### regulation 2017 / 1939 requires the office , as well as all institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union and competent national authorities , to report to the eppo without undue delay criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo may exercise its competence . since the mandate of the office is to carry out administrative investigations into fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interest of the union , it is ideally placed and equipped to act as a natural partner and privileged source of information for the eppo . ### regulation 2017 / 1939 requires the office , as well as all institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union and competent national authorities , to report to the eppo without undue delay criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo may exercise its competence . since the mandate of the office is to carry out administrative investigations into fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interest of the union , it is ideally placed and equipped to act as a natural partner and privileged source of information for the eppo . this is especially the case when investigations involve member states that participate in the enhanced cooperation for the creation of the eppo and member states that do not .


### in conformity with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the office should in principle not open an administrative investigation parallel to an investigation conducted by the eppo into the same facts . however , in certain cases , the protection of the union’s financial interests may require that the office carry out a complementary administrative investigation before the conclusion of criminal proceedings initiated by the eppo with the purpose of ascertaining whether precautionary measures are necessary , or financial , disciplinary or administrative action should be taken . these complementary investigations may be appropriate , inter alia , when necessary to recover amounts due to the union budget subject to specific time - barring rules , when the amounts at risk are very high , or where there is the need to avoid further expenditure in risk situations through administrative measures . ### in conformity with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the office should not open an administrative investigation parallel to an investigation conducted by the eppo into the same facts , except in certain cases , when the protection of the union’s financial interests may require that the office carry out a complementary administrative investigation before the conclusion of criminal proceedings initiated by the eppo with the purpose of ascertaining whether precautionary measures are necessary , or financial , disciplinary or administrative action should be taken . these complementary investigations may be appropriate , inter alia , when necessary to recover amounts due to the union budget subject to specific time - barring rules , when the amounts at risk are very high , or where there is the need to avoid further expenditure in risk situations through administrative measures .


### regulation 2017 / 1939 provides that the eppo may request such complementary investigations to the office . in cases where the eppo does not request it , such a complementary investigation should also be possible on the initiative of the office , under certain conditions . in particular , the eppo should be able to object to the opening or continuation of an investigation by the office , or to the performance of specific acts of investigation by it . the reasons for this objection should be based on the need to protect the effectiveness of the eppo ' s investigation and should be proportionate to this aim . the office should refrain from performing the action on which the eppo raised an objection . if the eppo does not object , the office investigation should be conducted in close consultation with the eppo . ### regulation 2017 / 1939 provides that the eppo may request such complementary investigations to the office . in cases where the eppo does not request it , such a complementary investigation should also be possible on the initiative of the office , under certain conditions . in particular , the eppo should be able to object to the opening or continuation of an investigation by the office , or to the performance of specific acts of investigation by it , if it would counter the effectiveness of the eppo’s own investigation . such an objection should always be duly justified and proportionate . in that case , the office should refrain from performing the action on which the eppo raised an objection . if the eppo does not object , the office investigation should be conducted in close consultation with the eppo .


### to ensure effective coordination between the office and the eppo , information should be exchanged between them on a continuous basis . the exchange of information in the stages prior to the opening of investigations by the office and the eppo is particularly relevant to ensure proper coordination between the respective actions and avoid duplication . the office and the eppo should specify the modalities and conditions of this exchange of information in their working arrangements . ### to ensure effective coordination , cooperation and transparency between the office and the eppo , information should be exchanged between them on a continuous basis . the exchange of information in the stages prior to the opening of investigations by the office and the eppo is particularly relevant to ensure proper coordination between the respective actions to guarantee complementarity and avoid duplication . the office and the eppo should specify the modalities and conditions of this exchange of information in their working arrangements , including the possibility to exchange comprehensive procedural files .


### it is necessary to address the most unambiguous findings of the commission evaluation through the amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 . these are essential changes necessary in the short term to strengthen the framework for the office ' s investigations , in order to maintain a strong and fully - functioning office that complements the eppo ' s criminal law approach with administrative investigations , but which do not entail a change to the mandate or powers . they primarily concern areas where , today , the lack of clarity of the regulation hinders the effective conduct of investigations by the office , such as the conduct of on - the spot checks , the possibility of access to bank account information , or the admissibility as evidence of the case reports drawn up by the office . ### it is necessary to address the most unambiguous findings of the commission evaluation through the amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 . these are essential changes necessary in the short term to strengthen the framework for the office ' s investigations , in order to maintain a strong and fully - functioning office that complements the eppo ' s criminal law approach with administrative investigations , but which do not entail a change to the mandate or powers . they primarily concern areas where , today , the lack of clarity of the regulation hinders the effective conduct of investigations by the office , such as the conduct of on - the spot checks , the possibility of access to bank account information , or the admissibility as evidence of the case reports drawn up by the office . in the medium - term , a more comprehensive amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 would be necessary to modernise the framework of the office and address further shortcomings identified by the commission in its evaluation . the commission should submit a new , comprehensive proposal no later than two years after the evaluation of both the eppo and the office , and their cooperation .


### the mandate of the office includes the protection of revenues to the union budget arising from vat own resources . in this field , the office should be able to support and complement the activities of the member states through investigations conducted in accordance with its mandate , the coordination of national competent authorities in complex , transnational cases , and the support and assistance to member states and to the eppo . to this end , the office should be able to exchange information through the eurofisc network established by council regulation no 904 / 20109 in order to promote and facilitate cooperation in the fight against vat fraud . _________________ 9 council regulation no 904 / 2010 of 7 october 2010 on administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax , oj l 268 , 12 . 10 . 2010 , p . 1–18 . ### the mandate of the office includes the protection of revenues to the union budget arising from vat own resources . in this field , the office should be able to support and complement the activities of the member states through investigations conducted in accordance with its mandate , the coordination of national competent authorities in complex , transnational cases , and the support and assistance to member states and to the eppo . to this end , the office should be able to exchange information through the eurofisc network established by council regulation no 904 / 20109 , bearing in mind the provisions of regulation 2018 / 1725 of the european parliament and of the council 9a in order to promote and facilitate cooperation in the fight against vat fraud . _________________ 9 council regulation no 904 / 2010 of 7 october 2010 on administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax , oj l 268 , 12 . 10 . 2010 , p . 1–18 . 9a regulation 2018 / 1725 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data , and repealing regulation no 45 / 2001 and decision no 1247 / 2002 / ec .


### the member state concerned shall ensure , in accordance with regulation no 2185 / 96 , that the staff of the office are allowed access to all information and documents relating to the matter under investigation which prove necessary in order for the on - the - spot checks and inspection to be carried out effectively and efficiently , and that they are able to assume custody of documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance . ### the member state concerned shall ensure , in accordance with regulation no 2185 / 96 , that the staff of the office are allowed access to all information and documents relating to the matter under investigation which prove necessary in order for the on - the - spot checks and inspection to be carried out effectively and efficiently , and that they are able to assume custody of documents or data during the time necessary to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance .


### the office shall have the right of immediate and unannounced access to any relevant information and data , irrespective of the medium on which it is stored , held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , and to their premises . the office shall be empowered to inspect the accounts of the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies . the office may take a copy of , and obtain extracts from , any document or the contents of any data medium held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , if necessary , assume custody of such documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance ; ### the office shall have the right of immediate and unannounced access to any relevant information and data , irrespective of the medium on which it is stored , held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , and to their premises . the office shall be empowered to inspect the accounts of the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies . the office may take a copy of , and obtain extracts from , any document or the contents of any data medium held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , if necessary , assume custody of such documents or data during the time necessary to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance ;


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall ensure that their officials , other servants , members , heads and staff members provide the necessary assistance to enable the staff of the office to fulfil their tasks effectively . ### in paragraph 3 , the second subparagraph is replaced by the following : ' the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall ensure that their officials , other servants , members , heads and staff members provide the necessary assistance to enable the staff of the office to fulfil their tasks in accordance with this regulation effectively and without undue delay . '


### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ; ### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures taken with a view to speeding up the investigation . ; the content of the report shall be laid down in working arrangements ;


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit to the office any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . ; ### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit without delay to the office , at the request of the office or on their own initiative , any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union ;


### the report may be accompanied by recommendations of the director - general on action to be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established . ; ### the report shall be accompanied by well documented recommendations of the director - general on whether or not action should be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established ;


### the director - general shall report regularly to the european parliament , the council , the commission and the court of auditors on the findings of investigations carried out by the office , the action taken and the problems encountered , whilst respecting the confidentiality of the investigations , the legitimate rights of the persons concerned and of informants , and , where appropriate , national law applicable to judicial proceedings . ### paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' 4 . the director - general shall report regularly to the european parliament , the council , the commission , the eppo and the court of auditors on the findings of investigations carried out by the office , the action taken and the problems encountered , whilst respecting the confidentiality of the investigations and data protection principles , the legitimate rights of the persons concerned and of informants , and , where appropriate , national law applicable to judicial proceedings . ' '


### article 19 evaluation report by 2 october 2017 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application of this regulation . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation . ### article 19 is replaced by the following : ' article 19 evaluation report by 31 december 2022 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application of this regulation . the report shall evaluate in particular the efficiency of the cooperation between the office and the eppo . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation . '


### in order to retain the essential union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include both areas actually used for production and not , as well as nurseries and short rotation coppice to be defined by member states . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and allows them to include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage that can be grazed or that may produce animal feed , whether used for actual production or not . ### in order to retain the essential union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions and traditional practices . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include both areas actually used for production and not , as well as nurseries and short rotation coppice to be defined by member states . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and allows them to include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage that can be grazed , provide forage area for pollinators , or that may produce animal feed , whether used for actual production or not .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including animal welfare , environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes that are mandatory for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be aligned with mandatory environment objectives already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes should be regarded as ‘ entry - level schemes’ which should be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments .


### 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 program will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' 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 program will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 30% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives and the phasing out of environmentally harmful subsidies . actions under the cap should contribute to at least 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops , permanent grassland and agroforestry systems . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ‘ permanent grassland ' and ‘ agroforestry systems’ shall be further specified by member states within the following framework


### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including nurseries and short rotation coppice ; ### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including nurseries , including those in planters lined with plastic , and short rotation coppice ;


### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including nurseries and short rotation coppice ; ### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including agroforestry systems , nurseries and short rotation coppice ;


### 28schemes for the climate and the environment ### schemes for the climate and the environment


### integrated production ; ### agroforestry and integrated production systems ;


### installation of young farmers and rural business start - up ; ### installation of young farmers , rural business start - up and business development ;


### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually . ### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . member states shall increase the compensation with an additional bonus for deliverance of public goods , based on non - discriminatory criteria and the indicators set up under this regulation , in order to offer an effective incentive for participation . payments shall be granted annually .


### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way . ### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers or groups of farmers and other land managers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way .


### afforestation and non - productive investments linked to the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ; ### establishment of agroforestry systems , afforestation and non - productive investments linked to the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ;


### investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry potential following natural disasters or catastrophic events and investments in appropriate preventive actions in forests and in the rural environment . ### investments in the restoration of agricultural or forestry potential following natural disasters or catastrophic events and investments in appropriate preventive actions in forests and in the rural environment , such as protective measures against attacks by large carnivores .


### member states may grant support for agricultural , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may grant support for agricultural , agroforestry , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### member states shall set out , in their cap strategic plan , an indicative financial allocation for each intervention . for each intervention , the multiplication of the planned unit amount , without the application of the percentage of variation referred to in article 89 , and the planned outputs , shall equal this indicative financial allocation . ### member states shall set out , in their cap strategic plan , an indicative financial allocation for each intervention , in coherence with articles 28 and 86 . for each intervention , the multiplication of the planned unit amount , without the application of the percentage of variation referred to in article 89 , and the planned outputs , shall equal this indicative financial allocation .


### decoupled direct payments and coupled income support referred to in chapter ii of title iii ; ### decoupled direct payments , excluding schemes for the climate and the environment as set out in article 28 , and coupled income support referred to in chapter ii of title iii ;


### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 . ### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - , climate - and animal welfare - related objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 .


### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans on the basis of the completeness of the plans , the consistency and coherence with the general principles of union law , with this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant to it and with the horizontal regulation , their effective contribution to the specific objectives set out in article 6 , the impact on the proper functioning of the internal market and distortion of competition , the level of administrative burden on beneficiaries and administration . the assessment shall address , in particular , the adequacy of the strategy of the cap strategic plan , the corresponding specific objectives , targets , interventions and the allocation of budgetary resources to meet the specific cap strategic plan objectives through the proposed set of interventions on the basis of the swot analysis and the ex - ante evaluation . ### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans on clear and objective criteria , including the basis of the completeness of the plans , the consistency and coherence with the general principles of union law , with this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant to it and with the horizontal regulation , their potential achievement of and effective contribution to the specific objectives set out in article 6 , coherence and compliance with legislation set out in annex xi , the impact on the proper functioning of the internal market and distortion of competition , the level of administrative burden on beneficiaries and administration . the assessment shall address , in particular , the adequacy of the strategy of the cap strategic plan , the corresponding specific objectives , targets , interventions and the allocation of budgetary resources to meet the specific cap strategic plan objectives through the proposed set of interventions on the basis of the swot analysis and the ex - ante evaluation .


### the aim of the eip shall be to stimulate innovation and improve the exchange of knowledge . ### the aim of the eip shall be to stimulate innovation and improve the exchange of knowledge . innovation in this regard should contribute to the development of competiveness , environmental performance and sustainability , in particular for the development of sustainable farming practices in the areas of climate , water , soil , biodiversity and waste .


### the annual review meeting shall aim at examining the performance of each plan , including progress made towards achieving established targets , any issues affecting performance and past or future actions to be taken to address them . ### the annual review meeting shall aim at examining the performance of each plan , including progress made towards achieving established targets and overarching union environmental and climate objectives , any issues affecting performance and past or future actions to be taken to address them .


### the commission shall carry out an interim evaluation to examine the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and union added value of the eagf and the eafrd by the end of the third year following the start of implementation of the cap strategic plans taking into account the indicators set out in annex i . the commission may make use of all relevant information already available in accordance with article [ 128 ] of the [ new financial regulation ] . ### the commission shall carry out and make public an evaluation to examine the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and union added value of the eagf and the eafrd by the end of the third year following the start of implementation of the cap strategic plans taking into account the indicators set out in annex i . the commission may make use of all relevant information already available in accordance with article [ 128 ] of the [ new financial regulation ] . this shall be complemented by an external and independent evaluation report that covers the effectiveness , efficiency , implementation , complementarity , results and impacts of the eagf and the eafrd .


### the commission shall carry out an ex post evaluation to examine the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and union added value of the eagf and the eafrd . ### by the end of the period covered by this regulation , the commission shall carry out and make publicly available an ex post evaluation to examine the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and union added value of the eagf and the eafrd . this shall be complemented by an external and independent ex post evaluation report that covers the effectiveness , efficiency , implementation , complementarity , results and impacts of the eagf and the eafrd .


### during the negotiations the commission should have the possibility to advice on how to avoid incompatibility with union law . in particular , the commission could develop , together with member states , optional model clauses or guidelines . the commission should have the possibility to draw attention to the union’s energy policy objectives and the principle of solidarity between member states and union policy positions adopted in council or european council conclusions . ### during the negotiations the commission should have the possibility to advise on how to ensure compliance with union law . in particular , the commission should develop , together with member states , optional model clauses or guidelines . such model clauses or guidelines should serve as a tool of reference for the competent authorities and increase transparency and compliance with union law .


### this decision should only apply to intergovernmental agreements that have an impact on the internal energy market or the security of energy supply in the union . in case of doubt , member states should consult the commission . in principle , agreements that are no longer in force or are no longer applied do not have an impact on the internal energy market or on the security of energy supply in the union and should therefore not be covered by this decision . ### this decision should only apply to intergovernmental agreements that have a potential impact on the internal energy market or the security of energy supply in the union . in case of doubt , member states should consult the commission as soon as possible . in principle , agreements that are no longer in force or are no longer applied do not have an impact on the internal energy market or on the security of energy supply in the union and should therefore not be covered by this decision .


### the commission should make information it receives available to all other member states in secure electronic form . the commission should respect requests from member states to treat information submitted to it as confidential . requests for confidentiality should , however , not restrict access of the commission itself to confidential information , as the commission needs to have comprehensive information for its own assessments . the commission should be responsible for guaranteeing the application of the confidentiality clause . requests for confidentiality should be without prejudice to the right of access to documents as provided for in regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council11 . _________________ 11 regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents . ### the commission should make information it receives on intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments available to all other member states in secure electronic form in order to enhance coordination and transparency between member states and thus leveraging their negotiation power vis - à - vis third countries . the commission should respect requests from member states to treat information submitted to it as confidential . requests for confidentiality should , however , not restrict access of the commission itself to confidential information , as the commission needs to have comprehensive information for its own assessments . the commission should be responsible for guaranteeing the application of the confidentiality clause . requests for confidentiality should be without prejudice to the right of access to documents as provided for in regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council11 . _________________ 11 regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents .


### the improved mutual knowledge of existing and new intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments should allow for better coordination in energy matters between member states and between member states and the commission . such improved coordination should enable member states to benefit fully from the political and economic weight of the union and enable the commission to propose solutions for problems identified in the area of intergovernmental agreements . ### the improved mutual knowledge of existing and new intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments should enhance transparency and coordination in energy matters between member states and between member states and the commission . enhanced transparency and coordination is especially important for member states relying on the interconnections with a member state negotiating an intergovernmental agreement . such improved coordination should enable member states to benefit fully from the political and economic weight of the union , increase their negotiation power vis - à - vis third countries and enable the commission to ensure security of energy supply in the union .


### where the member state gives the commission such notice of negotiations , the member state concerned should keep the commission regularly informed of the progress of the negotiations . ### once the member state has given the commission such notice of negotiations , the member state concerned shall keep the commission regularly informed of the progress of the negotiations .


### where a member state gives the commission notice of negotiations pursuant to article 3 , the commission services may provide it with advice on how to avoid the incompatibility of the intergovernmental agreement or of the amendment to an existing intergovernmental agreement under negotiation with union law . that member state may also request the assistance of the commission in those negotiations . ### once a member state has given the commission notice of negotiations pursuant to article 3 , the commission services may provide it with advice on how to avoid the incompatibility of the intergovernmental agreement or of the amendment to an existing intergovernmental agreement under negotiation with union law . that member state may also request the assistance of the commission in those negotiations .


### at the request of the member state concerned , or at the request of the commission and with the written approval of the member state concerned , the commission may participate in the negotiations as an observer . ### if deemed necessary by the commission in view of the functioning of the internal energy market or the security of energy supply in the union , it shall participate in the negotiations as an observer . a member state concerned may also voluntarily request the assistance of the commission in the negotiations .


### in light of the urgency of freezing and of its provisional nature , a freezing order should be issued in a standard form . the issuing authority should ascertain whether issuing the freezing order is necessary and proportionate for the purpose of provisionally preventing the destruction , transformation , moving , transfer or disposal of property . to align the conditions for issuing freezing orders in domestic and cross - border cases , a freezing order under this regulation should be issued only when it could have been ordered in a similar domestic case . ### the issuing authority should ascertain whether issuing the freezing order is necessary and proportionate for the purpose of provisionally preventing the destruction , transformation , moving , transfer or disposal of property . to align the conditions for issuing freezing orders in domestic and cross - border cases , a freezing order under this regulation should be issued only when it could have been ordered in a similar domestic case .


### a confiscation order , or a certified copy of it , shall be transmitted together with the certificate provided for in article 7 by the issuing authority directly to the executing authority or , where applicable , to the central authority referred to in article 27 by any means capable of producing a written record under conditions allowing the executing authority to establish authenticity . ### a confiscation order shall be transmitted together with the certificate provided for in article 7 by the issuing authority directly to the executing authority or , where applicable , to the central authority referred to in article 27 by any means capable of producing a written record under conditions allowing the executing authority to establish authenticity .


### a freezing order shall be transmitted in the form referred to in article 16 by the issuing authority directly to the executing authority , or where applicable to the central authority referred to in article 27 , by any means capable of producing a written record under conditions allowing the executing authority to establish authenticity . ### a freezing order shall be transmitted in the certificate referred to in article 16 by the issuing authority directly to the executing authority , or where applicable to the central authority referred to in article 27 , by any means capable of producing a written record under conditions allowing the executing authority to establish authenticity .


### a confiscation order concerning specific items of property may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time where : ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , a confiscation order concerning specific items of property may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time where :


### a freezing order concerning specific items of property may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time where : ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , a freezing order concerning specific items of property may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time where :


### a confiscation order concerning an amount of money may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time , where the issuing authority deems that there is a specific need to do so , in particular where : ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , a confiscation order concerning an amount of money may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time , where the issuing authority deems that there is a specific need to do so , in particular where :


### standard certificate ### standard certificate for issuing a confiscation order


### the executing authority shall communicate the decision on a confiscation order to the issuing authority without delay by any means capable of producing a written record . ### the executing authority shall communicate the decision on a confiscation order to the issuing authority immediately by any means capable of producing a written record .


### shall contain an instruction that the property shall remain in the executing state pending the transmission of a confiscation order in accordance with article 4 . the issuing authority shall indicate the estimated date for this transmission in the form referred to in article 16 . ### shall contain an instruction that the property shall remain in the executing state pending the transmission of a confiscation order in accordance with article 4 . the issuing authority shall indicate the estimated date for this transmission in the certificate referred to in article 16 .


### a freezing order concerning an amount of money may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time , where the issuing authority deems there is a specific need to do so , in particular where the estimated value of the property which may be frozen in the issuing state and in any one executing state is not likely to be sufficient for the execution of the full amount covered by the freezing order . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , a freezing order concerning an amount of money may be transmitted to more than one executing state at the same time , where the issuing authority deems there is a specific need to do so , in particular where the estimated value of the property which may be frozen in the issuing state and in any one executing state is not likely to be sufficient for the execution of the full amount covered by the freezing order .


### form of the freezing order ### standard certificate for issuing a freezing order


### the freezing order shall be issued in the form set out in annex ii . ### the issuing authority shall complete the certificate set out in annex ii , sign it and certify its content as being accurate and correct .


### where the issuing authority has indicated in the freezing order that there are legitimate grounds to believe that the property in question will imminently be moved or destroyed and that immediate freezing is necessary , or if the issuing authority has indicated in the freezing order that the freezing measure has to be carried out on a specific date , the executing authority shall take full account of this requirement . ### where the issuing authority has indicated in the freezing order that there are legitimate grounds to believe that the property in question will imminently be moved or destroyed and that immediate freezing is necessary , or if the issuing authority has indicated in the freezing order that the freezing measure has to be carried out on a specific date , the executing authority shall take full account of this requirement and execute the freezing order by the deadline set .


### freezing order provided for in article 16 ### certificate provided for in article 16 for issuing a confiscation order


### the definitions of ' food - producing animal ' , ' feed materials ' , ' compound feed ' , ' complementary feed ' , ' mineral feed ' , ' labelling ' , ' label ' , ' minimum storage life ' and ' batch ' as laid down in article 3 of regulation no 767 / 2009 ; ### the definitions of ' food - producing animal ' , ' non - food producing animal ' , ' fur animal ' , ' feed materials ' , ' compound feed ' , ' complementary feed ' , ' mineral feed ' , ' labelling ' , ' label ' , ' minimum storage life ' and ' batch ' as laid down in article 3 of regulation no 767 / 2009 ;


### ' medicated feed ' : a mixture of one or more veterinary medicinal products or intermediate products with one or more feeds which is ready to be directly fed to animals without further processing ; ### ' medicated feed ' : a mixture of one or more veterinary medicinal products or intermediate products with compound feeds which is ready to be directly fed to animals without further processing ;


### medicated feed and intermediate products shall be placed on the market only in sealed packages or containers . packages or containers shall be sealed in such a way that , when the package or container is opened , the seal is damaged and cannot be reused . ### medicated feed and intermediate products shall be placed on the market only in properly labelled and sealed packages or containers . packages or containers shall be sealed in such a way that , when the package or container is opened , the seal is damaged and cannot be reused .


### medicated feed containing antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products shall not be used to prevent diseases in food - producing animals or to enhance their performance . ### medicated feed containing antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products shall be used in accordance with good animal husbandry standards and never be used for preventive treatment or to enhance the performance of animals . group treatment should only be used in justifiable cases where individual treatment is not appropriate .


### “volunteering” means a full - time32unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; _________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day . ### “volunteering” means a full - time32 unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of non - profit organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; _________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day .


### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ; ### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their knowledge , skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic , cultural and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ;


### an application from an eligible entity to become a european solidarity corps participating organisation shall be assessed by the competent implementing body of the european solidarity corps in order to ascertain that its activities adhere to the requirements of the european solidarity corps . ### an application from an eligible entity to become a european solidarity corps participating organisation shall be assessed by the competent implementing body of the european solidarity corps in order to ascertain that its activities adhere to the principles and requirements set out in the european solidarity corps charter .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed regularly and at least every two years , and may be revoked as soon as the activities of that entity no longer adhere to the principles and requirements set out in the european solidarity corps charter .


### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity corps towards achieving its objectives . ### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity corps and adherence to its principles , specifically cohesion and solidarity .


### number of participants in volunteering placements ; ### number and profile of participants in&#160 ; volunteering placements ;


### number of participants in traineeship placements ; ### number and profile of participants in traineeship placements ;


### number of participants in job placements ; ### number and profile of participants in job placements ;


### number of participants in solidarity projects ; ### number and profile of participants in solidarity projects ;


### in 2020 the commission shall publish a report taking stock of the progress made towards achieving its results , including the target of offering 100 000 young people opportunities under the european solidarity corps by 2020 and of article 7 ) . ### in 2020 the commission shall publish a report on the cost - effectiveness of the programme , on its qualitative and quantitative aspects and on the progress made towards achieving its results , including the target of offering 100 000 young people opportunities under the european solidarity corps by 2020 and of article 7 ) .


### four years after the date of application of this regulation the commission shall carry out an independent evaluation of this regulation and present a report on the main findings to the european parliament , the council , the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committee . ### four years after the date of application of this regulation , the commission shall carry out an independent evaluation of this regulation to assess the efficiency , effectiveness and impact of the programme against its objectives and shall present a report on the main findings , including recommendations for the future of the programme , to the european parliament , the council , the committee of the regions and the european economic and social committee . as part of that evaluation , the commission shall consult regularly with all stakeholders , including participants , participating organisations and the local actors concerned . the results of the evaluation shall feed back into the future design of the programme and any new resource allocation proposals .


### horizontal financial rules adopted by the european parliament and the council on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union apply to this regulation . these rules are laid down in the financial regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants , procurement , prizes , indirect implementation , and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors . rules adopted on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union also concern the protection of the union ' s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective eu funding . ### horizontal financial rules adopted by the european parliament and the council on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union apply to this regulation . these rules are laid down in the financial regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants , procurement , prizes , indirect implementation , and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors . contracts financed in whole or in part by the eu budget under the eu anti - fraud programme are thus subject inter alia to the principles of transparency , proportionality , equal treatment and non - discrimination , while grants are in addition subject to the principles of co - financing , non - cumulative award and no double financing , non - retroactivity and no - profit . rules adopted on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union also concern the protection of the union ' s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective eu funding .


### that disparity of member states ' legal systems affects not only the optimal management of the customs union , but also prevents that a level playing field is achieved for economic operators in the customs union because it has an impact on their access to customs simplifications and facilitations . ### that disparity of member states ' legal systems not only affects the optimal management of the customs union and the transparency necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market as regards ways in which infringements are handled by the different customs authorities , but also prevents the achievement of a level playing field for economic operators in the customs union because it has an impact on their access to customs simplifications and facilitations .


### in order to ensure legal certainty , it should be provided that any act or omission resulting from an error on the part of the customs authorities should not be considered a customs infringement . ### in order to ensure legal certainty , it should be provided that any act or omission resulting from an error on the part of the customs authorities as referred to in the code should not be considered to constitute a customs infringement ;


### the limitation period for proceedings concerning a customs infringement should be fixed at four years from the day on which the customs infringement was committed or , in case of continuous or repeated infringements , where the behaviour constituting that infringement ceases . member states should ensure that the limitation period is interrupted by an act relating to investigations or legal proceedings concerning the customs infringement . member states may lay down cases where that period is suspended . the initiation or continuation of these proceedings should be precluded after an expiry period of eight years , while the limitation period for the enforcement of a sanction should be of three years . ### the limitation period for proceedings concerning a customs infringement should be fixed at three years from the day on which the customs infringement was committed or , in the case of continuous or repeated infringements , the day on which the behaviour constituting the infringement ceases . member states should ensure that the limitation period is interrupted by an act relating to investigations or legal proceedings concerning the customs infringement . it should be possible for member states to specify cases in which that period is to be suspended . the initiation or continuation of such proceedings should be precluded after the expiry of a period of eight years , while the limitation period for the enforcement of a sanction should be three years .


### member states shall ensure that effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions are imposed for the customs infringements referred to in article 3 within the following limits : ### member states shall ensure that effective , proportionate , dissuasive and non - criminal sanctions are imposed for those customs infringements referred to in article 3 that are considered minor in accordance with article 11a , within the following limits :


### member states shall ensure that the initiation or continuation of any proceedings concerning a customs infringement referred to in articles 3 to 6 is precluded after the expiry of a period of eight years from the day referred to in paragraph 1 or 2 . ### member states shall ensure that any proceedings concerning a customs infringement referred to in articles 3 to 6 are time - barred after the expiry of a period of eight years from the day referred to in paragraph 1 , 2 or 3 of this article , as the case may be .


### member states shall co - operate and exchange any information necessary for the proceedings concerning an act or omission constituting a customs infringement referred to in articles 3 to 6 , in particular in case more than one member state has started proceedings against the same person in connection with the same facts . ### member states shall co - operate and exchange any information necessary for the proceedings concerning an act or omission constituting a customs infringement referred to in articles 3 to 6 , in particular in cases where more than one member state has started proceedings against the same person in connection with the same facts . the objective of cooperation between member states shall be to increase the effectiveness of customs checks on goods and to harmonise procedures within the union .


### authorisations procedures are based on the principle that it is for the applicant to prove that the subject matter of an authorisation procedure complies with union safety requirements given the scientific knowledge in its possession . this principle is based on the premise that public health is better protected when the burden of proof is on the applicant since it has to prove that a particular subject matter is safe prior to its placing on the market , instead of the public authorities having to prove that a subject matter is unsafe in order to be able to ban it from the market . moreover , public money should not be used to commission costly studies that will in the end help the industry to place a product on the market . according to this principle and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements , in support of applications for an authorisation under union sectoral food law applicants are required to submit relevant studies , including tests , to demonstrate the safety and in some cases the efficacy of a subject matter . ### authorisations procedures are based on the principle that it is for the applicant to prove that the subject matter of an authorisation procedure complies with union safety requirements given the scientific knowledge in its possession . this principle is based on the premise that public health is better protected when the burden of proof is on the applicant since it has to prove that a particular subject matter is safe prior to its placing on the market , instead of the public authorities having to prove that a subject matter is unsafe in order to be able to ban it from the market . moreover , public money should not be used to commission costly studies that will in the end help the industry to place a product on the market . according to this principle and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements , in support of applications for an authorisation under union sectoral food law applicants are required to submit relevant and validated studies including tests that have been carried out in accordance with international standards and good laboratory practices , to demonstrate the safety and in some cases the efficacy of a subject matter .


### an investigation shall be initiated following a written complaint submitted by a member state , a union air carrier or an association of union air carriers in accordance with paragraph 2 , or on the commission ' s own initiative , if there is prima facie evidence of either of the following : ### an investigation shall be initiated following a written complaint submitted by a member state , the european parliament , a union air carrier or an association of union air carriers in accordance with paragraph 2 , or on the commission ' s own initiative , if there is prima facie evidence of either of the following :


### the commission concludes that adopting redressive measures in accordance with article 13 would be against union interest ; ### the commission , after consulting the european parliament , concludes that adopting redressive measures in accordance with article 13 would be against union interest ;


### citizens and enterprises should also benefit from common , re - usable and interoperable front - office services resulting from better integration of processes and exchange of data through the european public administrations’ back - offices . ### citizens and enterprises should also benefit from common , re - usable and interoperable front - office services resulting from better integration of processes and exchange of data through the european public administrations’ back - offices . the ' once only ' principle , for supplying data only once to public administrations , should be promoted to reduce the administrative burden on citizens and businesses . in addition , in order for citizens to have trust in e - services , solutions to provide secure communication through in particular e - authentication and encryption should be promoted .


### interoperability is directly connected with , and dependent on the use of , standards and common specifications . the isa2 programme should promote and , where appropriate , support the partial or full standardisation of existing interoperability solutions . this should be achieved in cooperation with other standardisation activities at union level , european standardisation organisations and other international standardisation organisations . ### the lack of interoperability often undermines the implementation of digital end - to - end services and the development of one - stop shops for businesses and citizens . interoperability is directly connected with , and dependent on the use of , standards and common specifications . the isa2programme should promote and , where appropriate , support the partial or full standardisation of existing interoperability solutions . this should be achieved in cooperation with other standardisation activities at union level , european standardisation organisations and other international standardisation organisations .


### interoperability is directly connected with , and dependent on the use of , standards and common specifications . the isa2 programme should promote and , where appropriate , support the partial or full standardisation of existing interoperability solutions . this should be achieved in cooperation with other standardisation activities at union level , european standardisation organisations and other international standardisation organisations . ### the lack of interoperability often undermines the implementation of digital end - to - end services and the development of one - stop shops for businesses and citizens . interoperability is directly connected with , and dependent on the use of , open standards and common specifications . the isa2 programme should promote and , where appropriate , support the partial or full standardisation of existing interoperability solutions . this should be achieved in cooperation with other standardisation activities at union level , european standardisation organisations and other international standardisation organisations .


### regulation no 1303 / 2013 includes a thematic objective of ‘ enhancing institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders and an efficient public administration’ . in this context , the isa2 programme should tie in with programmes and initiatives contributing to the modernisation of public administrations like e . g . the dae , and related networks like e . g . the european public administration network and seek synergies with them . ### regulation no 1303 / 2013 includes a thematic objective of ‘ enhancing institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders and an efficient public administration’ . in this context , the isa2 programme should tie in with programmes and initiatives contributing to the modernisation of public administrations like e . g . the dae , and related networks like e . g . the european public administration network , seek synergies with them and contribute to knowledge - building in public administrations .


### the isa2 programme shall develop interoperability solutions autonomously or complement and support other union initiatives by piloting interoperability solutions as a solution incubator or by ensuring their sustainability as a solution bridge . ### the isa2 programme shall develop interoperability solutions autonomously or complement and support other union initiatives by piloting interoperability solutions as a solution incubator or by ensuring their sustainability as a solution bridge . the commission shall ensure that no market disturbances or unfair disadvantages for private suppliers of interoperability solutions stem from such solutions .


### the assessment of the ict implications of proposed or adopted union legislation ; ### the assessment of the ict implications of proposed or adopted union legislation . with , where appropriate , an assessment of the need to enlarge the scope and mandate of the european agency for the operational management of large - scale it systems in the area of freedom , security and justice ;


### the assessment , update and promotion of existing common specifications and standards and the development , establishment and promotion of new common specifications and standards through the union’s standardisation platforms and in cooperation with european or international standardisation organisations as appropriate ; and ### the assessment , update and promotion of existing common specifications and standards and the development , establishment and promotion of new common specifications and open standards through the union’s standardisation platforms and in cooperation with european or international standardisation organisations as appropriate , including on data transmission , processing and storage security ; and


### involvement of the largest possible number of member states in a project shall be encouraged . member states shall be able , and encouraged , to join a project at any stage . ### involvement of the largest possible number of member states , local and regional authorities , in a project shall be encouraged . member states shall be able , and encouraged , to join a project at any stage .


### the commission shall report annually to the isa2 committee on the implementation of the programme . ### the commission shall report annually to the isa2 committee , the european parliament , the council and the committee of the regions on the implementation of the programme .


### the evaluations shall also examine the benefits of the actions to the union for the advancement of common policies , identify areas for potential improvement and verify synergies with other union initiatives in the area of cross - border or cross - sector interoperability and the modernisation of european public administrations . ### the evaluations shall also examine the benefits of the actions to the union for the advancement of common policies , identify areas for potential improvement and verify synergies with other union initiatives in the area of cross - border or cross - sector interoperability and the modernisation , simplification and efficiency of european public administrations .


### the erdf should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments . erdf support under the investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in regulation 2018 / xxx [ new cpr ] . therefore support from the erdf should be concentrated on the policy objectives of ' a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' and ' a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition , green and blue investment , the circular economy , climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ . that thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of member states formed according to respective gross national income . in addition , the methodology to classify member states should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions . ### the erdf should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments . erdf support under the investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in regulation 2018 / xxx [ new cpr ] . therefore support from the erdf should be concentrated on the policy objectives of ' a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' and ' a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition , green and blue investment , the circular economy , climate adaptation and risk prevention and management’ and ‘ a more connected europe delivering for citizens and promoting competitiveness’ . that thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of member states formed according to respective gross national income . in addition , the methodology to classify member states should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions .


### trans - european transport networks projects in accordance with regulation no 1316 / 2013 shall continue to be financed from the cohesion fund via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the connecting europe facility . ### trans - european transport networks projects in accordance with regulation no 1316 / 2013 shall continue to be financed from the cohesion fund and the erdf via both shared management and the direct implementation mode under the connecting europe facility .


### in compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to article [ 38 ] of the financial regulation , the commission shall present to the european parliament and the council information on performance in accordance with annex ii . ### in compliance with its reporting requirement pursuant to article [ 38 ] of the financial regulation , the commission shall present to the european parliament and the council information on performance in accordance with annex ii . such information shall also provide for a qualitative assessment of the progress towards achieving the specific objectives set out in article 2 .


### natural mineral resources in conflict - affected or high risk areas &#8722 ; although holding great potential for development &#8211 ; can be a cause of dispute where their revenues are fuelling the outbreak or continuation of violent conflict , undermining national endeavours towards development , good governance and the rule of law . in these areas , breaking the nexus between conflict and illegal exploitation of minerals is critical to peace and stability . ### natural mineral resources in conflict - affected or high risk areas &#8722 ; although holding great potential for development when managed sustainably &#8211 ; are a cause of dispute and their revenues are fuelling the outbreak or continuation of violent conflict , undermining national endeavours towards development , good governance and the rule of law . in these areas , breaking the nexus between conflict and illegal exploitation of minerals is critical to peace and stability .


### natural mineral resources in conflict - affected or high risk areas &#8722 ; although holding great potential for development &#8211 ; can be a cause of dispute where their revenues are fuelling the outbreak or continuation of violent conflict , undermining national endeavours towards development , good governance and the rule of law . in these areas , breaking the nexus between conflict and illegal exploitation of minerals is critical to peace and stability . ### natural mineral resources in conflict - affected or high risk areas &#8722 ; although holding great potential for development &#8211 ; can be a cause of dispute where their revenues are fuelling the outbreak or continuation of violent conflict , undermining national endeavours towards development , good governance and the rule of law . women and children are disproportionately affected by these conflicts , and are the victims of systematic physical and sexual violence , recognised as an international war crime and used as a weapon of war by armed groups . in these areas , breaking the nexus between conflict and illegal exploitation of minerals is critical to peace and stability and human rights .


### in the context of this regulation , supply chain due diligence is an on - going , proactive and reactive process through which business operators monitor and administer their purchases and sales with a view to ensuring that they do not contribute to conflict and adverse impacts thereof . ### in the context of this regulation , and in accordance with the oecd due diligence guidance , supply chain due diligence is an on - going , proactive and reactive process through which business operators monitor and administer their purchases and sales upstream and downstream of the supply chain with a view to ensuring that they respect human rights and do not contribute to conflict and adverse impacts thereof , both directly in the mining sector and indirectly in the wider communities .


### ' conflict - affected and high - risk areas ' means areas in a state of armed conflict , fragile post - conflict as well as areas witnessing weak or non - existent governance and security , such as failed states , and widespread and systematic violations of international law , including human rights abuses ; ### ‘ conflict - affected and high - risk areas’ means areas identified by the presence of armed conflict , widespread violence or other risks of harm to people and , for these purposes , it is recognized that : armed conflict may take a variety of forms , such as a conflict of international or non - international character , which may involve two or more states , or may consist of wars of liberation , or insurgencies , civil wars ; and high - - risk areas may include areas of political instability or repression , institutional weakness , insecurity , collapse of civil infrastructure and widespread violence , both of which areas are often characterized by widespread human rights abuses and violations of national or international law ;


### adopt and clearly communicate to suppliers and the public its supply chain policy for the minerals and metals potentially originating from conflict - affected and high - risk areas , ### adopt and clearly communicate to suppliers and the public its supply chain policy for the minerals and metals potentially originating from conflict - affected and high - risk areas , as well as key measures undertaken to avoid financing of illicit activities that may lead to violations of human rights and the exploitation of , and violence against , women and children ,


### the commission shall update the information included in the list in a timely manner . the commission shall remove from the list the names of the smelters and refiners that are no longer recognised as responsible importers by member states in accordance with article 14 , or the names of the smelters and refiners in the supply chain of the no longer recognised responsible importers . ### the commission shall update the information included in the list in a timely manner . every six months , the commission shall remove from the list the names of the importers that are no longer recognised as responsible importers by member states in accordance with article 14 , or the names of the smelters and refiners in the supply chain of the no longer recognised responsible importers .


### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , a blending facility or blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities should finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , including combination of cef equity and cef debt financial instruments , and financing from eib group development or other finance institutions as well as investors . ### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , a blending facility or blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities should finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , including combination of cef equity and cef debt financial instruments , and financing from eib group development or other finance institutions as well private investment and innovative financing in order to better leverage scarce union resources ;


### a blending facility under cef should aim to enhance the multiplier effect of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors . in addition , it should ensure that the actions supported become economically and financially viable . ### a blending facility under cef should aim to enhance the multiplier effect of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors , thus ensuring a maximum degree of private investor involvement ; in addition , it should ensure that the actions supported become economically and financially viable and help to avoid a lack of investment leverage ;


### only grants and procurement may currently be used to support actions in the area of digital service infrastructures . in order to ensure as efficient as possible , financial instruments should also be made available to support these actions . ### only grants and procurement may currently be used to support actions in the area of digital service infrastructures . in order to ensure that the digital service infrastructures function as efficiently as possible , other financial instruments which are currently used under cef , including innovative financial instruments , should also be made available to support these actions .


### directive 92 / 106 / eec has contributed to the development of the union ' s policy on combined transport and has helped shift a considerable amount of freight away from road . shortcomings in the implementation of that directive , notably ambiguous language and outdated provisions , and the limited scope of its support measures , have significantly reduced its impact . ### directive 92 / 106 / eec has contributed to the development of the union ' s policy on combined transport and has helped shift a considerable amount of freight away from road . shortcomings in the implementation of that directive , notably ambiguous language and outdated provisions , and the limited scope of its support measures , have significantly reduced its impact . there has also been a failure to implement ten - t priority projects within schedule .


### the outdated usage of stamps in proving that a combined transport operation has occurred prevent the effective enforcement or the verification of eligibility for the measures provided for in directive 92 / 106 / eec . the evidence necessary to prove that a combined transport operation is taking place should be clarified as well as the means by which such evidence is provided . the use and transmission of electronic transport information , which should simplify the provision of relevant evidence and its treatment by the relevant authorities , should be encouraged . the format used should be reliable and authentic . the regulatory framework and initiatives simplifying administrative procedures and the digitalisation of transport aspects , should take into consideration developments at union level . ### the outdated usage of stamps in proving that a combined transport operation has occurred prevent the effective enforcement or the verification of eligibility for the measures provided for in directive 92 / 106 / eec . the evidence necessary to prove that a combined transport operation is taking place should be simplified and the means by which such evidence is provided clarified . the use and transmission of electronic transport information , which should simplify the provision of relevant evidence and its treatment by the relevant authorities , should be encouraged by providing access to electronic documents in order to phase out the use of paper in the future , while reducing the administrative burden . this would give more reliability and authentication to the used format used . the regulatory framework and initiatives simplifying administrative procedures and the digitalisation of transport aspects , should take into consideration developments at union level .


### the main infrastructure bottleneck hampering the shift from road freight to other modes of transport is at the transhipment terminal level . the current distribution and coverage of transhipment terminals in the union , at least along the existing ten - t core and comprehensive network , is insufficient yet the capacity of existing transhipment terminals is reaching its limit and will need to develop in order to cope with overall freight traffic growth . investing in transhipment terminal capacity may reduce overall transhipment costs , and hence produce a derived modal shift , as demonstrated in some member states . member states should therefore ensure , in coordination with the neighbouring member states and with the commission , that more combined transport transhipment terminals and transhipment capacity are constructed or made available to transport operators . this would incentivise the use of freight transport alternatives and increase modal shift , thus making combined transport operations more competitive than road transport alone . the increased coverage and capacity of transhipment terminals should , at the very minimum , be established along the existing ten - t core and comprehensive networks . there should be on average at least one suitable transhipment terminal for combined transport located no further than 150 km from any shipment location in the union . ### the main infrastructure bottleneck hampering the shift from road freight to other modes of transport is the lack of coherent implementation of the ten - ts and consequently transhipment terminals . the current distribution and coverage of transhipment terminals in the union , at least along the existing ten - t core and comprehensive network , is insufficient yet the capacity of existing transhipment terminals is reaching its limit and will need to develop in order to cope with overall freight traffic growth . investing in the implementation of the projects approved at european level will make it possible to invest effectively in transhipment terminals with the aim of bringing about a modal shift and reducing overall transport costs , and hence produce a derived modal shift , as demonstrated in some member states . member states should therefore ensure , in coordination with the neighbouring member states and with the commission , that more combined transport transhipment terminals and transhipment capacity are constructed or made available to transport operators . this would incentivise the use of freight transport alternatives and increase modal shift , thus making combined transport operations more competitive than road transport alone . the increased coverage and capacity of transhipment terminals should , at the very minimum , be established along the existing ten - t core and comprehensive networks . there should be on average at least one suitable transhipment terminal for combined transport located no further than 150 km as the crow flies from any shipment location in the union except in peripheral and outermost regions , where geographical constraints mean that this would be impossible or that investment in infrastructure would be excessive in relation to the directive’s objective of promoting a shift in goods transport from road to more environmentally friendly modes of transport .


### member states shall ensure that road transport is considered forming part of a combined transport operation covered by this directive only if the carrier can produce clear evidence that such road transport constitutes a road leg of a combined transport operation , including the transport of empty load units before and after the transport of goods . ### in order for member states to consider road transport as forming part of a combined transport operation covered by this directive , the carrier shall produce clear evidence that such road transport constitutes a road leg of a combined transport operation , including the transport of empty load units before and after the transport of goods .


### the evidence referred to in paragraph 1 shall comprise the following details for each combined transport operation : ### in order to provide clear evidence , the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall comprise the following details for each combined transport operation , preferably using electronic documents to boost the digitalisation of the sector and reduce the administrative burden :


### the evidence referred to in paragraph 1 shall be presented or transmitted upon the request of the authorised inspecting officer of the member state where the check is carried out . in case of road side checks , it shall be presented within the duration of such check . it shall be in an official language of that member state or in english . during a roadside check , the driver shall be allowed to contact the head office , the transport manager or any other person or entity which may support him in providing the evidence referred to paragraph 2 . ### the evidence referred to in paragraph 1 shall be presented or transmitted upon the request of the authorised inspecting officer of the member state where the check is carried out . in case of road side checks , it shall be presented within the duration of such check . it shall be in an official language of that member state or in english . if the documentation is not available at the time of the roadside check , it shall be submitted electronically no later than 5 days after the check . during a roadside check , the driver shall be allowed to contact the head office , the transport manager or any other person or entity which may support him in providing the evidence referred to paragraph 2 .


### member states shall coordinate with neighbouring member states and with the commission and ensure that , when such measures are implemented , priority is given to ensuring a balanced and sufficient geographical distribution of suitable facilities in the union , and notably on the ten - t core and comprehensive networks , allowing that any location in the union is not situated at a distance farther than 150 km from such terminal . ### member states shall coordinate with neighbouring member states , particularly via close cooperation between their competent authorities , and with the commission and ensure that , when such measures are implemented , priority is given to ensuring a sufficient geographical distribution of transhipment terminals union - wide , and notably on the ten - t core and comprehensive networks , allowing that any location in the union is not situated at a distance farther than 150 km as the crow flies from such terminal . member states may derogate from this 150 - km rule if these facilities have no economic relevance or for reasons related the geographic or natural features of a given area . such derogations shall be duly justified by the competent authority .


### any union action on new psychoactive substances should be based on scientific evidence . ### any union action on new psychoactive substances should be based on scientific evidence . given that in some cases new psychoactive substances could be so novel to the field that , at least initially , there would be very limited evidence from scientific research on public health risks , it is necessary to undertake rapid risk assessment procedures at union level .


### member states shall determine the use of revenues generated by this directive . to enable the transport network to be developed as a whole , revenues generated from infrastructure and external costs charges , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used to benefit the transport sector , and optimise the entire transport system . in particular , revenues generated from external cost charges , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used to make transport more sustainable , including one or more of the following : facilitating efficient pricing ; reducing road transport pollution at source ; mitigating the effects of road transport pollution at source ; improving the co2 and energy performance of vehicles ; developing alternative infrastructure for transport users and / or expanding current capacity ; supporting the trans - european transport network ; optimising logistics ; improving road safety ; and ### - ain paragraph 2 , the first subparagraph is replaced by the following : “revenues generated from infrastructure , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , shall be reinvested in the road network . revenues generated from external cost charges , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , shall be used to make transport more sustainable , including one or more of the following : facilitating efficient pricing ; reducing road transport pollution at source ; mitigating the effects of road transport pollution at source ; improving the co2 and energy performance of vehicles ; developing alternative infrastructure for transport users and / or expanding current capacity ; supporting and enhancing the development of electro - mobility including infrastructure to transfer electricity to vehicles ; supporting collective modes of transport . ”“