### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers with caring responsibilities , with a negative impact on female employment . a major factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling unpaid care responsibilities . having an ill or dependent relative has also been shown to have a negative impact on female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market entirely . ### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers involved in caring for children and the elderly , which has consequences for female employment . a major factor contributing to the lesser representation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling irreplaceable and invaluable care responsibilities for children and the elderly . having an ill or dependent relative has also been shown to influence female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market entirely . maternity leave is a mother’s inalienable right to care for her newborn child and to recover after giving birth .


### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . ### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . furthermore , the availability of quality , accessible , and affordable infrastructure for the care of children and other dependants has proven to be a crucial factor for work - life balance policies that facilitate the rapid return of new mothers to , and an increasing participation of women on , the labour market .


### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . ### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . furthermore , the availability of quality , accessible , and affordable community - based services and care infrastructure has proven to be a crucial factor to work - life balance policies .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . however , the employer’s decision must be within the scope of the statutory provisions enumerating the conditions for refusal to grant such leave . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer and should take into account the constrains to the working arrangements and planning for the micro , small and medium enterprises , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a mutually agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires .


### this directive should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of small and medium - sized undertakings . member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on smes in order to make sure that smes are not disproportionately affected , with specific attention for micro - enterprises and for administrative burden . ### this directive should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of small and medium - sized undertakings . member states are therefore invited to regularly assess the impact of their transposition act on smes in order to make sure that smes are not disproportionately affected , with specific attention for micro and small enterprises and for administrative burden , in particular the changes in work organisation .


### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship . ### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or an actual employment relationship , regardless of the name or legal form of the document on which the employment is based .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of one child or , where appropriate , longer on the occasion of the birth or adoption of more than one child .


### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave . ### in accordance with national circumstances , such as national law , collective agreements and / or practice , and taking into account the powers delegated to social partners , member states shall ensure that workers exercising the rights to leave referred to in article 4 will receive a payment or an adequate allowance at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave .


### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request . ### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request in writing .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit less favourable treatment of workers on the ground that they have applied for , or have taken , leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 , or on the ground that they have exercised their right to flexible working arrangements referred to in article 9 . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit less favourable treatment of workers on the ground that they have applied for , or have taken , leave referred to in article 4 and 5 or on the ground that they have exercised their right to flexible working arrangements referred to in article 9 .


### at the latest , by five years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive . ### at the latest , by five years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report and assess the implementation of this directive ' s objectives , including its impact on the development of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive .


### regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by a fixed link shall also be supported under cross - border cooperation . ### regions on maritime borders which are connected over the sea by a fixed economic , social , cultural , historical and environmental links shall also be supported under cross - border cooperation .


### for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the regions to be supported by the erdf shall be the nuts level 2 regions of the union covering contiguous functional areas , taking into account , where applicable , macro - regional strategies or sea basin strategies . ### for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the regions to be supported by the erdf shall be the nuts level 2 regions of the union , taking into account , where applicable , macro - regional strategies or sea basin strategies .


### each member state may transfer up to 15% of its financial allocation for each of components 1 , 2 and 3 from one of those components to one or more of the others . ### each member state may transfer up to 20% of its financial allocation for each of components 1 , 2 and 3 from one of those components to one or more of the others .


### support from the erdf shall be granted to individual external cross - border interreg programmes provided that equivalent amounts are provided by ipa iii cbc and ndici cbc under the relevant strategic programming document . that equivalence shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the ipa iii or ndici legislative act . ### support from the erdf shall be granted to individual external cross - border interreg programmes provided that at least equivalent amounts are provided by ipa iii cbc and ndici cbc under the relevant strategic programming document . that contribution shall be subject to a maximum amount set out in the ipa iii or ndici legislative act .


### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change . ### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it has the potential to provide increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership can have a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change .


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights . 17 assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . _________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 . ### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i , as applicable , to ensure that a transitional justice process , as defined by the united nations , is conducted , to ensure long term stability and reconciliation . secondly , the assistance should focus on strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law , reforming the judiciary and public administration , promoting rights and equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination ; a key focus shall be the management of borders and migration flows as well as the fight against terrorism . assistance should also support the key principles of liberal democratic values . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans .


### it is essential to further step up cooperation on migration including border management , ensuring access to international protection , sharing relevant information , strengthening the development benefits of migration , facilitating legal and labour migration , enhancing border control and pursuing our effort in the fight against irregular migration , trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling . ### it is essential to further step up cooperation on migration including border management , ensuring effective management of irregular migration , the prompt and safe return of illegal migrants , and the capability to determine the need for and possible provision of international protection , sharing relevant information , enhancing border control in the fight against irregular migration , trafficking in human beings , migrant smuggling and terrorism .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to move towards closer ties with the union . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build on a solid foundation of sustainable results , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i in a manner that ensures lasting and real change .


### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . ### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries and with full fiduciary safeguards applied , including but not limited to : transparent accounting and tendering procedures ; and external periodical review by olaf . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process .


### the union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action . that should be achieved through coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and programmes . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance . ### the union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action . that should be achieved through coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and programmes . interventions by recognised international organisations such as the united nations and the osce as well as any bilateral support provided by member states should also be included in this drive for optimised impact . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance .


### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring a continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges such as human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment and irregular migration and its root causes . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the union to respond to unforeseen needs , while respecting the principle that the union budget is set annually , this regulation should preserve the possibility to apply the flexibilities already allowed by the financial regulation for other policies , namely carry - overs and re - commitments of committed funds , to ensure an efficient use of the eu funds both for the eu citizens and the beneficiaries listed in annex i , thus maximising the eu funds available for the eu external action interventions . ### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring a continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global problems with the implementation of ; human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment and irregular migration and its root causes . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the union to respond to unforeseen needs , while respecting the principle that the union budget is set annually , this regulation should preserve the possibility to apply the flexibilities already allowed by the financial regulation for other policies , namely carry - overs and re - commitments of committed funds , to ensure an efficient use of the eu funds both for the citizens of member states and the beneficiaries listed in annex i .


### ipa iii shall have following specific objectives : ### ipa iii shall have the following specific objectives :


### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels ; ### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support warranted structural reforms and good governance at all levels ;


### strengthening the union and its partners ' capacity to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis including through early warning and conflict - sensitive risk analysis ; promoting people to people networking , reconciliation , peace - building and confidence - building measures , supporting capacity building in support of security and development actions . ### strengthening the union and its partners ' capacity to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis including through early warning and conflict - sensitive risk analysis ; promoting people to people networking , a comprehensive locally driven transitional justice process as defined by the united nations in order to facilitate reconciliation , peace - building and confidence - building measures , supporting capacity building in support of security and development actions .


### fostering quality employment and access to the labour market . interventions in this area shall aim at : tackling high unemployment and inactivity by supporting sustainable labour market integration in particular of young people ) , women , long - term unemployed and all under - represented groups . measures shall stimulate quality job creation and support the effective enforcement of labour rules and standards across the entire territory . other key areas of intervention shall be to support gender equality , promoting employability and productivity , the adaptation of workers and enterprises to change , the establishment of a sustainable social dialogue and the modernisation and strengthening of labour market institutions such as public employment services and labour inspectorates . ### fostering quality employment and access to the labour market . interventions in this area shall aim at : tackling high unemployment and inactivity by supporting sustainable labour market integration in particular of young people ) , women , long - term unemployed and all under - represented groups . measures shall stimulate quality job creation and support the effective enforcement of labour rules and standards across the entire territory , also ensuring that eu registered companies operating in the region follow the standards set by the eu . other key areas of intervention shall be to support equality , promoting employability and productivity , the adaptation of workers and enterprises to change , the establishment of a sustainable social dialogue and the modernisation and strengthening of labour market institutions such as public employment services and labour inspectorates .


### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective , efficient , and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life , fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : integrating marginalised communities such as the roma ; combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; enhancing access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services , such as early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems . ### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to be sustainable and subsequently&#160 ; effective , efficient , and provide adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life , fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : integrating marginalised communities ; combating the discrimination of minorities , &#160 ; providing sustainable and high quality services , such as early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems .


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , structural reform support programmes such as the memorandums have demonstrated , especially in greece and portugal , that they are failing to contribute to growth or greater economic prosperity in the member states and are , on the contrary , massively swelling the ranks of the unemployed , aggravating social inequalities and leaving millions of eu citizens destitute .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and provide immediate support . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support .


### in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response , such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , upon request of a member state , the commission should be able to adopt special measures , for a limited proportion of the annual work programme , in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs . ### in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response , such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , upon request of a member state , the commission should be able to adopt measures and actions to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs .


### in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response , such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , upon request of a member state , the commission should be able to adopt special measures , for a limited proportion of the annual work programme , in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the programme to support the national authorities in addressing the urgent needs . ### in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring immediate response , such as a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , upon request of a member state , the commission should be able to adopt special measures , for a limited proportion of the annual work programme , in accordance with objectives and actions eligible under the programme to support the local , regional and national authorities in addressing the urgent needs .


### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . ### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . action should be closely monitored and feedback should be taken into account and implemented accordingly .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to local , regional and national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of local , regional and national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ;


### the provision of expert , for a short or long period , to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities , where necessary with interpretation , translation and cooperation support , administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities ; ### the provision of expert , for a short or long period , to perform tasks in specific domains or to carry out operational activities , where necessary with administrative assistance and infrastructure and equipment facilities ;


### grants may be awarded to member states ' national authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , public and / or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following : ### grants may be awarded to member states ' local , regional and national authorities , the european investment bank group , international organisations , public and / or private bodies and entities legally established in any of the following :


### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 . ### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 and a follow up to the monitoring activities / procedures of their contribution should be duly envisaged .


### optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort ; ### optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and cost ;


### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 . ### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an interim evaluation report , by december 2018 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 .


### the interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the programme ' s objectives , the efficiency of the use of resources and the programme’s european added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020 . it shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions . the ex - post evaluation report shall include information on the longer - term impact of the programme . ### the interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the programme ' s objectives , the efficiency of the use of resources and the programme’s european added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020 . it shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions . the ex - post evaluation report shall include information on the longer - term impact of the programme and shall assess the programme as a whole , both its weaknesses and its strengths .


### in a spirit of shared responsibility , the role of the european border and coast guard agency should be to regularly monitor the management of the external borders . the agency should ensure proper and effective monitoring not only through risk analysis , information exchange and eurosur , but also through presence of experts from its own staff in member states . the agency should therefore be able to deploy liaison officers to specific member states for a period of time during which the liaison officer reports to the executive director . the report of the liaison officers should form part of the vulnerability assessment . ### undertaking a shared responsibility with the member states , the role of the european border and coast guard agency should be to regularly monitor the management of the external borders . the agency should ensure proper and effective monitoring not only through risk analysis , information exchange and eurosur , but also in full cooperation with member states and respecting the rights of non - schengen countries . the agency should therefore be able to deploy liaison officers to specific member states with their consent for a period of time during which the liaison officer reports to the executive director and the relevant head of the member state border and coastguard agency . the report of the liaison officers should form part of the vulnerability assessment .


### the european border and coast guard agency should have the necessary equipment and staff at its disposal to be deployed in joint operations or rapid border interventions . to this end , when launching rapid border interventions at the request of a member state or in the context of a situation requiring urgent action , the european border and coast guard agency should be able to deploy european border and coast guard teams from a rapid reserve pool which should be a standing corps composed of a small percentage of the total number of border guards in the member states , which should amount to a minimum of 1 500 . the deployment of the european border and coast guard teams from the rapid reserve pool should be immediately complemented by additional european border and coast guard teams as appropriate . ### the european border and coast guard agency should be able to deploy european border and coast guard teams from a rapid reserve pool which should be a standing corps composed of an adequate percentage of the total number of border guards in the member states . the deployment of the european border and coast guard teams from the rapid reserve pool should be immediately complemented by additional european border and coast guard teams as appropriate .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall establish an operational and technical strategy for the european integrated border management . it shall promote and ensure the implementation of european integrated border management in all member states . ### the european border and coastguard agency shall be established for a 3 - year period and propose an annual operational and technical strategy , with clear objectives and measurable targets for improved border security and management .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return . member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in interest of all member states which have abolished internal border control , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency . ### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of eu external borders by assessing and reinforcing the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return , member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in the interest of all member states , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency .


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


### the european border and coast guard shall guarantee the protection of fundamental rights in the performance of its tasks under this regulation in accordance with relevant union law , in particular the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , relevant international law , including the convention relating to the status of refugees and obligations related to access to international protection , in particular the principle of non - refoulement . for that purpose , the agency shall draw up and further develop and implement a fundamental rights strategy . ### the european border and coast guard shall respect protection of human rights in the performance of its tasks under this regulation .


### the management board may establish a small - sized executive board composed of the chairperson of the management board , one representative of the commission and three members of the management board , to assist it and the executive director with regard to the preparation of the decisions , programmes and activities to be adopted by the management board and when necessary , because of urgency , to take certain provisional decisions on behalf of the management board . ### the management board may establish a small - sized executive board composed of the chairperson of the management board , one representative of the commission and three members of the management board as well as a representative of the member state requiring assistance , to assist it and the executive director with regard to the preparation of the decisions , programmes and activities to be adopted by the management board and when necessary , because of urgency , to take certain provisional decisions on behalf of the management board .


### reinforcing the link between research and innovation and other policies , including sustainable development goals ; ### reinforcing the link between research and innovation and education other policies , as well as with sustainable development goals ;


### selection of expert evaluators , briefing of expert evaluators and evaluation criteria and their weighting ; ### selection of expert evaluators , ensuring a balanced geographical composition of expert panels , briefing of expert evaluators and evaluation criteria and their weighting ;


### the scientific council shall be composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , of both women and men in different age groups , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests . ### the scientific council shall be composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , of both women and men in different age groups , ensuring a balanced geographical distribution , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests .


### the eic board may upon request address recommendations to the commission on : ### the eic board may upon request , and in coordination with the eit governing board , address recommendations to the commission on :


### the erc supports the best researchers with flexible , long - term funding to pursue ground breaking , high - gain / high - risk research . it operates autonomously led by an independent scientific council made up of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise and diversity . the erc is able to draw on a wider pool of talents and ideas than would be possible for any national scheme , reinforcing excellence through the way in which the best researchers and the best ideas compete against each other . ### the erc supports the best researchers , putting special focus on young researchers , with flexible , long - term funding to pursue ground breaking , high - gain / high - risk research . it operates autonomously led by an independent scientific council made up of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise and diversity . the erc is able to draw on a wider pool of talents and ideas than would be possible for any national scheme , reinforcing excellence through the way in which the best researchers and the best ideas compete against each other .


### the msca are the main instrument at eu - level for attracting researchers from third countries to europe , thus making a major contribution to global cooperation in research and innovation . evidence shows that the msca not only have a positive impact on individuals , organisations , and at system level , but also yield high - impact and breakthrough research results while at the same time contributing significantly to societal as well as strategic challenges . long - term investment in people pays off , as indicated by the number of nobel prize winners who have been either former msca fellows or supervisors . ### the msca , jointly with erc , are the main instrument at eu - level for attracting researchers from third countries to europe , thus making a major contribution to global cooperation in research and innovation . evidence shows that the msca not only have a positive impact on individuals , organisations , and at system level , but also yield high - impact and breakthrough research results while at the same time contributing significantly to societal as well as strategic challenges . long - term investment in people pays off , as indicated by the number of nobel prize winners who have been either former msca fellows or supervisors .


### and the international dimension of eu research infrastructures must be reinforced , fostering stronger cooperation with international counterparts and international participation in european research infrastructures for mutual benefit . ### and the international dimension of eu research infrastructures must be reinforced , through international access , fostering stronger cooperation with international counterparts and international participation in european research infrastructures for mutual benefit .


### the research landscape will be significantly enhanced through ensuring openness to key international , national and regional research infrastructures for all eu researchers and integrating their services when necessary so as to harmonise access conditions , improve and enlarge service provision and encourage common development strategy of high tech components and advanced services through innovation actions . ### the research landscape will be significantly enhanced through ensuring openness to key research infrastructures for european importance and impact for all researchers from eu and worldwide and through integrating services of national or regional research infrastructures evincing the potential of european importance and impact so as to harmonise access conditions , improve and enlarge service provision and encourage common development strategy of high tech components and advanced services through innovation actions .


### many of the challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by the appropriate money , resources and effort in order to find solutions . these are precisely the areas where the eu must work together ; smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of our citizens . ### many of the challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by the appropriate money , resources and effort in order to find solutions . these are precisely the areas where all member states must work together in an inclusive manner ; smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of our citizens .


### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated clusters of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along a sustainability vector . these will only be achieved if all actors , both private and public , engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation ; bringing together end - users , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the thematic clusters is intended for only one set of actors . ### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated clusters of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along a sustainability vector . these will only be achieved if all actors , both private and public , engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation ; bringing together end - users , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the thematic clusters is intended for only one set of actors and the human and societal reflection is integral part of each cluster .


### people in vulnerable stages of life , including people with disabilities or injuries , have specific health needs that require better understanding and tailored solutions . this will allow reducing related health inequalities and improving health outcomes to the benefit of active and healthy ageing throughout the life course , in particular through a healthy start of life reducing the risk of mental and physical diseases later in life . ### people in vulnerable stages of life , including people with disabilities or injuries , have specific health needs that require better understanding of their pathogenesis and tailored solutions . this will allow reducing related health inequalities and improving health outcomes to the benefit of active and healthy ageing throughout the life course , in particular through a healthy start of life reducing the risk of mental and physical diseases later in life .


### 2 . 2 . environmental and social health determinants ### 2 . 2 . biological , environmental and social health determinants


### –diagnostics for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and for patient - adapted treatment ; ### –diagnostics for earlier and more accurate diagnosis , delay of the first symptoms and for patient - adapted treatment ;


### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees . ### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement and monitor suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees .


### –european global navigation satellite systems : innovative applications , global uptake including international partners , solutions improving robustness , authentication , integrity of services , development of fundamental elements such as chipsets , receivers and antennas , sustainability of supply chains , new technologies , towards sustained exploitation of services for impact on societal challenges . next generation systems development for new challenges such as security or autonomous driving ; ### –european global navigation satellite systems : innovative applications , global uptake including international partners , solutions improving robustness , authentication , integrity of services , development of methods of week signal processing ; precise microacelerometers for the scientific measurements and for a better position determination , development of fundamental elements such as chipsets , receivers and antennas , sustainability of supply chains , new technologies , towards sustained exploitation of services for impact on societal challenges . next generation systems development for new challenges such as security or autonomous driving ;


### –space ecosystem : in - orbit validation and demonstration services , including rideshare services for light satellites ; space demonstrators in areas such as hybrid , smart or reconfigurable satellites , in - orbit manufacturing and assembly , launcher reusability , in - orbit servicing and micro - launchers ; breakthrough innovations , and technology transfer , in areas such as recycling , green space , artificial intelligence , robotics , digitisation , cost - efficiency , miniaturisation ; ### –space ecosystem : in - orbit validation and demonstration services , including rideshare services for light satellites ; air breathing ion engines as an innovative way of satellites propulsion ; space demonstrators in areas such as hybrid , smart or reconfigurable satellites , in - orbit manufacturing and assembly , launcher reusability , in - orbit servicing and micro - launchers ; breakthrough innovations , and technology transfer , in areas such as recycling , green space , artificial intelligence , robotics , digitisation , cost - efficiency , miniaturisation ;


### the issues faced by the transport and energy sectors go however beyond the need for emission reduction . there are several challenges to be tackled , including the increasing penetration of digital and space - based technologies , changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns , new market entrants and disruptive business models , globalisation , increasing international competition and an older , more urban and increasingly diverse , population . ### the issues faced by the transport and energy sectors go however beyond the need for emission reduction . there are several challenges to be tackled , including renewable fuels , energy storage and security of supply , the increasing penetration of digital and space - based technologies , changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns , new market entrants and disruptive business models , globalisation , increasing international competition and an older , more urban and increasingly diverse , population .


### –renewable energy technologies and solutions for power generation , heating and cooling , sustainable transport fuels and intermediate carriers , at various scales and development stages , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ; ### –renewable energy technologies and other low - carbon solutions for power generation , heating and cooling , sustainable transport fuels and intermediate carriers , at various scales and development stages , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ;


### the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures . ### enabling easier cooperation of existing energy plants with renewables , taking into account local needs and conditions facilitating system integration and flexibility . the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures .


### –network flexibility and synergies between the different energy sources , networks , infrastructures and actors ; ### –network flexibility and synergies between the different energy sources , networks , infrastructures including existing ones , and actors ;


### –energy performance of buildings monitoring and optimisation ; ### –energy performance of buildings monitoring and optimisation , including use of advanced building energy management systems ;


### for the eu to reach its air quality , climate , and energy goals , including a 60% reduction in green - house gas emissions by 2050 as well as noise reduction , will require rethinking the whole mobility system including users , vehicles , fuels and infrastructures . it will also require the deployment of low - emission alternative energies and market uptake of zero - emission vehicles / vessels / aircrafts . in addition to the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions , transport contributes significantly to poor air quality and noise in europe with negative consequences for the health of citizens18 . building on progress with electrification and the use of fuel cells for cars , buses and light duty vehicles it is essential to accelerate research and innovation solutions for other sectors such as aviation , maritime and inland navigation and lorries . _________________ 18 around one - third of eu citizens live in urban areas with concentration levels of pollutants above legal thresholds ### for the eu to reach its air quality , climate , and energy goals , including a 60% reduction in green - house gas emissions by 2050 as well as noise reduction , will require rethinking the whole mobility system including users , vehicles , fuels and infrastructures as well as new transport solutions . it will also require the deployment of low - emission alternative energies and market uptake of zero - emission vehicles / vessels / aircrafts . in addition to the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions , transport contributes significantly to poor air quality and noise in europe with negative consequences for the health of citizens18 . building on progress with electrification and the use of fuel cells for cars , buses and light duty vehicles it is essential to accelerate research and innovation solutions for other sectors such as aviation , rail sector as well as maritime and inland navigation and lorries . _________________ 18 around one - third of eu citizens live in urban areas with concentration levels of pollutants above legal thresholds


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


### –support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities . ### –support to the european institute of innovation and technology and knowledge and innovation communities . the eit is europe’s largest integrated innovation ecosystem , with over 1 , 000 excellent partners from business , research and education and beyond . the eit’s innovation model , carried out by the kics , works and remains particularly relevant in removing barriers to innovation at member state and regional level . they shall also benefit from additional funding allowing efficient realisation of this goal .


### the pathfinder overall objective will be to nurture potential market creating innovation out of breakthrough technological ideas , and bring them to demonstration stage or development of business cases or strategies for further take - up by the accelerator or any other market deployment solution . to that end , the pathfinder will initially support the earliest stages of scientific and technological research and development , including proof of concept and prototypes for technology validation . ### the pathfinder overall objective will be to nurture radically new future technologies or potential market creating innovation out of breakthrough scientific or technological ideas , and bring them – within the project or later on – to demonstration stage or development of business cases or strategies for further take - up by the accelerator or any other market deployment solution . to that end , the pathfinder will initially support the earliest stages of scientific and technological research and development , including proof of concept and prototypes for technology validation .


### consequently the accelerator will provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments . ### consequently the accelerator will , in full complement with the eit ' s support for start - ups and scale - ups , and in cooperation with eit and the kics , provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments . the eit’s start - ups and scale - ups , assessed positively by the relevant kic , shall have a fast - track access to the tools and instruments of the accelerator


### the accelerator will mainly operate through a continuously open and bottom - up call , targeting individual entrepreneurs , with a particular attention paid to young and to women innovators . this open and bottom - up call will be complemented by targeted support for on emerging breakthrough or disruptive technologies of potential strategic significance . proposals may also be submitted by investors , including public innovation agencies , but the support will be awarded to the company . ### the accelerator will mainly operate through a continuously open , competitive and bottom - up call with cut - off dates , targeting individual entrepreneurs , with a particular attention paid to young and to women innovators . this open and bottom - up call will be complemented by targeted support for on emerging breakthrough or disruptive technologies of potential strategic significance . proposals may also be submitted by investors , including public innovation agencies , but the support will be awarded to the company .


### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms . ### the eit will play a reinforced role in strengthening sustainable innovation ecosystems across europe , providing solutions to the most pressing global challenges our societies are facing . in particular , the eit will continue to operate primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , the large - scale european partnerships that address specific societal challenges . the creation of new kics as well as its timing must be carefully considered not to undermine the efficiency and sustainability of the existing ones and should therefore be accompanied by additional funding . it will continue to strengthen innovation ecosystems around them , by fostering the integration of research , innovation and education . furthermore , eit will contribute to bridge existing gaps in innovation performance across europe by expanding its regional innovation scheme . the eit will work with innovation ecosystems that exhibit high innovation potential based on strategy , thematic alignment and impact , in close synergy with smart specialisation strategies and platforms .


### –planning and implementation of eit activities in order to maximise synergies and complementarities with the actions under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar ; ### –planning and implementation of eit activities in order to maximise synergies and complementarities with the actions under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and when appropriate , contribution to these actions ;


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


### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance , including the eu outermost regions , to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators . ### reducing disparities in research and innovation performance by balancing participation of countries , sharing knowledge and expertise across the eu can only be attained by introducing horizontal measures across the framework programme translated into a political target . those activities will help countries and regions that are lagging behind in terms of research and innovation performance to attain a competitive position in the global value chains . activities may also be established to foster brain circulation right across era and better exploitation of existing research infrastructures , especially those financed from esif , in the targeted countries through mobility of researchers and innovators .


### the demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and / or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the european union ' s population . an environment where products and services are more accessible allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living . ### the demand for accessible products and services is high and the number of citizens with disabilities and / or functional limitations will increase significantly with the ageing of the european union ' s population . an environment where products and services are more accessible provides for the needs of consumers , allows for a more inclusive society and facilitates independent living .


### due to the differences in national accessibility requirements , individual professionals , smes and micro - enterprises in particular are discouraged from entering into business ventures outside their own domestic markets . the national , or even regional or local , accessibility requirements that member states have put in place currently differ as regards both coverage and level of detail . those differences negatively affect competitiveness and growth , due to the additional costs incurred in the development and marketing of accessible products and services for each national market . ### due to the differences in national accessibility requirements , individual professionals , smes and micro - enterprises in particular are discouraged from entering into business ventures outside their own domestic markets . the national , or even regional or local , accessibility requirements that member states have put in place currently differ as regards both coverage and level of detail . those differences negatively affect competitiveness and growth , due to the additional costs incurred in the development and marketing of accessible products and services for each national market . national authorities , manufacturers and services providers face uncertainties concerning accessibility requirements for potential cross - border services , and policy framework provisions regarding accessibility .


### the overall aim of the ' digital single market strategy ' , is to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a connected digital single market . union consumers still do not enjoy the full benefits of prices and choice that the single market can offer , because cross - border online transactions are still very limited . fragmentation also limits demand for cross - border e - commerce transactions . there is also a need for concerted action to make sure that new electronic content is also fully available to persons with disabilities . it is therefore necessary to harmonise accessibility requirements across the digital single market and to ensure that all union citizens regardless of their abilities can enjoy its benefits . ### the overall aim of the ‘ digital single market strategy’ , is to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a connected digital single market , facilitating trade and promoting employment within the union . union consumers still do not enjoy the full benefits of prices and choice that the single market can offer , because cross - border online transactions are still very limited . fragmentation also limits demand for cross - border e - commerce transactions . there is also a need for concerted action to make sure that new electronic content is also fully available to persons with disabilities . it is therefore necessary to harmonise accessibility requirements across the digital single market and to ensure that all union citizens regardless of their abilities can enjoy its benefits .


### the european disability strategy 2010 - 2020 – a renewed commitment to a barrier - free europe33 – in line with the convention , establishes accessibility as one of the eight areas of action , and aims at ensuring accessibility of products and services . __________________ 33 com 636 . ### the european disability strategy 2010 - 2020 – a renewed commitment to a barrier - free europe – in line with the convention , establishes accessibility as one of the eight areas of action , which is a basic precondition for participation in society and aims at ensuring accessibility of products and services . __________________ 33 com636 .


### each product and service has to comply with the accessibility requirements identified in article 3 and listed in annex i to be accessible for persons with disabilities and older persons . the e - commerce accessibility obligations also apply to the online sale of services under article 1 to of this directive . ### each product and service within the scope of this directive shall have an accessibility report available , outlining which of the accessibility requirements identified in article 3 and listed in annex i have been implemented to make the product or service accessible for persons with disabilities and older persons . the accessibility report is a list or statement of accessibility feature that form part of the general description of the product as required in annex ii and of the services as required in annex iii . the e - commerce accessibility obligations also apply to the online sale of services under article 1 to of this directive .


### this directive should follow the principle of ' think small first ' and should take account of the administrative burdens that smes are faced with . it should set light rules in terms of conformity assessment and should establish safeguard clauses for economic operators , rather than providing for general exceptions and derogations for those enterprises . consequently , when setting up the rules for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate conformity assessment procedures , the situation of smes should be taken into account and the obligations to assess conformity of accessibility requirements should be limited to the extent that they do not pose a disproportionate burden on smes . in addition , market surveillance authorities should operate in a proportionate manner in relation to the size of undertakings and to the small serial or non - serial nature of the production concerned , without creating unnecessary obstacles for smes and without compromising the protection of public interests . ### this directive should follow the principle of ‘ think small first’ and should take account of the administrative burdens and difficulties that smes are faced with . it should set light rules in terms of conformity assessment and should establish safeguard clauses for economic operators , rather than providing for general exceptions and derogations for those enterprises . consequently , when setting up the rules for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate conformity assessment procedures , the situation of smes should be taken into account and the obligations to assess conformity of accessibility requirements should be limited to the extent that they do not pose a disproportionate burden on smes . in addition , market surveillance authorities should operate in a proportionate manner in relation to the size of undertakings and to the small serial or non - serial nature of the production concerned , without creating unnecessary obstacles for smes and without compromising the protection of public interests .


### in order to facilitate conformity assessment with applicable requirements it is necessary to provide for a presumption of conformity for products and services which are in conformity with voluntary harmonised standards that are adopted in accordance with regulation no 1025 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council39 for the purpose of expressing detailed technical specifications of those requirements . the commission has already issued a number of standardisation requests to the european standardisation organisations on accessibility which would be relevant for the preparation of harmonised standards . __________________ 39 regulation no 1025 / 2012 of 25 october 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on european standardisation , amending council directives 89 / 686 / eec and 93 / 15 / eec and directives 94 / 9 / ec , 94 / 25 / ec , 95 / 16 / ec , 97 / 23 / ec , 98 / 34 / ec , 2004 / 22 / ec , 2007 / 23 / ec , 2009 / 23 / ec and 2009 / 105 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council decision 87 / 95 / eec and decision no 1673 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . ### in order to facilitate conformity assessment with applicable requirements regarding accessibility , it is necessary to provide for a presumption of conformity for products and services which are in conformity with voluntary harmonised standards that are adopted in accordance with regulation no 1025 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council39 for the purpose of expressing detailed technical specifications of those requirements . the commission has already issued a number of standardisation requests to the european standardisation organisations on accessibility which would be relevant for the preparation of harmonised standards . __________________ 39 regulation no 1025 / 2012 of 25 october 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on european standardisation , amending council directives 89 / 686 / eec and 93 / 15 / eec and directives 94 / 9 / ec , 94 / 25 / ec , 95 / 16 / ec , 97 / 23 / ec , 98 / 34 / ec , 2004 / 22 / ec , 2007 / 23 / ec , 2009 / 23 / ec and 2009 / 105 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council decision 87 / 95 / eec and decision no 1673 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council .


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


### the accessibility requirements referred to in article 3 apply to the extent that they do not introduce a significant change in an aspect or feature of a product or service that results in the alteration of the basic nature of the product or service . ### the accessibility requirements referred to in article 3 shall apply to the extent that they do not introduce a significant change in an aspect or feature of a product or service that results in any alteration of the basic nature of the product or service concerned . the accessibility requirements may be fulfilled through the use of third party applications , peripheral devices , software , hardware , or customer premises equipment that is available to persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others .


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


### design and production : the design and production of products in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities and those with age related impairments , shall be achieved by making accessible the following : the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , which : must be available by more than one sensory channel ; must be understandable ; must be perceivable ; shall have an adequate size of fonts in foreseeable conditions of use ; the packaging of the product including the information provided in it ; the product instructions for use , installation and maintenance , storage and disposal of the product which shall comply with the following : the content of instruction shall be available in text formats that can be used for generating alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways and via more than one sensory channel , and the instructions shall provide alternatives to non - text content ; the user interface of the product in accordance with point 2 ; the functionality of the product by providing functions aimed to address the needs of persons with functional limitations , in accordance with point 2 ; the interfacing of the product with assistive devices . ### general purpose computer hardware , operating systems and household appliances operated by user interface design and production : the design and production of products in order to maximise their foreseeable use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities and those with age related impairments , shall be achieved by complying with the following accessibility requirements : the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , which shall be provided in accessible web format and electronic non - web document and : shall be understandable ; shall be perceivable ; shall have an adequate size and type of fonts with sufficient contrast between the characters and their background in order to maximise its readability in foreseeable conditions of use ; shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web documents ; the packaging of the product including the information provided in it which : shall meet the requirements laid down in point 1a ; shall in a simple and precise way inform the users that the product incorporates accessibility features ; the product instructions for use , installation and maintenance , storage and disposal of the product which shall comply with the following : shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web document by making them perceivable , operable , understandable and robust ; shall list and explain how to use the accessibility features of the product and its compatibility with a variety of assistive technologies available at union and international level ; shall be provided on alternative non - electronic formats upon request . the alternative non - electronic formats may include large print , braille , or easy - to - read text .


### the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , which : ### the information on the use of the product provided on the product itself , shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web document that are perceivable , operable , understandable and robust


### shall have an adequate size of fonts in foreseeable conditions of use ; ### shall have an adequate size and type of fonts with sufficient contrast between the characters and their background in order to maximise its readability in foreseeable conditions of use ;


### providing information about the functioning of the service and about its accessibility characteristics and facilities as follows : ### information about the functioning of the service and about its accessibility characteristics and facilities , which shall be provided in accessible web format and electronic non - web document that are perceivable , operable , understandable and robust


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


### including functions , practices , policies and procedures and alterations in the operation of the service targeted to address the needs of persons with functional limitations . ### functions , practices , policies and procedures and alterations in the operation of the service targeted to address the needs of persons with disabilities : where a service provides two - way voice communication , it shall also support real - time text in parallel and on the same call ; where a service supports two - way communication and that service is specified for use with relay services , support shall be provided for voice , real - time text and / or video , alone or in any combination , on both outgoing and incoming calls following the total conversation approach ; where a service supports two - way communication and is specified for use with emergency services , support shall be provided for voice , real - time text and / or video , alone or in any combination , on both outgoing and incoming calls , following the total conversation approach .


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


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


### that positive momentum should be maintained and efforts need to be continued to bring investment back to its long - term sustainable trend . the mechanisms of the investment plan work and should be reinforced to continue the mobilisation of private investments in sectors important to europe ' s future and where market failures or sub - optimal investment situations remain . ### that positive momentum should be maintained and efforts need to be continued to bring investment back to its long - term sustainable trend . as it is yet unclear if the mechanisms of the investment plan work effectively , considerations should only be given when reliable statistics and data are available and an external impact assessment is undertaken in line with the principles of better regulation . it is important to continue the mobilisation of private investments in all sectors that create growth and jobs .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , needs to be defined more clearly and should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union .