a european scale that aim to raise awareness of the objectives of the european year , possibly organised in cooperation with the member states holding the council presidency in 2015 , may receive a union grant of up to 80 % of the final costs of the activities . ### high - visibility events on a union scale that aim to raise awareness of the objectives of the european year , proposed by international networks and platforms of non - governmental development organisations or by member states holding the council presidency in 2015 , may receive a union grant of up to 80 % of the final costs of the activities .


### the treaty on european union reinforces the citizenship of the union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the union by providing inter alia that every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the union and that not less than one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of member states may take the initiative of inviting the european commission , within the framework of its powers , to submit any appropriate proposal on matters where citizens consider that a legal act of the union is required for the purpose of implementing the treaties . ### the treaty on european union reinforces the citizenship of the union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the union by providing inter alia that every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the union by way of a european citizens ' initiative . that procedure affords citizens the possibility of directly approaching the commission , conferring on them a right of initiative similar to that exercised by the european parliament and the council .


### it is necessary to establish the minimum number of member states from which citizens must come . in order to ensure that a citizens ' initiative is representative of a union interest , this number should be set at one third of member states . ### it is necessary to establish a minimum number of member states from which citizens must come . this threshold should ensure that a citizens ' initiative is representative of a union interest but the requirements should not be too cumbersome . it therefore should be set at one fifth of the member states .


### in order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens ' initiatives , it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens ; proposals that are abusive or devoid of seriousness should not be registered and the commission should reject the registration of proposals which would be manifestly against the values of the union . the commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration . ### in order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens ' initiatives and to avoid a situation in which signatures are collected for a proposal which does not fall within the scope of this regulation , it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens . proposals that are not citizens ' initiatives within the meaning of this regulation should not be registered . registration is an administrative procedure aimed at selecting those initiatives that fall within the scope of this regulation ; therefore any refusal of registration should be based only on legal grounds and not , on any account , on grounds of political expediency . the commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration , and should therefore be obliged to inform the organisers of an initiative of the reasons for any refusal to register that initiative and of all possible judicial and extrajudicial remedies available to them . it should also be made clear by the commission that registration and the collection of the required number of statements of support will not necessarily result in the commission adopting a proposal for a legal act and that the registration of an initiative does not constitute a formal decision on competence issues .


### the organiser of a proposed citizens ' initiative should be responsible for the collection of the necessary statements of support from citizens . ### once a proposal is registered as a citizens ' initiative , statements of support from citizens may be submitted by the organisers .


### it is appropriate to provide for statements of support to be collected in paper form as well as online . online collection systems should have adequate security features in place in order to ensure , inter alia , that the person can be identified and that the data are securely stored . for this purpose , the commission should be required to set out detailed technical specifications for online collection systems . ### in order to put modern technology to good use as a tool of participatory democracy , it is appropriate to provide for statements of support to be collected online as well as in paper form . online collection systems should have adequate security features in place in order to ensure , inter alia , that the person is eligible to sign and signs only once and that the data are securely stored . the detailed technical specifications should be worked out at an expert level and be regularly adapted to technical developments ; the power to adopt detailed technical specifications for online collection systems should therefore be delegated to the commission .


### it is appropriate to provide that , where a citizens ' initiative has received the necessary statements of support from signatories and provided it is considered admissible , each member state should be responsible for the verification and certification of statements of support collected from citizens coming from that state . taking account of the need to limit the administrative burden for member states , they should , within a period of three months , carry out such verifications on the basis of appropriate checks and should issue a document certifying the number of valid statements of support received . ### in the absence of a competent union electoral authority , it is appropriate to provide that , where a citizens ' initiative has received the necessary statements of support from signatories , each member state should be responsible for the verification and certification of statements of support collected from citizens coming from that state . taking account of the need to limit the administrative burden for member states , they should , within a period of three months , carry out such verifications on the basis of appropriate checks , which may be based on random sampling , and should issue a document certifying the number of valid statements of support received .


### directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data is fully applicable to the processing of personal data carried out in application of this regulation . in this respect , it is appropriate to clarify that the organiser of a citizens ' initiative and the competent authorities of the member states are the data controllers within the meaning of directive 95 / 46 / ec and to specify the maximum period within which the personal data collected for the purposes of a citizens ' initiative may be retained . in their capacity as data controllers , organisers need to take all the appropriate measures to comply with the obligations imposed by directive 95 / 46 / ec , in particular those relating to the lawfulness of the processing , the security of the processing activities and the provision of information and the rights of data subject to access to his / her personal data as well as the correction and erasure of his / her personal data . ### directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data is fully applicable to the processing of personal data carried out in application of this regulation . in this respect , for the sake of legal certainty , it is appropriate to clarify that the organisers of a citizens ' initiative and the competent authorities of the member states are the data controllers within the meaning of directive 95 / 46 / ec and to specify the maximum period within which the personal data collected for the purposes of a citizens ' initiative may be retained . in their capacity as data controllers , organisers need to take all the appropriate measures to comply with the obligations imposed by directive 95 / 46 / ec , in particular those relating to the lawfulness of the processing , the security of the processing activities and the provision of information and the rights of data subjects to have access to their personal data as well as to procure the correction and erasure of their personal data .


### the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union for the purpose of amending the annexes to this regulation . ### with a view to the possible need in the future to amend or supplement certain non - essential elements in the provisions of this regulation or its annexes , the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union .


### ' organiser ' means a natural or legal person or organisation responsible for the preparation and submission of a citizens’ initiative to the commission . ### ' organisers ' means natural persons forming a citizens ' committee responsible for the preparation and submission of a citizens’ initiative to the commission .


### requirements for the organiser and for signatories ### requirements for organisers , for the citizens ' committee and for signatories


### where the organiser is a natural person , that person shall be a citizen of the union and be of the age to be entitled to vote in the european elections . where the organiser is a legal person or an organisation it shall be established in a member state . organisations which do not have legal personality under the applicable national law shall have representatives that have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf and assume liability . ### organisers shall be citizens of the union and be of the age to be entitled to vote in the european elections .


### prior to initiating the collection of statements of support from signatories for a proposed citizens ' initiative , the organiser shall be required to register it with the commission , providing the information set out in annex ii , in particular on the subject - matter and objectives as well as on the sources of funding and support for the proposed citizens ' initiative . this information shall be provided in one of the official languages of the union , in an online register made available for that purpose by the commission . ### prior to initiating the collection of statements of support from signatories for a proposed citizens ' initiative , the organisers shall be required to register it with the commission , providing the information set out in annex ii , in particular on the subject - matter and objectives of the proposed citizens ' initiative . the organisers shall provide , for the register defined in the third subparagraph and where appropriate on their website , regularly updated information on the sources of support and funding for the initiative . this information shall be provided in one or more official languages of the union , in an online register made available for that purpose by the commission . information in an official language other the language in which it was originally provided may be provided subsequently for entry in the register . the translation of the initiative into other official languages of the union shall be the responsibility of the organisers .


### except in the cases foreseen in paragraphs 3 and 4 , the commission shall register without delay the proposed initiative under a unique registration number and send a confirmation to the organiser . ### if it is established that the proposed initiative qualifies as a citizens ' initiative pursuant to this regulation , the commission shall register it under a unique registration number and send a confirmation to the organisers .


### proposed citizens ' initiatives which can be reasonably regarded as improper because they are abusive or devoid of seriousness will not be registered . ### the commission shall register a proposed initiative within two months from its receipt when the following conditions are fulfilled : the citizens ' committee has been formed and the contact persons have been designated ; there are no manifest , significant inconsistencies between the linguistic versions of the title , subject - matter and objectives of the proposed initiative ; the initiative does not manifestly fall outside the scope of the commission’s power under the treaties to submit a proposal for the requested legal act ; the proposed initiative is not manifestly abusive , frivolous or vexatious ; the proposed initiative is not manifestly contrary to the values of the union as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union .