### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ … ] [ publications office , please insert the exact date of entry into force ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission until 30 june 2019 from [ … ] [ publications office , please insert the exact date of entry into force ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before 30 june 2019 . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament and council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### in order for union citizens and businesses to enjoy their right to free movement within the internal market , the union should adopt specific measures allowing citizens and businesses to have easy access to comprehensive and reliable information about their rights created by union law and to information about the applicable national rules and procedures with which they will need to comply where they move to , live or study or where they establish or carry out a business in another member state other than their own . the information to be provided at national level should not only concern national rules implementing union law , but also any other national rules that are applicable to national citizens and businesses from other member states alike . ### in order for union citizens and businesses to enjoy their right to free movement within the internal market , the union should adopt specific measures allowing citizens and businesses to have easy access to comprehensive and reliable information about their rights created by union law and to information about the applicable national rules and procedures with which they will need to comply where they move to , live or study or where they establish or carry out a business in another member state other than their own . it is particularly important for innovative new businesses facing complex regulatory environments , such as those active in e - commerce and the collaborative economy , that they can easily find out the applicable rules and how those rules apply to their business activities . the information to be provided at national level should not only concern national rules implementing union law , but also any other national rules that are applicable to national citizens and businesses from other member states alike .


### compliance with a minimum list of quality requirements is an essential element for the success of the single digital gateway in order to ensure that the provision of information or services is reliable as otherwise it would seriously undermine the credibility of the gateway as a whole . the accessibility of information for cross - border users can be substantially improved where the information is available not only in the national language of a member state but also in , at least , one additional official eu language of the union . the translation from the national language or languages into this other official language of the union should accurately reflect the content of the information provided in the national language or languages . ### compliance with a minimum list of quality requirements is an essential element for the success of the single digital gateway in order to ensure that the provision of information or services is reliable as otherwise it would seriously undermine the credibility of the gateway as a whole . the overarching objective is to ensure that the information or service is presented in a clear and user - friendly way . therefore the information which is required to be displayed to the user should be presented at appropriate stages during the procedure . member states should determine how and at what stage information is to be presented over the course of completion of the procedure in order to meet this objective . large amounts of information presented prior to starting to use a service could lack contextual relevance and can hinder rather than support a user ' s ability to use the service and his or her confidence in that service .


### a single digital gateway shall be established by the commission and the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation . the gateway shall consist of a common user interface integrated in a single portal managed by the commission and shall link to relevant national and union websites . ### a single digital gateway shall be established by the commission and the member states in accordance with this regulation . the gateway shall consist of a common user interface integrated in a single portal managed by the commission and shall link to relevant national and union websites .


### information on and links to procedures established at union or national level in order to exercise those rights and comply with those obligations and rules ; ### information on and links to procedures established at union or national level in the field of the internal market in the areas listed in annex i and detailed in annex ii in order to exercise the rights and comply with the obligations and rules specified in point ;


### member states shall ensure that users have easy , online access to the following on their national webpages : ### member states shall ensure that users have user - friendly , online access to the following on their webpages :


### the procedures , referred to in paragraph 2 , shall be considered as fully online where identification , provision of information , supporting evidence , signature and final submission can be done electronically at a distance and via a single communication channel and if the output of the procedure is also delivered electronically . ### the procedures , referred to in paragraph 2 , shall be considered as fully online where identification , provision of information , supporting evidence , signature and final submission can be done electronically at a distance and via a single communication channel and if the output of the procedure is also delivered electronically or by physical delivery , where required by union or national law and where users are provided with an electronic notification of completion of the procedure .


### member states and the commission shall ensure that users have easy , online access to assistance or problem solving services referred to in article 2 . ### member states and the commission shall ensure that users have access to assistance or problem solving services referred to in article 2 .


### the competent authorities and the commission shall ensure that where , in accordance with article 4 they are responsible for ensuring access to information as referred to in article 2 that information complies with the following requirements : ### the&#160 ; member&#160 ; states&#160 ; and the commission shall ensure that where , in accordance with article 4 they are responsible for ensuring access to information as referred to in article 2 that information is clear and user - friendly and&#160 ; complies with the following requirements :


### the competent authorities shall provide the information in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### in cases where there is a significant user demand , the competent authorities shall provide the information in additional official languages of the union as required .


### the competent authorities shall provide the information in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### the competent authorities shall provide the information in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . this shall be without prejudice to member states ' legislation regarding the use of languages .


### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . this is without prejudice to member states ' legislation regarding the use of languages .


### the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in at least one official language of the union in addition to the national language or , where applicable , the national languages . ### in cases where there is a significant user demand , the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in additional official languages of the union , as required .


### the estimated time required to complete the procedure and any applicable deadlines ; ### the estimated time required by the relevant competent authorities to complete the procedure and any applicable deadlines imposed on the user ;


### the language or , where applicable , the languages in which the procedure can be carried out . ### any additional languages in which the procedure can be carried out .


### where the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 is already made available for national users , it may be reused for the purposes of this regulation , provided that it contains information in relation to the situation of non - national users , where applicable . ### in cases where there is a significant user demand , the competent authorities shall provide the explanation referred to in paragraph 1 in additional official languages of the union as required .


### the estimated time required to deliver the service or an average response time ; ### the estimated time within which the relevant entities responsible are required to deliver the service or an average response time ;


### the language or , where applicable , the languages in which the request can be submitted and which can be used in subsequent contacts . ### any additional languages in which the request can be submitted and which can be used in subsequent contacts .


### in case of non - compliance with applicable deadlines , users are informed in advance of the reasons thereof and a new deadline is given ; ### in case of anticipated non - compliance with applicable deadlines , users are informed in advance of the reasons thereof and a new deadline is given ;


### the national coordinators and the commission shall monitor the compliance of the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services available through the gateway for which they are responsible , with the quality requirements laid down in articles 7 to 11 and 13 . the monitoring shall be carried out on the basis of the data gathered in accordance with article 22 . ### the national coordinators shall monitor the compliance of the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services available through the gateway for which they are responsible , with the quality requirements laid down in articles 7 to 11 and 13 . the monitoring shall be carried out on the basis of the data gathered in accordance with article 22 .


### the name and the logo by which the gateway shall be known and promoted to the general public , will be decided by the commission in close cooperation with the gateway coordination group , at the latest by the date of application of this regulation . ### the name and the logo by which the gateway shall be known shall be decided by the commission in close cooperation with the gateway coordination group , at the latest six months after the day of entry into force of this regulation .


### the name of the gateway also serves as a quality label which may only be used in that sense by information websites and assistance and problem solving services included in the repository referred to in article 16 as proof of adherence to the quality requirements referred to in chapter iii . ### information websites and assistance and problem solving services included in the repository referred to in article 16 shall only be permitted to use the name of the gateway if they adhere to the quality requirements referred to in chapter iii .


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


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 34 concerning the detailed categories of data to be recorded in accordance with paragraph 2 , in relation to the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services to which the gateway links . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , specify the detailed categories of data to be recorded in accordance with paragraph 2 , in relation to the information , procedures and assistance and problem solving services to which the gateway links . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 35 .


### translation of a maximum volume per member state of information referred to in article 2 and instructions for completing procedures referred to in article 11 , into an official language of the union , other than the national language . ### translation of a maximum annual volume per member state of information in accordance with article 9a into an official language of the union , other than the national language .


### those differences lead to uneven conditions for access to credit and to uneven recovery rates in the member states . a higher degree of harmonisation in the field of restructuring , insolvency and second chance is thus indispensable for a well - functioning single market in general and for a working capital markets union in particular . ### those differences lead to uneven conditions for access to credit and to uneven recovery rates in the member states . a higher degree of harmonisation could thus be beneficial for a well - functioning single market in general and for a working capital markets union in particular , but it is essential to leave sufficient flexibility to member states that have already introduced well - functioning restructuring , insolvency and second chance regimes .


### the earlier the debtor can detect its financial difficulties and can take appropriate action , the higher the probability of avoiding an impending insolvency or , in case of a business whose viability is permanently impaired , the more orderly and efficient the winding - up process . clear information on the available preventive restructuring procedures as well as early warning tools should therefore be put in place to incentivise debtors who start to experience financial problems to take early action . possible early warning mechanisms should include accounting and monitoring duties for the debtor or the debtor ' s management as well as reporting duties under loan agreements . in addition , third parties with relevant information such as accountants , tax and social security authorities could be incentivised or obliged under national law to flag a negative development . ### the earlier the debtor can detect its financial difficulties and can take appropriate action , the higher the probability of avoiding an impending insolvency or , in case of a business whose viability is permanently impaired , the more orderly and efficient the winding - up process . clear information on the available preventive restructuring procedures as well as early warning tools should therefore be put in place to incentivise debtors who start to experience financial problems to take early action . possible early warning mechanisms should include accounting and monitoring duties for the debtor or the debtor ' s management as well as reporting duties under loan agreements . in addition , third parties with relevant information such as accountants and tax authorities could be incentivised or obliged under national law to flag to entrepreneurs any worrying developments concerning their business debts or the viability of their business as soon as possible .


### the different second chance possibilities in the member states may incentivise over - indebted entrepreneurs to relocate to member states in order to benefit from shorter discharge periods or more attractive conditions for discharge , leading to additional legal uncertainty and costs for the creditors when recovering their claims . furthermore , the effects of bankruptcy , in particular the social stigma , legal consequences such as disqualifying entrepreneurs from taking up and pursuing entrepreneurial activity and the on - going inability to pay off debts constitute important disincentives for entrepreneurs seeking to set up a business or have a second chance , even if evidence shows that entrepreneurs who have gone bankrupt have more chance to be successful the second time . steps should therefore be taken to reduce the negative effects of over - indebtedness and bankruptcy on entrepreneurs , in particular by allowing for a full discharge of debts after a certain period of time and by limiting the length of disqualification orders issued in connection with the debtor ' s over - indebtedness . ### the different second chance possibilities in the member states may incentivise over - indebted entrepreneurs to relocate to member states in order to benefit from shorter discharge periods or more attractive conditions for discharge , leading to additional legal uncertainty and costs for the creditors when recovering their claims . furthermore , the effects of bankruptcy , in particular the social stigma , legal consequences such as disqualifying entrepreneurs from taking up and pursuing entrepreneurial activity and the on - going inability to pay off debts constitute important disincentives for entrepreneurs seeking to set up a business or have a second chance , even if evidence shows that entrepreneurs who have gone bankrupt have more chance to be successful the second time . steps should therefore be taken to reduce the negative effects of over - indebtedness and bankruptcy on entrepreneurs , in particular by allowing for a full discharge of debts after a certain period of time and by limiting the length of disqualification orders issued in connection with the debtor ' s over - indebtedness . in addition , member states should ensure that second chance entrepreneurs have access to up - to - date information about the availability of administrative , legal , business or financial support tailored to them and any means available to them to facilitate the set - up of a new business .


### member states should also ensure that the practitioners in the field of restructuring , insolvency and second chance which are appointed by judicial or administrative authorities are properly trained and supervised in the carrying out of their tasks , that they are appointed in a transparent manner with due regard to the need to ensure efficient procedures and that they perform their tasks with integrity . practitioners should also adhere to voluntary codes of conduct aiming at ensuring an appropriate level of qualification and training , transparency of the duties of such practitioners and the rules for determining their remuneration , the taking up of professional indemnity insurance cover and the establishment of oversight and regulatory mechanisms which should include an appropriate and effective regime for sanctioning those who have failed in their duties . such standards may be attained without the need in principle to create new professions or qualifications . ### member states should also ensure that the practitioners in the field of restructuring , insolvency and second chance which are appointed by judicial or administrative authorities are properly trained and supervised in the carrying out of their tasks , that they are appointed in a transparent manner with due regard to the need to ensure efficient procedures and that they perform their tasks , whether these entail restructuring or liquidation , with integrity . practitioners should also adhere to voluntary codes of conduct aiming at ensuring an appropriate level of qualification and training , transparency of the duties of such practitioners and the rules for determining their remuneration , the taking up of professional indemnity insurance cover and the establishment of oversight and regulatory mechanisms which should include an appropriate and effective regime for sanctioning those who have failed in their duties . such standards may be attained without the need in principle to create new professions or qualifications .


### member states may require the appointment of a practitioner in the field of restructuring in the following cases : ### member states may require the appointment by a judicial or administrative authority of a practitioner in the field of restructuring in the following cases :


### member states shall ensure that , where an over - indebted entrepreneur has professional debts incurred in the course of his or her trade , business , craft or profession as well as personal debts incurred outside those activities , all debts are treated in a single procedure for the purposes of obtaining a discharge . ### member states may ensure that , where an over - indebted entrepreneur has professional debts incurred in the course of his or her trade , business , craft or profession as well as personal debts incurred outside those activities , all debts are treated in a single procedure for the purposes of obtaining a discharge .


### member states shall compile statistics from the aggregate data referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 for full calendar years ending on 31 december of each year , starting with data collected for the first full calendar year following [ the date of start of application of implementing measures ] . these statistics shall be communicated to the commission on the basis of a standard data communication form annually , by 31 march of the calendar year following the year for which data is collected . ### member states shall compile statistics from the aggregate data referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 for full calendar years ending on 31 december of each year , starting with data collected for the first full calendar year following [ the date of start of application of implementing measures ] . these statistics shall be communicated to the commission on the basis of a standard data communication form annually , by 31 march of the calendar year following the year for which data is collected . member states shall make these statistics publicly available and present them by means of a user - friendly website .


### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market . ### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken forthwith to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market .


### the marrakesh treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind , visually impaired , or otherwise print disabled was signed on behalf of the union on 30 april 201423 . its aim is to improve the availability of works and other protected subject - matter in accessible formats for persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled . the marrakesh treaty requires contracting parties to provide exceptions or limitations to the rights of holders of copyright and related rights for the making and dissemination of copies in accessible formats of certain works and other subject - matter , and for the cross - border exchange of those copies . the conclusion of the marrakesh treaty by the union requires the adaptation of union law by establishing a mandatory exception for uses , works and beneficiary persons covered by the treaty . this directive implements the obligations that the union has to meet under the marrakesh treaty in a harmonised manner , with a view to ensuring that those measures are applied consistently throughout the internal market . _________________ 23 council decision 2014 / 221 / eu of 14 april 2014 on the signing , on behalf of the european union , of the marrakesh treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind , visually impaired , or otherwise print disabled . . ### the marrakesh treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind , visually impaired , or otherwise print disabled was signed on behalf of the union on 30 april 201423 , having already been adopted in 2013 by the world intellectual property organization . its aim is to improve the availability of works and other protected subject - matter in accessible formats for persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled . the marrakesh treaty requires contracting parties to provide exceptions or limitations to the rights of holders of copyright and related rights for the making and dissemination of copies in accessible formats of certain works and other subject - matter , and for the cross - border exchange of those copies . the conclusion of the marrakesh treaty by the union requires the adaptation of union law by establishing a mandatory exception for uses , works and beneficiary persons covered by the treaty . this directive implements the obligations that the union has to meet under the marrakesh treaty in a harmonised manner , with a view to ensuring that those measures are applied consistently throughout the internal market . _________________ 23 council decision 2014 / 221 / eu of 14 april 2014 on the signing , on behalf of the european union , of the marrakesh treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind , visually impaired , or otherwise print disabled .


### this directive is designed for the benefit persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is to improve the availability of books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability . accessible formats include braille , large print , adapted e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts . ### this directive is designed for the benefit persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is therefore to improve the availability of books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability . accessible formats also include braille , large print , adapted e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts .


### uses laid down in this directive include the making of accessible format copies by either the beneficiary persons or authorised entities serving their needs — whether public or private organisations , in particular libraries , educational establishments and other non - profit organisations that serve persons with a print disability as their main or one of their main activities or public interest missions — . those uses should also include making accessible format copies , for the exclusive use of the beneficiary persons , by a natural person who does so on behalf of a beneficiary person or who assists the beneficiary person in doing so . ### uses laid down in this directive also include the making of accessible format copies by either the beneficiary persons or authorised entities serving their needs — whether public or private organisations , in particular libraries , educational establishments and other non - profit organisations that serve persons with a print disability as their main or one of their main activities or public interest missions . those uses should also include making accessible format copies , for the exclusive use of the beneficiary persons , by a natural person who does so on behalf of a beneficiary person or who assists the beneficiary person in doing so .


### the mandatory exception should also limit the right of reproduction so as to allow for any act that is necessary in order to make changes to or convert or adapt a work or other subject - matter in such a way as to produce an accessible format copy . this includes providing the necessary means to navigate information in an accessible format copy . ### the mandatory exception should also limit the right of reproduction so as to allow for any act that is necessary in order to make changes to or convert or adapt a work or other subject - matter in such a way as to produce an accessible format copy . this also includes providing the necessary means to navigate information in an accessible format copy .


### the exception should allow authorised entities to make and disseminate online and offline within the union accessible format copies of works or other subject - matter covered by this directive . ### the exception should also allow authorised entities to make and disseminate online and offline within the union accessible format copies of works or other subject - matter covered by this directive .


### the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , to which the eu is a party , guarantees people with disabilities the right of access to information and the right to participate in cultural , economic and social life on an equal basis with others . the uncrpd requires parties to the convention to take all appropriate steps , in accordance with international law , to ensure that laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials . ### the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , to which the eu is a party and which is binding for member states of the union , guarantees people with disabilities the right of access to information and the right to participate in cultural , economic and social life on an equal basis with others . the uncrpd requires parties to the convention to take all appropriate steps , in accordance with international law , to ensure that laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials .


### open science , including open access to scientific publications and research data , has the potential to increase the quality , impact and benefits of science and to accelerate the advancement of knowledge by making it more reliable , more efficient and accurate , better understandable by society and responsive to societal challenges . provisions should be laid down to ensure that beneficiaries provide open access to peer - reviewed scientific publications , research data and other research outputs in an open and non - discriminatory manner , free of charge and as early as possible in the dissemination process , and to enable their widest possible use and re - use . more emphasis should in particular be given to the responsible management of research data , which should comply with the fair principles of ‘ findability’ , ‘ accessibility’ , ‘ interoperability’ and ‘ reusability’ , notably through the mainstreaming of data management plans . where appropriate , beneficiaries should make use of the possibilities offered by the european open science cloud and adhere to further open science principles and practices . ### open science , including open access to scientific publications and research data , has the potential to increase the quality , impact and benefits of science and to accelerate the advancement of knowledge by making it more reliable , more efficient and accurate , better understandable by society and responsive to societal challenges . provisions should be laid down to ensure that beneficiaries provide open access to peer - reviewed scientific publications , research data and other research outputs in an open and non - discriminatory manner , free of charge and as early as possible in the dissemination process , and to enable their widest possible use and re - use . more emphasis should in particular be given to the responsible management of research data , which should comply with the fair principles of ‘ findability’ , ‘ accessibility’ , ‘ interoperability’ , ‘ reusability’ and safety measures in accordance with relevant data protection legislation , notably through the mainstreaming of data management plans . where appropriate , beneficiaries should make use of the possibilities offered by the european open science cloud and adhere to further open science principles and practices .


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


### adhere to the principles of union added value , transparency , openness , impact , leverage effect , long - term financial commitment of all the involved parties , flexibility , coherence and complementarity with union , local , regional national and international initiatives ; ### adhere to the principles of union added value , transparency , openness , impact , leverage effect , long - term financial commitment of all the involved parties , flexibility , coherence , data protection and complementarity with union , local , regional national and international initiatives ;


### responsible management of research data shall be ensured in line with the principles ‘ findability’ , ‘ accessibility’ , ‘ interoperability’ and ‘ reusability’ . ### responsible management of research data shall be ensured in line with the principles ‘ findability’ , ‘ accessibility’ , ‘ interoperability’ , ‘ reusability’ and with regard to all relevant union legislation on data protection .


### ethics checks shall be carried out with the support of ethics experts . ### ethics checks shall be carried out with the support of independent and specifically for this purpose appointed ethics experts .


### the work programme may provide for additional obligations to use the european open science cloud for storing and giving access to research data . ### the work programme may provide for additional obligations to use the european open science cloud for storing and giving access to research data , subject to all relevant union legislation on data protection .


### 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 exceptionally be selected without a call for expressions of interest by&#160 ; an ad hoc panel representing all involved parties&#160 ; and&#160 ; if justified and the selection is carried out in a transparent and unanimous manner .


### ‘ threat of serious injury’ to the position of union industry means serious injury that is clearly imminent ; ### ‘ threat of serious injury’ to the position of union industry means serious injury that is clearly imminent ; a determination of the existence of a threat of serious injury shall be based on verifiable information ;


### the report shall , inter alia , include information about the application of provisional and definitive measures , prior surveillance measures , regional surveillance and safeguard measures and the termination of investigations and proceedings without measures . ### the report shall , inter alia , include information about the application of provisional and definitive measures , prior surveillance measures , regional surveillance and safeguard measures and the termination of investigations and proceedings without measures , and shall justify the relevance of the information on the basis of which the conclusions have been made ;


### the union has been developing its own space initiatives and programmes since the end of the 1990s , namely the european geostationary navigation overlay service and then galileo and copernicus , which respond to the needs of union citizens and the requirements of public policies . not only should the continuity of those initiatives be ensured but they must also be improved , so that they remain at the forefront in view of new technology development and the transformations in the digital and information and communications technology domains , meet the new needs of users and are able to meet political priorities such as climate change , including monitoring changes in the artic , security and defence . ### the union has been developing its own space initiatives and programmes since the end of the 1990s , namely the european geostationary navigation overlay service and then galileo and copernicus , which respond to the needs of union citizens and the requirements of public policies . not only should the continuity of those initiatives be ensured but they must also be more rapidly improved , by increasing the number of satellites for example , so that they remain at the forefront in view of new technology development and the transformations in the digital and information and communications technology domains , meet the new needs of users and are able to meet political priorities such as climate change , including monitoring changes in the arctic , security and defence .


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


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


### regulation no 994 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply has already had a significant positive impact on the union situation as regards the security of the gas supply , both in terms of preparation and mitigation . member states are better prepared to face a supply crisis now that they are required to draw up plans including preventive and emergency measures , and they are better protected now that they have to meet a number of obligations regarding infrastructure capacity and gas supply . however , the implementation report of regulation no 994 / 2010 of october 2014 highlighted areas in which improvements to that regulation could further bolster the union supply security . ### regulation no 994 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply has already had a significant positive impact on the union situation as regards the security of the gas supply , both in terms of preparation and mitigation . some member states are better prepared to face a supply crisis now that they are required to draw up plans including preventive and emergency measures , and they are better protected now that they have to meet a number of obligations regarding infrastructure capacity and gas supply . however , the implementation report of regulation no 994 / 2010 of october 2014 highlighted areas in which improvements to that regulation could further bolster the union supply security .


### the commission’s communication on the short - term resilience of the european gas system from october 201413 analysed the effects of a partial or complete disruption of gas supplies from russia and concluded that purely national approaches are not very effective in the event of severe disruption , given their scope , which is by definition limited . this stress test showed how a more cooperative approach among member states could significantly reduce the impact of very severe disruption scenarios in the most vulnerable member states . __________________ 13 com 654 final ### the commission’s communication on the short - term resilience of the european gas system from october 201413 analysed the effects of a partial or complete disruption of gas supplies from russia and concluded that purely national approaches are not very effective in the event of severe disruption , given their scope , which is by definition limited . this stress test showed how a more cooperative approach among member states could reduce the impact of very severe disruption scenarios in the most vulnerable member states . __________________ 13 com 654 final


### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 , highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost solidarity and trust between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for implementing the energy union . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final . ### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 , highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost solidarity and trust between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for implementing the energy union . the union should therefore support only those diversification - oriented projects that are fully in line with union law and union principles as well as with the union’s long - term policy objectives and priorities . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final .


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


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


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


### certain customers , including households and customers providing essential social services , are particularly vulnerable and may need social protection . a definition of such protected customers should not conflict with the union solidarity mechanisms . ### certain customers , including households and customers providing essential social services , are particularly vulnerable and need social protection . a definition of such protected customers should not conflict with the union solidarity mechanisms .


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


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


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


### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . ### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . the commission should also ensure that dominant gas suppliers in a region do not abuse their position in breach of union competition law , with particular reference to unfair prices charged in member states .


### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . ### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , more efficient cooperation is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen cooperation . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be coordinated to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation for cooperative support - actions .


### one of the union goals is to strengthen the energy community that would ensure effective implementation of the union energy acquis , energy market reforms and incentivising investments in the energy sector by closer integration of the union and energy community energy markets . this entails also introducing common crisis management by proposing preventive and emergency plans at the regional level including the energy community contracting parties . furthermore , the commission communication on the short term resilience of the european gas system from october 2014 refers to the need to apply internal energy market rules on the flow of energy between the union member states and the energy community contracting parties . in this regard , in order to ensure an efficient crisis management on borders between the union member states and the contracting parties , the necessary arrangements following the adoption of a joint act should be set so that specific cooperation with any individual energy community contracting party can take place once the required mutual provisions have been duly put into place . . ### one of the union goals is to strengthen the energy community that would ensure effective implementation of the union energy acquis , energy market reforms and incentivising investments in the energy sector by closer cooperation of the union and energy community energy markets . this entails also introducing common crisis management by proposing preventive and emergency plans at the regional level including the energy community contracting parties . furthermore , the commission communication on the short term resilience of the european gas system from october 2014 refers to the need to apply internal energy market rules on the flow of energy between the union member states and the energy community contracting parties . in this regard , in order to ensure an efficient crisis management on borders between the union member states and the contracting parties , the necessary arrangements following the adoption of a joint act should be set so that specific cooperation with any individual energy community contracting party can take place once the required mutual provisions have been duly put into place . .


### since gas supplies from third countries are central to the security of the union gas supply , the commission should coordinate action with regard to third countries , work with supplying and transit countries on arrangements to handle crisis situations and ensure a stable gas flow to the union . the commission should be entitled to deploy a task force to monitor gas flows into the union in crisis situations , in consultation with the third countries involved , and , where a crisis arises from difficulties in a third country , to act as mediator and facilitator . ### since gas supplies from third countries are central to the security of the union gas supply , the commission should coordinate action with regard to third countries , work with supplying and transit countries on arrangements to handle crisis situations and ensure a stable gas flow to the union . the commission should be entitled to deploy a task force to monitor gas flows into the union in crisis situations , in consultation with the third countries involved , and , where a crisis arises from difficulties in a third country , to act as mediator and facilitator . the commission should continue its active involvement in the renewal of trilateral talks commission - gazprom - ukraine on russian gas supplies to ukraine in order to ensure that gas supplies from russia to ukraine would not be a weapon in russia - ukraine conflict anymore and that ukraine continues to be a reliable gas partner and transit country .


### the member states acting on their own cannot satisfactorily achieve the objective of this regulation , namely to guarantee a secure gas supply within the union . given the scale or effects of the action , it is better achieved at union level . the union may therefore adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective . ### the member states acting on their own cannot satisfactorily achieve the objective of this regulation regarding union - wide efforts , namely to guarantee a secure gas supply at union level . the union may therefore adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective .


### to allow for a swift union response to changing circumstances as regards security of gas supply , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amendment of regions and templates for risk assessment and plans . it is particularly important that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , it should ensure that relevant documents are simultaneously sent to the european parliament and the council , in good time and in the appropriate manner . ### to allow for a swift union response to changing circumstances as regards threats to the security of gas supply , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amendment of regions and templates for risk assessment and plans . it is particularly important that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , it should ensure that relevant documents are simultaneously sent to the european parliament and the council , in good time and in the appropriate manner .


### this regulation establishes provisions aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply by ensuring the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market in natural gas , by allowing for exceptional measures to be implemented when the market can no longer deliver the required gas supplies and by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities among natural gas undertakings , the member states and the union regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply . this regulation also provides transparent mechanisms , in a spirit of solidarity , for the coordination of planning for , and response to , an emergency at member state , regional and union levels . ### this regulation establishes provisions aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply by ensuring the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market in natural gas , by allowing for exceptional measures to be implemented when the market can no longer deliver the required gas supplies and by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities among natural gas undertakings , the member states and the union regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply . this regulation also provides for transparent mechanisms , in a spirit of solidarity , for the coordination of planning for , and response to , an emergency at member state , regional and union levels .


### each member state or , where a member state so provides , the competent authority shall ensure that the necessary measures are taken so that in the event of a disruption of the single largest gas infrastructure , the technical capacity of the remaining infrastructure , determined according to the n &#8211 ; 1 formula as provided in point 2 of annex ii , is able , without prejudice to paragraph 2 of this article , to satisfy total gas demand of the calculated area during a day of exceptionally high gas demand occurring with a statistical probability of once in 20 years . this is without prejudice to the responsibility of system operators to make the corresponding investments and to the obligations of transmission system operators as laid down in directive 2009 / 73 / ec and regulation no 715 / 2009 . ### each member state or , where a member state so provides , the competent authority shall strive to ensure that the necessary measures at the member state ' s disposal are taken so that in the event of a disruption of the single largest gas infrastructure , the technical capacity of the remaining infrastructure , determined according to the n &#8211 ; 1 formula as provided in point 2 of annex ii , is able , without prejudice to paragraph 2 of this article , may satisfy total gas demand of the calculated area during a day of exceptionally high gas demand occurring with a statistical probability of once in 20 years . this is without prejudice to the responsibility of system operators to make the corresponding investments and to the obligations of transmission system operators as laid down in directive 2009 / 73 / ec and regulation no 715 / 2009 .


### in so far as an investment for enabling or enhancing permanent bi - directional capacity is not required by the market and where that investment incurs costs in more than one member state or in one member state for the benefit of another member state , the national regulatory authorities of all member states concerned shall jointly decide on cost allocation before any investment decision is taken . the cost allocation shall in particular take into account the proportion of the benefits of the infrastructure investments for the increase of security of supply of the member states concerned as well as investments already made in the infrastructure in question . ### in so far as an investment for enabling or enhancing permanent bi - directional capacity is not required by the market and where that investment incurs costs in more than one member state or in one member state for the benefit of another member state , the national regulatory authorities of all member states concerned shall jointly decide on cost allocation before any investment decision is taken . the cost allocation shall in particular take into account the proportion of the benefits of the infrastructure investments for the increase of security of supply of the member states concerned , geo - strategical and political challenges , which may amount to additional investiture costs to the member states concerned , as well as investments already made in the infrastructure in question .


### define the role and responsibilities of natural gas undertakings and of industrial gas customers including relevant electricity producers , taking account of the different extent to which they are affected in the event of gas supply disruptions , and their interaction with the competent authorities and where appropriate with the national regulatory authorities at each of the crisis levels defined in article 10 ; ### clearly define the role and responsibilities of natural gas undertakings and of industrial gas customers including relevant electricity producers , taking account of the different extent to which they are affected in the event of gas supply disruptions , and their interaction with the competent authorities and where appropriate with the national regulatory authorities at each of the crisis levels defined in article 10 ;


### identify , if appropriate , the measures and actions to be taken to mitigate the potential impact of a gas supply disruption on district heating and the supply of electricity generated from gas ; ### identify , if appropriate , the measures and actions to be taken to mitigate the potential impact of a gas supply disruption on district heating and the supply of electricity generated from gas , taking into account regional specificities ;


### the first subparagraph shall apply to essential social services and district heating installations to the extent they are covered by the definition of protected customers in the respective member state . ### the first subparagraph shall apply to essential social services and district heating installations to the extent they are covered by the definition of protected customers applied by the competent authorities in the respective member state .


### due to the close interconnection of the union electricity grid and the increasing need to cooperate with neighbouring countries to maintain grid stability and integrate large volumes of renewable energies , regional operational centres will play an important role for the coordination of transmission system operators . the agency should guarantee regulatory oversight over the regional operational centres where necessary . ### due to the close interconnection of the union electricity grid and the increasing need to cooperate with neighbouring countries to maintain grid stability and integrate new generation capacity , regional security coordinators will play an important role for the coordination of transmission system operators . the agency should guarantee regulatory oversight over the regional security coordinators where necessary .


### in cases where the network codes and guidelines developed pursuant to chapter vii of [ recast electricity regulation as proposed by com 861 / 2 ] provide for the development of proposals for terms and conditions or methodologies for the implementation of those network codes and guidelines which require regulatory approval by all regulatory authorities or by all regulators of the concerned region , the terms and conditions or methodologies shall be submitted for revision and approval to the agency . before approving the terms and conditions or methodologies , the agency shall revise and change them where necessary in order to ensure that they are in line with the purpose of the network code or guideline and contribute to market integration , non - discrimination and the efficient functioning of the market . the procedure for the coordination of regional tasks in accordance with article 7 shall apply . ### in cases where the network codes and guidelines developed pursuant to chapter vii of regulation . . . / . . . of the european parliament and of the council [ proposed recast electricity regulation , cod0379 ] provide for the development of proposals for terms and conditions or methodologies for the implementation of those network codes and guidelines which require approval by the regulatory authorities of all member states , the proposed terms and conditions or methodologies shall be submitted for revision and approval to the agency . in cases where the network codes and guidelines developed pursuant to chapter vii of regulation . . . / . . . [ proposed recast electricity regulation , cod 0379 ] provide for the development of proposals for joint regional terms and conditions or methodologies for the implementation of network codes and guidelines which require approval by all regulatory authorities of the region concerned , the proposed terms and conditions or methodologies shall be notified to the agency . the agency shall decide on those terms and conditions or methodologies , in accordance with the article 7 , and in the following circumstances : where the competent national regulatory authorities have not been able to reach agreement within the period specified in the relevant network codes and guidelines ; or upon the joint request from the competent national regulatory authorities ; or where the terms and conditions or methodologies have tangible impact on the internal energy market , in particular in cases where an issue has significant relevance beyond the region concerned . before approving the terms and conditions or methodologies , the agency shall revise and change them where necessary in order to ensure that they are in line with the purpose of the network code or guidelines and contribute to market integration ; non - discrimination , effective competition and the proper functioning of the market .


### the agency may , in accordance with its work programme , at the request of the commission or at its own initiative , make recommendations to assist regulatory authorities and market players in sharing good practices . ### the agency may , in accordance with its work programme , at the request of the commission or at its own initiative , make recommendations to assist regulatory authorities and market players in sharing good practices ensuring full compliance with existing regulation .


### the agency shall provide a framework within which national regulatory authorities can cooperate . it shall promote cooperation between the national regulatory authorities and between regulatory authorities at regional and union level to ensure interoperability , communication and monitoring of regional performance in those areas which are still not harmonised at union level and shall take into account the outcome of such cooperation when formulating its opinions , recommendations and decisions . where the agency considers that binding rules on such cooperation are required , it shall make the appropriate recommendations to the commission . ### the agency shall provide a framework within which national regulatory authorities can cooperate in order to ensure speedy and efficient decision - making on issues with cross border relevance . it shall promote cooperation between the national regulatory authorities and between regulatory authorities at regional and union level to ensure interoperability , communication and monitoring of regional performance in those areas which are still not harmonised at union level and shall take into account the outcome of such cooperation when formulating its opinions , recommendations and decisions . where the agency considers that binding rules on such cooperation are required , it shall make the appropriate recommendations to the commission .


### each year , the administrative board shall adopt a programming document containing multi - annual and annual programming , based on a draft put forward by the director , taking into account the opinion of the commission and in relation to multiannual programming after consulting the european parliament . it shall forward it to the european parliament , the council and the commission no later than 31 january each year . ### each year , the administrative board shall adopt a draft programming document containing annual and multi - annual programming in line with article 32 of commission delegation regulation no 1271 / 2013 , based on a draft put forward by the director . the administrative board shall adopt the programming document taking into account the opinion of the commission , after having received the approval of the board of regulators for the annual work programme of the agency and in relation to multiannual programming after consulting the european parliament . it shall forward it to the european parliament , the council and the commission no later than 31 october each year .


### provide opinions to the director on the opinions , recommendations and decisions referred to in articles 4 to 14 , which are considered for adoption . in addition , the board of regulators , within its field of competence , shall provide guidance to the director in the execution of his tasks , with the exception of decisions pursuant to article 16 of regulation 1227 / 200138 . __________________ 38 regulation 1227 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency , oj l 326 , 8 . 12 . 2011 , p . 1 . ### amend and provide opinions to the director on opinions , recommendations and decisions referred to in articles 3 to 14 , which are considered for adoption . in its opinions , the board of regulators shall give utmost account to the recommendations of the director pursuant to art . 25c or give a statement of grounds as to why it does not . the board of regulators , within its field of competence , shall provide guidance to the director in the execution of his tasks , with the exception of decisions pursuant to article 16 of regulation 1227 / 201138 . __________________ 38 regulation 1227 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency , oj l 326 , 8 . 12 . 2011 , p . 1 .


### each year prepare a draft work programme of the agency for the following year , and shall , after the adoption of the draft by the administrative board submit it to the board of regulators , to the european parliament and to the commission by 31 january every year . the director shall be responsible for implementing the programming document and reporting to the administrative board of its implementation ; ### each year prepare a draft programming document of the agency , containing multi - annual programming and the work programme for the following year in accordance with article 21 . the director shall be responsible for implementing the programming document and reporting to the administrative board of its implementation ;


### where justified and in particular to support the regulatory work of the director and of the board of regulators on regulatory issues , the administrative board may establish working groups . ### where justified and in particular to support the regulatory work of the director and of the board of regulators on regulatory issues , the director and board of regulators may jointly establish working groups . the board of regulators shall appoint the working group chairs .


### in its communication of 6 april 2016 , the commission set out its options for improving the ceas , namely to establish a sustainable and fair system for determining the member states responsible for asylum seekers , to reinforce the eurodac system , to achieve greater convergence in the asylum system and to prevent secondary movements , and develop an enhanced mandate for the european asylum support office . that communication is in line with calls by the european council on 18 february 2016 to make progress towards reforming the eu ' s existing framework so as to ensure a humane and efficient asylum policy . it also proposes a way forward in line with the holistic approach to migration set out by the european parliament in its own initiative report of 12 april 2016 . ### in its communication of 6 april 2016 , the commission set out its options for improving the ceas , namely to establish a sustainable and fair system for determining the member states responsible for asylum seekers , to reinforce the eurodac system , to achieve greater convergence in the asylum system and to prevent secondary movements , and develop an enhanced mandate for the european asylum support office . that communication is in line with calls by the european council on 18 february 2016 to make progress towards reforming the eu ' s existing framework so as to ensure a humane , fair and efficient asylum policy . it also proposes a way forward in line with the holistic approach to migration set out by the european parliament in its own initiative report of 12 april 2016 .


### based on experience in the practical implementation of the union sustainability criteria , it is appropriate to strengthen the role of voluntary international and national certification schemes for verification of compliance with the sustainability criteria in a harmonised manner . ### based on experience in the practical implementation of the union sustainability criteria , it is appropriate to take into account the role of voluntary international and national certification schemes for verification of compliance with the sustainability criteria in a harmonised manner .


### ‘ renewable self - consumer’ means an active customer as defined in directive [ mdi directive ] who consumes and may store and sell renewable electricity which is generated within his or its premises , including a multi - apartment block , a commercial or shared services site or a closed distribution system , provided that , for non - household renewable self - consumers , those activities do not constitute their primary commercial or professional activity ; ### ' renewable self - consumer ' means an active customer as defined in directive [ mdi directive ] who consumes and may store and sell renewable electricity which is generated within his or its premises , including a multi - apartment block , a commercial or shared services site or a closed distribution system , provided that , for non - household renewable self - consumers , those activities do not constitute their primary commercial or professional activity ; in all cases , self - consumption is characterised by the existence of a direct connection between the generation facility and each individual consumer , allowing an hourly measurement of self - consumed or discharged renewable production , resulting in appropriate allocation of the costs and revenues to all self - consumers . consumers acting together shall retain the same rights and obligations as any other consumer . in particular , they will keep their right to switch supplier and the rights and obligations in relation to accurate metering and billing in order to ensure a fair allocation of network costs and their revenues as self - generators .


### the permit granting process referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed a period of three years , except for the cases set out in article 16 and article 17 . ### member states shall ensure that applicants have access to simple , fair , transparent , independent , effective and efficient out - of - court dispute resolution mechanisms for the settlement of disputes concerning the permit granting process and the issuance of permit to build and operate plants for the production of energy from renewable energy sources .


### with effect from 1 january 2021 , member states shall require fuel suppliers to include a minimum share of energy from advanced biofuels and other biofuels and biogas produced from feedstock listed in annex ix , from renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non - biological origin , from waste - based fossil fuels and from renewable electricity in the total amount of transport fuels they supply for consumption or use on the market in the course of a calendar year . ### with effect from 1 january 2021 , in the goal of increasing the share of energy from renewable sources in transport , member states shall require fuel suppliers to include a minimum share of energy from advanced biofuels and other biofuels and biogas produced from feedstock listed in annex ix , from renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non - biological origin , from waste - based fossil fuels and from renewable electricity in the total amount of transport fuels they supply for consumption or use on the market in the course of a calendar year .


### however , biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from waste and residues , other than agricultural , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry residues , need only fulfil the greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria set out in paragraph 7 in order to be taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of this paragraph . this provision shall also apply to waste and residues that are first processed into a product before being further processed into biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels . ### biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from waste and residues , other than agricultural , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry residues , need only fulfil the greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria set out in paragraph 7 in order to be taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of this paragraph . however , their production shall be in line with the principle of the waste hierarchy as laid down in directive 2008 / 98 / ec and shall avoid significant distortive effects on markets for products , wastes or residues . this provision shall also apply to waste and residues that are first processed into a product before being further processed into biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels .


### by 31 december 2023 , the commission shall assess whether the criteria set out in paragraphs 5 and 6 effectively minimise the risk of using unsustainable forest biomass and address lulucf requirements , on the basis of available data . the commission shall , if appropriate , present a proposal to modify the requirements laid down in paragraphs 5 and 6 . ### by 31 december 2023 , the commission shall assess , in close collaboration with the member states , whether the criteria set out in paragraphs 5 and 6 effectively minimise the risk of using unsustainable forest biomass and address lulucf requirements , on the basis of available data . the commission shall , if appropriate , present a proposal to modify the requirements laid down in paragraphs 5 and 6 for the period after 2030 .


### at least 80 % for electricity , heating and cooling production from biomass fuels used in installations starting operation after 1 january 2021 and 85% for installations starting operation after 1 january 2026 . ### at least 70 % for electricity , heating and cooling production from biomass fuels used in installations starting operation after 1 january 2021 and 80% for installations starting operation after 1 january 2026 .


### when the processing of a consignment of raw material yields only one output that is intended for the production of biofuels , bioliquids or biomass fuels , the size of the consignment and the related quantities of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving characteristics shall be adjusted applying a conversion factor representing the ratio between the mass of the output that is intended for the production of biofuels , bioliquids or biomass fuels and the mass of the raw material entering the process ; ### when the processing of a consignment of raw material yields only one output that is intended for the production of biofuels , bioliquids or biomass fuels , the size of the consignment and the related quantities of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving characteristics shall be adjusted applying a conversion factor representing the ratio between the mass of the output that is intended for the production of biofuels , bioliquids or biomass fuels and the mass of the raw material entering the process provided that each consignment which constitutes the mixture meets the requirements laid down in article 26 ;


### in order to ensure that compliance with the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria is verified in an efficient and harmonised manner and in particular to prevent fraud , the commission may specify detailed implementing rules , including adequate standards of reliability , transparency and independent auditing and require all voluntary schemes to apply those standards . when specifying these standards , the commission shall pay special attention to the need to minimize administrative burden . this shall be done by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 31 . such acts shall set a time frame by which voluntary schemes need to implement the standards . the commission may repeal decisions recognising voluntary schemes in the event that those schemes fail to implement such standards in the time frame provided for . ### in order to ensure that compliance with the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria is verified in an efficient and harmonised manner and in particular to prevent fraud , the commission may specify detailed implementing rules , including adequate standards of reliability , transparency and independent auditing and require all voluntary schemes to apply those standards . when specifying these standards , the commission shall pay special attention to the need to minimize administrative burden . this shall be done by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 31 . such acts shall set a time frame by which voluntary schemes need to implement the standards . the commission may repeal decisions recognising voluntary schemes in the event that those schemes fail to implement such standards in the time frame provided for . where a member state raises a concern as to the operation of a voluntary scheme , the commission shall investigate the matter and take appropriate action .


### the development of digital technologies and internet has transformed the distribution of and access to television and radio programmes . users increasingly expect to have access to television and radio programmes both live and on - demand , using traditional channels such as satellite or cable and also through online services . broadcasting organisations are therefore increasingly offering , in addition to their own broadcasts of television and radio programmes , online services ancillary to their broadcast , such as simulcasting and catch - up services . retransmission services operators , which aggregate broadcasts of television and radio programmes into packages and provide them to users simultaneously to the initial transmission of the broadcast , unaltered and unabridged , use various techniques of retransmission such as cable , satellite , digital terrestrial , closed circuit ip - based or mobile networks as well as the open internet . on the part of users , there is a growing demand for access to broadcasts of television and radio programmes not only originating in their member state but also in other member states of the union , including from members of linguistic minorities of the union as well as from persons who live in another member state than their member state of origin . ### the development of digital technologies and internet has transformed the distribution of and access to television and radio programmes . users increasingly expect to have access to television and radio programmes both live and on - demand , using traditional channels such as satellite or cable and also through online services . broadcasting organisations are therefore increasingly offering , in addition to their own broadcasts of television and radio programmes , online services ancillary to their broadcast , such as simulcasting and catch - up services . retransmission services operators , which aggregate broadcasts of television and radio programmes into packages and provide them to users simultaneously to the initial transmission of the broadcast , unaltered and unabridged , use various techniques of retransmission such as cable , satellite , digital terrestrial , closed circuit ip - based or mobile networks as well as the open internet . on the part of users , there is a growing demand for access to television and radio programmes , including catch - up services , not only originating in their member state but also in other member states of the union , including from members of linguistic minorities of the union as well as from persons who live in another member state than their member state of origin . this is a positive development and geo - blocking should not be the default position for all audiovisual content produced in the european union and transmitted online ; however the territorial funding model for european content is vital to the success of the european audiovisual media sector .


### since the provision of , the access to or the use of an ancillary online service is deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment , while de facto the ancillary online service can be provided across borders to other member states , it is necessary to ensure that in arriving at the amount of the payment to be made for the rights in question , the parties should take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service such as the features of the service , the audience , including the audience in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment and in other member states in which the ancillary online service is accessed and used , and the language version . ### since the provision of , the access to or the use of an ancillary online service is deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment , while de facto the ancillary online service can be provided across borders to other member states upon contractual agreement , it is necessary to ensure that in arriving at the amount of the payment to be made for the rights in question , the parties should take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service such as the features of the service , the audience , including the audience in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment and in other member states in which the ancillary online service is accessed and used , and the language version .


### a review of the regulation should be undertaken after the regulation has been in force for a period of time , in order to assess , among others , to what extent the cross - border provision of ancillary online services has increased to the benefit of european consumers and hence also to the benefit of improved cultural diversity in the union . ### in line with the principles of better regulation , a review of the regulation should be undertaken after the regulation has been in force for a period of time , in order to assess the impact of the regulation , and primarily , to what extent the cross - border provision of ancillary online services has increased to the benefit of european consumers and hence also to the benefit of improved cultural diversity in the union .


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


### the disparities between the laws and administrative measures adopted by the member states in relation to accessibility of products and services for persons with functional limitations including persons with disabilities create barriers to the free movement of such products and services and distort effective competition in the internal market . economic operators , in particular small and medium - sized enterprises , are particularly affected by those barriers . ### the disparities between the laws and administrative measures adopted by the member states in relation to accessibility of products and services for persons with functional limitations including persons with disabilities create barriers to the free movement of such products and services and distort effective competition in the internal market . economic operators , in particular small and medium - sized enterprises , are particularly hard hit by those barriers .


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