### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should display prominent notices located on the edge of the area of coverage informing end - users prior to entering the defined area that the technology is in operation within a given perimeter , the purpose of the tracking , the person responsible for it and the existence of any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to minimize or stop the collection . additional information should be provided where personal data are collected pursuant to article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should ask for the consent of the end - users concerned , or where consent is not possible , such practices should be limited to what is strictly necessary for the purpose of statistical counting , be limited in time and space and the data made anonymous or erased as soon as it is no longer needed for this purpose .


### in order to fulfil the objectives of this regulation , namely to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons and in particular their right to the protection of personal data and to ensure the free movement of personal data within the union , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission to supplement this regulation . in particular , delegated acts should be adopted in respect of the information to be presented , including by means of standardised icons in order to give an easily visible and intelligible overview of the collection of information emitted by terminal equipment , its purpose , the person responsible for it and of any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to minimise the collection . delegated acts are also necessary to specify a code to identify direct marketing calls including those made through automated calling and communication systems . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 20168 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . furthermore , in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission when provided for by this regulation . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 . ___________ 8 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission when provided for by this regulation . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 .


### delegated acts and implementing acts ### implementing acts


### the perpetrators of criminal offences , in particular criminal groups and terrorists , often operate across different member states and their assets , including bank accounts , are often located in other member states . given the cross - border dimension of serious crimes , including terrorism , and of the related financial activities , it is often necessary for competent authorities carrying out investigations to access information on bank accounts held in other member states . ### the perpetrators of criminal offences , such as financial fraud and money laundering , are often criminal groups and terrorist organisations , who operate across different member states and their assets , including bank accounts , are often located in other member states . given the cross - border dimension of serious crimes , including terrorism , and of the related financial activities , it is often necessary for competent authorities carrying out criminal investigations to access information on bank accounts held in other member states .


### directive 2015 / 849 has substantially enhanced the union legal framework that governs the activity and cooperation of financial intelligence units . the powers of financial intelligence units include the right to access the financial , administrative and law enforcement information that they require to combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing . nevertheless , union law does not lay down all specific tools and mechanisms that financial intelligence units must have at their disposal in order to access such information and accomplish their tasks . since member states remain entirely responsible for the setting up and deciding the organisational nature of financial intelligence units , different financial intelligence units have varying degrees of access to regulatory databases which leads to an insufficient exchange of information between law enforcement or prosecution services and financial intelligence units . ### directive 2015 / 849 has substantially enhanced the union legal framework that governs the activity and cooperation of financial intelligence units , including the possibility of establishing a coordination and support mechanism . the powers of financial intelligence units include the right to access the financial , administrative and law enforcement information that they require to prevent , detect and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing . nevertheless , union law does not lay down all specific tools and mechanisms that financial intelligence units must have at their disposal in order to access such information and accomplish their tasks . since member states remain entirely responsible for the setting up and deciding the organisational nature of financial intelligence units , different financial intelligence units have varying degrees of access to regulatory databases which leads to an insufficient exchange of information between law enforcement or prosecution services and financial intelligence units .


### this directive aims at ensuring that rules are adopted to provide union citizens with a higher level of security by preventing and combating crime , pursuant to article 67 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . due to their transnational nature , the terrorist and criminal threats affect the union as a whole and require a union wide response . criminals may exploit , and will benefit from , the lack of an efficient use of bank account information and financial information in a member state , which can have consequences in another member state . since the objective of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective . ### this directive aims at ensuring that rules are adopted to provide union citizens with a higher level of security by preventing and combating crime , pursuant to article 67 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . due to their transnational nature , cross border organised crimes affect the union as a whole and require a union wide response . criminals may exploit , and will benefit from , the lack of an efficient use of bank account information and financial information in a member state , which can have consequences in another member state . since the objective of this directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective .


### the results of the query or search ; ### the unique identifiers of the results ;


### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , is of particular importance . __________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com / 2016 / 0501 final . 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . ### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , is of particular importance , as is the implementation of the general action programmes on environment and climate policy adopted in accordance with article 192 tfeu , such as the 7th environment action programme20a . __________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com / 2016 / 0501 final . 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . 20a decision no 1386 / 2013 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 20 november 2013 on a general union environment action programme to 2020 ‘ living well , within the limits of our planet’ .


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into a sustainable , circular , energy efficient , low - emission and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of greenhouse gas output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and implementation of the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy , in line with the decarbonisation objective of the paris agreement . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean , low - emission energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology for renewable energy and energy efficiency , that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for project development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements , also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the commission proposed union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . these targets were raised by the co - legislators when finalising the renewable energy directive and the energy efficiency directive , in order to bring the union ' s targets closer to the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of a highly distributed nature , for example by promoting pilot projects based on small urban conglomerates . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### an action that has received a contribution from the programme can also receive a contribution from any other union programme , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . actions that receive cumulative funding from different union programmes shall be audited only once , covering all involved programmes and their respective applicable rules . ### an action that has received a contribution from the programme can also receive a contribution from any other union programme , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . actions that receive cumulative funding from different union programmes should be audited only once , covering all involved programmes and their respective applicable rules .


### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation . ### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions to assist in the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation .


### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular . ### promoting the circular economy and resource efficiency requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the application of the waste hierarchy and the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular .


### the protection and restoration of the marine environment is one of the overall aims of the union ' s environment policy . the programme should support the following : the management , conservation , restoration and monitoring of biodiversity and marine ecosystems in particular in natura 2000 marine sites and the protection of species in accordance with the prioritised action frameworks developed pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ; the achievement of good environmental status in line with the directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council28 ; the promotion of clean and healthy seas ; the implementation of the european strategy for plastic in a circular economy , to address the problem of lost fishing gear and marine litter in particular ; and the promotion of the union ' s involvement in international ocean governance which is essential for achieving the goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development and to guarantee healthy oceans for future generations . the programme ' s strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects should include relevant actions aiming at the protection of the marine environment . _________________ 28 directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy . ### the protection and restoration of the aquatic environment is one of the overall aims of the union ' s environment policy . the programme should support the following : the management , conservation , restoration and monitoring of biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems in particular in natura 2000 marine sites and the protection of species in accordance with the prioritised action frameworks developed pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ; the achievement of good environmental status in line with the directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council28 ; the promotion of clean and healthy seas ; the implementation of the european strategy for plastic in a circular economy , to address the problem of lost fishing gear and marine litter in particular ; and the promotion of the union ' s involvement in international ocean governance which is essential for achieving the goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development and to guarantee healthy oceans for future generations . the programme ' s strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects should include relevant actions aiming at the protection of the aquatic environment . _________________ 28 directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy .


### whilst improving governance at all levels should be a cross - cutting objective for all sub - programmes of the programme , the programme should support the development and implementation of the horizontal legislation on the environmental governance , including the legislation implementing the united nations economic commission for europe convention on access to information , public participation in decision - making and access to justice in environmental matters29 . __________________ 29 oj l 124 , 17 . 5 . 2005 , p . 4 . ### whilst improving governance at all levels should be a cross - cutting objective for all sub - programmes of the programme , the programme should support the development , implementation and effective compliance with and enforcement of the environment and climate acquis , in particular of the horizontal legislation on environmental governance , including the legislation implementing the united nations economic commission for europe convention on access to information , public participation in decision - making and access to justice in environmental matters29 . __________________ 29 oj l 124 , 17 . 5 . 2005 , p . 4 .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the mff 2021 - 2027 period , and an annual target of 30% as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027 . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### grants may finance activities outside the union , provided that the project pursues union environmental and climate objectives and the activities outside the union are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in member state territories . ### grants may finance activities outside the union , provided that the activities pursue union environmental and climate objectives and are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in member state territories or support international agreements to which the union is party .


### other third countries listed in the work programme under the conditions specified in paragraphs 4 to 6 ; ### other third countries listed in the multiannual work programmes , under the conditions specified in paragraphs 4 to 6 ;


### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas or outermost regions . ### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects , provided that the projects brings environmental benefits , in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas or outermost regions .


### an action that has received a contribution from another union programme may also receive a contribution under the programme , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . the rules of each contributing union programme shall apply to its respective contribution to the action . the cumulative funding shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from the different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support . ### an action that has received a contribution from another union programme may also receive a contribution under the programme , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . in order to be eligible for contributions under the programme , actions that have been financed by other union programmes shall have avoided undermining the environmental or climate objectives set out in article 3 . the rules of each contributing union programme shall apply to its respective contribution to the action . the cumulative funding shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from the different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . ### the mid - term evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than three years after the start of the programme implementation . that evaluation shall cover the following :


### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding , by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . ### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding , by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . for that purpose , the recipients shall use the programme logo , as depicted in annex iia , for all communication activities and that logo shall appear on notice boards at strategic places visible to the public . all durable goods acquired in the framework of the programme shall bear the programme logo except in cases specified by the commission .


### so far , the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited . this has to do not only with better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations , but also of national preventive measures , such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas , which can be strategically important in certain regions . ### so far , the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited , and an open concept of regional cooperation is needed , with the possibility of reconfiguring cooperation formats on the basis of consultations with the member states , taking account of the energy dynamic . better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations is recommended , as well as of national preventive measures , such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas , which can be strategically important in certain regions .


### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers . ### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , must be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region , based on relevant analyses , and to optimise the benefits of coordinated measures at local , regional and cross - border level , in order to mitigate them and consolidate the security of the gas supply , and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers , defined by common accord with the member states .


### for the purpose of this regulation , the following criteria should therefore be taken into account when defining the regional groups : supply patterns , existing and planned interconnections and interconnection capacity between member states , market development and maturity , existing regional cooperation structures , and the number of member states in a region , which should be limited to ensure that the group remains of a manageable size . ### for the purposes of this regulation , the following criteria should therefore be taken into account when defining the regional groups : supply patterns , existing and planned interconnections and interconnection capacity between member states , market development and maturity , existing regional cooperation structures , and the number of member states in a region , which should be limited to ensure that the group remains of a manageable size . a further possibility to take into account when defining the regional groups should be the inclusion of future member states involved in an enlargement process .


### in order to make the regional cooperation feasible , member states should establish a cooperation mechanism within each region . such mechanism or mechanisms should be developed sufficiently in time to allow for conducting the risk assessment and drawing up meaningful plans at regional level . member states are free to agree on a cooperation mechanism best suited for a given region . the commission should have a facilitating role in the overall process and share best practises for arranging regional cooperation such as a rotating coordination role within the region for the preparation of the different documents or establishing dedicated bodies . in absence of an agreement on the cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a suitable cooperation mechanism for a given region . ### in order to make the regional cooperation feasible , member states should establish a cooperation mechanism within each region . such a mechanism or mechanisms should be developed sufficiently in time to allow for conducting the risk assessment and drawing up meaningful plans at regional level . member states are free to agree on a cooperation mechanism best suited for a given region . the commission should have a standard - setting and facilitating role in the overall process and share best practices for arranging regional cooperation such as a rotating coordination role within the region for the preparation of the different documents or establishing dedicated bodies . in absence of an agreement on the cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a suitable cooperation mechanism for a given region .


### to ensure maximum preparedness , so as to avoid a supply disruption and mitigate its effects should it nevertheless occur , the competent authorities of a given region must draw up preventive action plans and emergency , after consulting stakeholders . regional plans should take account of the specific characteristics of each member state . they should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the natural gas undertakings and the competent authorities . national measures to be designed should take fully account of the regional measures set out in the preventive action plan and emergency plan . they should be so designed as to address national risks in a way that takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by regional cooperation . the plans should be technical and operational in nature , their function being to help prevent the occurrence or escalation of an emergency and to mitigate its effects . the plans should take the security of electricity systems into account and be consistent with the energy union’s strategic planning and reporting tools . ### to ensure maximum preparedness , so as to avoid a supply disruption and mitigate its effects should it nevertheless occur , the competent authorities of a given region must draw up preventive action plans and emergency , after consulting stakeholders . regional plans should take account of the specific characteristics of each member state . they should also clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the natural gas undertakings and the competent authorities . national measures to be designed should take fully account of the regional measures set out in the preventive action plan and emergency plan . they should be so designed as to address national risks in a way that takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by regional cooperation . the plans should be technical and operational in nature , their function being to help prevent the occurrence or escalation of an emergency , to mitigate its effects and to avoid the emergence of unfair costs for consumers . the plans should take the security of electricity systems into account and be consistent with the energy union’s strategic planning and reporting tools .


### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . ### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity based on regional cooperation is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . this solidarity should / could be defined on three levels of action – bilateral or regional , interregional and european – and it should not be left to an individual regional group alone if a consistent and uniform approach at eu level is needed . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings .


### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . ### this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , m3 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg .


### in order for union citizens and businesses to enjoy their right to free movement within the internal market , the union should adopt specific measures allowing citizens and businesses to have easy access to comprehensive and reliable information about their rights created by union law and to information about the applicable national rules and procedures with which they will need to comply where they move to , live or study or where they establish or carry out a business in another member state other than their own . the information to be provided at national level should not only concern national rules implementing union law , but also any other national rules that are applicable to national citizens and businesses from other member states alike . ### in order for union citizens and businesses to enjoy their right to free movement within the internal market , the union should adopt specific measures allowing citizens and businesses to have easy access to comprehensive and reliable information about their rights created by union law and to information about the applicable national rules and procedures with which they will need to comply where they move to , live or study or where they establish or carry out a business in another member state other than their own . the information to be provided at national level through one single national portal that should link to all relevant national webpages should not only concern national rules implementing union law , but also any other national rules that are applicable to national citizens and businesses from other member states alike .


### this regulation should establish a single entry point through which citizens and business should be able to access information about the rules and requirements they have to comply with , by virtue of union and / or national law . it should simplify citizens ' and businesses’ contact with the assistance and problem solving services , established at the union or national level and make it more effective . the gateway should also facilitate access to and completion of procedures . therefore , this regulation should require member states to enable users to fully complete certain procedures online that are of key importance to the majority of citizens and businesses moving across borders , without affecting in any way the existing substantive requirements by virtue of union and / or national law within those policy areas . in this context , the regulation should support the use of the “once - only” principle for the purpose of the exchange of evidence between competent authorities in different member states . ### this regulation should establish a single entry point through which citizens and business should be able to access information about the rules and requirements they have to comply with , by virtue of union and / or national law . it should simplify citizens ' and businesses’ contact with the assistance and problem solving services , established at the union or national level and make it more effective . the gateway should also facilitate access to and completion of procedures . therefore , this regulation should require member states to enable users to fully complete certain procedures online that are of key importance to the majority of citizens and businesses moving across borders , without affecting in any way the existing substantive requirements by virtue of union and / or national law within those policy areas . in this context , the regulation should support the use of the “once - only” principle for the purpose of the exchange of evidence between competent authorities in different member states , whereby citizens and businesses should not be required to submit the same information twice , but rather competent authorities should take action to share this information internally , in full compliance with regulation 2016 / 679 .


### in order to allow citizens and business to directly enjoy the benefits of the internal market without unnecessary additional administrative burden , this regulation should require full digitalisation of the user interface of certain key procedures for cross - border users , which are listed in annex ii to this regulation and provide the criteria for defining how the procedure qualifies as fully online . the ' registration of business activity ' is one of such procedures of particular relevance for businesses . it should not , however , cover the procedures leading to the constitution of companies or firms as legal entities as such procedures necessitate a comprehensive approach aimed at facilitating digital solutions throughout a company’s lifecycle . when businesses establish themselves in another member state , they are required to register with a social security scheme and an insurance scheme in order to register their employees and pay contributions to both schemes . those procedures are common for all businesses operating in any sector of the economy , and it is therefore appropriate to require that those two registration procedures are made available online . ### in order to allow citizens and business to directly enjoy the benefits of the internal market without unnecessary additional administrative burden , this regulation should require full digitalisation of the user interface of certain key procedures for cross - border users , which are listed in annex ii to this regulation and provide the criteria for defining how the procedure qualifies as fully online . the ' registration of business activity ' is one of such procedures of particular relevance for businesses . it should not , however , cover the procedures leading to the constitution of companies or firms as legal entities as such procedures necessitate a comprehensive approach aimed at facilitating digital solutions throughout a company’s lifecycle . when businesses establish themselves in another member state , they are required to register with a social security scheme and an insurance scheme in order to register their employees and pay contributions to both schemes . those procedures are common for all businesses operating in any sector of the economy , and it is therefore appropriate to require that those two registration procedures are made available online . it is also appropriate for procedures related to taxation matters to be made available online as these procedures tend to represent one of the main obstacles to the cross - border operation of small and medium - sized enterprises in the union .


### in order to further facilitate the use of online procedures , this regulation should , in line with the “once - only” principle , provide the basis for the exchange of evidence directly between the competent authorities concerned from different member states , at the request of citizens and businesses . the “once - only principle means that citizens and businesses should not have to supply the same information to public authorities more than once for the cross - border exchange of evidence . ### in order to further facilitate the use of online procedures , this regulation should , in line with the “once - only” principle , provide the basis for the exchange of evidence directly between the competent authorities concerned from different member states , including upon the request of citizens and businesses . the “once - only ' principle means that citizens and businesses should not have to supply the same information to public authorities more than once for the cross - border exchange of evidence and this principle implies that competent authorities should share evidence internally . as citizens and businesses in most cases would not be aware that the cross - border exchange of evidence can be enabled upon request , it should be explicitly prohibited for competent authorities to request evidence that has already been collected and stored in a database . the ' once only ' principle should be implemented in full compliance with regulation 2016 / 679 , in particular on the basis of the user ' s consent , and with the principles of privacy and security by design . the user should in addition be able to access at any time the evidence as well as the information about the time , origin and purpose of a request to access such evidence .


### member states shall ensure that users have easy , online access to the following on their national webpages : ### member states shall ensure that users have easy , online access to a single national portal that shall link to the following on their national webpages :


### it includes contact details and links to any relevant assistance and problem solving services ; ### it includes contact details , including at least a phone number , an email address or a chat function , and links to any relevant assistance and problem solving services ;


### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in english and at least one further official language of the union in addition to the national the national language or , where applicable , the national languages .


### the competent authorities and the commission shall , for the purposes of complying with article 4 , ensure that users have access to a clear and user - friendly explanation of the following elements of the procedures referred to in article 2 before having to identify themselves prior to launching the procedure : ### the competent authorities and the commission shall , for the purposes of complying with article 4 , ensure that users have access to a clear and user - friendly explanation of the following elements of the procedures referred to in article 2 before having to authenticate and identify themselves prior to launching the procedure :


### the name and contact details of entities responsible for the service ; ### the name and contact details including at least a phone number , an email address or a chat function , of the entities responsible for the service ;


### users are able to provide evidence of compliance with applicable requirements in electronic format ; ### users are able to provide evidence of compliance with applicable requirements in electronic format ; in order to be able to provide such evidence of compliance , cross - border users shall be entitled to receive that evidence from the relevant competent authority in electronic format ;


### where the completion of a procedure requires a payment , users are able to pay any fees online through cross - border payment services , including , at a minimum , credit transfers or direct debits as specified in regulation no 260 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council40 . _________________ 40 regulation no 260 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2012 establishing technical and business requirements for credit transfers and direct debits in euro and amending regulation no 924 / 2009 . ### where the completion of a procedure requires a payment , users are able to pay any fees online through cross - border payment services , including , at a minimum , credit transfers or direct debits as specified in regulation no 260 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council40 and in accordance with regulation no xxx on addressing geo - blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment within the internal market . _________________ 40 regulation no 260 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2012 establishing technical and business requirements for credit transfers and direct debits in euro and amending regulation no 924 / 2009 .


### it shall ensure that the user has the possibility to preview the evidence to be exchanged . ### it shall enable the user to access at any time the evidence stored by a member state and the time , origin and purpose of requests for access to evidence .


### the competent authorities responsible for online procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall , upon an explicit request of the user , request evidence directly from competent authorities issuing evidence in other member states through the technical system . the issuing authorities shall , subject to paragraph 2 , make such evidence available through the same system . ### competent authorities shall not collect data from users that has already been collected by another competent authority as part of a request for evidence . therefore the competent authorities responsible for online procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall , including upon request of the user , request evidence directly from competent authorities issuing evidence in other member states through the technical system . the issuing authorities shall , subject to paragraph 2 , make such evidence available through the same system .


### the evidence made available by a competent authority shall be strictly limited to what has been requested and shall only be used by the receiving authority for the purpose of the procedure for which the evidence was exchanged . ### the evidence made available to the requesting competent authority shall be limited to what has been requested and shall only be used for the purpose of the procedure for which the evidence was exchanged . when the consent of the user is required for the processing of personal data , that consent shall be obtained in accordance with regulations 2016 / 679 and no 45 / 2001 .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts to set out the specifications of the technical system necessary for the implementation of this article . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 34 . ### by . . . [ one year after the entry into force of this regulation ] , the commission shall adopt implementing acts to set out the technical , organisational and operational specifications of the technical system necessary for the implementation of this article . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 34 .


### competent authorities shall be responsible for the development , availability , maintenance and security of it applications related to webpages they are managing and which are linked to the common user interface . ### competent authorities shall be responsible for the development , availability , maintenance and security of it applications related to the single national portal including the webpages they are managing and which are linked to the common user interface .


### the competent authorities and the commission shall ensure that the gateway is easily findable through the related portals for which they are responsible and that clear links to the gateway are included in all relevant websites . ### the competent authorities and the commission shall ensure that the gateway is easily findable through the related portals for which they are responsible and that clear links to the gateway are included on the single national portals of the member states and in all relevant websites .


### the competent authorities and the commission shall ensure that statistics are collected in relation to users ' visits on the gateway and the webpages to which the gateway links in order to improve the functionality of the gateway . ### the competent authorities and the commission shall ensure that statistics are collected in relation to users ' visits on the gateway and the webpages to which the gateway links in a standardised , aggregated and anonymous format that shall be made available to the public as open data , in order to improve the functionality of the gateway .


### the competent authorities and the commission shall record and exchange , in an aggregated way , the numbers , the origin and the subject matter of requests for assistance and problem solving services and their response times . ### the competent authorities and the commission shall record and exchange , in an aggregated way , the numbers , the origin and the subject matter of requests for assistance and problem solving services and their response times , and shall make that information available to the public as open data .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 concerning the detailed categories of data to be recorded in accordance with paragraph 2 , in relation to the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services to which the gateway links . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 concerning the detailed categories of data to be recorded in accordance with paragraph 2 , in relation to the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services to which the gateway links and concerning the standardised format for data collection in accordance with paragraph 1 .


### discuss improvements to the presentation of information within the areas listed in annex i ; ### discuss improvements to the user - centric presentation of information within the areas listed in annex i , in particular on the basis of statistics collected in accordance with article 21 ;


### directive 2003 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council28 has been substantially amended . since further amendments are to be made , that directive should be recast in the interests of clarity . __________________ 28 directive 2003 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 november 2003 on the re - use of public sector information . ### directive 2003 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council28 has been substantially amended28a . since further amendments are to be made , that directive should be recast in the interests of clarity . __________________ 28 directive 2003 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 november 2003 on the re - use of public sector information . 28a see annex i , part a .


### ensuring that the conditions for re - use of public sector documents are clear and publicly available is a pre - condition for the development of a union - wide information market . therefore , all applicable conditions for the re - use of the documents should be made clear to the potential re - users . member states should encourage the creation of indices accessible on line , where appropriate , of available documents so as to promote and facilitate requests for re - use . applicants for re - use of documents held by entities other than public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should be informed of available means of redress relating to decisions or practices affecting them . this will be particularly important for smes which may not be familiar with interactions with public sector bodies from other member states and corresponding means of redress . ### ensuring that the conditions for access and re - use of public sector documents are clear and publicly available is a pre - condition for the development of a union - wide information market . therefore , all applicable conditions for the access and re - use of the documents should be made clear to the potential re - users . member states should encourage the creation of indices accessible on line , where appropriate , of available documents so as to promote and facilitate requests for re - use . applicants for access and re - use of documents held by entities other than public undertakings , educational establishments , research performing organisations and research funding organisations should be informed of available means of redress relating to decisions or practices affecting them . this will be particularly important for smes which may not be familiar with interactions with public sector bodies from other member states and corresponding means of redress .


### in some cases the re - use of documents will take place without a licence being agreed . in other cases a licence will be issued imposing conditions on the re - use by the licensee dealing with issues such as liability , the proper use of documents , guaranteeing non - alteration and the acknowledgement of source . if public sector bodies license documents for re - use , the licence conditions should be fair and transparent . standard licences that are available online may also play an important role in this respect . therefore member states should provide for the availability of standard licences . ### in some cases the re - use of documents will take place without a licence being agreed . in other cases a licence will be issued imposing conditions on the re - use by the licensee dealing with issues such as liability , the protection of personal data , the proper use of documents , guaranteeing non - alteration and the acknowledgement of source . if public sector bodies license documents for re - use , the licence conditions should be fair and transparent . standard licences that are available online may also play an important role in this respect . therefore member states should provide for the availability of standard licences .


### in the event of a negative decision , the public sector bodies shall communicate the grounds for refusal to the applicant on the basis of the relevant provisions of the access regime in that member state or of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , in particular points to of article 1 or article 3 . where a negative decision is based on point of article 1 , the public sector body shall include a reference to the natural or legal person who is the right - holder , where known , or alternatively to the licensor from which the public sector body has obtained the relevant material . libraries , including university libraries , museums and archives shall not be required to include such a reference . ### in the event of a negative decision , the public sector bodies shall communicate within 20 working days the reasons for refusing , in full or in part , access to and / or re - use of a document in the form or format requested , to the applicant on the basis of the relevant provisions of the access regime in that member state or of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , in particular points to of article 1 . where a negative decision is based on point of article1 , the public sector body shall include a reference to the natural or legal person who is the right - holder , where known , or alternatively to the licensor from which the public sector body has obtained the relevant material . libraries , including university libraries , museums and archives shall not be required to include such a reference .


### ' affected parties ' means creditors or classes of creditors and , where applicable under national law , equity holders whose claims or interests are affected under a restructuring plan ; ### ' affected parties ' means creditors or classes of creditors , including public creditors and , where applicable under national law , equity holders whose claims or interests are affected under a restructuring plan ;


### confirm the plan and grant monetary compensation to the dissenting creditors , payable by the debtor or by the creditors who voted in favour of the plan . ### confirm the plan and assess the possibility for dissenting creditors that suffer unjustifiable damage under the plan to be granted monetary compensation , payable by the debtor or by the creditors who voted in favour of the plan .


### the provisions concerning cedefop ' s staff set out in regulation no 337 / 75 should be aligned with the staff regulations of officials of the european union and the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union , laid down by council regulation no 259 / 687 . __________________ 7council regulation no 259 / 68 . ### the provisions concerning cedefop ' s staff set out in regulation no 337 / 75 should be aligned with the staff regulations of officials of the european union and the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union , laid down by council regulation no 259 / 687 . given the updated remit of the agency , it is necessary that adequate staff numbers are in place in order that the agency may discharge its remit . __________________ 7council regulation no 259 / 68 .


### the executive board shall be composed of the chairperson of the management board , the three deputy chairpersons , the coordinators of the three groups referred to in article 4 and one representative of the commission . each group referred to in article 4 may designate up to two alternates to attend the meetings of the executive board , in the absence of the full members . the chairperson of the management board shall also be the chairperson of the executive board . the executive director shall take part in the meetings of the executive board , but shall not have the right to vote . ### the executive board shall be composed of the chairperson of the management board , the three deputy chairpersons , the coordinators of the three groups as referred to in article 4 , one representative of the european parliament and one of the commission . each group referred to in article 4 may designate up to two alternates to attend the meetings of the executive board , in the absence of the full members . the chairperson of the management board shall also be the chairperson of the executive board . the executive director shall take part in the meetings of the executive board , but shall not have the right to vote .


### the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal from the commission . ### in the event of misconduct , unsatisfactory performance or recurring or serious irregularities , the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal , based on a reasoned assessment , from the commission .


### research activities carried out under the pillar ' open science ' should be determined according to the needs and opportunities of science . the research agenda should be set in close liaison with the scientific community . research should be funded on the basis of excellence . ### research activities carried out under the pillar ' open science ' should be determined according to the needs and opportunities of science and based on curiosity - driven knowledge . the research agenda should be set in close liaison with the scientific community . research should be funded on the basis of excellence .


### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , transfers from other union programmes to horizon europe activities can take place . in such cases they will follow horizon europe rules . ### the programme should seek synergies with other union programmes , from their design and strategic planning , application and reporting forms , to project selection , management , communication , dissemination and exploitation of results , to monitoring , auditing and governance . with a view to avoiding overlaps and duplication and increasing the leverage of union funding , as well as decreasing administrative burden for the applicants and beneficiaries .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 120 000 000 000 in constant prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund .


### eur 16 600 000 000 for the european research council ; ### eur 20 400 000 000 for the european research council ;


### eur 6 800 000 000 for marie skłodowska - curie actions ; ### eur 11 300 000 000 for marie skłodowska - curie actions ;


### eur 2 400 000 000 for research infrastructures ; ### eur 3 900 000 000 for research infrastructures ;


### european research council : providing attractive and flexible funding to enable talented and creative individual researchers and their teams to pursue the most promising avenues at the frontier of science , on the basis of union - wide competition . ### european research council : providing attractive and flexible funding to enable talented and creative individual researchers and their teams to pursue the most promising avenues at the frontier of science , on the basis of union - wide competition and full decision - making autonomy .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , while responding to the challenges arising from persistent security threats , including cybercrime , as well as natural and man - made disasters . ### cluster ' inclusive educated and creative society ' : strengthening european democratic values , including rule of law and fundamental rights , safeguarding our cultural heritage , supporting in particular research and innovation activities for the development of ict technologies for the preservation and digitisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well , exploring the potential of cultural and creative sectors and promoting socio - economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth , including migration management and integration of migrants .


### the implementation of the safeguard clauses or other mechanisms and criteria for the temporary suspension of tariff or other preferences provided for in the agreements require uniform conditions for the adoption of provisional and definitive safeguard measures , for the imposition of prior surveillance measures , for the termination of an investigation without measures and for suspending temporarily the preferential tariffs or other preferential treatment . ### the implementation of the safeguard clauses or other mechanisms and transparent criteria for the temporary suspension of tariff or other preferences provided for in the agreements require uniform conditions for the adoption of provisional and definitive safeguard measures , for the imposition of prior surveillance measures , for the termination of an investigation without measures and for suspending temporarily the preferential tariffs or other preferential treatment . criteria for the temporary suspension of tariff or other preferences should be subject to review .


### the commission shall adopt provisional safeguard measures in critical circumstances where a delay could cause damage which would be difficult to repair , pursuant to a preliminary determination by the commission on the basis of the factors referred to in article 6 that there is sufficient prima facie evidence that a product originating in the country concerned is imported : ### the commission shall adopt provisional safeguard measures in critical circumstances where a delay is likely to cause damage which would be difficult to repair , pursuant to a preliminary determination by the commission on the basis of the factors referred to in article 6 that there is sufficient prima facie evidence that a product originating in the country concerned is imported :


### copernicus should build on and ensure continuity with the activities and achievements under regulation no 377 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council17 establishing the union earth observation and monitoring programme as well as regulation no 911 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council on the european earth monitoring programme and its initial operations18 establishing the predecessor global monitoring for environment and security programme and the rules for implementation of its initial operations , taking into account recent trends in research , technological advances and innovations impacting the earth observation domain , as well as developments in big data analytics and artificial intelligence and related strategies and initiatives at union level19 . to the greatest extent possible , it should make use of capacities for space - borne observations of the member states , the european space agency , eumetsat20 , as well as other entities , including commercial initiatives in europe , thereby also contributing to the development of a viable commercial space sector in europe . where feasible and appropriate , it should also make use of the available in situ and ancillary data provided mainly by the member states in accordance with directive 2007 / 2 / ec21 . the commission should work together with the member states and the european environment agency to ensure an efficient access and use of the in - situ data sets for copernicus . __________________ 17 regulation no 377 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 establishing the copernicus programme and repealing regulation no 911 / 2010 . 18 regulation no 911 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2010 on the european earth monitoring programme and its initial operations . 19 communication ' artificial intelligence for europe ' 237 final ) , communication ' towards a common european data space ' 232 final ) , proposal for a council regulation on establishing the european high performance computing joint undertaking 8 final ) . 20 the european organisation for the exploitation of meteorological satellites 21 directive 2007 / 2 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the european community ### the copernicus programme is based on a partnership between the union , the european space agency and the member states . hence , it should build on existing european and national capacities and should complement them by new assets developed in common . in order to implement this approach , the commission should endeavour to maintain a dialogue with esa and member states owning relevant space and insitu assets . copernicus should build on and ensure continuity with the activities and achievements under regulation no 377 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council17 establishing the union earth observation and monitoring programme as well as regulation no 911 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council on the european earth monitoring programme and its initial operations18 establishing the predecessor global monitoring for environment and security programme and the rules for implementation of its initial operations , taking into account recent trends in research , technological advances and innovations impacting the earth observation domain , as well as developments in big data analytics and artificial intelligence and related strategies and initiatives at union level19 . to the greatest extent possible , it should make use of capacities for space - borne observations of the member states , the european space agency , eumetsat20 , as well as other entities , including commercial initiatives in europe , thereby also contributing to the development of a viable commercial space sector in europe . where feasible and appropriate , it should also make use of the available in situ and ancillary data provided mainly by the member states in accordance with directive 2007 / 2 / ec21 . the commission should work together with the member states and the european environment agency to ensure an efficient access and use of the in - situ data sets for copernicus . __________________ 17 regulation no 377 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 establishing the copernicus programme and repealing regulation no 911 / 2010 . 18 regulation no 911 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2010 on the european earth monitoring programme and its initial operations . 19 communication ' artificial intelligence for europe ' 237 final ) , communication ' towards a common european data space ' 232 final ) , proposal for a council regulation on establishing the european high performance computing joint undertaking 8 final ) . 20 the european organisation for the exploitation of meteorological satellites 21 directive 2007 / 2 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 14 march 2007 establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the european community


### common definitions in this area are important to ensure a consistent approach in member states’ application of this directive . the definitions need to cover new types of payment instruments , such as electronic money and virtual currencies . ### common definitions in this area are important to ensure a consistent approach in member states’ application of this directive and facilitate information exchange and cooperation between competent authorities . the definitions need to cover new types of payment instruments , such as electronic money and virtual currencies .


### the sanctions and penalties for fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive throughout the union . ### the sanctions and penalties for fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive throughout the union . this directive does not prevent member states from applying stricter rules and sanctions with regard to fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment .


### reporting crime without undue delay to public authorities is of great importance in combating fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment , as it is often the starting point of the criminal investigation . measures should be taken to encourage reporting by natural and legal persons , in particular financial institutions to law enforcement and judicial authorities . these measures can be based on various types of action , including legislative ones , such as obligations to report suspected fraud , or non - legislative ones , such as setting up or supporting organisations or mechanisms favouring the exchange of information , or awareness raising . any such measure that involves processing of the personal data of natural persons should be carried out in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council49 . in particular , any transmission of information regarding preventing and combating offences relating to fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment should comply with the requirements laid down in regulation 2016 / 679 , notably the lawful grounds for processing . _________________ 49 regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec . ### reporting crime without undue delay to public authorities is of great importance in combating fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment , as it is often the starting point of the criminal investigation . measures should be taken to encourage reporting by natural and legal persons , in particular financial institutions to law enforcement and judicial authorities and should include the establishment of an effective and secure national online fraud - reporting system . the use of standardised reporting templates at union level would allow for better analysis of threats and would facilitate the work and cooperation of national competent authorities . these measures can be based on various types of action , including legislative ones , such as obligations to report suspected fraud , or non - legislative ones , such as setting up or supporting organisations or mechanisms favouring the exchange of information , or awareness raising . any such measure that involves processing of the personal data of natural persons should be carried out in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council49 . in particular , any transmission of information regarding preventing and combating offences relating to fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment should comply with the requirements laid down in regulation 2016 / 679 , notably the lawful grounds for processing . _________________ 49 regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that appropriate reporting channels are made available in order to facilitate reporting of the offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 to law enforcement and other competent national authorities without undue delay . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that appropriate reporting channels , including via a secure national online fraud - reporting system , are made available in order to facilitate reporting of the offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 to law enforcement and other competent national authorities without undue delay .


### a major disruption of the gas supply can affect all member states , the union as a whole and contracting parties to the treaty establishing the energy community , signed in athens on 25 october 2005 . it can also severely damage the union economy and can have a major social impact , particularly on vulnerable groups of customers . ### a major disruption of the gas supply can affect all member states , the union as a whole and contracting parties to the treaty establishing the energy community , signed in athens on 25 october 2005 . it can also , under certain circumstances damage the union economy and can have a major social impact , particularly on vulnerable groups of customers .


### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply . ### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to long - term severe supply shortages , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply .


### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers . ### in a spirit of respect to market economy principles , solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers .


### a regional approach to assessing risks and defining and adopting preventive and mitigating measures enables efforts to be coordinated , bringing significant benefits in terms of the effectiveness of measures and optimisation of resources . this applies particularly to measures designed to guarantee a continued supply , under very demanding conditions , to protected customers , and to measures to mitigate the impact of an emergency . assessing correlated risks at regional level , which is both more comprehensive and more precise , will ensure that member states are better prepared for any crises . moreover , in an emergency , a coordinated and pre - agreed approach to security of supply ensures a consistent response and reduces the risk of negative spill - over effects that purely national measures could have in neighbouring member states . ### a regional approach to assessing risks and defining and adopting preventive and mitigating measures enables efforts to be coordinated , bringing significant benefits in terms of the effectiveness of measures and optimisation of resources . this applies particularly to measures designed to guarantee a continued supply , under very demanding conditions , to protected customers , and to measures to mitigate the impact of an emergency . assessing correlated risks at regional level , which is both more comprehensive and more precise , will ensure that member states are better prepared for any crises . moreover , in an emergency , a coordinated and pre - agreed approach to security of supply ensures a consistent response and reduces the risk of negative spill - over effects that purely national measures could have in neighbouring member states . the responsibility of the member states for their national security of supply standards should not however be hampered by taking the regional approach .


### for the purpose of this regulation , the following criteria should therefore be taken into account when defining the regional groups : supply patterns , existing and planned interconnections and interconnection capacity between member states , market development and maturity , existing regional cooperation structures , and the number of member states in a region , which should be limited to ensure that the group remains of a manageable size . ### for the purpose of this regulation , the following criteria should therefore be taken into account when defining the regional groups : supply patterns , existing and planned corridors , interconnections and interconnection capacity between member states , market development and maturity , existing regional cooperation structures , and the number of member states in a region , which should be limited to ensure that the group remains of a manageable size .


### when conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to be prepared at regional level , competent authorities should assess natural , technological , commercial , financial , social , political and market - related risks , and any other relevant ones , including , where appropriate , the disruption of the supplies from the single largest supplier . all risks should be addressed by effective , proportionate and non - discriminatory measures to be developed in the preventive action plan and the emergency plan . the results of the risk assessments should also contribute to the all hazard risk assessments foreseen under article 6 of decision no 1313 / 2013 / eu18 . __________________ 18 decision no 1313 / 2013 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on a union civil protection mechanism . ### when conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to be prepared at regional level , competent authorities should assess natural , technological , infrastructural , commercial , financial , social , political and market - related risks , and any other relevant ones , including , where appropriate , the disruption of the supplies from the single largest supplier . all risks should be addressed by effective , proportionate and non - discriminatory measures to be developed in the preventive action plan and the emergency plan . the results of the risk assessments should also contribute to the all hazard risk assessments foreseen under article 6 of decision no 1313 / 2013 / eu18 . __________________ 18 decision no 1313 / 2013 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on a union civil protection mechanism .


### since gas supplies from third countries are central to the security of the union gas supply , the commission should coordinate action with regard to third countries , work with supplying and transit countries on arrangements to handle crisis situations and ensure a stable gas flow to the union . the commission should be entitled to deploy a task force to monitor gas flows into the union in crisis situations , in consultation with the third countries involved , and , where a crisis arises from difficulties in a third country , to act as mediator and facilitator . ### since gas supplies from third countries are central to the security of the union gas supply , the commission should coordinate action with regard to third countries , work with supplying and transit countries on arrangements to handle crisis situations and ensure a stable gas flow to the union . the commission should monitor gas flows into the union regularly and in particular in crisis situations , in consultation with the third countries involved , and , where a crisis arises from difficulties in a third country , to act as mediator and facilitator .


### the competent authorities of each region as listed in annex i shall jointly make an assessment at regional level of all risks affecting the security of gas supply . the assessment shall take into account all relevant risks such as natural disasters , technological , commercial , social , political and other risks . the risk assessment shall be carried out by : ### the competent authorities of each region as listed in annex i shall jointly and in consultation with relevant stakeholders make an assessment at regional level of all risks affecting the security of gas supply . the assessment shall take into account all relevant risks such as natural disasters , technological , commercial , social , political and other risks . the risk assessment shall be carried out by :


### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed among the member states which are directly connected to each other and described in the emergency plans of their respective regions . such arrangements may cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the coverage of compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly . ### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed among the member states which are directly connected to each other and described in the emergency plans of their respective regions . such arrangements may cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the coverage of compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . those gas prices and compensation costs and mechanisms shall be reviewed regularly . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly .