### information on the seafarers employed from third countries has become available at union level through the communication by the member states of the relevant information kept in their national registers regarding issued certificates and endorsements . this information should be used not only for statistical and policy making purposes but also for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the centralised system recognising third countries . based on the information communicated by the member states , recognised third countries which have not provided the union fleet with seafarers for a period of at least five years shall be withdrawn from the list of recognised third countries . in addition , this information shall be also used in order to prioritise the reassessment of the recognised third countries . ### information on the seafarers employed from third countries has become available at union level through the communication by the member states of the relevant information kept in their national registers regarding issued certificates and endorsements . this information should be used not only for statistical and policy making purposes but also for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the centralised system recognising third countries . based on the information communicated by the member states , recognised third countries which have not provided the union fleet with seafarers for a period of at least eight years should be re - examined . the re - examination process should cover the possibility of retaining or withdrawing the recognition of the relevant third country , in accordance with the examination procedure . in addition , this information shall be also used in order to prioritise the reassessment of the recognised third countries .


### the erdf resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to eur 8 430 000 000 of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the erdf , esf + and the cohesion fund for the 2021 - 2027 programming period and set out in article [ 102 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] . ### the erdf resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount for components 1 to 4 referred to in article 3 to 3 % of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the erdf , esf + and the cohesion fund for the 2021 - 2027 programming period and set out in article [ 103 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] .


### the european territorial cooperation goal shall be implemented through interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3 , which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management , and of component 5 which shall be implemented under direct or indirect management . ### the european territorial cooperation goal shall be implemented through interreg programmes under shared management with the exception of component 3 , which may be implemented as a whole or partially under indirect management .


### the beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross - border legal body or an egtc . ### the beneficiary of a small project fund shall be a cross - border legal body , a euroregion , an egtc or managing authority or existing institution in one country in accordance with agreement between countries or regions participating in the programme .


### however , where an interreg programme selects operations based on calls for proposals , those additional rules shall be adopted before the first call for proposals is published . in all other cases , those additional rules shall be adopted before the first operations are selected . ### however , where an interreg programme selects operations based on calls for proposals , those additional rules shall be adopted before each call for proposals is published . in all other cases , those additional rules shall be adopted before the first operations are selected .


### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . ### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . special attention needs to be paid to providing assistance for improving the absorption capacity of the beneficiary states .


### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream climate change , environmental protection and gender equality and shall , where applicable , address interlinkages between sustainable development goals34 , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . _________________ 34 https : / / ec . europa . eu / europeaid / policies / sustainable - development - goals_en ### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream climate change , environmental protection , fundamental rights and gender equality and shall , where applicable , address interlinkages between sustainable development goals34 , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . _________________ 34 https : / / ec . europa . eu / europeaid / policies / sustainable - development - goals_en


### assistance shall be targeted and adjusted to the specific situation of the beneficiaries listed in annex i , taking into account further efforts needed to meet the membership criteria as well as the capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance shall be differentiated in scope and intensity according to needs , commitment to reforms and progress in implementing those reforms . ### assistance shall be targeted and adjusted to the specific situation of the beneficiaries listed in annex i , taking into account further efforts needed to meet the membership criteria as well as the capacities of those beneficiaries , with a special attention to the improvement of their absorption capacities . assistance shall be differentiated in scope and intensity according to needs , commitment to reforms and progress in implementing those reforms .


### the european border and coast guard agency should step up its assistance to member states for returning illegally staying third - country nationals , subject to the union return policy and in compliance with directive 2008 / 115 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1 . in particular , it should coordinate and organise return operations from one or more member states and it should organise and conduct return interventions to reinforce the return system of member states requiring increased technical and operational assistance when complying with their obligation to return illegally staying third - country nationals in accordance with that directive . __________________ directive 2008 / 115 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on common standards and procedures in member states for returning illegally staying third - country nationals . ### the european border and coast guard agency should step up its assistance to member states for returning illegally staying third - country nationals , subject to the union return policy and in compliance with directive 2008 / 115 / ec of the european parliament and of the council 1 . in particular , following the request of one or more member states it should coordinate and organise return operations and it should organise and conduct return interventions to reinforce the return system of member states requiring increased technical and operational assistance when complying with their obligation to return illegally staying third - country nationals in accordance with that directive . __________________ directive 2008 / 115 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on common standards and procedures in member states for returning illegally staying third - country nationals .


### ' external borders ' means the land and sea borders of the member states and their airports and seaports , to which the provisions of title ii of regulation no&#160 ; 562 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council1 apply ; ______________ regulation no 562 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 establishing a community code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders . ### ' eu external borders ' means the land and sea borders of the member states with third countries and their airports and seaports , to which the provisions of title ii of regulation no&#160 ; 562 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council&#160 ; 1 apply ; ________________ regulation no 562 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 establishing a community code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders .


### establish a monitoring and risk analysis centre and analyse risks with the capacity to monitor migratory flows and to carry out risk analysis as regards all aspects of integrated border management ; ### monitor migratory flows and carry out risk analysis as regards all aspects of integrated border management by making use of available resources such as the union satellite centre and situation centre ;


### assist member states and third countries in the context of operational cooperation between them in the fields of external border management and return . ### provide support to member states in their operational cooperation with third countries in the fields of external border management and return .


### the results of the vulnerability assessment shall be submitted to the supervisory board , which shall advise the executive director on the measures to be taken by the member states based on the results of the vulnerability assessment , and taking into account the agency’s risk analysis and the results of the schengen evaluation mechanism . ### the results of the vulnerability assessment shall be submitted to the supervisory board , which shall advise the executive director on the measures to be taken by the member states based on the results of the regular vulnerability assessment , and taking into account the agency’s risk analysis and the results of the schengen evaluation mechanism .


### in preparation of a joint operation the executive director , in cooperation with the host member state , shall draw up a list of technical equipment and staff needed taking into account the host member state ' s available resources . on the basis of those elements , the agency shall define a package of operational and technical reinforcement as well as capacity building activities to be included in the operational plan . ### in preparation of a joint operation the executive director , in cooperation with the host member state or third country , shall draw up a list of technical equipment and staff needed taking into account the host member state ' s available resources . on the basis of those elements , the agency shall define a package of operational and technical reinforcement as well as capacity building activities to be included in the operational plan .


### the rapid reserve pool shall be a standing corps placed at the immediate disposal of the agency and which can be deployed from each member state within three working days from when the operational plan is agreed upon by the executive director and the host member state . for that purpose , each member state shall , on a yearly basis , make available to the agency a number of border guards commensurate to at least 3% of the staff of member states without land or sea external borders and 2% of the staff of member states with land or sea external borders , and which shall amount to a minimum of 1 500 border guards , corresponding to the profiles identified by the decision of the management board . ### the rapid reserve pool shall be a standing corps placed at the immediate disposal of the agency and which can be deployed from each member state within three working days from when the operational plan is agreed upon by the executive director and the host member state . for that purpose , each member state shall , on a yearly basis , make available to the agency a number of border guards commensurate to at least 3% of the staff of member states without land or sea external borders and 2% of the staff of member states with land or sea external borders , and which shall amount to a minimum of 1 500 border guards , corresponding to the profiles identified by the decision of the management board . the agency shall draw on union expertise developed through common security and defence policy missions and headline goals .


### the return office shall aim at building synergies and connecting union - funded networks and programmes in the field of return in close cooperation with the european commission and the european migration network . 43 __________________ 43 oj l 131 , 21 . 5 . 2008 , p . 7 . ### the return office shall aim at building synergies and connecting union - funded networks and programmes in close cooperation with the european commission and the european migration network , 43as well as with other organizations and the member states concerned . __________________ 43 oj l 131 , 21 . 5 . 2008 , p . 7 .


### in the performance of its tasks , in its relations with member states and in its cooperation with third countries , the agency shall take into account the reports of the consultative forum and the fundamental rights officer . ### in the performance of its tasks , in its relations with member states and in its cooperation with third countries , the agency shall ensure appropriate follow - up to the reports of the consultative forum and the fundamental rights officer .


### the agency may deploy experts of its own staff as liaison officers , who should enjoy the highest possible protection to carry out their duties , in third countries . they shall form part of the local or regional cooperation networks of immigration liaison officers and security experts of the union and of the member states , including the network set up pursuant to council regulation no 377 / 2004 . 1 __________________ council regulation no 377 / 2004 of 19 february 2004 on the creation of an immigration liaison officers network . ### the agency may deploy experts as liaison officers , who should enjoy the highest possible protection to carry out their duties , in third countries . they shall form part of the local or regional cooperation networks of immigration liaison officers and security experts of the union and of the member states , including the network set up pursuant to council regulation no 377 / 2004 . 1 _______________ council regulation no 377 / 2004 of 19 february 2004 on the creation of an immigration liaison officers network .


### the fundamental rights officer shall report to the executive director and to the management board as to the findings and follow - up given to complaints by the agency and the member states . ### the fundamental rights officer shall inform the executive director and the management board of the findings regarding the complaints deemed eligible . the executive director and the management board shall then report on the follow - up to complaints by the agency and the member states .


### by three years from the date of entry into force of this regulation , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall carry out an evaluation to assess particularly the impact , effectiveness and efficiency of the agency ' s performance and its working practices in relation to its objectives , mandate and tasks . the evaluation shall , in particular , address the possible need to modify the mandate of the agency , and the financial implications of any such modification . the evaluation shall include a specific analysis on the way the charter of fundamental rights was complied with in the application of this regulation . ### by three years from the date of entry into force of this regulation , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall carry out an evaluation to assess particularly the impact , effectiveness and efficiency of the agency ' s performance and its working practices in relation to its objectives , mandate and tasks . the evaluation shall , in particular , address the possible need to modify the regulation , the mandate of the agency , and the financial implications of any such modification . the evaluation shall include a specific analysis of the way the charter of fundamental rights was complied with in the application of this regulation as well as of cases of complaints and their handling .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals as a frontrunner , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the swift achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities and the methods of implementation in the agricultural sector in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with the dedicated eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . notes that precision farming is an important tool in increasing yields and productivity while creating a sustainable future for farming .


### the commission shall ensure that the implementation of the eic is : ### the commission shall ensure that the implementation of the eic activities are :


### the members of the eic board shall be appointed by the commission , following an open call for nominations or for expression of interests or both , whichever the commission will find more appropriate , , and taking into account the need for balance in expertise , gender , age and geographical distribution . ### the members of the eic board shall be appointed by the commission , following an open and transparent procedure , entailing call for nominations or for expression of interests or both , whichever the commission finds more appropriate , and taking into account the need for balance in expertise , gender , age and geographical distribution .


### the erc , where the work programme shall be established by the scientific council under point of article 7 , in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 12 . the commission shall depart from the work programme established by the scientific council only when it considers that it is not in accordance with the provisions of this decision . in that case , the commission shall adopt the work programme by means of an implementing act in in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 . the commission shall duly motivate this measure ; ### the erc , where the work programme shall be established by the scientific council under point of article 7 . the commission shall depart from the work programme established by the scientific council only when it considers that it is not in accordance with the provisions of this decision ;


### all clusters under the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , sharing excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ; ### all clusters under the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' , msca , research infrastructures , support to innovation ecosystems , sharing excellence and reforming and enhancing the european r&i system ;


### the eic , where the work programme shall be prepared following the advice of the eic board under point of article 10 , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 ; ### the eic , where the work programme shall be prepared following the advice of the eic board under point of article 10 ;


### through global research competition between scientists and between host organisations from both the academic and non - academic sector , and through the creation and sharing of high - quality knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , the msca contribute notably to the goals of the ' jobs , growth and investment ' agenda , the eu global strategy and to the united nations sustainable development goals . ### through global research competition between scientists and between host organisations from both the academic and non - academic sector , and through the creation and sharing of high - quality knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , the msca contribute notably to the goals of the ' jobs , growth and investment ' agenda , the eu global strategy and to the united nations sustainable development goals . attention must also be given to the fact , however , that infinite growth on a finite planet is simply not achievable and more research is , thus , also needed in the field of a true ' circular economy ' with an emphasis on reuse , repair and recycle .


### protecting people against cross - border health threats is a major challenge for public health , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level . this will involve prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance following a ' one health approach ' . ### protecting people against cross - border health threats is a major challenge for public health as well as the continued efficacy of several antibiotics , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level . this will involve prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance following a ' one health approach ' . the continued spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria will equally have great detrimental effects to the economy and environment , preventing the development and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria should therefore be categorized as a special challenge .


### –technologies and systems for trusted and energy - efficient smart network and service infrastructures , enabling real - time capabilities , virtualisation and decentralised management ; ### –technologies and systems that have been independently tested and proven safe for trusted and energy - efficient smart network and service infrastructures , enabling real - time capabilities , virtualisation and decentralised management ;


### –big data : extreme - performance data analytics ; ' privacy by design ' in the analysis of personal and confidential big data ; technologies for full - scale data platforms for re - use of industrial , personal and open data ; data management , interoperability and linking tools ; data applications for global challenges ; ### –big data : extreme - performance data analytics ; ' privacy by design ' in the analysis of personal and confidential big data ; technologies for full - scale data platforms for re - use of industrial , personal and open data ; data management , interoperability and linking tools ; data applications for global challenges ; data storage , the environmental implications and how to reduce the impact ;


### activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the goals of the energy union , as well as to those of the digital single market , the jobs , growth and investment agenda , the strengthening of the eu as a global actor , the new eu industrial policy strategy , the circular economy , the raw materials initiative , the security union and the urban agenda , as well as the common agricultural policy of the eu as well as eu legal provisions to reduce noise and air pollution . ### activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the goals of the energy union , as well as to those of the digital single market , the jobs , growth and investment agenda , the strengthening of the eu as a global actor , the new eu industrial policy strategy , the circular economy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , the raw materials initiative , the security union and the urban agenda , as well as the common agricultural policy of the eu as well as eu legal provisions to reduce noise and air pollution .


### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population is directly dependent on the health of natural systems and resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and their capacity to provide services for human well - being . the concepts of the circular economy , the bioeconomy and the blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability . ### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population and maintaining human well - being is directly dependent on agriculture and food production as well as the health of natural systems and sustainable use of resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and their capacity to provide services for human well - being . the concepts of the circular economy , agroecology , the bioeconomy and the blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overconme reslient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and nutritious food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas , oceans and waters , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overconme reslient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe , nutritious and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , promoting sustainable use of soil , ensuring access to clean water , fertile soil and clean air for all cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production within the planet ' s boundaries and restoring planetary health requires identifying and gathering more and better quality data on the environmental impact of different policies investing in technologies , new business models , raw materials and socio - economic and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , maintaining rural viability and generating jobs and growth .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : ensuring that biodiversity is maintained in the face of growing demand on natural resources , sustainably manage and efficiently use natural resources from land and water - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems to increase sustainable growth of biomass and thus carbon sequestration , storage and substitution ; ensure safe food and nutrition safety and security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; support food and farming systems in implementation of agro - ecological approaches to benefit sustainable agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular bio economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . ### they will help to maintain and enhance biodiversity , both wild and cultivated , and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate change adaptation and carbon storage . they will further help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , ecotoxicity , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , agroecology , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . a precondition for this is improving the knowledge on the state of biodiversity . they will support solutions to promote the advanced multifunctionality of eu agriculture and to enhance local food production and the economic viability of the food production .


### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach and develop knowledge and innovation systems at local , regional , national and european levels . social innovation with citizens ' engagement and trust in innovation will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns . ### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach and develop knowledge and innovation systems and the spread of excellence at local , regional , national and european levels . social innovation with citizens ' engagement and trust in innovation and food systems - through an increasing transparency of the food chain –will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns , which is also dependent on the information sharing by labelling of sustainable products to help the consumers to choose sustainable products and be aware of their recyclability . through this multi - actor approach along the agri - food supply chain they will work towards guaranteeing that knowledge is transferred to end - users and will involve farmers and other users of agricultural technologies and products in the process of developing and implementing innovative developments to address challenges across food systems .


### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the environmental action programme , the common agricultural policy , the common fisheries policy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution . ### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the environmental action programme , the common agricultural policy , the common fisheries policy , the eu forest strategy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution .


### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the environmental action programme , the common agricultural policy , the common fisheries policy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution . ### research and innovation activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the implementation of the goals of : the common agricultural policy , the environmental action programme , the common fisheries policy , the food law legislation , the maritime policy , the circular economy action plan , the eu bioeconomy strategy , the eu 2020 biodiversity strategy , the eu green infrastructure strategy , the eu forest strategy and the 2030 climate and energy framework as well as eu legal provisions to reduce air pollution .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land . ### activities will contribute directly to the achievement of sustainable development goals , in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sdg 3 – good health and well - being ; sdg 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 7 - affordable and clean energy ; sdg 8 - decent work and economic growth ; sdg 9 - industry , innovation and infrastructure sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 –climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land .


### the capacity to observe the environment underpins research and innovation19 for the sustainable use and monitoring of food and natural resources . improved spatio - temporal coverage and sampling intervals at reduced cost , as well as big data access and integration from multiple sources provide new ways to monitor , understand and predict the earth system . there is a need for a wider deployment , exploitation and update of new technologies and continued research and innovation to address gaps in earth observation on land and sea and in the atmosphere , collaborating in particular through the global earth observation system of systems and its european component eurogeoss . __________________ 19 earth observation will support research and innovation under other intervention areas within this global challenge as well as other relevant parts of horizon europe . ### the capacity to observe the environment underpins research and innovation19 for the sustainable use and monitoring of food and natural resources . improved spatio - temporal coverage and sampling intervals at reduced cost , as well as big data access and integration from multiple sources provide new ways to monitor , understand and predict the earth processes and system . there is a need for a wider deployment , exploitation and update of new technologies and continued research and innovation to address gaps in earth observation on planetary surface and in the atmosphere , collaborating in particular through the global earth observation system of systems and its european component eurogeoss . __________________ 19 earth observation will support research and innovation under other intervention areas within this global challenge as well as other relevant parts of horizon europe .


### –ecotoxicology of compounds and new pollutants , their interactions and environmental behaviour , and altered biochemical loops under changing climate ; ### –ecotoxicology of compounds and new pollutants , chemical substances , their interactions and environmental behaviour , and altered biochemical loops under changing climate ;


### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . ### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to ensuring food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account objectives of the cap and the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , competitiveness , demography and consumption patterns as well as new emerging pests and diseases . this presupposes acquiring a better scientific understanding of the impact of different farming systems on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . farmers also need continued access to innovation , to new technology and to research in order to produce food in a sustainable way so that we can both feed the world and protect the environment for future generations . in addition , it is important to address the dynamism of the rural - urban interface in the context of the expanding cities versus farming / forestry landscapes , residence versus work place dynamism and liveable countryside .


### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ; ### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector ; potential of agriculture and forestry aiming to increase substitution and carbon storage by increasing sustainably biomass production and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ;


### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ; ### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector and along the value chain ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches , role of soil as carbon sequestration and substitution and technologies and methods to increase its carbon storage capacity ;


### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , antibiotics and other substances ; ### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare , including the development of integrated farming strategies ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , herbicides , fungicides , antibiotics and other potentially harmful substances ; emphasis on nature - based solutions and health promoting living conditions ; research in low - risk pesticides as a way to support integrated pest management ;


### –innovations in farming at the interfaces between agriculture , aquaculture and forestry and in urban areas ; ### –innovations in farming at the interfaces between agriculture , aquaculture and forestry and in urban areas , interfaces between rural and urban landscapes and effects to expanding cities on farming and forestry landscapes and facilitating business development in rural areas ;


### –digital innovations in farming , forestry and across value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models ; ### –digital innovations in forestry and farming , such as precision farming and forestry techniques but also strengthening value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models ;


### –digital innovations in farming , forestry and across value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models ; ### –digital innovations and development of smart solutions in farming , forestry and across value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models to improve resource efficiency and environmental performance models that are accessible for farmers ; identifying existing or potential means of integrating precision farming systems into small and medium sized holdings ; identifying existing or potential solutions for processing large volumes of data from different types of precision farming sensors , as well as identifying existing or potential solutions for integrating these data into user - friendly farm management support systems ;


### seas and oceans ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas and oceans aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction . ### seas , oceans and inland waters ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , nutrient leakage , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas , oceans and inland waters aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction .


### seas and oceans ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas and oceans aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction . ### seas , oceans ' and fresh waters ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , nutrient leakage , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas , oceans and fresh waters from reaching a point of no return and in order to promote the value chains of the blue economy , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas , oceans and fresh waters aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basins , fishing districts and macro - regional strategies , including those extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of aquatic biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction .


### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation 20 . current food production and consumption are largely unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to deliver sufficient safe , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , sustainability , linking land and sea , reducing food waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits for consumers and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . broad lines ________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security ### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation . 20 especially the food security and sustainable production of protein is a global challenge for which answers must be found . current food production and consumption patterns are to some extent unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to be resilient and aim at carbon neutrality and deliver sufficient safe , diverse , affordable , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , economic and environmental sustainability , linking land and aquatic environments , reducing and recycling food waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits to all actors of the food chain and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . agricultural technologies can provide sustainable solutions across all farming systems . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns towards nutritious and healthy diets as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . broad lines ________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security


### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; ### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land , sea , and aquatic environments towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ;


### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; ### –environmentally , socially and economically sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and aquatic environments that take the biodiversity and ecosystem services into account , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass including production side - streams , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ;


### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy . ### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing linked with research on primary production and conversion of biomass from land and aquatic environments into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial and agricultural biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy thus making the transition to a low - carbon resource efficient society .


### circular production and consumption systems will provide benefits to the european economy by reducing resource dependency and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises , and to european citizens by creating new job opportunities and reducing pressures on the environment and climate . beyond industrial transformation , the transition to a low - emission , resource efficient and circular economy will also need a broader system shift that requires systemic eco - innovative solutions , new business models , markets and investments , enabling infrastructure , social innovation changes in consumer behaviour , and governance models stimulating multi - stakeholder collaboration to ensure that the intended system change achieves better economic , environmental and social outcomes22 . opening for international cooperation will be important for comparability , generating and sharing knowledge and avoiding duplication of efforts , e . g . through international initiatives such as the international resource panel . __________________ 22 the activities in circular systems area of intervention are complementary to those of low - carbon and clean industry in the digital and industry cluster . ### circular production and consumption systems will provide benefits to the european economy by reducing resource dependency and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises , and to european citizens by creating new job opportunities and reducing pressures on the environment and climate . beyond industrial transformation , the transition to a low - emission , resource efficient and circular economy will also need a broader system shift that requires systemic eco - innovative solutions , eco - design , new business models , markets and investments , enabling infrastructure , social innovation changes in consumer behaviour , and governance models stimulating multi - stakeholder collaboration to ensure that the intended system change achieves better economic , environmental and social outcomes22 , e . g . related sustainable and nutritious food systems , sustainable and healthy living and housing , and energy solutions , and new sustainable materials and products . opening for international cooperation will be important for comparability , generating and sharing knowledge and avoiding duplication of efforts , e . g . through international initiatives such as the international resource panel . _________________ 22 the activities in circular systems area of intervention are complementary to those of low - carbon and clean industry in the digital and industry cluster .


### –engage with eu member states at both national and regional level , establishing a structured dialogue and coordinating efforts to enable synergies with existing national initiatives , in order to identify , share and disseminate good practices and learnings ; ### –engage with eu member states at both national and regional level , establishing a structured dialogue and coordinating efforts to enable synergies with existing and future national initiatives , in order to identify , share and disseminate good practices and learnings ;


### food and natural resources ### food , natural resources , seas and oceans


### food and natural resources ### food and natural resources from land and sea


### the approximation of national measures at union level is therefore necessary for the proper functioning of the internal market in order to put an end to fragmentation in the market of accessible products and services , to create economies of scale , to facilitate cross - border trade and mobility , as well as to help economic operators to concentrate resources on innovation instead of using those resources for complying with fragmented legal requirements across the union . ### the approximation of national measures at union level is therefore necessary for the proper functioning of the internal market in order to put an end to fragmentation in the market of accessible products and services , to create economies of scale , to facilitate cross - border trade , free movement of goods and services and the free movement and mobility of persons , including persons with disabilities as well as to help economic operators to concentrate resources on innovation instead of using those resources for complying with fragmented legal requirements across the union .


### in the absence of harmonised standards and where needed for market harmonisation purposes , the commission should be able adopt implementing acts establishing common technical specifications for the accessibility requirements set in this directive . ### in the absence of harmonised standards and where needed for market harmonisation purposes , the commission should be able to adopt implementing acts establishing common technical specifications for the accessibility requirements set in this directive .


### general purpose computer hardware and operating systems ### general purpose computer hardware and operating systems and household appliances operated by user interface


### “e - commerce” means the online sale of products and services . ### ' e - commerce ' means the online sale of products and services , including any third party elements needed for the provision of the online sale .


### the estimated costs and benefits for the economic operators in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service . ### the estimated costs and benefits for the economic operators in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service .


### the estimated costs and benefits for the competent authorities concerned in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service ; ### the estimated costs and benefits for the competent authorities concerned in relation to the estimated benefit for persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities , taking into account the frequency and duration of use of the specific product or service ;


### the interfacing of the product with assistive devices . ### the interfacing of the product with assistive devices and technologies , including hearing technologies , such as hearing aids , telecoils , cochlear implants and assistive listening devices . the product shall also allow for the use of personal headsets .


### user interface and functionality design ### functionality requirements for user interface and design of the product


### making websites accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception , operation and understanding , including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction , when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative ; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at union and international level ; ### making websites and mobile based services , including mobile applications needed for the provision of the service accessible in a consistent and adequate way for users’ perception , operation and understanding , including the adaptability of content presentation and interaction , when necessary providing an accessible electronic alternative ; and in a way which facilitates interoperability with a variety of user agents and assistive technologies available at union and international level ;


### the efsi was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . given its success , the commission is committed to the doubling of the efsi , both in terms of duration and financial capacity . the legal extension covers the period of the current multiannual financial framework and should provide a total of at least half a trillion euro investments by 2020 . in order to enhance the firepower of the efsi even further and reach the aim of doubling the investment target , member states should also contribute as a matter of priority . ### the efsi was established , as an emergency plan , for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . given its success , the commission is committed to the doubling of the efsi , both in terms of duration and financial capacity . the legal extension covers the period of the current multiannual financial framework and should provide a total of at least half a trillion euro investments by 2020 . in order to enhance the firepower of the efsi even further and reach the aim of doubling the investment target , member states should also contribute as a matter of priority .


### with a view to enhancing the transparency of efsi operations , the investment committee should explain in its decisions , which are made public and accessible , the reasons why it deems that an operation should be granted the eu guarantee , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the scoreboard of indicators should be made public once an operation under the eu guarantee is signed . ### with a view to enhancing the transparency of efsi operations , the investment committee should explain in its decisions , which are made public and accessible , the reasons why it deems that an operation should be granted the eu guarantee , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the scoreboard of indicators should be made public once an operation under the eu guarantee is signed . particular attention should be given to job creation and social investment in people ' s current and future capacities to engage in the labour market , using clear socio - economic indicators .


### key performance indicators , in particular as regards the use of the eu guarantee , the fulfilment of the objectives and criteria laid down in articles 6 and 9 and annex ii , the mobilisation of private capital , and the macro - economic impact of the efsi , including its effect on supporting investment ; ### in point , point is replaced by the following : key performance indicators , in particular as regards the use of the eu guarantee , the fulfilment of the objectives and criteria laid down in articles 6 and 9 and annex ii , the mobilisation of private capital , and the macroeconomic impact of the efsi , including its effect on supporting investment and job creation ;


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi is to support projects which address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations and which : ; ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi is to support projects which reach real economy and address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations and which : ;


### education and training ; ### point is replaced by the following : labour market , education and training , vocational training for skills and lifelong learning ;


### education and training ### in paragraph 2 , point point is replaced by the following : labour market , education and training , vocational training for skills and lifelong learning ;


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ; ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , especially in less - developed and transition areas in order to make the best impact on employment , including , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , and technologies related to the security and defence industries , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ;


### in order to ensure the traceability of deactivated firearms , they should be registered in national registries . ### in order to ensure traceability , the deactivation of firearms should be registered in national registries .


### some semi - automatic firearms can be easily converted to automatic firearms , thus posing a threat to security . even in the absence of conversion to category ' a ' , certain semi - automatic firearms may be very dangerous when their capacity regarding the number of rounds is high . such semi - automatic weapons should therefore be banned for civilian use . ### some semi - automatic firearms can be converted to automatic firearms , thus posing a threat to security . harmonisation of european technical specifications and standards is desirable . that harmonisation should involve machining the essential components of semi - automatic weapons to prevent the use of spare parts which could restore the weapon’s automatic nature . even in the absence of conversion to category ' a ' , certain semi - automatic firearms may be very dangerous when their capacity regarding the number of rounds is high . the capacity of magazines authorised for sale to private individuals should therefore be limited and criteria for the storage of these weapons and their ammunition should be laid down .


### to avoid that markings are easily erased and to clarify on which components the marking should be affixed , common union rules on marking should be introduced . ### to avoid markings being erased and to clarify on which components the marking should be affixed , common union rules on marking should be introduced .


### furthermore , the risk of alarm weapons and other types of blank firing weapons being converted to real firearms is high , and in some of the terrorist acts converted arms were used . it is therefore essential to address the problem of converted firearms being used in criminal offences , notably by including them in the scope of the directive . technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons should be adopted in order to ensure that they cannot be converted into firearms . ### technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons are adopted in order to ensure that they cannot be converted into firearms .


### in order to improve the functioning of the information exchange between member states , the commission should assess the necessary elements of a system to support such exchange of information contained in the computerised data - filing systems in place in member states . the commission’s assessment may be accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal taking into account existing instruments regarding exchange of information . ### in order to improve the functioning of the information exchange between member states and the traceability of firearms , the commission should assess the necessary elements of a system to provide for compulsory access by all member states to information contained in the computerised data - filing systems in place in member states . the commission’s assessment should be accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal taking into account existing instruments regarding exchange of information .


### in order to ensure appropriate exchange of information between the member states on authorisations granted and on refusals , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of adopting an act to enable the member states to create such a system of exchange of information on authorisations granted and on refusals . it is of particular importance that the commission carry 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 ensure appropriate exchange between the member states of all information on the weapons referred to in this directive , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of adopting an act to enable the member states to create such a systematic and compulsory system of exchange of information between the member states . it is of particular importance that the commission carry 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 .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying , selling or arranging the transfer within a member state , from one member state to another member state or exporting to a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying , selling or arranging the transfer within a member state , from one member state to another member state or exporting to a third country or importing to a member state from a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition .


### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark . ### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union or as soon as possible thereafter , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark .


### ' this filing system shall record each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm . the record of firearms , including deactivated firearms , shall be maintained until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities . ### this filing system shall record in particular each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm . the record of firearms , including deactivated firearms , shall be maintained until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities . member states shall , by [ date ] at the latest , provide the competent authorities of all other member states with direct access to the information held in their national registers . to this end , they shall designate the authority charged with allowing this access and shall communicate its name to the commission .


### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ; ### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the acquisition other than through purchase , and possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ;


### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ; ### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the acquisition , other than through purchase , and possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ;


### are not likely to be a danger to themselves , to public order or to public safety ; having been convicted of a violent intentional crime shall be considered as indicative of such danger . ### are not likely to be a danger to themselves , to public order or to public safety ; having been convicted of a violent intentional crime shall be considered as evidence of such danger .


### member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate or record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm . ### having regard to commission regulation 2015 / 2403 of 15 december 2015 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable , member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate and record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm . member states shall designate the competent authority to carry out the deactivation of firearms and transmit them to the commission by [ date ] at the latest .


### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive . ' ### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , including a fitness check of the new provisions , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive .


### the commission shall , by [ date ] , assess the necessary elements of a system for the exchange of information contained in the computerised data - filing systems referred to in article 4 between the member states . the commission ' s assessment shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal taking into account existing instruments regarding exchange of information . ### the commission shall , by [ date ] , assess the necessary elements of a system allowing each member state to access information contained in the computerised data - filing systems referred to in article 4 . the commission ' s assessment shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal taking into account existing instruments regarding exchange of information .


### alarm and signal weapons , salute and acoustic weapons as well as replicas ; ### alarm and signal weapons , salute and acoustic weapons ;


### alarm and signal weapons , salute and acoustic weapons as well as replicas ; ### firearms under categories a , b and points 1 to 4 of category c , after having been converted to alarm , signal , salute , acoustic , gas , paintball or airsoft , flobert , or percussion lock weapons .


### an eu common list of safe countries of origin should be established on the basis of the common criteria set in directive 2013 / 32 / eu as it will facilitate the use by all member states of the procedures linked to the application of the safe country of origin concept and , thereby , increase the overall efficiency of their asylum systems as concerns applications for international protection which are likely to be unfounded . the establishment of an eu common list will also address some of the existing divergences between member states’ national lists of safe countries of origin , whereby applicants for international protection originating from the same third countries are not always subject to the same procedures in the member states . while member states should retain the right to apply or introduce legislation that allows for the national designation of third countries other than those appearing on the eu common list as safe countries of origin , the establishment of such a common list will ensure that the concept is applied by all member states in a uniform manner in relation to applicants whose countries of origin are on this list . this will accordingly facilitate convergence in the application of procedures and thereby also deter secondary movements of applicants for international protection . in that context , the possibility to take in the future further steps of harmonisation that could lead to the elimination of the need for national lists of safe countries of origin should be considered after a period of three years following the entry into force of this regulation , on the basis of a report to be presented by the commission . ### an eu common list of safe countries of origin should be established on the basis of the common criteria set in directive 2013 / 32 / eu as it will facilitate the use by all member states of the procedures linked to the application of the safe country of origin concept and , thereby , increase the overall efficiency of their asylum systems as concerns applications for international protection which are likely to be unfounded . the establishment of an eu common list will also address some of the existing divergences between member states’ national lists of safe countries of origin , whereby applicants for international protection originating from the same third countries are not always subject to the same procedures in the member states , which runs counter to the objective of a common eu asylum system and could cause secondary movements of asylum seekers . while member states should retain the right to apply or introduce legislation that allows for the national designation of third countries other than those appearing on the eu common list as safe countries of origin , the establishment of such a common list will ensure that the concept is applied by all member states in a uniform manner in relation to applicants whose countries of origin are on this list . this will accordingly facilitate convergence in the application of procedures and thereby also deter secondary movements of applicants for international protection . in that context , the possibility to take in the future further steps of harmonisation that could lead to the elimination of the need for national lists of safe countries of origin should be considered after a period of three years following the entry into force of this regulation , on the basis of a report to be presented by the commission .


### the commission should regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin . in case of sudden change for the worse in the situation of a third country on the eu common list , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of one year where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration a range of sources of information at its disposal including in particular , its annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . it is of particular importance that the commission carry 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 . ### the commission should regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin . if a sudden change for the worse in the situation of a third country on the eu common list could lead to that country’s non - compliance with the conditions for the designation of a country as a safe country of origin set out under article 36 of directive 2013 / 32 / eu , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of one year where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration a range of sources of information at its disposal including in particular , its annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . it is of particular importance that the commission carry 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 .


### third countries listed in annex i to this regulation are safe countries of origin . ### third countries listed in annex i to this regulation are designated as safe countries of origin .


### in case of sudden changes in the situation of a third country that is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , the commission shall conduct a substantiated assessment of the fulfilment by that country of the conditions set in annex i of directive 2013 / 32 / eu and , if those conditions are no longer met , shall adopt , in accordance with article 290 tfue , a decision suspending the presence of that third country from the eu common list for a period of one year . ### if sudden changes in the situation of a third country that is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin could lead to that country’s non - compliance with the conditions for the designation of a country as a safe country of origin set out under article 36 of directive 2013 / 32 / eu set out under article 36 of directive 2013 / 32 / eu , the commission shall conduct a reasoned assessment of that country’s compliance with those conditions and , if they are no longer met , shall adopt , in accordance with article 290 tfue , a decision suspending the presence of that third country from the eu common list for a period of one year .


### &#8220 ; 1 . member states may retain or introduce legislation that allows , in accordance with annex i , for the national designation of safe countries of origin other than those on the eu common list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxxx / 2015 [ this regulation ] for the purposes of examining applications for international protection&#8221 ; . ### &#8220 ; 1 . for the three years following the entry into force of regulation no xxxx / 2015 [ this regulation ] , member states may retain or introduce legislation that allows , in accordance with annex i , for the national designation of safe countries of origin other than those on the eu common list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxxx / 2015 [ this regulation ] for the purposes of examining applications for international protection&#8221 ; .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future quality job creation – including for the youth , inclusive growth and competitiveness enhancing the social and employment impact , with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , social economy , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieve the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . moreover , social infrastructure related projects should be highly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . given the high rates of poverty and social exclusion in europe , the operations supported by the efsi to tackling this issue should be reinforced .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise new private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality vis - à - vis other existing union instruments and the eib’s main operations . they include investments in the areas of energy , bio - economy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport and cross - border networks , as well as the digital transformation in all sectors . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways and carbon - intensive transport projects should be avoided , unless it is crucially needed to support private investment in transport projects . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ; ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , especially in less - developed and transition areas in order to make the best impact on employment , including , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , and technologies related to security and defence industries , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ;


### providing advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### providing advice on the complementarity of other sources and potential synergies of union funding and investments with the efsi .