### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges to human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment , oceans , and the migration crisis and its root causes . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the eu to respond to unforeseen needs , building on the successful experience of the european development fund , an amount should be left unallocated as an emerging challenges and priorities cushion . it should be mobilised in accordance with the procedures established in this regulation . ### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges to human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment , oceans , and the root causes of migration such as poverty and inequality . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to needs not covered under the objectives established under this regulation consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the eu to respond to needs not covered under this regulation , building on the successful experience of the european development fund , a pre - defined amount should be left unallocated as an emerging challenges and priorities cushion . it should be mobilised in accordance with the procedures established in this regulation .


### in order to enhance partner countries ' ownership of their development processes and the sustainability of external aid , the union should , where relevant , favour the use of partner countries ' own institutions and of partner countries’ systems and procedures for all aspects of the project cycle for cooperation . ### in order to enhance partner countries ' ownership of their development processes and the sustainability of external aid , the union should , where relevant , favour the use of partner countries ' own institutions and of partner countries’ systems and procedures for all aspects of the project cycle for cooperation . the eu should also provide training programmes on how to apply for eu funding to local authorities’ civil servants and civil society organisations with the aim of helping them to enhance the eligibility and efficiency of their projects . these programmes should be carried out in the countries concerned , available in the language of the country , to complement any distance learning programmes also established , in order to ensure a targeted training responding to the needs of that country .


### in order to enhance partner countries ' ownership of their development processes and the sustainability of external aid , the union should , where relevant , favour the use of partner countries ' own institutions and of partner countries’ systems and procedures for all aspects of the project cycle for cooperation . ### in order to enhance partner countries ' ownership of their development processes and the sustainability of external aid , the union should , where relevant and possible , favour the use of partner countries ' own democratic institutions and of partner countries’ accountable systems and procedures for all aspects of the project cycle for cooperation .


### in order to supplement or amend non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the provisioning rates laid down in article 26 , the areas of cooperation and intervention listed in annexes ii , iii and iv , the priority areas of the efsd + operations listed in annex v , the governance of the efsd + in annex vi , to review or complement the indicators in annex vii where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework . ### in order to supplement non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should be delegated to the commission in respect of setting out the union’s strategy , the priority areas , detailed objectives , the expected results , specific performance indicators and the specific financial allocation and cooperation modalities for each geographic and thematic programme , as well as for action plans and measures not based on programming documents establishing a human rights operational framework , establishing a risk management framework , deciding on the needs not covered by programmes or programming documents , deciding on the suspension of assistance , establishing the performance - based approach framework , establishing the provisioning rates , establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework and extending the scope of actions to countries and territories not covered by this regulation . in order to amend non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should be delegated to the commission in respect to the areas of cooperation and intervention listed in annexes ii , iii and iv , the priority areas of the efsd + operations and the investment windows listed in annex v , as well asthe indicators listed in annex vii .


### the general objective of this regulation is to uphold and promote the union ' s values and interests worldwide in order to pursue the objectives and principles of the union ' s external action , as laid down in article 3 , articles 8 and 21 of the treaty on european union . ### the general objective of this regulation is&#160 ; to provide the financial framework enabling the&#160 ; upholding and promotion of&#160 ; the union ' s values and interests worldwide , in accordance with the objectives and principles of the union ' s external action , as laid down in article 3 , articles 8 and 21 of the treaty on european union , including respect for fundamental rights and principles as well as the protection and promotion of human rights , democracy and the rule of law .


### geographic programmes may cover all third countries , except for candidates and potential candidates as defined in regulation no … / … . 80 and overseas countries and territories as defined in council decision … / … . _________________ 80 regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing the instrument for pre - accession assistance . ### geographic programmes may cover all third countries , except for overseas countries and territories as defined in council decision … / … .


### actions implemented through thematic programmes shall be complementary to actions funded under geographic programmes and shall support global and trans - regional initiatives for achieving internationally agreed goals , in particular the sustainable development goals , protecting global public goods or addressing global challenges . actions through thematic programmes may also be undertaken where there is no geographic programme , or where it has been suspended , or where there is no agreement on the action with the partner country concerned , or where the action cannot be adequately addressed by geographic programmes . ### actions implemented through thematic programmes can in certain instances be complementary to actions funded under geographic programmes and shall support global , trans - regional , european and national initiatives aimed at achieving goals as mentioned in article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 as well as protecting global public goods or addressing global challenges . actions through thematic programmes may also be undertaken independently , including where there is no geographic programme , where it has been suspended , where there is no agreement on the action with , or unwillingness of , the partner country concerned , or where the action cannot be adequately addressed by geographic programmes .


### in implementing this regulation , consistency , synergies and complementarity with other areas of union external action , with other relevant union policies and programmes , as well as policy coherence for development shall be ensured . ### in applying this regulation , consistency , synergies and complementarity with other areas of union external action , in particular measures adopted under chapter two of title v teu and part five tfeu , with other relevant union policies and programmes , as well as policy coherence for development shall be ensured . the union shall take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it applies which are likely to affect developing countries .


### in implementing this regulation , consistency , synergies and complementarity with other areas of union external action , with other relevant union policies and programmes , as well as policy coherence for development shall be ensured . ### in implementing this regulation , consistency , coherence synergies and complementarity with all areas of union external action , including other external financing instruments , the ipaiii regulation in particular , with other relevant union policies and programmes , as well as policy coherence for development shall be ensured .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of this regulation for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 89 200 million in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the application of this regulation for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 93 154 million in current prices [ 100% ] .


### the emerging challenges and priorities cushion of an amount of eur 10 200 million shall increase the amounts referred to in paragraph 2 in accordance with article 15 . ### the emerging challenges , emergencies and priorities cushion of an amount of eur 10 200 million shall increase the amounts referred to in paragraph 2 in accordance with article 15 .


### the association agreements , partnership and cooperation agreements , multilateral agreements , and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries , as well as , european council conclusions and council conclusions , summit declarations or conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , relevant european parliament resolutions , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . ### the association agreements , partnership and cooperation agreements and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries , recommendations and acts adopted in the bodies set up by those agreements , as well as relevant multilateral ageements , european council conclusions , council conclusions , summit declarations and other international declarations and conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , european parliament resolutions and positions , communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and united nations resolutions shall constitute the overall policy framework for the application of this regulation .


### the union shall seek to promote , develop and consolidate the principles of democracy , the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms on which it is founded , through dialogue and cooperation with partner countries and regions . ### the union seeks to promote , develop and consolidate the principles of democracy , the rule of law , good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms on which it is founded , through dialogue and cooperation with partner countries and regions .


### a rights - based approach encompassing all human rights , whether civil and political or economic , social and cultural shall be applied in order to integrate human rights principles , to support the right holders in claiming their rights with a focus on poorer and more vulnerable groups and to assist partner countries in implementing their international human rights obligations . this regulation shall promote gender equality and women’s empowerment . ### a rights - based approach encompassing all human rights , whether civil and political or economic , social and cultural , shall be applied in order to integrate human rights principles including women’s rights and gender equality to support the right holders in claiming their rights with a focus on marginalised groups including children and youth , older persons , people with disabilities , minorities and indigenous people and lgbti persons and to assist partner countries in implementing their international human rights obligations .


### the union shall promote a multilateral and rules - based approach to global goods and challenges and shall cooperate with member states , partner countries , international organisations and other donors in that respect . ### the union shall promote a multilateral and rules - and values - based approach to global goods and challenges and shall cooperate with member states , partner countries , international organisations and other donors in that respect .


### in relations with partner countries , their track record in implementing commitments , international agreements , and contractual relations with the union shall be taken into account . ### in relations with partner countries , their track record in adhering to rights and principles , including human rights , democracy and the rule of law , implementing commitments , international agreements , and contractual relations with the union shall be taken into account . in cases of consistent backsliding the financial support to a partner country may , by means of a delegated act , be temporarily decreased or suspended . the commission shall , in its decision making take due account of relevant parliament resolutions .


### in line with the principle of inclusive partnership , where appropriate , the commission shall ensure that relevant stakeholders of partner countries , including civil society organisations and local authorities , are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information allowing them to play a meaningful role during the design , implementation and associated monitoring processes of programmes . ### in line with the principle of inclusive partnership the commission shall ensure that relevant stakeholders of partner countries , including civil society organisations and local authorities , are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information allowing them to play a meaningful role during the design , application and associated monitoring processes of programmes .


### in line with the principle of ownership the commission , where appropriate , shall favour the use of partner countries ' systems for the implementation of programmes . ### in line with the principle of ownership the commission , where appropriate , shall favour the use of partner countries ' systems for the application of programmes .


### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream climate change , environmental protection and gender equality and shall address interlinkages between sustainable development goals , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . these programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities , integrate a resilience approach and be conflict sensitive . they shall be guided by the principle of leaving no one behind . ### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream conflict prevention and peace - building and conflict sensitivity , climate change , environmental protection and gender equality and women’s empowerment and shall address interlinkages between sustainable development goals , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . these programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities , integrate a resilience approach and be conflict sensitive . they shall be guided by the principles of leaving no one behind and ‘ do no harm’ .


### the commission shall inform and have regular exchanges of views with the european parliament . ### the commission shall provide substantive information and complete multiannual programming documents , action plans and measures and have regular exchanges of views with the relevant committees in the european parliament , at its own initiative or when requested by the european parliament .


### the commission shall inform and have regular exchanges of views with the european parliament . ### the commission shall regularly inform and have meaningful exchanges of views with the european parliament . to that effect the commission shall share with the european parliament all country or thematic strategy papers , actions undertaken to achieve objectives as well as the results of monitoring and evaluations conducted under article 31 of this regulation .


### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider security sector reform or to build the capacity of military actors in partner countries , under the exceptional circumstances set out in paragraph 4 , to deliver development activities and security for development activities . ### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful , gender - equal and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider security and safety sector reform or to build the capacity of peace building actors in partner countries , under the exceptional circumstances set out in paragraph 4 , to deliver development activities and security and safety for development activities .


### when designing and implementing measures pursuant to this article , the commission shall promote ownership by the partner country . it shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles . ### when designing and applying measures pursuant to this article , the commission shall promote ownership by the partner country . it shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles .


### when designing and implementing measures pursuant to this article , the commission shall promote ownership by the partner country . it shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles . ### when designing and implementing measures pursuant to this article , the commission shall promote ownership by the partner country , as well as actively involve civil society in the process and ensure participation of men and women in it . it shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles .


### implementation of this regulation ### application of this regulation


### programming documents shall provide a coherent framework for cooperation between the union and partner countries or regions , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives and principles set out in this regulation ; ### programming documents shall provide a coherent framework for cooperation between the union and partner countries or regions , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives and principles set out in this regulation , and based on union strategy towards a partner country or region or based on union thematic strategies ;


### programming documents shall provide a coherent framework for cooperation between the union and partner countries or regions , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives and principles set out in this regulation ; ### programming frameworks shall translate the policy framework into coherent&#160 ; thematic and geographic frameworks&#160 ; for cooperation between the union , partner countries , regions and organisations and&#160 ; may consist of country , multi - country , regional and trans - regional strategies and shall be consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives and principles set out in this regulation ;


### the human rights and democracy and civil society thematic programmes referred to in article 4 and shall provide assistance independently of the consent of governments and other public authorities of the third countries concerned . these thematic programmes shall mainly support civil society organisations . ### the human rights , fundamental freedoms and democracy and civil society thematic programmes referred to in article 4 and shall provide assistance independently of the consent of governments and other public authorities of the third countries concerned . these thematic programmes shall mainly support civil society .


### programming principles for geographic programmes ### programming principles


### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , actions shall be based , to the extent possible , on a dialogue between the union , the member states and the partner countries concerned , including national and local authorities , involving civil society , national and local parliaments and other stakeholders , in order to enhance ownership of the process and to encourage support for national and regional strategies ; ### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , actions shall be based on an inclusive dialogue between the institutions of the union , the member states , and the partner countries concerned , including national and local authorities , involving civil society organisations , regional , national and local parliaments and other stakeholders in order to enhance democratic ownership of the process and to encourage support for national and regional strategies ;


### where appropriate , the programming period shall be synchronised with the strategy cycles of partner countries ; ### whenever possible , the programming period shall be synchronised with the strategy cycles of partner countries ;


### where appropriate , the programming period shall be synchronised with the strategy cycles of partner countries ; ### where appropriate , the programming period shall be synchronised with the strategy cycles of partner countries and where relevant resolutions and delegations of the european parliament ;


### programming of geographic programmes shall provide a specific , tailor - made framework for cooperation based on : ### strategies under the geographic programmes shall provide a specific , tailor - made framework , including specific and measurable objectives , for cooperation based on :


### the partners’ capacities to generate and access financial resources and on their absorption capacities ; ### the partners’ capacities of mobilisation and effective use of domestic resources to support national development priorities and on their absorption capacities ;


### programming documents for geographic programmes shall be results - based and shall take into account , where appropriate , internationally agreed targets and indicators , in particular those set out for the sustainable development goals , as well as country - level result frameworks , to assess and communicate the union contribution to results , at the level of outputs , outcomes and impact . ### programming documents shall be results - oriented and include clear targets and indicators to measure progress and impact of union assistance . indicators may be based , where appropriate , on internationally agreed standards in particular those set out for the sustainable development goals , as well as country - level result frameworks .


### this regulation shall contribute to actions established under regulation no . … / … . a single programming document shall be drawn up from this regulation for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … shall apply to the use of these funds . ### this regulation shall contribute from the programmes established under article 4 of this regulation to actions established under regulation no . … / … . a single programming document shall be drawn up from this regulation for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … shall apply to the use of these funds , while ensuring conformity with regulation no … / … . .


### this regulation shall contribute to actions established under regulation no . … / … . a single programming document shall be drawn up from this regulation for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … shall apply to the use of these funds . ### this regulation shall financially contribute to actions established under regulation no . … / … and regulation no . . . / . . . . a single programming document shall be drawn up from these regulations for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … and regulation no . . . / . . . shall apply to the use of these funds , while ensuring conformity with this regulation and regulation no … / … .


### a framework document laying down the union policy towards the concerned partner or partners , including a joint document between the union and member states ; ### a document laying down the union policy towards the concerned partner or partners , including a joint document between the union and member states ;


### to increase the impact of collective cooperation of the union , where possible , a joint programming document shall replace the union’s and member states programming documents . a joint programming document may replace the union’s multiannual indicative programme , provided it complies with articles 10 and 11 , contains the elements listed in paragraph 2 of this article and sets out the division of labour between the union and member states . ### to increase the impact of collective cooperation of the union , where possible , a joint programming document shall replace the union’s and member states programming documents . a joint programming document may replace the union’s multiannual programme , provided it is approved in an act adopted in accordance with article 14 and complies with articles 10 and 11 , contains the elements listed in paragraph 2 of this article and sets out the division of labour between the union and member states .


### to increase the impact of collective cooperation of the union , where possible , a joint programming document shall replace the union’s and member states programming documents . a joint programming document may replace the union’s multiannual indicative programme , provided it complies with articles 10 and 11 , contains the elements listed in paragraph 2 of this article and sets out the division of labour between the union and member states . ### to increase the impact of collective cooperation of the union , where possible , a joint programming document may replace the union’s and member states strategy documents . a joint programming document may replace the union’s strategies , provided it complies with articles 10 and 11 , contains the elements listed in paragraph 2 of this article and sets out the division of labour between the union and member states .


### adoption and amendment of multiannual indicative programmes ### adoption and amendment of multiannual programmes


### on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency , such as crises or immediate threats to democracy , the rule of law , human rights or fundamental freedoms , the commission may amend multiannual indicative programmes referred to in articles 12 and 13 of this regulation by implementing acts adopted in accordance with the urgency procedure referred to in article 35 . ### on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency , such as crises or immediate threats to democracy , peace , the rule of law , human rights or fundamental freedoms , the commission may amend multiannual indicative programmes referred to in articles 12 and 13 of this regulation by implementing acts adopted in accordance with the urgency procedure referred to in article 35 .


### to ensure an appropriate response of the union in the event of unforeseen circumstances ; ### to ensure an appropriate response of the union in the event of unforeseen needs not covered by programmes and programming documents ;


### to promote new union led or international initiatives or priorities . ### to promote or respond to new international initiatives or priorities .


### to promote new union led or international initiatives or priorities . ### to promote new union led or international initiatives or priorities after consultation with the european parliament .


### commitment to and progress in implementing jointly agreed political , economic and social reform objectives ; ### commitment to and progress in implementing jointly agreed political , economic and social reform objectives , including democracy , human rights and the rule of law ;


### action plans , measures and implementing methods ### execution


### the commission shall adopt annual or multiannual action plans or measures . the measures may take the form of individual measures , special measures , support measures or exceptional assistance measures . action plans and measures shall specify for each action the objectives pursued , the expected results and main activities , the methods of implementation , the budget and any associated support expenditures . ### the commission shall adopt , in close cooperation with the european parliament , annual or multiannual action plans or measures . the measures may take the form of individual measures , special measures , support measures or exceptional assistance measures . action plans and measures shall specify for each action the objectives pursued , the expected results and main activities , the methods of implementation , the budget and any associated support expenditures .


### in the event of unforeseen needs or circumstances , and when funding is not possible from more appropriate sources , the commission may adopt special measures not provided for in the programming documents . ### in the event of unforeseen needs or circumstances , and when funding is not possible from more appropriate sources , the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 laying down special measures not based on the programming documents .


### union financing may cover support expenditure for the implementation of the instrument and for the achievement of its objectives , including administrative support associated with the preparation , follow - up , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities necessary for such implementation , as well as expenditure at headquarters and union delegations for the administrative support needed for the programme , and to manage operations financed under this regulation , including information and communication actions , and corporate information technology systems . ### union financing may cover support expenditure for the execution of the instrument and for the achievement of its objectives , including administrative support associated with the preparation , follow - up , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities necessary for such execution , as well as expenditure at headquarters and union delegations for the administrative support needed for the programme , and to manage operations financed under this regulation , including information and communication actions , and corporate information technology systems .


### before the adoption or extension of exceptional assistance measures not exceeding eur 20 million , the commission shall inform the council of their nature and objectives and of the financial amounts envisaged . the commission shall inform the council before making significant substantive changes to exceptional assistance measures already adopted . the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council for the planning and subsequent implementation of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action . ### the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council and the european parliament for the planning and subsequent application of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action .


### before the adoption or extension of exceptional assistance measures not exceeding eur 20 million , the commission shall inform the council of their nature and objectives and of the financial amounts envisaged . the commission shall inform the council before making significant substantive changes to exceptional assistance measures already adopted . the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council for the planning and subsequent implementation of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action . ### before the adoption or extension of exceptional assistance measures not exceeding eur 10 million , the commission shall inform the council and the european parliament of their nature and objectives and of the financial amounts envisaged . the commission shall inform the council and the european parliament before making significant substantive changes to exceptional assistance measures already adopted . the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council and relevant resolutions of the european parliament for the planning and subsequent implementation of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action .


### appropriate environmental screening , including for climate change and biodiversity impacts , shall be undertaken at the level of actions , in accordance with the applicable legislative acts of the union , including directive 2011 / 92 / eu82 of the european parliament and of the council and council directive 85 / 337 / eec83 , comprising , where applicable , an environmental impact assessment for environmentally sensitive actions , in particular for major new infrastructure . _________________ 82 directive 2011 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 13 december 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . 83 council directive of 27 june 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . ### appropriate environmental screening , including for human rights , climate change and biodiversity impacts , shall be undertaken at the level of actions , in accordance with the applicable legislative acts of the union , including directive 2011 / 92 / eu82 of the european parliament and of the council and council directive 85 / 337 / eec83 , comprising , where applicable , an environmental impact assessment for environmentally sensitive actions , in particular for major new infrastructure . _________________ 82 directive 2011 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 13 december 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . 83 council directive of 27 june 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment .


### where relevant , strategic environmental assessments shall be used in the implementation of sectoral programmes . the involvement of interested stakeholders in environmental assessments and public access to the results of such assessments shall be ensured . ### where relevant , human rights , social and strategic environmental assessments shall be used in the execution of sectoral programmes . the involvement of interested stakeholders in these assessments and public access to the results of such assessments shall be ensured .


### forms of eu funding and methods of implementation ### forms of union funding and methods of application


### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation ; ### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their application ;


### any decision to provide budget support shall be based on budget support policies agreed by the union , a clear set of eligibility criteria and a careful assessment of the risks and benefits . ### any decision to provide budget support shall be based on budget support policies agreed by the union , a clear set of eligibility criteria and a careful assessment of the risks and benefits . one of the key determinants of that decision shall be an assessment of the commitment , record and progress of partner countries with regard to democracy , human rights and the rule of law .


### any decision to provide budget support shall be based on budget support policies agreed by the union , a clear set of eligibility criteria and a careful assessment of the risks and benefits . ### any decision to provide budget support shall be based on budget support policies agreed by the union , a clear set of eligibility criteria and a careful assessment of the risks and benefits . one of the key determinants of that decision shall be an assessment of the commitments , record and progress of partner countries with regard to democracy , human rights , the rule of law and good governance .


### those financial instruments may be grouped into facilities for implementation and reporting purposes ### those financial instruments may be grouped into facilities for application and reporting purposes


### member countries of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , in the case of contracts implemented in a least developed country or a highly indebted poor country , as included in the list of official development assistance recipients . ### member countries of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , in the case of contracts applied in a least developed country or a highly indebted poor country , as included in the list of official development assistance recipients .


### for actions jointly co - financed by an entity , or implemented in direct or indirect management with entities as referred to point to of article 62 of the financial regulation , the eligibility rules of those entities shall also apply . ### for actions jointly co - financed by an entity , or applied in direct or indirect management with entities as referred to point to of article 62 of the financial regulation , the eligibility rules of those entities shall also apply .


### the eligibility rules of this article may be restricted with regard to the nationality , geographical location or nature of applicants , where such restrictions are required on account of the specific nature and the objectives of the action and where they are necessary for its effective implementation . ### the eligibility rules of this article may be restricted with regard to the nationality , geographical location or nature of applicants , where such restrictions are required on account of the specific nature and the objectives of the action and where they are necessary for its effective application . nationality restrictions shall not apply to international organisations .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of application set up in points , , and of article 23 , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , while maximising additionality , delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , in particular for women and young people economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , with a focus on social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty , inequalities , human rights and livelihoods , supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , forced displacement in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of use set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , while exploiting additionality in the best possible way , fostering industrialisation and the provision of innovative products and attracting private financing in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote socioeconomic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , particularly for women and young people , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors ; in particular social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty and inequality , as well as human rights and livelihoods ; supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### the efsd + and the external action guarantee may support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the geographical areas referred to in article 4 . the provisioning of the external action guarantee shall be financed from the budget of the relevant geographic programmes established by article 6 and shall be transferred into the common provisioning fund . the efsd + and the external action guarantee may also support operations in beneficiaries listed in annex i of regulation ipa iii . the funding for these operations under the efsd + and for the provisioning of the external action guarantee shall be financed from the regulation ipa . the provisioning of the external action guarantee for loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins shall be financed from regulation eins . ### the efsd + and the external action guarantee may support financing and investment operations in partner countries in the geographical areas referred to in article 4 . the provisioning of the external action guarantee shall be financed from the budget of the relevant geographic programmes established by article 6 and shall be transferred into the common provisioning fund . the geographic distribution of efsd + operations shall , to the maximum extent possible , also reflect the relative weight of the financial allocations for the different regions as outlined in point of article 6 . the efsd + and the external action guarantee may also support operations in beneficiaries listed in annex i of regulation ipa iii . the funding for these operations under the efsd + and for the provisioning of the external action guarantee shall be financed from the regulation ipa . the provisioning of the external action guarantee for loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins shall be financed from regulation eins .


### the financing and investment operations eligible for support through the external action guarantee shall be consistent and aligned with union policies , as well as with the partner countries ' strategies and policies . they shall in particular support the objectives , general principles and policy framework of this regulation and the relevant indicative programming documents , with due regard to the priority areas laid down in annex v . ### the financing and investment operations eligible for support through the external action guarantee shall be consistent and aligned with union policies , as well as with the partner countries ' strategies and policies and address local market failures or sub - optimal investment operations and without unfairly competing with local economic actors . they shall in particular support the objectives , general principles and policy framework of this regulation and the relevant indicative programming documents , with due regard to the priority areas laid down in article 26 a and further described in annex v .


### the eligible counterparts for the purposes of the external action guarantee shall be the ones identified in article 208 of the financial regulation , including those from third countries contributing to the external action guarantee , subject to approval by the commission in accordance with article 28 of this regulation . in addition , and by derogation to article 62 of the financial regulation , bodies governed by the private law of a member state or a third country which has contributed to the external action guarantee in accordance with article 28 , and which provide adequate assurance of their financial capacity shall be eligible for the purpose of the guarantee . ### the eligible counterparts for the purposes of the external action guarantee shall be the ones identified in article 208 of the financial regulation , including those from third countries contributing to the external action guarantee , subject to approval by the commission in accordance with article 28 of this regulation , and the opinion of the strategic board . in addition , and by derogation to article 62 of the financial regulation , bodies governed by the private law of a member state or a third country which has contributed to the external action guarantee in accordance with article 28 , and which provide adequate assurance of their financial capacity shall be eligible for the purpose of the guarantee .


### the commission shall ensure fair treatment for all eligible counterparts and shall ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided throughout the implementation period of the efsd + . in order to ensure complementarity , the commission may request any relevant information from eligible counterparts about their non - efsd + operations . ### the commission shall ensure fair treatment for all eligible counterparts and shall ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided throughout the application period of the efsd + . in order to ensure complementarity , the commission may request any relevant information from eligible counterparts about their non - efsd + operations .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 to supplement or amend the priority areas in annex v and the governance of the efsd + in annex vi . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 to supplement or amend the priority areas and investment windows indicated in annex v . the commission shall inform the european parliament and the council on how the investment windows comply with the requirements set out in article 26 a and this article and their detailed funding priorities . all requests for financial support within investment windows shall be made to the commission . the choice of investment windows shall be duly justified by an analysis of the market failure or sub - optimal investment situations . that analysis shall be carried out by the commission in cooperation with potentially eligible counterparts and stakeholders . eligible counterparts may provide the instruments referred to in paragraph 3 under an investment window or individual project administered by an eligible counterpart . the instruments may be provided for the benefit of partner countries , including countries experiencing fragility or conflict or countries facing challenges in reconstruction and post - conflict recovery , for the benefit of those partner countries’ institutions , including their public national and private local banks and finance institutions , as well as for the benefit of private sector entities of those partner countries .


### contribution from third countries other than the contracting parties to the agreement on the european economic area and from other third parties shall be in the form of cash and subject to approval by the commission . ### contribution from third countries other than the contracting parties to the agreement on the european economic area and from other third parties shall be in the form of cash and subject to the opinion of the strategic board and approval by the commission .


### any contribution may be used to cover guarantee calls regardless of earmarking . ### any contribution may be used to cover guarantee calls .


### implementation of external action guarantee agreements ### application of external action guarantee agreements


### the commission , on behalf of the union , shall conclude external action guarantee agreements with the eligible counterparts selected pursuant to article 27 . agreements may be concluded with a consortium of two or more eligible counterparts . ### the commission , on behalf of the union , shall conclude external action guarantee agreements with the eligible counterparts selected pursuant to article 27 . those agreements shall be unconditional , irrevocable , at first demand , and in favour of selected counterparts . agreements may be concluded with a consortium of two or more eligible counterparts .


### all external action guarantee agreements shall , upon request , be made available to the european parliament and to the council , taking into account the protection of confidential and commercially sensitive information . ### all external action guarantee agreements shall be made available to the european parliament and to the council , taking into account the protection of confidential and commercially sensitive information .


### a mention of the objectives and purpose of this regulation , a needs assessment and an indication of the expected results , taking into account the promotion of corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct ; ### a mention of the objectives and purpose of this regulation , a needs assessment and an indication of the expected results , taking into account the promotion of corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct , including , in particular , by respect for the internationally agreed guidelines , principles and legal instruments referred to in point of article 27 ;


### the remuneration of the guarantee , which is to reflect the risk level , and the possibility for the remuneration to be partly subsidised in order to give concessional terms in duly justified cases ; ### the remuneration of the guarantee , which is to reflect the risk level , and the possibility for the remuneration to be partly subsidised in order to give concessional terms in duly justified cases , and in particular countries experiencing fragility or conflict , ldcs and heavily indebted countries ;


### clear and accessible complaints procedures for third parties that could be affected by the implementation of projects supported by the external action guarantee . ### clear and accessible complaints procedures for third parties that could be affected by the application of projects supported by the external action guarantee .


### the commission shall report on financial instruments , budgetary guarantees , financial assistance in accordance with article 241 and 250 of the financial regulation . to this purpose , the eligible counterparts shall provide annually the information necessary to allow the commission to comply with the reporting obligations . ### the commission shall report on financial instruments , budgetary guarantees , financial assistance in accordance with article 241 and 250 of the financial regulation . to this purpose , the eligible counterparts shall provide annually the information necessary to allow the commission to comply with the reporting obligations . in addition , the commission shall submit an annual report to the european parliament and to the council as detailed in article 31 .


### indicators to report on progress under this regulation towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 3 are set in annex vii , in line with the sustainable development goals indicators . the values of the indicators on 1 january 2021 shall be used as a basis for assessing the extent to which the objectives have been achieved . ### one or more performance and progress indicators shall be developed per objective set out in the programming frameworks or strategies to monitor implementation and progress . &#160 ;


### the commission shall regularly monitor its actions and review progress made towards delivering expected results , covering outputs and outcomes . ### the commission shall regularly monitor its actions and review progress made towards delivering expected targets and results , covering outputs and outcomes .


### the commission shall regularly monitor its actions and review progress made towards delivering expected results , covering outputs and outcomes . ### the commission shall monitor its actions and the cooperation with the partner country and review progress made towards delivering expected results , covering outputs and outcomes on a yearly basis .


### progress with respect to expected results should be monitored on the basis of clear , transparent and , where appropriate , measurable indicators . indicators shall be kept at a limited number to facilitate timely reporting . ### progress with respect to expected results should be monitored on the basis of clear , transparent and , where appropriate , measurable indicators , including , but not limited to , those set in annex vii , as well as union budgetary execution . indicators shall be kept at a limited number to facilitate timely reporting and , as a minimum , shall be disaggregated by sex and age .


### joint results frameworks included within joint programming documents that fulfil the criteria set out in article 12 shall provide the basis for the joint monitoring by the union and the member states of the implementation of their collective support to a partner country . ### joint results frameworks included within joint programming documents that fulfil the criteria set out in article 12 shall provide the basis for the joint monitoring by the union and the member states of the application of their collective support to a partner country .


### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds . ### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme application and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds .


### the commission shall examine the progress made in implementing this regulation . from 2022 onwards , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and to the council an annual report on the achievement of the objectives of this regulation by means of indicators , measuring the results delivered and the efficiency of the regulation . that report shall also be submitted to the european economic and social committee and to the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall examine the progress made in applying this regulation . from 2022 onwards , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and to the council an annual report on the achievement of the objectives of this regulation by means of indicators , including , but not limited to , those set in annex vii as well as union budgetary execution , measuring the results delivered and the efficiency of the regulation . that report shall also be submitted to the european economic and social committee and to the committee of the regions .


### the annual report shall contain information relating to the previous year on the measures financed , the results of monitoring and evaluation exercises , the involvement of the relevant partners , and the implementation of budgetary commitments and of payment appropriations broken down by country , region and cooperation sector . it shall assess the results of the union funding using , as far as possible , specific and measurable indicators of its role in meeting the objectives of this regulation . in the case of development cooperation , the report shall also assess , where possible and relevant , the adherence to development effectiveness principles , including for innovative financial instruments . ### the annual report shall contain information relating to the previous year on the measures financed , the results of monitoring and evaluation exercises , the involvement of the relevant partners , and the application of budgetary commitments and of payment appropriations broken down by country , region and cooperation sector . it shall also include an annual estimate of the overall spending for the different targets set by this regulation . it shall assess the results of the union funding using specific and measurable indicators of its role in meeting the objectives of this regulation . in the case of development cooperation , the report shall also assess , the adherence to development effectiveness principles , including for innovative financial instruments .


### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report . ### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity , conflict prevention and peace - building , and gender equality shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity , conflict prevention and peace - building , and gender equality at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report .


### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report . ### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report . the commission shall transmit the estimate to the european parliament .


### to ensure effective assessment of progress of this regulation towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 to amend annex vii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework . ### to ensure effective assessment of progress of this regulation towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 to amend annex vii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework .


### where appropriate evaluations shall make use of the good practise principles of the development assistance committee of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , seeking to ascertain whether the objectives have been met and to formulate recommendations with a view to improving future actions . ### the commission shall also evaluate the impact and effectiveness of its actions per area of intervention and the effectiveness of programming , by means of external evaluations . proposals and views of the european parliament and the council on independent external evaluations shall be duly taken into account by the commission . where applicable , evaluations shall make use of the good practice principles of the development assistance committee of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , seeking to ascertain whether the objectives have been met and to formulate recommendations with a view to improving future actions .


### the final evaluation report shall be undertaken for the specific purpose of improving the implementation of the union funding . it shall inform decisions on the renewal , modification or suspension of the types of actions implemented under the regulation . ### the mid - term evaluation report shall be undertaken for the specific purpose of improving the application of the union funding . it shall inform decisions on the renewal , modification or suspension of the types of actions implemented under the regulation .


### the final evaluation report shall also contain consolidated information from relevant annual reports on all funding governed by this regulation , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds offering a breakdown of spending by beneficiary country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments ### the mid - term evaluation report shall also contain consolidated information from relevant annual reports on all funding governed by this regulation , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds offering a breakdown of spending by beneficiary country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , to the council and to the member states through the relevant committee referred to in article 35 . specific evaluations may be discussed in that committee at the request of member states . the results shall feed into programme design and resource allocation . ### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , to the council and to the member states . the results shall feed into programme design and resource allocation .


### in duly justified cases and where the action to be implemented is of a global , trans - regional or regional nature , the commission may decide , within the relevant multiannual indicative programmes or within the relevant action plans or measures to extend the scope of actions to countries and territories not covered by this regulation pursuant to article 4 in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of union financing or to foster regional or trans - regional cooperation . ### in duly justified cases and where the action to be applied is of a global , trans - regional or regional nature , the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 34 to supplement this regulation by adding the countries and territories to those covered by this regulation pursuant to article 4 for the purpose of those actions .


### the commission may include a specific financial allocation to assist partner countries and regions in strengthening their cooperation with neighbouring union outermost regions and with overseas countries and territories covered by council decision oct decision . to this end , this regulation , may contribute , where appropriate and on the basis of reciprocity and proportionality as regards the level of funding from the oct decision and / or the etc regulation , to actions implemented by a partner country or region or any other entity under this regulation , by a country , territory or any other entity under the oct decision or by a union outermost region in the frame of joint operational programmes or to interregional cooperation programmes or measures established and implemented under the etc regulation . ### the commission may include a specific financial allocation to assist partner countries and regions in strengthening their cooperation with neighbouring union outermost regions and with overseas countries and territories covered by council decision oct decision . to this end , this regulation , may contribute , where appropriate and on the basis of reciprocity and proportionality as regards the level of funding from the oct decision and / or the etc regulation , to actions applied by a partner country or region or any other entity under this regulation , by a country , territory or any other entity under the oct decision or by a union outermost region in the frame of joint operational programmes or to interregional cooperation programmes or measures established and applied under the etc regulation .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 4 , article 26 , article 27 and article 31 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of validity of this regulation . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 4 , article 8 , article 8 , article 14 , article 15 , article 17 , article 21 , article 26 , article 27 , article 31 and article 33 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of validity of this regulation . the commission shall adopt those delegated acts as soon as possible , however delegated acts referred to in article 8 , article 8 , article 17 , and article 31 shall be adopted by . . . [ 6 months after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 4 , article 26 , article 27 and article 31 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of 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 power referred to in article 4 , article 8 , article 8 , article 14 , article 15 , article 17 , article 21 , article 26 , article 27 , article 31 and article 33 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of 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 .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 4 , article 26 , article 27 and article 31 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 4 , article 8 , article 8 , article 14 , article 15 , article 17 , article 21 , article 26 , article 27 , article 31 and article 33 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding in particular when promoting the actions and their results by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . ### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding in particular when promoting the actions and their results by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . the commission shall be responsible for monitoring recipients ' compliance with those requirements .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to this regulation , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to this regulation shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as those priorities are directly related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall apply information and communication actions relating to this regulation , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to this regulation shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as those priorities are directly related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### it shall apply from 1 january 2021 . ### it shall apply from 1 january 2021 until 31 december 2027 .


### union support under this area may also be used for the purpose of enabling the russian federation to participate in cross - border cooperation programmes and in other relevant multi - country programmes . ### union support under this area may also be used for the purpose of enabling the russian federation to participate in cross - border cooperation programmes and in other relevant multi - country programmes , including cooperation on education , in particular student exchanges .


### strengthening democracy and democratic processes , governance and oversight , including transparent and credible electoral processes ; ### strengthening democracy and inclusive democratic processes , an independent judiciary , governance and oversight , including transparent and credible electoral processes ;


### building resilience of states , societies , communities and individuals to political , economic , environmental , food , demographic and societal pressures and shocks ; ### building resilience of states , societies , communities and individuals to prepare them to resist , adapt and recover quickly from environmental and economic shocks , natural and man - made disasters and , conflicts , health crises and food security ;


### strengthening the development of democratic public institutions at national and sub - national levels , including an independent , effective , efficient and accountable judicial system , the promotion of rule of law , and access to justice for all ; ### strengthening the development of democratic public institutions at national and sub - national levels , including an independent , effective , efficient and accountable judicial system , the promotion of rule of law , international justice , accountability and access to justice for all ;


### enhancing efforts for the adoption of policies and appropriate investment to promote women and young people’s rights , to facilitate their engagement in social , civic and economic life , and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development ; ### enhancing efforts for the adoption of policies and appropriate investment to promote children , women and young people’s rights , including their right to access to culture and education , to facilitate their engagement in social , civic and economic life , and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development ;


### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; ### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights and empowerment , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing and protecting them from sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; this includes promoting access to all to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and comprehensive sexuality education ; promoting cooperation in research and innovation for new and improved tools for sexual and reproductive healthcare including family planning , particularly in low resource settings ;


### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; ### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights and empowerment including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing and protecting them from sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; this includes promoting access for all to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and comprehensive sexuality education ;


### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; ### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , land ownership , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ;


### giving special attention to those who are disadvantaged , vulnerable and marginalised , inter alia children , older persons , persons with disabilities , lgbti persons and indigenous peoples . this includes promoting the transition from institutional to community - based care for children ; ### giving special attention to those who are disadvantaged , vulnerable and marginalised , inter alia children , older persons , persons with disabilities , lgbti persons and indigenous peoples . this includes promoting the transition from institutional to community - based care for children with and without disabilities ;


### promoting an integrated approach to supporting communities , particularly the poorest , in improving access to basic needs and services ; ### promoting an integrated approach to supporting communities , particularly the poorest and hardest to reach , by improving universal access to basic needs and services , in particular health , education , nutrition and social protection ;


### supporting universal access to safe and sufficient drinking water sanitation , and hygiene , and sustainable and integrated water management ; ### supporting universal access to safe and sufficient drinking water sanitation , hygiene , and sustainable and integrated water management ;


### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , including through supporting the building of strong , quality and resilient health systems , and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ; ### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , including sexual and reproductive health services , including through supporting the building of strong , quality and resilient health systems , and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ;


### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , including through supporting the building of strong , quality and resilient health systems , and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ; ### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , including through supporting the building of inclusive , strong , quality and resilient health systems that are accessible to all , and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ;


### promoting inclusive and equitable quality formal , informal and non - formal education for all , at all levels and including technical and vocational training , including in emergency and crisis situations , and including through the use of digital technologies to improve education teaching and learning ; ### ensuring inclusive and equitable quality formal , informal and non - formal education and promoting life - long learning opportunities for all , at all levels and including technical and vocational training , including in emergency and crisis situations , and including through the use of digital technologies to improve education teaching and learning , including the use of language technologies , and the use of both online and blended learning methodologies ;


### supporting actions of capacity building , learning mobility to , from or between partner countries , as well as of cooperation and policy dialogue with institutions , organisations , local implementing bodies and authorities , from those countries ; ### supporting actions of learning mobility , capacity building and cultural cooperation to , from or between the union and third countries , as well as of cooperation and policy dialogue with institutions , organisations , local implementing bodies and authorities , from those countries ;


### promoting cooperation in the areas of science , technology and research , and open data and innovation ; ### promoting cooperation in the areas of science , technology and research , open data , big data and artificial intelligence , and innovation ;


### promoting cooperation in the areas of science , technology and research , and open data and innovation ; ### promoting cooperation in the areas of science , technology and research , and open data and innovation , including the development of science diplomacy ;


### migration and forced displacement ### migration , mobility and forced displacement


### supporting sustainable reintegration of returning migrants ; ### supporting sustainable and successful socio - economic reintegration of returning migrants ;


### promoting conditions for facilitating legal migration and well - managed mobility , people - to - people contacts , maximising the development impact of migration ; ### promoting conditions for facilitating legal migration and well - managed mobility , and people - to - people contacts , including by providing accurate and timely information at all stages of migration ;


### supporting development - based solutions for forcibly displaced persons and their host communities ; ### supporting development - based solutions for forcibly displaced persons and their host communities , including through access to education and decent jobs , to promote the dignity , resilience and self - reliance of displaced persons , and their inclusion in the economic and social life of host countries ;


### supporting diaspora engagement in countries of origin ; ### supporting diaspora engagement in countries of origin , to fully contribute to sustainable development ;


### supporting diaspora engagement in countries of origin ; ### supporting the interface role of diasporas in countries of origin ;


### contributing to partners’ efforts to pursue their commitments on climate change in line with the paris agreement on climate change , including the implementation of nationally determined contribution and mitigation and adaptation plans of action including synergies between adaptation and mitigation ; ### supporting adaptation to climate change , with special emphasis on particularly vulnerable states and populations lacking resources for taking necessary measures . contributing to partners’ efforts to pursue their commitments on climate change in line with the paris agreement on climate change , including the implementation of nationally determined contribution and mitigation and adaptation plans of action including synergies between adaptation and mitigation ;


### strengthening sustainable energy cooperation . promoting and increasing cooperation on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources ; ### promoting access to sustainable energy in developing countries , with a view to honouring the union’s 2012 pledge to provide such access for an additional 500 million people by 2030 , giving priority to small - scale , mini - grid and off - grid solutions of high environmental and development value . strengthening sustainable energy cooperation . promoting and increasing cooperation on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources ;


### promoting conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks through sustainable management of land use , land - use change , and forestry and combatting environmental degradation , desertification and land degradation ; ### promoting conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks through sustainable management of land use , land - use change , and forestry and combatting environmental degradation , desertification and land and forest degradation , and drought ;


### strengthening regional disaster risk reduction and resilience , in synergy with climate change adaption policies and actions ; ### strengthening regional disaster risk reduction , preparedness and resilience by means of a community - based and people - centred approach , in synergy with climate change adaption policies and actions ;


### supporting entrepreneurship , decent employment and employability through the development of skills and competences , including education , the improvement of labour standards and working conditions , and the creation of opportunities particularly for the youth ; ### supporting entrepreneurship , including through microfinance , decent employment and employability through the development of skills and competences , including education , the improvement of the full application of ilo labour standards including social dialogue and the fight against child labour , working conditions in a healthy environment , and the creation of opportunities particularly for the youth ;


### promoting internal economic , social and territorial cohesion , forging stronger links between urban and rural areas and facilitating the development of the tourism sector as a leverage for sustainable development ; ### promoting internal economic , social and territorial cohesion , forging stronger links between urban and rural areas and facilitating the development of both creative industries and the cultural tourism sector as a leverage for sustainable development ;


### fostering universal access to sustainable energy , promoting a low - carbon , climate resilient resource efficient and circular economy in line with the paris agreement on climate change ; ### fostering universal access to safe , affordable and sustainable energy , promoting a low - carbon , climate resilient resource efficient and circular economy in line with the paris agreement on climate change ;


### promoting affordable , inclusive and reliable digital connectivity and strengthening the digital economy ; ### promoting affordable , inclusive , reliable and secure digital connectivity and strengthening the digital economy ; promoting digital literacy and skills ; fostering digital entrepreneurship and job creation ; promoting the use of digital technologies as an enabler for sustainable development ; addressing cybersecurity , data privacy and other regulatory issues linked to digitalisation ;


### developing and strengthening markets and sectors in a way that would bolster inclusive and sustainable growth ; ### developing and strengthening markets and sectors in a way that would bolster inclusive and sustainable growth , and fair trade ;


### supporting the regional integration agenda and optimal trade policies , and supporting the consolidation and implementation of trade agreements between the eu and its partners ; ### supporting the regional integration agenda and optimal trade policies , and supporting the consolidation and implementation of fair trade agreements between the union and its partners , including holistic and asymmetrical agreements with developing country partners ;


### promoting intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity in all its forms , and preserve and promote cultural heritage ; ### promoting intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity in all its forms , preserve and promote cultural heritage , as well as contemporary arts and cultural expressions ;


### supporting conflict prevention , early warning and peacebuilding through mediation , crisis management , and stabilisation ; ### supporting conflict prevention , early warning and peacebuilding through mediation , crisis management , and stabilisation and post - conflict reconstruction , including an enhanced role for women at all of these stages ;


### cooperating with third countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy , notably through capacity building and infrastructure development in third countries in the areas of health , agriculture and food safety ; as well as supporting social actions addressing the consequences on the most vulnerable population exposed to any radiological accident and aiming at improving their living conditions ; promoting knowledge - management , training and education in nuclear - related fields ; ### cooperating with third countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy , notably through capacity building and infrastructure development in third countries in the areas of health , agriculture and food safety ; as well as supporting social actions addressing the consequences on the most vulnerable population exposed to any radiological accident and aiming at improving their living conditions ; promoting knowledge - management , training and education in nuclear - related fields . such activities shall be developed in conjunction with those under the european instrument for nuclear safety established by regulation eu . . . / . . . [ regulation eins ] ;


### promoting an enabling environment for civil society organisations , including foundations , enhancing their meaningful and structured participation in domestic policies and their capacity to perform their roles as independent development and governance actors ; and strengthening new ways of partnering with civil society organisations , promoting a substantive and structured dialogue with the union and the effective use of country roadmaps for eu engagement with civil society ; ### promoting an enabling environment for civil society organisations , including foundations , enhancing their participation in domestic policies and their capacity to perform their roles as independent development and governance actors ; and strengthening new ways of partnering with civil society organisations , promoting a substantive and structured dialogue with the union and the effective use and implementation of country roadmaps for the union’s engagement with civil society ;


### engaging more effectively with citizens in third countries , including by making full use of economic , cultural and public diplomacy ; ### engaging more effectively with citizens and human rights defenders in third countries , including by making full use of economic , cultural and public diplomacy ;


### engaging more effectively with citizens in third countries , including by making full use of economic , cultural and public diplomacy ; ### engaging more effectively with citizens in third countries , including by making full use of economic , cultural , sport , public diplomacy and cultural relations ;


### creating an enabling environment for citizen participation and civil society action , including through foundations ; ### creating an enabling environment for citizen participation and civil society action , including by supporting active civil society participation in policy dialogue through foundations ;


### building the capacity of civil society organisations , including foundations , to act as both actors of development and governance ; ### supporting and building the capacity of civil society organisations , including foundations , to act as both actors of development and governance ;


### dialogue with and between civil society organisations on development policy ### dialogue with and between civil society organisations


### promoting other inclusive multi - stakeholder dialogue fora , including interaction between citizens , civil society organisations , local authorities , member states , partner countries and other key development stakeholders ; ### promoting inclusive multi - stakeholder dialogue fora and institutional strengthening of civil society and local authority networks , including interaction and coordination between citizens , civil society organisations , local authorities , member states , partner countries and other key development stakeholders ;


### mobilising public support in the union , candidate countries and potential candidates for sustainable and inclusive development strategies in partner countries . ### mobilising public support in the union , candidate countries and potential candidates for poverty reduction and sustainable and inclusive development strategies in partner countries .


### the union shall provide technical and financial assistance to support partners’ efforts and union actions addressing global and trans - regional threats and emerging threats mainly in the following areas : ### the union shall provide technical and financial assistance to support partners’ efforts and union actions addressing global and trans - regional threats and emerging threats in the following areas :


### threats to public spaces , critical infrastructure , cybersecurity , to public health or to environmental stability , maritime security threats , threats deriving from climate change impacts ; ### threats to public spaces , critical infrastructure , including international transport , including passenger and freight traffic , energy operations and energy distribution , cybersecurity , to public health , including sudden epidemics with a potential trans - national impact , or to environmental stability , maritime security threats , global and trans - regional threats deriving from climate change impacts having a potentially destabilising impact on peace and security ;


### developing crucial elements of an effective and comprehensive health system that are best addressed at a supra - national level to secure equitable access to health services and sexual and reproductive health and rights ; ### developing crucial elements of an effective and comprehensive health system that are best addressed at a supra - national level to secure equitable , affordable , inclusive and universal access to public health services and sexual and reproductive health and rights ;