### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ‘ accept all cookies’ . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option to prevent third parties from storing information on the terminal equipment ; this is often presented as ‘ reject third party cookies’ . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and intermediate . such privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner . ### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ‘ accept all cookies’ . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option for end - users to choose whether to reject or to accept cookies that are not necessary for the provision of the service requested by the end - user , after being informed of the function of the cookies , how they are used , and how the information gathered is shared . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and intermediate options according to the types of information they are willing to share , the parties they agree to share it with , the purposes of a cookie , and the possibility to opt out from cross - device tracking . where the end - user accepts cookies for purpose of targeted advertising , the end - user should also be able to correct the information gathered about him or her to prevent the possible harm caused by inaccurate information . privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner .


### for web browsers to be able to obtain end - users’ consent as defined under regulation 2016 / 679 , for example , to the storage of third party tracking cookies , they should , among others , require a clear affirmative action from the end - user of terminal equipment to signify his or her freely given , specific informed , and unambiguous agreement to the storage and access of such cookies in and from the terminal equipment . such action may be considered to be affirmative , for example , if end - users are required to actively select ‘ accept third party cookies’ to confirm their agreement and are given the necessary information to make the choice . to this end , it is necessary to require providers of software enabling access to internet that , at the moment of installation , end - users are informed about the possibility to choose the privacy settings among the various options and ask them to make a choice . information provided should not dissuade end - users from selecting higher privacy settings and should include relevant information about the risks associated to allowing third party cookies to be stored in the computer , including the compilation of long - term records of individuals ' browsing histories and the use of such records to send targeted advertising . web browsers are encouraged to provide easy ways for end - users to change the privacy settings at any time during use and to allow the user to make exceptions for or to whitelist certain websites or to specify for which websites party cookies are always or never allowed . ### for web browsers or other applications to be able to obtain end - users’ consent as defined under regulation 2016 / 679 , for example , to the storage of tracking cookies that are not necessary for the provision of a specific service requested by an end user , they should , among others , require a clear affirmative action from the end - user of terminal equipment to signify his or her freely given , specific informed , and unambiguous agreement to the storage and access of such cookies in and from the terminal equipment . such action may be considered to be affirmative , for example , if end - users are required to actively select cookies that process data beyond what is necessary for the service to function to confirm their agreement and are given the necessary information to make the choice . consent should not be valid for cross - device tracking if the end - user was not informed and is not able to opt out . to this end , it is necessary to require providers of software enabling access to internet that , at the moment of installation , end - users are informed about the possibility to choose the privacy settings among the various options and ask them to make a choice . information provided should not dissuade end - users from selecting higher privacy settings and should include relevant information about the risks associated to allowing certain cookies to be stored in the computer , including the compilation of long - term records of individuals ' browsing histories and the use of such records to send targeted advertising . web browsers or other applications are encouraged to provide easy ways for end - users to change the privacy settings at any time during use and to allow the user to make exceptions for or to whitelist certain parties or cookies that are always or never allowed . in cases where a business model is based on targeted advertising , consent should not be considered as freely given if the access to the service is made conditional to data processing . the end - user should therefore be able to choose between accepting cookies or being provided the service in exchange for payment .


### upon installation , the software shall inform the end - user about the privacy settings options and , to continue with the installation , require the end - user to consent to a setting . ### the software shall inform the end - user about the privacy settings options upon installation and after any update to the software that affects the storing of information on the terminal equipment of the end - user or the processing of information already stored on that equipment .


### if it is necessary for web audience measuring , provided that such measurement is carried out by the provider of the information society service requested by the end - user . ### it is necessary in order to obtain information about the technical quality or effectiveness of an information society service that has been delivered , and has no or little impact on the privacy of the end - user concerned .


### the member states should be allowed , within the limits of this regulation , to maintain or introduce national provisions to further specify and clarify the application of the rules of this regulation in order to ensure an effective application and interpretation of those rules . therefore , the margin of discretion , which member states have in this regard , should maintain a balance between the protection of private life and personal data and the free movement of electronic communications data . ### the european data protection board should , where necessary , issue guidance and opinions within the limits of this regulation to further specify and clarify the application of the rules of this regulation in order to ensure an effective application and interpretation of those rules . cooperation and consistency between member states , in particular between national data protection authorities , is essential to maintain a balance between the protection of private life and personal data and the free movement of electronic communications data in the union .


### the possibility for end - users not to be included in a publicly available directory , or to verify , correct and delete any data related to them shall be provided free of charge . ### the possibility for end - users not to be included in a publicly available directory , or to verify , correct and delete any data related to them shall be provided free of charge and in an easily accessible manner .


### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , where technically possible and feasible , for the purposes of point of article 8 , consent may be expressed by using the appropriate technical settings of a software application enabling access to the internet . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , where technically possible and feasible , for the purposes of point of article 8 , and point of article 8 consent may be expressed by using the appropriate technical settings of a software application enabling access to the internet .


### where a natural or legal person obtains electronic contact details for electronic mail from its customer , in the context of the sale of a product or a service , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 , that natural or legal person may use these electronic contact details for direct marketing of its own similar products or services only if customers are clearly and distinctly given the opportunity to object , free of charge and in an easy manner , to such use . the right to object shall be given at the time of collection and each time a message is sent . ### where a natural or legal person obtains electronic contact details for electronic mail from its customer , in the context of the sale of a product or a service , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 , that natural or legal person may use these electronic contact details for direct marketing of its own products or services only if customers are clearly and distinctly given the opportunity to object , free of charge and in an easy manner , to such use . the right to object shall be given at the time of collection and each time a message is sent .


### the development of fast and efficient wireless technologies has fostered the increasing availability for the public of internet access via wireless networks accessible by anyone in public and semi - private spaces such as ' hotspots ' situated at different places within a city , department stores , shopping malls and hospitals . to the extent that those communications networks are provided to an undefined group of end - users , the confidentiality of the communications transmitted through such networks should be protected . the fact that wireless electronic communications services may be ancillary to other services should not stand in the way of ensuring the protection of confidentiality of communications data and application of this regulation . therefore , this regulation should apply to electronic communications data using electronic communications services and public communications networks . in contrast , this regulation should not apply to closed groups of end - users such as corporate networks , access to which is limited to members of the corporation . ### the development of fast and efficient wireless technologies has fostered the increasing availability for the public of internet access via wireless networks accessible by anyone in public and semi - private spaces such as ' hotspots ' situated at different places within a city , department stores , shopping malls and hospitals . to the extent that those communications networks are provided to an undefined group of end - users , the confidentiality of the communications transmitted through such networks should be protected . the fact that wireless electronic communications services may be ancillary to other services should not stand in the way of ensuring the protection of confidentiality of communications data and application of this regulation . therefore , this regulation should apply to electronic communications data using electronic communications services and public communications networks . in contrast , this regulation should not apply to closed groups of end - users such as corporate networks , access to which is limited to members of the corporation . the mere act of requiring a password should not be considered as providing access to a closed group of end - users if the access is provided to an undefined group of end - users .


### the content of electronic communications pertains to the essence of the fundamental right to respect for private and family life , home and communications protected under article 7 of the charter . any interference with the content of electronic communications should be allowed only under very clear defined conditions , for specific purposes and be subject to adequate safeguards against abuse . this regulation provides for the possibility of providers of electronic communications services to process electronic communications data in transit , with the informed consent of all the end - users concerned . for example , providers may offer services that entail the scanning of emails to remove certain pre - defined material . given the sensitivity of the content of communications , this regulation sets forth a presumption that the processing of such content data will result in high risks to the rights and freedoms of natural persons . when processing such type of data , the provider of the electronic communications service should always consult the supervisory authority prior to the processing . such consultation should be in accordance with article 36 and of regulation 2016 / 679 . the presumption does not encompass the processing of content data to provide a service requested by the end - user where the end - user has consented to such processing and it is carried out for the purposes and duration strictly necessary and proportionate for such service . after electronic communications content has been sent by the end - user and received by the intended end - user or end - users , it may be recorded or stored by the end - user , end - users or by a third party entrusted by them to record or store such data . any processing of such data must comply with regulation 2016 / 679 . ### the content of electronic communications pertains to the essence of the fundamental right to respect for private and family life , home and communications protected under article 7 of the charter . any interference with the content of electronic communications should be allowed only under very clear defined conditions , for specific purposes and be subject to adequate safeguards against abuse . this regulation provides for the possibility of providers of electronic communications services to process electronic communications data in transit , with the informed consent of all the end - users concerned . for example , providers may offer services that entail the scanning of emails to remove certain pre - defined material . for services that are provided to users engaged in purely personal or household activities , the consent of the end - user requesting the service should be sufficient . given the sensitivity of the content of communications , this regulation sets forth a presumption that the processing of such content data will result in high risks to the rights and freedoms of natural persons . when processing such type of data , the provider of the electronic communications service should always consult the supervisory authority prior to the processing . such consultation should be in accordance with article 36 and of regulation 2016 / 679 . the presumption does not encompass the processing of content data to provide a service requested by the end - user where the end - user has consented to such processing and it is carried out for the purposes and duration strictly necessary and proportionate for such service . after electronic communications content has been sent by the end - user and received by the intended end - user or end - users , it may be recorded or stored by the end - user , end - users or by a third party entrusted by them to record or store such data . any processing of such data must comply with regulation 2016 / 679 .


### the end - user concerned has given his or her consent to the processing of his or her communications metadata for one or more specified purposes , including for the provision of specific services to such end - users , provided that the purpose or purposes concerned could not be fulfilled by processing information that is made anonymous . ### the end - user concerned has given his or her consent to the processing of his or her communications metadata for one or more specified purposes , including for the provision of specific services to such end - users , provided that the purpose or purposes concerned could not be fulfilled by processing information that is made anonymous or are not compatible in accordance with article 6 of regulation 2016 / 679 , with the purpose for which the personal data were initially collected .


### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should display prominent notices located on the edge of the area of coverage informing end - users prior to entering the defined area that the technology is in operation within a given perimeter , the purpose of the tracking , the person responsible for it and the existence of any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to minimize or stop the collection . additional information should be provided where personal data are collected pursuant to article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should ask for the consent of the end - users concerned , or where consent is not possible , such practices should be limited to what is strictly necessary for the purpose of statistical counting , be limited in time and space and the data made anonymous or erased as soon as it is no longer needed for this purpose .


### providers of electronic communications services may process electronic communications metadata if : ### providers of electronic communications networks and services may process electronic communications metadata if :


### a clear and prominent notice is displayed informing of , at least , the modalities of the collection , its purpose , the person responsible for it and the other information required under article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 where personal data are collected , as well as any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to stop or minimise the collection . ### it is strictly necessary for the purpose of statistical counting , is limited in time and space to the extent strictly necessary for this purpose and the data is made anonymous or erased as soon as it is no longer needed for this purpose .


### without prejudice to point of article 6 and points and of article 6 , the provider of the electronic communications service shall erase electronic communications content or make that data anonymous after receipt of electronic communication content by the intended recipient or recipients . such data may be recorded or stored by the end - users or by a third party entrusted by them to record , store or otherwise process such data , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 . ### without prejudice to point of article 6 and points , and of article 6 , the provider of the electronic communications service shall erase electronic communications content or make that data anonymous after receipt of electronic communication content by the intended recipient or recipients . such data may be recorded or stored by the end - users or by a third party entrusted by them to record , store or otherwise process such data , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 .


### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application . the choices made by end - users when establishing its general privacy settings of a browser or other application should be binding on , and enforceable against , any third parties . web browsers are a type of software application that permits the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet . other types of applications , such as the ones that permit calling and messaging or provide route guidance , have also the same capabilities . web browsers mediate much of what occurs between the end - user and the website . from this perspective , they are in a privileged position to play an active role to help the end - user to control the flow of information to and from the terminal equipment . more particularly web browsers may be used as gatekeepers , thus helping end - users to prevent information from their terminal equipment from being accessed or stored . ### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application . the choices made by end - users when establishing its general privacy settings of a browser or other application should be binding on , and enforceable against , unauthorised parties . web browsers are a type of software application that permits the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet . other types of applications , such as the ones that permit calling and messaging or provide route guidance , have also the same capabilities . web browsers mediate much of what occurs between the end - user and the website . from this perspective , they are in a privileged position to play an active role to help the end - user to control the flow of information to and from the terminal equipment . on the other hand , in light of the pace of innovation , the increasing use and range of devices that permit communications and the increase of cross - device tracking , it is necessary for this regulation to remain technology neutral to meet its objectives .


### end - users who have consented to the processing of electronic communications data as set out in point of article 6 and points and of article 6 shall be given the possibility to withdraw their consent at any time as set forth under article 7 of regulation 2016 / 679 and be reminded of this possibility at periodic intervals of 6 months , as long as the processing continues . ### end - users who have consented to the processing of electronic communications data as set out in point of article 6 and points , and of article 6 shall be given the possibility to withdraw their consent at any time as set forth under article 7 of regulation 2016 / 679 . it shall be as easy to withdraw as to give consent .


### service providers who offer electronic communications services should inform end - users of measures they can take to protect the security of their communications for instance by using specific types of software or encryption technologies . the requirement to inform end - users of particular security risks does not discharge a service provider from the obligation to take , at its own costs , appropriate and immediate measures to remedy any new , unforeseen security risks and restore the normal security level of the service . the provision of information about security risks to the subscriber should be free of charge . security is appraised in the light of article 32 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### service providers who offer electronic communications services should inform end - users of measures they can take to protect the security of their communications for instance by using specific types of software or encryption technologies . the service - providers are under obligation to provide services that are secure and notify security breaches in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 , [ directive of the european parliament and of the council establishing the european electronic communications code ] and directive 2016 / 1148 .


### the providers of publicly available directories shall provide end - users that are legal persons with the possibility to object to data related to them being included in the directory . providers shall give such end - users that are legal persons the means to verify , correct and delete such data . ### the providers of publicly available directories or where relevant the party that originally collected the data shared in such a directory , shall provide end - users that are legal persons with the possibility to object to data related to them being included in the directory . providers shall give such end - users that are legal persons the means to verify , correct and delete such data .


### this directive lays down measures to facilitate access by competent authorities to financial information and bank account information for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . it also provides for measures to facilitate access by financial intelligence units to law enforcement information and to facilitate the cooperation between financial intelligence units . ### this directive lays down measures to facilitate access by competent authorities to financial information and bank account information for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . it also provides for measures to facilitate access by financial intelligence units to law enforcement information and to facilitate the cooperation between financial intelligence units , where such information is necessary , on a case - by - case basis , for the prevention and combating of money laundering and terrorist financing . administrative investigations shall not be covered under this directive .


### access by europol to bank account information and exchange of information between europol and financial intelligence units ### provision of bank account information to europol


### personal data obtained under this directive should only be processed by competent authorities where it is necessary and proportionate for the purposes of prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious crime . ### any personal data obtained under this directive should only be processed in accordance with directive 2016 / 680 and regulation 2016 / 679 by competent authorities where it is necessary and proportionate for the purposes of prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious crime .


### directive 2015 / 849 has substantially enhanced the union legal framework that governs the activity and cooperation of financial intelligence units . the powers of financial intelligence units include the right to access the financial , administrative and law enforcement information that they require to combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing . nevertheless , union law does not lay down all specific tools and mechanisms that financial intelligence units must have at their disposal in order to access such information and accomplish their tasks . since member states remain entirely responsible for the setting up and deciding the organisational nature of financial intelligence units , different financial intelligence units have varying degrees of access to regulatory databases which leads to an insufficient exchange of information between law enforcement or prosecution services and financial intelligence units . ### directive 2015 / 849 has substantially enhanced the union legal framework that governs the activity and cooperation of financial intelligence units . the powers of financial intelligence units include the right to access the financial , administrative and law enforcement information that they require to prevent , detect and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing . nevertheless , union law does not lay down all specific tools and mechanisms that financial intelligence units must have at their disposal in order to access such information and accomplish their tasks . since member states remain entirely responsible for the setting up and deciding the organisational nature of financial intelligence units , different financial intelligence units have varying degrees of access to regulatory databases which leads to an insufficient exchange of information between law enforcement or prosecution services and financial intelligence units .


### the programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme . ### the commission shall ensure the consistent implementation of the programme and the commission and the member states shall ensure coherence and coordination with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme the commission and member states shall ensure complementarity at all levels . the commission shall identify specific actions and mobilisation of relevant finance under other union programmes , and facilitate the coordinated and coherent implementation of the complementary actions financed from other sources .


### halting and reversing biodiversity loss , including in marine ecosystems , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union should track its biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil its reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . __________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species . ### halting and reversing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems , including in marine ecosystems , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union and the member states should track their biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil their reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . __________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species .


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into a sustainable , circular , energy efficient , low - emission and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of greenhouse gas output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and implementation of the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy , in line with the decarbonisation objective of the paris agreement . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , including by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society ; ### to support the development , implementation , monitoring , effective compliance and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , in particular by improving environmental and climate governance at all levels , including by enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society ;


### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas or outermost regions . ### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas , northern sparsely populated areas or outermost regions .


### eur 1 000 000 000 for the sub - programme clean energy transition . ### 51% , which corresponds to eur 985 626 000 in 2018 prices , for the sub - programme clean energy transition .


### the programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme . ### the commission shall ensure the consistent implementation of the programme and ensure coherence and coordination with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 5 450 000 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 6 442 000 000 in 2018 prices .


### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies . ### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - emission and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , including through the support of the natura 2000 network and tackling the degradation of ecosystems , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies .


### the improvement of governance on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness , consumer engagement , and broadening of stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , in consultation on and implementation of related policies . ### the improvement of governance on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness , consumer engagement , and broadening of public and stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , in consultation on and implementation of related policies . it is therefore appropriate that the programme support a broad range of ngos as well as networks of non - profit - making entities that pursue an aim which is of general union interest , and that are primarily active in the field of environment or climate action , by awarding , in a competitive and transparent manner , operating grants , in order to help such ngos and networks to make effective contributions to union policy , and to build up and strengthen their capacity to become more efficient partners .


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall submit the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions .


### eur 3 500 000 000 for the field environment , of which ### eur 5 322 000 000 for the field environment , of which


### at the end of the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in the second paragraph of article 1 , a final evaluation of the programme shall be carried out by the commission . ### at the end of the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in the second paragraph of article 1 , a final evaluation of the programme shall be carried out by the commission and be complemented by an external and independent ex - post evaluation report covering the implementation and results of the programme .


### work programme ### multiannual work programme


### the programme shall be implemented by at least two multiannual work programmes referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the programme shall be implemented by at least two multiannual work programmes referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 21 in order to supplement this regulation by adopting those multiannual work programmes .


### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development . ### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - emission and climate - resilient economy , to protect and improve the quality of the environment and to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems , thereby contributing to sustainable development .


### the programme shall be implemented in a way which ensures its consistency with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme . ### the commission shall ensure the consistent implementation of the programme and the commission and the member states shall ensure coherence and coordination with the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , horizon europe , the connecting europe facility and investeu , in order to create synergies , particularly as regards strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects , and to support the uptake and replication of solutions developed under the programme the commission and member states shall ensure complementarity at all levels . the commission shall identify specific actions and mobilisation of relevant finance under other union programmes , and facilitate the coordinated and coherent implementation of the complementary actions financed from other sources .


### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , is of particular importance . __________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com / 2016 / 0501 final . 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . ### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , is of particular importance , as is the implementation of the general action programmes on environment and climate policy adopted in accordance with article 192 tfeu , such as the 7th environment action programme20a . __________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com / 2016 / 0501 final . 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . 20a decision no 1386 / 2013 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 20 november 2013 on a general union environment action programme to 2020 ‘ living well , within the limits of our planet’ .


### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted . ### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - emission and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted .


### the union ' s long - term objective for air policy is to achieve levels of air quality that do not cause significant negative impacts on and risks to human health . public awareness about air pollution is high and citizens expect authorities to act . directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council26 stresses the role union funding can play in achieving clean air objectives . therefore , the programme should support projects , including strategic integrated projects , which have the potential to leverage public and private funds , to be showcases of good practice and catalysts for the implementation of air quality plans and legislation at local , regional , multi - regional , national and trans - national level . __________________ 26 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec . ### the union ' s long - term objective for air policy is to achieve levels of air quality that do not cause significant negative impacts on and risks to human health and the environment . public awareness about air pollution is high and citizens expect authorities to act . directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council26 stresses the role union funding can play in achieving clean air objectives . therefore , the programme should support projects , including strategic integrated projects , which have the potential to leverage public and private funds , to be showcases of good practice and catalysts for the implementation of air quality plans and legislation at local , regional , multi - regional , national and trans - national level . __________________ 26 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec .


### projects with the highest potential of being replicated and taken - up by the public or private sector or of mobilising the largest investments or financial resources shall be given priority ; ### projects with the highest potential of being replicated and taken - up by the public or private sector or of mobilising the largest investments or financial resources shall benefit from a bonus in their evaluation ;


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into a sustainable , circular , energy efficient , low - emission and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of greenhouse gas output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and implementation of the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy , in line with the decarbonisation objective of the paris agreement . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 , highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost solidarity and trust between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for implementing the energy union . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final . ### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost cooperation , solidarity , and trust between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for rapidly establishing and implementing the energy union . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final .


### ' 2 . after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' . ### ' 2 . after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' .


### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' . ### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum technically permissible laden mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum technically permissible laden mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters .


### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . ### this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg .


### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in english and at least one further official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages .


### users are able to access and receive instructions for completing the procedure in at least one official language of the union other than the national language or , where applicable , the national languages ; ### users are able to access and receive instructions for completing the procedure in at least one official language of the union other than the national language or , where applicable , the national languages , in addition to english ;


### in order to further facilitate the use of online procedures , this regulation should , in line with the “once - only” principle , provide the basis for the exchange of evidence directly between the competent authorities concerned from different member states , at the request of citizens and businesses . the “once - only principle means that citizens and businesses should not have to supply the same information to public authorities more than once for the cross - border exchange of evidence . ### in order to further facilitate the use of online procedures , this regulation should , in line with the “once - only” principle , provide the basis for the exchange of evidence directly between the competent authorities concerned from different member states , including upon the request of citizens and businesses . the “once - only ' principle means that citizens and businesses should not have to supply the same information to public authorities more than once for the cross - border exchange of evidence and this principle implies that competent authorities should share evidence internally . as citizens and businesses in most cases would not be aware that the cross - border exchange of evidence can be enabled upon request , it should be explicitly prohibited for competent authorities to request evidence that has already been collected and stored in a database . the ' once only ' principle should be implemented in full compliance with regulation 2016 / 679 , in particular on the basis of the user ' s consent , and with the principles of privacy and security by design . the user should in addition be able to access at any time the evidence as well as the information about the time , origin and purpose of a request to access such evidence .


### compliance with a minimum list of quality requirements is an essential element for the success of the single digital gateway in order to ensure that the provision of information or services is reliable as otherwise it would seriously undermine the credibility of the gateway as a whole . the accessibility of information for cross - border users can be substantially improved where the information is available not only in the national language of a member state but also in , at least , one additional official eu language of the union . the translation from the national language or languages into this other official language of the union should accurately reflect the content of the information provided in the national language or languages . ### compliance with a minimum list of quality requirements is an essential element for the success of the single digital gateway in order to ensure that the provision of information or services is reliable as otherwise it would seriously undermine the credibility of the gateway as a whole . the accessibility of information for cross - border users can be substantially improved where the information is available not only in the national language of a member state but also in , at least , one additional official language of the union in addition to english . the translations from the national language or languages into these other official languages of the union should accurately reflect the content of the information provided in the national language or languages .


### the compliance with the quality criteria should be the responsibility of the competent authorities and the commission in relation to the information , procedures and services which they are responsible for . the national coordinators and the commission should supervise compliance with the quality criteria at national and union level respectively , and address any problems that arise . this regulation should give the commission a wide range of means to address any deterioration in the quality of services offered through the gateway , depending on the seriousness and persistence of such deterioration , which would include involving the gateway coordination group . this should not prejudge the overall responsibility of the commission regarding the monitoring of the compliance with this regulation . ### the compliance with the quality criteria should be the responsibility of the competent authorities and the commission in relation to the information , procedures and services which they are responsible for . the national coordinators and the commission should supervise compliance with the quality criteria at national and union level respectively , and address any problems that arise . the national coordinators should in addition supervise and monitor the functioning of the technical system enabling the cross - border exchange of evidence . this regulation should give the commission a wide range of means to address any deterioration in the quality of services offered through the gateway , depending on the seriousness and persistence of such deterioration , which would include involving the gateway coordination group . this should not prejudge the overall responsibility of the commission regarding the monitoring of the compliance with this regulation .


### the evidence made available by a competent authority shall be strictly limited to what has been requested and shall only be used by the receiving authority for the purpose of the procedure for which the evidence was exchanged . ### the evidence made available to the requesting competent authority shall be limited to what has been requested and shall only be used for the purpose of the procedure for which the evidence was exchanged . when the consent of the user is required for the processing of personal data , that consent shall be obtained in accordance with regulations 2016 / 679 and no 45 / 2001 .


### the competent authorities shall provide the information in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### the competent authorities shall provide the information in english and at least one other official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages .


### the means of redress should include the possibility of review by an impartial review body . that body could be an already existing national authority , such as the national competition authority , the national access to documents authority or a national judicial authority . that body should be organised in accordance with the constitutional and legal systems of member states and should not prejudge any means of redress otherwise available to applicants for re - use . it should however be distinct from the member state mechanism laying down the criteria for charging above marginal costs . the means of redress should include the possibility of review of negative decisions but also of decisions which , although permitting re - use , could still affect applicants on other grounds , notably by the charging rules applied . the review process should be swift , in accordance with the needs of a rapidly changing market . ### the means of redress should include the possibility of review by an impartial review body . that body could be an already existing national authority , such as the national competition authority , the national access to documents authority or a national judicial authority . that body should be organised in accordance with the constitutional and legal systems of member states and should not prejudge any means of redress otherwise available to applicants for access and re - use . it should however be distinct from the member state mechanism laying down the criteria for charging above marginal costs . the means of redress should include the possibility of review of negative decisions but also of decisionswhich although permitting re - use , could still affect applicants on other grounds , notably by the charging rules applied . the review process should be swift , in accordance with the needs of a rapidly changing market .


### where making available documents immediately after collection would exceed the financial and technical capacities of the public sector body or the public undertaking , documents referred to in paragraph 4 shall be made available in a timeframe that does not unduly impair the exploitation of their economic potential . ### where making available documents immediately after collection in real - time and without delay would exceed the financial and technical capacities of the public sector body or the public undertaking , documents referred to in paragraph 4 shall be made available in a timeframe that does not unduly impair the exploitation of their economic potential . users shall be notified of the exact timeframe of making documents available and the frequency with which documents are updated .


### where no time limits or other rules regulating the timely provision of documents have been established , public sector bodies shall process the request and shall deliver the documents for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed , finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a timeframe of not more than 20 working days after its receipt . this timeframe may be extended by another 20 working days for extensive or complex requests . in such cases the applicant shall be notified within three weeks after the initial request that more time is needed to process it . ### where no time limits or other rules regulating the timely provision of documents have been established , public sector bodies shall process the request and shall deliver the documents for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed for re - use , finalise the licence offer to the applicant as soon as possible or , at the latest , within a timeframe of not more than 20 working days after its receipt . this timeframe may be extended by another 20 working days for extensive or complex requests . in such cases the applicant shall be notified as soon as possible , and in any case within three weeks after the initial request that more time is needed to process it and of the reasons for it .


### public sector bodies are increasingly making their documents available for re - use in a proactive manner , by ensuring online discoverability and actual availability of both metadata and the underlying content . documents should also be made available for re - use following a request lodged by a re - user . in those cases , the time limit for replying to requests for re - use should be reasonable and in accordance with the equivalent time for requests to access the document under the relevant access regimes . public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should however be exempt from this requirement . reasonable time limits throughout the union will stimulate the creation of new aggregated information products and services at pan - european level . this is particularly important for dynamic data , the economic value of which depends on the immediate availability of the information and of regular updates . dynamic data should therefore be made available immediately after collection , via an application programming interface so as to facilitate the development of internet , mobile and cloud applications based on such data . whenever this is not possible due to technical or financial constraints , public sector bodies should make the documents available in a timeframe that allows their full economic potential to be exploited . should a licence be used , the timely availability of documents may be a part of the terms of the licence . ### public sector bodies are increasingly making their documents available for re - use in a proactive manner , by ensuring online discoverability and actual availability of both metadata and the underlying content . documents should also be made available for re - use following a request lodged by a re - user . in those cases , the time limit for replying to requests for re - use should be reasonable and in accordance with the equivalent time for requests to access the document under the relevant access regimes . public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should however be exempt from this requirement . reasonable time limits throughout the union will stimulate the creation of new aggregated information products and services at pan - european level . reasonable time limits throughout the union will stimulate the creation of new aggregated information products and services at pan - european level . this is particularly important for dynamic data , the economic value of which depends on the immediate availability of the information and of regular updates . dynamic data should therefore be made available immediately after collection , via an application programming interface so as to facilitate the development of internet , mobile and cloud applications based on such data . whenever this is not possible due to technical or financial constraints , public sector bodies should make the documents available in a timeframe that allows their full economic potential to be exploited . should a licence be used , the timely availability of documents may be a part of the terms of the licence .


### ensuring that the conditions for re - use of public sector documents are clear and publicly available is a pre - condition for the development of a union - wide information market . therefore , all applicable conditions for the re - use of the documents should be made clear to the potential re - users . member states should encourage the creation of indices accessible on line , where appropriate , of available documents so as to promote and facilitate requests for re - use . applicants for re - use of documents held by entities other than public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should be informed of available means of redress relating to decisions or practices affecting them . this will be particularly important for smes which may not be familiar with interactions with public sector bodies from other member states and corresponding means of redress . ### ensuring that the conditions for access and re - use of public sector documents are clear and publicly available is a pre - condition for the development of a union - wide information market . therefore , all applicable conditions for the access and re - use of the documents should be made clear to the potential re - users . member states should encourage the creation of indices accessible on line , where appropriate , of available documents so as to promote and facilitate requests for re - use . applicants for access and re - use of documents held by entities other than public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should be informed of available means of redress relating to decisions or practices affecting them . this will be particularly important for smes which may not be familiar with interactions with public sector bodies from other member states and corresponding means of redress .


### public sector bodies shall , through electronic means where possible and appropriate , process requests for re - use and shall make the document available for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed , finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a reasonable time that is consistent with the time - frames laid down for the processing of requests for access to documents . ### public sector bodies shall , through electronic means where possible and appropriate , process requests for access to documents or for their re - use and shall make the document available for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed for re - use , finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a reasonable time that is consistent with the time - frames laid down for the processing of requests for access to documents .


### tools that help potential re - users to find documents available for re - use and the conditions for re - use can facilitate considerably the cross - border use of public sector documents . member states should therefore ensure that practical arrangements are in place that help re - users in their search for documents available for re - use . assets lists , accessible preferably online , of main documents , and portal sites that are linked to decentralised assets lists are examples of such practical arrangements . ### tools that help potential re - users to find documents available for access and re - use and the conditions for re - use can facilitate considerably the cross - border use of public sector documents . member states should therefore ensure that practical arrangements are in place that help re - users in their search for documents available for re - use . such practical arrangements can include assets lists , accessible preferably online , of main documents , and portal sites that are linked to decentralised assets lists .


### public sector bodies shall , through electronic means where possible and appropriate , process requests for re - use and shall make the document available for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed , finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a reasonable time that is consistent with the time - frames laid down for the processing of requests for access to documents . ### public sector bodies shall , through electronic means where possible and appropriate , process requests for access to documents and / or for their re - use and shall make the document available for re - use to the applicant or , if a licence is needed for re - use , finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a reasonable time that is consistent with the time - frames laid down for the processing of requests for access to documents .


### restructuring should enable enterprises in financial difficulties to continue business in whole or in part , by changing the composition , conditions or structure of assets and liabilities or of their capital structure , including by sales of assets or parts of the business . preventive restructuring frameworks should above all enable the enterprises to restructure at an early stage and to avoid their insolvency . those frameworks should maximise the total value to creditors , owners and the economy as a whole and should prevent unnecessary job losses and losses of knowledge and skills . they should also prevent the build - up of non - performing loans . in the restructuring process the rights of all parties involved should be protected . at the same time , non - viable businesses with no prospect of survival should be liquidated as quickly as possible . ### restructuring should enable enterprises in financial difficulties to continue business in whole or in part , by changing the composition , conditions or structure of assets and liabilities or of their capital structure , including by sales of assets or parts of the business . preventive restructuring frameworks should above all enable the enterprises to restructure at an early stage and to avoid their insolvency . those frameworks should maximise the total value to creditors , owners and the economy as a whole and should prevent unnecessary job losses and losses of knowledge and skills . they should also prevent the build - up of non - performing loans , which absorb bank capital , reduce the efficiency of capital allocation , weigh heavily on the balance sheets of certain credit institutions and represent a challenge to the european banking system stability and hamper the development of the banking union . deteriorating loan portfolios and increasing losses force banks to curtail their credit supply further increasing pressures on the non - financial sector to deleverage . still , increased prudential oversight to incentivise banks to write off or restructure impaired loans should be considered . a robust supervision , including to ensure prudent provisioning and strong capital buffers , can enhance banks’ incentives to recognise losses . access to timely financial information on distressed borrowers , collateral valuations , and recent npl sales are fundamental for the development of an active market for npl restructuring . thus , collateral should be periodically valued by reliable and independent third parties and subject to enhanced supervisory scrutiny . banks should obtain sound appraisals of the current fair value of the collateral from qualified professionals . therefore , a comprehensive , co - ordinated effort is now crucial , notably through a legal framework for npl to explore possible initiatives to facilitate the development of secondary markets for npl should be necessary . in the restructuring process the rights of all parties involved should be protected . at the same time , non - viable businesses with no prospect of survival should be liquidated as quickly as possible .


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


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


### the translation services required for the functioning of the agency shall be provided by the translation centre of the bodies of the european union . ### the translation services required for the functioning of the agency may be provided by the translation centre of the bodies of the european union or other providers .


### the executive director shall be appointed by the management board , from a list of candidates proposed by the commission , following an open and transparent selection procedure . ### the executive director shall be appointed by the management board , from a list of candidates proposed by the commission , following an open and transparent selection procedure which guarantees rigorous assessment of the candidates and a high degree of independence . before his / her appointment , the candidate selected must attend a hearing of the competent european parliament committee .


### the term of office for members and their alternates shall be four years . that term shall be extendable . upon the expiry of their term of office or in the event of their resignation , members shall remain in office until their appointments are renewed or until they are replaced . ### the term of office for members and their alternates shall be four years . that term shall be renewable . upon the expiry of their term of office or in the event of their resignation , members shall remain in office until their appointments are renewed or until they are replaced .


### in carrying out its tasks , the agency shall maintain a close dialogue particularly with specialised bodies , whether public or private , national or international , public authorities and educational institutions and with workers ' and employers’ organisations . the agency , without prejudice to its own aims , shall ensure cooperation with other european union agencies aimed at avoiding overlaps and promoting synergy and complementarity in their activities , in particular with the european training foundation , eurofound and eu - osha . ### in carrying out its tasks , the agency shall maintain a close dialogue particularly with specialised bodies , whether public or private , national or international , public authorities and educational institutions and with workers ' and employers’ organisations . the agency , without prejudice to its own aims , shall ensure cooperation with other european union agencies aimed at avoiding overlaps and promoting synergy and complementarity in their activities , including the possibility of working jointly , in particular with the european training foundation , eurofound and eu - osha .


### the members referred to in points , and shall be appointed by the council on the basis of lists of candidates submitted by the member states , the european employers’ and employees’ organisations respectively . the commission shall appoint the members who are to represent it . ### the members referred to in points , and shall be appointed by the council on the basis of lists of candidates submitted by the member states , the european employers ' and employees ' organisations respectively . the european parliament and the commission shall appoint the members who are to represent them .


### the term of office of members of the executive board shall be two years . that term shall be extendable . the term of office of members of the executive board shall end when their membership of the management board ends . ### the term of office of members of the executive board shall be two years . that term shall be renewable . the term of office of members of the executive board shall end when their membership of the management board ends .


### the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal from the commission . ### the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal , based on a reasoned assessment , from the commission .


### as the three so - called tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , close coordination among the three agencies is required and the ways to enhance efficiency and synergies should be exploited . in addition , where relevant , the agency should seek to engage in efficient cooperation with the european commission ' s in - house research capacities . ### as the three so - called tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , close coordination among the three agencies is required so that the work of the agencies does not overlap where they have similar fields of interest , ways to enhance efficiency and synergies should be exploited and any duplication among the agencies or between them and the commission concerning their mandates , objectives and activities should be avoided . in addition , where relevant , the agency should seek to engage in efficient cooperation with the european commission ' s in - house research capacities .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 120 000 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , while responding to the challenges arising from persistent security threats , including cybercrime , as well as natural and man - made disasters . ### cluster ' inclusive educated and creative society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , supporting in particular research and innovation activities for the development of ict technologies for the preservation and digitisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well , exploring the potential of cultural and creative sectors and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , including migration management and integration of migrants .


### eur 2 800 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ; ### eur 3 300 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive , educated and creative society ' ;


### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . ### to deliver scientific , economic , cultural and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry whilst achieving the goal of establishing a more inclusive , educated , creative and secure and society , to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area .


### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; disaster - resilient societies ; protection and security ; cybersecurity ### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; cultural and creative industries and sectors ; accessibility for persons with disabilities to all products and services