### ‘ professional user’ means a natural or legal person , including a public sector entity , using or requesting a data storage or other processing service for purposes related to its trade , business , craft , profession or task . ### ‘ professional user’ means a natural or legal person , including a public sector entity , using or requesting a data processing service for purposes related to its trade , business , craft , profession or task .


### no later than [ 5 years after the date mentioned in article 10 ] , the commission shall carry out a review of this regulation and present a report on the main findings to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee . ### no later than 3 years after the publication of this regulation , the commission shall submit a report on the main findings to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee , evaluating the implementation of this regulation .


### in order to take full advantage of the competitive environment , professional users should be able to make informed choices and easily compare the individual components of various data storage or other processing services offered in the internal market , including as to the contractual conditions of porting data upon the termination of a contract . in order to align with the innovation potential of the market and to take into account the experience and expertise of the providers and professional users of data storage or other processing services , the detailed information and operational requirements for data porting should be defined by market players through self - regulation , encouraged and facilitated by the commission , in the form of union codes of conduct which may entail model contract terms . nonetheless , if such codes of conduct are not put in place and effectively implemented within a reasonable period of time , the commission should review the situation . ### in order to take full advantage of the competitive environment , professional users should be able to make informed choices and easily compare the individual components of various data processing services offered in the internal market , including as to the contractual conditions of porting data upon the termination of a contract . in order to align with the innovation potential of the market and to take into account the experience and expertise of the providers and professional users of data processing services , the detailed information and operational requirements for data porting should be defined by market players through self - regulation , encouraged , facilitated and monitored by the commission , in the form of union codes of conduct which may entail model contract terms . the commission should evaluate the development and effective implementation of these codes of conduct .


### where a competent authority has exhausted all applicable means to obtain access to the data , it may request the assistance of a competent authority in another member state in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 7 , and the requested competent authority shall provide assistance in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 7 , unless it would be contrary to the public order of the requested member state . ### for the purposes of paragraph 1 of this article , where a competent authority does not receive access to data from a natural or legal persons , and if no specific cooperation mechanism exists under union law or international agreements to exchange data between competent authorities of different member states , that competent authority may request the assistance from a competent authority of another member state in accordance with the procedure set out in article 7 .


### moreover , in order to eliminate potential existing barriers , during a transitional period of 12 months , member states should carry out a review of existing national data localisation requirements and notify to the commission , together with a justification , any data localisation requirement that they consider being in compliance with this regulation . these notifications should enable the commission to assess the compliance of any remaining data localisation requirements . ### moreover , in order to eliminate potential existing barriers , during a transitional period of 12 months , member states should carry out a review of existing laws , regulations or administrative provisions of a general nature laying down data localisation requirements and notify to the commission , together with a justification , any data localisation requirement that they consider being in compliance with this regulation . these notifications should enable the commission to assess the compliance of any remaining data localisation requirements , and to adopt opinions , where appropriate , requesting to amend or to repeal such data localisation requirements , and the utmost account should be taken by member statesof them .


### the commission shall encourage providers to effectively implement the codes of conduct referred to in paragraph 1 within one year after the start of application of this regulation . ### the commission shall encourage providers to effectively implement the codes of conduct referred to in paragraph 1 within [ two years after the date of publication of this regulation ] .


### in order to ensure the transparency of data localisation requirements in the member states for natural and legal persons , such as providers and users of data storage or other processing services , member states should publish on a single online information point and regularly update the information on such measures . in order to appropriately inform legal and natural persons of data localisation requirements across the union , member states should notify to the commission the addresses of such online points . the commission should publish this information on its own website . ### in order to ensure the transparency of data localisation requirements in the member states for natural and legal persons , such as providers and users of processing services , member states should publish on a single online information point and regularly update the information on such measures . in order to appropriately inform legal and natural persons of data localisation requirements across the union , member states should notify to the commission the addresses of such online points . the commission should publish on its own website regularly updated information on these national measures available in its working / procedural languages , together with the addresses of the online single points of contact of the member states .


### ' data storage ' means any storage of data in electronic format ; ### ' processing ' means any operation or set of operations which is performed on data or on sets of data in electronic format , whether or not by automated means , such as collection , recording , organisation , structuring , storage , adaptation or alteration , retrieval , consultation , use , disclosure by transmission , dissemination or otherwise making available , alignment or combination , restriction , erasure or destruction ;


### this regulation shall apply to the storage or other processing of electronic data other than personal data in the union , which is ### this regulation shall apply to the processing of electronic data other than personal data in the union , which is


### ' data localisation requirement ' means any obligation , prohibition , condition , limit or other requirement provided for in the laws , regulations or administrative provisions of the member states , which imposes the location of data storage or other processing in the territory of a specific member state or hinders storage or other processing of data in any other member state ; ### ' data localisation requirement ' means any obligation , prohibition , condition , limit or other requirement provided for in the laws , regulations or administrative provisions or practises , including in the field of public procurement , of the member states , imposed by local , central or regional governments or by public entities , which requires the location of processing in the territory of a specific member state or hinders storage or other processing of data in any other member state ;


### ' user ' means a natural or legal person using or requesting a data storage or other processing service ; ### ' user ' means a natural or legal person using or requesting a data processing service ;


### data localisation requirements represent a clear barrier to the free provision of data storage or other processing services across the union and to the internal market . as such , they should be banned unless they are justified based on the grounds of public security , as defined by union law , in particular article 52 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and satisfy the principle of proportionality enshrined in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in order to give effect to the principle of free flow of non - personal data across borders , to ensure the swift removal of existing data localisation requirements and to enable for operational reasons storage or other processing of data in multiple locations across the eu , and since this regulation provides for measures to ensure data availability for regulatory control purposes , member states should not be able to invoke justifications other than public security . ### data localisation requirements represent a clear barrier to the free provision of data processing services across the union and to the internal market . as such , they should be banned unless they are justified based on the grounds of public security , as defined by union law , in particular article 52 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and satisfy the principle of proportionality enshrined in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in order to give effect to the principle of free flow of non - personal data across borders , to ensure the swift removal of existing data localisation requirements and to enable for operational reasons the processing of data in multiple locations across the eu , and since this regulation provides for measures to ensure data availability for regulatory control purposes , member states should not be able to invoke justifications other than public security .


### the processes , technical requirements , timeframes and charges that apply in case a professional user wants to switch to another provider or port data back to its own it systems , including the processes and location of any data back - up , the available data formats and supports , the required it configuration and minimum network bandwidth ; the time required prior to initiating the porting process and the time during which the data will remain available for porting ; and the guarantees for accessing data in the case of the bankruptcy of the provider ; and ### best practices in facilitating the switching of providers , and minimum information requirements to ensure that professional users are provided with sufficiently detailed , clear and transparent information before a contract for data processing is concluded , regarding the processes , technical requirements , timeframes and charges that apply in the event that a professional user wants to switch to another provider or port data back to its own it systems ; and clear guarantees for accessing data in the event of the bankruptcy of the provider


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitating market access , standard setting , by ensuring a uniform and high level of consumer protection , raising awareness about the single market union law and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ;


### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for building a stronger , more balanced and fairer economy . it is one of the union ' s major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world . ### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for building a more integrated , more efficient market . it is one of the union ' s major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world .


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### to improve the functioning of the internal market with an emphasis on actual demand , especially by empowering citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcing union law , facilitating market access , improving and streamlining the process of mutual recognition of professional qualifications , removing barriers that remain to providing cross - border services and job mobility , reducing and preventing national barriers to market entry , standards , by ensuring a uniform and high level of consumer protection , raising awareness about the single market union law and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ;


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new , more innovative ways , in order to bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services , including in collaboration with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires from member states provision of up - to - date and truthful information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders .


### contributing to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas , including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests , and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption ; ### contributing to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas , including by preventing and eradicating diseases and food consumption ;


### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ; ### empowering , assisting , informing and educating consumers , businesses , unions and civil society , through accessible government websites , for example ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions between member states and at international level , as well as exchanges of good practice and information to shield european products on the internal market against all unfair competition from outside , ensuring that all consumers have access to arbitration and redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets , consumers and conflict resolution methods ;


### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market . ### regulatory obstacles in the internal market have been removed for many industrial products through prevention mechanisms , the adoption of common rules and , where no such union rules exist , through the principle of mutual recognition . in areas where no union legislation exists , the principle of mutual recognition means that goods that are lawfully marketed in one member state enjoy the right to free movement and can be sold in another member state . however , inadequate application of mutual recognition makes it harder for companies to access markets in other member states . despite the high degree of market integration in the area of goods , this leads to lost opportunities for the economy at large . the programme should therefore aim to improve the application of mutual recognition in the area of goods and to reduce the number of illegal and non - compliant goods entering the market , including by improving controls and enforcing existing legislation by national authorities .


### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . ### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , mutual recognition , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market .


### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models . ### a modern internal market should promote competition and benefit consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models and is not a barrier to innovation .


### the commission and erga shall encourage the exchange of best practices on self - and co - regulatory systems across the union . if considered appropriate , the commission shall facilitate the development of union codes of conduct . ### the commission and erga shall encourage the exchange of best practices on self - and co - regulatory systems across the union . if considered appropriate , the commission shall promote the adoption of union codes of conduct .


### in its communication to the european parliament and to the council on better regulation for better results – an eu agenda31 , the commission stressed that when considering policy solutions , it will consider both regulatory and well - designed non - regulatory means , modelled on the community of practice and the principles for better self - and co - regulation32 . a number of codes set up in the areas coordinated by the directive have proved to be well designed , in line with the principles for better self - and co - regulation . the existence of a legislative backstop has been considered an important success factor in promoting compliance with a self - or co - regulatory code . it is equally important that the codes establish specific targets and objectives allowing for the regular , transparent and independent monitoring and evaluation of the objectives aimed by the codes . graduated sanctions which maintain an element of proportionality are usually considered to be an effective approach in enforcing a scheme . these principles should be followed by the self - and co - regulatory codes adopted in the areas coordinated by this directive . _________________ 31 com 215 final . 32 https : / / ec . europa . eu / digital - single - market / communities / better - self - and - co - regulation ### in its communication to the european parliament and to the council on better regulation for better results – an eu agenda31 , the commission stressed that when considering policy solutions , it will consider both regulatory and well - designed non - regulatory means , modelled on the community of practice and the principles for better self - and co - regulation32 . a number of codes set up in the areas coordinated by the directive have proved to be well designed , in line with the principles for better self - and co - regulation , which may constitute a useful ancillary or complementary means for legislative action . the existence of a legislative backstop has been considered an important success factor in promoting compliance with a self - or co - regulatory code . it is equally important that the codes establish specific targets and objectives allowing for the regular , transparent and independent monitoring and evaluation of the objectives aimed by the codes . graduated sanctions which maintain an element of proportionality are usually considered to be an effective approach in enforcing a scheme . these principles should be followed by the self - and co - regulatory codes adopted in the areas coordinated by this directive . _________________ 31 com 215 final . 32 https : / / ec . europa . eu / digital - single - market / communities / better - self - and - co - regulation


### certain widely recognised nutritional guidelines exist at national and international level , such as the who regional office for europe’s nutrient profile model , in order to differentiate foods on the basis of their nutritional composition in the context of foods television advertising to children . member states should be encouraged to ensure that self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct are used to effectively reduce the exposure of children and minors to audiovisual commercial communications regarding foods and beverages that are high in salt , sugars or fat or that otherwise do not fit these national or international nutritional guidelines . ### certain widely recognised nutritional guidelines exist at national and international level in order to differentiate foods on the basis of their nutritional composition in the context of foods television advertising to children . member states should be encouraged to ensure that self - and co - regulatory codes of conduct , such as the eu pledge initiative and others developed in the framework of the commission’s platform for action on diet , physical activity and health , are used to effectively reduce the exposure of children to audiovisual commercial communications regarding foods and beverages that are high in salt , sugars or fat or that otherwise do not fit these national or international nutritional guidelines .


### in order to reduce atmospheric nh3 and pm2 , 5 emissions from the main contributors , national air pollution control programmes should include measures applicable to the agricultural sector . member states should be entitled to implement measures other than those set out in this directive with an equivalent level of environmental performance owning to specific national circumstances . ### in order to reduce atmospheric pm2 , 5 emissions from the main contributors , national air pollution control programmes should include measures applicable to the agricultural sector . member states should be entitled to implement measures other than those set out in this directive with an equivalent level of environmental performance owning to specific national circumstances .


### recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance , coordinated and facilitated by the union mechanism , does not always ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner , nor that the environment and property are properly safeguarded . this is particularly so where member states are simultaneously affected by recurrent disasters and collective capacity is insufficient . ### recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance , coordinated and facilitated by the union mechanism , should be improved to ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner , and to guarantee that the environment and property are properly safeguarded . this is particularly so where member states are simultaneously affected by recurrent disasters and collective capacity is insufficient . efforts must therefore be made to improve voluntary offers of mutual assistance underpinning the union mechanism , such as by prioritising commission co - financing to incentivise member states to develop and procure operational assets outlined in article 12 . this will reinforce available member state capacities and strengthen the collective ability of the eu and its member states to respond to major emergencies .


### the placing on the market of seal products shall be allowed only where the seal products result from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities , provided that the following conditions are all satisfied : ### the placing on the market of seal products shall be allowed only where the importer provides the required evidence that the seal products result from hunts conducted by inuit and other indigenous communities , provided that the following conditions are all satisfied :


### natural and man - made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe , often without warning . whether of natural or man - made origin , they are becoming increasingly frequent , extreme and complex , exacerbated by the impacts of climate change , and irrespective of national borders . the human , environmental , and economic consequences stemming from disasters can be enormous . ### natural and man - made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe , often without warning . whether of natural or man - made origin , they are becoming increasingly frequent , extreme and complex , often exceeding environmental and demographic threshold values , exacerbated by the impacts of climate change , and irrespective of national borders . the human , environmental , and economic consequences stemming from disasters can be enormous .


### member states shall report the data concerning the implementation of article 7 for each calendar year to the commission . they shall report this data electronically within 18 months of the end of the reporting year for which the data are collected . the data shall be reported in the format established by the commission in accordance with paragraph 1d . the first report shall cover the data for the period from 1 january [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] to 31 december [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] . ### member states shall report the data concerning the implementation of article 7 regularly to the commission . they shall report this data electronically within 18 months of the end of the reporting year for which the data are collected . the first report shall cover the data for the period from 1 january [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] to 31 december [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] .


### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development . ### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss including the support of the natura 2000 and tackling the degradation of ecosystems , thereby contributing to sustainable development .


### action is needed to further develop complementary private retirement savings such as occupational pensions . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that citizens will increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social model . ### action is needed constantly to further develop existing occupational pension systems and , as a complementary measure , private retirement savings . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that citizens will increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social model .


### a ce marked fertilising product that has undergone a recovery operation and complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered to comply with the conditions laid down in article 6 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and shall , therefore , be considered as having ceased to be waste . ### a material that has undergone a recovery operation and complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered to be a component material of a ce marked fertilising product that complies with the conditions laid down in article 6 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and shall , therefore , be considered to have ceased being waste . this component material may fall under the scope of this regulation if it demonstrates an agronomic efficacy and if it meets the requirements laid down in the annexes of this regulation .


### a ce marked fertilising product that has undergone a recovery operation and complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered to comply with the conditions laid down in article 6 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and shall , therefore , be considered as having ceased to be waste . ### a ce marked fertilising product that contains or consists of waste which has undergone a recovery operation in accordance with directive 2008 / 98 / ec and that complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered as having ceased to be waste from the moment the eu declaration of conformity is drawn up .


### - 1 , 5% by mass of total phosphorus pentoxide , ### - 3% by mass of total phosphorus pentoxide ,


### a ce marked fertilising product that has undergone a recovery operation and complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered to comply with the conditions laid down in article 6 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and shall , therefore , be considered as having ceased to be waste . ### a ce marked fertilising product that contains or consists of waste that has undergone a recovery operation in accordance with directive 2008 / 98 / ec and that complies with the requirements laid down in this regulation shall be considered as having ceased to be waste from the moment the eu declaration of conformity is drawn up .


### - carbon and ### - organic carbon and


### as of [ publications office , please insert the date occurring three years after the date of application of this regulation ] , the following criterion shall be complied with : the polymer shall be capable of undergoing physical , biological decomposition , such that most of it ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide , biomass and water . it shall have at least 90 % of the organic carbon converted into co2 in maximum 24 months , in a biodegradability test as specified points - below . ### as of [ publications office , please insert the date occurring five years after the date of application of this regulation ] , the commission shall adopt delegated acts , pursuant to article 42 of this regulation , introducing a standard for the biodegradability by setting a timeframe in which at least 90% of the organic carbon is converted into co2 , after the claimed release time of the polymer has been fulfilled , and a biodegradability test that complies with the following criterion : the polymer is capable of undergoing physical , biological decomposition , such that most of it ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide , biomass and water .


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down rules on the making available on the market of ce marked fertilising products and amending regulations no 1069 / 2009 and no 1107 / 2009 ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council laying down rules on the making available on the market of ce marked fertilising products and amending regulations no 1069 / 2009 , no 1107 / 2009 and directive 91 / 676 / eec


### member states shall not impede the making available on the market of ce marked fertilising products which comply with this regulation . ### member states shall not impede the making available on the market of ce marked fertilising products which comply with this regulation for reasons of composition , labelling or other provisions contained in this regulation . concerning the use of eu fertilising products , member states can maintain or adopt provisions for the purpose of protecting human health and the environment . however , these provisions cannot require modification of eu fertilising products which are in compliance with this regulation . also , these provisions cannot influence the conditions for making them available on the market .


### as of [ publications office , please insert the date occurring three years after the date of application of this regulation ] , the following criterion shall be complied with : the polymer shall be capable of undergoing physical , biological decomposition , such that most of it ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide , biomass and water . it shall have at least 90 % of the organic carbon converted into co2 in maximum 24 months , in a biodegradability test as specified points - below . ### as of [ publications office , please insert the date occurring five years after the date of application of this regulation ] , the following requirements shall apply : a standard for the biodegradability by setting a timeframe in which at least 90% of the organic carbon is converted into co2 , after the claimed release time of the polymer has been fulfilled , and a biodegradability test that complies with the following criterion : the polymer is capable of undergoing physical , biological decomposition , such that most of it ultimately decomposes into carbon dioxide , biomass and water .


### quantity : ± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value ### quantity : ± 3 % relative deviation of the declared value


### a growing medium shall be a material other than soil intended for use as a substrate for root development . ### a growing medium shall be a material other than soil in situ for plants and mushrooms to grow in .


### for some carcinogens and mutagens it is necessary to consider other absorption pathways , including the possibility of penetration through the skin , in order to ensure the best possible level of protection . ### for all carcinogens and mutagens it is necessary to consider other absorption pathways , including the possibility of penetration through the skin , in order to ensure the best possible level of protection .


### guides and good practice developed through initiatives such as the social dialogue ' agreement on workers ' health protection through the good handling and use of crystalline silica and products containing it ' are valuable instruments to complement regulatory measures and in particular to support the effective implementation of limit values . ### guides and good practice developed through initiatives such as the social dialogue ' agreement on workers ' health protection through the good handling and use of crystalline silica and products containing it ' are valuable instruments to complement regulatory measures and in particular to support the effective implementation of limit values and should therefore be given serious consideration .


### the promotion of innovation and technological development in the union defence industry should take place in a manner coherent with the security and defence interests of the union . accordingly , the action ' s contribution to those interests and to the defence research and capability priorities commonly agreed by member states should serve as an award criterion . within the union , common defence research and capability shortfalls are identified in the common security and defence policy framework notably through overarching strategic research agenda and the capability development plan . other union processes such as the coordinated annual review on defence and the permanent structured cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through identifying and taking forward opportunities for enhanced cooperation with a view to fulfilling the eu level of ambition on security and defence . where appropriate , regional and international priorities , including those in the north atlantic treaty organisation context , may also be taken into account if they are in line with union priorities and do not prevent any member state or an associated country from participating , while also taking into account that unnecessary duplication should be avoided . ### the promotion of innovation and technological development in the union defence industry should take place in a manner coherent with the security and defence interests of the union . accordingly , the action ' s contribution to those interests and to the defence research and capability priorities commonly agreed by member states should serve as an award criterion . within the union , common defence research and capability shortfalls are identified in the common security and defence policy framework notably through overarching strategic research agenda and the capability development plan . other union processes such as the coordinated annual review on defence and the permanent structured cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through identifying and taking forward opportunities for enhanced cooperation with a view to fulfilling the eu level of ambition on security and defence . where appropriate , regional and international priorities , including those in the north atlantic treaty organisation context , should also be taken into account if they are in line with union priorities and do not prevent any member state or an associated country from participating , while also taking into account that unnecessary duplication should be avoided .


### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the competitiveness , innovation , efficiency and autonomy of the union ' s defence industry thereby contributing to the union ' s strategic autonomy by supporting the cross border cooperation between member states and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies . to achieve more innovative solutions and an open internal market , the fund should support the cross - border participation of defence small and medium sized enterprises and middle capitalisation companies . ### following an integrated approach and in order to contribute to the enhancement of the global competitiveness and innovation capacity of the union ' s defence industry , a european defence fund should be established . the fund should aim at enhancing the global competitiveness , innovation and efficiency of the union ' s defence industry thereby supporting the cross border cooperation between member states , third countries and between enterprises , research centres , national administrations , international organisations and universities , in the research phase and in the development phase of defence products and technologies . to achieve more innovative solutions and an open market , the fund should support the cross - border participation of defence small and medium sized enterprises and middle capitalisation companies .


### as the objective of the fund is to support the competitiveness and innovation of the union defence industry by leveraging and complementing collaborative defence research and technology activities and de - risking the development phase of cooperative projects , actions related to the research and development of a defence product or technology should be eligible to benefit from it . this will also apply to the upgrade , including the interoperability thereof , of existing defence products and technologies . ### as the objective of the fund is to support the competitiveness , efficiency and innovation of the union defence industry by leveraging and complementing collaborative defence research and technology activities and de - risking the development phase of cooperative projects , actions related to the research and development of a defence product or technology should be eligible to benefit from it . this will also apply to the upgrade , including the interoperability thereof , of existing defence products and technologies .


### the general objective of the fund is to foster the competitiveness , efficiency and innovation capacity of the european defence industry , by supporting collaborative actions and cross - border cooperation between legal entities throughout the union , including smes and mid - caps as well as fostering the better exploitation of the industrial potential of innovation , research and technological development , at each stage of the industrial life cycle , thus contributing to the union strategic autonomy . the fund should also contribute to the freedom of action of the union and its autonomy , in particular in technological and industrial terms . ### the general objective of the fund is to foster the competitiveness , efficiency and innovation capacity of defence equipment and technology of the european defence industry , by supporting collaborative actions and cross - border cooperation between legal entities throughout the union and associated countries , including smes and mid - caps as well as fostering the better exploitation of the industrial potential of innovative capacity of european defence industries , research and technological development , at each stage of the industrial life cycle of defence equipment and technology .


### notably for large installations , building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems have proven to be an effective replacement for inspections . the installation of such equipment should be considered as the most cost - effective alternative to inspections in large non - residential and multifamily buildings of a sufficient size that allow a payback of less than three years . the current possibility to opt for alternative measures is therefore deleted . for small scale installations , the documentation of the system performance by installers and the registration of this information in the databases on energy performance certification will support the verification of compliance with the minimum requirements set for all technical building systems and reinforce energy performance certificates role . in addition , existing regular safety inspections and programmed maintenance work will remain an opportunity to provide direct advice on energy efficiency improvements . ### building automation , facility management of buildings and electronic monitoring of technical building systems hold great potential to provide cost - effective and significant energy savings both for consumers and businesses . notably for large installations , building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems have proven to be effective and can , in some cases , replace inspections in large non - residential and multifamily buildings of a sufficient size that allow a payback of less than three years as it enables acting on the information provided , thereby securing energy savings over time . the current possibility to opt for alternative measures is therefore deleted , however it should be possible to exempt technical systems explicitly covered by an esco programme from the inspection requirement . for small scale installations , the documentation of the system performance by installers and the registration of this information in the databases on energy performance certification will support the verification of compliance with the minimum requirements set for all technical building systems and reinforce energy performance certificates role . in addition , existing regular safety inspections and programmed maintenance work will remain an opportunity to provide direct advice on energy efficiency improvements .


### when member states put in place a database for registering epcs it shall allow tracking the actual energy consumption of the buildings covered , regardless of their size and category . the database shall contain the actual energy consumption data of buildings frequently visited by the public with useful floor area of over 250 m² which shall be regularly updated . ### when member states put in place a database for registering epcs it shall allow tracking the actual energy consumption of the buildings covered , regardless of their size and category . the database shall contain the actual energy consumption data of buildings frequently visited by the public with useful floor area of over 250 m² which shall be regularly updated and accompanied by consecutively drafted new energy performance certificates .


### the union is committed to a sustainable , competitive , secure and decarbonised energy system . the energy union and the energy and climate policy framework for 2030 establish ambitious union commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further , to increase the proportion of renewable energy consumed and to make energy savings of at least 27&#160 ; % , reviewing this level having in mind an union level of 30&#160 ; %10 , and to improve europe ' s energy security , competitiveness and sustainability . __________________ 10 euco 169 / 14 , co eur 13 , concl 5 , brussels 24 october 2014 . ### the union has announced an over - ambitious decarbonised energy system . the energy union and the energy and climate policy framework for 2030 establish ambitious union commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further , to increase the proportion of renewable energy consumed and to make energy savings of at least 27&#160 ; % , reviewing this level having in mind an union level of 30&#160 ; %10 , and to improve europe ' s energy security , competitiveness and sustainability . __________________ 10 euco 169 / 14 , co eur 13 , concl 5 , brussels 24 october 2014 .


### the programme should take into account the dual nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the economic value of those sectors , including their broader contribution to growth and competitiveness , creativity and innovation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , in particular a vibrant european audiovisual industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry . ### the programme should take into account the dual nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the economic value of those sectors , including their broader contribution to growth and competitiveness , creativity and innovation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , in particular a vibrant european audiovisual industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism and regional development . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry .


### support to architecture and cultural heritage sectors : targeted actions for the mobility of operators , capacity - building , audience development and internationalization of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors , promotion of baukultur , support to the safeguarding , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness - raising , networking and peer - to - peer learning activities ; ### support to architecture and cultural heritage sectors : targeted actions for the mobility of operators , capacity - building , regional development , audience development and internationalization of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors , support to the safeguarding , preservation , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through a holistic approach , awareness - raising , networking and peer - to - peer learning activities ;


### artistic freedom is at the core of vibrant cultural and creative industries , including the news media sector . the programme should promote cross - overs and collaboration between the audiovisual sector and the publishing sector to promote a pluralistic media environment . ### artistic freedom and freedom of expression are at the core of vibrant cultural and creative industries , including the news media sector . the programme should promote cross - overs and collaboration between the audiovisual sector and the publishing sector to promote a pluralistic media environment .


### promoting media literacy to allow citizens to develop a critical understanding of the media . ### promoting news media literacy to allow citizens to develop a critical understanding of the media and providing news media professionals with training programmes to help them adapt to the new tools and formats from which disinformation is spread .


### to enhance the capacity of european cultural and creative sectors to prosper and to generate jobs and growth ; ### to enhance the capacity of european cultural and creative sectors to prosper and to generate jobs , growth , and innovation ;


### in line with the commission communication ' towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for europe ' of 22 july 201419 , relevant policies and instruments should draw out the long term and sustainability value of europe ' s cultural heritage and develop a more integrated approach to its preservation and valorisation and support . __________________ 19 com / 2014 / 0477 final ### in line with the commission communication ' towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for europe ' of 22 july 201419 , outlining that cultural heritage is an undervalued contribution to economic growth and social cohesion , relevant policies and instruments should draw out the long term and sustainability value of europe ' s cultural heritage , mobility for cultural heritage professionals , and develop a more integrated approach to its preservation , conservation , valorisation , adaptive reuse , and support . __________________ 19 com / 2014 / 0477 final


### to nurture talents and skills and to stimulate collaboration , and innovation in the creation and production of european audiovisual works ; ### to nurture talents and skills and to stimulate collaboration , mobility , and innovation in the creation and production of european audiovisual works ;


### the providers of publicly available directories shall obtain the consent of end - users who are natural persons to include their personal data in the directory and , consequently , shall obtain consent from these end - users for inclusion of data per category of personal data , to the extent that such data are relevant for the purpose of the directory as determined by the provider of the directory . providers shall give end - users who are natural persons the means to verify , correct and delete such data . ### the operators of electronic information , communication and telecommunication services&#160 ; shall obtain the consent of end - users who are natural persons to include their personal data in the publicly available directories . the request for consent shall contain purposes of the directories and a data per category of personal data which will be included in directories , as well as information on the means to verify , correct and delete such data , including the possibility of using preference services .


### ‘ direct marketing communications’ means any form of advertising , whether written or oral , sent to one or more identified or identifiable end - users of electronic communications services , including the use of automated calling and communication systems with or without human interaction , electronic mail , sms , etc . ; ### ' direct marketing communications ' means any form of commercial communication , whether written or oral , sent to one or more identified end - users of electronic communications services , including the use of automated calling and communication systems with or without human interaction , electronic mail , sms , etc . ;


### the providers of a publicly available directory shall inform end - users who are natural persons whose personal data are in the directory of the available search functions of the directory and obtain end - users’ consent before enabling such search functions related to their own data . ### the providers of a publicly available directory shall inform end - users concerned who are natural persons that their personal data are included in the directory and of the available search functions of the directory . the providers shall inform end - users about any new such search functions related to their own data . the providers shall inform end - users about means to verify , correct and delete such data , including the possibility of using preference services .


### service providers who offer electronic communications services should inform end - users of measures they can take to protect the security of their communications for instance by using specific types of software or encryption technologies . the requirement to inform end - users of particular security risks does not discharge a service provider from the obligation to take , at its own costs , appropriate and immediate measures to remedy any new , unforeseen security risks and restore the normal security level of the service . the provision of information about security risks to the subscriber should be free of charge . security is appraised in the light of article 32 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### service providers who offer electronic communications services should , in the joint contract they sign with end - users , should inform them of measures they can take to protect the security of their communications for instance by using specific types of software or encryption technologies . the requirement to inform end - users of particular security risks does not discharge a service provider from the obligation to take , at its own costs , appropriate and immediate measures to remedy any new , unforeseen security risks and restore the normal security level of the service . the provision of information about security risks to the subscriber should be free of charge . security is appraised in the light of article 32 of regulation 2016 / 679 .


### without prejudice to point of article 6 and points and of article 6 , the provider of the electronic communications service shall erase electronic communications metadata or make that data anonymous when it is no longer needed for the purpose of the transmission of a communication . ### without prejudice to point and of article 6 and point of article 6 , the provider of the electronic communications service shall erase electronic communications metadata when it is no longer needed for the purpose of the transmission of a communication


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


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


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


### to the extent that tax authorities and anti - corruption agencies are competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences under national law , they should also be considered authorities that can be designated for the purposes of this directive . administrative investigations should not be covered under the present directive . ### to the extent that tax authorities and anti - corruption agencies are competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences under national law , they should also be considered authorities that can be designated for the purposes of this directive . administrative investigations , other than those conducted by the financial intelligence units in the context of preventing , detecting and effectively combatting money laundering and terrorism financing , should not be covered under the present directive .


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


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


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


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


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


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


### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . ### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with the same supplier from a third country or from its affiliates , with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with contracts of other natural gas undertakings on the same market with the same supplier or its affiliates exceed the threshold of 8 billion cubic meters or provide more than 40% of total annual gas imports from third countries to the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . to that end , the national regulatory authorities shall monitor on a yearly basis the market supply structure and inform the relevant natural gas undertakings once the 40% threshold is exceeded . this information shall be communicated no later than the 1st june each year for the year proceeding the year for which the threshold was calculated .


### natural gas remains an essential component of the energy supply of the union . a large proportion of such gas is imported into the union from third countries . ### natural gas is an essential component of the energy supply of the union . a large proportion of such gas is imported into the union from third countries . hereby , the gas supply security has to be addressed at union level as a joint solution will bring more effective safeguards without undermining the internal energy market and having adverse effects on other countries .


### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . ### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with the same supplier from a third country or from its affiliates , with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with contracts of other natural gas undertakings on the same market with the same supplier or its affiliates exceed the threshold of 8 billion cubic metres or provide more than 40% of total annual gas imports from third countries to the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract .


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


### ‘ essential social service ' means a healthcare , emergency or security service ; ### ‘ essential social service ' means a healthcare , education , childcare emergency or security and defence service ;


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


### competent authorities shall regularly report to the gas coordination group on the progress achieved on the preparation and adoption of the preventive action plans and the emergency plans . in particular competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the plans and the updates of the plans . the commission may have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the plans , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a cooperation mechanism for that region . they shall ensure the regular monitoring of the implementation of such plans . ### competent authorities shall regularly report to the gas coordination group on the progress achieved on the preparation and adoption of the preventive action plans and the emergency plans . in particular competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the plans and the updates of the plans . the commission shall have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the plans , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission shall develop a cooperation mechanism for that region . they shall ensure the regular monitoring of the implementation of such plans .


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


### if the member states do not agree on the necessary technical , legal and financial arrangements , the commission may propose a framework for such measures in its opinion and decision on the plans . ### if the member states do not agree on the necessary technical , legal and financial arrangements , the commission shall develop a framework for such measures in its opinion and decision on the plans .


### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism to conduct the risk assessment within the deadline provided for in paragraph 5 of this article . competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism for conducting the risk assessment 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the risk assessment and the updates of the risk assessment . the commission may have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the risk assessment , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a cooperation mechanism for that region . ### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism to conduct the risk assessment within the deadline provided for in paragraph 5 of this article . competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism for conducting the risk assessment 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the risk assessment and the updates of the risk assessment . the commission shall have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the risk assessment , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission shall develop a cooperation mechanism for that region .


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


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a to set out , in addition to the existing limit value for emissions of total nox , a limit value for emissions of no2 for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limit for emissions of no2 shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment , shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* . ### in accordance with article 294 tfeu , the commission shall submit a legislative proposal to the european parliament and council to set out a limit value for emissions for no2 for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emissions limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limit for emissions of no2 shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment , shall take into consideration technical feasibility and shall reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* .


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


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


### the competent authorities and the commission shall promote the awareness and the use of the gateway amongst citizens and businesses and shall ensure the accessibility and visibility of the gateway and its services through search engines accessible to the public . ### the commission shall promote the awareness and the use of the gateway amongst citizens and businesses and shall ensure the accessibility and visibility of the gateway and its services through search engines accessible to the public .


### the service is offered free of charge or at a price which is affordable for micro - enterprises or citizens ; ### the service is offered free of charge ;


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


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


### the competent authorities and the commission shall , for the purposes of complying with article 4 , ensure that users have access to a clear and user - friendly explanation of the following before submitting a request for a service as referred to in article 2 : ### the&#160 ; member states&#160 ; and the commission shall , for the purposes of complying with article 4 , ensure that users have access to a clear and user - friendly explanation of the following before submitting a request for a service as referred to in article 2 :


### the competent authorities and the commission shall coordinate their promotion activities referred to in paragraph 1 and shall refer to the gateway using its logo and reference in such activities together with any other brand names as appropriate . ### the member states and the commission shall coordinate their promotion activities referred to in paragraph 1 and shall refer to the gateway using its logo and reference in such activities together with any other brand names as appropriate .


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


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


### re - use of documents may be allowed without or with conditions , where appropriate through a licence . those conditions shall not unnecessarily restrict possibilities for re - use and shall not be used to restrict competition . ### member states shall not make the re - use of documents subject to conditions or a licence , unless the need for such conditions or a licence is non - discriminatory , justified by a public interest objective and proportionate .


### re - use of documents shall be free of charge or limited to the marginal costs incurred for their reproduction , provision and dissemination , and &#8211 ; where applicable &#8211 ; anonymisation of personal data and measures taken to protect commercially confidential information . ### the re - use of documents shall be free of charge .


### the re - use of documents shall be open to all potential actors in the market , even if one or more market actors already exploit added - value products based on these documents . contracts or other arrangements between the public sector bodies or public undertakings holding the documents and third parties shall not grant exclusive rights . ### the re - use of documents shall be open to all potential users in the market , even if one or more users already exploit added - value products based on these documents . contracts or other arrangements between the public sector bodies or public undertakings holding the documents and third parties shall not grant exclusive rights , nor any preferential use of the data .


### in the cases referred to in points and of paragraph 2 , the total charges shall be calculated according to objective , transparent and verifiable criteria to be laid down by the member states . the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents over the appropriate accounting period shall not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction and dissemination , and – where applicable – anonymisation of personal data and measures taken to protect commercially confidential information , together with a reasonable return on investment . charges shall be calculated in line with the applicable accounting principles . ### in the cases referred to in points and of paragraph 2 , the total charges shall be calculated according to objective , transparent and verifiable criteria to be laid down by the member states . the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents over the appropriate accounting period shall not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction and dissemination , data storage and – where applicable – anonymisation of personal data and measures taken to protect commercially confidential information , together with a reasonable return on investment . charges shall be calculated in line with the applicable accounting principles .


### directive 2003 / 98 / ec should therefore be amended in order to ensure that its provisions can be applied to the re - use of documents produced in the performance of services in the general interest by public undertakings pursuing one of the activities referred to in articles 8 to 14 of directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council33 , as well as by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and the council on public passenger transport services by rail and by road , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide sevices to maritime transport within member states . _________________ 33 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . ### directive 2003 / 98 / ec should therefore be amended in order to ensure that its provisions can be applied to the re - use of documents produced in the performance of services in the general interest by public undertakings pursuing one of the activities referred to in articles 8 to 14 of directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council33 , as well as by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and the council on public passenger transport services by rail and by road , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states . due to the critical nature of their activities and to security and notification requirements they have to comply with , the provisions shall not apply to public undertakings where their activities fall under rules governing operators of critical infrastructures including operators of essential services as defined in point of article 4 of directive 2016 / 1148 . _________________ 33 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec .


### where charges are made by the public sector bodies referred to in point of paragraph 2 , the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents over the appropriate accounting period shall not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction , dissemination , preservation and rights clearance and – where applicable – anonymisation of personal data and measures taken to protect commercially confidential information , together with a reasonable return on investment . charges shall be calculated in line with the accounting principles applicable to the public sector bodies involved . ### where charges are made by the public sector bodies referred to in point of paragraph 2 , the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents over the appropriate accounting period shall not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction , dissemination , data storage , preservation and rights clearance and – where applicable – anonymisation of personal data and measures taken to protect commercially confidential information , together with a reasonable return on investment . charges shall be calculated in line with the accounting principles applicable to the public sector bodies involved .