### contract performance conditions are compatible with this directive provided that they are not directly or indirectly discriminatory , are linked to the subject - matter of the contract and are indicated in the contract notice , the prior information notice used as a means of calling for competition or the procurement documents . they may , in particular , be intended to favour on - site vocational training , the employment of people experiencing particular difficulty in achieving integration , the fight against unemployment , protection of the environment or animal welfare . for instance , mention may be made , amongst other things , of the requirements ‐ applicable during performance of the contract ‐ to recruit long - term job - seekers or to implement training measures for the unemployed or young persons , to comply in substance with fundamental international labour organisation conventions , even where such conventions have not been implemented in national law , and to recruit more disadvantaged persons than are required under national legislation . ### contract performance conditions are compatible with this directive provided that they are not directly or indirectly discriminatory , are linked directly to the subject - matter of the contract and are indicated in the contract notice , the prior information notice used as a means of calling for competition or the procurement documents . they may , in particular , be intended to favour on - site vocational training or the employment of people experiencing particular difficulty in achieving integration .


### contracting authorities shall accept other appropriate means of proof than those referred to in paragraph 1 , such as a technical dossier of the manufacturer where the economic operator concerned has no access to the certificates or test reports referred to in paragraph 1 , or no possibility of obtaining them within the relevant time limits . ### contracting authorities shall accept other appropriate and equivalent means of proof than those referred to in paragraph 1 , such as a technical dossier of the manufacturer where the economic operator concerned has no access to the certificates or test reports referred to in paragraph 1 , or no possibility of obtaining them within the relevant time limits .


### identification of the economic operator ; ### identification of the economic operator ; company registration number , name , address , bank ;


### where contracting authorities assess the costs using a life - cycle costing approach , they shall indicate in the procurement documents the methodology used for the calculation of the life - cycle costs . the methodology used must fulfil all of the following conditions : ### where contracting authorities use a life - cycle costing approach , they shall indicate in the procurement documents the data to be provided by the tenderers and the method which the contracting authority will use to determine the life - cycle costs on the basis of these data .


### contracting authorities may lay down special conditions relating to the performance of a contract , provided that they are indicated in the call for competition or in the specifications . those conditions may , in particular , concern social and environmental considerations . they may also include the requirement that economic operators foresee compensations for risks of price increases that are the result of price fluctuations and that could substantially impact the performance of a contract . ### contracting entities may lay down special conditions relating to the performance of a contract , provided that they are indicated in the call for competition or in the specifications . those conditions may , in particular , concern training measures for unemployed and young people . they may also include the requirement that economic operators foresee compensations for risks of price increases that are the result of price fluctuations and that could substantially impact the performance of a contract .


### furthermore , in technical specifications and in award criteria , contracting authorities should be allowed to refer to a specific production process , a specific mode of provision of services , or a specific process for any other stage of the life cycle of a product or service , provided that they are linked to the subject - matter of the public contract . in order to better integrate social considerations in public procurement , procurers may also be allowed to include , in the award criterion of the most economically advantageous tender , characteristics related to the working conditions of the persons directly participating in the process of production or provision in question . those characteristics may only concern the protection of health of the staff involved in the production process or the favouring of social integration of disadvantaged persons or members of vulnerable groups amongst the persons assigned to performing the contract , including accessibility for persons with disabilities . any award criteria which include those characteristics should in any event remain limited to characteristics that have immediate consequences on staff members in their working environment . they should be applied in accordance with directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services22 and in a way that does not discriminate directly or indirectly against economic operators from other member states or from third countries parties to the agreement or to free trade agreements to which the union is party . for service contracts and for contracts involving the design of works , contracting authorities should also be allowed to use as an award criterion the organisation , qualification and experience of the staff assigned to performing the contract in question , as this may affect the quality of contract performance and , as a result , the economic value of the tender . ### furthermore , in technical specifications , contracting authorities should be allowed to refer to a specific production process , a specific mode of provision of services , or a specific process for any other stage of the life cycle of a product or service , provided that they are linked to the subject - matter of the public contract and proportionate to the value and objectives of the contract .


### in the contract notice or in the invitation to confirm interest contracting authorities shall describe the procurement and the minimum requirements to be met and specify the award criteria so as to enable economic operators to identify the nature and scope of the procurement and decide whether to request to participate in the negotiations . in the technical specifications , contracting authorities shall specify which parts thereof define the minimum requirements . ### in the procurement documents , contracting authorities shall indicate which elements define the minimum requirements to be met . the indications shall be sufficiently precise as to enable economic operators to identify the precise nature and scope of the procurement and decide whether to request to participate in the procedure .


### other categories of services continue by their very nature to have a limited cross - border dimension , namely what are known as services to the person , such as certain social , health and educational services . these services are provided within a particular context that varies widely amongst member states , due to different cultural traditions . a specific regime should therefore be established for public contracts for these services , with a higher threshold of eur 500 000 . services to the person with values below this threshold will typically not be of interest to providers from other member states , unless there are concrete indications to the contrary , such as union financing for transborder projects . contracts for services to the person above this threshold should be subject to union - wide transparency . given the importance of the cultural context and the sensitivity of these services , member states should be given wide discretion to organise the choice of the service providers in the way they consider most appropriate . the rules of this directive take account of that imperative , imposing only observance of basic principles of transparency and equal treatment and making sure that contracting authorities are able to apply specific quality criteria for the choice of service providers , such as the criteria set out in the voluntary european quality framework for social services of the european union ' s social protection committee . member states and / or public authorities remain free to provide these services themselves or to organise social services in a way that does not entail the conclusion of public contracts , for example through the mere financing of such services or by granting licences or authorisations to all economic operators meeting the conditions established beforehand by the contracting authority , without any limits or quotas , provided such a system ensures sufficient advertising and complies with the principles of transparency and non - discrimination . ### other categories of services continue by their very nature to have a limited cross - border dimension , namely what are known as services to the person , such as certain social , health and educational services . these services are provided within a particular context that varies widely amongst member states , due to different cultural traditions . by their very nature they are in general difficult to reconcile with internal market rules applying to public procurement . therefore , public authorities should prefer other ways of providing these services and must ensure high quality for the social services provided if they decide nevertheless to apply public procurement procedures . for a better quality of these services in contracts , a specific regime should be established with a higher threshold of eur 500 000 . services to the person with values below this threshold will typically not be of interest to providers from other member states , unless there are concrete indications to the contrary , such as union financing for transborder projects . contracts for services to the person above this threshold should be subject to union - wide transparency . given the importance of the cultural context and the sensitivity of these services , the subsidiarity principle , protocol 26 on services of general interest , article 14 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 36 of the charter of fundamental rights , member states have wide discretion to organise the choice of the service providers in the way they consider most appropriate , as closely as possible to the needs of the users , and taking into account the differences in the needs and preferences of users that may result from different geographical , social or cultural situations , and to ensure universal access , continuity and availability of the services in all territories of the union . the rules of this directive take account of that imperative , imposing only observance of basic principles of transparency and equal treatment and making sure that contracting authorities are able to apply specific quality criteria for the choice of service providers , such as the criteria set out in the voluntary european quality framework for social services of the european union ' s social protection committee , which are designed to ensure a high level of quality , continuity , accessibility , affordability , availability and comprehensiveness of the services , the specific needs of different categories of users , including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups , users ' satisfaction , social inclusion , the involvement and empowerment of users and , where relevant , innovation . criteria relating to social and employment conditions , health and safety at the workplace , social security and working conditions should particularly be taken into account . member states and / or public authorities remain free to provide these services themselves including vertical ' in - house ' provision or horizontal inter - municipal cooperation , or to organise social services in any other way that does not entail the conclusion of public contracts , for example through the mere financing of such services or by granting licences or authorisations to all economic operators meeting the conditions established beforehand by the contracting authority , without any limits or quotas , provided such a system ensures sufficient advertising and complies with the principles of transparency and non - discrimination . according to case law of the court , in particular the judgement in case c - 70 / 95 , contracting authorities may be allowed to reserve contracts to non - profit organisation , if such a restriction is provided for by national law and compatible with european law , if it is necessary and proportionate to attain certain societal goals of the national welfare system .


### where privileged links are identified , the contracting authority shall immediately inform the oversight body designated in accordance with article 84 and take appropriate measures to avoid any undue influence on the award process and ensure equal treatment of candidates and tenderers . where the conflict of interests cannot be effectively remedied by other means , the candidate or tenderer concerned shall be excluded from the procedure . ### where privileged links are identified , the contracting authority shall immediately take appropriate measures to avoid any undue influence on the award process , document those measures adequately and ensure equal treatment of candidates and tenderers .


### these sector - specific measures must be complemented by an adaptation of the public procurement directives empowering contracting authorities to pursue the objectives of the europe 2020 strategy in their purchasing strategies . it should hence be made clear that contracting authorities can determine the most economically advantageous tender and the lowest cost using a life - cycle costing approach , provided that the methodology to be used is established in an objective and non - discriminatory manner and accessible to all interested parties . the notion of life - cycle costing includes all costs over the life cycle of works , supplies or services , both their internal costs and their external costs , provided they can be monetised and monitored . common methodologies should be developed at the level of the union for the calculation of life - cycle costs for specific categories of supplies or services ; whenever such a methodology is developed its use should be made compulsory . ### these sector - specific measures must be complemented by an adaptation of the public procurement directives empowering contracting authorities to pursue the objectives of the europe 2020 strategy in their purchasing strategies . it should hence be made clear that contracting authorities can determine the most economically advantageous tender using a life - cycle costing approach , provided that the methodology to be used is established in an objective and non - discriminatory manner and accessible to all interested parties . the notion of life - cycle costing includes all costs over the life cycle of works , supplies or services , both their internal costs and their external costs , provided they can be monetised and monitored . common methodologies should be developed at the level of the union for the calculation of life - cycle costs for specific categories of supplies or services .


### public procurement plays a key role in the europe 2020 strategy as one of the market - based instruments to be used to achieve a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth while ensuring the most efficient use of public funds . for that purpose , the current public procurement rules adopted pursuant to directive 2004 / 17 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 31 march 2004 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and directive 2004 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 31 march 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts , public supply contracts and public service contracts have to be revised and modernised in order to increase the efficiency of public spending , facilitating in particular the participation of small and medium - sized enterprises in public procurement and to enable procurers to make better use of public procurement in support of common societal goals . there is also a need to clarify basic notions and concepts to ensure better legal certainty and to incorporate certain aspects of related well - established case - law of the court of justice of the european union . ### public procurement plays a key role in the europe 2020 strategy as one of the market - based instruments to be used to achieve a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth while ensuring the most efficient use of public funds . public procurement is a vital tool in the redefinition of european industrial policy . for that purpose , the current public procurement rules adopted pursuant to directive 2004 / 17 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 31 march 2004 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and directive 2004 / 18 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 31 march 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts , public supply contracts and public service contracts have to be revised and modernised in order to increase the efficiency of public spending , facilitating in particular the participation of small and medium - sized enterprises in public procurement and to enable procurers to make better use of public procurement in support of common societal goals . there is also a need to clarify basic notions and concepts to ensure better legal certainty and to incorporate certain aspects of related well - established case - law of the court of justice of the european union .


### produce an agreement between the au - pair and the host family defining his / her rights and obligations , including specifications about the pocket money to be received and adequate arrangements allowing him / her to attend courses , and participation in day - to - day family duties . ### produce an agreement between the au - pair and the host family defining his / her rights and obligations , including specifications about the pocket money to be received , adequate arrangements allowing him / her to attend courses , including the grant of at least one full free day per week , and participation in day - to - day family duties , indicating the maximum hours per day which may be dedicated to the participation in such duties .


### researchers ' family members by way of derogation from article 3 and article 8 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , family reunification shall not be made dependent on the holder of the authorisation to stay for the purposes of research having reasonable prospects of obtaining the right of permanent residence and having a minimum period of residence 2 . by way of derogation from the last subparagraph of article 4 and article 7 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , the integration conditions and measures referred to in those provisions may only be applied after the persons concerned have been granted family reunification . 3 . by way of derogation from the first subparagraph of article 5 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , authorisations for family members shall be granted , where the conditions for family reunification are fulfilled , within 90 days from the date on which the application was lodged , and 60 days from the date of the initial application for family members of third - country national researchers covered by the relevant union programmes including mobility measures . 4 . by way of derogation from article 13 and of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , the duration of validity of the authorisation of family members shall be the same as that of the authorisation granted to the researcher insofar as the period of validity of their travel documents allows it . 5 . by way of derogation from the second sentence of article 14 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , member states shall not apply any time limit in respect of access to the labour market . ### researchers ' and students ' family members by way of derogation from article 3 and article 8 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , family reunification shall not be made dependent on the holder of the authorisation to stay for the purposes of research or studies having reasonable prospects of obtaining the right of permanent residence and having a minimum period of residence . 2 . by way of derogation from the last subparagraph of article 4 and article 7 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , the integration conditions and measures referred to in those provisions may only be applied after the persons concerned have been granted family reunification . 3 . by way of derogation from the first subparagraph of article 5 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , authorisations for family members shall be granted , where the conditions for family reunification are fulfilled , within 90 days from the date on which the application was lodged , and 60 days from the date of the initial application for family members of third - country national researchers and students covered by the relevant union programmes including mobility measures . 4 . by way of derogation from article 13 and of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , the duration of validity of the authorisation of family members shall be the same as that of the authorisation granted to the researcher or the student insofar as the period of validity of their travel documents allows it . 5 . by way of derogation from the second sentence of article 14 of directive 2003 / 86 / ec , member states shall not apply any time limit in respect of access to the labour market .


### after finalisation of research or studies in the member state , third - country nationals shall be entitled to stay on the territory of the member state for a period of 12 months in order to look for work or set up a business , if the conditions laid down in points and to of article 6 are still fulfilled . in a period of more than 3 and less than 6 months , third - country nationals may be requested to provide evidence that they continue to seek employment or are in the process of setting up a business . after a period of 6 months , third - country nationals may additionally be requested to provide evidence that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business . ### after finalisation of research or studies in the member state , third - country nationals shall be entitled to stay on the territory of the union for a period of 18 months in order to look for work or set up a business , if the conditions laid down in points and to of article 6 are still fulfilled . in a period of more than 3 and less than 6 months , third - country nationals may be requested to provide evidence that they continue to seek employment or are in the process of setting up a business . after a period of 6 months , third - country nationals may additionally be requested to provide evidence that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business .


### ' au pair ' means a third - country national who is temporarily received by a family in the territory of a member state in exchange for light housework and taking care of children in order to improve his / her linguistic skills and his / her knowledge of the host country ; ### ' au pair ' means a third - country national who is temporarily received by a family in the territory of a member state in order to improve his / her linguistic skills and his / her knowledge of the host country in exchange for light housework and taking care of children ;


### this directive shall be without prejudice to the right of member states to adopt or maintain provisions that are more favourable to the persons to whom it applies with respect to articles 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 29 , especially in the context of mobility partnerships . ### this directive shall be without prejudice to the right of member states to adopt or maintain provisions that are more favourable to the persons to whom it applies with respect to articles 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 and 34 , especially in the context of mobility partnerships .


### by way of derogation from article 12 of directive 2011 / 98 / eu , third - country national researchers shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards branches of social security , including family benefits , as defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes . ### by way of derogation from article 12 and article 12 of directive 2011 / 98 / eu , third - country national researchers and students shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards education and vocational training and branches of social security , including family benefits , as defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes .


### member states shall reject an application in the following cases : ### member states shall refuse an authorisation in the following cases :


### member states may require applicants to pay fees for the processing of applications in accordance with this directive . the amount of such fees shall not endanger the fulfilment of its objectives . ### member states may require payment of fees for handling applications in accordance with this directive . the level of such fees shall not be excessive or disproportionate . where those fees are paid by the third - country national trainee or au - pair , that third - country national shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the host entity or the host family respectively .


### for the mobility of students and trainees from the first member state to a second member state , the authorities of the second member state shall inform the authorities of the first member state on their decision . the cooperation procedures set out in article 32 shall apply . ### for the mobility of students , trainees and volunteers from the first member state to a second member state , the authorities of the second member state shall inform the authorities of the first member state on their decision . the cooperation procedures set out in article 32 shall apply .


### the competent authorities of the member states shall decide on the complete application for an authorisation and shall notify the applicant in writing , in accordance with the notification procedures laid down in the national law of the member state concerned , as soon as possible and at the latest within 60 days from the date on which the application was lodged , and within 30 days in the case of third - country national researchers and students covered by union programmes including mobility measures . ### the competent authorities of the member states shall decide on the complete application for an authorisation and shall notify the applicant in writing , in accordance with the notification procedures laid down in the national law of the member state concerned , including on any appeals lodged against decisions rejecting an application for an authorisation , as soon as possible and at the latest within 30 days from the date on which the application was lodged .


### when a researcher moves to a second member state in accordance with articles 26 and 27 , and when the family was already constituted in the first member state , the members of his family shall be authorised to accompany or join him . ### when a researcher moves to a second member state in accordance with articles 26 and 27 , and when the family was already constituted in the first member state , the members of his / her family shall be authorised to accompany or join him / her .


### the european parliament and the council shall have access to the information referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the european parliament , the council and the national parliaments shall have access to the information referred to in paragraph 1


### the european parliament and the council shall have access to the information referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the european parliament , the council and the member states shall have equal access to the information referred to in paragraph 1 . to that end , the european parliament and the council shall be sent , at the same time as the members of the committees and on the same terms , all the information referred to in paragraph 1 .


### the financial resources required to cover the expenditure effected by the accredited paying agencies in respect of the eagf , are to be made available to the member states by the commission in the form of reimbursements against the booking of the expenditure effected by those agencies . until such reimbursements , in the form of monthly payments , have been paid , financial resources are to be mobilised by the member states in accordance with the needs of their accredited paying agencies . the personnel costs and the administrative costs of the member states and the beneficiaries involved in the execution of the cap should be borne by themselves . ### the financial resources required to cover the expenditure effected by the accredited paying agencies in respect of the eagf , are to be made available to the member states by the commission in the form of reimbursements against the booking of the expenditure effected by those agencies . until such reimbursements , in the form of monthly payments , have been paid , financial resources are to be mobilised by the member states in accordance with the needs of their accredited paying agencies . in order to improve the operational efficiency of the paying agencies , the personnel costs and the administrative costs of the member states and the beneficiaries involved in the execution of the cap should be borne by the agencies themselves .


### following the commission decision approving the programme , an initial prefinancing amount for the whole programming period shall be paid by the commission . this initial pre - financing amount shall represent 4% of the eafrd contribution to the programme concerned . it may be split into a maximum of three instalments depending on budget availability . the first instalment shall represent 2% of the eafrd contribution to the programme concerned . ### following the commission decision approving the programme , an initial prefinancing amount for the whole programming period shall be paid by the commission . this initial pre - financing amount shall represent 7% of the eafrd contribution to the programme concerned . it may be split into a maximum of three instalments depending on budget availability . the first instalment shall represent 3% of the eafrd contribution to the programme concerned .


### introducing new technical or organisational knowledge in aquaculture farms which reduces their impact on the environment or fosters a more sustainable use of resources in aquaculture ; ### introducing new technical or organisational knowledge in aquaculture farms which reduces their impact on the environment and fosters a sustainable use of resources in aquaculture ;


### fostering innovative , competitive and knowledge based aquaculture through the focus on the following areas : ### fostering sustainable , innovative , competitive and knowledge based aquaculture through the focus on the following areas :


### support under paragraph 1 shall be granted to small scale coastal fishermen owning a union fishing vessel registered as active and which have carried out fishing activities at sea at least 60 days during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application . the fishing licence associated with the fishing vessel shall be permanently withdrawn . ### support under paragraph 1 shall be granted to fishermen with micro , small and medium - sized businesses owning a union fishing vessel registered as active and which have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 60 days during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application .


### support under this chapter shall contribute to achieve the specific objectives of chapter i and chapter ii of this title . ### support under this chapter shall contribute to :


### eur 45 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the storage aid referred to in article 72 from 2014 to 2018 included . ### eur x of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the storage aid referred to in article 72 from 2014 to 2018 included .


### in order to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment , foster the elimination of discards and facilitate the transition to exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the emff may support investments in equipment : ### in order to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment , significantly reduce discards and facilitate the transition to exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species at levels which can produce the msy , the emff may support investments in equipment :


### in line with the discard ban introduced by the cfp , the emff should support investments on board aiming at make the best use of unwanted fish caught and valorise underused components of the fish caught . considering the scarcity of the resources , in order to maximise the value of the fish caught , the emff should also support investments on board aiming at adding commercial value to fish caught . ### in line with the reduction of discards introduced by the cfp , the emff should support investments on board aiming at the progressive reduction of undesirable catches , make the best use of unwanted fish caught and valorise underused components of the fish caught . considering the scarcity of the resources , in order to maximise the value of the fish caught , the emff should also support investments on board and during the processing and marketing stages aiming at adding commercial value to fish caught .


### eur 45 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the storage aid referred to in article 72 from 2014 to 2018 included . ### eur x of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the production and marketing plans in article 69 and storage aid referred to in article 70 .


### in order to protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora , the emff may support the participation of inland fishermen in managing , restoring and monitoring natura 2000 sites where these areas directly concern fishing activities as well as the rehabilitation of inland waters , including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species , without prejudice of article 38 . ### in order to protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora , the emff may support the participation of continental fishermen in managing , restoring and monitoring natura 2000 sites where these areas directly concern fishing activities as well as the rehabilitation of continental waters , including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species , without prejudice of article 38 .


### support under paragraph 1 shall be granted only to aquaculture enterprises provided that the complementary activities outside aquaculture relate to the core aquaculture business of enterprise , such as angling tourism , aquaculture environmental services or educational activities on aquaculture . ### support under paragraph 1 shall be granted provided that the complementary activities outside aquaculture relate to the core aquaculture business of enterprise , such as angling tourism , aquaculture tourism promoting the aquaculture sector and its products , aquaculture environmental services or educational activities on aquaculture .


### it lasts for more than four months consecutively ; or ### it lasts for one month ; or


### submit a business plan for the development of their aquaculture activities . ### submit a business plan for the development of their aquaculture activities , including a plan on how to minimize the ecological footprint of their activity that is approved by a competent authority within a member state .


### support under this chapter shall be limited to aquaculture enterprises unless otherwise expressly established . ### support under this chapter shall be limited to sustainable aquaculture enterprises that are compatible with the objectives of directive 2008 / 56 / ec and within the parameters defined under the the habitats directive , the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive and the environmental impact assessment directive .


### support under this chapter shall be limited to aquaculture enterprises unless otherwise expressly established . ### support under this chapter shall be intended for aquaculture enterprises , organisations of aquaculture prodcuers and fishermen and legal persons .


### diversification of the income of aquaculture enterprises through the development of complementary activities outside aquaculture . ### diversification of the income of the aquaculture sector through the development of complementary activities outside aquaculture .


### in order to facilitate diversification and job creation outside fishing , the emff may support : ### in order to facilitate job creation , the emff may support business start - ups in the fishing sector and the development of complementary fishing - related activities .


### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels are which have carried a fishing activity for at least 60 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application . ### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels are which have carried a fishing activity for at least 60 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application , and to organisations of fishermen .


### priority should be given to producer organisations and associations of producer organisations by granting them support . the compensation for storage aid and aid for production and marketing plans should gradually be phased out as the importance of this particular kind of support has lost its interest in the light of the evolving structure of the union market for this kind of products and the growing importance of strong producer ' s organisations . ### priority should be given to producer organisations and associations of producer organisations by granting them support .


### in order to ensure the viability of fisheries and aquaculture in a highly competitive market , it is necessary to lay down provisions granting support for the implementation of the [ regulation no on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products ] 1 as well as for marketing and processing activities carried by operators to maximise the value of fisheries and aquaculture products . particular attention should be paid to the promotion of operations which integrate producing , processing and marketing activities of the supply chain . in order to adapt to the new discard ban policy , the emff should also support the processing of unwanted catches . ### in order to ensure the viability of fisheries and aquaculture in a highly competitive market , it is necessary to lay down provisions granting support for the implementation of the [ regulation no on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products ] 1 as well as for marketing and processing activities carried by operators to maximise the value of fisheries and aquaculture products . particular attention should be paid to the promotion of operations which integrate producing , processing and marketing activities of the supply chain .


### eur 45 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the storage aid referred to in article 72 from 2014 to 2018 included . ### 0 , 004076 % of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the storage aid referred to in article 72 from 2014 to 2016 included .


### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , creation of jobs and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture ; ### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , creation of jobs and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing activities of marketing and processing companies in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors ;


### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , creation of jobs and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture ; ### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , creation of jobs , including related processing , and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture ;


### conscious of the importance of fishing ports , landing sites and shelters , the emff should support relevant investments in particular to increase energy efficiency , environmental protection , the quality of the product landed , as well as safety and working conditions . ### conscious of the importance of fishing ports , landing sites and shelters , the emff should support relevant investments in particular to increase energy efficiency , environmental protection , the quality of the product landed in accordance with the landing obligation laid down in article 15 of the regulation on the common fisheries policy , as well as safety and working conditions .


### diversification of the income of aquaculture enterprises through the development of new aquaculture species with good market prospects ; ### diversification of the income of the aquaculture sector through the development of new aquaculture species with good market prospects ;


### certification and promotion including of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products and of environmentally friendly processing methods ; ### certification and promotion including of seasonal and local coastal fisheries and aquaculture products ;


### limiting the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the ecosystem or the sea bed . ### minimizing and where possible eliminating the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the ecosystem or the sea bed , including impacts on biodiversity , ecosystem and habitat integrity , trophic level balance and genetic variability ;


### operations increasing the fishing capacity of the vessel ; ### operations increasing a vessel&#180 ; s fishing capacity or its ability to catch fish , including technical modernisations .


### facilitating diversification and job creation ### facilitating entrepreneurship , diversification and job creation


### priority should be given to producer organisations and associations of producer organisations by granting them support . the compensation for storage aid and aid for production and marketing plans should gradually be phased out as the importance of this particular kind of support has lost its interest in the light of the evolving structure of the union market for this kind of products and the growing importance of strong producer ' s organisations . ### priority should be given to producer organisations and other representative fishing organisations , in particular fishermen ' s associations , and associations of producer organisations by granting them support .


### management , restoration and monitoring natura 2000 sites in accordance with council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / ec of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to council directive 92 / 43 / eec ; ### the identification , selection and establishment as well as the management , restoration and monitoring of natura 2000 sites in accordance with council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / ec of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to council directive 92 / 43 / eec ;


### the feasibility studies and advice referred to respectively in paragraph 1 and shall be provided by recognised scientific or technical bodies with the required advisory competences as recognised by the national law of each member state . ### the feasibility studies and advice referred to respectively in paragraph 1 and shall be provided by recognised scientific or technical bodies with the required advisory competences as recognised in the business classification provided for in the national contract law for public administration .


### conscious of the weak presence of small scale coastal fishermen in the social dialogue , the emff should support organisations promoting this dialogue in the appropriate fora ### conscious of the social and territorial importance of coastal fishermen , the emff should support organisations promoting the social dialogue of the coastal fishing sector in the appropriate fora


### on existing ports and landing sites as referred to in article 41 and under the conditions set out in that article . ### on fishing ports , shelters and landing sites as referred to in article 41 and under the conditions set out in that article .


### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels are which have carried a fishing activity for at least 60 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application . ### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels have carried out a fishing activity for at least 60 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application .


### improvement of infrastructures of aquaculture areas including through land consolidation , energy supply or water management ; ### improvement of infrastructures of aquaculture areas including through land consolidation , energy supply or water management that will decrease the ecological footprint of aquaculture ;


### a demonstration of a pertinent approach integrated into the programme towards innovation , the environment , including the specific needs of natura 2000 areas , and climate change mitigation and adaptation ; ### a demonstration of a pertinent approach integrated into the programme towards innovation , the environment , including the specific needs of natura 2000 areas , the establishment of fish stock recovery areas and climate change mitigation and adaptation ;


### reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks or other by - catches ; ### minimizing and where possible eliminating unwanted catches of harvested stocks or other by - catches ;


### in order to improve the quality of the fish caught the emff may support investments on board for this purpose . ### in order to improve the added value or quality of the fish caught the emff may support :


### in order to foster forms of aquaculture with high growth potential , the emff may support investment in the development of off - shore or non food aquaculture ### the emff may support investments in increasing the production of and / or modernising existing aquaculture enterprises or for establishing new ones , provided that development is consistent with the multiannual national strategic plan for the development of aquaculture .


### the commission shall exercise the empowerment in full respect of the principle of proportionality and taking into account the risk that the non - compliance with the respective cfp rules constitutes a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the sustainability of the stocks concerned or the conservation of the marine environment . ### the commission shall exercise the empowerment in full respect of the principle of proportionality and taking into account the risk that the non - compliance with the respective cfp rules constitutes a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the sustainability of the stocks concerned or the conservation of the marine environment or the achievement and maintenance of a good environmental status by 2020 .


### 2 , operations financed under this article must be carried out in collaboration with a scientific or technical body recognised by the member state which shall validate the results of such operations . ### operations financed under this article must be carried out in collaboration with a scientific or technical body recognised by the member state by means of the business classification provided for in national contract law for public administration .


### lifelong learning , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices , and acquisition of new professional skills in particular linked to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems , activities in the maritime sector , innovation and entrepreneurship ; ### lifelong learning including for young people and women , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices , and acquisition of new professional skills in particular linked to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems , activities in the maritime sector , innovation and entrepreneurship ;


### certification and promotion including of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products and of environmentally friendly processing methods ; ### certification and promotion including of seasonal and local coastal fisheries and aquaculture products ;


### for the objective of collection of data for sustainable fisheries management referred in under articles 6 and 18 and in accordance with the multiannual union programme referred to in article 37 of the [ regulation on common fisheries policy ] : ### for the objective of collection of data for sustainable fisheries management referred in under articles 6 and 18 and in accordance with the multiannual union programme referred to in article 37 of the [ regulation on common fisheries policy ] and for the analysis of the socio - economic situation of the processing and marketing industry for fisheries and aquaculture products :


### in line with the goal of simplification , all activities of the emff which fall under shared management , including control and data collection , should take the form of one single operational programme per member state , in accordance with its national structure . the programming exercise shall cover the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 . each member state should prepare a single operational programme . each programme should identify a strategy for meeting targets in relation to the union priorities for the emff and a selection of measures . programming should comply with union priorities , while being adapted to national contexts and complement the other union policies , in particular rural development policy and cohesion policy . ### in line with the goal of simplification and decentralisation , all activities of the emff which fall under shared management , including control and data collection , should take the form of one single operational programme per member state , in accordance with its national structure . the programming exercise shall cover the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 . each member state should prepare a single operational programme incorporating all of the operational programmes from the different regions . each programme should identify a strategy for meeting targets in relation to the union priorities for the emff and a selection of measures . programming should comply with union priorities , while being adapted to national contexts and complement the other union policies , in particular rural development policy and cohesion policy .


### in order to foster the transfer of knowledge between scientists and fishermen , the emff may support : ### in order to foster the improved collection , promotion and transfer of knowledge between scientists and fishermen , the emff may support :


### ' inland fishing ' means fishing carried out for commercial purposes by vessels operating exclusively in inland waters or by other devices used for ice fishing ; ### ' inland fishing ' means fishing carried out for commercial purposes , from a vessel or otherwise , exclusively in inland waters or by other devices used for ice fishing ;


### new forms of income combined with aquaculture activities have already shown their added value for business development . therefore the emff should support these complementary activities outside aquaculture such as angling - tourism , educational or environmental activities . ### new forms of income combined with aquaculture activities have already shown their added value for business development . therefore the emff should support these complementary activities outside aquaculture such as angling - tourism , aquaculture tourism for promoting the aquaculture sector and its products , educational or environmental activities .


### it is paramount to better integrate environmental concerns into the cfp which should deliver on the objectives and targets of the union ' s environmental policy and the europe 2020 strategy . the cfp is aimed at an exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains fish stocks at levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield , not later than 2015 . the cfp shall implement the precautionary and eco - system approaches to fisheries management . consequently the emff should contribute to the protection of the marine environment as set out in the directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy . ### it is paramount to better integrate environmental concerns into the cfp which should deliver on the objectives and targets of the union ' s environmental policy and the europe 2020 strategy . the cfp is aimed at an exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains fish stocks of harvested species above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield , not later than 2015 . the cfp shall implement the precautionary and eco - system approaches to fisheries management . consequently the emff should contribute to the protection of the marine environment as set out in the directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy .


### support under this chapter shall be limited to aquaculture enterprises unless otherwise expressly established . ### support under this chapter shall be intended for aquaculture enterprises , organisations of aquaculture prodcuers and fishermen and legal persons .


### conscious of the weak presence of small scale coastal fishermen in the social dialogue , the emff should support organisations promoting this dialogue in the appropriate fora ### conscious of the social and territorial importance of coastal fishermen , the emff should support organisations promoting the social dialogue of the coastal fishing sector in the appropriate fora


### in order to foster entrepreneurship in aquaculture , the emff may support the setting up of aquaculture enterprises by new starting farmers . ### in order to foster entrepreneurship in aquaculture , the emff may support the setting up of sustainable aquaculture enterprises by new starting farmers .


### member states shall require that operators submitting an application under the emff provide to the managing authority a signed statement confirming that they respect the criteria listed in paragraph 1 and have not committed an irregularity under the eef or the emff as referred to in paragraph 2 . member states shall verify the veracity of the statement before the approval of the operation . ### member states shall require that operators submitting an application under the emff provide to the managing authority a signed statement confirming that they respect the criteria listed in paragraph 1 . member states shall verify the veracity of the statement before the approval of the operation .


### in order to improve the quality of the fish caught the emff may support investments on board for this purpose . ### in order to improve the quality of the fish caught the emff may support investments on board , in the processing and marketing process , for this purpose .


### – an evaluation of the economic situation of aquaculture and processing industries , ### – an evaluation of the economic situation of aquaculture , marketing companies and processing industries ,


### reduction of the impact of fisheries on the marine environment ; ### minimization and where possible elimination of the impacts of fisheries on the marine environment ;


### the participation in the union eco - management and audit schemes established by regulation no 761 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 19 march 2001 allowing voluntary participation by organisations in a community eco - management and audit scheme . ### the participation in the union eco - management and audit schemes established by regulation no 761 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 19 march 2001 allowing voluntary participation by organisations in a community eco - management and audit scheme or participation in nationally recognised environmental management schemes .


### the financial sector is evolving and new categories of financial institutions are created by union law . the importance of new entities and activities outside the regular banking system is growing and their impact on financial stability has become greater . therefore , it is appropriate that the definition of public - interest entity also encompasses other financial institutions and entities such as investment firms , payment institutions , undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities , electronic money institutions and alternative investment funds . ### the financial sector is evolving and new categories of financial institutions are created by union law . the importance of new entities and activities outside the regular banking system is growing and their impact on financial stability has become greater . therefore , it is appropriate that the definition of public - interest entity may also encompass other financial institutions . member states may therefore designate other entities as public - interest entities , for instance entities that are of significant public relevance because of the nature of their business , their size or the number of their employees ;


### audit committees , or bodies performing an equivalent function within the audited entity , have a decisive role in contributing to high - quality statutory audit . it is particularly important to reinforce the independence and technical competence of the audit committee by requiring that a majority of its members is independent and that at least one member of the committee has competence in auditing and another one in auditing and / or accounting . the commission recommendation of 15 february 2005 on the role of non - executive or supervisory directors of listed companies and on the committees of the board sets out how audit committees should be established and function . considering , however , the dimension of boards in companies with reduced market capitalisation and in small and medium - sized public - interest entities , it would be appropriate that the functions assigned to the audit committee for those entities , or to a body performing equivalent functions within the audited entity , may be performed by the administrative or supervisory body as a whole . public - interest entities which are ucits or alternative investment funds should also be exempted from the obligation to have an audit committee . this exemption takes into account the fact that where those funds function merely for the purpose of pooling assets , the employment of an audit committee is not appropriate . ucits and alternative investments funds , as well as their management companies , operate in a strictly defined regulatory environment and are subject to specific governance mechanisms such as controls exercised by their depositary . ### audit committees , or bodies performing an equivalent function within the audited entity , have a decisive role in contributing to high - quality statutory audit . it is particularly important to reinforce the independence and technical competence of the audit committee by requiring that a majority of its members is independent and that at least one member of the committee has competence in auditing and another one in auditing and / or accounting . the commission recommendation of 15 february 2005 on the role of non - executive or supervisory directors of listed companies and on the committees of the board sets out how audit committees should be established and function . considering , however , the dimension of boards in companies with reduced market capitalisation and in small and medium - sized public - interest entities , it would be appropriate that the functions assigned to the audit committee for those entities , or to a body performing equivalent functions within the audited entity , may be performed by the administrative or supervisory body as a whole .


### it is also important that the role of the audit committee in the selection of a new statutory auditor or audit firm be reinforced , for the benefit of a more informed decision of the general meeting of shareholders or members of the audited entity . hence , when making a proposal to the general meeting , the board should explain whether it follows the recommendation of the audit committee and , if not , why . the recommendation of the audit committee should include at least two possible choices for the audit engagement and a duly justified preference for one of them , so that the general meeting can make a real choice . in order to provide a fair and proper justification in its recommendation , the audit committee should use the results of a mandatory selection procedure organised by the audited entity , under the responsibility of the audit committee . in such selection procedure , the audited entity should invite statutory auditors or audit firms , including smaller ones , to present proposals for the audit engagement . tender documents should contain transparent and non - discriminatory selection criteria to be used for the evaluation of proposals . considering , however , that this selection procedure could entail disproportionate costs for companies with reduced market capitalisation or small and medium - sized public - interest entities having regard to their dimension , it is appropriate to relieve such entities from this obligation . ### it is also important that the role of the audit committee in the selection of a new statutory auditor or audit firm be reinforced , for the benefit of a more informed decision of the general meeting of shareholders or members of the audited entity . hence , when making a proposal to the general meeting , the board should explain whether it follows the recommendation of the audit committee and , if not , why . the recommendation of the audit committee should include at least two possible choices for the audit engagement , a comprehensive assessment of both proposals , and a duly justified preference for one of them , so that the general meeting can make a real choice . in order to provide a fair and proper justification in its recommendation , the audit committee should use the results of a mandatory tender procedure organised by the audited entity , under the responsibility of the audit committee . in such a tender procedure , the audited entity should publish a call to auditors or audit firms to present proposals for the audit engagement . tender documents should contain transparent and non - discriminatory selection criteria to be used for the evaluation of proposals .


### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the most senior personnel involved in the statutory audit , including at least the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals rather than of a complete team . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm . ### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the key personnel involved in the statutory audit , including but not limited to the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals or of a complete team where appropriate . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm as well as the audited entity .


### indicate the non - audit services referred to in article 10 and that the audit committee allowed the statutory auditor or the audit firm to provide to the audited entity ; ### indicate the non - audit services referred to in article 10 that the audit committee allowed the statutory auditor or the audit firm to provide to the audited entity ;


### the public - interest entity may renew this engagement only once . ### the public - interest entity may renew this engagement , subject to a proposal made by the audit committee or similar body and subsequently approved by the annual general meeting .


### in the case of a credit institution or insurance undertaking , the administrative or supervisory board shall submit its draft proposal to the competent authority referred to in article 35 . the competent authority referred to in article 35 shall have the right to veto the choice proposed in the recommendation . any such opposition shall be duly justified . ### the administrative or supervisory board shall submit its draft proposal to the competent authority referred to in article 35 . the draft proposal to competent authority referred to in article 35 shall be accompanied by the results of the comprehensive assessment referred to in article 32 and and they shall have the right to veto the choice proposed in the recommendation . any such opposition shall be duly justified .


### indicate the non - audit services referred to in article 10 and that the audit committee allowed the statutory auditor or the audit firm to provide to the audited entity ; ### indicate the non - audit services referred to in article 10 and that the audit committee allowed the statutory auditor , audit firm or non - audit service provider to provide to the audited entity ;


### for the purposes of this article , non - audit services shall mean : ### for the purposes of this article , prohibited non - audit services shall mean :


### a statutory auditor or an audit firm carrying out statutory audit of public - interest entities may provide to the audited entity , to its parent undertaking and to its controlled undertakings statutory audit services and related financial audit services . ### a statutory auditor or an audit firm carrying out statutory audit of public - interest entities shall not provide to the audited entity , to its parent undertaking and to its controlled undertakings , to which the audited entity is material , prohibited services as mentioned below in the third subparagraph of paragraph 3 . 2 . non - assurance services , not categorised as prohibited services , may be provided subject to pre - approval by the audit committee [ or board of directors , if no audit committee ] . in all circumstances the provision of non - assurance services may not create any threats to the independence of the statutory auditor of the public interest entity .


### the market for the provision of statutory audit services to public - interest entities evolves over time . it is therefore necessary that competent authorities monitor the developments in the market , particularly as regards possible limited choice of auditor and the risks that arise from high market concentration . ### the market for the provision of statutory audit services to public - interest entities evolves over time . it is therefore necessary that competent authorities and esma monitor the developments in the market , particularly as regards possible limited choice of auditor and the risks that arise from high market concentration .


### for the purposes of this regulation , the definitions laid down in article 2 of directive 2006 / 43 / ec shall apply , except for the definitions of ‘ audit report’ and ‘ competent authority’ . ### for the purposes of this regulation , the definitions laid down in article 2 of directive 2006 / 43 / ec shall apply , except for the definitions of ' audit report ' , ' competent authority ' and ' public - interest entities ' . for the purpose of this regulation ' public - interest entities ' shall cover : entities governed by the law of a member state whose transferable securities are admitted to trading on a regulated market of any member state within the meaning of point 14 of article 4 of directive 2004 / 39 / ec ; credit institutions as defined in point 1 of article 4 of directive 2006 / 48 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* ; insurance undertakings within the meaning of article 13 of directive 2009 / 138 / ec of the european parliament and of the council** ; entities governed by the law of a member state which are payment institutions as defined in point 4 of article 4 of directive 2007 / 64 / ec of the european parliament and of the council*** , unless article 15 of that directive applies ; entities governed by the law of a member state which are electronic money institutions as defined in point 1 of article 2 of directive 2009 / 110 / ec of the european parliament and of the council**** , unless article 15 of directive 2007 / 64 / ec applies ; investment firms as defined in point 1 of article 4 of directive 2004 / 39 / ec ; entities governed by the law of a member state which are central securities depositories ; central counterparties as defined in article 2 of regulation x / xxxx of the european parliament and of the council***** [ see proposal for a regulation on otc derivatives , central counterparties and trade repositories , com484 ) ] ; _________________ * oj l 177 , 30 . 6 . 2006 , p . 1 ** oj l 335 , 17 . 12 . 2009 , p . 1 *** oj l 187 , 18 . 7 . 2009 , p . 5 **** oj l 267 , 10 . 10 . 2009 , p . 7


### the audited entity shall be free to invite any statutory auditors or audit firms to submit proposals for the provision of the statutory audit service on the condition that article 33 is respected and that at least one of the invited auditors or firms is not one who received more than 15% of the total audit fees from large public - interest entities in the member state concerned in the previous calendar year ; ### any statutory auditor or audit firm is free to submit proposals for the provision of the statutory audit service on the condition that article 33 is respected ;


### when it concerns the renewal of an audit engagement in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 33 , the audit committee shall , for the preparation of its recommendation , take into consideration any findings and conclusions on the recommended statutory auditor or audit firm referred to in article 40 and published by the competent authority pursuant to article 44 . ### when it concerns the renewal of an audit engagement in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 33 , the audit committee shall base its recommendation on a comprehensive assessment of the audit quality of the statutory auditor or audit firm three years before the end of the audit mandate .


### in order to take account of the technical developments in the financial markets , in auditing and the audit profession and to specify the requirements laid down in this regulation , the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . in particular , the use of delegated acts is necessary to adapt the list of related audit services and of non - audit services as well as to set out the level of fees that esma could charge for delivering the european quality certificate to statutory auditors and audit firms . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to take account of the technical developments in the financial markets , in auditing and the audit profession and to specify the requirements laid down in this regulation , the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . in particular , the use of delegated acts is necessary to adapt the list of related audit services and of prohibited non - audit services as well as to set out the level of fees that esma concerned could charge for delivering the european quality certificate to statutory auditors and audit firms . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and with esma . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the esma , european parliament and to the council .


### the public - interest entity shall appoint a statutory auditor or audit firm for an initial engagement that shall not be shorter than two years . ### the public - interest entity shall appoint a statutory auditor or audit firm for an initial engagement that shall not be shorter than three years .


### esma , eba and eiopa shall use those reports to draw up a joint report on the situation at union level . the report shall be submitted to the commission , the european central bank and the european systemic risk board . ### esma , eba and eiopa shall use those reports to draw up a joint report on the situation at union level . the report shall be submitted to the member states and their parliaments , european parliament , the european central bank and the european systemic risk board .


### unless it concerns the renewal of an audit engagement in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 33 , the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a selection procedure organized by the audited entity respecting the following criteria : ### the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a selection procedure organized by the audited entity respecting the following criteria :


### at least one member of the audit committee shall have competence in auditing and another member in accounting and / or auditing . the committee members as a whole shall have competence relevant to the sector in which the audited entity is operating . ### at least one member of the audit committee shall have competence in auditing . the committee members as a whole shall have competence relevant to the sector in which the audited entity is operating .


### unless it concerns the renewal of an audit engagement in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 33 , the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a selection procedure organized by the audited entity respecting the following criteria : ### the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a tender procedure organised by the audited entity respecting the following criteria :


### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the most senior personnel involved in the statutory audit , including at least the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals rather than of a complete team . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm . ### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the key personnel involved in the statutory audit , including but not limited to the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals or of a complete team where appropriate . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm as well as the audited entity .


### designing and implementing internal control or risk management procedure related to the preparation and / or control of financing information included in the financial statements and advice on risk ; ### designing or implementing internal control , risk management or financial information technology systems related to the preparation and / or control of financial information included in the financial statements that ;


### in order to take account of the technical developments in the financial markets , in auditing and the audit profession and to specify the requirements laid down in this regulation , the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . in particular , the use of delegated acts is necessary to adapt the list of related audit services and of non - audit services as well as to set out the level of fees that esma could charge for delivering the european quality certificate to statutory auditors and audit firms . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to take account of the technical developments in the financial markets , in auditing and the audit profession and to specify the requirements laid down in this regulation , the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . in particular , the use of delegated acts is necessary to adapt the list of related audit services and of prohibited non - audit services . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and with the egaob . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the audited entity shall be free to choose the method to contact the invited statutory auditor or audit firm and shall not be required to publish a call for tenders in the official journal of the european union and / or in national gazettes or newspapers ; ### the audit committee shall publish a call for tenders in the official journal of the european union , where necessary , and / or in national gazettes or newspapers ;


### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the most senior personnel involved in the statutory audit , including at least the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals rather than of a complete team . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm . ### the statutory auditor or audit firm shall establish an appropriate gradual rotation mechanism with regard to the most senior personnel involved in the statutory audit , including at least the persons who are registered as statutory auditors . the gradual rotation mechanism shall be undertaken in phases on the basis of individuals rather than the entire engagement team . it shall be proportionate in view of the scale and the dimension of the activity of the statutory auditor or audit firm .


### in order to ensure the viability of fisheries and aquaculture in a highly competitive market , it is necessary to lay down provisions granting support for the implementation of the [ regulation no on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products ] as well as for marketing and processing activities carried by operators to maximise the value of fisheries and aquaculture products . particular attention should be paid to the promotion of operations which integrate producing , processing and marketing activities of the supply chain . in order to adapt to the new discard ban policy , the emff should also support the processing of unwanted catches . ### in order to ensure the viability of fisheries and aquaculture in a highly competitive market , it is necessary to lay down provisions granting support for the implementation of the [ regulation no on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products ] as well as for marketing and processing activities carried by operators to maximise the value of fisheries and aquaculture products . particular attention should be paid to the promotion of operations which integrate producing , processing and marketing activities of the supply chain .


### in line with the discard ban introduced by the cfp , the emff should support investments on board aiming at make the best use of unwanted fish caught and valorise underused components of the fish caught . considering the scarcity of the resources , in order to maximise the value of the fish caught , the emff should also support investments on board aiming at adding commercial value to fish caught . ### in line with the discard reduction introduced by the cfp , the emff should support investments on board aiming at gradually reducing unwanted catches , making the best use of unwanted fish caught and valorising underused components of the fish caught . considering the scarcity of the resources , in order to maximise the value of the fish caught , the emff should also support investments on board and in processing and marketing aiming at adding commercial value to fish caught .


### support shall not contribute to the replacement or modernisation of main or ancillary engines . support shall only be granted to owners of fishing vessels and not more than once during the programming period for the same fishing vessel . ### support shall not contribute to the replacement or modernisation of main or ancillary engines . support shall be granted to owners of fishing vessels , fishermen ' s organisations and administrations .


### each member state shall have the possibility to pre - select up to a maximum of two sites per annum in accordance with the calendar in the annex . no selection procedure shall take place in the years reserved for the monitoring procedure . ### each member state shall have the possibility to pre - select up to a maximum of two sites every two years in accordance with the calendar in the annex .


### projects of common interest should be given ‘ priority status’ at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment . projects of common interest shall be considered by competent authorities as being in public interest . authorisation should be given to projects which have an adverse impact on the environment , for reasons of overriding public interest , when all the conditions provided for under directives 92 / 43 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec are met . ### projects of common interest should be given ' priority status ' at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment . projects of common interest shall be considered by competent authorities as being in public interest . authorisation should be given to projects which have an adverse impact on the environment , for reasons of overriding public interest , only when all the conditions provided for under directives 92 / 43 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec are met . emphasises the need to identify , according to a hierarchy of importance and in the interest of cost - effectiveness , where infrastructure could be minimised through energy efficiency policies , where existing national and cross - border infrastructure can be upgraded or modernised and where new infrastructure is needed and can be built alongside existing energy or transport infrastructure .


### facilitates the timely implementation of projects of common interest by accelerating permit granting and enhancing public participation ; ### facilitates the timely implementation of projects of common interest by accelerating permit granting and setting minimum requirements for public participation ;


### each group shall consult the organisations representing relevant stakeholders , including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers , and , for the tasks set out in paragraph 2 of , organisations for environmental protection . the group may organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of it tasks . ### each group shall consult the organisations representing relevant stakeholders , including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers , and organisations for environmental protection . the group shall organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of it tasks . the group shall inform the public regularly and comprehensively about the state and result of its deliberations and organise a hearing or consultation before submission of its proposed list as referred to in article 3 .


### accelerating the refurbishment of existing and deployment of new energy infrastructure is vital to achieve the union ' s energy and climate policy objectives , consisting in completing the internal market in energy , guaranteeing security of supply , notably for gas and oil , reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% , increasing the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption to 20%20 and achieving a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 . at the same time , the union has to prepare its infrastructure for further decarbonisation of its energy system in the longer term towards 2050 . ### accelerating the refurbishment of existing and deployment of new energy infrastructure is vital to achieve the union ' s energy and climate policy objectives , consisting in completing the internal market in energy , guaranteeing security of supply , notably for gas and oil , reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% , increasing the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption to 20%20 and achieving a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 . at the same time , the union has to prepare its infrastructure for further decarbonisation of its energy system in the longer term towards 2050 and in the same time frame to prepare it for connecting regions which have high renewable energy production capacity and electricity storage potential .


### projects of common interest should be given ‘ priority status’ at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment . projects of common interest shall be considered by competent authorities as being in public interest . authorisation should be given to projects which have an adverse impact on the environment , for reasons of overriding public interest , when all the conditions provided for under directives 92 / 43 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec are met . ### projects of common interest should be given ' priority status ' at national level to ensure rapid administrative treatment . projects of common interest shall be considered by competent authorities as being in public interest . authorisation should be given to projects which ensure that the overall coherence of natura 2000 is protected , for reasons of overriding public interest , when all the conditions provided for under directives 92 / 43 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec are met .


### the commission should , within a period of two months after receiving a request from the organiser , adopt a decision on its admissibility . a proposed citizens ' initiative should be considered admissible if it falls within the framework of the powers of the commission and concerns a matter where a legal act of the union can be adopted for the purpose of implementing the treaties . ### the commission should , within a period of one month after receiving a request from the organiser , adopt a decision on its admissibility . a proposed citizens ' initiative should be considered admissible if it falls within the framework of the powers of the commission and concerns a matter where a legal act of the union can be adopted for the purpose of implementing the treaties .


### it is appropriate to fix a minimum age for supporting a citizens ' initiative . this should be set as the age at which citizens are entitled to vote in the european parliament elections . ### it is appropriate to fix a minimum age for supporting a citizens ' initiative . this should be set at the age of 16 years .


### box 3 : name of signatory : first name* : ……family name* : 2 . address : street : postcode : city* : country* : 3 . e - mail address : 4 . date and place of birth* : date of birth : place and country : 5 . nationality* : 6 . personal identification number* : type of identification number / identity document : national identity card : passport : social security : member state , which issued the identification number / identity document : 7 . i hereby certify that the information provided in this form is correct and that i have only supported this proposed citizens ' initiative once* . date and signature of the signatory* ♦ : ……… . . ### box 3 : nationality* : 2 . name of signatory : first name* : ……family name* : 3 . address : street : postcode : city* : country* : 4 . e - mail address : 5 . date and place of birth* : date of birth : place and country : 6 . personal identification number : type of identification number / identity document : national identity card : passport : social security : member state , which issued the identification number / identity document : 7 . i hereby certify that the information provided in this form is correct and that i have only supported this proposed citizens ' initiative once* . date and signature of the signatory* ♦ : ……… . .


### in order to be eligible to support a proposed citizens ' initiative , signatories shall be citizens of the union and shall be of the age to be entitled to vote in the european elections . ### in order to be eligible to support a proposed citizens ' initiative , signatories shall be citizens of the union and shall be at least 16 years old .


### active substances identified under article 57 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 as having endocrine disrupting properties . ### active substances identified under article 57 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 as having endocrine disrupting properties . until 30 june 2015 , the commission shall , by means of delegated acts in accordance articles xy , adopt measures on specific scientific criteria for determining endocrine - disrupting properties .


### it has no unacceptable effects itself or as a result of its residues , directly or indirectly , on human or animal health ; ### it has no immediate or delayed unacceptable effects itself or as a result of its residues , directly or indirectly , on human or animal health , taking into account vulnerable groups ;


### there are reasons for concern linked to the nature of the critical effects , in particular developmental neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects , which , in combination with the use patterns , amount to use that could still cause concern , even with very restrictive risk management measures ; ### it is considered as a persistent , bio - accumulative and toxic substance in accordance with the criteria set out in annex xiii of regulation no 1907 / 2006 ;


### information on any poisonings involving biocidal products . ### information on any poisonings involving biocidal products , especially regarding vulnerable groups .


### member states may require that biocidal products placed on the market of their territories are labelled in their national language or languages . ### biocidal products placed on the market of the territories of the member states shall be labelled in the national language or languages of the country where they are marketed .


### there are reasons for concern linked to the nature of the critical effects , in particular developmental neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects , which , in combination with the use patterns , amount to use that could still cause concern , even with very restrictive risk management measures ; ### substances which are very persistent and very bioaccumulative in accordance with the criteria set out in annex xiii of regulation no 1907 / 2006 ;


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 94 concerning measures to specify some technical elements of the definitions laid down in paragraph 1 of this article , to adjust them to market developments . ### esma shall submit draft regulatory technical standards to the commission concerning measures to specify technical elements of the definitions laid down in paragraph 1 of this article , inter alia to adjust them to market developments .


### the introduction of a commercial solution for a consolidated tape for equities should contribute to creating a more integrated european market and make it easier for market participants to gain access to a consolidated view of trade transparency information that is available . the envisaged solution is based on an authorisation of providers working along pre - defined and supervised parameters which are in competition with each other in order to achieve technically highly sophisticated and innovative solutions , serving the market to the greatest extent possible . ### the introduction of a consolidated tape for equities should contribute to creating a more integrated european market and make it easier for market participants to gain access to a consolidated view of trade transparency information that is available at reasonable prices compared to the production costs . the envisaged solution would be operated by a single entity . however , this entity would be a commercial undertaking that is appointed following a public tender every third year upon the merit of its bid submitted to the european commission .


### in order to enable the publication mentioned in point of paragraph 1 , member states shall require members and participants of regulated markets , mtfs and otfs to report to the respective trading venue the details of their positions in real - time , including any positions held on behalf of their clients . ### in order to enable the publication mentioned in point of paragraph 1 , member states shall require members and participants of regulated markets , mtfs and otfs to report to the respective trading venue the details of their positions on a weekly basis , including any positions held on behalf of their clients .


### make public a weekly report with the aggregate positions held by the different categories of traders for the different financial instruments traded on their platforms in accordance with paragraph 3 ; ### make public a weekly report with the aggregate positions held by the different categories of persons for the different financial instruments traded on their platforms in accordance with paragraph 3 ;


### provided that in all cases this is an ancillary activity to their main business , when considered on a group basis , and that main business is not the provision of investment services within the meaning of this directive or banking services under directive 2006 / 48 / ec ; ### provided that in all cases this is an ancillary activity to their main business when considered on a group basis or to the main business of the owners and their affiliates where the services are provided by jointly managed undertakings , and that main business is not the provision of investment services within the meaning of this directive or banking services under directive 2006 / 48 / ec ;


### the introduction of a commercial solution for a consolidated tape for equities should contribute to creating a more integrated european market and make it easier for market participants to gain access to a consolidated view of trade transparency information that is available . the envisaged solution is based on an authorisation of providers working along pre - defined and supervised parameters which are in competition with each other in order to achieve technically highly sophisticated and innovative solutions , serving the market to the greatest extent possible . ### the introduction of a commercial solution for a consolidated tape for equities should contribute to creating a more integrated european market and make it easier for market participants to gain access to a consolidated view of market data . the envisaged solution is based on an authorisation of approved publication arrangements to ensure consistent and accurate market data is made available by regulated markets , mtfs , otfs , sis and firms trading otc to end users and commercial data providers , who could then compete commercially with each other to deliver technically highly sophisticated and innovative solutions , serving the market to the greatest extent possible .