### when carriers , travel agents and tour operators have recourse to paragraphs 1 or 4 , they shall immediately inform the disabled person or person with reduced mobility of the specific reasons therefor . those reasons shall be notified to the disabled person or person with reduced mobility , no later than five working days after that person was informed . in case of refusal according to paragraph 1 , reference shall be made to the applicable health and safety requirements . ### when carriers , travel agents and tour operators have recourse to paragraphs 1 or 4 , they shall immediately inform the disabled person or person with reduced mobility of the specific reasons therefor . on request , those reasons shall be notified to the disabled person or person with reduced mobility in writing , no later than five working days after the request . in case of refusal according to paragraph 1 , reference shall be made to the applicable safety requirements .


### where a passenger service is cancelled or delayed in departure from a port for more than 120 minutes , passengers shall have the right of such re - routing or reimbursement of the ticket price from the carrier . ### where a passenger service is cancelled or delayed in departure from a port for more than 90 minutes , passengers shall have the right of such re - routing or reimbursement of the ticket price from the carrier .


### where a carrier reasonably expects the departure of a passenger service or a cruise to be cancelled or delayed for more than 120 minutes beyond its scheduled time of departure , passengers departing from port terminals shall be offered free of charge snacks , meals or refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time , provided they are available , or can reasonably be supplied . ### where a carrier reasonably expects the departure of a passenger service or a cruise to be cancelled or delayed for more than 60&#160 ; minutes beyond its scheduled time of departure , passengers departing from port terminals shall be offered free of charge snacks , meals or refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time , provided they are available , or can reasonably be supplied .


### paragraph 4 is amended as follows : in point , the following phrase is added : ' this indent shall be without prejudice to articles 17a and 3d ; ' the following point is added : for the calculation of biofuels in the numerator , the share of energy from biofuels produced from cereal and other starch rich crops , sugars and oil crops shall be no more than 5% , the estimated share at the end of 2011 , of the final consumption of energy in transport in 2020 . ### paragraph 4 is amended as follows : the first sentence is replaced by the following : each member state shall ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in all forms of transport in 2020 is at least 10 % of the final consumption of energy in transport in that member state , in point , the following phrase is added : ' this indent shall be without prejudice to articles 17a and 3d ; ' the following point is added : for the calculation of biofuels in the numerator , the share of energy from biofuels produced from feedstock listed in annex ix shall be at least 2% of the final consumption of energy in transport in 2020 , and the share of energy from biofuels produced from food crops shall be at least 8% of the final consumption of energy .


### in order to ensure the long - term competitiveness of bio - based industrial sectors , and in line with the 2012 communication ‘ innovating for sustainable growth : a bioeconomy for europe’ and the roadmap to a resource efficient europe , promoting integrated and diversified biorefineries across europe , enhanced incentives under directive 2009 / 28 / ec should be set in a way that gives preference to the use of biomass feedstocks that do not have a high economic value for other uses than biofuels . ### in order to ensure the long - term competitiveness and investment security of bio - based industrial sectors , and in line with the 2012 communication ‘ innovating for sustainable growth : a bioeconomy for europe’ and the roadmap to a resource efficient europe , promoting integrated and diversified biorefineries across europe , enhanced incentives under directive 2009 / 28 / ec should be set in a way that promotes resource - efficient use of biomass feedstocks and gives preference to second - generation biofuels .


### the existing community legislation on consumer financial services contains numerous rules on consumer protection . for this reason the provisions of this directive cover contracts relating to financial services only insofar as this is necessary to fill the regulatory gaps . ### the existing community legislation on consumer financial services contains numerous rules on consumer protection . the provisions of this directive should cover credit agreements involving amounts less than eur 200 or more than eur 75 000 , not included in directive 2008 / 48 / ec .


### member states should ensure that at least one payment service provider offers a payment account with basic features to consumers . access should not be overly difficult and should not entail excessive costs for consumers . in this respect , member states should consider factors such as the location of the designated payment service providers in their territory . in order to minimise the risk for consumers to become financially excluded , member states should improve financial education , including at school , and combat over - indebtedness . furthermore , member states should promote initiatives of payment service providers in order to facilitate the combination of providing payment accounts with basic features and financial education . ### member states should ensure that banks active in the retail banking business offer a payment account with basic features to consumers . access should not be overly difficult and should not entail excessive costs for consumers . in this respect , member states should ensure that exemptions are only based on the requirements set out in directive 2005 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing16 , in particular with regard to customer due diligence procedures . in order to minimise the risk for consumers to become financially excluded , member states should improve financial education , including at school , and combat over - indebtedness . furthermore , member states should promote initiatives of payment service providers in order to facilitate the combination of providing payment accounts with basic features and financial education .


### consumers who are legally resident in the union and who do not hold a payment account in a certain member state should be in a position to open and use a payment account with basic features in that member state . in order to ensure the widest possible access to such accounts , consumers should have access to them irrespective of their financial circumstances , such as unemployment or personal bankruptcy , and of their place of residence . moreover , the right to access a payment account with basic features in any member state should be granted in conformity with the requirements set out in directive 2005 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing16 , in particular with regard to customer due diligence procedures . __________________ 16 oj l 309 , 25 . 11 . 2005 , p . 15 . ### consumers who are legally resident in the union and who do not hold a payment account in a certain member state should be in a position to open and use a payment account with basic features in that member state . in order to ensure the widest possible access to such accounts , consumers should have access to them irrespective of their financial circumstances and of their place of residence . today , it is necessary to have access to a bank account to enable effective and full participation in the financial and social community . consumers without a bank account are forced to use cash which not only restricts their choice of payment methods and serves to exclude them from electronic transactions , but is also more expensive . moreover , the right to access a payment account with basic features in any member state should be granted in conformity with the requirements set out in directive 2005 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing16 , in particular with regard to customer due diligence procedures . __________________ 16 oj l 309 , 25 . 11 . 2005 , p . 15 .


### payment service providers located in a member state which does not have the euro as its currency shall comply with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 2 of the annex for credit transfers denominated in euros and with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 3 of the annex for direct debit transactions denominated in euros by [ insert concrete date month ) 4 years after entry into force of this regulation ] . if , however , the euro is introduced as the currency of any such member state before [ insert concrete date 3 years after entry into force of this regulation ] , the payment service provider located in that member state shall meet those requirements within one year of the date on which the member state concerned joined the euro area . ### payment service providers located in a member state which does not have the euro as its currency shall comply with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 2 of the annex for credit transfers denominated in euros and with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 3 of the annex for direct debit transactions denominated in euros by [ insert concrete date 36 months after entry into force of this regulation ] . if , however , the euro is introduced as the currency of any such member state , the payment service provider located in that member state shall comply with article 4 within the same time limit as for the member state already within the euro area .


### by [ insert concrete date 12 months after entry into force of this regulation ] at the latest , credit transfers shall be carried out in accordance with the technical requirements set out in points 1 and 2 of the annex . ### by [ insert concrete date 24 months after entry into force of this regulation ] at the latest , credit transfers shall be carried out in accordance with the technical requirements set out in points 1 and 2 of the annex .


### promote equality between women and men and combat discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; ### promote equality between women and men . to this end , the objectives outlined in the european strategy for gender equality 2010 - 2015 shall be applied , particularly with regard to promoting women ' s economic independence by encouraging self - employment and the creation by women of businesses ; possibilities for reconciliation shall be encouraged and particular emphasis placed on equality in decision making on political and business - related economic issues . these are useful and specific ways in which to counter gender discrimination and should be accompanied by measures to combat discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ;


### if the intermediary will receive a fee or a commission of any kind , the full amount of the remuneration concerning the insurance products being offered or considered or , where the precise amount is not capable of being given , the basis of calculation of all the fee or commission or the combination of both ; ### if the intermediary will receive a fee or a commission of any kind , under the condition that it ensures a level playing field between all distribution channels , and where necessary and proportional , a member state can require from the intermediary or the insurance undertaking , upon request of the customer , other disclosure requirements ;


### the certificates provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be valid for a maximum of 5 years . member states may prolong the validity of the certificates provided for in paragraph 1 when the person concerned is undergoing a compulsory periodic training every five years to update the knowledge on the subjects referred to in paragraph 2 . ### the existing certificates issued in accordance with regulation no 842 / 2006 , shall remain in force .


### the certificates provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be valid for a maximum of 5 years . member states may prolong the validity of the certificates provided for in paragraph 1 when the person concerned is undergoing a compulsory periodic training every five years to update the knowledge on the subjects referred to in paragraph 2 . ### the new certificates provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be subject to renewal every five years , under certification processes . the candidates shall acquire the certification if they completed the process successfully .


### the certificates provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be valid for a maximum of 5 years . member states may prolong the validity of the certificates provided for in paragraph 1 when the person concerned is undergoing a compulsory periodic training every five years to update the knowledge on the subjects referred to in paragraph 2 . ### the certificates provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3 shall be valid for a maximum of 5 years . member states shall prolong the validity of the certificates provided for in paragraph 1 when the person concerned is undergoing compulsory periodic training every five years to update the knowledge on the subjects referred to in paragraph 2 .


### installing , servicing , maintaining , repairing or decommissioning equipment referred to in article 3 ; ### installing , servicing , maintaining , repairing or decommissioning equipment referred to in article 3 , as well as equipment containing alternatives to fluorinated greenhouse gases ;


### installing , servicing , maintaining , repairing or decommissioning electrical switchgear that contains sf6 ; ### recovering sf6 when installing , servicing , maintaining , repairing or decommissioning electrical switchgear ;


### in order to take technological progress and the development of markets affected by this regulation into account , and to ensure compliance with international agreements , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission with regard to the following : specifying requirements for standard leakage checks ; extending the list of equipment subject to mandatory recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases ; specifying minimum requirements and the conditions for the mutual recognition of training programmes for persons who install , maintain , repair or decommission the equipment and who check leaks and recover fluorinated greenhouse gases , and for the certification of those persons and of companies that perform such tasks ; amending labelling requirements ; prohibiting the placing on the market of more products and equipment that contain or rely on fluorinated greenhouse gases ; amending the maximum quantities of hydrofluorocarbons that may be placed on the market and exempting the supply of hydrofluorocarbons for specific critical uses from the quota requirement for health and safety reasons ; determining the rules for recalculating reference values for the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons by individual undertakings and amending or supplementing the mechanism for the allocation of quotas ; revising the thresholds for reporting requirements ; establishing requirements for the reporting systems on emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases and the use of the data on emissions collected by the member states ; including other substances with a significant global warming potential in the lists of substances covered by this regulation and updating the lists on the basis of new scientific findings , in particular the global warming potential of the substances listed in the annexes to the regulation . ### in order to take technological progress and the development of markets affected by this regulation into account , and to ensure compliance with international agreements , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission with regard to the following : specifying requirements for standard leakage checks ; extending the list of equipment subject to mandatory recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases ; specifying minimum requirements and the conditions for the mutual recognition of training programmes for persons who install , maintain , repair or decommission the equipment and who check leaks and recover fluorinated greenhouse gases , and for the certification of those persons and of companies that perform such tasks ; amending labelling requirements ; amending the maximum quantities of hydrofluorocarbons that may be placed on the market and exempting the supply of hydrofluorocarbons for specific critical uses from the quota requirement for health and safety reasons ; determining the rules for recalculating reference values for the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons by individual undertakings and amending or supplementing the mechanism for the allocation of quotas ; revising the thresholds for reporting requirements ; establishing requirements for the reporting systems on emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases and the use of the data on emissions collected by the member states ; including other substances with a significant global warming potential in the lists of substances covered by this regulation and updating the lists on the basis of new scientific findings , in particular the global warming potential of the substances listed in the annexes to the regulation .


### a commission report on the application , effects and adequacy of regulation no 842 / 2006 concluded that the current containment measures , if fully applied , have the potential to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases . those measures should , therefore , be maintained and clarified on the basis of the experience gained in implementing them . certain measures should also be extended to other appliances in which substantial quantities of fluorinated greenhouse gases are used , such as refrigerated trucks and trailers . the obligation to establish and maintain records of equipment that contains such gases should also cover electrical switchgear . ### a commission report on the application , effects and adequacy of regulation no 842 / 2006 concluded that the current containment measures , if fully applied , have the potential to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases . those measures should , therefore , be maintained and clarified on the basis of the experience gained in implementing them , and should be complemented by requirements in relation to recovery schemes and by the extensive use of recovered and recycled fluorinated greenhouse gases together with the introduced bans . certain measures should also be extended to other appliances in which substantial quantities of fluorinated greenhouse gases are used , such as refrigerated trucks and trailers . the obligation to establish and maintain records of equipment that contains such gases should also cover electrical switchgear .


### the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases , or of mixtures that contain fluorinated greenhouse gases , with a global warming potential of 2500 or more , to service or maintain refrigeration equipment with a charge size equivalent to 5 tonnes of co2 or more , shall be prohibited from 1 january 2020 . ### the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases , or of mixtures that contain fluorinated greenhouse gases , with a global warming potential of 2500 or more , to service or maintain refrigeration equipment designed for an operating temperature of - 50°c or above and with a charge size equivalent to 50 tonnes of co2 or more , shall be prohibited from 1 january 2020 . until 1 january 2030 this provision shall not apply to recovered or reclaimed fluorinated greenhouse gases with a global warming potential of 2500 or more used for the maintenance or servicing of existing refrigeration equipment , provided they have been recovered from such equipment . such recovered or reclaimed gases should be properly labelled in accordance with article 10 . until 1 january 2030 this provision shall not apply to recycled fluorinated greenhouse gases with a global potential of 2500 or more used for the maintenance and servicing of existing refrigeration equipment provided they have been recovered from such equipment . such recycled gases may only be used by the undertaking which carries out their recovery as part of maintenance and servicing or the undertaking for which the recovery was carried out as part of maintenance and servicing .


### in the corrective part of the stability and growth pact , sanctions for member states whose currency is the euro should take the form of an obligation to lodge a non - interest - bearing deposit linked to a council decision establishing the existence of an excessive deficit and the obligation to pay a fine in the event of non - compliance with a council recommendation to correct an excessive government deficit . these sanctions should be imposed irrespective of whether or not an interest - bearing deposit has previously been imposed on the member state concerned . ### in the corrective part of the stability and growth pact , sanctions for member states whose currency is the euro should take the form of an obligation to lodge a non - interest - bearing deposit linked to a council decision establishing the existence of an excessive deficit or excessive government debt and the obligation to pay a fine in the event of non - compliance with a council recommendation to correct an excessive government deficit or excessive government debt . these sanctions should be imposed irrespective of whether or not an interest - bearing deposit has previously been imposed on the member state concerned .


### the non - interest - bearing deposit should be released upon correction of the excessive deficit while the interest on such deposits and the fines collected should be distributed among member states whose currency is the euro which do not have an excessive deficit and which are not the subject of an excessive imbalance procedure either . ### the non - interest - bearing deposit should be released upon correction of the excessive deficit or excessive government debt while the interest on such deposits and the fines collected should be allocated to the union ' s financial stability mechanism , in support of achieving the union’s sustainable growth objectives .


### additional sanctions are necessary to make the enforcement of budgetary surveillance more effective in the euro area . those sanctions should enhance the credibility of the fiscal surveillance framework of the union . ### incentives and additional sanctions are necessary to make the enforcement of budgetary surveillance more effective in the euro area . those sanctions should enhance the credibility of the fiscal surveillance framework of the union and the incentives should reinforce compliance .


### if the council addresses to a member state a recommendation in accordance with article 121 of the treaty to take the necessary adjustment measures in the event of persisting or particularly serious and significant deviations from prudent fiscal policy - making as laid down in article 6 of regulation no 1466 / 97 , the lodging of an interest bearing deposit shall be imposed by the council , acting on a proposal from the commission . the decision shall be deemed to be adopted by the council unless it decides by qualified majority to reject the proposal within ten days of the commission adopting it . the council may amend the proposal in accordance with article 293 of the treaty . ### if the council addresses to a member state a recommendation in accordance with article 121 tfeu to take the necessary adjustment measures in the event of persisting or particularly serious and significant deviations from sustainable fiscal policy - making as laid down in article 6 of regulation no 1466 / 97 , the lodging of an interest bearing deposit shall be imposed by the council , acting on a proposal from the commission . the decision shall be deemed to be adopted by the council unless it decides by qualified majority to reject the proposal within ten days of the commission adopting it . the council may amend the proposal in accordance with article 293 tfeu .


### prudent fiscal policy - making should effectively achieve and maintain the medium - term budgetary objective . adherence to the medium - term objective for budgetary positions should allow member states to have a safety margin with respect to the 3% of gdp reference value for the government deficit , to ensure rapid progress towards sustainability , and at the same time to have room for budgetary manoeuvre , in particular taking into account the needs for public investment . ### efficient and sustainable fiscal policy - making should effectively achieve and maintain the medium - term budgetary objective . adherence to the medium - term objective for budgetary positions should allow member states to have a safety margin with respect to the reference values of 3% of gdp for the government deficit and 60% of gdp for government debt , to ensure rapid progress towards sustainability , and at the same time to have room for budgetary manoeuvre , in particular taking into account the needs for public investment .


### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for prudent fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 of the treaty . ### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for efficient and sustainable fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits or excessive government debt , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 tfeu .


### if the council decides in accordance with article 126 of the treaty that the member state has not taken effective action in response to a council recommendation within the period laid down , the council , acting on a proposal from the commission , shall decide that the member state shall pay a fine . the decision shall be deemed adopted by the council unless it decides by qualified majority to reject the proposal within ten days of the commission adopting it . the council may amend the proposal in accordance with article 293 of the treaty . ### if the council decides in accordance with article 126 of the treaty that the member state has not taken effective action in response to a council recommendation within the period laid down , the council , acting on a proposal from the commission , shall decide that structural funds provided by the eu to the member state shall be suspended . the decision shall be deemed adopted by the council unless it decides by qualified majority to reject the proposal within ten days of the commission adopting it . the council may amend the proposal in accordance with article 293 of the treaty .


### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for prudent fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 of the treaty . ### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for prudent fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 of the treaty . debt structure will be taken into account as a relevant factor on this recommendation .


### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for prudent fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 of the treaty . ### in the preventive part of the stability and growth pact , the incentive for sustainable fiscal policy - making should consist of an obligation to lodge an interest - bearing deposit temporarily imposed on a member state whose currency is the euro that is making insufficient progress with budgetary consolidation . this should be the case when , following an initial warning from the commission , a member state persists in conduct which , while not amounting to a violation of the ban on excessive deficits , is imprudent and potentially detrimental to the smooth functioning of economic and monetary union , and the council therefore issues a recommendation in accordance with article 121 tfeu .


### at the same time , it is crucial to support the development and competitiveness of european small and medium - sized enterprises and to ensure that people can adapt , through acquiring appropriate skills and through lifelong learning opportunities , to new challenges such as the shift to a knowledge - based economy , the digital agenda , and the transition to a low - carbon and more energy - efficient economy . by pursuing its primary thematic objectives , the esf should contribute to addressing these challenges . in this context , the esf should support the labour force transition towards greener skills and jobs , in particular in the energy efficiency , renewable energy and sustainable transport sectors , taking into account the union ' s intention to increase the proportion of the eu budget that is related to climate mainstreaming to at least 20% , with contributions from different policy fields . ### at the same time , it is crucial to support the development and competitiveness of european small and medium - sized enterprises and to ensure that people can adapt , through acquiring appropriate skills and through lifelong learning opportunities , to new challenges such as the shift to a knowledge - based economy , the digital agenda , and the transition to a low - carbon and more energy - efficient economy . by pursuing its primary thematic objectives , the esf should contribute to addressing these challenges .


### european standards should continue to be adopted by the european standardisation bodies , namely european committee for standardisation , the european committee for electrotechnical standardisation and the european telecommunications standards institute . ### the european standardisation system should continue to be a voluntary and market driven process and be based on the principles for standardisation as set out by the world trade organisation in the context of the technical barriers to trade agreement . european standards should continue to be adopted by the european standardisation bodies , namely european committee for standardisation , the european committee for electrotechnical standardisation and the european telecommunications standards institute .


### european standardisation bodies shall ensure an appropriate representation of small and medium - sized enterprises , consumer organisations and environmental and social stakeholders , in particular through the organisations referred to in annex iii , at the policy development level and at least at the following stages of the development of european standards or european standardisation deliverables : ### european standardisation bodies shall ensure consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders including small and medium - sized enterprises , consumer organisations and environmental and social stakeholders , in particular through the organisations referred to in annex iii , at the policy development level and at least at the following stages of the development of european standards or european standardisation deliverables :


### the drawing up of information to explain , interpret and simplify european standards or european standardisation deliverables , including the drawing up of user guides , best practice information and awareness - building actions ; ### the drawing up of information to explain , interpret and simplify european standards or european standardisation deliverables , including the drawing up of user guides , abstracts of standards , best practice information and awareness - building actions ;


### standards can contribute to helping european policy address the major societal challenges such as climate change , sustainable resource use , ageing , and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade . ### standards can contribute to helping european policy address the major societal challenges such as climate change , sustainable resource use , ageing , and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade , preserve natural resources and promote social inclusion .


### standards can have a broad impact on society , in particular on the safety and well - being of citizens , the efficiency of networks , the environment , accessibility and other public policy fields . therefore , it is necessary to ensure that the role and the input of societal stakeholders in the elaboration of standards is strengthened , through the support of organisations representing the interests of consumers , the environment and societal stakeholders . ### standards can have a broad impact on society , in particular on the safety and well - being of citizens , the efficiency of networks , the environment , accessibility and other public policy fields . therefore , it is necessary to ensure that the role and the input of societal stakeholders in the elaboration of standards is strengthened , through the support of organisations representing the interests of consumers , the environment , business and societal stakeholders .


### standards are important tools for undertakings and especially small and medium - sized enterprises which , however , are not adequately involved in the standardisation system so that the risk exists that standards do not take into account the needs and concerns of sme . consequently , it is essential to improve their representation and participation in the standardisation process , particularly in the technical committees . ### standards are important tools for the competitiveness of undertakings and especially small and medium - sized enterprises , whose participation in the standardisation process is essential for technological progress in the eu . standardisation rules should therefore encourage smes to actively contribute their innovative technology solutions to standardisation efforts . furthermore , it is essential to improve their representation and participation in the standardisation process , particularly in the technical committees .


### has as its statutory objectives and activities to represent consumer interests in the standardisation process at european level ; ### has as its statutory objectives and activities to represent consumer interests , including consumers who are particularly vulnerable because of their mental or physical disabilities , age or credulity , in the standardisation process at european level ;


### standards are important tools for undertakings and especially small and medium - sized enterprises which , however , are not adequately involved in the standardisation system so that the risk exists that standards do not take into account the needs and concerns of sme . consequently , it is essential to improve their representation and participation in the standardisation process , particularly in the technical committees . ### standards are important tools for the competitiveness of undertakings and especially small and medium - sized enterprises which , however , are under - represented and not adequately involved in the standardisation system so that the risk exists that standards do not take into account the needs and concerns of smes . it is therefore necessary to improve the participation of smes at national level where they can be more effective due to lower costs and lack of linguistic barriers , in accordance with the principle of national delegation . consequently , it is essential that this regulation improves their representation and participation in the national technical committees and ensures their effective access to standards .


### each european and national standardisation body shall send any draft national standard , european standard and european standardisation deliverable to other european and national standardisation bodies and the commission , upon their request . ### each european and national standardisation body shall systematically send any draft national standard , european standard and european standardisation deliverable to other european and national standardisation bodies and the commission . each draft national standard shall be sent in english additionally to the national language .


### each european and national standardisation body shall send any draft national standard , european standard and european standardisation deliverable to other european and national standardisation bodies and the commission , upon their request . ### each european and national standardisation body shall systematically send any draft national standard , european standard and european standardisation deliverable to other european and national standardisation bodies and the commission .


### ‘ cooperation for innovation and good practices’ means transnational cooperation projects involving organisations active in the fields of education , training and / or youth and may include other organisations . ### ' cooperation for innovation and good practices ' means transnational and international cooperation projects involving institutions , social partners , organisations and enterprises active in the fields of education and training and / or youth .


### to promote the emergence of a european lifelong learning area , trigger policy reforms at national level , support the modernisation of education and training systems , including non - formal learning , and support european cooperation in the youth field , notably through enhanced policy cooperation , better use of recognition and transparency tools and the dissemination of good practices ; ### to promote the emergence of a european lifelong learning area , trigger policy reforms at national level , support the modernisation of education and training systems , including non - formal learning , and support european cooperation in the youth field , notably through enhanced policy cooperation , better use of recognition and transparency tools and the dissemination of good practices , including measures aimed at alleviating administrative burdens ;


### transnational strategic partnerships between organisations involved in education , training and / or youth activities or other relevant sectors developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting exchanges of experience and know - how ; ### strategic partnerships between organisations and / or institutions involved in education and training and / or other relevant stakeholders , including social partners , aimed at developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting peer learning and exchanges of experience ; strategic partnerships for schools may include class and individual exchanges aimed at reinforcing linguistic skills and intercultural awareness and can include joint learning projects for pupils and their teachers ;


### to improve the teaching and learning of languages and promote linguistic diversity ; ### to improve the teaching and learning of languages and to promote linguistic diversity , including regional , minority and migrant languages ;


### eur 238 827 000 for actions relating to sport , as referred to in chapter iii . ### [ 1 , 4% , but at least a minimum of eur 238 827 000 ] for the sport activities referred to in article 12 .


### eur 16 741 738 000 for actions in the field of education , training and youth , as referred to under article 6 ; ### [ 88 , 5% ] for actions in the field of education and training , as referred to in article 6 . from this amount , the following minimum allocations shall be earmarked for the main educational sectors :


### support to non - commercial european sport events involving several european countries ; ### support to non - commercial european sport events involving several european countries and aimed at promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities , such as special events involving disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities ;


### the programme should include a strong international dimension particularly as regards higher education , not only to enhance the quality of european higher education in pursuit of the broader et2020 objectives and the attractiveness of the union as a study destination , but also to promote understanding between people and contribution to the sustainable development of higher education in the third countries . ### the programme should include a strong international dimension particularly as regards vocational education and training , higher education and adult learning , not only to enhance the quality of european higher education and training in pursuit of the broader et2020 objectives and the attractiveness of the union as a study destination , but also to promote understanding between people and contribution to the sustainable development of higher education and training in the third countries .


### it support platforms , including e - twinning , covering educational sectors and youth allowing peer learning , virtual mobility and exchanges of best practices and opening access for participants from neighbourhood countries . ### it support platforms , including in particular etwinning , covering all educational sectors and allowing peer learning , virtual mobility and exchanges of best practices and opening access for participants from neighbourhood countries .


### eur 238 827 000 for actions relating to sport , as referred to in chapter iii . ### [ 1 , 4% ] for the sport activities referred to in article 12 .


### transnational strategic partnerships between organisations involved in education , training and / or youth activities or other relevant sectors developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting exchanges of experience and know - how ; ### strategic partnerships between organisations involved in education and training or other relevant stakeholders , including social partners , developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting exchanges of experience and know - how ;


### the programme aims to contribute to the objectives of the europe 2020 strategy and of the education and training strategic framework 2020 , including the corresponding benchmarks established in those instruments , to renewed framework for european cooperation in the youth field , to the sustainable development of third countries in the field of higher education and to developing the european dimension in sport . ### the programme shall contribute to the :


### ‘ cooperation for innovation and good practices’ means transnational cooperation projects involving organisations active in the fields of education , training and / or youth and may include other organisations . ### ‘ cooperation for innovation and good practices’ means transnational and international cooperation projects involving organisations active in the fields of education , training and / or youth and may include other organisations ;


### transnational strategic partnerships between organisations involved in education , training and / or youth activities or other relevant sectors developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting exchanges of experience and know - how ; ### transnational strategic partnerships between organisations and / or institutions involved in education , training and / or youth activities or other relevant sectors with a view to developing and implementing joint initiatives and promoting peer learning and exchanges of experience ;


### to promote social inclusion , equal opportunities and health - enhancing physical activity through increased participation in sport . ### to promote social inclusion , equal opportunities and health - enhancing physical activity through increased participation in sport and support to non - commercial pan european sports events .


### cooperation for innovation and good practices action shall support : ### cooperation for innovation and good practices shall apply to comenius , erasmus , leonardo da vinci and grundvig either in a cross sectoral perspective or within a given sector and will take the form of :


### improved transparency of qualifications and competences and extended acceptance of union tools should facilitate mobility throughout europe for lifelong learning purposes , therefore contributing to the development of quality education and training , and will facilitate mobility for occupational purposes , between countries as well as across sectors . opening up access for young students to methods , practices and technologies used in other countries will help to improve their employability in a global economy ; it can also help making jobs with an international profile more attractive . ### improved transparency , comparability and recognition of qualifications and competences and extended acceptance of union tools should facilitate mobility throughout europe for lifelong learning purposes , therefore contributing to the development of quality education and training , and will facilitate mobility for occupational purposes , between countries as well as across sectors . opening up access for young students to methods , practices and technologies used in other countries will help to improve their employability in a global economy ; it can also help making jobs with an international profile more attractive .


### transnational mobility of higher education and vocational training students as well as of young people involved in non - formal activities between the participating countries as referred in article 18 . this mobility may take the form of studying at a partner institution , traineeships abroad or participating in youth activities , notably volunteering . degree mobility at masters level shall be supported through the student loan guarantee facility as referred to in article 14 . ### mobility of higher education students in the form of studying at a partner institution or traineeships abroad between the participating countries as referred to in article 18 . degree mobility at masters level shall be supported through the student loan guarantee facility as referred to in article 14 .


### the programme aims to contribute to the objectives of the europe 2020 strategy and of the education and training strategic framework 2020 , including the corresponding benchmarks established in those instruments , to renewed framework for european cooperation in the youth field , to the sustainable development of third countries in the field of higher education and to developing the european dimension in sport . ### the programme shall contribute to :


### ‘ corrective action’ means action taken to eliminate the cause of a potential or real non - conformity or other undesirable situation ; ### ‘ corrective action’ means action to eliminate the cause of non - conformities in order to prevent recurrence ;


### ‘ field safety corrective action’ means corrective action taken by the manufacturer for technical or medical reasons to prevent or reduce the risk of a serious incident in relation to a device made available on the market ; ### field safety corrective action : a field safety corrective action is an action taken by a manufacturer to reduce a risk of death or serious deterioration in the state of health associated with the use of a medical device ;


### ‘ field safety notice’ means the communication sent by the manufacturer to users or customers in relation to a field safety corrective action ; ### ‘ field safety notice’ means a communication sent out by a manufacturer or its representative to the device users in relation to a field safety corrective action ;


### in a consistent and adequate way for users ' perception , operation and understanding , including adaptability of content presentation and interaction , when necessary , providing an accessible electronic alternative ; ### in a consistent and adequate way for users ' perception , navigation , operation , interaction and understanding , including adaptability of content presentation , when necessary , providing an accessible electronic alternative ;


### the conformity with web - accessibility requirements should be continuously monitored from the initial construction of the public sector bodies ' website to all subsequent updates of its content . a harmonised monitoring methodology would cover a way of verifying , on a uniform basis in all members states , the degree of compliance of the website with the requirements for web - accessibility , the collection of representative samples and the periodicity of the monitoring . . member states should report annually on the outcome of the monitoring and more generally on the list of actions taken in application of this directive . ### the conformity with web - accessibility requirements should be continuously monitored from the initial construction of the website concerned to all subsequent updates of its content . a harmonised monitoring methodology would cover a way of verifying , on a uniform basis in all members states , the degree of compliance of the website with the requirements for web - accessibility , the collection of representative samples and the periodicity of the monitoring . member states should report regularly on the outcome of the monitoring and more generally on the list of actions taken in application of this directive .


### the commission shall carry out a review of the application of this directive within three years from its entry into force . ### the commission shall review the application of this directive and transmit a report to the european parliament and the council not later than . . . * . that report shall assess whether this directive has achieved its objectives , in particular with regard to enhancing the accessibility of websites , taking into account the convergence of technologies and the use of other technologies and devices to access online content . ___________ * oj : please insert the date : three years after the date of entry into force of this directive .


### it lays down the rules according to which member states shall make accessible the content of websites belonging to public sector bodies , the types of which are specified in the annex . ### it lays down the rules according to which member states shall make accessible the content of websites belonging to public sector bodies and websites operated by entities providing basic services to the public , the types of which are specified in the annex .


### on the accessibility of public sector bodies ' websites ### on the accessibility of public sector bodies ' websites and websites operated by entities providing basic services to the public


### ' websites concerned ' means those referred to in article 1 of this directive . ### ' websites concerned ' means all versions of those websites referred to in article 1 , including those designed to be accessed with a mobile device or by any other means .


### the commission establishes , by way of implementing acts , the methodology for the monitoring of the conformity of the websites concerned with the requirements for web - accessibility as set out in article 3 . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 9 . the methodology will be published in the official journal of the european union . ### the commission establishes , by way of implementing acts , the methodology for the monitoring of the conformity of the websites concerned with the requirements for web - accessibility as set out in article 3 . that methodology shall be transparent , transferable , comparable and reproducible and it shall be established in close consultation with relevant industry and civil society stakeholders , including , in particular , representative organisations of persons with disabilities . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 9 . the methodology will be published in the official journal of the european union .


### ‘ content of websites’ means information to be communicated to the user by means of a user agent , including code or mark - up that defines the content ' s structure , presentation , and interactions . ### ‘ content of websites’ means information and user interface components to be communicated to the user by means of a user agent , including code or mark - up that defines the content ' s structure , presentation , and interactions . content of websites includes textual as well as non - textual information , the downloading of documents and forms as well as two - way interaction such as the processing of digital forms and the completion of authentication , identification and payment processes . content of websites also includes functions provided through websites , which are external to the website concerned , for instance , through the use of web - links , on the condition that the external website is the only means by which the information and service is provided to the user .


### since the objective of this directive , namely , the establishment of a harmonised market for the accessibility of public sector bodies ' websites , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , because it requires the harmonisation of different rules currently existing in their respective legal systems and can , therefore , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective , ### since the objective of this directive , namely , the establishment of a harmonised market for the accessibility of public sector bodies ' websites and websites operated by entities providing basic services to the public cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , because it requires the harmonisation of different rules currently existing in their respective legal systems and can , therefore , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective ,


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 8 , to specify further , where appropriate , the requirements for web - accessibility referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 8 , to provide further details , where appropriate , concerning the requirements for web - accessibility referred to in paragraph 1 , without modifying the requirements .


### member states shall promote that the websites concerned provide a statement on their accessibility , in particular on their compliance with this directive and with possibly additional accessibility information in support to users . ### member states shall ensure that the websites concerned provide a statement on their accessibility , in particular on their compliance with this directive and with possibly additional accessibility information in support to users . that information shall be provided in accessible formats .


### ‘ user agent’ means any software that retrieves and presents web contents for users , including web browsers , media players , plug - ins , and other programs that help in retrieving , rendering , and interacting with web content . ### ‘ user agent’ means any software that retrieves and presents website contents for users , including web browsers , media players , plug - ins , and other programs that help in retrieving , rendering , and interacting with website content , regardless of the device used to interact with content . if a mobile application offers the same or an enhanced set of services as the website concerned , this definition shall also apply to the interface and operation of such mobile applications .


### member states shall cooperate at union level with industry and civil society stakeholders , with facilitation by the commission , in order to review , for the purpose of the annual reporting referred to in article 7 , market and technological developments and progress in web - accessibility and to exchange best practices . ### member states shall cooperate at union level with industry and civil society stakeholders , with facilitation by the commission , in order to review , for the purpose of the regular reporting referred to in article 7a , market and technological developments and progress in web - accessibility and to exchange best practices .


### member states may extend the application of this directive to other types of public sector websites than those referred to in paragraph 2 . ### member states may extend the application of this directive to other types of websites than those referred to in paragraph 2 .


### the costs of purchasing food and basic consumer goods for personal use of homeless persons or of children ; ### the costs of purchasing food and basic consumer goods for the personal use of the final beneficiaries ;


### a table specifying for each year in accordance with article 18 the amount of the financial appropriation envisaged for support from the fund and the co - financing in accordance with article 18 ; ### a table specifying for each year in accordance with article 18 the amount of the financial appropriation envisaged for support from the fund in accordance with article 18 ;


### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children . ### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial emergency assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children .


### [ proposal for a ] regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to the most deprived in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of the most deprived , and should not be applied so as to diminish the obligation of the member states to co - finance the programme . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the most deprived programme . ### [ proposal for a ] regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to the most deprived in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of the most deprived , and should be treated as a supplement to the fund . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the most deprived programme .


### the contribution to the union objective of at least 20 million fewer people at risk of poverty and social exclusion by 2020 , having regard to the selected type of material deprivation to be addressed , taking into account national circumstances in terms of poverty and social exclusion and material deprivation ; ### the contribution to the union objective of at least 20 million fewer people living in poverty or at risk of poverty and social exclusion by 2020 , having regard to the selected type of material deprivation to be addressed , taking into account national circumstances in terms of poverty and social exclusion and material deprivation ;


### support from the fund shall be implemented in close cooperation between the commission and the member states . ### support from the fund shall be provided in close cooperation between the commission and the member states , as well as the competent regional and local authorities and bodies representing civil society and partner organisations .


### the partner organisations referred to in point that deliver directly the food or goods shall themselves undertake activities complementing the provision of material assistance , aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons , whether or not these activities are supported by the fund . ### the partner organisations referred to in point that deliver directly the food and / or goods may themselves undertake activities complementing the provision of material assistance , aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons , whether or not these activities are supported by the fund .


### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children . ### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to eliminate food deprivation and alleviate material deprivation .


### the number of persons suffering from material or even severe material deprivation in the union is increasing and those persons are often too excluded to benefit from the activation measures of regulation no [ …cpr ] , and , in particular of regulation no [ …esf ] . ### the number of persons suffering from material or even severe material deprivation in the union is increasing and those persons are often too excluded to benefit from the activation measures of regulation no [ …cpr ] , and , in particular of regulation no [ …esf ] . the criteria for determining such persons should correspond to the changing economic and social conditions .


### the commission and each member state shall meet every year from 2014 to 2022 , unless otherwise agreed , to examine the progress in implementing the operational programme , taking account of the annual implementation report and the commission ' s observations referred to in article 11 , where applicable . ### the commission and each member state , as well as the competent regional authorities , bodies representing civil society and partner organisations , shall meet every year from 2014 to 2022 , unless otherwise agreed , to examine the progress in implementing the operational programme , taking account of the annual implementation report and the commission ' s observations referred to in article 11 , where applicable .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure the effectiveness of the fund , in particular through monitoring , reporting and evaluation . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure the effectiveness of the fund , in particular through monitoring , reporting and evaluation and through close and regular consultation of local and regional authorities and partner organisations implementing the fund ' s measures in the impact assessments .


### an identification of and a justification for selecting the type of material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description for each type of material deprivation addressed of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of food or goods and the accompanying measures to be provided , having regard to the results of the ex ante evaluation carried out in accordance with article 14 ; ### an identification of the type of food and / or material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of good - quality , healthy food or goods and the accompanying measures to be provided


### the partner organisations referred to in point that deliver directly the food or goods shall themselves undertake activities complementing the provision of material assistance , aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons , whether or not these activities are supported by the fund . ### the partner organisations referred to in point that deliver food directly and those that deliver the food and / or goods shall themselves undertake activities complementing the provision of material assistance , aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons , whether or not these activities are supported by the fund .


### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children . ### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting , primarily through the provision of food supplies , national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food and material deprivation , particularly among the homeless and children .


### the fund may support accompanying measures , complementing the provision of food and goods , contributing to the social inclusion of the most deprived persons . ### the fund may support accompanying measures , primarily complementing the provision of food and goods , contributing to the social inclusion of the most deprived persons , it should also encourage collaboration with organisations which focus on the eradication of poverty and long - term social reintegration .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective are promoted during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund . ### the commission and the member states undertake to promote equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund .


### ' most deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria adopted by the national competent authorities , or defined by the partner organisations and which are approved by those competent authorities ; ### ' most deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established by the national , regional and local competent authorities in cooperation with the partner organisations ;


### member states and beneficiaries shall choose the food products and the goods on the basis of objective criteria . the selection criteria for the food products , and where appropriate for goods , shall also take into consideration climatic and environmental aspects , in particular with a view to reduction of food waste . ### member states and beneficiaries shall choose the food products and the goods on the basis of objective criteria . the choice of food products shall be based on the principles of balanced nutrition and shall contribute to the health and well - being of end recipients . the selection criteria for the food products , and where appropriate for goods , shall take into consideration the proximity of the places of production and ensure that the production methods comply with the environmental objectives laid down by the union and contribute towards the transition to a low - carbon economy .


### this decision establishes a mechanism for the exchange of information between member states and the commission with regard to intergovernmental agreements . ### this decision establishes a mechanism for the exchange of information between member states and the commission with regard to intergovernmental agreements , in order to improve the union ' s energy security , the functioning of the internal market for energy and the consistency and coherence of the union ' s external action in the field of energy .


### development activities consisting in improving the quality and performance of operational services , including their evolution and adaptation , and in avoiding or mitigating the operational risks ; ### research , development and innovation activities consisting in improving the quality and performance of operational services , including their evolution and adaptation , and in avoiding or mitigating the operational risks ;


### the year 2012 shall be designated as the european year for active ageing . ### the year 2012 shall be designated as the european year for active ageing : promoting intergenerational solidarity .


### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting active ageing and thus ensuring that the baby boom cohorts , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than any such cohort before them , have good opportunities for employment and active participation in society . ### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting active ageing and thus ensuring that the baby boom cohorts , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than any such cohort before them , have good opportunities for employment and active participation in family , social and community life , such as volunteering , lifelong learning , cultural expression and sports .


### to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between member states and stakeholders at all levels in order to promote active ageing policies , to identify and disseminate good practice and to encourage cooperation and synergies ; ### to stimulate debate , to exchange information and to develop mutual learning between member states and stakeholders at all levels in order to promote active ageing policies , to identify and disseminate good practice and to encourage cooperation and synergies ;


### in its communication on ' a digital agenda for europe ' , the first eu2020 flagship initiative adopted on 19 may 2010 , the commission stressed the importance of ict for ageing well , proposing in particular the reinforcement of the ambient assisted living joint programme . the digital agenda for europe also recommended taking concerted action to increase the digital competences of all europeans , including older persons , a group that is over - represented within the 150 million citizens , or about 30% of the total , who have never used the internet . ### in its communication on ' a digital agenda for europe ' , the first eu2020 flagship initiative adopted on 19 may 2010 , the commission stressed the importance of ict for ageing well , proposing in particular the reinforcement of the ambient assisted living joint programme . the digital agenda for europe also recommended taking concerted action to increase the digital competences of all europeans , including older persons , a group that is over - represented within the 150 million citizens , or about 30% of the total , who have never used the internet . facilitating access to , and providing training in the use of , new technologies would further improve the opportunities of older persons to benefit from lifelong learning and would also contribute to the removal of obstacles to lifelong learning related to distance and disabilities .


### to raise general awareness of the value of active ageing in order to highlight the useful contribution older persons make to society and the economy , to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of older persons ; ### to raise general awareness among the population of the value of active ageing and to combat negative stereotypes about old age in order to highlight the useful contribution older persons make to society and the economy , to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of older persons by emphasising lifelong learning strategies , including those relating to the use of new technologies ;


### four years after the date of entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall review this regulation . the review shall include a general survey of the practical application of the rules laid down in this regulation , taking due account of developments in the market for retail investment products . as regards ucits as defined in article 1 of directive 2009 / 65 / ec , the review shall assess whether the transitional arrangements under article 24 of this regulation shall be prolonged , or whether , following the identification of any necessary adjustments , the provisions on key investor information in directive 2009 / 65 / ec might be replaced by or considered equivalent to the key investor document under this regulation . the review shall also reflect on a possible extension of the scope of this regulation to other financial products . ### after the entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall review the union legislation in the area of financial services with a view to assessing the merits of : introducing standardised key information documents in accordance with the rules introduced by this regulation in relation to classes of financial instruments not covered by this regulation , in particular in relation to the products covered by directive 2003 / 71 / ec and directive 2009 / 138 / ec ; introducing harmonised market conduct requirements relating to the selling of financial products ; and granting the european supervisory authorities and the national competent authorities powers to intervene in relation to specific categories of financial products , including through product prohibitions introduced in the interests of investor protection and financial stability , taking account of the powers introduced in this respect by regulation no xx / xx of the european parliament and of the council of [ date ] on markets in financial instruments and amending regulation [ emir ] on otc derivatives , central counterparties and trade repositories .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 23 laying down detailed rules for the review of the information contained in the key information document and the revision of the key information document , as regards : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt technical standards in accordance with article 23 laying down detailed rules for the review of the information contained in the key information document and the revision of the key information document , as regards :


### whether the investment product is covered by a compensation or guarantee scheme ; ### whether the investment product is covered by a compensation or guarantee scheme , detailing which risks are covered by the scheme and which are not ;


### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised . this regulation should establish that the retail investor should be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for an infringement of this regulation in case a loss is caused through the use of the key information document . ### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation , provided a causal link is established . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised .


### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 8 , 10 and 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 8 , 10 and 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any technical standards already in force .


### the key information document should be drawn up in a format which allows retail investors to compare different investment products , since consumer behaviours and capabilities are such that the format , presentation and content of information must be carefully calibrated to maximise understanding and use of information . the same order of items and headings for these items should be followed for each document . in addition , the details of the information to be included in the key information document for different products and the presentation of this information should be further harmonised through delegated acts that take into account existing and on - going research on consumer behaviour , including results from testing the effectiveness of different ways of presenting information with consumers . in addition , some investment products give the retail investor a choice between multiple underlying investments . those products should be taken into account when drawing up the format . ### the key information document should be drawn up in a format which allows retail investors to compare different investment products , since consumer behaviours and capabilities are such that the format , presentation and content of information must be carefully calibrated to maximise financial education , understanding and use of information . the same order of items and headings for these items should be followed for each document . in addition , the details of the information to be included in the key information document for different products and the presentation of this information should be further harmonised through delegated acts that take into account existing and on - going research on consumer behaviour , including results from testing the effectiveness of different ways of presenting information with consumers . in addition , some investment products give the retail investor a choice between multiple underlying investments . those products should be taken into account when drawing up the format .


### a person selling an investment product to retail investors shall provide them with the key information document in good time before the conclusion of a transaction relating to the investment product . ### a person recommending or selling an investment product to retail investors shall provide them with the key information document promptly and in good time before any commitment is entered into relating to the investment product .


### where a retail investor initiates a procedure for alternative dispute resolution laid down in national law against an investment product manufacturer or a person selling investment products with regard to a dispute concerning rights and obligations established under this regulation , the investment product manufacturer or the person selling investment products shall participate in that procedure , provided that it fulfils the following requirements : the procedure results in decisions which are not binding ; the limitation period for bringing the dispute before a court is suspended for the duration of the procedure for alternative dispute resolution ; the period of prescription of the claim is suspended for the duration of the procedure ; the procedure is free of charge or at moderate cost , as specified in national legislation ; electronic means are not the only means by which the parties can gain access to the procedure ; interim measures are possible in exceptional cases where the urgency of the situation so requires 2 . member states shall notify the commission of the entities with competence to deal with the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 by [ insert concrete date 6 months after entry into force / application of this regulation ] . they shall notify the commission without delay of any subsequent change concerning those entities 3 . entities with competence to deal with the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall cooperate with each other on the resolution of cross - border disputes arising under this regulation . ### member states shall ensure that where a retail investor initiates a procedure for alternative dispute resolution laid down in national law against an investment product manufacturer or a person selling investment products with regard to a dispute concerning the key information document and the underlying investment products the investment product manufacturer or the person selling investment products shall participate in that procedure according to the rules laid down in the directive [ . . . ] on alternative dispute resolution and provided that it fulfils the following requirements : the procedure results in decisions which may be binding for the manufacturer and the person selling investment products ; the limitation period for bringing the dispute before a court is suspended for the duration of the procedure for alternative dispute resolution ; the period of prescription of the claim is suspended for the duration of the procedure ; the procedure is free of charge or available at nominal fee ; 1a new . member states shall ensure that when alternative dispute resolution entities are permitted to establish pre - specified monetary thresholds in order to limit the access to alternative dispute resolution procedures , the thresholds should not be set at a level , where they significantly impair the consumers ' access to complaint handling by alternative dispute resolution entities . 2 . member states shall notify the commission of the entities with competence to deal with the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 by [ insert concrete date 6 months after entry into force / application of this regulation ] . they shall notify the commission without delay of any subsequent change concerning those entities 3 . entities with competence to deal with the procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall cooperate with each other on the resolution of cross - border disputes arising under this regulation .


### as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council . ### as soon as it adopts technical standards , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council .


### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the document on a website of its choice before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . ### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the key information document on its website before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . the key information document shall be completed by the person selling the investment product where relevant .


### ‘ this document provides you with key information about this investment product . it is not marketing material . the information is required by law to help you understand the nature of this investment product and the risks of investing in it . you are advised to read it so that you can take an informed decision about whether to invest . ’ ### ‘ this document provides you with key information about this prip . it is not marketing material . the information is required by law to help you understand the nature , risks and rewards of this prip and to allow you to compare it with other prips . ’


### when a retail investor demonstrates a loss resulting from the use of the information contained in the key information document , the investment product manufacturer has to prove that the key information document has been drawn up in compliance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 of this regulation . ### member states shall ensure that a person does not incur civil liability solely on the basis of the key information document , including any translation thereof , unless it is misleading , inaccurate or inconsistent with other binding contractual documents , deemed to be under the person ' s control . the key information document shall contain a clear warning in this respect .


### under a section titled ‘ what are the costs ? ’ , the costs associated with an investment in the investment product , comprising both direct and indirect costs to be borne by the investor , including summary indicators of these costs ; ### under a section titled ‘ what are the costs ? ’ : the costs associated with an investment in the investment product , comprising both direct and indirect costs and entry , on - going and exit costs , to be borne by the investor , including summary indicators of these costs ; all annual charges and other payments taken from the product over a defined period ; in the case of structured investment products , the indirect costs shall include the theoretical margin at maturity embedded in the product ; the costs and deductions shall be indicated in a way that shows their compound cumulative effect on the investment over representative periods of investment ; information shall be provided on how to access the independent online fund calculator operated by esma ;


### four years after the date of entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall review this regulation . the review shall include a general survey of the practical application of the rules laid down in this regulation , taking due account of developments in the market for retail investment products . as regards ucits as defined in article 1 of directive 2009 / 65 / ec , the review shall assess whether the transitional arrangements under article 24 of this regulation shall be prolonged , or whether , following the identification of any necessary adjustments , the provisions on key investor information in directive 2009 / 65 / ec might be replaced by or considered equivalent to the key investor document under this regulation . the review shall also reflect on a possible extension of the scope of this regulation to other financial products . ### four years after the date of entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall review this regulation . the review shall include a general survey of the practical application of the rules laid down in this regulation , taking due account of developments in the market for retail investment products . as regards ucits as defined in article 1 of directive 2009 / 65 / ec , the review shall assess whether the transitional arrangements under article 24 of this regulation shall be prolonged , or whether , following the identification of any necessary adjustments , the provisions on key investor information in directive 2009 / 65 / ec might be replaced by or considered equivalent to the key investor document under this regulation . the review shall also reflect on a possible extension of the scope of this regulation to other financial products , including those falling under the directive 2003 / 71 / ec and any other investments and savings products .


### pension products for which a financial contribution from the employer is required by national law and where the employee has no choice as to the pension product provider . ### pension products for which the financial arrangements do not fall under the scope of the directive 2003 / 41 / ec or under the directive 2009 / 138 / ec ; and for which the level of retirement provision is in effect a promise or an offer by the employer to the employee . for pension products which do not fall under the directive 2003 / 41 / ec or the directive 2009 / 138 / ec or under this regulation , member states shall provide equivalent disclosure requirements .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 8 , 10 and 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by [ 2 months ] at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 8 , 10 and 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 3 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by [ 3 months ] at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . when a delegated act is delivered just before or during a holiday , the time shall be deemed to run from the date of the first plenary following the holiday . in all instances , including extension , the time period shall be extendible to encompass three full plenary sessions .


### the power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article . ### the power to adopt technical standards is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article .


### when a retail investor demonstrates a loss resulting from the use of the information contained in the key information document , the investment product manufacturer has to prove that the key information document has been drawn up in compliance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 of this regulation . ### when a retail investor demonstrates a loss resulting from the use of the information contained in the key information document , the investment product manufacturer has to prove that the key information document has been drawn up in compliance with articles 6 , 7 and 8 of this regulation . civil liability can in such cases be incurred on the investment product manufacturer on the basis of the key information document , including any translation thereof , only if the key information document is misleading , inaccurate or inconsistent with other binding contractual agreement . the key information document shall contain a clear warning in this respect .


### where successive transactions regarding the same investment product are carried out on behalf of a retail investor in accordance with instructions given by that investor to the person selling the investment product prior to the first transaction , the obligation to provide a key information document under paragraph 1 shall only apply to the first transaction . ### where successive transactions regarding the same prip are carried out on behalf of a retail investor in accordance with instructions given by that investor to the person selling the prip prior to the first transaction , the obligation to provide a key information document under paragraph 1 shall only apply to the first transaction .