### applicants are required to be present in the member state where they made an application or in the member state to which they are transferred in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx [ dublin regulation ] . in case an applicant has absconded from this member state and , without authorisation , travelled to another member state , it is vital , for the purpose of ensuring a well - functioning common european asylum system that the applicant is swiftly returned to the member state where he or she is required to be present . until such a transfer has taken place , there is a risk that the applicant may abscond and his or her whereabouts should therefore be closely monitored . ### applicants are required to remain available to the relevant authorities of the member state where they made an application or in the member state to which they are transferred in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx [ dublin regulation ] . where an applicant has absconded and has travelled to another member state without authorisation , it is vital , for the purpose of ensuring a well - functioning common european asylum system that the applicant is swiftly returned to the member state where he or she is required to be present . until such a transfer has taken place , there is a risk that the applicant may abscond and his or her whereabouts should therefore be closely monitored .


### member states shall provide applicants with a travel document only when serious humanitarian or other imperative reasons arise that require their presence in another state . the validity of the travel document shall be limited to the purpose and duration needed for the reason for which it is issued . ### member states shall provide applicants with a travel document without delay , when the presence of the applicant is required in another state , in particular for reasons such as when an applicant needs to travel to another state for medical treatment or to visit relatives in particular cases , such as for visits to close relatives who are seriously ill , or to attend marriages or funerals of close relatives . other such reasons include situations where applicants who have been granted access to the labour market are required to perform essential travel for work purposes , where applicants are required to travel as part of study curricula or where minors are travelling with foster families . the validity of the travel document shall be limited to the purpose and duration needed for the reason for which it is issued .


### member states shall not hold a person in detention for the sole reason that he or she is an applicant . ### member states shall not hold a person in detention for the sole reason that he or she is an applicant or on the basis of an applicant ' s nationality . the detention shall be based on a decision of judicial authorities , shall be strictly necessary for the purpose of securing the fulfilment of a specific and concrete obligation incumbent on the applicant , shall be ended as soon as the specific and concrete obligation has been fulfilled , and shall not be punitive in nature .


### detention of applicants shall be ordered in writing by judicial or administrative authorities . the detention order shall state the reasons in fact and in law on which it is based . ### detention of applicants shall be ordered in writing by judicial authorities . the detention order shall state the reasons in fact and in law on which it is based and shall contain a reference to the consideration of the available alternatives and the reasons as to why they could not be applied effectively .


### an applicant ' s entitlement to material reception conditions under this directive may be curtailed in certain circumstances such as where an applicant has absconded to another member state from the member state where he or she is required to be present . however , member states should in all circumstances ensure access to health care and a dignified standard of living for applicants in line with the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the united nations convention on the rights of the child , in particular by providing for the applicant ' s subsistence and basic needs both in terms of physical safety and dignity and in terms of interpersonal relationships , with due regard to the inherent vulnerabilities of the person as applicant for international protection and that of his or her family or caretaker . due regard must also be given to applicants with special reception needs . the specific needs of children , in particular with regard to respect for the child ' s right to education and access to healthcare have to be taken into account . when a minor is in a member state other than the one in which he or she is required to be present , member states should provide the minor with access to suitable educational activities pending the transfer to the member state responsible . the specific needs of women applicants who have experienced gender - based harm should be taken into account , including via ensuring access , at different stages of the asylum procedure , to medical care , legal support , and to appropriate trauma counselling and psycho - social care . ### member states should in all circumstances ensure access to health care . the specific needs of children , in particular with regard to respect for the child ' s right to education and access to healthcare have to be taken into account . the specific needs of applicants , in particular women , who have experienced sexual or gender - based violence should be taken into account , including via ensuring access , at different stages of the asylum procedure , to medical care , legal support , and to appropriate trauma counselling and psycho - social care . such applicants should be considered to be persons with special reception needs .


### harmonised eu rules on the documents to be issued to applicants make it more difficult for applicants to move in an unauthorised manner within the union . it needs to be clarified that member states should only provide applicants with a travel document when serious humanitarian or other imperative reasons arise . the validity of travel documents should also be limited to the purpose and duration needed for the reason for which they are issued . serious humanitarian reasons could for instance be considered when an applicant needs to travel to another state for medical treatment or to visit relatives in particular cases , such as for visits to close relatives who are seriously ill , or to attend marriages or funerals of close relatives . other imperative reasons could include situations where applicants who have been granted access to the labour market are required to perform essential travel for work purposes , where applicants are required to travel as part of study curricula or where minors are travelling with foster families . ### harmonised eu rules on the documents to be issued to applicants make it more difficult for applicants to move in an unauthorised manner within the union . the validity of travel documents should be limited to the purpose and duration needed for the reason for which they are issued . such a reason could for instance be that an applicant needs to travel to another state for medical treatment or to visit relatives in particular cases , such as for visits to close relatives who are seriously ill , or to attend marriages or funerals of close relatives . other such reasons could include situations where applicants who have been granted access to the labour market are required to perform essential travel for work purposes , where applicants are required to travel as part of study curricula or where minors are travelling with foster families .


### such different conditions shall in any circumstances ensure access to health care in accordance with article 18 and a dignified standard of living for all applicants . ### such different conditions shall in any circumstances ensure full access to health care in accordance with article 18 and a dignified standard of living for all applicants in which their safety is guaranteed and special reception needs are identified , registered and met .


### refer applicants to a doctor or a psychologist for further assessment of their psychological and physical state where there are indications that applicants may have been victim of torture , rape or of another serious form of psychological , physical or sexual violence and that this could affect the reception needs of the applicant ; and ### refer applicants to a doctor or a psychologist for further assessment of their psychological and physical state where there are indications that applicants may have been victim of torture , rape or of another serious form of psychological , physical , bias - motivated or sexual and gender - based violence and that this could affect the reception needs of the applicant ; and


### ‘ risk of absconding’ : means the existence of reasons in an individual case , which are based on objective criteria defined by national law , to believe that an applicant may abscond ; ### ' risk of absconding ' : means the existence of specific reasons in an individual case , which are based on objective and specific criteria in accordance with guidelines of the european union agency for asylum and with national law , to believe that an applicant may abscond , not including criteria such as merely being an applicant within the meaning of regulation . . . / . . . [ procedures regulation ] , or one ' s nationality , which are of a general nature ;


### in order to promote the self - sufficiency of applicants and to limit wide discrepancies between member states , it is essential to provide clear rules on the applicants’ access to the labour market and to ensure that such access is effective , by not imposing conditions that effectively hinder an applicant from seeking employment . labour market tests used to give priority to nationals or to other union citizens or to third - country nationals legally resident in the member state concerned should not hinder effective access for applicants to the labour market and should be implemented without prejudice to the principle of preference for union citizens as expressed in the relevant provisions of the applicable acts of accession . ### in order to promote the self - sufficiency of applicants and to limit wide discrepancies between member states , it is essential to provide clear rules on the applicants’ access to the labour market and to ensure that such access is effective , by not imposing conditions that effectively hinder an applicant from seeking employment .


### for reasons of public interest or public order , for the swift processing and effective monitoring of his or her application for international protection , for the swift processing and effective monitoring of his or her procedure for determining the member state responsible in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx [ dublin regulation ] or in order to effectively prevent the applicant from absconding , member states should , where necessary , assign the applicant residence in a specific place , such as an accommodation centre , a private house , flat , hotel or other premises adapted for housing applicants . such a decision may be necessary to effectively prevent the applicant from absconding in particular in cases where the applicant has not complied with the obligations to : make an application in the member state of first irregular or legal entry ; to remain in the member state where he or she is required to be present ; or in cases where the applicant has been sent back to the member state where he or she is required to be present after having absconded to another member state . in case the applicant is entitled to material reception conditions , such material reception conditions should also be provided subject to the applicant residing in this specific place . ### for reasons of public interest or public order , for the swift processing and effective monitoring of his or her application for international protection , or in order to effectively prevent the applicant from absconding where it has been established by the relevant authorities that there is a risk that an applicant may abscond , member states should , where necessary , be able to assign the applicant residence in a specific place , such as an accommodation centre , a private house , flat , hotel or other premises adapted for housing applicants . such a decision may be necessary to effectively prevent the applicant from absconding in particular in cases where the applicant has not complied with the obligations to remain in the member state where he or she is required to be present , or , in cases where the applicant has been sent back to the member state , where he or she is required to be present after having absconded to another member state . where the applicant is entitled to material reception conditions , such material reception conditions should also be provided subject to the applicant residing in this specific place .


### ‘ applicant with special reception needs’ : means an applicant who is in need of special guarantees in order to benefit from the rights and comply with the obligations provided for in this directive , such as applicants who are minors , unaccompanied minors , disabled people , elderly people , pregnant women , single parents with minor children , victims of human trafficking , persons with serious illnesses , persons with mental disorders and persons who have been subjected to torture , rape or other serious forms of psychological , physical or sexual violence , such as victims of female genital mutilation . ### ‘ applicant with special reception needs’ : means an applicant who is in need of special guarantees in order to benefit from the rights and comply with the obligations provided for in this directive , such as applicants who are minors , unaccompanied minors , disabled people , elderly people , pregnant women , single women , adolescent girls , women - headed households , lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans and intersex persons , single parents with minor children , victims of human trafficking , victims of child , early or forced marriage , non - believers , apostates and religious minorities , persons with serious illnesses , persons with mental disorders , including post - traumatic stress disorder , and persons who have been subjected to torture , rape or other serious forms of psychological , physical , bias - motivated , sexual or gender - based violence , such as victims of female genital mutilation .


### member states shall where necessary decide on the residence of an applicant in a specific place for any of the following reasons : ### member states may where necessary decide on the residence of an applicant in a specific place such as an accommodation centre , a private house , flat , hotel or other premises adapted for housing applicants , on the basis of objective criteria defined by national law and of a decision by judicial authorities , for any of the following reasons :


### member states shall ensure that persons who have been subjected to gender - based harm , torture , rape or other serious acts of violence receive the necessary treatment for the damage caused by such acts , in particular access to appropriate medical and psychological treatment or care . ### member states shall ensure that persons who have been subjected to sexual and gender - based violence , other forms of bias - motivated violence , torture , rape or other serious acts of violence receive the necessary treatment for the damage caused by such acts , in particular access to appropriate medical and psychological treatment or care .


### member states shall take appropriate measures to ensure that authorities and other organisations implementing this directive have received the necessary training with respect to the needs of both male and female applicants . to that end , member states shall integrate the european asylum curriculum developed by the european union agency for asylum into the training of their personnel in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] . ### member states shall take appropriate measures to ensure that authorities and other organisations implementing this directive have received the necessary training with respect to the needs of both male and female applicants , as well as children . to that end , member states shall integrate the european asylum curriculum developed by the european union agency for asylum into the training of their personnel in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] and take into consideration the information material published by the european asylum support office , such as the easo tool for identification of persons with special needs .


### all decisions restricting an applicant ' s freedom of movement need to be based on the individual behaviour and particular situation of the person concerned , taking into account any special reception needs of applicants and the principle of proportionality . applicants must be duly informed of such decisions and of the consequences of non - compliance . ### any restriction on the applicant ' s freedom of movement should be based on a decision of judicial authorities , which takes into account the individual behaviour and particular situation of the person concerned , including any special reception needs of applicants and the principle of proportionality . applicants should be duly informed of such decisions and of the consequences of non - compliance . they should also be provided with the possibility of an appeal against such decisions .


### those working with minors , including with unaccompanied minors , shall not have a verified record of child - related crimes or offenses and shall receive continuous and appropriate training concerning the rights and needs of unaccompanied minors , including concerning any applicable child safeguarding standards , and shall be bound by the confidentiality rules provided for in national law , in relation to any information they obtain in the course of their work . ### those working with minors , including with unaccompanied minors , shall not have a verified criminal record , especially with regard to any child - related crimes or offenses and shall receive continuous and appropriate training concerning the rights and needs of unaccompanied minors , including concerning any applicable child safeguarding standards , and shall be bound by the confidentiality rules provided for in national law , in relation to any information they obtain in the course of their work .


### ‘ absconding’ : means the action by which an applicant , in order to avoid asylum procedures , either leaves the territory where he or she is obliged to be present in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx32 [ dublin regulation ] or does not remain available to the competent authorities or to the court or tribunal ; __________________ 32 oj c [ … ] , [ … ] , p . [ … ] . ### ‘ absconding’ : means a deliberate action to avoid the applicable asylum procedures and the factual circumstance of not remaining available to the relevant authorities ; __________________ 32 oj c [ … ] , [ … ] , p . [ … ] .


### the detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person should not be held in detention for the sole reason that he or she is seeking international protection , particularly in accordance with the international legal obligations of the member states and with article 31 of the geneva convention . applicants may be detained only under the very clearly defined exceptional circumstances laid down in this directive and subject to the principle of necessity and proportionality with regard to both the manner and the purpose of such detention . detention of applicants pursuant to this directive should only be ordered in writing by judicial or administrative authorities stating the reasons on which it is based , including in the cases where the person is already detained when making the application for international protection . where an applicant is held in detention he or she should have effective access to the necessary procedural guarantees , such as judicial remedy before a national judicial authority . ### the detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person should not be held in detention for the sole reason that he or she is seeking international protection , particularly in accordance with the international legal obligations of the member states and with article 31 of the geneva convention . applicants may be detained only under the very clearly defined exceptional circumstances laid down in this directive and subject to the principle of necessity and proportionality with regard to both the manner and the purpose of such detention . detention of applicants pursuant to this directive should only be ordered in writing by judicial authorities stating the reasons on which it is based , including in the cases where the person is already detained when making the application for international protection . any decision imposing detention should contain a reference to the consideration of the available alternatives and the reasons why they could not be applied effectively . where an applicant is held in detention he or she should have effective access to the necessary procedural guarantees , such as judicial remedy .


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months or four months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ;


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ;


### give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases ; ### give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding two months or four months in duly justified cases ;


### the development and maintenance of a quality label for entities willing to provide placements for the european solidarity corps in order to ensure compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### the development and maintenance of quality labels for entities willing to provide respectively volunteering placements or traineeships and job placements for the european solidarity corps in order to ensure compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ;


### “volunteering” means a full - time32 unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; __________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day . ### “volunteering” means an unpaid placement undertaken for a period of up to 12 months either on a full - timeor on a part time basis of at least ten hours per week , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; __________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day .


### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - placement support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , information on existing solidarity placements or projects and on participating organisations , relevant union and national contact points , online training , language and pre and post - placement support , direct feedback mechanisms as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future .


### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private entity or an international organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private entity or an international organisation wishing to become a participating organisation and willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter and at ensuring the quality of services delivered by the participating organisations ; a separate quality label for volunteering placements and for traineeship and job placements shall be established in partnership with relevant stakeholders ;


### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ; ### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has already been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label and which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ;


### the european solidarity corps should open up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job placements in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . those opportunities should contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps should also support networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . ### the european solidarity corps should open up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job placements in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . those opportunities should help respond to unmet societal needs and contribute to strengthening communities while also contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps should also support networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities which have european added value and a transnational dimension , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , social inclusion , gender equality , social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , solidarity agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ;


### the importer statement shall include a standardised document describing the cultural goods in question in sufficient detail for them to be identified by the customs authorities . ### the importer statement shall include a standardised document describing the cultural goods in question in sufficient detail for them to be identified by the customs authorities . importers shall also state in a declaration that they are aware of the consequences of submitting a false statement .


### temporary admission of cultural goods for educational , scientific or academic research purposes should not be subject to the presentation of a licence or of a statement . ### temporary admission of cultural goods for educational , scientific or academic research purposes or for the purpose of cooperation between non - profit museums or public institutions should not be subject to the presentation of a licence or of a statement .


### the commission may establish , by means of implementing acts , the template for the application for the import licence as well as the procedural rules on the submission and processing of such an application . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 . ### the commission shall establish , by means of implementing acts , the template for the importer declaration and for the application for the import licence as well as the procedural rules on the submission and processing of such an application . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 .


### the commission may adopt , by means of implementing acts , the template for the importer statement as well as the procedural rules on the submission and processing of the importer statement . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 . ### the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the electronic standardised template for the importer statement as well as the procedural rules on the electronic submission and processing of the importer statement . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 .


### an electronic system may be developed for the storage and the exchange of information between the authorities of the member states , in particular regarding importer statements and import licences . ### an electronic system shall be developed for the storage and the exchange of information between the authorities of the member states , in particular regarding importer statements and import licences .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 12 in order to amend the second column of the table in the annex following amendments in the combined nomenclature and to amend the minimum age threshold in the third column of the table in the annex in the light of experience gathered during the implementation of this regulation . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 12 in order to amend the second column of the table in the annex following amendments in the combined nomenclature , to amend the minimum age threshold in the third column of the table in the annex in the light of experience gathered during the implementation of this regulation , and to add geographical areas in which cultural goods are at a significantly higher risk of trafficking and pillaging .


### unless otherwise provided for in the work programme referred to in article 27 , the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three legal entities which are established in at least three different member states and / or associated countries . at least three of these eligible entities established in at least two member states and / or associated countries shall not , during the whole implementation of the action , be effectively controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity , and shall not control each other . ### unless otherwise provided for in the work programme referred to in article 27 , the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three legal entities which are established in at least three different member states . on the top of it , a cooperation might include legal entities from associated countries . legal eligible entities shall not be effectively controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall not control each other .


### actions which are not ethically acceptable may be rejected or terminated at any time . ### actions which are not ethically acceptable shall be rejected or terminated at any time .


### in the european defence action plan , adopted on 30 november 2016 , the commission committed to complement , leverage and consolidate collaborative efforts by member states in developing defence technological and industrial capabilities to respond to security challenges , as well as to foster a competitive , innovative and efficient european defence industry . it proposed in particular to launch a european defence fund to support investments in joint research and the joint development of defence products and technologies , thus fostering synergies and cost - effectiveness , and to promote the member states ' joint purchase and maintenance of defence equipment . this fund would complement national funding already used for this purpose and should act as an incentive for member states to cooperate and invest more in defence . the fund would support cooperation during the whole cycle of defence products and technologies . ### in the european defence action plan , adopted on 30 november 2016 , the commission committed to complement , leverage and consolidate collaborative efforts by member states in developing defence technological and industrial capabilities to respond to security challenges , as well as to foster a competitive , innovative , efficient european defence industry and to create a more integrated defence market in europe . it proposed in particular to launch a european defence fund to support investments in joint research and the joint development of defence products and technologies , thus fostering synergies and cost - effectiveness , and to promote the member states ' joint purchase and maintenance of defence equipment . this fund would complement national funding already used for this purpose and should act as an incentive for member states to cooperate and invest more in defence . the fund would support cooperation during the whole cycle of defence products and technologies .


### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the competitiveness , innovation , efficiency and autonomy of the union ' s defence industry thereby contributing to the union ' s strategic autonomy by supporting the cross border cooperation between member states and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies . to achieve more innovative solutions and an open internal market , the fund should support the cross - border participation of defence small and medium sized enterprises and middle capitalisation companies . ### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the competitiveness , innovation , efficiency and autonomy of the union ' s defence industry thereby contributing to the union ' s strategic autonomy by supporting the cross border cooperation between member states and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies . this should also improve the efficiency of the single market in the defence sector which would ultimately mean better value for money for the member states . to achieve more innovative and interoperable solutions and an open internal market , the fund should support the cross - border participation of defence small and medium sized enterprises and middle capitalisation companies .


### in order to support an open internal market , participation of cross - border smes and mid - caps , either as members of consortia or as subcontractors , should be encouraged . ### in light of the union policy on smes and mid - caps as being key to ensuring economic growth , innovation , job creation , and social integration in the union and the fact that the actions supported typically require trans - national collaboration , it is of importance that the work programme reflect and enable open and transparent cross - border access and participation of smes and mid - caps , and that therefore at least 20 % of the overall budget benefit such actions , allowing smes and mid - caps to be included in the value chains of the actions . a category of projects should be specifically dedicated to smes and mid - caps .


### in certain circumstances , if this is necessary for achieving the objectives of the action , it should be possible to derogate from the principle that recipients and their subcontractors should not be subject to control by non - associated third countries or non - associated third country entities . in that perspective , legal entities established in the union that are controlled by a non - associated third country or a non - associated third country entity can be eligible if relevant and strict conditions relating to the security and defence interests of the union and its member states are fulfilled . the participation of such entities should not contravene the objectives of the fund . applicants should provide all relevant information about the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources to be used in the action . ### in certain circumstances , it should be possible to derogate from the principle that beneficiaries and subcontractors involved in an action are not subject to control by a third country or by a third - country entity . in that context , undertakings established in the union that are controlled by a third country or by a third - country entity should be able to be eligible for funding provided that relevant , strict conditions relating to the security and defence interests of the union and its member states , as established in the framework of the common foreign and security policy pursuant to title v of the treaty on european union , including in terms of strengthening the european defence technological and industrial base , are fulfilled . the participation of such undertakings should not contravene the objectives of the programme . beneficiaries should provide all relevant information about the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources to be used in the action . member states ' concerns regarding security of supply should also be taken into account .


### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the competitiveness , innovation , efficiency and autonomy of the union ' s defence industry thereby contributing to the union ' s strategic autonomy by supporting the cross border cooperation between member states and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies . to achieve more innovative solutions and an open internal market , the fund should support the cross - border participation of defence small and medium sized enterprises and middle capitalisation companies . ### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the competitiveness , innovation , efficiency and autonomy of the union ' s defence industry thereby contributing to the union ' s strategic autonomy by supporting the cross border cooperation between member states and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies .


### ' retransmission ' means any simultaneous , unaltered and unabridged retransmission , other than cable retransmission as defined in directive 93 / 83 / eec and other than retransmission provided over an internet access service as defined in regulation 2015 / 2120 of the european parliament and of the council19 , intended for reception by the public of an initial transmission from another member state , by wire or over the air , including that by satellite but excluding online transmission , of television or radio programmes intended for the reception by the public , provided that such retransmission is made by a party other than the broadcasting organisation which made the initial transmission or under whose control and responsibility such transmission was made . _________________ 19 regulation 2015 / 2120 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 november 2015 laying down measures concerning open internet access and amending directive 2002 / 22 / ec on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services and regulation no 531 / 2012 on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the union , oj l 310 , 26 . 11 . 2015 , p . 1 . ### ' retransmission ' means any simultaneous , unaltered and unabridged retransmission , other than cable retransmission as defined in directive 93 / 83 / eec , intended for reception by the public of an initial transmission from another member state , by wire , or over the air , including that by satellite or online transmission , of television or radio programmes intended for the reception by the public , provided that such retransmission is made by a party other than the broadcasting organisation which made the initial transmission or under whose control and responsibility such transmission was made .


### ' retransmission ' means any simultaneous , unaltered and unabridged retransmission , other than cable retransmission as defined in directive 93 / 83 / eec and other than retransmission provided over an internet access service as defined in regulation 2015 / 2120 of the european parliament and of the council19 , intended for reception by the public of an initial transmission from another member state , by wire or over the air , including that by satellite but excluding online transmission , of television or radio programmes intended for the reception by the public , provided that such retransmission is made by a party other than the broadcasting organisation which made the initial transmission or under whose control and responsibility such transmission was made . _________________ 19 regulation 2015 / 2120 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 november 2015 laying down measures concerning open internet access and amending directive 2002 / 22 / ec on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services and regulation no 531 / 2012 on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the union , oj l 310 , 26 . 11 . 2015 , p . 1 . ### ' retransmission ' means any simultaneous , unaltered and unabridged retransmission , other than cable retransmission as defined in directive 93 / 83 / eec , intended for reception by the public of an initial transmission from another member state , in a closed environment , by wire or over the air , including that by satellite but excluding online transmission , of television or radio programmes intended for the reception by the public , provided that such retransmission is equivalent to those carried out by cable retransmission services operators and is made by a party other than the broadcasting organisation which made the initial transmission or under whose control and responsibility such transmission was made .


### the acts of communication to the public and of making available occurring when providing an ancillary online service by or under the control and responsibility of a broadcasting organisation as well as the acts of reproduction which are necessary for the provision of , the access to or the use of the ancillary online service shall , for the purposes of exercising copyright and related rights relevant for these acts , be deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment . ### the acts of communication to the public and of making available occurring when providing an online service by or under the control and responsibility of a broadcasting organisation as well as the acts of reproduction which are necessary for the provision of , the access to or the use of the ancillary online service shall , for the purposes of exercising copyright and related rights relevant for these acts , be deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment .


### ' the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the beneficiaries under this measure shall be chosen through calls for tenders . the selection procedure shall be governed by public procurement law and shall be open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . ' ### in article 15 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the providers under this measure shall be chosen through a selection procedure open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . '


### “with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2018 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . ” ### in article 75 , the fourth subparagraph is replaced by the following : “with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2020 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . ”


### ' with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2018 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . ' ### in article 75 , subparagraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' with regard to support granted under rural development , as referred to in article 67 , this paragraph shall apply in respect of the aid applications or payment claims submitted from claim year 2020 , except as regards the payment of advances of up to 75 % provided for in the third subparagraph of this paragraph . '


### “ “permanent grassland and permanent pasture” means land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more ; it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide , land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas ; ” ### in article 4 , this point is replaced by the following : “ “ “permanent grassland and permanent pasture” means land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more ; it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide , land which can be grazed and , where member states so decide , other sources of non - forage animal feed provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant as well as , where member states so decide : land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas , and / or land which can be grazed where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant , or absent , in grazing areas ; for the purpose of this definition member states may decide that the following practices are crop rotations : the seeding of grasses or other herbaceous forage on an area after removal of a prior cover of grass or other herbaceous forage if the new cover is established by species or a mix of species other than the prior cover , or the seeding of grasses or other herbaceous forage on an area directly or after removal of a prior cover of grass or other herbaceous forage ; ”“


### ' 3 . the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the beneficiaries under this measure shall be chosen through calls for tenders . the selection procedure shall be governed by public procurement law and shall be open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . ' ### in article 15 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 3 . the authorities or bodies selected to provide advice shall have appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the fields in which they advise . the beneficiaries under this measure shall be chosen through a selection procedure open to both public and private bodies . it shall be objective and shall exclude candidates with conflicts of interest . '


### for climate financing actions in vulnerable third countries , including adaptation to the impacts of climate change . ; ### for financing of adaptation to impacts of climate change and of other climate actions in vulnerable third countries that are additional to financing of actions through development cooperation instruments ; this climate financing shall count towards the fulfilment of the union’s climate financing commitments , but be additional to and not count as financing for development ;


### give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases ; ### give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding two months or four months in duly justified cases ;


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ;


### written reports in electronic or paper format and / or oral report through telephone lines , whether recorded or unrecorded ; ### written reports in electronic or paper format and / or oral report through recorded telephone lines ;


### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ; ### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting or a public disclosure which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ;


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months or four months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ;


### in the context of internal reporting , the quality and transparency of information provided on the follow up procedure to the report is crucial to build trust in the effectiveness of the overall system of whistleblower protection and reduces the likelihood of further unnecessary reports or public disclosures . the reporting person should be informed within a reasonable timeframe about the action envisaged or taken as follow up to the report as far as such information would not prejudice the enquiry or investigation or affect the rights of the concerned person . such reasonable timeframe should not exceed in total three months . where the appropriate follow up is still being determined , the reporting person should be informed about this and about any further feedback he / she should expect . ### in the context of internal reporting , the quality and transparency of information provided on the follow up procedure to the report is crucial to build trust in the effectiveness of the overall system of whistleblower protection and reduces the likelihood of further unnecessary reports or public disclosures . the reporting person should be informed within a reasonable timeframe about the action envisaged or taken as follow up to the report as far as such information would not prejudice the enquiry or investigation or affect the rights of the concerned person . such reasonable timeframe should not exceed in total two months . where the appropriate follow up is still being determined , the reporting person should be informed about this and about any further feedback he / she should expect .


### in order to ensure proportionality , the beneficial ownership information in respect of any other trusts than those which consist of any property held by , or on behalf of , a person carrying on a business which consists of or includes the management of trusts , and acting as trustee of a trust in the course of that business with a view to gain profit should only be available to parties holding a legitimate interest . the legitimate interest with respect to money laundering , terrorist financing and the associated predicate offences should be justified by readily available means , such as statutes or mission statement of non - governmental organisations , or on the basis of demonstrated previous activities relevant to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing or associated predicate offences , or a proven track record of surveys or actions in that field . ### in order to ensure proportionality , the beneficial ownership information in respect of any other trusts than those which consist of any property held by , or on behalf of , a person carrying on a business which consists of or includes the management of trusts , and acting as trustee of a trust in the course of that business with a view to gain profit should only be available to parties holding a legitimate interest . the legitimate interest with respect to money laundering , terrorist financing and the associated predicate offences should be justified by readily available means , such as statutes or mission statement of non - governmental organisations , or on the basis of demonstrated previous activities relevant to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing or associated predicate offences , or a proven track record of surveys or actions in that field . a legitimate interest could be envisaged where the beneficial owner or the trustee has a public function or has had a public function in the last five years .


### financial market participants shall publish written policies on the integration of sustainability risks in the investment decision - making process on their websites . ### financial market participants shall publish written policies on the integration of sustainability risks in the investment decision - making process on their websites , where applicable , including&#160 ; the integration of sustainability risks into :


### the procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks in investment decisions ; ### the due diligence procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks , including amongst others the risks related to the impacts of climate change and the risks and opportunities related to the transition to a low - carbon economy , in investment decisions ;


### investments in companies following good governance practices , and in particular companies with sound management structures , employee relations , remuneration of relevant staff and tax compliance ; ### investments that promote or support good governance practices in companies following good governance practices in companies , and in particular promoting sound management structures , employee relations , remuneration of relevant staff and tax compliance , and that do not significantly harm any other environmental or social objective ;


### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on the returns of the financial products advised on ; ### the extent to which sustainability risks , including amongst others the risks related to the impacts of climate change and the risks and opportunities related to the transition to a low - carbon economy , are expected to have a relevant impact on environmental , social and governance issues and on the returns of the financial products advised on ;


### by [ po : please insert date 60 months after the date of entry into force ] , the commission shall conduct an evaluation of the application of this regulation . ### by [ po : please insert date 24 months after the date of entry into force ] , the commission shall conduct an evaluation of the application of this regulation .


### to enhance transparency and inform end - investors , access to information on how sustainability risks are integrated by financial market participants in the investment decision making processes and by financial advisors in advisory processes should be regulated by requiring those entities to maintain that information on their websites . ### to enhance transparency and inform end - investors , access to information on how sustainability risks are integrated by financial market participants in the investment decision making processes , including organisational , risk management and governance aspects , and by financial advisors in advisory processes should be regulated by requiring those entities to maintain that information on their websites .


### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on the returns of the financial products made available ; ### the extent to which sustainability risks , including amongst others the risks related to the impacts of climate change and the risks and opportunities related to the transition to a low - carbon economy , are expected to have a relevant impact on environmental , social and governance issues and on the returns of the financial products made available ;


### the procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks in investment advice or insurance advice ; ### the procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks , including amongst others the risks related to the impacts of climate change and the risks and opportunities related to the transition to a low - carbon economy , in investment advice or insurance advice ;


### bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established and holding in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before the date of entry into force of this directive should be able to keep those firearms in their possession subject to authorisation by the member state concerned and provided that those firearms have been deactivated . ### it should be possible for member states to choose to authorise persons dedicated to the gathering , study and conservation of firearms and associated artefacts for historical , cultural , scientific , technical , educational , aesthetic or heritage purposes and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established to keep in their possession firearms classified in category a , provided that those persons demonstrate , prior to being granted authorisation , that they have taken the necessary measures to address any risks to public security or safety , including by way of secure storage . any such authorisation should take into account and reflect the specific situation , including the nature of the collection and its purposes .


### 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 or others , to public order or to public safety ; having been convicted of a violent intentional crime shall be considered as indicative of such danger .


### 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 .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean the barrel , frame , receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breach block and any device designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused by firing a firearm which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean the barrel , frame , body , receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breech block which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted .


### 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 , his agents and representatives , 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 .


### the marking shall be affixed to the receiver of the firearm . ### the marking shall be affixed to the receiver or the frame of the firearm .


### 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 purpose of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm and each essential component , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm and each essential component , or at the time of its being manufactured or imported into 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 this directive , “deactivated firearms” shall mean firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use by deactivation , ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and incapable of removal , replacement or a modification that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way . ### for the purposes of this directive , “deactivated firearms” shall mean firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use by deactivation , ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and impossible to remove , replace or modify that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way , in accordance with commission implementing regulation 2015 / 2403 of 15 december 2015 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable1a . _________________ 1a oj l 333 , 19 . 12 . 2015 , p . 62 .


### 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 include the following information for each firearm : the 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 that end , they shall designate the authority responsible for granting such access and communicate its name to the commission .


### 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 . ### that data - filing system shall record all information relating to firearms which is needed in order to trace and identify those firearms . that information shall include each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , and any conversions or modifications to a firearm , including its certified deactivation or destruction and the date thereof , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and of each person acquiring or possessing the firearm , including the dates of acquisition and , where applicable , the end of possession or transfer to another person unless such transfer concerns a firearm which has been registered as deactivated . the current records relating to each firearm and the person possessing it shall be immediately accessible to all authorised authorities . all records relating to the firearm shall be maintained in an electronically retrievable format for an indefinite period after certified deactivation or destruction .


### in order to ensure the traceability of deactivated firearms , they should be registered in national registries . ### in order to increase the traceability of firearms and essential components and to facilitate their free movement , the provisions of directive 91 / 477 / eec should be clarified to ensure that both an assembled firearm and all essential components , whether included in an assembled firearm or not , are marked irremovably at the time of their being manufactured , imported or otherwise placed on the market , unless the firearm has been deactivated in accordance with that directive .


### firearms may be used for far more than 20 years . in order to ensure their traceability , records of them should be kept for an indeterminate period of time until destruction is certified . ### firearms potentially have a life - span of far more than 20 years . in order to ensure their traceability , records of them should be kept for an indeterminate period of time . the requirement to continue registering firearms and essential components after deactivation should only apply to those which are already registered and to the person possessing them at the time of deactivation ; it should not apply to subsequent transfers of such deactivated firearms or essential components or to firearms and essential components which , pursuant to national rules applicable prior to the entry into force of this directive , have been removed from the register after deactivation .


### 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 purpose of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm and each essential component , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm and each essential component or at the time of its being manufactured or imported into 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 . this requirement shall not apply to firearms manufactured before the entry into force of this amending directive .


### 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 addition to meeting the need to keep track of weapons held by private individuals or other bodies , in accordance with the law , such a system should enable weapons to be traced when they have been seized by , or handed over to , the authorities or forfeited to member states , thus making it possible to ascertain what happens to weapons until such time as they are destroyed , further used , or again placed on the market .


### member states shall provide for standard medical tests for issuing or renewing authorisations as referred to in paragraph 1 and shall withdraw authorisations if any of the conditions on the basis of which it was granted is no longer met . ### member states shall withdraw authorisations if any of the conditions on the basis of which they were granted is no longer met .


### each member state shall ensure that the registries of the dealers and brokers established in their territory are connected to the computerised data - filing system of firearms . ### each member state shall ensure that dealers and brokers established in their territory report transactions involving firearms and essential components to the national competent authority within a period of time which shall not exceed 10 days .


### member states shall ensure that any firearm or part placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with this directive . ### member states shall ensure that any assembled firearm or essential component , when placed on the market , has been marked irremovably and registered in compliance with this directive , or that it has been deactivated in accordance with the provisions implementing article 10b and registered in compliance with this directive .


### 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 . ### that data - filing system shall record all information relating to firearms which is needed in order to trace and identify those firearms . that information shall include each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , and any conversions or modifications to a firearm , including its certified deactivation or destruction and the date thereof , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and of each person acquiring or possessing the firearm , including the dates of acquisition and , where applicable , the end of possession or transfer to another person unless such transfer concerns a firearm which has been registered as deactivated . the current records relating to each firearm and the person possessing it shall be accessible to all authorised authorities . all records relating to the firearm shall be maintained in an electronically retrievable format for an indefinite period .


### 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 or others , 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 ensure that any firearm or part placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with this directive . ### member states shall ensure that any assembled firearm or essential component , when manufactured or imported , has been marked without delay with an irremovable mark and registered in compliance with this directive , or that it has been deactivated in accordance with the provisions implementing article 10b and registered in compliance with this directive .


### 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 . these rules should take account of the new materials used in weapon manufacture and the emergence of three - dimensional weapons . they should also take into account imported weapons .


### this directive shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of weapons and ammunition , in accordance with national law , by the armed forces , the police , the public authorities . nor shall it apply to commercial transfers of weapons and ammunition of war . ### this directive shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of weapons and ammunition , in accordance with national law , by the national defence forces , encompassing all units and persons under their command or in their reserves , including the military , the police or other public authorities . nor shall it apply to commercial transfers of weapons and ammunition of war .


### 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 , various existing mechanisms or single points of contact or new exchange mechanisms could be used , depending on the nature of the information to be exchanged . 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 .


### for the purposes of this directive , “deactivated firearms” shall mean firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use by deactivation , ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and incapable of removal , replacement or a modification that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way . ### for the purposes of this directive , “deactivated firearms” shall mean firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use by deactivation , ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and impossible to remove , replace or modify that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way , in accordance with commission implementing regulation 2015 / 2403 of 15 december 2015 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable1a . _______________ 1a jo l 333 , 19 . 12 . 2015 , p . 62 .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean portable devices with a cartridge holder having a gas exit to the front , aside or on the top , which are specifically designed and constructed for the purpose of raising alarm or sending a signal and which are only designed to fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean devices with a cartridge holder designed to only fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition and which are not capable of being converted to expel a shot , bullet or projectile by the action of a combustible propellant .


### furthermore , member states shall ensure , at the time of transfer of a firearm from government stocks to permanent civilian use , the unique marking permitting identification of the transferring government . ### furthermore , member states shall ensure , at the time of transfer of a firearm from government stocks to permanent civilian use , the unique marking permitting identification of the transferring government . firearms classified in category a must first have been deactivated in accordance with the provisions implementing article 10b or converted to semi - automatic firearms , save in the case of transfers in accordance with authorisations granted pursuant to the first or the second subparagraph of article 6 .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean the barrel , frame , receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breach block and any device designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused by firing a firearm which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean the barrel , chamber , body , frame or receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breech block or other locking and cartridge - head supporting mechanism for containing the pressure of discharge at the rear of the chamber of a firearm which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted .


### ' 3 . for the purposes of this directive , a person shall be deemed to be a resident of the country indicated by the address appearing on a document establishing his place of residence , such as a passport or an identity card , which , on a check on possession or on acquisition , is submitted to the authorities of a member state or to a dealer . ' ### paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : ' 3 . for the purposes of this directive , a person shall be deemed to be a resident of the country indicated by the address appearing on a document establishing his or her place of residence , such as a passport or an identity card , which , on a check on possession or on acquisition , is submitted to the authorities of a member state or to a dealer . if a person ' s address does not appear on his or her passport or identity card , the country of residence will be determined on the basis of any other official proof of residence recognised by the member state concerned . '


### member states shall provide for standard medical tests for issuing or renewing authorisations as referred to in paragraph 1 and shall withdraw authorisations if any of the conditions on the basis of which it was granted is no longer met . ### member states shall establish a monitoring system based on reliable assessments of risks of violent behaviour . member states shall decide on the nature of any medical checks to be carried out for the acquisition and possession of firearms , and whether such checks are to take place on a continuous or a periodic basis .


### 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 into a member state from a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean portable devices with a cartridge holder having a gas exit to the front , aside or on the top , which are specifically designed and constructed for the purpose of raising alarm or sending a signal and which are only designed to fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean devices with a cartridge holder designed or converted for the purpose of raising alarm or sending a signal and which are only designed to fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition .


### 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 . ### 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 that verification , provide for the issuance of a deactivation certificate attesting to the deactivation of the firearm and the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm . where the firearm is recorded in the computerised data - filing systems referred to in article 4 , its deactivation shall be entered in the record relating to it .


### 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 / 24031a of 15 december 2015 , 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 and the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on each essential component of the deactivated 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 . __________________ 1a oj l 333 , 19 . 12 . 2015 , p . 62


### selling arrangements of firearms and their components by means of distance communication may pose a serious threat to security as they are more difficult to control than the conventional selling methods , especially as regards the on line verification of the legality of authorisations . it is therefore appropriate to limit the selling of arms and components by means of distance communication , notably internet , to dealers and brokers . ### marketing of firearms , parts and ammunition by means of the internet or other means of distance communication , for example by way of online auction catalogues or classified advertisements , and the arranging of a sale or other transaction by means of , for example , telephone or email should , where allowed under national law , be possible provided that the actual handing over takes place on a face - to - face basis , so as to allow verification of identity and of the right to engage in such a transaction . the handing over can be either between the parties directly , or by way of collecting the firearm , essential component or ammunition at the premises of a dealer , local police station or another body authorised under the national law of the member state concerned .


### furthermore , member states shall ensure , at the time of transfer of a firearm from government stocks to permanent civilian use , the unique marking permitting identification of the transferring government . ### furthermore , member states shall ensure , at the time of transfer of a firearm from government stocks to permanent civilian use , the appropriate unique marking permitting identification of the transferring government .


### as this regulation does not cover such risks caused by appliances burning gaseous fuels in case of incorrect installation , maintenance or use , member states are encouraged to take measures to ensure that public is made aware of the risks related to combustion products and in particular to carbon monoxide . ### as this regulation does not cover such risks caused by appliances burning gaseous fuels in case of incorrect installation , maintenance or use , member states are strongly encouraged to take measures to ensure that public is made aware of the health and safety risks related to combustion products and in particular to carbon monoxide , as co poisoning is now the leading cause of fatalities associated with the use of gas .


### fittings are not appliances burning gaseous fuels , but intermediate products made available between professionals and intended to be incorporated into an appliance . as the appropriate design of a fitting contributes to the correct and safe functioning of a finished appliance and as the gas related risks of an appliance can only be assessed after incorporation of the fitting , it is appropriate that fittings do not bear the ce marking . ### fittings are not appliances burning gaseous fuels , but intermediate products intended for appliance manufacturers and designed to be incorporated into an appliance . however , fittings should satisfy the essential requirements so as to fulfil correctly their intended purpose when incorporated into an appliance or assembled to constitute such an appliance . with a view to simplification and in order to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding for manufacturers in implementation of their obligations , it is considered justified that fittings should also bear the ce marking .


### the provisions of this regulation do not affect the member states’ entitlement to lay down rules concerning commissioning or periodic inspections of appliances burning gaseous fuels in order to ensure their correct installation , use and maintenance . ### the provisions of this regulation do not affect the member states’ entitlement to lay down rules concerning commissioning or periodic inspections of appliances burning gaseous fuels , or other measures such as installer training or certification , to ensure their correct installation , use and maintenance , including precautionary safety measures .


### as promoter of the union’s general interest , it falls to the commission to implement the programme , assume overall responsibility and promote their use . in order to optimise the resources and competences of the various stakeholders , the commission should be able to delegate certain tasks . moreover the commission is the best placed to determine the main technical and operational specifications necessary to implement systems and services evolution . ### as promoter of the union’s general interest , it falls to the commission to implement the programme , assume overall responsibility and promote their use . in order to optimise the resources and competences of the various stakeholders , the commission should be able to delegate certain tasks . moreover the commission is the best placed to determine the main requirements necessary to implement systems and services evolution .


### development activities linked to autonomous , reliable and cost - efficient access to space ; ### development activities linked to autonomous , reliable and cost - efficient access to space including alternative launching technologies and innovative systems or services , taking into account the essential security interests of the union and its member states , as referred to in article 25 ;