### member states shall set a national energy efficiency target expressed as an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 . when setting these targets , they shall take into account the union ' s target of 20 % energy savings , the measures provided for in this directive , the measures adopted to reach the national energy saving targets adopted pursuant to article 4 of directive 2006 / 32 / ec and other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level . ### member states shall adopt a binding national energy efficiency target expressed as an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 . these targets shall together enable the eu to reduce its primary energy consumption by 25% by 2020 .


### each member state shall set up an energy efficiency obligation scheme . this scheme shall ensure that either all energy distributors or all retail energy sales companies operating on the member state ' s territory achieve annual energy savings equal to 1 . 5% of their energy sales , by volume , in the previous year in that member state excluding energy used in transport . this amount of energy savings shall be achieved by the obligated parties among final customers . ### in order to achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1 of article 3 , member states may set up an energy efficiency scheme . this scheme shall ensure that obliged parties achieve annual energy savings among final customers .


### member states shall set a national energy efficiency target expressed as an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 . when setting these targets , they shall take into account the union ' s target of 20 % energy savings , the measures provided for in this directive , the measures adopted to reach the national energy saving targets adopted pursuant to article 4 of directive 2006 / 32 / ec and other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level . ### member states shall set a national energy efficiency target . when setting these targets , they shall take into account the union ' s target of 20 % energy savings , the measures provided for in this directive , the measures adopted to reach the national energy saving targets adopted pursuant to article 4 of directive 2006 / 32 / ec and other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level .


### investments in the environment , including areas related to sustainable development and energy which present environmental benefits ; ### investments in the environment , including the energy sector , insofar as they present environmental benefits ;


### esma shall develop draft regulatory technical standards to determine appropriate arrangements and procedures for persons to comply with the requirements established in paragraph 1 and to determine the systems and notification templates to be used by persons to comply with the requirements established in paragraph 2 . ### esma shall develop draft regulatory technical standards to determine appropriate arrangements and procedures for compliance with the requirements established in paragraph 1 and to determine appropriate systems and notification templates to be used for compliance with the requirements established in paragraph 2 . for the purpose of assessing appropriateness , esma shall take account of the extent to which compliance with the requirements established in paragraph 2 can reasonably be expected of the persons concerned , in the light of the nature and size of their transactions .


### for the enforcement of the obligations under article 6 of directive 96 / 71 / ec and this directive , member states shall ensure that there are effective mechanisms for posted workers to lodge complaints against their employers directly , as well as the right to institute judicial or administrative proceedings , also in the member state in whose territory the workers are or were posted , where such workers consider they have sustained loss or damage as a result of a failure to apply the applicable rules , even after the relationship in which the failure is alleged to have occurred has ended . ### for the enforcement of the obligations under this directive and under directive 96 / 71 / ec , member states shall ensure that there are effective mechanisms for posted workers to lodge complaints against their employers directly , as well as the right to institute judicial or administrative proceedings , also in the member state in whose territory the workers are or were posted , where such workers consider they have sustained loss or damage as a result of a failure to apply the applicable rules , even after the relationship in which the failure is alleged to have occurred has ended .


### the requesting authority may , in accordance with the laws , regulations and administrative practices in force in its own member state , request the competent authority in another member state to recover a penalty or fine or notify a decision imposing a penalty or a fine , in so far as the relevant laws , regulations and administrative practices in force in the requested authority’s member state allow such action for similar claims or decisions . ### the requesting authority may , in accordance with the laws , regulations and administrative practices in force in its own member state , request the competent authority in another member state to recover a penalty or fine or retroactive social security contributions or notify a decision imposing a penalty or a fine or retroactive social security contributions , in so far as the relevant laws , regulations and administrative practices in force in the requested authority’s member state allow such action for similar claims or decisions .


### adequate and effective implementation and enforcement are key elements in protecting the rights of posted workers , whereas poor enforcement undermines the effectiveness of the union rules applicable in this area . close cooperation between the commission and the member states is therefore essential , without neglecting the important role of labour inspectorates and the social partners in this respect . ### adequate and effective implementation and enforcement are key elements in protecting the rights of posted workers , whereas poor enforcement undermines the effectiveness of the union rules applicable in this area . it is therefore essential to establish and maintain close cooperation between member states , the commission , and relevant national , regional , and local actors including labour inspectorates and the social partners in this respect .


### member states shall ensure that trade unions and other third parties , such as associations , organisations and other legal entities which have , in accordance with the criteria laid down by their national law , a legitimate interest in ensuring that the provisions of this directive are complied with , may engage , on behalf or in support of the posted workers or their employer , with their approval in any judicial or administrative proceedings provided for with the objective of implementing this directive and / or enforcing the obligations under this directive . ### member states shall ensure that trade unions and other third parties , such as associations , organisations and other legal entities which have , in accordance with the criteria laid down by their national law , a legitimate interest in ensuring that the provisions of this directive and directive 96 / 71 / ec are complied with , may engage , on behalf or in support of the posted workers or their employer , with their approval in any judicial or administrative proceedings provided for with the objective of implementing this directive and / or enforcing the obligations under this directive .


### with respect to the construction activities referred to in the annex to directive 96 / 71 / ec , for all posting situations covered by article 1 of directive 96 / 71 / ec , the member states shall ensure on a non&#8211 ; discriminatory basis with regard to the protection of the equivalent rights of employees of direct subcontractors established in its territory , that the contractor of which the employer is a direct subcontractor can , in addition to or in place of the employer , be held liable by the posted worker and / or common funds or institutions of social partners for non - payment of the following : ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a company that is instructing another company directly with the provision of services on its behalf is held liable for its direct subcontractor regarding :


### in member states where , in accordance with national law and practice , the setting of the terms and conditions of employment of posted workers referred to in article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec , and in particular the minimum rates of pay , including working time , is left to management and labour they may , at the appropriate level and subject to the conditions laid down by the member states , also the monitor the application of the relevant terms and conditions of employment of posted workers , provided that an adequate level of protection equivalent to that resulting from directive 96 / 71 / ec and this directive is guaranteed . ### in member states where , in accordance with national law and practice , the setting of the terms and conditions of employment of posted workers referred to in article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec , and in particular the minimum rates of pay , including working time , is left to management and labour they may , at the appropriate level and subject to the conditions laid down by the member states , monitor the application of the relevant terms and conditions of employment of posted workers .


### member states shall ensure that appropriate checks and monitoring mechanisms are put in place and that effective and adequate inspections are carried out on their territory in order to control and monitor compliance with the provisions and rules laid down in directive 96 / 71 / ec and to guarantee its proper application and enforcement . such inspections shall be based primarily on a risk assessment to be drawn up regularly by the competent authorities . the risk assessment shall identify the sectors of activity in which the employment of workers posted for the provision of services is concentrated on their territory . when making such risk assessment the realisation of big infrastructural projects , the special problems and needs of specific sectors , the past record of infringement , as well as the vulnerability of certain groups of workers shall be taken into account . ### member states shall ensure that effective checks and monitoring mechanisms are put in place and that effective and adequate inspections are carried out on their territory in order to control and monitor compliance with the provisions and rules laid down in directive 96 / 71 / ec and in this directive and to guarantee its proper application and enforcement . such inspections shall be based primarily on a risk assessment to be drawn up regularly by the competent authorities . the risk assessment shall identify the sectors of activity in which the employment of workers posted for the provision of services is concentrated on their territory . when making such risk assessment the realisation of big infrastructural projects , the special problems and needs of specific sectors , the past record of infringement , as well as the vulnerability of certain groups of workers shall be taken into account .


### within three years after the date referred to in article 20 , the necessity and appropriateness of the application of national control measures shall be reviewed in the light of the experiences with and effectiveness of the system for cooperation and exchange of information , the development of more uniform , standardised documents , the establishment of common principles or standards for inspections in the field of the posting of workers as well as technological developments , with a view to proposing , where appropriate , any necessary amendments or modifications . ### within three years after the date referred to in article 20 , the application of national control measures shall be reviewed in the light of the experiences with and effectiveness of the system for cooperation and exchange of information , the development of more uniform , standardised documents , the establishment of common principles or standards for inspections in the field of the posting of workers as well as technological developments , with a view to proposing , where appropriate , any necessary amendments or modifications .


### an obligation to designate a contact person to negotiate , if necessary , on behalf of the employer with the relevant social partners in the member state to which the posting takes place , in accordance with national legislation and practice , during the period in which the services are provided . ### an obligation to designate a legal or mandated representative to assume the responsibilities of the service provider in the member state to which the posting takes place and officially authorised to take delivery on behalf of the posting company .


### member states shall ensure that inspections and controls of compliance with directive 96 / 71 / ec are not discriminatory and / or disproportionate . ### member states shall ensure that inspections and controls of compliance with directive 96 / 71 / ec are not discriminatory .


### member states shall take the appropriate measures to ensure that the information on the terms and conditions of employment referred to in article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec which are to be applied and complied with by service providers are made generally available in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , in formats and by web standards that ensure access to persons with disabilities and to ensure that the liaison offices or the other competent national bodies referred to in article 4 of directive 96 / 71 / ec are in a position to carry out their tasks effectively . ### member states shall take the appropriate measures to ensure that the information on the terms and conditions of employment referred to in article 3 of directive 96 / 71 / ec which are to be applied and complied with by service providers are made generally available in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , in formats and by web standards that ensure access to persons with disabilities and to ensure that the liaison offices or the other competent national bodies referred to in article 4 of directive 96 / 71 / ec are in a position to carry out their tasks effectively .


### in order to facilitate better and more uniform application of directive 96 / 71 / ec , it is appropriate to provide for an electronic information exchange system to facilitate administrative cooperation and competent authorities should use the internal market information system as much as possible . however , this should not prevent the application of bilateral agreements or arrangements concerning administrative cooperation . ### in order to facilitate better and more uniform application of directive 96 / 71 / ec , it is appropriate to provide for an electronic information exchange system to facilitate administrative cooperation and competent authorities should use the internal market information system as much as possible . however , this does not prevent the application of bilateral agreements or arrangements concerning administrative cooperation . arrangements for application of electronic information exchange by means of the imi should be tested to ensure that they work in practice .


### member states obligations to make information on terms and conditions of employment generally available and to provide effective access to it , not only to service providers from other member states , but also to the posted workers concerned , should be further concretised . ### member states should inform the commission of how they intend to make information on terms and conditions of employment generally available and accessible to posted workers and service providers from other member states .


### for the purpose of responding to a request for assistance from competent authorities in another member state , member states shall ensure that service providers established in their territory supply their competent authorities with all the information necessary for supervising their activities in compliance with their national laws . ### for the purpose of responding to a request for assistance from competent authorities in another member state , member states shall ensure that service providers established in their territory supply their competent authorities with all the information necessary for supervising their activities in compliance with their national laws . where service providers fail to provide such information , appropriate action must be initiated by the competent authorities within the host state , and where appropriate in cooperation with the competent authorities of the state of establishment .


### the cooperation of the member states shall in particular consist in replying to reasoned requests for information and to carry out checks , inspections and investigations from competent authorities with respect to the situations of posting referred to in article 1 of directive 96 / 71 / ec , including investigation of any abuses of applicable rules on the posting of workers or possible cases of unlawful transnational activities . ### in compliance with the principles established in article 4 and 5 of directive 96 / 71 / ec , the cooperation of the member states shall in particular consist of an obligation to reply without undue delay in a swift and effective manner to requests for information and to carry out checks , inspections and investigations by their competent authorities with respect to the situations of posting referred to in article 1 of directive 96 / 71 / ec and relevant articles of this directive , including investigation of any abuses of applicable rules on the posting of workers or possible cases of unlawful transnational activities and initiating appropriate actions in accordance with with applicable national laws and practices .


### the selection of thematic objectives should be limited in order to maximise the impact of cohesion policy across the union . however , the concentration under interregional cooperation should be reflected in the aim of each operation rather than in a limitation of the number of thematic objectives , in order to get the most out of interregional cooperation for the reinforcement of the effectiveness of cohesion policy under the investment for growth and jobs and the european territorial cooperation goals . ### the major part of the erdf funding for cross - border and transnational cooperation programmes should be concentrated on a limited number of thematic objectives in order to maximise the impact of cohesion policy across the union . however , the concentration under interregional cooperation on thematic objectives should be reflected in the aim of each operation rather than in a limitation of the number of thematic objectives , in order to get the most out of interregional cooperation for the reinforcement of the effectiveness of cohesion policy principally under the investment for growth and jobs and also , where appropriate , the european territorial cooperation goals . for the other interregional cooperation programmes , the concentration should follow from their specific scope .


### article 2 components of the european territorial cooperation goal under the european territorial cooperation goal , the erdf shall support : cross - border cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated regional development between neighbouring land and maritime border regions from two or more member states or between neighbouring border regions from at least one member state and one third country on external borders of the union other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union ; transnational cooperation over larger transnational territories , involving national , regional and local authorities and also covering maritime cross - border cooperation in cases not covered by cross - border cooperation , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration of those territories , thus contributing to territorial cohesion across the union ; interregional cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting : exchange of experience on thematic objectives among partners throughout the union on the identification and dissemination of good practice with a view to its transfer to operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal ; exchange of experience concerning the identification , transfer and dissemination of good practice on sustainable urban and rural development ; exchange of experience concerning the identification , transfer and dissemination of good practice and innovative approaches in relation to actions concerning territorial cooperation and to the use of egtcs ; analysis of development trends in relation to the aims of territorial cohesion and harmonious development of the european territory through studies , data collection and other measures . ### article 2 components of the european territorial cooperation goal under the european territorial cooperation goal , the erdf shall support the following components : cross - border cooperation between adjacent regions to promote integrated regional development between neighbouring land and maritime border regions from two or more member states or between neighbouring border regions from at least one member state and one third country on external borders of the union other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union ; transnational cooperation over larger transnational territories , involving national , regional and local partners and also covering maritime cross - border cooperation in cases not covered by cross - border cooperation , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration of those territories ; interregional cooperation to reinforce the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting : exchange of experience focusing on thematic objectives among partners throughout the union , including in relation to the development of regions referred to in article 174 of the treaty of the functioning of the european union on the identification and dissemination of good practice with a view to its transfer principally to operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal but also , where relevant , to programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal ; exchange of experience concerning the identification , transfer and dissemination of good practice on sustainable urban development , including urban - rural linkages ; exchange of experience concerning the identification , transfer and dissemination of good practice and innovative approaches in relation to the implementation of territorial cooperation programmes and actions as well as to the use of egtcs ; analysis of development trends in relation to the aims of territorial cohesion , including territorial aspects of economic and social cohesion , and harmonious development of the european territory through studies , data collection and other measures .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . in accordance with article 174 of the treaty , the erdf contributes to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as island , cross - border and mountain regions . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with this article and article 174 tfeu , the erdf should contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to rural areas , areas affected by industrial transition , and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### article 3 geographical coverage for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . the commission shall adopt the list of cross - border areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . that list shall also specify those nuts level 3 regions in the union taken into account for the erdf allocation to cross - border cooperation on all internal and those external borders covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 the ipa regulation ] . when submitting draft cross - border cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 3 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph are added to a given cross - border area and shall give reasons for the request . 2 . without prejudice to article 19 and , cross - border cooperation programmes may cover regions from norway , switzerland , liechtenstein , andorra , monaco and san marino and third countries or territories neighbouring outermost regions . such regions shall be nuts level 3 equivalent regions . 3 . for transnational cooperation , the commission shall adopt the list of transnational areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme and covering nuts level 2 regions while ensuring the continuity of such cooperation in larger coherent areas based on previous programmes , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . when submitting draft transnational cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 2 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the first subparagraph are added to a given transnational cooperation area and shall give reasons for the request . 4 . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may cover regions from the following third countries or territories : the third countries or territories listed or referred to in paragraph 2 ; and the faroe islands and greenland . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may also cover regions from third countries covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 , including the relevant regions of the russian federation , and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 . annual appropriations corresponding to the support of the eni and ipa to these programmes will be made available , provided that the programmes adequately address the relevant external cooperation objectives . such regions shall be nuts level 2 regions or equivalent regions . 5 . for interregional cooperation , support from the erdf shall cover the entire territory of the union . without prejudice to article 19 and , interregional cooperation programmes may cover the whole or part of the territory of third countries referred to in paragraph 4 and . 6 . for information purposes , regions of third countries or territories referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 shall be mentioned in the lists referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3 . ### article 3 geographical coverage for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , on the list of cross - border areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . that list shall also specify those nuts level 3 regions in the union taken into account for the erdf allocation to cross - border cooperation on all internal and those external borders covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 the ipa regulation ] . when submitting draft cross - border cooperation programmes , member states , in duly justified cases , and , in order to ensure the coherence of cross border areas , may request that additional nuts level 3 regions are included to those listed in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph . at the request of those member states concerned , in order to facilitate cross border cooperation on maritime borders for outermost regions , and without prejudice to the provisions of the first subparagraph , the commission may include in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph as cross border areas which may receive support from the corresponding allocation of those member states , nuts level 3 regions in outermost regions along maritime borders separated by more than 150 km . 2 . without prejudice to article 19 and , cross - border cooperation programmes may cover regions from norway , switzerland , liechtenstein , andorra , monaco and san marino and third countries or territories neighbouring outermost regions . such regions shall be nuts level 3 equivalent regions . 3 . for transnational cooperation , the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , on the list of transnational areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme and covering nuts level 2 regions while ensuring the continuity of such cooperation in larger coherent areas based on previous programmes , taking account of macro - regional and sea - basin strategies , where appropriate . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . when submitting draft transnational cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 2 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the first subparagraph are added to a given transnational cooperation area and shall give reasons for the request . 4 . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may cover regions from the following third countries or territories : the third countries or territories listed or referred to in paragraph 2 ; and the faroe islands and greenland . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may also cover regions from third countries covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 , including the relevant regions of the russian federation , and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 . annual appropriations corresponding to the support of the eni and ipa to these programmes will be made available , provided that the programmes adequately address the relevant external cooperation objectives . such regions shall be nuts level 2 equivalent regions . 5 . for interregional cooperation , support from the erdf shall cover the entire territory of the union . without prejudice to article 19 and , interregional cooperation programmes may cover the whole or part of the territory of third countries referred to in paragraph 4 and . 6 . for information purposes , regions of third countries or territories referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 shall be mentioned in the lists referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3 . 6 a . in duly justified cases , to increase the efficiency of programme implementation , the outermost regions may combine in a single programme for territorial cooperation , the amounts of the erdf allocated for cross - border and transnational cooperation as referred to in the paragraphs above , including the additional allowance of article 4 , respecting the applicable rules for each of these allocations .


### article 4 resources for european territorial cooperation resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to 3 , 48 % of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the funds for the period 2014 to 2020 and set out in article 83 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; / 2012 [ cpr ] and shall be allocated as follows : 73 , 24 % for cross - border cooperation ; 20 , 78 % for transnational cooperation ; 5 , 98 % for interregional cooperation . 2 . cooperation programmes involving the outermost regions shall receive not less than 150% of the erdf support they received in the 2007 - 2013 period . in addition , eur 50 000 000 from the allocation for interregional cooperation shall be set aside for outermost regions ' cooperation . concerning thematic concentration , article 5 applies to this additional allocation . 3 . the commission shall adopt a single decision setting out the list of all cooperation programmes and indicating the amounts of the total erdf support per programme and of the 2014 allocation per programme by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . population in the areas referred to in the 3rd sub - paragraph of article 3 and the first sub - paragraph of article shall be used as the criterion for the annual breakdown by member state . 4 . the support from the erdf to cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and to the cross - border programmes under ipa shall be established by the commission and the member states concerned . 5 . support from the erdf to each cross - border and sea - basin programme under eni and ipa shall be granted provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by eni and ipa . this equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the eni regulation or the ipa regulation . 6 . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the erdf to programmes under eni and ipa shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of those instruments with the 2014 budgetary exercise . 7 . in 2015 and 2016 , the annual contribution from the erdf to the programmes under eni and ipa for which no programme has been submitted to the commission by 30 june under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . if by 30 june 2017 , there are still programmes under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa which have not been submitted to the commission , the entire support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 for the remaining years up to 2020 shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . 8 . cross - border and sea basin programmes referred to in paragraph 4 that have been adopted by the commission shall be discontinued if : none of the partner countries covered by the programme have signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadline established in regulation no . / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] or regulation no . / 2012 [ ipa ] ; or the programme cannot be implemented owing to problems arising in relations between the participating countries . in such event , the support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates , at its request . ### article 4 resources for european territorial cooperation resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to 7 % of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the funds for the period 2014 to 2020 and set out in article 83 of regulation no [ . . . / 2012 [ cpr ] ) and shall be allocated as follows : 73 , 24 % for cross - border cooperation ; 20 , 78 % for transnational cooperation ; 5 , 98 % for interregional cooperation . 2 . the outermost regions shall be allocated for programmes under the etc goal not less than 150% of the erdf support they received in the 2007 - 2013 period for cooperation programmes . in addition , eur 50 000 000 from the allocation for interregional cooperation shall be set aside for outermost regions ' cooperation . concerning thematic concentration , article 5 applies to this additional allocation . 3 . the commission shall communicate to each member state its share of the global amounts for cross - border and transnational cooperation as referred to in paragraph 1 and , broken down by year . population in the areas referred to in the 2nd sub - paragraph of article 3 and the 1st sub - paragraph of article 3 shall be used as the criterion for this breakdown by member state . based on the amounts communicated , each member state shall inform the commission whether and how it has used the transfer possibility provided for in article 4bis and the resulting distribution of funds among the cross - border and transnational programmes the member state participates in . the commission shall , on the basis of the information provided by member states , adopt a decision setting out a list of all cooperation programmes and indicating the global amount of the total erdf support for each programme by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . 4 . the contribution from the erdf to cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and to the cross - border programmes under ipa shall be established by the commission and the member states concerned . the erdf contribution established for each member state shall not subsequently be reallocated between the member states concerned . 5 . support from the erdf to each cross - border and sea - basin programme under eni and ipa shall be granted provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by eni and ipa . this equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the eni regulation or the ipa regulation . 6 . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the erdf to programmes under eni and ipa shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of those instruments with the 2014 budgetary exercise . 7 . in 2015 and 2016 , the annual contribution from the erdf to the programmes under eni and ipa for which no programme has been submitted to the commission by 30 june under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa , and which has not been re - allocated to another programme submitted under the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participate . if by 30 june 2017 , there are still programmes under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa which have not been submitted to the commission , the entire support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 for the remaining years up to 2020 , which has not been re - allocated to another adopted programme under the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . 8 . cross - border and sea basin programmes referred to in paragraph 4 that have been adopted by the commission shall be discontinued , or the allocation to the programme shall be reduced , in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures , in particular , if : none of the partner countries covered by the programme have signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadline established in regulation no . / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] or regulation no . / 2012 [ ipa ] ; or the programme cannot be implemented as planned owing to problems arising in relations between the participating countries . in such event , the support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed , or annual instalments committed and de - committed totally or partially during the same budgetary year , which have not been re - allocated to another programme of the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates , at its request . 8 a . the commission shall provide an annual summary of the financial implementation of cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and of cross - border programmes under ipa to which the erdf contributes in accordance with this article to the committee established under article 143 of regulation no . . . / 2013 [ cpr ] . __________ 1 2 3 4 the figures are subject to the global resources available for the cohesion policy during the period 2014 to 2020


### a common set of indicators to assess progress of programme implementation adapted to the specific character of cooperation programmes should be set out before the member states draft their cooperation programmes . these indicators should be complemented by programme - specific indicators . ### a common set of output indicators to facilitate the assessment of the progress of programme implementation , adapted to the specific character of cooperation programmes , should be set out before the member states draft their cooperation programmes . those indicators should be complemented by programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , by programme specific output indicators .


### article 13 implementation reports by 30 april 2016 and by 30 april of each subsequent year until and including 2022 , the managing authority shall submit to the commission an annual report in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 2013 . 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the cooperation programme in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] respectively and the information set out in paragraph 2 together with : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of authorities and beneficiaries to administer and to use the erdf ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development ; the results of the information and publicity measures carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation , where appropriate ; the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the cooperation programme . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . ### article 13 implementation reports by 30 june 2016 and by 30 june of each subsequent year until and including 2022 , the managing authority shall submit to the commission an annual report in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 20131 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the cooperation programme in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; where appropriate , progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] respectively and the information set out in paragraph 2 together with information on the elements set out under , and below and may , dependent on the content and objectives of cooperation programmes , add information on the other elements listed below : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of authorities and beneficiaries to administer and to use the erdf ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to promote non - discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development ; the results of the information and publicity measures carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation ; the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the cooperation programme . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . ______________ 1 subject to alignment with outcome of discussions on cpr article 101 .


### in addition to article 5 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the erdf regulation ] , the erdf shall support the sharing of human resources , facilities and infrastructures across borders under the different investment priorities , as well as the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives : ### the erdf shall , within its scope as set out in article 3 of regulation no / 2012 , contribute to the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no / 2013 through joint action under cross - border , transnational and interregional cooperation programmes . in addition to the investment priorities set out in article 5 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ the erdf regulation ] , the erdf may also support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives indicated for the respective etc components :


### common indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , shall be used where relevant and in accordance with article 24 of regulation no . / 2012 [ cpr ] . their baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall be set using the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### common output indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , programme - specific output indicators shall be used in accordance with article 24 and article 7 and of this regulation . 2 . for common and programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero . cumulative quantified target values for these indicators shall be fixed for 2022 . 3 . for programme - specific result indicators , which relate to investment priorities , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 . targets may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . 4 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 29 to amend the list of common output indicators in the annex to this regulation , in order to make adjustments , where justified to ensure effective assessment of progress in programme implementation .


### where appropriate , the contribution of the planned interventions towards macro regional strategies and sea basin strategies ; ### where member states and regions participate in macro regional strategies and sea basin strategies , the contribution of the planned interventions towards such strategies , subject to the needs of the programme area as identified by the relevant member states and taking into account , where applicable , the strategically important projects identified in the respective strategies .


### staff costs of an operation may be calculated as a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs other than the staff costs of that operation . ### staff costs of an operation may be calculated as a flat rate of up to 20 % of the direct costs other than the staff costs of that operation .


### an assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the actions planned to achieve a reduction accompanied by targets ; ### an assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the managing authorities and the actions planned to achieve a reduction of the administrative burden accompanied by targets ;


### to increase the value added of the union ' s cohesion policy , the specific provisions should lead to considerable simplification on all levels involved : beneficiaries , programme authorities , participating member states and third countries , as well as the commission . ### to increase the value added of the union ' s cohesion policy , the specific provisions should lead to considerable simplification for all those involved : beneficiaries , programme authorities , authorities in participating member states at local , regional or national level , as appropriate , and third countries , as well as the commission .


### for cooperation programmes , the intermediate body to carry out the management and implementation of an integrated territorial investment referred to in article 99 of regulation no . / 2012 [ cpr ] shall be an egtc or other legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries provided that it is set up by public authorities from at least two participating countries . ### for cooperation programmes , the intermediate body to carry out the management and implementation of an integrated territorial investment referred to in article 99 of regulation no . / 2012 [ cpr ] shall be a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries provided that it is set up by public authorities from at least two participating countries , or an egtc .


### under transnational cooperation : development and implementation of macro - regional and sea - basin strategies . ### under transnational and cross - border cooperation : development and implementation of macro - regional and sea - basin or mountain range strategies


### the rules on flexibility concerning the location of operations outside the programme area should be simplified . in addition , it is necessary to support effective cross - border , transnational and interregional cooperation with the union ' s neighbouring third countries where this is necessary to ensure that the regions of the member states which border third countries can be effectively assisted in their development . accordingly , it is appropriate to authorise on an exceptional basis and under certain conditions the financing of assistance from the erdf for operations located on the territory of third countries where the operations are for the benefit of the regions of the union . ### the rules on flexibility concerning the location of operations outside the programme area should be simplified . in addition , it is necessary to support and facilitate , through specific arrangements , effective cross - border , transnational and interregional cooperation with the union ' s neighbouring third countries where this is necessary to ensure that the regions of the member states which border third countries are effectively assisted in their development . accordingly , it is appropriate to authorise on an exceptional basis and under certain conditions the financing of assistance from the erdf for operations located on the territory of neighbouring third countries where those operations are for the benefit of the regions of the union .


### under cross - border cooperation : integrating cross - border labour markets , including cross - border mobility , joint local employment initiatives and joint training ; promoting gender equality and equal opportunities across borders , as well as promoting social inclusion across borders ; developing and implementing joint education and training schemes ; promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens and institutions ; ### 1 a . under cross - border cooperation : promoting employment and supporting labour mobility through : integrating cross - border labour markets , including cross - border mobility , joint local employment initiatives , information and advisory services and joint training ; promoting social inclusion and combating poverty through : promoting gender equality , equal opportunities , and the integration of communities across borders ; investing in skills , education and lifelong learning through : developing and implementing joint education , vocational training and training schemes ; enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient public administration through : promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens and institutions .


### the managing authority of a cooperation programme shall carry out the functions of the managing authority and of the certifying authority laid down in articles 114 and 115 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### the managing authority of a cooperation programme shall carry out the functions laid down in article 114 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , without prejudice to paragraph 4 of this article .


### member states shall draft the cooperation programmes according to the model adopted by the commission . ### 2 g . the participating member states and , when they have accepted the invitation to participate in the cooperation programme , third countries or territories shall draft the cooperation programmes according to the model adopted by the commission . by derogation from paragraph 5 , in the case of cooperation programmes involving outermost regions and third countries , the member states concerned shall consult the respective third countries before submitting the programmes to the commission . in this case , the agreements to the contents of the cooperation programmes and the possible contribution of the third countries can instead be expressed in the formally approved minutes of the consultation meetings with the third countries or the deliberations of the regional cooperation organisations .


### a financing plan containing two tables : a table specifying for each year , in accordance with articles 53 , 110 and 111 of regulation no . / 2012 [ cpr ] , the amount of the total financial appropriation envisaged for the support from the erdf ; a table specifying , for the whole programming period , for the cooperation programme and for each priority axis , the amount of the total financial appropriation of the support from the erdf and the national co - financing . where the national co - financing is made up of public and private co - financing , the table shall give the indicative breakdown between the public and the private components . it shall show , for information purposes , the envisaged participation from the eib ; ### a financing plan containing two tables : a table specifying for each year , in accordance with the rules on co - financing rates laid down in articles 53 , 110 and 111 of regulation no . / 2012 [ cpr ] , the amount of the total financial appropriation envisaged for the support from the erdf ; a table specifying , for the whole programming period , for the cooperation programme and for each priority axis , the amount of the total financial appropriation of the support from the erdf and the national co - financing . for priority axes , which combine investment priorities from different thematic objectives , the table shall specify the amount of total financial appropriation and the national co - financing for each of the corresponding thematic objectives . where the national co - financing is made up of public and private co - financing , the table shall give the indicative breakdown between the public and the private components . it shall show , for information purposes , any contribution from third countries participating in the programme and the envisaged participation from the eib ;


### for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . ### for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . the above - mentioned maximum limit of 150 km shall not apply to island regions within the limits of their sea basin area , so as to promote cooperation actions based on a common strategy within their functional area .


### an assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the actions planned to achieve a reduction accompanied by targets ; ### a summary of the assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and where necessary the actions planned , to be accompanied by an indicative timeframe , to reduce the administrative burden .


### cross - border cooperation should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions and exploit the untapped potentials in the border area , while enhancing the cooperation process for the purpose of the overall harmonious development of the union . in the case of any cross - border programme between northern ireland and the border counties of ireland in support of peace and reconciliation , the erdf shall also contribute to promoting social and economic stability in the regions concerned , notably by actions to promote cohesion between communities . ### cross - border cooperation should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions and exploit the untapped potential in the border area , while enhancing the cooperation process for the purpose of the overall harmonious development of the union . in the case of any cross - border programme between northern ireland and the border counties of ireland in support of peace and reconciliation , the erdf shall also contribute to promoting social and economic stability in the regions concerned , notably by actions to promote cohesion between communities .


### article 4 resources for european territorial cooperation resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to 3 , 48 % of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the funds for the period 2014 to 2020 and set out in article 83 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; / 2012 [ cpr ] and shall be allocated as follows : 73 , 24 % for cross - border cooperation ; 20 , 78 % for transnational cooperation ; 5 , 98 % for interregional cooperation . 2 . cooperation programmes involving the outermost regions shall receive not less than 150% of the erdf support they received in the 2007 - 2013 period . in addition , eur 50 000 000 from the allocation for interregional cooperation shall be set aside for outermost regions ' cooperation . concerning thematic concentration , article 5 applies to this additional allocation . 3 . the commission shall adopt a single decision setting out the list of all cooperation programmes and indicating the amounts of the total erdf support per programme and of the 2014 allocation per programme by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . population in the areas referred to in the 3rd sub - paragraph of article 3 and the first sub - paragraph of article shall be used as the criterion for the annual breakdown by member state . 4 . the support from the erdf to cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and to the cross - border programmes under ipa shall be established by the commission and the member states concerned . 5 . support from the erdf to each cross - border and sea - basin programme under eni and ipa shall be granted provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by eni and ipa . this equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the eni regulation or the ipa regulation . 6 . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the erdf to programmes under eni and ipa shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of those instruments with the 2014 budgetary exercise . 7 . in 2015 and 2016 , the annual contribution from the erdf to the programmes under eni and ipa for which no programme has been submitted to the commission by 30 june under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . if by 30 june 2017 , there are still programmes under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa which have not been submitted to the commission , the entire support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 for the remaining years up to 2020 shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . 8 . cross - border and sea basin programmes referred to in paragraph 4 that have been adopted by the commission shall be discontinued if : none of the partner countries covered by the programme have signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadline established in regulation no . / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] or regulation no . / 2012 [ ipa ] ; or the programme cannot be implemented owing to problems arising in relations between the participating countries . in such event , the support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates , at its request . ### article 4 resources for european territorial cooperation resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to 7 % of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the funds for the period 2014 to 2020 and set out in article 83 of regulation no [ . . . / 2012 [ cpr ] ) and shall be allocated as follows : 73 , 24 % for cross - border cooperation ; 20 , 78 % for transnational cooperation ; 5 , 98 % for interregional cooperation . 2 . the outermost regions shall be allocated for programmes under the etc goal not less than 150% of the erdf support they received in the 2007 - 2013 period for cooperation programmes . in addition , eur 50 000 000 from the allocation for interregional cooperation shall be set aside for outermost regions ' cooperation . concerning thematic concentration , article 5 applies to this additional allocation . 3 . the commission shall communicate to each member state its share of the global amounts for cross - border and transnational cooperation as referred to in paragraph 1 and , broken down by year . population in the areas referred to in the 2nd sub - paragraph of article 3 and the 1st sub - paragraph of article 3 shall be used as the criterion for this breakdown by member state . based on the amounts communicated , each member state shall inform the commission whether and how it has used the transfer possibility provided for in article 4bis and the resulting distribution of funds among the cross - border and transnational programmes the member state participates in . the commission shall , on the basis of the information provided by member states , adopt a decision setting out a list of all cooperation programmes and indicating the global amount of the total erdf support for each programme by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . 4 . the contribution from the erdf to cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and to the cross - border programmes under ipa shall be established by the commission and the member states concerned . the erdf contribution established for each member state shall not subsequently be reallocated between the member states concerned . 5 . support from the erdf to each cross - border and sea - basin programme under eni and ipa shall be granted provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by eni and ipa . this equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the eni regulation or the ipa regulation . 6 . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the erdf to programmes under eni and ipa shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of those instruments with the 2014 budgetary exercise . 7 . in 2015 and 2016 , the annual contribution from the erdf to the programmes under eni and ipa for which no programme has been submitted to the commission by 30 june under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa , and which has not been re - allocated to another programme submitted under the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participate . if by 30 june 2017 , there are still programmes under the cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and ipa which have not been submitted to the commission , the entire support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 for the remaining years up to 2020 , which has not been re - allocated to another adopted programme under the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates . 8 . cross - border and sea basin programmes referred to in paragraph 4 that have been adopted by the commission shall be discontinued , or the allocation to the programme shall be reduced , in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures , in particular , if : none of the partner countries covered by the programme have signed the relevant financing agreement by the deadline established in regulation no . / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] or regulation no . / 2012 [ ipa ] ; or the programme cannot be implemented as planned owing to problems arising in relations between the participating countries . in such event , the support from the erdf mentioned in paragraph 4 corresponding to annual instalments not yet committed , or annual instalments committed and de - committed totally or partially during the same budgetary year , which have not been re - allocated to another programme of the same category of external cooperation programmes , shall be allocated to the internal cross - border cooperation programmes under paragraph 1 in which the member state concerned participates , at its request . 8 a . the commission shall provide an annual summary of the financial implementation of cross - border and sea - basin programmes under eni and of cross - border programmes under ipa to which the erdf contributes in accordance with this article to the committee established under article 143 of regulation no . . . / 2013 [ cpr ] . __________ 1 2 3 4 the figures are subject to the global resources available for the cohesion policy during the period 2014 to 2020


### where the managing authority cannot carry out verifications under article 114 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] throughout the whole programme area , each member state or third country shall designate the body or person responsible for carrying out such verifications in relation to beneficiaries on its territory ’ ) . those controllers shall , where possible , be the same bodies responsible for carrying out such verifications for the operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal or , in the case of third countries , for carrying out comparable verifications under external policy instruments of the union . each member state or third country shall be responsible for verifications carried out on its territory . ### where the managing authority does not carry out verifications under article 114 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] throughout the whole programme area , each member state or , when it has accepted the invitation to participate in the cooperation programme , the third country shall designate the body or person responsible for carrying out such verifications in relation to beneficiaries on its territory ’ ) . in this connection , the managing authority shall satisfy itself that the expenditure of each beneficiary participating in an operation has been verified by a designated controller . each member state shall ensure that the expenditure can be verified within a period of three months from the submission of the documents by the beneficiary . those controllers may be the same bodies responsible for carrying out such verifications for the operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal or , in the case of third countries , for carrying out comparable verifications under external policy instruments of the union . each member state or , when it has accepted the invitation to participate in the cooperation programme , the third country shall be responsible for verifications carried out on its territory .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 29 to set additional specific rules on eligibility of expenditure for cooperation programmes . 2 . without prejudice to the eligibility rules laid down in or on the basis of articles 55 to 61 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ erdf ] or this regulation , the monitoring committee shall establish eligibility rules for the cooperation programme as a whole . 3 . for matters not covered by eligibility rules laid down in or on the basis of articles 55 to 61 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ erdf ] or this regulation or by the monitoring committee , the national rules of the country in which the expenditure is incurred shall apply . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 29 to set up specific rules on eligibility of expenditure for cooperation programmes with regard to staff costs , office and administrative expenditure , travel and accommodation costs , external expertise and services costs and equipment expenditure . the commission shall notify the delegated acts , adopted in accordance with article 29 , simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council within four months of the adoption of this regulation . 2 . without prejudice to the eligibility rules laid down in or on the basis of articles 55 to 61 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ erdf ] , this regulation or the delegated act , referred to in paragraph , the participating member states in the monitoring committee , shall establish additional eligibility rules for the cooperation programme as a whole . 3 . for matters not covered by eligibility rules laid down in or on the basis of articles 55 to 61 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ erdf ] , in the delegated act referred to in paragraph or in rules , established jointly by the participating member states in accordance with paragraph , the national rules of the member state in which the expenditure is incurred shall apply .


### in addition to article 5 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the erdf regulation ] , the erdf shall support the sharing of human resources , facilities and infrastructures across borders under the different investment priorities , as well as the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives : ### the erdf shall , within its scope as set out in article 3 of regulation no / 2012 , contribute to the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no / 2013 through joint action under cross - border , transnational and interregional cooperation programmes . in addition to the investment priorities set out in article 5 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ the erdf regulation ] , the erdf may also support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives indicated for the respective etc components :


### article 3 geographical coverage for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . the commission shall adopt the list of cross - border areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . that list shall also specify those nuts level 3 regions in the union taken into account for the erdf allocation to cross - border cooperation on all internal and those external borders covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 the ipa regulation ] . when submitting draft cross - border cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 3 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph are added to a given cross - border area and shall give reasons for the request . 2 . without prejudice to article 19 and , cross - border cooperation programmes may cover regions from norway , switzerland , liechtenstein , andorra , monaco and san marino and third countries or territories neighbouring outermost regions . such regions shall be nuts level 3 equivalent regions . 3 . for transnational cooperation , the commission shall adopt the list of transnational areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme and covering nuts level 2 regions while ensuring the continuity of such cooperation in larger coherent areas based on previous programmes , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . when submitting draft transnational cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 2 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the first subparagraph are added to a given transnational cooperation area and shall give reasons for the request . 4 . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may cover regions from the following third countries or territories : the third countries or territories listed or referred to in paragraph 2 ; and the faroe islands and greenland . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may also cover regions from third countries covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 , including the relevant regions of the russian federation , and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 . annual appropriations corresponding to the support of the eni and ipa to these programmes will be made available , provided that the programmes adequately address the relevant external cooperation objectives . such regions shall be nuts level 2 regions or equivalent regions . 5 . for interregional cooperation , support from the erdf shall cover the entire territory of the union . without prejudice to article 19 and , interregional cooperation programmes may cover the whole or part of the territory of third countries referred to in paragraph 4 and . 6 . for information purposes , regions of third countries or territories referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 shall be mentioned in the lists referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3 . ### article 3 geographical coverage for cross - border cooperation , the regions to be supported shall be the nuts level 3 regions of the union along all internal and external land borders other than those covered by programmes under the external financial instruments of the union , and all nuts level 3 regions of the union along maritime borders separated by a maximum of 150 km , without prejudice to potential adjustments needed to ensure the coherence and continuity of cooperation programme areas established for the 2007 - 2013 programming period . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , on the list of cross - border areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . that list shall also specify those nuts level 3 regions in the union taken into account for the erdf allocation to cross - border cooperation on all internal and those external borders covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ the eni regulation ] and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 the ipa regulation ] . when submitting draft cross - border cooperation programmes , member states , in duly justified cases , and , in order to ensure the coherence of cross border areas , may request that additional nuts level 3 regions are included to those listed in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph . at the request of those member states concerned , in order to facilitate cross border cooperation on maritime borders for outermost regions , and without prejudice to the provisions of the first subparagraph , the commission may include in the decision referred to in the second subparagraph as cross border areas which may receive support from the corresponding allocation of those member states , nuts level 3 regions in outermost regions along maritime borders separated by more than 150 km . 2 . without prejudice to article 19 and , cross - border cooperation programmes may cover regions from norway , switzerland , liechtenstein , andorra , monaco and san marino and third countries or territories neighbouring outermost regions . such regions shall be nuts level 3 equivalent regions . 3 . for transnational cooperation , the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , on the list of transnational areas to receive support , broken down by cooperation programme and covering nuts level 2 regions while ensuring the continuity of such cooperation in larger coherent areas based on previous programmes , taking account of macro - regional and sea - basin strategies , where appropriate . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . when submitting draft transnational cooperation programmes , member states may request that additional nuts level 2 regions adjacent to those listed in the decision referred to in the first subparagraph are added to a given transnational cooperation area and shall give reasons for the request . 4 . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may cover regions from the following third countries or territories : the third countries or territories listed or referred to in paragraph 2 ; and the faroe islands and greenland . without prejudice to article 19 and , transnational cooperation programmes may also cover regions from third countries covered by the external financial instruments of the union , such as eni pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 , including the relevant regions of the russian federation , and ipa pursuant to regulation no [ … ] / 2012 . annual appropriations corresponding to the support of the eni and ipa to these programmes will be made available , provided that the programmes adequately address the relevant external cooperation objectives . such regions shall be nuts level 2 equivalent regions . 5 . for interregional cooperation , support from the erdf shall cover the entire territory of the union . without prejudice to article 19 and , interregional cooperation programmes may cover the whole or part of the territory of third countries referred to in paragraph 4 and . 6 . for information purposes , regions of third countries or territories referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 shall be mentioned in the lists referred to in paragraphs 1 and 3 . 6 a . in duly justified cases , to increase the efficiency of programme implementation , the outermost regions may combine in a single programme for territorial cooperation , the amounts of the erdf allocated for cross - border and transnational cooperation as referred to in the paragraphs above , including the additional allowance of article 4 , respecting the applicable rules for each of these allocations .


### a common set of indicators to assess progress of programme implementation adapted to the specific character of cooperation programmes should be set out before the member states draft their cooperation programmes . these indicators should be complemented by programme - specific indicators . ### a common set of output indicators to facilitate the assessment of the progress of programme implementation , adapted to the specific character of cooperation programmes , should be set out before the member states draft their cooperation programmes . those indicators should be complemented by programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , by programme specific output indicators .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . in accordance with article 174 of the treaty , the erdf contributes to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as island , cross - border and mountain regions . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with this article and article 174 tfeu , the erdf should contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to rural areas , areas affected by industrial transition , and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### for the purposes of articles 113 and of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , member states participating in a cooperation programme shall appoint a single managing authority and , for the purpose of article 113 of that regulation , a single audit authority , which shall be situated in the same member state . 2 . the managing authority shall receive the payments made by the commission and shall make payments to the lead beneficiary in accordance with article 122 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### for the purposes of article 113 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , member states participating in a cooperation programme shall designate a single managing authority , for the purpose of article 113 of that regulation , a single certifying authority , and , for the purpose of article 113 of that regulation , a single audit authority . the managing authority and the audit authority shall be situated in the same member state . member states participating in a cooperation programme may designate the managing authority to be responsible for carrying out the functions of the certifying authority . such a designation shall be without prejudice to the apportionment of liabilities in relation to the application of financial corrections among the participating member states as laid down in the cooperation programme 2 . the certifying authority shall receive the payments made by the commission and shall , as a general rule , make payments to the lead beneficiary in accordance with article 122 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] .


### article 13 implementation reports by 30 april 2016 and by 30 april of each subsequent year until and including 2022 , the managing authority shall submit to the commission an annual report in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 2013 . 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the cooperation programme in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] respectively and the information set out in paragraph 2 together with : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of authorities and beneficiaries to administer and to use the erdf ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development ; the results of the information and publicity measures carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation , where appropriate ; the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the cooperation programme . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . ### article 13 implementation reports by 30 june 2016 and by 30 june of each subsequent year until and including 2022 , the managing authority shall submit to the commission an annual report in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 20131 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the cooperation programme in accordance with article 44 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; where appropriate , progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] respectively and the information set out in paragraph 2 together with information on the elements set out under , and below and may , dependent on the content and objectives of cooperation programmes , add information on the other elements listed below : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of authorities and beneficiaries to administer and to use the erdf ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to promote non - discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development ; the results of the information and publicity measures carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation ; the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the cooperation programme . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 30 . ______________ 1 subject to alignment with outcome of discussions on cpr article 101 .


### article 11 selection of operations operations under cooperation programmes shall be selected by the monitoring committee referred to in article 41 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . 2 . operations selected under cross - border and transnational cooperation shall involve beneficiaries from at least two participating countries , at least one of which shall be from a member state . an operation may be implemented in a single country , provided that it is for the benefit of the programme area . operations concerning interregional cooperation under article 2 and shall involve beneficiaries from at least three countries , at least two of which shall be member states . 3 . notwithstanding paragraph 2 , an egtc or other legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries may apply as sole beneficiary for an operation provided that it is set up by public authorities and bodies from at least two participating countries , for cross - border and transnational cooperation , and from at least three participating countries , for interregional cooperation . 4 . beneficiaries shall cooperate in the development , implementation , staffing and financing of operations . 5 . the managing authority shall provide to the lead or sole beneficiary for each operation a document setting out the conditions for support the operation , including the specific requirements concerning the products or services to be delivered under the operation , the financing plan , and the time - limit for execution . ### article 11 selection of operations operations under cooperation programmes shall be selected by the monitoring committee referred to in article 41 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . the monitoring committee may set up a steering committee acting under its responsibility for the selection of operations . 2 . operations selected under cross - border and transnational cooperation shall involve beneficiaries from at least two participating countries , at least one of which shall be from a member state . an operation may be implemented in a single country , provided that cross - border or transnational impacts and benefits are identified . operations concerning interregional cooperation under article 2 and shall involve beneficiaries from at least three countries , at least two of which shall be member states . the above mentioned conditions shall not apply to operations under any cross - border programme between northern ireland and the border counties of ireland in support of peace and reconciliation as referred to in article 6 . 3 . notwithstanding paragraph 2 , an egtc or other legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries may apply as sole beneficiary for an operation provided that it is set up by public authorities and bodies from at least two participating countries , for cross - border and transnational cooperation , and from at least three participating countries , for interregional cooperation . 4 . beneficiaries shall cooperate in the development and implementation of operations . in addition , they shall cooperate in the staffing or the financing of operations , or in both . for operations in programmes between outermost regions and third countries or territories , the beneficiaries shall be required to cooperate only in two fields mentioned in the first subparagraph . 5 . the managing authority shall provide to the lead or sole beneficiary for each operation a document setting out the conditions for support the operation , including the specific requirements concerning the products or services to be delivered under the operation , the financing plan , and the time - limit for execution .


### the power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article . 2 . the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 17 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from the date of entry into force of this regulation . 3 . the delegation of power referred to in article 17 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . 4 . as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council . 5 . a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 17 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### the power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article . 2 . the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 15 and article 17 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from the date of entry into force of this regulation . 3 . the delegation of power referred to in article 15 and article 17 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . 4 . as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council . 5 . a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 17 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .