### pillar i ' open science ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components : ### pillar i ' open and excellent science ' , pursuing the specific objective set out in article 3 and also supporting specific objectives set out in article 3 and , with the following components :


### be centered on ambitious but realistic research and innovation activities ; ### be centered on ambitious , excellence - driven and realistic research and innovation activities across all stages of development ;


### open access to scientific publications resulting from research funded under the programme shall be ensured in accordance with article 35 . open access to research data shall be ensured in line with the principle ' as open as possible , as closed as necessary ' . open access to other research outputs shall be encouraged . ### open access to scientific publications resulting from research funded under the programme shall be ensured in accordance with article 35 . open access to research data underlying published research findings shall be ensured in line with the principle ' as open as possible , as closed as necessary ' . open access to other research outputs and other relevant research data shall be encouraged .


### the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions . ### following consultation with independent experts and provided sufficient notice is given to beneficiaries , the action may also be terminated where expected results have lost their relevance for the union due to scientific , technological or economic reasons , including in the case of eic and missions , their relevance as part of a portfolio of actions .


### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner . ### by derogation from article 237 of the financial regulation , external experts may be selected without a call for expressions of interest , only if a call for expressions of interest has not identified suitable external experts . any selection of external experts without a call for expressions of interest must be duly justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent manner .


### ex - ante demonstration of the partners’ long term commitment , including a minimum share of public and / or private investments ; ### ex - ante demonstration of the partners’ long term commitment , including a minimum share of public and / or private contributions ;


### it has received the support of at least one million signatories from at least one quarter of the member states . ### it has received the support of at least one million signatories from at least five member states .


### the group of organisers shall submit the request for registration to the commission through the register . ### the group of organisers shall submit the request for registration to the commission through the platform for registration .


### for the purpose of online collection of statements of support , the commission shall set - up and operate , by 1 january 2020 , a central online collection system , in accordance with commission decision 2017 / 46 of 10 january 2017 . ### for the purpose of online collection of statements of support , the commission shall set - up and operate , by 1 january 2020 , a central online collection system , in accordance with commission decision 2017 / 46 of 10 january 2017 and subject to regulation 2016 / 679 .


### the data collected through the individual online collection system shall be stored in the territory of a member state . ### the data collected through the individual online collection system shall be stored in the territory of a member state subject to regulation 2016 / 679 .


### regulation 2016 / 1011 of the european parliament and of the council30 establishes uniform rules for benchmarks in the union and caters for different types of benchmark . an increasing number of investors pursue low - carbon investment strategies and take recourse to low - carbon benchmarks to reference or measure the performance of investment portfolios . _________________ 30 regulation 2016 / 1011 of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2016 on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds and amending directives 2008 / 48 / ec and 2014 / 17 / eu and regulation no 596 / 2014 . ### regulation 2016 / 1011 of the european parliament and of the council30 establishes uniform rules for benchmarks in the union and caters for different types of benchmark based on their characteristics , vulnerabilities and risks . an increasing number of investors pursue low - carbon investment strategies and take recourse to low - carbon benchmarks to reference or measure the performance of investment portfolios . _________________ 30 regulation 2016 / 1011 of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2016 on indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts or to measure the performance of investment funds and amending directives 2008 / 48 / ec and 2014 / 17 / eu and regulation no 596 / 2014 .


### different categories of low carbon indices with various degrees of ambition have emerged in the marketplace . while some benchmarks aim to lower the carbon footprint of a standard investment portfolio , others aim to select only components that contribute to attaining the 2°c degree objective set out in the paris climate agreement . despite differences in objectives and strategies , all of these benchmarks are commonly promoted as low - carbon benchmarks . ### different categories of low carbon indices with various degrees of ambition have emerged in the marketplace . while some benchmarks aim to lower the carbon footprint of a standard investment portfolio , others aim to select only components that contribute to attaining the 2°c degree objective set out in the paris climate agreement . despite differences in objectives and strategies , many of these benchmarks are commonly promoted as low - carbon benchmarks .


### therefore , to maintain the proper functioning of the internal market , to further improve the conditions of its functioning , and to ensure a high level of consumer and investor protection , it is appropriate to adapt regulation 2016 / 1011 to lay down a regulatory framework for harmonised low carbon benchmarks at union level . ### therefore , to maintain the proper functioning of the internal market for the benefit of the end - investor , to further improve the conditions of its functioning , and to ensure a high level of consumer and investor protection , it is appropriate to adapt regulation 2016 / 1011 to lay down a regulatory framework for harmonised low carbon benchmarks at union level .


### it is furthermore necessary to introduce a clear distinction between low - carbon and positive carbon impact benchmarks . while the underlying assets in a low - carbon benchmark should be selected with the aim of reducing carbon emissions of the index portfolio when compared to the parent index , a positive carbon impact index should only comprise components whose emissions savings exceed their carbon emissions . ### introducing a clear distinction between low - carbon and net emission reduction benchmarks , and developing minimum standards for each of these types of benchmarks , will help facilitate consistency across benchmarks that choose to promote themselves as such . while the underlying assets in a low - carbon benchmark should be selected with the aim of reducing carbon emissions of the index portfolio when compared to the parent index , a net emission reduction index should only comprise components who contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions to a greater extent that the level of emission they produce . these two new categories of benchmark introduce optional requirements for industry and should only apply when a benchmark administrator decides to create a bmr - compliant low carbon or net emission reduction benchmark . a significant flexibility will be left to benchmark administrators in designing the formula for the calculation of their methodology , enabling market players to develop new strategies for addressing environmental issues .


### for the same reasons , administrators of low - carbon and of positive carbon impact benchmarks should equally publish their methodology used for their calculation . that information should describe how the underlying assets were selected and weighted and which assets were excluded and for what reason . the benchmark administrators should also specify how the low carbon benchmarks differ from the underlying parent index , notably in terms of the applicable weights , market capitalisation and financial performance of the underlying assets . to assess how the benchmark contributes to the environmental objectives , the benchmark administrator should disclose how the carbon footprint and carbon savings of the underlying assets were measured , their respective values , including the total carbon footprint of the benchmark , and the type and source of the data used . to enable asset managers to choose the most appropriate benchmark for their investment strategy , benchmark administrators should explain the rationale behind the parameters of their methodology and explain how the benchmark contributes to the environmental objectives , including its impact on climate - change mitigation . the published information should also include details on the frequency of reviews and the procedure followed . ### for the same reasons , administrators of low - carbon and of net emission reduction benchmarks should equally publish their methodology used for their calculation . that information should describe how the underlying assets were selected and weighted and which assets were excluded and for what reason . the benchmark administrators should also specify how the low carbon benchmarks differ from the underlying parent index , notably in terms of the applicable weights , market capitalisation and financial performance of the underlying assets . to assess how the benchmark contributes to the environmental objectives , the benchmark administrator should disclose how the carbon footprint and carbon savings of the underlying assets were measured , their respective values , including the total carbon footprint of the benchmark , and the type and source of the data used . to enable asset managers to choose the most appropriate benchmark to reference in their investment strategy , benchmark administrators should explain the rationale behind the parameters of their methodology and explain how the benchmark contributes to the environmental objectives .


### ‘ positive carbon impact benchmark’ means a benchmark where the underlying assets , for the purposes of point 1 of this paragraph , are selected on the basis that their carbon emissions savings exceed the asset ' s carbon footprint and which is constructed in accordance with the standards laid down in the delegated acts referred to in article 19a . ; ### ‘ net emission reduction benchmark’ means a benchmark where the underlying assets , for the purposes of point 1 of this paragraph , are selected on the basis that the assets ' contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions is greater than the emission , and which is constructed in accordance with the standards laid down in the delegated acts referred to in article 19a . ;


### the positive reweighting of low - carbon assets in the low carbon benchmark versus the parent index and the explanation of why this reweighting is necessary to reflect the chosen objectives of the low carbon benchmark ; ### where the benchmark has a related parent index based on which it is alternatively weighted , an explanation of why this reweighting is necessary to reflect the chosen objectives of the benchmark ;


### the type and source of input data used for the selection of assets or companies eligible for the low carbon benchmark , including : ### the type and source of input data and how it is used within the benchmark methodology to determine the selection , exclusion or re - weighting of the underlying assets , including :


### the rationale for adopting a particular low - carbon methodology strategy or objective and an explanation of why the methodology is appropriate for the calculation of the low - carbon objectives of the benchmark ; ### the rationale for adopting a particular low - carbon strategy or objective and an explanation of how the methodology is aligned with this strategy or objective ;


### contaminants in ce marked fertilising products , such as cadmium , can potentially pose a risk to human and animal health and the environment as they accumulate in the environment and enter the food chain . their content should therefore be limited in such products . furthermore , impurities in ce marked fertilising products derived from bio - waste , in particular polymers but also metal and glass , should be either prevented or limited to the extent technically feasible by detection of such impurities in separately collected bio - waste before processing . ### contaminants in ce marked fertilising products , such as cadmium , if not used correctly , can potentially pose a risk to human and animal health and the environment as they accumulate in the environment and enter the food chain . their content should therefore be limited in such products . furthermore , impurities in ce marked fertilising products derived from bio - waste , in particular polymers but also metal and glass , should be either prevented or limited to the extent technically feasible by detection of such impurities in separately collected bio - waste before processing .


### in the event of risks to public or animal health from ce marked fertilising products derived from animal by - products , recourse to safeguard measures in accordance with regulation no 178 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council19 should be possible , as is the case for other categories of products derived from animal by - products . __________________ 19 regulation no 178 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council of 28 january 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law , establishing the european food safety authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety . ### in the event of proportionate risks to human or animal health from ce marked fertilising products derived from animal by - products , recourse to safeguard measures in accordance with regulation no 178 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council19 should be possible , as is the case for other categories of products derived from animal by - products . __________________ 19 regulation no 178 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council of 28 january 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law , establishing the european food safety authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety .


### the commission shall also be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 43 to amend annexes i to iv in the light of new scientific evidence . the commission shall use this empowerment where , based on a risk assessment , an amendment proves necessary to ensure that any ce marked fertilising product complying with the requirements of this regulation does not , under normal conditions of use , present an unacceptable risk to human , animal , or plant health , to safety or to the environment . ### the commission shall also be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 43 to amend annexes i to iv after having examined new scientific evidence . the commission shall use this empowerment where , based on a risk assessment , an amendment proves necessary to ensure that any ce marked fertilising product complying with the requirements of this regulation does not , under correct usage , present an unacceptable risk to human , animal , or plant health , to safety or to the environment .


### an organic soil improver shall consist exclusively of material of solely biological origin , excluding material which is fossilized or embedded in geological formations . ### an organic soil improver shall contain material of biological origin .


### a soil improver shall be a ce marked fertilising product aimed at being added to the soil for the purpose of maintaining , improving or protecting the physical or chemical properties , the structure or the biological activity of soil . ### a soil improver shall be a material added to soil in situ primarily to maintain or improve its physical properties , and which may improve its chemical and / or biological properties or activity .


### forms for the declared nutrient and other declared quality criteria electric conductivity ph quantity by volume quantity determination of materials with particle size greater than 60 mm quantity determination of pre - shaped gm water - soluble nitrogen water - soluble phosphorus pentoxide water - soluble potassium oxide forms for the declared nutrient and other declared quality criteria electric conductivity ph quantity by volume quantity determination of materials with particle size greater than 60 mm quantity determination of pre - shaped gm water - soluble nitrogen water - soluble phosphorus pentoxide water - soluble potassium oxide ### permissible tolerances for the declared parameter ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 75% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 0 , 7 at the time of manufacture ± 1 , 0 at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 25% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 25% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 25% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 75% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 75% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 75% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain permissible tolerances for the declared parameter ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 60% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 0 , 7 at the time of manufacture ± 0 , 9 at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 15% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 15% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain - 5% relative deviation at the time of manufacture - 15% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 60% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 60% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain ± 50% relative deviation at the time of manufacture ± 60% relative deviation at any time in the distribution chain


### conceptual design and manufacturing drawings and schemes , including a written description and a diagram of the production process , where each treatment , storage vessel and area is clearly identified , ### a written description and a diagram of the production process ;


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , and the european maritime and fisheries fund and financial rules for those and for the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down common provisions on the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund , and financial rules for those and for the asylum and migration fund , the internal security fund and the border management and visa instrument


### pursuant to paragraphs 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201616 , there is a need to evaluate the funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burden , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the funds on the ground . __________________ 16 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 13 . ### pursuant to paragraphs 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 2016 , there is a need to evaluate the funds on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burden , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the funds on the ground . indicators should be developed in a gender sensitive manner when possible . __________________ 16 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 13 .


### it is necessary to establish the maximum rates of co - financing in the area of cohesion policy by category of region in order to ensure that the principle of co - financing is respected through an appropriate level of public or private national support . those rates should reflect the level of economic development of regions in terms of gdp per capita in relation to the eu - 27 average . ### it is necessary to establish the maximum rates of co - financing in the area of cohesion policy by category of region in order to ensure that the principle of co - financing is respected through an appropriate level of public or private national support . those rates should reflect the level of economic development of regions in terms of gdp per capita in relation to the eu - 27 average . in order to ensure that co - financing is effective , it should be established that the resources allocated by individual member states to co - financing in relation to the funds referred to in this regulation , are to be excluded from the calculation of the relevant parameters for the stability and growth pact .


### in the context of state aid schemes , the undertaking which receives the aid ; ### in the context of state aid , the body which receives the aid , except where the aid per undertaking is less than or equal to eur 200 000 , in which case the member state concerned may decide that the beneficiary is the body granting the aid , without prejudice to commission regulations no 1407 / 2013* , no 1408 / 2013** and no 717 / 2014 ;


### a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ; ### a competitive , smarter and sustainable europe by strengthening its economic , social and territorial cohesion , by reducing the national and regional socio - economic asymmetries and promoting innovative and smart economic transformation


### a more connected europe by enhancing mobility and regional ict connectivity ; ### a more and better connected europe by enhancing sustainable transport , safe and intelligent mobility , intermodality , interoperability , specifically in the transport sector , as well as regional ict connectivity , including reducing the isolation of the outermost regions by investing in their accessibility and betting in green mobility .


### the commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving the programme no later than six months after the date of submission of the programme by the member state . ### by 30 december 2020 and no later , the commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving the programme no later than six months after the date of submission of the programme by the member state .


### 2021 : 0 . 5 % ; ### 2021 : 3 % ;


### 2021 : 0 . 5 % ; ### 2021 : 2 % ;


### the freedom to provide services includes the right of undertakings to provide services in another member state , to which they may post their own workers temporarily in order to provide those services there . ### the freedom to provide services includes the right of undertakings to provide services in another member state and the right to post their own workers temporarily in order to provide those services there . the treaty also provides that restrictions on the freedom to provide services are prohibited .


### the rome i regulation provides that the country where the work is habitually carried out shall not be deemed to have changed if he is temporarily employed in another country . ### the rome i regulation further provides that the country where the work is habitually carried out shall not be deemed to have changed if he is temporarily employed in another country .


### in a competitive internal market , service providers compete not only on the basis of a labour costs but also on factors such as productivity and efficiency , or the quality and innovation of their goods and services . ### in a competitive internal market , service providers compete not only on the basis of costs but also on factors such as productivity and efficiency , or the quality and innovation of their goods and services and according to the highly variable costs of providing services in another member state .


### laws , regulations , administrative provisions or collective agreements applicable in member states may ensure that subcontracting does not confer on undertakings the possibility to avoid rules guaranteeing certain terms and conditions of employment covering remuneration . where such rules on remuneration exist at national level , the member state may apply them in a non - discriminatory manner to undertakings posting workers to its territory provided that they do not disproportionately restrict the cross - border provision of services . ### member states have the freedom to establish on their territory appropriate measures applicable to service providers including service providers from another member state in order to ensure compliance with the applicable rules concerning posting in the case of subcontracting chains . in the case of the construction sector member states are already obliged , by the directive 2014 / 67 / eu , to introduce appropriate liability measures in order to ensure fair competition and workers rights . therefore , laws , regulations , administrative provisions or collective agreements universally applicable in member states may ensure that subcontracting does not confer on undertakings the possibility to avoid rules guaranteeing certain terms and conditions of employment covering remuneration . where such rules on remuneration exist at national level , the member state may apply them in a non - discriminatory manner to undertakings posting workers to its territory provided that they do not disproportionately restrict the cross - border provision of services .


### for the purpose of this directive , remuneration means all the elements of remuneration rendered mandatory by national law , regulation or administrative provision , collective agreements or arbitration awards which have been declared universally applicable and / or , in the absence of a system for declaring collective agreements or arbitration awards to be of universal application , other collective agreements or arbitration awards within the meaning of paragraph 8 second subparagraph , in the member state to whose territory the worker is posted . ### in the context of this directive , remuneration and social security contributions shall be defined in accordance with the national law and / or practice of the member state on whose territory the worker is posted unless a derogation has been obtained by the employer from the national social security administration in accordance with regulation 883 / 2004 / ec .


### data processed in sis in application of this regulation should not be transferred or made available to third countries or to international organisations . ### data processed in sis in application of this regulation should not be transferred or made available to third countries or to international organisations unless when strictly necessary .


### an alert may not be entered without the data referred to in article 20 , , , , and . where an alert is based upon a decision taken under article 24 the data referred to in article 20 shall also be entered . ### an alert may not be entered without the data referred to in article&#160 ; 20 , , , , and , when such data is available . where an alert is based upon a decision taken under article 24 the data referred to in article 20 shall also be entered .


### a third - country national who has been convicted in a member state of an offence carrying a penalty involving the deprivation of liberty of at least one year ; ### a third - country national who has been convicted of an offence carrying a penalty involving the deprivation of liberty ;


### a third - country national in respect of whom there are serious grounds for believing that he has committed a serious crime or in respect of whom there are clear indications of an intention to commit such an offence in the territory of a member state . ### a third - country national in respect of whom there are serious grounds for believing that he has committed a crime or in respect of whom there are clear indications of an intention to commit an offence in the territory of a member state .


### in order to gain a consistent overview of the functioning of remedies the national supervisory authorities shall be invited to develop a standard statistical system for reporting annually on : ### in order to gain a consistent overview of the functioning of remedies the national supervisory authorities shall develop a standard statistical system for reporting annually on :


### this regulation sets out requirements applicable to the administrative procedures followed by the competent authorities of member states in relation to the authorisation and implementation of all projects of common interest on the core network of the trans - european transport network . . ### this regulation sets out requirements which may be applicable to the administrative procedures followed by the competent authorities of member states in relation to the authorisation and implementation of all projects of common interest on the core network of the trans - european transport network .


### when taking the comprehensive decision , the single competent authority shall ensure that the relevant requirements under international and union law are respected and shall duly justify its decision . ### when taking the comprehensive decision , the competent authority shall ensure that the relevant requirements under international and union law are respected and shall duly justify its decision .


### in order to launch the permit granting procedure , the project promoter shall notify the single competent authority of the member states concerned about the project in writing , and shall include a detailed description of the project . no later than two months following the receipt of the above notification , the single competent authority shall either acknowledge it or , if it considers that the project is not mature enough to enter the permit granting procedure , reject the notification in writing . if the single competent authority decides to reject the notification , it shall justify its decision . the date of signature of the acknowledgement of the notification by the competent authority shall serve as the start of the permit granting procedure . if two or more member states are concerned , the date of the acceptance of the last notification by the competent authority concerned shall serve as the date of the start of the permit granting procedure . ### in order to launch the permit granting procedure , the project promoter shall notify the competent authority of the member states concerned about the project in writing , and shall include a description of the project . no later than four months following the receipt of the above notification , the competent authority shall either acknowledge it or , if it considers that the project is not mature enough to enter the permit granting procedure , reject the notification in writing . if the competent authority decides to reject the notification , it shall justify its decision . the date of signature of the acknowledgement of the notification by the competent authority shall serve as the start of the permit granting procedure . if two or more member states are concerned , the date of the acceptance of the last notification by the competent authority concerned shall serve as the date of the start of the permit granting procedure .


### within three months of the start of the permit granting procedure , the single competent authority , in close cooperation with the project promoter and other authorities concerned and taking into account the information submitted by the project promoter on the basis of the notification referred to in paragraph 3 , shall establish and communicate to the project promoter a detailed application outline , containing : ### within six months of the start of the permit granting procedure , the competent authority , in close cooperation with the project promoter and other authorities concerned and taking into account the information submitted by the project promoter on the basis of the notification referred to in paragraph 3 , shall establish and communicate to the project promoter an application outline , containing :


### without prejudice to the obligation to comply with the time limits under this regulation , if the time - limit for the comprehensive decision is not observed , the competent authority shall immediately inform the european coordinator concerned about the measures taken or to be taken to conclude the permit granting procedure with the least possible delay . the european coordinator may request the competent authority to regularly report on progress achieved . ### without prejudice to the obligation to comply with the time limits under this regulation , if the time - limit for the comprehensive decision is not observed , the competent authority shall inform the european coordinator concerned about the measures taken or to be taken to conclude the permit granting procedure with the least possible delay .


### on the request of a project promoter or member state , in accordance with the relevant union funding programmes and without prejudice to the multi - annual financial framework , the union shall make available technical assistance for the implementation of this regulation and the facilitation of the implementation of projects of common interest . ### at the request of a project promoter or member state , in accordance with the relevant union funding programmes and without prejudice to the multi - annual financial framework , the union shall make available technical , advisory and financial assistance for the implementation of this regulation and the facilitation of the implementation of projects of common interest at each stage of the investment process .


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


### the use of secure facilities for the exchange of information , in particular the decentralised computer network fiu . net , which is managed by europol since 1 january 2016 , or its successor and the techniques offered by fiu . net , should be used for exchanges of information between financial intelligence units . ### the secure and decentralised electronic communications network fiu . net , which is managed by europol since 1 january 2016 , or its successor and the techniques offered by fiu . net , should be used for exchanges of information between financial intelligence units .


### given the sensitivity of financial data that should be analysed by financial intelligence units and the necessary data protection safeguards , this directive should specifically set out the type and scope of information that can be exchanged between financial intelligence units and with designated competent authorities . this directive should not bring any changes to currently agreed methods of data collection . ### given the sensitivity of financial data that should be analysed by financial intelligence units and the necessary data protection safeguards , this directive should specifically set out the type and scope of information that can be exchanged between financial intelligence units and with designated competent authorities . however , member states should be able to decide to broaden the scope of financial information and bank account information that can be exchanged between the financial intelligence units and designated competent authorities . they may also facilitate access by competent authorities to financial information and bank account information for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences other than serious criminal offences . this directive should not bring any changes to currently agreed methods of data collection .


### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should provide that their financial intelligence unit replies to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit replies to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . __________________ 16 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 . ### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . in that context , europol is obliged to notify the member states of any information and connections between criminal offences concerning them . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should provide that their financial intelligence unit replies to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit replies to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . __________________ 16 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 .


### to achieve the appropriate balance between efficiency and a high level of data protection , member states should be required to ensure that the processing of sensitive financial information that could reveal a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation should be allowed only to the extent that it is strictly necessary and relevant to a specific investigation . ### to achieve the appropriate balance between efficiency and a high level of data protection , member states should be required to ensure that the processing of sensitive financial information that could reveal a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation should be allowed only to the extent that it is necessary and relevant to a specific investigation .


### this directive lays down measures to facilitate access by competent authorities to financial information and bank account information for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . it also provides for measures to facilitate access by financial intelligence units to law enforcement information and to facilitate the cooperation between financial intelligence units . ### this directive lays down measures to facilitate access to and use of financial information and bank account information by competent authorities for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . it also provides for measures to facilitate access by financial intelligence units to law enforcement information and to facilitate the cooperation between financial intelligence units .


### the powers of competent authorities to exchange information between them or to obtain information from obliged entities under union law or the national law of member states . ### the existing channels to exchange information between competent authorities or their powers to obtain information from obliged entities under union law or the national law of member states .


### ' bank account information ' means the following information contained in the centralised bank account registries : ### ' bank account information ' means the following information on bank and payments accounts and safe deposit boxes contained in the centralised bank account registries :


### ' financial analysis ' means the operational and strategic analysis carried out by the financial intelligence units for the performance of their tasks pursuant to directive 2015 / 849 ; ### ' financial analysis ' means the results of operational and strategic analysis carried out by the financial intelligence units for the performance of their tasks pursuant to directive 2015 / 849 ;


### each member state shall designate among its authorities competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences the competent authorities empowered to access and search the national centralised bank account registries set up by the member states in accordance with article 32a of directive 2015 / 849 . they shall include the europol national units and the asset recovery offices . ### each member state shall designate among its authorities competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences the competent authorities empowered to access and search the national centralised bank account registries set up by the member states in accordance with article 32a of directive 2015 / 849 . they shall at least include the europol national units and the asset recovery offices .


### each member state shall designate among its authorities competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences the competent authorities empowered to request and receive financial information or financial analysis from the financial intelligence unit . they shall include the europol national units . ### each member state shall designate among its authorities competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences the competent authorities empowered to request and receive financial information or financial analysis from the financial intelligence unit . they shall at least include the europol national units .


### the additional information that member states may deem essential and include in the centralised bank account registries in accordance with article 32a of directive 2018 / xx / eu shall not be accessible and searchable by competent authorities according to this directive . ### the additional information that member states may deem essential and include in the centralised bank account registries in accordance with article 32a of directive 2018 / xx / eu shall not be accessible and searchable by competent authorities on the basis of this directive .


### the requests made pursuant to this directive and their executing measures . ### the subject matter of the requests made pursuant to this directive and their executing measures .


### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation . ### member states have not benefited from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . on the contrary , these reforms have massively swelled the ranks of the unemployed and helped social inequalities to take hold within the eu , while leaving increasing numbers of citizens destitute by the day .


### support under the programme should be provided by the commission upon request by a member state , in areas such as budget and taxation , public function , institutional and administrative reforms , the justice system , anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , business environment , private sector development , investment , competition , public procurement , privatization processes , access to finance , investment , trade , sustainable development , innovation , education and training , labour policies , public health , asylum , migration policies , agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies . ### under the programme , member states seeking to apply to the commission for support should always have the approval of the public and of business stakeholders .


### 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 .


### 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 national , regional and local authorities in addressing the urgent needs .


### the financial interests of the union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle , including the prevention , detection and investigation of irregularities , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , penalties . ### the financial interests of the union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle , including the prevention , detection and investigation of irregularities and the recovery of funds lost .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation as regards the adoption of the multi - annual and annual work programmes , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation as regards the adoption of the multi - annual and annual work programmes , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . to appropriately involve member states , those implementing acts should be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure within the meaning of regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council .


### 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 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 , effective and transparent use of the union funds .


### a member state wishing to receive support under the programme shall submit a request for support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 october of each calendar year . ### a member state wishing to receive technical support under the programme shall submit a request for technical support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 october of each calendar year .


### organisation of support ### organisation of technical support


### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . ### the beneficiary member state , in cooperation with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in cooperation with the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects .


### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with other member states or international organisations . ### the commission may , with the consent of the beneficiary member state , organise the support in cooperation with other member states or european and international organisations .


### in addition to the financial envelope set out in article 9 , the programme may be financed through additional contributions from member states . ### in addition to the financial envelope set out in article 9 , the programme may be financed through additional voluntary contributions from member states .


### the commission shall implement the programme in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 . 2 . the measures of the programme may be implemented either directly by the commission or indirectly , by entities and persons other than member states in accordance with article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . in particular , union financial support for actions provided for in article 6 of this regulation shall take the form of : grants ; public procurement contracts ; reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts ; contributions to trust funds ; actions carried out in indirect management . 3 . 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 : member states ; european free trade agreement countries which are party to the european economic area agreement , in accordance with the conditions laid down in the eea agreement . the co - financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs , without prejudice to the principles of co - financing and no - profit . 4 . 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 . 5 . in order to implement the programme , the commission shall adopt , by way of implementing acts , multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 . 6 . to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . ### the commission shall implement the programme in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 . 2 . the measures of the programme may be implemented either directly by the commission or indirectly , by entities and persons other than member states in accordance with article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . in particular , union financial support for actions provided for in article 6 of this regulation shall take the form of : grants ; public procurement contracts ; reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts ; contributions to trust funds ; actions carried out in indirect management . 3 . 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 : member states ; european free trade agreement countries which are party to the european economic area agreement , in accordance with the conditions laid down in the eea agreement . the co - financing rate for grants shall be up to 100 % of the eligible costs , without prejudice to the principles of co - financing and no - profit . 4 . 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 article 5 and a follow up to the monitoring activities / procedures of their contribution should be duly envisaged . 5 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 , with a view to supplementing this regulation by establishing multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 . 5a . in order to plan the programmes , the relevant social partners and civil society be involved . the support activation process cannot be launched without consulting the relevant social partners and civil society . 6 . to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national regional and local authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not infringe point of article 5 .


### in order to implement the programme , the commission shall adopt , by way of implementing acts , multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### in order to implement the programme , the commission shall adopt , by way of implementing acts , multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 12a of this regulation . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 .


### the commission and the beneficiary member states , within their respective responsibilities , shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the programme and other union programmes and instruments , and in particular with measures financed by the union funds . to this end , they shall : ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at union and national levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation ; optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort ; ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . the relevant multi - annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework , where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in article 5 . ### without prejudice to point of article 5 the commission and the beneficiary member states , within their respective responsibilities , shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the programme and other union programmes and instruments , and in particular with measures financed by the union funds . to this end , they shall : ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at union and national , regional and local levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation ; optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and cost ; ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union and national , regional and local level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . the relevant multi - annual and annual work programmes may serve as the coordination framework , where support is envisaged in any of the areas referred to in article 5 and shall not infringe point of article 5 .


### 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 annual monitoring report on the implementation of the programme including an analysis of the application of the criteria referred to in article 7 for assessing the requests for support submitted by member states , an independent interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an independent ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 .


### as the programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry , only entities established in the union and effectively controlled by member states or their nationals should be eligible for support . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , shall not be located on the territory of non - member states . ### as the programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry , only entities established in the union and effectively controlled by member states or their nationals should be eligible for financial support . undertakings established outside the union should also be able to participate where they are established in a third country identified in the work programme . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , shall not be located on the territory of third countries who are not identified in the work programme .


### the commission should draw up an implementation report at the end of the programme , examining the financial activities in terms of financial implementation results and where possible , impact . this report should also analyse the cross border participation of smes in projects under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain . ### the commission should draw up an implementation and evaluation report at the end of each year of the programme , examining and evaluating the financial activities in terms of financial implementation results and where possible , impact . this report should also analyse the cross border participation of smes in projects under the programme as well as the participation of smes to the global value chain .


### to support and leverage the cooperation between undertakings , including small and medium - sized enterprises , in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; ### to support and leverage the cross - border cooperation between undertakings in view of supporting integrated actions in the single market for defence , including the involvement of small and medium - sized enterprises , in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ;


### to foster better exploitation of the results of defence research and contribute to closing the gaps between research and development . ### to foster better exploitation of the results of defence research and contribute to closing the gaps between research and development in line with the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ;


### contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to implement defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; and , ### contribution to the security and defence interests of the union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to the implementation of the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union , and where appropriate at regional or international level ;


### for actions described in points to of article 6 , the contribution to the competitiveness of the european defence industry through the demonstration by the beneficiaries that member states have committed to jointly produce and procure the final product or technology in a coordinated way , including joint procurement where applicable . ### for the actions described in article 6 , the contribution to the competitiveness of the european defence industry through the demonstration by the beneficiaries that member states have committed to jointly produce and procure the final product or technology in a coordinated way , including joint procurement where applicable , while respecting the requirements of directive 2009 / 81 / ec as regards defence and security procurement .


### the financial assistance of the union provided under the programme may not exceed 20% of the total cost of the action where it relates to prototyping . in all the other cases , the assistance may cover up to the total cost of the action . ### the financial assistance of the union provided under the programme shall not exceed 20% of the total cost of the action where it relates to prototyping as provided under point of article 6 . for all other actions provided under points and to of article 6 , the assistance shall not exceed 50% of the total cost of the action and 100% in case these actions are undertaken by smes .


### the commission , by means of an implementing act , shall adopt multiannual a work programme for the duration of the programme . this implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in in article 16 . this work programme shall be in line with the objectives set out in article 2 ; ### the commission , by means of an implementing act , shall adopt a two - year work programme for the duration of the programme . this implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in in article 16 .


### monitoring and reporting ### monitoring , evaluation and reporting


### building on the existing initiatives , a stable and reliable union resettlement framework should be established for the resettlement of persons in need of international protection to be implemented in accordance with annual union resettlement plans and targeted union resettlement schemes which effectively deliver on member states ' concrete commitments . ### building on the existing initiatives , a forward - looking and reliable union resettlement framework should be established for the resettlement of persons in need of international protection to be implemented in accordance with annual union resettlement plans and targeted union resettlement schemes which effectively deliver on member states ' concrete commitments .


### such a framework is a necessary part of a well - managed migration policy to reduce divergences among national resettlement practices and procedures , provide for the legal and safe arrival to the territory of the member states of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection , help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states and thereby reducing the pressure of spontaneous arrivals on the member states ' asylum systems , be an expression of solidarity with countries in regions to which or within which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , help achieve union ' s foreign policy objectives by increasing the union ' s leverage vis - à - vis third countries , and effectively contribute to global resettlement initiatives through speaking with one voice in international fora and with third countries . ### such a framework is a necessary part of a well - managed migration policy to reduce divergences among national resettlement practices and procedures , provide for the legal and safe arrival to the territory of the member states of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection , help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states and thereby reducing the pressure of spontaneous arrivals on the asylum systems of the member states of first arrival , be an expression of solidarity with countries in regions to which or within which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , help achieve union ' s foreign policy objectives by increasing the union ' s leverage vis - à - vis third countries , and effectively contribute to global resettlement initiatives through speaking with one voice in international fora and with third countries .


### the precise number of persons to be resettled from the maximum total number as set out in the annual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states in the targeted union resettlement scheme ; ### the number of persons to be resettled from the maximum total number as set out in the annual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states and of the countries associated with the implementation , application and development of the schengen acquis in the targeted union resettlement scheme ;


### in a context of rapid and profound changes induced by technological revolution and globalisation , investing in learning mobility , cooperation and innovative policy development in the fields of education , training , youth and sport is key to building inclusive , cohesive and resilient societies and sustaining the competitiveness of the union , while contributing to strengthening european identity and to a more democratic union . ### in a context of rapid and profound changes induced by technological revolution and globalisation , investing in learning mobility , cooperation and innovative policy development in the fields of education , training , youth and sport is key to building inclusive , cohesive and resilient societies and sustaining the competitiveness of the union .


### the open public consultation on union funding in the areas of values and mobility confirmed these key findings and emphasised the need to make the future programme a more inclusive programme and to continue to focus priorities on modernising education and training systems as well as strengthening priorities on fostering european identity , active citizenship and participation in democratic life . ### the open public consultation on union funding in the areas of values and mobility confirmed these key findings and emphasised the need to make the future programme a more inclusive programme and to continue to focus priorities on modernising education and training systems , active citizenship and participation in democratic life .


### in its communication on ' a modern budget for a union that protects , empowers and defends - the multiannual financial framework for 2021 - 2027 ' 26 adopted on 2 may 2018 , the commission called for a stronger “youth” focus in the next financial framework , notably by more than doubling the size of the 2014 - 2020 erasmus + programme , one of the union’s most visible success stories . the focus of the new programme should be on inclusiveness , and to reach more young people with fewer opportunities . this should allow more young people to move to another country to learn or work . _________________ 26 com 321 final . ### in its communication on ' a modern budget for a union that protects , empowers and defends - the multiannual financial framework for 2021 - 2027 ' 26 adopted on 2 may 2018 , the commission called for a stronger “youth” focus in the next financial framework , notably by more than doubling the size of the 2014 - 2020 erasmus + programme , one of the union’s most visible success stories . the european parliament called for the erasmus + envelope to be at least tripled in the next mff . the mid - term evaluation confirmed that budget for erasmus + is consistently absorbed in full , and that the available funds are insufficient to cover the strong demand . the focus of the new programme should be on inclusiveness , and to reach more young people with fewer opportunities . this should allow more young people to move to another country to learn or work . _________________ 26 com 321 final .


### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible learning mobility formats , and by fostering participation of small organisations , in particular newcomers and community - based grassroots organisations that work directly with disadvantaged learners of all ages . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted to reach more participants , in particular those with fewer opportunities and those for whom moving physically to a country other than their country of residence would be an obstacle . ### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible learning mobility formats , and by fostering participation of small organisations , in particular newcomers and community - based grassroots organisations that work directly with learners with fewer opportunities of all ages . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted to reach more participants and complement the accessibility of the programme , in particular those with fewer opportunities and those for whom moving physically to a country other than their country of residence would be an obstacle . local and national structures should be better equipped to support and facilitate people with fewer opportunities , including people with disabilities , to have full and equal access to the programme . given that the eu and all its member states have ratified the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities the erasmus - programme should be in line with its principles .


### the programme should reinforce existing learning mobility opportunities , notably in those sectors where the programme could have the biggest efficiency gains , to broaden its reach and meet the high unmet demand . this should be done notably by increasing and facilitating mobility activities for higher education students , school pupils and learners in vocational education and training . mobility of low - skilled adult learners should be embedded in partnerships for cooperation . mobility opportunities for youth participating in non - formal learning activities should also be extended to reach more young people . mobility of staff in education , training , youth and sport should also be reinforced , considering its leverage effect . in line with the vision of a true european education area , the programme should also boost mobility and exchanges and promote student participation in educational and cultural activities by supporting digitalisation of processes , such as the european student card . this initiative can be an important step in making mobility for all a reality first by enabling higher education institutions to send and receive more exchange students while still enhancing quality in student mobility and also by facilitating students ' access to various services before arriving at the institution abroad . ### the programme should reinforce existing learning mobility opportunities , notably in those sectors where the programme could have the biggest efficiency gains , to broaden its reach and meet the high unmet demand . this should be done notably by increasing and facilitating mobility activities for higher education students , school pupils and learners in vocational education and training . mobility of low - skilled adult learners should be embedded in partnerships for cooperation . mobility opportunities for youth participating in non - formal learning activities should also be extended to reach more young people . mobility of staff in education , training , youth and sport should also be reinforced , considering its leverage effect . in line with the vision of a european education area , the programme should also boost mobility and exchanges and promote student participation in educational and cultural activities by supporting digitalisation of processes , such as the european student card . this initiative can be an important step in making mobility for all a reality first by enabling higher education institutions to send and receive more exchange students while still enhancing quality in student mobility and also by facilitating students ' access to various services before arriving at the institution abroad .


### the programme should offer young people more opportunities to discover europe through learning experiences abroad . eighteen year olds , in particular those with fewer opportunities , should be given the chance to have a first - time , short - term individual or group experience travelling throughout europe in the frame of an informal educational activity aimed at fostering their sense of belonging to the european union and discovering its cultural diversity . the programme should identify bodies in charge of reaching out and selecting the participants and support activities to foster the learning dimension of the experience . ### the programme should offer young people more opportunities to discover europe through qualitative learning experiences abroad . eighteen year olds , in particular those with fewer opportunities , should be given the chance to have a first - time individual or group qualitative learning experience in another member state in the frame of an informal educational activity aimed at discovering europe ' s cultural diversity . the programme should identify bodies in charge of reaching out and selecting the participants and support activities to foster the learning dimension of the experience .


### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility . ### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , including sign languages , in particular through widened use of accessible online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility .


### in its conclusions of the 14 of december 2017 , the european council called on member states , the council and the commission to take forward a number of initiatives to elevate european cooperation in education and training to a new level , including by encouraging the emergence by 2024 of ' european universities ' , consisting in bottom - up networks of universities across the union . the programme should support these european universities . ### in its conclusions of the 14 of december 2017 , the european council called on member states , the council and the commission to take forward a number of initiatives to elevate european cooperation in education and training to a new level , including by encouraging the emergence by 2024 of ' european universities ' , consisting in bottom - up networks of universities across the union .


### to increase the use of virtual cooperation activities , the programme should support a more systematic use of the online platforms such as etwinning , the school education gateway , the electronic platform for adult learning in europe , the european youth portal and the online platform for higher education . ### to increase the use of virtual cooperation activities , the programme should support a more systematic and accessible use of the online platforms such as etwinning , the school education gateway , the electronic platform for adult learning in europe , the european youth portal and the online platform for higher education .


### the programme should contribute to facilitating transparency and recognition of skills and qualifications , as well as the transfer of credits or units of learning outcomes , to foster quality assurance and to support validation of non - formal and informal learning , skills management and guidance . in this regard , the programme should also provide support to contact points and networks at national and union level that facilitate cross - european exchanges as well as the development of flexible learning pathways between different fields of education , training and youth and across formal and non - formal settings . ### the programme should contribute to facilitating transparency and recognition of skills and qualifications , as well as the transfer of credits or units of learning outcomes , to foster quality assurance and to support validation of non - formal and informal learning , skills management and guidance . in this regard , the programme should also provide support to contact points and networks at national and union level that facilitate cross - european exchanges as well as the development of flexible and inclusive learning pathways between different fields of education , training and youth and across formal and non - formal settings .


### as a way to ensure cooperation with other union instruments and support to other policies of the union , mobility opportunities should be offered to people in various sectors of activity , such as the public sector , agriculture and enterprise , to have a learning experience abroad allowing them , at any stage of their life , to grow and develop professionally but also personally , in particular by developing an awareness of their european identity and an understanding of european cultural diversity . the programme should offer an entry point for union transnational mobility schemes with a strong learning dimension , simplifying the offer of such schemes for beneficiaries and those taking part in these activities . the scaling - up of erasmus projects should be facilitated ; specific measures should be put in place to help promoters of erasmus projects to apply for grants or develop synergies through the support of the european structural and investment funds and the programmes relating to migration , security , justice and citizenship , health and culture . ### as a way to ensure cooperation with other union instruments and support to other policies of the union , mobility opportunities should be offered to people , including persons with disabilities , in various sectors of activity , such as the public sector , agriculture and enterprise , to have a learning experience abroad allowing them , at any stage of their life , to grow and develop professionally but also personally , in particular by developing an understanding of european cultural diversity . the programme should offer an entry point for union transnational mobility schemes with a strong learning dimension , simplifying the offer of such schemes for beneficiaries and those taking part in these activities . the scaling - up of erasmus projects should be facilitated ; specific measures should be put in place to help promoters of erasmus projects to apply for grants or develop synergies through the support of the european structural and investment funds and the programmes relating to migration , security , justice and citizenship , health and culture .


### within a basic envelope for actions to be managed by the national agencies in the field of education and training , a breakdown of minimum allocation per sector should be defined in order to guarantee a critical mass of appropriations to reach the intended output and results in each of these sectors . ### within a basic envelope for actions to be managed by the national agencies in the field of education and training , an indicative distribution of minimum allocation per sector should be defined in order to guarantee a critical mass of appropriations to reach the intended output and results in each of these sectors . the programme should however always be implemented taking into account the actual needs , in the interest of the added european value .


### member states should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the programme . this includes resolving , where possible , and without prejudice to union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits . in line with directive 2016 / 801 of the european parliament and of the council39 , member states are encouraged to establish fast - track admission procedures . _________________ 39 directive 2016 / 801 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third - country nationals for the purposes of research , studies , training , voluntary service , pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing . ### member states should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the programme .


### ' learning mobility ' means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it may be accompanied by measures such as language support and training and / or be complemented by online learning and virtual cooperation . in some specific cases , it may take the form of learning through the use of information technology and communications tools ; ### ' learning mobility ' means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it may be accompanied by measures such as language support , including sign languages , and training and / or be complemented by accessible online learning and virtual cooperation . in some specific cases , it may take the form of learning through the use of accessible and / or specially adapted information technology and communications tools ;


### ' virtual cooperation ' means any form of cooperation using information technology and communications tools ; ### ' virtual cooperation ' means any form of cooperation using accessible and / or specially adapted information technology and communications tools ;


### ' youth participation activity ' means an out - of - school activity carried out by informal groups of young people and / or youth organisations , and characterised by a non - formal learning approach ; ### ' youth participation activity ' means an accessible out - of - school activity carried out by informal groups of young people and / or youth organisations , and characterised by a non - formal learning approach ;


### partnerships for excellence , in particular european universities , centres of vocational excellence and joint master degrees ; ### partnerships for excellence , centres of vocational excellence and joint master degrees ;


### the preparation and implementation of the union general and sectoral policy agendas in education and training , including with the support of the eurydice network or activities of other relevant organisations ; ### the preparation and implementation of the union general and sectoral policy agendas in inclusive education and training , including with the support of the eurydice network or activities of other relevant organisations ;


### the mobility of young people ; ### the mobility of young people , including those with disabilities ;


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 30 000 000 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 41 097 000 000 in constant&#160 ; prices .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall implement accessible information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### the national agency shall be responsible for managing all stages of the project lifecycle of the actions that shall be described in the work programme referred to in article [ 19 ] , in conformity with [ points and of article 58 ] of the financial regulation . ### the national agency shall be responsible for managing all stages of the project lifecycle of the actions that shall be described in the work programme referred to in article [ 19 ] , in conformity with [ points and of article 58 ] of the financial regulation . the national agency shall ensure that projects are easily accessible and contribute to the qualitative and inclusive implementation of the programme .


### regular meetings shall be organised with the network of national agencies in order to ensure coherent implementation of the programme across all member states and all third countries referred to in article 17 . ### regular meetings shall be organised with the network of national agencies in order to ensure coherent implementation of the programme across all member states and all third countries referred to in article 17 . the commission fosters the sharing of good practices and the exchange of information , especially with regard to accessibility and reasonable accommodation measures .


### high quality learning mobility for people from diverse backgrounds ### high quality and inclusive learning mobility for people from diverse backgrounds , including people with fewer opportunities


### a board chaired by the commission shall be established for each union trust fund to ensure the fair representation of the donors , and of the non - contributing member states as observers , and to decide upon the use of the funds . the rules for composition of the board and its internal rules shall be laid down in the constitutive act of the trust fund adopted by the commission and adhered to by the donors . those rules shall include the requirement to have the positive vote of the commission for the final decision on the use of the funds . ### a board chaired by the commission shall be established for each union trust fund to ensure the fair representation of the donors , and of the non - contributing member states as observers , and to decide fairly upon the use of the funds with the approval of donor member states . the rules for composition of the board and its internal rules shall be laid down in the constitutive act of the trust fund adopted by the commission and adhered to by the donors . those rules shall include the requirement to have the positive vote of the commission for the final decision on the use of the funds .


### union trust funds shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of sound financial management , transparency , proportionality , non - discrimination and equal treatment , and in accordance with the specific objectives defined in each constitutive act . ### union trust funds shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of sound financial management , transparency , proportionality , non - discrimination and equal treatment , and in accordance with the specific objectives defined in each constitutive act as defined by the member states and donors relevant to the trust fund .


### the support to the union ' s intervention in this area was expressed by the council60 and , by the european parliament61 . moreover , in 2017 nine member states signed the eurohpc declaration62 , a multi - government agreement where they commit to collaborate with the commission to build and deploy state - of - the - art hpc and data infrastructures in europe that would be available across the union for scientific communities , public and private partners . ### the support to the union ' s intervention in this area was expressed by the council and , by the european parliament . moreover , in 2017 nine member states , and since then another thirteen member states , signed the eurohpc declaration , a multi - government agreement where they commit to collaborate with the commission to build and deploy state - of - the - art hpc and data infrastructures in europe that would be available across the union for scientific communities , public and private partners .


### during the first year of the implementation of the programme , an initial network of digital innovation hubs shall be established . ### during the first year of the implementation of the programme , an initial network of digital innovation hubs shall be established . where possible , the network should be built on and cooperate with existing national and european structures .