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


### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe shall be steered by an inclusive and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall implement the horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives by defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan by means of a delegated act will increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at union level as well as complementing policies in the member states . it will allow the simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to those objectives , the commission will launch an open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities including missions , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , in particular the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan before being implemented in work programmes . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . all well - established partnerships , such as the joint technology initiatives , will be considered for continuation beyond 2020 due to their added - value in bringing and leveraging private investment and contribution to synergies of funds . as in horizon 2020 , proposals for joint undertakings will be presented as council regulations . on - going and new kics will be identified in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme and reinforce existing european partnerships , which could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with all relevant dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , including the euratom programme , which offer possibilities for synergies between union funds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the union budget and non - funding instruments . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overconme reslient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in research , technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth .


### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop and deploy breakthrough and disruptive innovations , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market . ### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop radically new future technologies and develop and deploy breakthrough and disruptive innovations , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market .


### in the implementation of horizon europe , particular attention will be paid to ensuring a balanced and broad approach to research and innovation , which is not only limited to the development of new products processes and services on the basis of scientific and technological knowledge and breakthroughs , but also incorporates the use of existing technologies in novel applications and continuous improvement and non - technological and social innovation . a systemic , cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral and cross - policy approach to research innovation will ensure that challenges can be tackled while also giving rise to new competitive businesses and industries , fostering competition , stimulating private investments and preserving the level playing field in the internal market . ### in the implementation of horizon europe , particular attention will be paid to ensuring a balanced and broad approach to research and innovation , in all stages of development , which is not only limited to fostering frontier research , or the development of new products processes and services on the basis of scientific and technological knowledge and breakthroughs , but also incorporates the use of existing technologies in novel applications and continuous improvement and non - technological and social innovation . a systemic , cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral and cross - policy approach to research innovation will ensure that challenges can be tackled while also giving rise to new competitive businesses and industries , fostering competition , stimulating private investments and preserving the level playing field in the internal market .


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


### the activities of the erc shall support research carried out across all fields by individual and transnational teams in competition at the european level . ### the activities of the erc shall support research carried out across all fields by individual and transnational teams in competition at the european level . erc frontier research grants shall be awarded on the sole criterion of excellence .


### in particular , programme managers will oversee the implementation of pathfinder calls , and propose evaluation rankings in view of consistent strategic portfolio of projects , expected to make essential contributions to the emergence of potential societal or economic market creating innovations . ### in particular , programme managers will oversee the implementation of pathfinder calls , and propose evaluation rankings in view of consistent strategic portfolio of projects , expected to make essential contributions to the emergence of potential societal or economic radically new future technologies or market creating innovations .


### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme . ### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of science and technology research and technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme .


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities and the methods of implementation in the agricultural sector in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with the dedicated eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . notes that precision farming is an important tool in increasing yields and productivity while creating a sustainable future for farming .


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


### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous open call for bottom - up proposals . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming . ### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous and competitive open call with cut - off dates for bottom - up proposals . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming .


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


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


### in some situations , common accessibility requirements of the built environment would facilitate the free movement of the related services and of persons with disabilities . therefore , this directive enables member states to include the built environment used in the provision of the services under the scope of this directive , ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements set in annex x . ### common accessibility requirements of the built environment are essential for the free movement of the related services and of persons with disabilities . therefore , this directive enables member states to include the built environment used in the provision of the services under the scope of this directive , ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements set in annex x .


### the entry into force of the convention in the member states’ legal orders entails the need to adopt additional national provisions on accessibility of products and services which without union action would further increase disparities between national provisions . ### the entry into force of the convention in the member states’ legal orders entails the need to adopt additional national provisions on accessibility of products and services and the built environment related to the provision of goods and services which without union action would further increase disparities between national provisions .


### air , bus , rail and waterborne passenger transport services ; ### air , bus , rail and waterborne passenger transport services and infrastructure ;


### content of instruction shall be available in text formats that can be used for generating alternative assistive formats to be presented in different ways and via more than one sensory channel , and ### shall be made available in accessible web format and electronic non - web document by making them perceivable , operable , understandable and robust ;


### user interface and functionality design : in order to make accessible the design of the products and their user interface as referred to in points and of point 1 they must be designed , where applicable , as follows : provide for communication and orientation via more than one sensory channel ; provide for alternatives to speech for communication and orientation ; provide for flexible magnification and contrast ; provide for an alternative colour to convey information ; provide for flexible ways to separate and control foreground from background including for reducing background noise and improve clarity ; provide for user control of volume ; provide for sequential control and alternatives to fine motor control ; provide for modes of operation with limited reach and strength ; provide avoidance of triggering photosensitive seizures ; ### functionality requirements for user interface and design of the product : in order to make accessible the design of the products and their user interface as referred to in points and of point 1 they shall be designed , where applicable , as follows : provide for communication and orientation via more than one sensory channel including : where the product provides visual modes of communication and operation , the product shall provide at least one mode of information and operation that does not require vision , where the product provides auditory modes of information and operation , the product shall provide at least one mode of information and operation that does not require hearing ; provide for alternatives to speech for communication and orientation , where the product requires vocal input from users , the product shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require the users to generate orally - generated sounds like speech , whistles or clicks ; where the product provides visual modes of communication and operation , provide for features that enable users to make better use of their limited vision , including by providing flexible magnification without loss of content or functionality , flexible contrast and brightness , and where possible , it should include flexible ways to separate and control foreground from background visual elements and flexible control over the field of vision required ; provide for a visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of colour ; provide for user control of volume and enhanced audio features to improve audio clarity , including flexible ways to separate and control foreground from background sound where voice and background are available as separate audio streams ; provide for sequential control and alternatives to fine motor control , including where the product requires manual actions , the product shall provide features that enable users to make use of the product through alternative modes of operation not requiring fine motor control like manipulation or hand strength , nor operation of more than one control at the same time ; provide for modes of operation with limited reach and strength , including where product is free - standing or installed , the informational and operational elements shall be located within standard accessible reach ranges or it shall be possible for a user to place it within reach ; where the product provides visual modes of information , the product shall provide at least one mode of information that minimizes the potential for triggering photosensitive seizures ; provide for features that make its communication and user operation simpler and easier to use ; where the product provides features that are provided for accessibility , the users’ privacy shall be maintained when using those features .


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


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


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


### in some situations , common accessibility requirements of the built environment would facilitate the free movement of the related services and of persons with disabilities . therefore , this directive enables member states to include the built environment used in the provision of the services under the scope of this directive , ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements set in annex x . ### common accessibility requirements of the built environment are essential for the free movement of the related services and of persons with disabilities . therefore , this directive commits member states to include the built environment used in the provision of the services under the scope of this directive , ensuring compliance with the accessibility requirements set in annex x .


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


### the efsi was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . given its success , the commission is committed to the doubling of the efsi , both in terms of duration and financial capacity . the legal extension covers the period of the current multiannual financial framework and should provide a total of at least half a trillion euro investments by 2020 . in order to enhance the firepower of the efsi even further and reach the aim of doubling the investment target , member states should also contribute as a matter of priority . ### the efsi was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . the current amount of the efsi guarantee is sufficient to fund activities in 2017 and 2018 except for the smew 1a . given the lack of sufficient data on the tangible impact of efsi on growth and jobs , efsi should continue to operate within the current parameters until an independent evaluation is available . only for the smew an increase can be justified . __________________ 1a court of auditors opinion no 2 / 2016 .


### in order to reinforce the take - up of the efsi in less - developed and transition regions , the scope of the general objectives eligible for efsi support should be enlarged . ### in less - developed and transition regions greater advice and guidance must be given in order to facilitate and reinforce the take - up of efsi .


### any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product , on the inner or outer packaging , advertising material or documents relating to the product concerned , and the packing of the product in a container liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ; ### any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product , on the presentation or labelling of the product liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ;


### protected geographical indications and the spirit drinks using those protected names in conformity with the product specification shall be protected against : ### geographical indications and the spirit drinks using those protected names in conformity with the product specification shall be protected against :


### a mixture shall bear the sales denomination ‘ spirit drink’ . ### a mixture shall bear the sales denomination ‘ spirit drink’ . this sales denomination shall be shown clearly and visibly in a prominent position on the label .


### maximum levels of residue for ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin shall meet those set out in point of annex i , except that the methanol content shall not exceed 10 grams per hectolitre of 100 % vol . alcohol . ### maximum levels of residue for ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin used to produce vodka shall meet those set out in point of annex i , except that the methanol content shall not exceed 10 grams per hectolitre of 100 % vol . alcohol .


### the alcohol used in the production of the foodstuffs originates exclusively from the spirit drinks referred to in the compound term or in the allusion , except for ethyl alcohol that may be present in flavourings used for the production of that foodstuff ; and ### the alcohol used in the production of the foodstuffs originates exclusively from the spirit drinks referred to in the compound term or in the allusion , except for ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin which is used as a carrier in flavourings used for the production of that foodstuff ; and


### by terms indicated in the relevant product specification . ### by any terms permitted by the relevant product specification .


### a description of the method of obtaining the spirit drink and , where appropriate , the authentic and unvarying local methods as well as information on packaging , if the applicant group so determines and gives sufficient product - specific justification as to why the packaging must take place in the defined geographical area to safeguard quality , to ensure the origin or to ensure control , taking into account union law , in particular that on the free movement of goods and the free provision of services ; ### a description of the method of producing the spirit drink and , where appropriate , the authentic and unvarying local methods as well as information on packaging , if the applicant group so determines and gives sufficient product - specific justification as to why the packaging must take place in the defined geographical area to safeguard quality , to ensure the origin or to ensure control , taking into account union law , in particular that on the free movement of goods and the free provision of services ;


### this directive shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of weapons and ammunition , in accordance with national law , by the armed forces , the police , the public authorities . nor shall it apply to commercial transfers of weapons and ammunition of war . ### this directive shall not apply to the acquisition or possession of weapons and ammunition , in accordance with national law , by the armed forces , the police , the public authorities or by collectors and bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognized as such by the member state in whose territory they are established . nor shall it apply to commercial transfers of products of the defence industry .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean the barrel , frame , receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breach block and any device designed or adapted to diminish the sound caused by firing a firearm which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted . ' ### for the purposes of this directive , ' essential component ' shall mean any part essential to its operation , including the barrel , frame , receiver , slide or cylinder , bolt or breach block which , being separate objects , are included in the category of the firearms on which they are or are intended to be mounted .


### bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established and holding in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before the date of entry into force of this directive should be able to keep those firearms in their possession subject to authorisation by the member state concerned and provided that those firearms have been deactivated . ### collectors and bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established and holding in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before the date of entry into force of this directive should be able to keep those firearms in their possession subject to authorisation by the member state concerned and provided that those firearms have been deactivated .


### furthermore , the risk of alarm weapons and other types of blank firing weapons being converted to real firearms is high , and in some of the terrorist acts converted arms were used . it is therefore essential to address the problem of converted firearms being used in criminal offences , notably by including them in the scope of the directive . technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons should be adopted in order to ensure that they cannot be converted into firearms . ### technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons should be adopted in order to ensure that they cannot be converted into firearms .


### bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established and holding in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before the date of entry into force of this directive should be able to keep those firearms in their possession subject to authorisation by the member state concerned and provided that those firearms have been deactivated . ### collectors and bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established should be able to keep and acquire firearms classified in category a subject to authorisation by the member state concerned .


### the commission shall regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , based on a range of sources of information , including in particular regular reporting from the eeas and information from member states , easo , unhcr , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . ### the commission shall regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , based on a range of sources of information , including in particular regular reporting from the eeas and information from member states , easo , unhcr and the council of europe .


### the commission should regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin . in case of sudden change for the worse in the situation of a third country on the eu common list , 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 suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of one year where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration a range of sources of information at its disposal including in particular , its annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### the commission should regularly review the situation in third countries in order to provide for both removing and adding third countries to the eu common list of safe countries of origin . in case of sudden change for the worse in the situation of a third country on the eu common list , 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 suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of six months where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration information from the annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the frontex agency , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### any amendment of the eu common list of safe countries of origin shall be adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure . ### amendment of the eu common list of safe countries of origin shall be adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure .


### in case of sudden changes in the situation of a third country that is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , the commission shall conduct a substantiated assessment of the fulfilment by that country of the conditions set in annex i of directive 2013 / 32 / eu and , if those conditions are no longer met , shall adopt , in accordance with article 290 tfue , a decision suspending the presence of that third country from the eu common list for a period of one year . ### in case of sudden changes in the situation of a third country that is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , the commission shall conduct a substantiated assessment of the fulfilment by that country of the conditions set in annex i of directive 2013 / 32 / eu and , if those conditions are no longer met , shall adopt , in accordance with article 290 tfue , a decision suspending the presence of that third country from the eu common list for a period of six months .


### removal of a third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin in case of sudden change of situation ### removal and addition of a third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin in case of sudden change of situation


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs , sectors and regions not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states , projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 , as well as projects in sustainable transport . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the blending of other sources of union funding with the efsi in order to achieve synergies between the different sources of union support . the eiah should be easily accessible and transparent when providing support and its visibility should be further promoted to potential project promoters .


### to better address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , eib special activities supported by the efsi shall typically have features such as subordination , participation in risk - sharing instruments , cross - border characteristics , exposure to specific risks or other identifiable aspects as further described in annex ii . eib projects carrying a risk lower than the minimum risk under eib special activities may also be supported by the efsi if the use of the eu guarantee is required to ensure additionality as defined in the first subparagraph of this paragraph . the projects supported by the efsi that consist of physical infrastructure linking two or more member states or of the extension of physical infrastructure or services linked to physical infrastructure from one member state to one or more member states , shall also be considered to provide additionality . ; ### the eib’s special activities supported by the efsi shall better address economic and financial inefficiencies , market failures and sub - optimal investment situations , including discrepancies in the investment capacity of member states and their diverse risk premia , leveraging frictions , weak investment multipliers , complicated multi - national and cross - border projects and aversion to risk investment , especially in research , innovation , new technologies , as well as existing and new infrastructures . to that end , these special activities shall typically have features such as subordination , participation in risk - sharing instruments , first - loss guarantee schemes in the event that the efsi is combined with union and / or national budgetary resources , cross - border characteristics , and exposure to specific risks or other identifiable aspects as further described in annex ii . the efsi shall maximise the number of projects and the number of final beneficiaries and the potential leverage effect . eib projects carrying a risk lower than the minimum risk under eib special activities shall not be supported by the efsi unless the use of the eu guarantee is necessary to ensure additionality as defined in the first subparagraph of this paragraph and provided that those projects cannot be funded under better terms through other sources of financing . the efsi may support projects that consist of physical infrastructure linking two or more member states or of the extension of physical infrastructure or services linked to physical infrastructure from one member state to one or more member states , as long as those projects provide additionality . additionality shall also be linked to the innovative nature and long - term societal and environmental benefits of the projects and their potentially longer - term and higher - risk financing needs . moreover , in order to better reach sectors where the demand for financing cannot be sufficiently met by the private market and where the nature and size of operations and loan requirements mean it is not possible to access funding through classic eib activities , the efsi should also support sector - specific financial mechanisms , in particular for cultural and creative industries , provided for under union framework programmes such as the guarantee facility within the creative europe programme through the provision of guarantees for topping - up and front - loading of those mechanisms . moreover , when the efsi is combined with other funds , such as cef , horizon 2020 and esifs , the additionality criteria shall apply and the highest risk tranche shall be covered by the efsi . however , financing through the efsi shall not replace grants under union funding such as esif , cef and horizon 2020 .


### ‘ leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ’ ### ‘ leveraging regional and local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib and project promoters to originate operations ; ’


### due to their potential to increase the efficiency of the efsi intervention , blending operations combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , such as those available under the connecting europe facility , and financing from eib group , including eib financing under the efsi , as well as other investors should be encouraged . blending aims to enhance the value added of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors and to ensure the actions supported become economically and financially viable . ### due to their potential to increase the efficiency of the efsi intervention , blending operations combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , such as those available under the connecting europe facility , european structural and investment funds and financing from eib group , including eib financing under the efsi , as well as other investors should be encouraged . blending aims to enhance the value added of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors and to ensure the actions supported become economically and financially viable . coherence and synergies between all forms of union support should be ensured .


### leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ### leveraging local and regional knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib as well as the project developers to originate and aggregate operations ;


### the eib shall target that at least 40 % of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window supports projects with components that contribute to climate action , in line with the cop21 commitments . the steering board shall provide detailed guidance to that end ; ### the efsi steering board and the investment committee shall make sure that each supported project is in line with the criteria set out in this regulation and that each helps to reach the union’s climate goals and boost its transition to sustainability . at least 40% of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window shall be earmarked for projects directly accomplishing the cop21 commitments , as well as the eu2050 commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 80 - 95% . moreover , at least 20% of efsi financing shall support energy efficiency projects , prioritising small - scale innovative projects in the building sector , with special attention given to projects eliminating social inequalities and fighting energy poverty . efsi financing for smes and mid - cap companies shall not be included in that computation .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and should make efforts to contribute actively where possible towards sectorial and geographic diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi .


### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest and shall be able to cover financing and investment operations in at least three member states . the implementing partners may also cover together financing and investment operations in at least three member states by forming a group . ### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest and shall be able to cover financing and investment operations in at least three member states . the implementing partners may also cover together financing and investment operations in at least two member states by forming a group . this criteria is also fulfilled when the implementing partners identify a common market failure in their respective markets and address this market failure or suboptimal investment situation with locally adapted , but similar instruments .


### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . ### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as providing risk capital of innovation smes active in the cultural and creative industries is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation , in particular in cultural and creative industries , which are highly contributing to innovation , is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union , and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular young entrepreneurs , to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets .


### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest and shall be able to cover financing and investment operations in at least three member states . the implementing partners may also cover together financing and investment operations in at least three member states by forming a group . ### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest and shall be able to cover financing and investment operations in at least two member states . the implementing partners may also cover together financing and investment operations in at least two member states by forming a group . this condition can be fulfilled by covering financing and investment operations in one region of a member state .


### in order to ensure that interventions under the eu compartment of the investeu fund focus on market failures and sub - optimal investment situations at union level , but , at the same time , satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach , the eu guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners , which alone or together with other implementing partners , can cover at least three member states . however , it is expected that around 75 % of the eu guarantee under the eu compartment would be allocated to implementing partner or partners that can offer financial products under the investeu fund in all member states . ### in order to ensure that interventions under both compartments of the investeu fund focus on union - wide and / or member state specific market failures and sub - optimal investment situations at union level , but , at the same time , satisfy the objectives of best possible geographic outreach , the eu guarantee should be allocated to implementing partners , which alone or together with other implementing partners , can cover one or more member states . however , it is expected that around 75 % of the eu guarantee under the eu compartment would be allocated to eib group that can offer financial products under the investeu fund in all member states .


### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest and shall be able to cover financing and investment operations in at least three member states . the implementing partners may also cover together financing and investment operations in at least three member states by forming a group . ### for the eu compartment , the eligible counterparts shall have expressed their interest .


### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners . ### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the relevant considerations should include the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and to contribute its resources to the fund , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address union - wide and / or member state specific market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should indirectly manage the eu guarantee for the eu compartment and the member state compartment . the implementing partners are as follows : the eib group under the eib window of the eu compartment the national promotional banks or institutions with whom a guarantee agreement is signed under the npbi window of the eu compartment . in line with its role in the treaties , the eib provides all strategic banking competences for the commission and other implementing partners . in addition to the eib group , national and regional promotional banks or institutions , where they are implementing partners , should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union .


### by 30 september 2025 , the commission shall carry out an interim evaluation on the investeu programme , in particular on the use of the eu guarantee . ### by 30 september 2024 , the commission shall carry out an interim review on the investeu programme , in particular on the use of the eu guarantee . the interim review shall contain an extensive assessment of the performance of the investeu advisory hub . the results of this review should be taken into account in any revision of this regulation .


### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners . ### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart ' s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and its contribution as defined in point 2 a of paragraph 1 of article 2 of this regulation , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund ' s eu compartment and the commission should closely cooperate with the eib group , and where appropriate coordinate with the other implementing partners , in the management of the investeu advisory hub in order to ensure efficiency , synergies and an effective geographic support coverage across the union while taking due account of existing structures and work in this regard , such as the european investment advisory hub . in addition to the eib group , national , regional and local promotional banks or institutions , where they are implementing partners , should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . the rules on the participation of national , regional or local promotional banks or institutions in the program should take into account the principle of proportionality with regard to complexity , size and risk of the implementing partners concerned to ensure a level - playing field for smaller and younger promotional banks or institutions . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners .


### the efsd shall contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda with a particular focus on sustainable growth , job creation , socio - economic sectors and on the support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises , thus addressing root causes of migration and contributing to sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin while maximising additionality , delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector funds . ### the efsd shall contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda with a particular focus on sustainable development , inclusive growth , job creation , poverty eradication , socio - economic sectors and on the development of the local private sector through the support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises , thus addressing root causes of migration and contributing to the sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin , while maximising additionality , delivering innovative products and solutions and crowding in private sector funds .


### the strategic board shall be composed of representatives of the commission and of the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , of the member states and of the eib . the commission may invite other contributors to become members of the strategic board having regard where appropriate to the view of the board . partner countries and relevant regional organisations , the eligible counterparts and the european parliament may be given observer status , where appropriate . the strategic board shall be co - chaired by the commission and the high representative . ### the strategic board shall be composed of representatives of the commission and of the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , of the member states , of the eib and of the european parliament . the commission shall invite other contributors to become members of the strategic board , where appropriate , with the accord of the board . partner countries and relevant regional organisations , the eligible counterparts may be given observer status , where appropriate . the strategic board shall be co - chaired by the commission and the high representative . the secretariat of the efsd , as a newly formed unit under the auspices of the european commission , should encompass members of all relevant dgs - dg devco , dg near , dg budg - and be positioned under the guidance of the high - representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , in order to benefit from the full weight and clout of the european commission when taking crucial investment decisions .


### the commission may define investment windows for specific regions or partner countries or for both , for specific sectors , for specific projects or for specific categories of final beneficiaries or for both to be funded by instruments referred to in article 9 to be covered by the efsd guarantee up to a fixed amount . all requests for financial support within investment windows shall be made to the commission . ### the commission shall define investment windows for specific regions or partner countries or for both , for specific sectors , for specific projects or for specific categories of final beneficiaries or for both to be funded by instruments referred to in article 9 to be covered by the efsd guarantee up to a fixed amount . the choice of investment windows shall be duly justified by an analysis of the market failure or sub - optimal investment situations . such analysis shall be carried out by the commission in cooperation with potentially eligible counterparts and stakeholders . investment windows shall be defined with a view to allocating a significant share of the efsd guarantee to fragile and conflict - affected countries , landlocked countries and least - developed countries .


### the union ' s ambitious external investment plan is needed to support investments starting in africa and the union ' s neighbourhood as a means to promote the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development as well as the commitments under the recently revised european neighbourhood policy thus addressing root causes of migration . it should also contribute to the implementation of the paris agreement on climate change . ### the union ' s ambitious external investment plan is needed to engineer , guide and support investments in africa and the union ' s neighbourhood for a start , as a means to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development as well as the commitments under the recently revised european neighbourhood policy , thus addressing root causes of migration . it should also contribute to the implementation of the paris agreement on climate change .


### this is in line with the union global strategy for foreign and security policy which embeds challenges such as migration and resilience in the overall eu foreign policy , ensuring coherence and synergies with european development and neighbourhood policies . ### this is in line with the union global strategy for foreign and security policy which embeds challenges such as migration and resilience in the overall eu foreign policy , ensuring full policy coherence and synergies with european development and neighbourhood policies .


### the national forestry accounting plan shall contain all the elements listed in annex iv , section b and include a proposed new forest reference level based on the continuation of current forest management practice and intensity , as documented between 1990 - 2009 per forest type and per age class in national forests , expressed in tonnes of co2 equivalent per year . ### the national forestry accounting framework shall contain all the elements listed in annex iv , section b and include a proposed new forest reference level based on the trends of sustainable forest management practices in accordance with the best available data and adopted policies and programs , taking into account the protection of biodiversity , expressed in tonnes of co2 equivalent per year .


### emissions and removals from forests and harvested wood products as shown in greenhouse gas inventories and relevant historical data , ### emissions and removals from forests as shown in greenhouse gas inventories and relevant historical data ,


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to adapt the definitions in paragraph 1 to scientific developments or technical progress and to ensure consistency between those definitions and any changes to relevant definitions in the 2006 ipcc guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to adapt the definitions in paragraph 1 to ensure consistency between those definitions and any changes to relevant definitions in the 2006 ipcc guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories , as adopted by bodies of the unfccc or of the paris agreement .


### member states shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed cropland calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five the member state ' s average annual emissions and removals resulting from managed cropland in its base period 2005 - 2007 . ### member states shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed cropland calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five the member state ' s average annual emissions and removals resulting from managed cropland in its base period 2005 - 2007 or its base year elected under the unfccc . the choice of accounting reference shall be communicated to the european commission before 31 december 2018 .


### for the period from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 , taking into account the flexibilities provided for in article 11 , each member state shall ensure that emissions do not exceed removals , calculated as the sum of total emissions and removals on their territory in the land accounting categories referred to in article 2 combined , as accounted in accordance with this regulation . ### for the period from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 , taking into account the flexibilities provided for in article 11 , each member state shall ensure that emissions do not exceed removals , calculated as the sum of total emissions and removals on their territory in the land accounting categories and other categories referred to in article 2 combined , as accounted in accordance with this regulation . during the first review , as stipulated in article 15 , the commission shall review the above rule in accordance with relevant decisions adopted by bodies of the unfccc or of the paris agreement .


### member states shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed forest land , calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five its forest reference level . a forest reference level is an estimate of the average annual net emissions or removals resulting from managed forest land within the territory of the member state in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 . ### member states shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed forest land , calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five its forest reference level .


### member states that have chosen to include managed wetland in the scope of their commitments in accordance with article 2 shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed wetland , calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and / or from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five the member state’s average annual emissions and removals resulting from managed wetland in its base period 2005 - 2007 . ### member states that have chosen to include managed wetland in the scope of their commitments in accordance with article 2 shall account for emissions and removals resulting from managed wetland , calculated as emissions and removals in the periods from 2021 to 2025 and / or from 2026 to 2030 minus the value obtained by multiplying by five the member state’s average annual emissions and removals resulting from managed wetland in its base period 2005 - 2007 or its base year elected under the unfccc . the choice of accounting reference shall be communicated to the european commission before 31 december 2018 .


### each member state shall prepare and maintain accounts that accurately reflect the emissions and removals resulting from the land accounting categories referred to in article 2 . member states shall ensure the accuracy , completeness , consistency , comparability and transparency of their accounts and of other data provided under this regulation . member states shall denote emissions by a positive sign and removals by a negative sign . ### each member state shall prepare and maintain accounts that accurately reflect the emissions and removals resulting from the land accounting categories and other categories referred to in article 2 in accordance with the reporting guidance adopted by bodies of the unfccc or of the paris agreement for the period 2021 - 2030 . member states shall ensure the accuracy , completeness , consistency , comparability and transparency of their accounts and of other data provided under this regulation . member states shall denote emissions by a positive sign and removals by a negative sign .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to revise the methodology and information requirements in annex vi in order to reflect changes in the ipcc guidelines . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to revise the methodology and information requirements in annex vi in order to reflect changes in the ipcc guidelines , as adopted by bodies of the unfccc or of the paris agreement .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to amend annex i in order to reflect changes in the ipcc guidelines . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 to amend annex i in order to reflect changes in the ipcc guidelines , as adopted by bodies of the unfccc or of the paris agreement .


### each member state shall prepare and maintain accounts that accurately reflect the emissions and removals resulting from the land accounting categories referred to in article 2 . member states shall ensure the accuracy , completeness , consistency , comparability and transparency of their accounts and of other data provided under this regulation . member states shall denote emissions by a positive sign and removals by a negative sign . ### each member state shall prepare and maintain accounts that accurately reflect the emissions and removals resulting from the land accounting categories and other categories referred to in article 2 using the reporting guidance adopted by the cop for the period 2021 - 2030 . member states shall ensure the accuracy , completeness , consistency , comparability and transparency of their accounts and of other data provided under this regulation . member states shall denote emissions by a positive sign and removals by a negative sign .


### member states shall include in their accounts for each land accounting category any change in the carbon stock of the carbon pools listed in annex i , section b . member states may choose not to include in their accounts changes in carbon stocks for carbon pools where the carbon pool is not a source , except for above - ground biomass and harvested wood products on managed forest land . ### member states shall include in their accounts for each accounting category any change in the carbon stock of the carbon pools listed in annex i , section b . member states may choose not to include in their accounts changes in carbon stocks for carbon pools where the carbon pool is not a source , except for above - ground biomass and harvested wood products on managed forest land .


### member states shall prevent any double counting of emissions or removals , in particular by accounting for emissions or removals resulting from more than one land accounting category under one category only . ### member states shall prevent any double counting of emissions or removals , in particular by accounting for emissions or removals resulting from more than one accounting category under one category only .


### fostering the integrated social , economic and environmental development , cultural heritage and security in urban areas ; ### fostering the integrated social , cultural , economic and environmental development and security in urban areas ;


### fostering the integrated social , economic and environmental local development , cultural heritage and security , including for rural and coastal areas also through community - led local development . ### fostering the integrated social , economic and environmental local development and security , including for rural and coastal areas also through community - led local development ;


### in an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics , it is clear that union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments . in order to ensure coherent , strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility - sharing efforts between member states in managing migration , the erdf should provide support to facilitate the long - term integration of migrants . ### in an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics , it is clear that union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments , through the support of the erdf .


### national on - line registration web - sites shall include links to the registration web - sites in other member states . member states shall ensure that the following templates are used for on - line registration : ### national on - line registration web - sites shall include links to the registration web - sites in other member states . member states shall ensure online registration with the following templates :


### single - member private limited liability companies formed and operating in compliance with this directive should add to their names a common , easily identifiable abbreviation – sup . ### single - member private limited liability companies formed and operating in compliance with part 2 of this directive should add to their names a common , easily identifiable abbreviation – sup .


### member states shall ensure that an sup may be formed by the conversion of the types of companies listed in annex i . ### member states shall ensure that an sup may be formed by the conversion of the types of companies listed in annex i subject to compliance with the applicable national law .


### member states shall not make the registration of an sup conditional on obtaining any licence or authorisation . the registration of the sup , all documents provided during the process of registration and subsequent changes to them , shall be disclosed in the relevant register of companies immediately after registration . ### member states shall not make the registration of an sup conditional on obtaining any licence or authorisation . this is without prejudice to provisions of national law that make carrying out certain activities after registration conditional on obtaining a licence or authorisation . these activities shall be listed in national on - line registration websites .


### member states may lay down rules for verifying the identity of the founding member , and any other person making the registration on the member ' s behalf , and the acceptability of the documents and other information submitted to the registration body . any identification issued in another member state by the authorities of that state or on their behalf , including identification issued electronically , shall be recognised and accepted for the purposes of the verification by the member state of registration . ### without prejudice to paragraph 3 , the process of registration and possible verification of identification of the founding member , or a representative that registers the sup on the member ' s behalf shall be governed by the applicable national law . member states shall lay down the procedural rules , including the rules on the acceptability of the documents and other information submitted to the registration body .


### in order to facilitate the cross - border activities of smes and the establishment of single - member companies as subsidiaries in other member states , the costs and administrative burdens involved in setting - up these companies should be reduced . ### in order to foster more entrepreneurship in europe and to facilitate the cross - border activities of micro and small undertakings , in particular the establishment of single - member private limited liability companies by those undertakings in other member states , the costs and administrative burdens involved in setting - up these companies should be reduced . to this end , this directive should provide harmonised rules lowering entry barriers for micro and small undertakings when setting up companies abroad .


### member states shall ensure that the sup is not subject to rules requiring the company to build up legal reserves . member states shall allow companies to build reserves in accordance with their articles of association . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , member states may require the sup to build up legal reserves in accordance with the national law applicable to private limited liability companies listed in annex i . member states shall ensure that information on such requirements is provided on the national registration web - sites . member states shall allow companies to build reserves in accordance with their articles of association .


### single - member private limited liability companies formed and operating in compliance with this directive should add to their names a common , easily identifiable abbreviation – sup . ### single - member private limited liability companies formed and operating in compliance with this directive should add to their names a common , easily identifiable abbreviation – sup , which provides important legal clarity to companies and member states .


### at home or at another private location chosen by the driver . ### at another location chosen by the driver .


### 15 years after newly registered vehicles are required to have a tachograph as provided for in this article and in articles 8 and 10 , member states shall equip their control authorities to an appropriate extent with remote early detection equipment necessary to permit the data communication referred to in this article , taking into account their specific enforcement requirements and strategies . until that time , member states may decide whether to equip their control authorities with such remote early detection equipment . ### the article 9 is replaced by the following : ' 2 . 12 years after newly registered vehicles are required to have a tachograph as provided for in this article and in articles 8 and 10 , member states shall equip their control authorities to an appropriate extent with remote early detection equipment necessary to permit the data communication referred to in this article , taking into account their specific enforcement requirements and strategies . until that time , member states may decide whether to equip their control authorities with such remote early detection equipment . '


### for the purposes of point , the reduced weekly rest periods shall be compensated by an equivalent period of rest taken en bloc before the end of the third week following the week in question . ### for the purposes of point and , the reduced weekly rest periods shall be compensated by an equivalent period of rest taken en bloc before the end of the fourth week following the week in question .


### the regular weekly rest periods and any weekly rest of more than 45 hours taken in compensation for previous reduced weekly rest shall not be taken in a vehicle . they shall be taken in a suitable accommodation , with adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities ; ### the regular weekly rest periods and any weekly rest of more than 45 hours taken in compensation for previous reduced weekly rest shall be taken in a suitable accommodation and not in the vehicle . to this end , the driver must be guaranteed adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities and safe parking facilities ;


### the regular weekly rest periods and any weekly rest of more than 45 hours taken in compensation for previous reduced weekly rest shall not be taken in a vehicle . they shall be taken in a suitable accommodation , with adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities ; ### the regular weekly rest periods , reduced weekly rest periods and any weekly rest of more than 45 hours taken in compensation for previous reduced weekly rest shall be taken in a suitable location , with adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities . that accommodation shall be :


### having evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the existing set of union social rules in road transport , and in particular regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council9 , certain deficiencies were identified in the existing legal framework . unclear and unsuitable rules on weekly rest , resting facilities , breaks in multi - manning and the absence of rules on the return of drivers to their home , lead to diverging interpretations and enforcement practices in the member states . several member states recently adopted unilateral measures further increasing legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators . _________________ 9 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 . ### having evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the existing set of union social rules in road transport , and in particular regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council9 , certain deficiencies were identified in the existing legal framework . _________________ 9 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 .


### ‘ use’ means any processing , formulation , storage , treatment or mixing , including in the production of an article , or any other utilisation ; ### ‘ use’ means any processing , formulation , consumption , storage , keeping , treatment , filling into containers , transfer from one container to another , mixing , production of an article or any other utilisation ;


### hosting service providers shall , where appropriate , take proactive measures to protect their services against the dissemination of terrorist content . the measures shall be effective and proportionate , taking into account the risk and level of exposure to terrorist content , the fundamental rights of the users , and the fundamental importance of the freedom of expression and information in an open and democratic society . ### hosting service providers may , where appropriate , in particular where there is a non - incidental level of exposure to terrorist content and receipt of removal orders , take proactive measures to protect their services against the dissemination of terrorist content . the measures shall be effective , targeted and proportionate to the risk and level of exposure to terrorist content , paying particular regard to the fundamental rights of the users , and the fundamental importance of the freedom of expression and information in an open and democratic society


### the presence of terrorist content online has serious negative consequences for users , for citizens and society at large as well as for the online service providers hosting such content , since it undermines the trust of their users and damages their business models . in light of their central role and the technological means and capabilities associated with the services they provide , online service providers have particular societal responsibilities to protect their services from misuse by terrorists and to help tackle terrorist content disseminated through their services . ### the presence of terrorist content online has serious negative consequences for users , for citizens and society at large as well as for the online service providers hosting such content , since it undermines the trust of their users and damages their business models . in light of their central role and the technological means and capabilities associated with the services they provide , online service providers have particular societal responsibilities to protect their services from misuse by terrorists and to help tackle terrorist content disseminated through their services , whilst taking into account the fundamental importance of the freedom of expression and information in an open and democratic society .


### safeguards shall consist , in particular , of human oversight and verifications where appropriate and , in any event , where a detailed assessment of the relevant context is required in order to determine whether or not the content is to be considered terrorist content . ### safeguards shall consist , in particular , of human oversight and verifications of the appropriateness of the decision to remove or deny access to content , in particular with regard to the right to freedom of expression and information . human oversight shall be required where a detailed assessment of the relevant context is required in order to determine whether or not the content is to be considered terrorist content .


### each member state shall designate the authority or authorities competent to ### each member state shall designate the authority competent to