### –development of innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities of the higher education sector , by leveraging the eit community expertise in linking education , research and business ; ### –development of innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities of the higher education sector , by leveraging the eit community expertise in linking education , research and innovation ;


### –provision of input to innovation policy discussions and contribution to the implementation of eu policy priorities by continuously working with all relevant european commission services , other eu programmes and their stakeholders , and further exploring opportunities within policy implementing initiatives ; ### –provision of input to innovation policy discussions and contribution to the design and implementation of eu policy priorities by continuously working with all relevant european commission services , other eu programmes and their stakeholders , and further exploring opportunities within policy implementing initiatives ;


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ### ' food , natural resources and environment '


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


### member states may decide , in the light of national conditions , that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services , and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators shall comply with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise their use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities . ### member states shall ensure that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services , including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators , complies with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise its use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities .


### regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council13does not apply to spirit drinks . rules on protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks should therefore be laid down . geographical indications identifying spirit drinks as originating in the territory of a country , or a region or locality in that territory , where a given quality , reputation or other characteristic of the spirit drink are essentially attributable to its geographical origin should be registered by the commission . _________________ 13 regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs . ### regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council13 does not apply to spirit drinks . rules on protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks should therefore be laid down . geographical indications identifying spirit drinks as originating in the territory of a country , or a region or locality in that territory , where a given quality , reputation , traditional method of processing and production , or other characteristic of the spirit drink is essentially attributable to its geographical origin , should be registered by the commission . _________________ 13 regulation no 1151 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs .


### member state authorities should be responsible for ensuring compliance with this regulation , and the commission should be able to monitor and verify such compliance . therefore the commission and the member states should be required to share relevant information with each other . ### preserving a high standard of quality is essential in order to maintain the sector ' s reputation and value . member state authorities should be responsible for ensuring that the standard is being maintained through compliance with this regulation . the commission should , however , be able to monitor and verify such compliance in order to ascertain that it is being uniformly enforced . therefore the commission and the member states should be required to share relevant information with each other .


### ‘ geographical indication’ means an indication which identifies a spirit drink as originating in the territory of a country , or a region or locality in that territory , where a given quality , reputation or other characteristic of that spirit drink is essentially attributable to its geographical origin ; ### ‘ geographical indication’ means an indication which identifies a spirit drink as originating in the territory of a country , or a region or locality in that territory , where a given quality , reputation , traditional method of processing or production , or other characteristic of that spirit drink is essentially attributable to its geographical origin ;


### a spirit drink has a significant market share in at least one member state ; ### a spirit drink has a significant market share in at least one member state or is exported in significant quantities to a third country ;


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


### the commission may , on its own initiative or at the request of any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , adopt implementing acts to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases : ### the commission , having carried out the appropriate checks , shall , at the request of any natural or legal person , adopt implementing acts to cancel the registration of a geographical indication in the following cases :


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts , without applying the procedure referred to in article 44 , establishing and maintaining a publicly accessible updated electronic register of geographical indications of spirit drinks recognised under this scheme . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts , without applying the procedure referred to in article 44 , establishing and maintaining an electronic register of geographical indications of spirit drinks recognised under this scheme that is transparent , exhaustive , updated , and readily accessible to the public .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying , selling or arranging the transfer within a member state , from one member state to another member state or exporting to a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying , selling or arranging the transfer within a member state , from one member state to another member state or exporting to a third country or importing to a member state from a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition .


### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark . ### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union or as soon as possible thereafter , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark .


### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ; ### are at least 18 years of age , except in relation to the acquisition , other than through purchase , and possession of firearms for hunting and target shooting , provided that in that case persons of less than 18 years of age have parental permission , or are under parental guidance or the guidance of an adult with a valid firearms or hunting licence , or are within a licenced or otherwise approved training centre ;


### are not likely to be a danger to themselves , to public order or to public safety ; having been convicted of a violent intentional crime shall be considered as indicative of such danger . ### are not likely , on objective grounds , to be a danger to themselves , to public order or to public safety ; having been convicted of a violent intentional crime shall be considered as indicative of such danger .


### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive . ' ### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , including a fitness check of the new provisions , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive .


### alarm and signal weapons , salute and acoustic weapons as well as replicas ; ### firearms under categories a , b and points 1 to 4 of category c , after having been converted to alarm , signal , salute , acoustic , gas , paintball or airsoft , flobert , or percussion lock weapons .


### on 28 june 2016 , the european council concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . ' ### on 28 june 2016 the european council concluded that the investment plan for europe , in particular the efsi , has delivered concrete results . however , inefficiencies and imbalances in terms of geographic and sectorial diversification remain . in geographic terms , until 30 june 2016 , 63% of the projects signed under the iiw were concentrated in the united kingdom , italy and spain , and 91% were concentrated in the eu15 member states . respectively , 54% of signed projects under the smew were concentrated in italy , france and germany , and 93% were concentrated in eu15 member states . special focus should be given to financially weak eastern european member states , helping them to overcome current investment difficulties and strengthen their competitiveness . taking into consideration those imbalances , as well as existing financial frictions , structural impediments , regulatory frameworks , and the risk - aversion of investors , the commission should undertake ambitious initiatives to help mobilize private investment and proceed with the introduction of the necessary regulatory transformations in order to allow financial institutions to take more infrastructure projects into their portfolios , including further financing of smes , while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . consideration should also be given to the fact that existing structural inefficiencies in certain member states do not favour other member states when it comes to the use of the efsi . for that reason , no member state should be entitled to use more than 10% of the efsi facility .


### on 28 june 2016 the european council concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . ' ### on 28 june 2016 the european council , despite not having at its disposal any independent assessment containing accurate and objective statistics , concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . '


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the efsi must address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations , using only public sector financing for investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – particularly for young people – , sustainable growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced , eliminating any support for fossil fuels . energy interconnection priority projects with zero impact on emissions and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . so far , the support provided by the efsi to energy , energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has been achieved by means of a corresponding reduction in ordinary eib investments in those sectors , nullifying the notion of additionality . the investments financed under the efsi should be additional to the normal operations of the eib . in addition , efsi support to motorways and airports must be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### in line with the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi which is expected to continue , the efsi sme window should be enhanced . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises , including through the development and deployment of new instruments . ### past experience of the sme window is disappointing . the sme window should be assigned more resources and redesigned so as to support the real economy . moreover , particular attention should be paid to social enterprises , including through the development and deployment of new instruments .


### the eib shall target that at least 40%of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window supports projects with components that contribute to climate action , in line with the cop21 commitments . the steering board shall provide detailed guidance to that end . ### the eib shall target that at least 50% of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window supports projects with components that contribute to climate action , in line with the cop21 commitments , including a commitment that at least 25% of efsi financing shall support energy efficiency projects . support of any kind for the fossile fuel sector shall be prohibited . the steering board shall provide detailed guidance to that end .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of fiscal austerity which led to severe cuts in public investment and had strong contractionary effects on aggregate demand and gdp . more importantly , the current public and private investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations in the union or in specific member states to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . __________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 , and the european pillar of social rights17 and the eu framework on the implementation of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training , culture , employment and health . investment in the social , skills and human resources - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase a good quality employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to equal opportunities , intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the deinstitutionalisation process of children and adults , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human resources , microfinance and the social economy . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health , housing , and social inclusion , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public and private resources should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . __________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17and the eu framework on the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to employment , education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , health , social services , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , ethical finance and the social economy . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified an investment gap of at least 100 - 150 billion per year and a total gap of over eur 1 . 5 trillion in the period between 2018 and 2030 in social infrastructure and services , both public and private , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and social capital , as well as support from ethical and social financial institutions , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training , health , culture and cultural heritage . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations , and in particular persons with a disability , in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , as well as in maintenance and modernisation of educational facilities , including seismic retrofit and the elimination of architectural barriers , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , gender equality , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including persons with a disability and third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of culture and creativity in europe , whereby cultural and creative industries are key - drivers for growth and do play a role traditionally at local and regional level , ensuring the socio - economic inclusion and allowing for an integrated sustainable urban regeneration . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen the nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , ensuring that it meets the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 final . 17 com 250 final . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . __________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 , the european pillar of social rights17 and the eu framework on the eu convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . given the significant need for investment into social infrastructure , the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to gender equality , equal opportunities , intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . __________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### as regards adaptation , ensure the resilience to the potential adverse impacts of climate change through a climate vulnerability and risk assessment , including relevant adaptation measures , and , as regards mitigation , integrate the cost of greenhouse gas emissions and the positive effects of climate mitigation measures in the cost - benefit analysis ; ### as regards adaptation , ensure the resilience to the potential adverse impacts of climate change through a climate vulnerability and risk assessment , including relevant adaptation measures , and , as regards mitigation , integrate the cost of greenhouse gas emissions and the positive effects of climate mitigation measures in the cost - benefit analysis and ensure compliance with eu&#160 ; environmental objectives and standards ;


### four members shall be permanent members of all four configurations of the investment committee . in addition , the four configurations shall each have two experts with experience in investment in sectors covered by that policy window . at least one of the permanent members shall have expertise in sustainable investment . the commission shall assign the investment committee members to its appropriate configuration or configurations . the investment committee shall elect a chairperson from among its permanent members . ### five members shall be permanent members of all four configurations of the investment committee . in addition , the four configurations shall each have two experts with experience in investment in sectors covered by that policy window . at least two of the permanent members shall have expertise in investment in the fields of climate action , environmental protection and management . the commission shall assign the investment committee members to its appropriate configuration or configurations . the investment committee shall elect a chairperson from among its permanent members .


### by 30 september 2025 , the commission shall carry out an interim evaluation on the investeu programme , in particular on the use of the eu guarantee . ### by 30 september 2024 , an independent interim evaluation on the investeu programme , in particular on the use of the eu guarantee , shall be carried out .


### audits on the use of the union funding carried out by persons or entities , including by others than those mandated by the union institutions or bodies , shall form the basis of the overall assurance pursuant to [ article 127 ] of the [ financial regulation ] . ### audits on the use of the union funding carried out by the european court of auditors together with those performed by persons or entities , including by others than those mandated by the union institutions or bodies , shall form the basis of the overall assurance pursuant to [ article 127 ] of the [ financial regulation ] .


### education and training , including early childhood education and care , educational facilities , student housing and digital equipment ; ### education and training , including early childhood education , pre - school education , upbringing and care , interventions aimed at the&#160 ; maintenance and modernisation of educational facilities , including seismic retrofit and the elimination of architectural barriers , student housing and digital equipment ;


### 2investment supporting climate objectives ### 2investment supporting energy and climate objectives , and , where applicable , detailed per policy window and category , as well as share of climate relevance


### 1energy : additional renewable energy generation capacity installed ### 1energy : additional renewable energy generation capacity installed by source


### consequently , customs infringements and sanctions follow 28 different sets of legal rules . as a result of that , a breach of union customs legislation is not treated the same way throughout the union and the sanctions that may be imposed in each case differ in nature and severity depending on the member state that is imposing the sanction . ### consequently , customs infringements and sanctions follow 28 different sets of legal rules . as a result of that , a breach of union customs legislation is not treated the same way throughout the union and the sanctions that may be imposed in each case differ in nature and severity depending on the member state that is imposing the sanction , leading to losses of revenue for the member states and trade distortions .


### that disparity of member states ' legal systems affects not only the optimal management of the customs union , but also prevents that a level playing field is achieved for economic operators in the customs union because it has an impact on their access to customs simplifications and facilitations . ### that disparity of member states ' legal systems affects not only the optimal management of the customs union , but also prevents that a level playing field is achieved for economic operators in the customs union , who are already subject to different sets of rules in the 28 member states , because it has an impact on their access to customs simplifications and facilitations .


### in order to facilitate the investigation of customs infringements , the competent authorities should be allowed to temporarily seize any goods , means of transport or any other instrument used in committing the infringement . ### in order to facilitate the investigation of customs infringements , the competent authorities should be allowed to temporarily seize any goods , means of transport or any other instrument used in committing the infringement and use an early warning system to notify the other competent authorities of the 28 member states of the infringement .


### where the customs infringement relates to specific goods , a pecuniary fine from 1&#160 ; % up to 5&#160 ; % of the value of the goods ; ### where the customs infringement relates to specific goods , a pecuniary fine of 5% of the value of the goods ;


### where the customs infringement is not related to specific goods , a pecuniary fine from eur 150 up to eur 7 500 . ### where the customs infringement is not related to specific goods , a pecuniary fine from eur 2 500 up to eur 7 500 .


### a transport undertaking shall not give drivers it employs or who are put at its disposal any payment , even in the form of a bonus or wage supplement , related to distances travelled and / or the amount of goods carried if that payment is of such a kind as to endanger road safety and / or encourages infringement of this regulation . ### in article 10 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : a transport undertaking shall not give drivers it employs or who are put at its disposal any payment , even in the form of a bonus or wage supplement , related to distances travelled and / or the amount of goods carried .


### 4 15 years after newly registered vehicles are required to have a tachograph as provided in articles 8 , 9 and 10 , vehicles operating in a member state other than their member state of registration shall be fitted with such a tachograph . ### in article 3 , paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' 4 two years after newly registered vehicles are required to have a tachograph as provided in articles 8 , 9 and 10 , vehicles operating in a member state other than their member state of registration shall be fitted with such a tachograph . ” ;


### amongst measures to support the vision of european connectivity , it promotes the deployment of local wireless access points through simplified planning procedures and reduced regulatory obstacles . such access points , including those ancillary to the provision of other public services or non - commercial in character , can make an important contribution to the improvement of current and the deployment of future generations of wireless communications networks by facilitating more granular coverage in line with evolving needs . ### amongst measures to support the vision of european connectivity , it promotes the deployment of local wireless access points through simplified planning procedures and reduced regulatory obstacles . such access points , including those ancillary to the provision of other public services or non - commercial in character , can make an important contribution to the improvement of current and the deployment of future generations of wireless communications networks by facilitating a more granular coverage of the union territory in line with current and evolving needs . given the rapid progress of the digital technology , regular checks and quality controls should be carried out in order to ensure the high quality and proper functioning of the local wireless access points , aiming to turn this initiative more sustainable and long - lasting .


### following the communication setting out a european vision of internet connectivity for the digital single market and in order to promote digital inclusion , the union should support the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public , through targeted support . such support is so far not covered by regulations no 1316 / 201315 and no 283 / 201416 . _________________ 15 regulation no 1316 / 20136 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 , oj l 348 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 129 , as last amended by regulation 2015 / 1017 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 june 2015 , oj l 169 , 1 . 7 . 2015 , p . 1 . 16 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec , oj l 86 , 21 . 3 . 2014 , p . 14 . ### following the communication setting out a european vision of internet connectivity for the digital single market and in order to promote digital literacy and inclusion , the union should support the provision of free , high - speed local wireless connectivity of a high quality in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public , through targeted support , with a minimum connection speed of 100 megabit / s thus meeting the targets relating to the gigabit society , which aim to deploy ultra - fast speed broadband by 2025 . such support is so far not covered by regulations no 1316 / 201315 and no 283 / 201416 . digital inclusion should not discriminate remote location and rural zones . better internet connectivity should lead to better access to information and communications and therefore have a positive impact to the social progress index of regions . _________________ 15 regulation no 1316 / 20136 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 , oj l 348 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 129 , as last amended by regulation 2015 / 1017 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 june 2015 , oj l 169 , 1 . 7 . 2015 , p . 1 . 16 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec , oj l 86 , 21 . 3 . 2014 , p . 14 .


### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly , financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible on - line tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring and auditing of the local wireless access points installed . ### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly , it is essential that local and regional authorities and wifi equipment providers , in particular smes based in local communities , are informed promptly and effectively of the availability of enhanced connectivity by broadband competence officers , and when necessary helped to apply for it . financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible on - line tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring and effective auditing of the local wireless access points installed , with proper performance auditing of the services provided during the lifetime of the project particularly given the new administrative procedures adopted . in consideration of the common challenges that rural , remote and sparsely populated areas are facing , compared to urban areas , concerning broadband , such as structurally lower and fragmented demand as well as higher unit deployment and infrastructure maintenance costs , measures should to be taken for those areas to benefit from free , high - speed local wireless connectivity of high quality . local wireless connectivity points should be made visible and publicised by local authorities by means of information campaigns aimed at the general public . moreover , in order to increase the awareness of the importance of the promotion of the connectivity , also projects not receiving the support under the wifi4eu scheme and being positively evaluated could be awarded a quality label as in the ‘ seal of excellence’ , which could lead to a fast - track system of calls under other sources of funding where appropriate .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union , and considering both the evolution of the urban - rural digital divide which broadens with new technological developments and the subsequent urgency of promoting access networks , that can deliver , throughout the eu , an easy and user - friendly internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services and on the use of multilingual access pages , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution , taking into account the principle of economic , social and territorial cohesion and the different levels of development of ict infrastructure . in the case of natural disasters the free wifi network should be unlimited , safe and high speed in order to support quick communication between emergency services and citizens .


### 8 a . actions contributing to projects of common interest in the field of providing free local wireless connectivity in local communities shall meet conditions set out in section 4 in the annex . ### 8 a . actions contributing to projects of common interest in the field of providing free , high - speed local wireless connectivity in local communities shall meet conditions set out in section 4 in the annex .


### actions aiming at the provision of free local wireless connectivity in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities , shall be eligible for financial assistance . ### actions aiming at the provision of free , high - speed local wireless connectivity of high quality in the centres of local public life , including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public that play a major role in the public life of local communities and local public transport where freely accessible , shall be eligible for financial assistance . in order to be fully used by the general public , potential linguistic barriers shall be avoided . this means that it is recommended for the whole connection system to be multilingual .


### is free , easy to access , and uses state - of - the - art equipment , and ### is free , safe , easy to access , uses state - of - the - art equipment and includes the possibility to use all cross - border internet basis to avoid market segmentation at union level and the monopoly of big companies ;


### supports access to innovative digital services , such as those offered via digital service infrastructures ; ### supports access to innovative digital services , such as those offered via digital service infrastructures , as well as in emergency and crisis communications ;


### governance requirements ### governance requirements and handling of conflicts of interest


### the internal market should allow institutions to operate in other member states and ensure a high level of protection for members and beneficiaries of occupational retirement schemes . ### member states should take the steps required to ensure that institutions for occupational retirement provision offer the necessary high level of secure protection for members and beneficiaries , especially where cross - border activities are concerned .


### 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 . ### appropriate action is needed to strengthen public social security systems , which have been hard hit by the swingeing cuts in welfare expenditure entailed in austerity policies . member states should be allowed to earmark the necessary resources for that purpose , for instance by establishing a citizen’s income commensurate with a decent standard of living . this is important in order to ensure that citizens will not increasingly be forced to rely on complementary occupational retirement pensions as an alternative in the future to inadequate compulsory social security systems , bearing in mind that the gradual switch to complementary provision schemes would undermine the principles of social justice and intergenerational solidarity underlying the european social model ; private pension schemes have , moreover , proved during the crisis to be vulnerable and strongly procyclical and do not , therefore , offer secure , lasting , and effective social protection .


### this directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , notably , the right to protection of personal data , the right to conduct a business and the right to a high level of consumer protection , in particular by ensuring a higher level of transparency of retirement provisioning , informed personal financial and retirement planning as well as facilitating cross - border business of insitutions for occupational retirement provision and businesses . this directive must be implemented in accordance with these rights and principles . ### this directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , notably the right that older people have to live with dignity and independently , the right that workers have to be informed and consulted at company level , the right of collective bargaining and collective action , the right to social security benefits and welfare provision affording protection and the means of living decently into old age , these being entitlements that should be enjoyed by every person legally residing in , or moving within , the union , the right to protection of personal data , the right to conduct a business and the right to a high level of consumer protection , in particular by strengthening compulsory pension schemes and ensuring a higher level of transparency of retirement provisioning , informed personal financial and retirement planning , and sound and prudent management of institutions for occupational retirement provision , including where cross - border business is concerned . this directive must be implemented in accordance with these rights and principles .


### as very long - term investors with low liquidity risks , institutions for occupational retirement provision are in a position to invest in non - liquid assets such as shares as well as in instruments that have a long - term economic profile and are not traded on regulated markets , multilateral trading facilities or organised trading facilities within prudent limits . they can also benefit from the advantages of international diversification . investments in shares in currencies other than those of the liabilities and in instruments that have a long - term economic profile and are not traded on regulated markets , multilateral trading facilities or organised trading facilities should therefore not be restricted except on prudential grounds . ### as very long - term investors with a specific social function , institutions for occupational retirement provision should invest in low - risk assets and in simple instruments that have a long - term economic profile and a beneficial economic , social , and environmental impact . investments should therefore be restricted with a view to making them secure , sustainable , and transparent in the interest of members and society .


### institutions should provide clear and adequate information to prospective members , members and beneficiaries to support their decision - making about their retirement and ensure a high level of transparency throughout the various phases of a scheme comprising pre - enrolment , membership and post - retirement . in particular , information concerning accrued pension entitlements , projected levels of retirement benefits , risks and guarantees , and costs should be given . where members bear an investment risk , additional information on the investment profile , any available options and past performance are also crucial . ### institutions should provide clear and adequate information to prospective members , members and beneficiaries to support their decision - making about their retirement and ensure a high level of transparency throughout the various phases of a scheme comprising pre - enrolment , membership and post - retirement . in particular , information concerning accrued pension entitlements , projected levels of retirement benefits , financial risks and guarantees , and costs should be given . where members bear an investment risk , additional information on the investment profile , any available options and past performance are also crucial .


### member states shall allow institutions authorised or registered in their territories to transfer all or a part of their pension schemes to receiving institutions authorised or registered in other member states . ### member states may allow institutions authorised or registered in their territories to transfer all or a part of their pension schemes to receiving institutions authorised or registered in other member states , provided that the rights of the members of those schemes are adequately protected .


### in order to achieve smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and to stimulate job creation , the union needs an up - to - date , high - performance infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change . ### in order to achieve smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , to stimulate job creation and to pursue the union ' s shared interests and priorities in promoting peace as well as the security and defence of its citizens and territory , the union needs an up - to - date , multi - modal , high - performance , resilient , sustainable and safer infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . furthermore , due to the current volatile geopolitical situation and the multiple sources of threats to the security of the union , those connections should improve the mobility of military forces and assets within and beyond the union in order to enable member states and nato allies to react in a comprehensive , effective and timely manner to internal and external crisis situations . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections for civil and defence purposes , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change .


### the aim of the connecting europe facility is to accelerate investment in the field of trans - european networks and to leverage funding from both the public and the private sectors , while increasing legal certainty and respecting the principle of technological neutrality . the programme should enable synergies between the transport , energy and digital sectors to be harnessed to the full extent , thus enhancing the effectiveness of union action and enabling implementing costs to be optimised . ### the aim of the connecting europe facility is to accelerate investment in the field of trans - european networks and to leverage funding from both the public and the private sectors , while increasing legal certainty and respecting the principle of technological neutrality . the programme should enable synergies between the transport sector , energy sector and digital sector to be harnessed to the full extent , thus enhancing the effectiveness of union action and enabling implementing costs to be optimised .


### in order to achieve the objectives laid down in the ten - t guidelines , it is necessary to support with priority the cross - border links and the missing links and to ensure , where applicable , that the supported actions are consistent with the corridor work plans established pursuant to article 47 of regulation no 1315 / 2013 and to the overall network development regarding performance and interoperability . ### in order to achieve the objectives laid down in the ten - t guidelines , it is necessary to support with priority the continuation of eu co - funding for ongoing ten - t projects foreseen to be completed by 2030 , telematics applications and other actions to digitalise transport , as well as the cross - border links and the missing links and to ensure , where applicable , that the supported actions are consistent with the corridor work plans established pursuant to article 47 of regulation no 1315 / 2013 and to the overall network development regarding performance and interoperability .


### in order to reflect growing transport flows and the evolution of the network , the alignment of the core network corridors and their pre - identified sections should be adapted . these adaptations should be proportionate in order to preserve the consistency and the efficiency of the corridor development and coordination . for that reason the length of the core network corridors should not increase by more than 15 % . ### in order to reflect growing transport flows , the evolution of the network and the evolving security environment , the alignment and the geographical balance of the core network corridors and their pre - identified sections should be adapted . these adaptations should be proportionate in order to preserve the consistency and the efficiency of the corridor development and coordination . for that reason the length of the core network corridors should not increase by more than 15 % .


### it is necessary to promote investments in favour of smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe and secure mobility throughout the union . in 2017 , the commission presented20 ' europe on the move ' , a wide - ranging set of initiatives to make traffic safer , encourage smart road charging , reduce co2 emissions , air pollution and congestion , promote connected and autonomous mobility and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers . these initiatives should be accompanied by union financial support , where relevant through this programme . __________________ 20 commission communication ' europe on the move : an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all ' – com 283 ### it is necessary to promote investments in favour of smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe , secure and multimodal mobility throughout the union . in 2017 , the commission presented20 ' europe on the move ' , a wide - ranging set of initiatives to make traffic safer , encourage smart road charging , reduce co2 emissions , air pollution and congestion , promote connected and autonomous mobility and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers . actions supporting these initiatives , including for telematics applications , should be accompanied by union financial support , where relevant through this programme . __________________ 20 commission communication ' europe on the move : an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all ' – com 283


### the achievement of the digital single market relies on the underlying digital connectivity infrastructure . the digitalisation of european industry and the modernisation of sectors like transport , energy , healthcare and public administration depend on universal access to reliable , affordable , high and very high capacity networks . digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic , social and territorial divides , supporting the modernisation of local economies and underpinning the diversification of economic activities . the scope of intervention of the programme in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect its increasing importance for the economy and the society at large . therefore , it is necessary to set out the digital connectivity infrastructure projects of common interest needed to meet union ' s digital single market objectives , and to repeal regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council14 . __________________ 14 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec . ### the achievement of the digital single market relies on the underlying digital connectivity infrastructure . the digitalisation of european industry and the modernisation of sectors such as transport , energy , healthcare , security , defence and public administration depend on universal access to reliable , affordable , resilient , high and very high capacity networks . digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic , social and territorial divides , supporting the modernisation of local economies and underpinning the diversification of economic activities . the scope of intervention of the programme in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect its increasing importance for the economy and the society at large . this can only be achieved considering that key aspects of the digital domain , such as privacy and cyber security , play an enabling role in such domain . therefore , it is necessary to set out the digital connectivity infrastructure projects of common interest needed to meet union ' s digital single market objectives , and to repeal regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council14 . __________________ 14 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec .


### in order to favour an integrated development of the innovation cycle , it is necessary to ensure complementarity between the innovative solutions developed in the context of the union research and innovation framework programmes and the innovative solutions deployed with support from the connecting europe facility . for this purpose , synergies with horizon europe will ensure that : research and innovation needs in the areas of transport , energy and in the digital sector within the eu are identified and established during horizon europe’s strategic planning process ; the connecting europe facility supports large - scale roll - out and deployment of innovative technologies and solutions in the fields of transport , energy and digital infrastructure , in particular those resulting from horizon europe ; the exchange of information and data between horizon europe and the connecting europe facility will be facilitated , for example by highlighting technologies from horizon europe with a high market readiness that could be further deployed through the connecting europe facility . ### in order to favour an integrated development of the innovation cycle , it is necessary to ensure complementarity between the innovative solutions developed in the context of the union research and innovation framework programmes and the innovative solutions deployed with support from the connecting europe facility . for this purpose , synergies with horizon europe will ensure that : research and innovation needs in the areas of transport , energy and in the digital sector within the union are identified and established during horizon europe’s strategic planning process ; the connecting europe facility supports large - scale roll - out and deployment of innovative technologies and solutions in the fields of transport , energy and digital infrastructure , in particular those resulting from horizon europe ; the exchange of information and data between horizon europe and the connecting europe facility will be facilitated , for example by highlighting technologies from horizon europe with a high market readiness that could be further deployed through the connecting europe facility ; and the development of dual use infrastructures will take into consideration the future needs of military mobility .


### the union should seek coherence and synergies with the union programmes for external policies , including pre - accession assistance following the engagements taken in the context of the communication ' a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced eu engagement with the western balkans ' 23 . __________________ 23 com 65 ### the union should seek coherence and synergies with the union programmes for external policies , including pre - accession assistance following the engagements taken in the context of the communication ' a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced engagement with the western balkans ' 23 , and with all other foreign policy instruments and the european defence fund . __________________ 23 com 65


### studies aiming at the development and identification of projects of common interest in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure shall be eligible for funding under this regulation . ### studies aiming at the development and identification of projects of common interest in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure shall be eligible for funding under this regulation . these studies shall comply with the principle of open science , as established by the regulation [ horizon europe ] .


### actions implementing cross - border links of the comprehensive network in accordance with chapter ii of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , notably the sections listed in part iii of the annex to this regulation ; ### actions implementing cross - border links of the comprehensive network in accordance with chapter ii of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , notably the sections listed in part iii of the annex to this regulation ; actions relating to the relevant urban nodes , maritime ports , inland ports , airports , and rail - road terminals of the comprehensive network as defined at annex ii to regulation no 1315 / 2013 ;


### actions relating to smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe and secure mobility : ### actions relating to smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe , secure and multimodal mobility :


### innovation , safety , interoperability and accessibility aspects ; ### innovation , safety , digitalization , interoperability and accessibility aspects ;


### for works relating to the specific objectives referred to in article 3 , the amount of union financial assistance shall not exceed 30 % of the total eligible cost . the co - financing rates may be increased to a maximum of 50 % for actions relating to cross - border links under the conditions specified in point of this paragraph , for actions supporting telematic applications systems , for actions supporting new technologies and innovation , for actions supporting improvements of infrastructure safety in line with relevant union legislation and for actions located in outermost regions ; ### for works relating to the specific objectives referred to in article 3 , the amount of union financial assistance shall not exceed 30 % of the total eligible cost . the co - financing rates may be increased to a maximum of 65 % for actions relating to cross - border links under the conditions specified in point of this paragraph , for actions supporting telematic applications systems , for actions supporting new technologies and innovation , for actions supporting improvements of infrastructure safety in line with relevant union legislation and for actions located in outermost regions ; the co - funding rates may be increased up to a maximum of 65% for the specific objective referred to in article 3 for member states benefitting from a transfer from the cohesion fund ;


### an effective implementation of the type - approval requirements should be ensured by enhancing the provisions on conformity of production by , inter alia , providing for mandatory periodic audits of the conformity control methods and the continued conformity of the products concerned and by reinforcing the requirements relating to the competence , obligations and performance of the technical services that carry out tests for whole - vehicle type - approval under the responsibility of type - approval authorities . the proper functioning of technical services is crucial for ensuring a high level of safety and environmental protection and citizens ' confidence in the system . the criteria for designation of technical services provided by directive 2007 / 46 / ec should be laid down in greater detail in order to assure their consistent application . the assessment methods of technical services in the member states have a tendency to progressively differ due to the increased complexity of their work . therefore , it is necessary to provide for procedural obligations that ensure an information exchange and monitoring of member states ' practices for the assessment , designation , notification and monitoring of their technical services . those procedural obligations should remove any existing discrepancies in the methods used and in the interpretation of the criteria for the designation of technical services . ### an effective implementation of the type - approval requirements should be ensured by enhancing the provisions on conformity of production by , inter alia , providing for mandatory periodic audits of the conformity control methods and the continued conformity of the products concerned and by reinforcing the requirements relating to the competence , obligations and performance of the technical services that carry out tests for whole - vehicle type - approval under the responsibility of type - approval authorities . the independence of the technical services of automobile firms is crucial for ensuring a high level of safety and environmental protection and citizens ' confidence in the system . the criteria for designation of technical services provided by directive 2007 / 46 / ec should be laid down in greater detail in order to assure their consistent application . the assessment methods of technical services in the member states have a tendency to progressively differ due to the increased complexity of their work . therefore , it is necessary to ensure the same procedures for the assessment , designation , notification and monitoring of their technical services by the member states . those procedural obligations should remove any existing discrepancies in the methods used and in the interpretation of the criteria for the designation of technical services .


### in order to increase transparency and mutual trust and to further align and develop the criteria for the assessment , designation , and notification of technical services , as well as extension and renewal procedures , member states should cooperate with each other and with the commission . they should consult each other and the commission on questions with general relevance for the implementation of this regulation and inform each other and the commission on their model assessment checklist . ### in order to increase transparency and mutual trust and to align and develop homogenous criteria in the eu for the assessment , designation , and notification of technical services , as well as extension and renewal procedures , member states should cooperate with each other and with the commission . they should consult each other and the commission on questions with general relevance for the implementation of this regulation .


### a robust compliance enforcement mechanism is necessary in order to ensure that the requirements under this regulation are met . ensuring compliance with the type - approval and conformity of production requirements of the legislation governing the automotive sector should remain the key responsibility of the approval authorities , as it is an obligation closely linked to the issuing of the type - approval and requires detailed knowledge of its content . it is therefore important that the performance of approval authorities is regularly verified by means of peer - reviews , to ensure that a uniform level of quality and stringency is applied by all approval authorities in enforcing the type - approval requirements . moreover , it is important to provide for the verification of the correctness of the type approval itself . ### a robust compliance enforcement mechanism is necessary in order to ensure that the requirements under this regulation are met . ensuring compliance with the type - approval and conformity of production requirements with the legislation governing the automotive sector should remain the key responsibility of the approval authorities , as it is an obligation closely linked to the issuing of the type - approval and requires detailed knowledge of its content . it is therefore important that the performance of approval authorities is regularly verified by means of peer - reviews , to ensure that a uniform level of quality and stringency is applied by all approval authorities in enforcing the type - approval requirements . moreover , it is important to provide for the verification by independent third parties of the correctness of the type approval itself .


### in order to increase transparency in the approval process and facilitate the exchange of information and the independent verification by market surveillance authorities , approval authorities and the commission , type approval documentation should be provided in electronic format and be made publicly available , subject to exemptions due to protection of commercial interests and the protection of personal data . ### in order to increase transparency in the approval process and facilitate the exchange of information and the independent verification by the approval authorities , the commission and third parties , type approval documentation , including the methodology and results of the tests , should be provided in electronic format and be made publicly available , with the sole exception of sensitive data for the protection of commercial interests and the protection of personal data .


### those more specific obligations for national authorities provided in this regulation should include ex - post compliance verification testing and inspections of a sufficient number of vehicles placed on the market . the selection of the vehicles to be subject to this ex - post compliance verification should be based on an appropriate risk assessment which takes account of the seriousness of the possible non - compliance and the likelihood of its occurrence . ### those more specific obligations for the european authority provided in this regulation should include ex - post compliance verification testing and inspections of a sufficient number of vehicles placed on the market . the selection of the vehicles to be subject to this ex - post compliance verification should be based on an appropriate assessment of the market penetration of the product which takes account of the seriousness of the possible non - compliance .


### the objectives of this regulation should not be affected by the fact that certain systems , components , separate technical units or parts and equipment can be fitted to or in a vehicle after that vehicle has been placed on the market , registered or entered into service . appropriate measures should therefore be taken to ensure that the systems , components , separate technical units or parts and equipment that can be fitted to or in vehicles and that can significantly impair the functioning of systems that are essential for environmental protection or functional safety are controlled by an approval authority before they are placed on the market , registered or entered into service . ### the objectives of this regulation should not be affected by the fact that certain systems , components , separate technical units or parts and equipment can be fitted to or in a vehicle after that vehicle has been placed on the market , registered or entered into service . appropriate measures should therefore be taken to ensure that the systems , components , separate technical units or parts and equipment that can be fitted to or in vehicles and that can significantly impair the functioning of systems that are essential for environmental protection or functional safety are controlled and authorised in advance by an approval authority before they are placed on the market , registered or entered into service . the authority which issues the authorisation for such ancillary components shall inform the commission and other approval authorities and make available all the necessary documents and verify the prior control procedures .


### conformity of production is one of the cornerstones of the eu type - approval system , and therefore the arrangements set up by the manufacturer to ensure such conformity should be approved by the competent authority or by an appropriately qualified technical service designated for that purpose , and be subject to regular verification by means of independent periodic audits . in addition , approval authorities should ensure the verification of the continued conformity of the products concerned . ### conformity of production is one of the cornerstones of the eu type - approval system , and therefore the arrangements set up by the manufacturer to ensure such conformity should be approved by the competent authority or by a technical service designated from among those providing exclusive services to the approval authorities , and be subject to regular verification by means of independent periodic audits . in addition , approval authorities should ensure the verification of the continued conformity of the products concerned .


### the assessment of reported serious risks to safety and of harm to public health and the environment should be conducted at national level , but coordination at union level should be ensured where the reported risk or harm may exist beyond the territory of one member state with the objective of sharing resources and ensuring consistency regarding the corrective action to be taken to mitigate the identified risk and harm . ### the assessment of risks to safety and of harm to public health and the environment should be conducted at national level , but coordination at union level should be ensured where the risk or harm may exist beyond the territory of one member state with the objective of sharing resources and ensuring consistency regarding the corrective action to be taken to eliminate the identified risk and harm .


### whereas technical progress introducing new methods or techniques for vehicle diagnostics and repair , such as remote access to vehicle information and software , should not weaken the objectives of this regulation with respect to access to repair and maintenance information for independent operators . ### whereas technical progress introducing new methods or techniques for vehicle diagnostics and repair , such as remote access to vehicle information and software , should strengthen the objectives of this regulation with respect to access to repair and maintenance information for independent operators .


### ‘ market surveillance’ means the activities carried out and measures taken by the market surveillance authorities to ensure that vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market comply with the requirements set out in the relevant union legislation and do not endanger health , safety or any other aspect of public interest protection ; ### ‘ market surveillance’ means the activities carried out and measures taken by the market surveillance authority to ensure that vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market comply with the requirements set out in the relevant union legislation and do not endanger health , safety , the environment or any other aspect of public interest protection ;


### member states shall organise and carry out market surveillance and controls of vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units entering the market , in accordance with chapter iii of regulation no 765 / 2008 . ### the european market surveillance authority shall organise and carry out market surveillance and controls of vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units entering the market , in accordance with chapter iii of regulation no 765 / 2008 .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that market surveillance authorities may , where they consider it necessary and justified , be entitled to enter the premises of economic operators and seize the necessary samples of vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units for the purposes of compliance testing . ### the european market surveillance authority , where it considers it necessary and justified , shall be entitled to enter the premises of economic operators and seize the necessary samples of vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units for the purposes of compliance testing .


### market surveillance authorities shall carry out their duties independently and impartially . they shall observe confidentiality where necessary in order to protect commercial secrets , subject to the obligation of information laid down in article 9 to the fullest extent necessary in order to protect the interests of users in the european union . ### the market surveillance authority shall carry out its duties independently and impartially . it shall observe confidentiality where necessary in order to protect commercial secrets , subject to the obligation of information laid down in article 9 to the fullest extent necessary in order to protect the interests of users in the european union .


### market surveillance authorities shall perform regular checks to verify compliance of vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units with the requirements set out in this regulation as well as with the correctness of the type approvals . those checks shall be performed on an adequate scale , by means of documentary checks and real - drive and laboratory tests on the basis of statistically relevant samples . when doing so , market surveillance authorities shall take account of established principles of risk assessment , complaints and other information . ### the commission shall identify one of its own agencies as the most suitable one to perform the duties of european market surveillance authority . the latter shall perform regular checks to verify the compliance of vehicles in traffic and with different mileages , systems , components and separate technical units with the requirements set out in this regulation as well as with the correctness of the type approvals . those checks shall be performed on a scale sufficient to verify the conformity of at last 30% of the models on the market , by means of documentary checks and real - drive and laboratory tests . when doing so , the market surveillance authority shall take account of established principles of risk assessment , complaints and other information .


### market surveillance authorities shall require economic operators to make the documentation and information available as they consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out their activities . ### the market surveillance authority shall require economic operators to make the documentation and information available as it considers necessary for the purpose of carrying out their activities .


### market surveillance authorities shall take appropriate measures to alert users within their territories within an adequate timeframe of hazards they have identified relating to any vehicle , system , component and separate technical unit so as to prevent or reduce the risk of injury or other damage . ### the market surveillance authority shall forthwith take appropriate measures to alert eu users to hazards they have identified relating to any vehicle , system , component and separate technical unit so as to prevent or reduce the risk of injury or other damage .


### where the market surveillance authorities of one member state decide to withdraw a vehicle , system , component and separate technical unit from the market in accordance with article 49 , they shall inform the economic operator concerned and where applicable the relevant approval authority . ### where the market surveillance authority decides to withdraw a vehicle , system , component and separate technical unit from the market in accordance with article 49 , it shall inform the economic operator concerned and where applicable the relevant approval authority .


### the commission shall organise and carry out , or require to be carried out , on an adequate scale , tests and inspections of vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units already made available on the market , with a view to verifying that those vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units conform to the type approvals and to applicable legislation as well as to ensure the correctness of the type approvals . ### the surveillance authority shall organise and carry out , on an adequate scale , tests and inspections of vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units already made available on the market , with a view to verifying that those vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units conform to the type approvals and to applicable legislation as well as to ensure the correctness of the type approvals .


### manufacturers holding type - approvals or the economic operators shall , upon request , supply to the commission a statistically relevant number of production vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units selected by the commission that are representative for the vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units available for placing on the market under that type - approval . those vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units shall be supplied for testing at the time and place and for the period the commission may require . ### manufacturers holding type - approvals or the economic operators shall , upon request , supply to the surveillance authority a statistically relevant number of production vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units selected by the agency that are representative for the vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units available for placing on the market under that type - approval . those vehicles , systems , components and separate technical units shall be supplied for testing at the time and place and for the period the surveillance authority may require .