### 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 % .


### following the joint communication on improving military mobility in the european union of november 20179 , the action plan on military mobility adopted on 28 march 2018 by the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy10 highlighted that transport infrastructure policy offers a clear opportunity to increase synergies between defence needs and ten - t . the action plan indicates that by mid - 2018 , the council is invited to consider and validate the military requirements in relation to transport infrastructure and that , by 2019 the commission services will identify the parts of the trans - european transport network suitable for military transport , including necessary upgrades of existing infrastructure . union funding for the implementation of the dual - use projects should be implemented through the programme on the basis of specific work programmes specifying the applicable requirements as defined in the context of the action plan . __________________ 9 join 41 10 join 5 ### following the joint communication on improving military mobility in the european union of november 20179 , the action plan on military mobility adopted on 28 march 2018 by the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy10 highlighted that transport infrastructure policy offers a clear opportunity to increase synergies between defence needs , in particular as regards csdp missions and operations , the union’s mutual assistance and security clauses , national and multinational activities , and ten - t . by means of the action plan on military mobility , the union aims to facilitate military mobility through concrete measures in a number of areas , in full complementarity with relevant actors , such as nato , and in coordination with efforts under the permanent structured cooperation . the action plan indicates that by mid - 2018 , the council is invited to consider and validate the military requirements reflecting the needs of the union and its member states , and taking due consideration of the current multifaceted security environment throughout the union . those requirements include technical requirements for land , air or maritime transport infrastructures and for military assets in these three sectors , as well as procedures and regulations in many other fields . those requirements also cover the management of land , air and maritime military mobility . by 2019 the commission services will identify the parts of the trans - european transport network suitable for military transport , including necessary upgrades of existing infrastructure . union funding for the implementation of the dual - use projects should be implemented through the programme on the basis of specific work programmes specifying the applicable requirements as defined in the context of the action plan . the military mobility projects financed under this regulation should aim in particular to enable member states to perform the tasks referred to in article 43 teu with regard to the union’s common security and defence policy , facilitate current and future union operations and missions , support the missions described in the illustrative scenarios , as well as the implementation of the mutual assistance and solidarity clauses . in addition , those projects should help member states to meet their national and multinational requirements for operations , missions , exercises and routine activities across the union , as well as in its neighbourhood . furthermore , the military mobility projects financed under this regulation should be closely coordinated with the projects on military mobility prepared in the framework of the permanent structured cooperation and be linked to projects taking place in the context of the european defence fund . __________________ 9 join 41 10 join 5


### 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 like transport , energy , healthcare and public administration depend on universal access to reliable , affordable , secure , 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 key aspects of the digital domain , such as privacy and cyber security , that play an enabling role in the digital 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 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 ; and the development of dual use infrastructures will take into consideration the future needs of military mobility .


### the programme has the general objective to develop and modernise the trans - european networks in the fields of transport , energy and digital and to facilitate cross - border cooperation in the field of renewable energy , taking into account the long - term decarbonisation commitments and with emphasis on synergies among sectors . ### the programme has the general objective to develop and modernise the trans - european networks in the fields of transport , including the development of civilian - military infrastructures , energy and digital and to facilitate cross - border cooperation in the field of renewable energy , taking into account the long - term decarbonisation commitments and with emphasis on synergies among sectors .


### 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 , inter alia ertms and sesar projects ;


### economic , social and environmental impact ; ### economic , social , security and defence and environmental impact ;


### innovation , safety , interoperability and accessibility aspects ; ### innovation , safety , interoperability , dual use and accessibility aspects ;


### have premises in which it keeps its core business documents , in particular its commercial contracts , accounting documents , personnel management documents , labour contracts , documents containing data relating to driving time and rest and any other document to which the competent authority must have access in order to verify compliance with the conditions laid down in this regulation ; ### have premises suitable for carrying out the undertaking ' s activities , in which it keeps its core business documents in paper and / or electronic format , in particular its commercial contracts , accounting documents , personnel management documents , labour contracts , documents containing data relating to postings , driving time and rest and any other document to which the competent authority must have access at any time in order to verify compliance with the conditions laid down in this regulation ;


### without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2 , member states shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the national electronic registers are interconnected and accessible throughout the community through the national contact points defined in article 18 . accessibility through national contact points and interconnection shall be implemented by 31 december 2012 in such a way that a competent authority of any member state is able to consult the national electronic register of any member state . ### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : “5 . member states shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the national electronic registers are interconnected and interoperable throughout the union and are connected to the portal referred to in regulation no 165 / 2014 in such a way that the data referred to in paragraph 2 are directly accessible to all the competent authorities and control bodies of all the member states . ”


### international carriage shall be carried out subject to possession of a community licence and , if the driver is a national of a third country , in conjunction with a driver attestation . ### article 3 is replaced by the following : “international carriage shall be carried out subject to possession of a community licence , of a smart tachograph in accordance with regulation no 165 / 2014 and , if the driver is a national of a third country , in conjunction with a driver attestation . '


### waste management in the union should be improved , with a view to protecting , preserving and improving the quality of the environment , protecting human health , ensuring prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources and promoting a more circular economy . ### waste management in the union should be improved , with a view to protecting , preserving and improving the quality of the environment , protecting human health , ensuring prudent and efficient use of natural resources and promoting the principles of the circular economy .


### clear environmental , economic and social benefits would be derived from further restricting landfilling , starting with waste streams that are subject to separate collection . technical , environmental or economical feasibility of recycling or other recovery of residual waste resulting from separately collected waste should be taken into account in the implementation of these landfill restrictions . ### clear environmental , economic and social benefits would be derived from further restricting or banning landfilling , starting with waste streams that are subject to separate collection . technical , environmental or economic conditions of recycling or other recovery of residual waste resulting from separately collected waste should be taken into account in the implementation of these landfill restrictions .


### member states shall set up a national strategy for the implementation of the reduction of biodegradable waste going to landfills , not later than two years after the date laid down in article 18 and notify the commission of this strategy . this strategy should include measures to achieve the targets set out in paragraph 2 by means of in particular , recycling , composting , biogas production or materials / energy recovery . within 30 months of the date laid down in article 18 the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with a report drawing together the national strategies . ### in article 5 paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : member states shall set up a national strategy for phasing out bio - waste going to landfills , not later than two years after the date laid down in article 18 and notify the commission of this strategy . this strategy shall include measures to achieve the targets set out in paragraph 2 by means of in particular , recycling , composting , small biogas digesters or materials / energy recovery and shall progressively ban bio - waste going to landfills by 2025 . within 30 months of the date laid down in article 18 the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with a report drawing together the national strategies .


### ' only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled . this provision may not apply to inert waste for which treatment is not technically feasible , nor to any other waste for which such treatment does not contribute to the objectives of this directive , as set out in article 1 , by reducing the quantity of the waste or the hazards to human health or the environment ; ' ### in article 6 , the first subparagraph is amended as follows : ' only residual waste that has been subject to treatment , that is not separately collected , nor biodegradable , compostable reusable or recyclable , is landfilled when no other environmentally sustainable alternative exists . this provision may not apply to inert waste for which treatment is not technically feasible , nor to any other waste for which such treatment does not contribute to the objectives of this directive , as set out in article 1 , by reducing the quantity of the waste or the hazards to human health or the environment ; ”


### in article 6 , the following sentence is added : ‘ member states shall ensure that measures taken in accordance with this point do not compromise the achievement of the objectives of directive 2008 / 98 / ec , notably on the increase of preparing for re - use and recycling as set out in article 11 of that directive . ’ ### in article 6 , the following subparagraph is added : ‘ member states shall ensure that measures taken in accordance with this point do not compromise the achievement of the objectives of directive 2008 / 98 / ec , particularly on the increase of preparing for re - use and recycling as set out in article 11 of that directive . ’


### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects . ### throughout the economic and financial crisis , which persists to this day in many member states , the union has sought to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy whose goals in terms of combating unemployment and poverty have not yet been attained . the european investment bank has also sought to strengthen its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 , but has allocated only insubstantial resources to micro enterprises and smes . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of economically and environmentally viable investment projects with the emphasis on start - ups with innovative projects and micro enterprises .


### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion . ### the purpose of the efsi must be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . increased access to financing must be of particular benefit to small , medium and micro enterprises , as well as mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties must contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion .


### the efsi should support strategic investments with high economic value added contributing to achieving union policy objectives . ### the efsi must support strategic investments with high economic and social value added contributing to achieving union policy objectives , guaranteeing high - quality employment and adequate levels of social protection , which will be attained by supporting small , medium and micro enterprises and young start - ups which submit innovative projects that cannot always be financed using the funds currently available .


### many small and medium enterprises , as well as mid - cap companies , across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk . the efsi should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi . ### many small , medium and micro enterprises , as well as mid - cap companies , across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk . the efsi must help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi .


### the efsi should be established within the eib in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible . the work of the efsi on providing finance to small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies should be channelled through the european investment fund to benefit from its experience in these activities . ### the efsi should be established within the eib in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible . the work of the efsi on providing finance to small , medium and micro enterprises and small mid - cap companies should be channelled through the european investment fund to benefit from its experience in these activities .


### the efsi should target projects delivering high societal and economic value . in particular , the efsi should target projects that promote job creation , long - term growth and competitiveness . the efsi should support a wide range of financial products , including equity , debt or guarantees , to best accommodate the needs of the individual project . this wide range of products should allow the efsi to adapt to market needs whilst encouraging private investment in the projects . the efsi should not be a substitute for private market finance but should instead catalyse private finance by addressing market failures so as to ensure the most effective and strategic use of public money . the requirement for consistency with state aid principles should contribute to such effective and strategic use . ### the efsi must target projects delivering high societal and economic value . in particular , the efsi should target projects that promote high - quality job creation , inclusive long - term growth , competitiveness and social inclusion . the efsi should support a wide range of financial products , including equity , debt or guarantees , to best accommodate the needs of the individual project . this wide range of products should allow the efsi to adapt to market needs .


### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies . ### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made transparently by an investment committee . the investment committee must be composed of independent experts who have been appropriately selected in accordance with the principle of accountability and are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small , medium and micro enterprises and small mid - cap companies .


### the eib should regularly evaluate activities supported by the efsi with a view to assessing their relevance , performance and impact and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities . such evaluations should contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability . ### the eib must , at predetermined regular intervals , evaluate activities supported by the efsi with a view to assessing their relevance , performance and impact and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities . such evaluations must necessarily be published and contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability .


### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub should be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . this should establish a single point of entry for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union . ### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub must be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . this should establish a single point of entry for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union . it must be transparent and independent .


### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions . ### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , which should supply appropriate information about projects that could potentially receive support , must promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' must ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions .


### to ensure accountability to european citizens , the eib should regularly report to the european parliament and the council on the progress and impact of the efsi . ### to ensure accountability to european citizens , the eib must regularly report to the european parliament and the council on the progress and impact of the efsi .


### the efsi agreement shall provide for the creation of a european investment advisory hub within the eib . the eiah shall have as its objective to build upon existing eib and commission advisory services in order to provide advisory support for investment project identification , preparation and development and act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union . this shall include support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , use of innovative financial instruments , use of public - private partnerships and advice , as appropriate , on relevant issues of eu legislation . ### the efsi agreement shall provide for the creation of a european investment advisory hub within the eib . this hub must be transparent and independent . the eiah shall have as its objective to build upon existing eib and commission advisory services in order to provide advisory support for investment project identification , preparation and development and act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union . this shall include support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , use of innovative financial instruments , use of public - private partnerships and advice , as appropriate , on relevant issues of eu legislation .


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson . ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson . this steering board must be unequivocally transparent , independent and democratic .


### the commission and the eib shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future investments which significantly contribute to achieving eu policy objectives . ### the commission and the eib shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular , structured and transparent basis , information on current and future investments which significantly contribute to achieving eu policy objectives .


### member states shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future investment projects in their territory . ### member states shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular , structured and transparent basis , information on current and future investment projects in their territory .


### at the latest [ po insert date three years after the entry into force of this regulation ] , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation accompanied by any relevant proposal . ### at the latest [ po insert date two years after the entry into force of this regulation ] , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation accompanied by any relevant proposal .


### the eib shall notify olaf promptly and provide it with the necessary information when , at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of operations subject to the eu guarantee , it has grounds to suspect that there is a potential case of fraud , corruption , money laundering or other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the union . ### the eib shall notify olaf promptly and provide it with the necessary information when , at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of operations subject to the eu guarantee , it has grounds to suspect that there is a potential case of fraud , corruption , money laundering or any other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the union .


### the commission should report on the implementation of this regulation after three years after its date of application , including on the appropriateness of the level of security . in accordance with paragraphs 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making41 the commission should carry out an evaluation of this regulation on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring arrangements in order to assess the actual effects of the regulation and the need for any further action . _________________ 41 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### the commission should report on the implementation of this regulation after four years after its date of application , including on the appropriateness of the level of security . in accordance with paragraphs 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making41 the commission should carry out an evaluation of this regulation on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring arrangements in order to assess the actual effects of the regulation and the need for any further action , including the use of more advanced and higher accuracy biometric technologies against new types of fraud such as the iris - recognition technology proposed in the european court of justice´s case law41a which puts the technology forward as the only real alternative to taking fingerprints and less intervening on the rights recognised by articles 7 and 8 of the charter . _________________ 41 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . 41a judgment of the court of justice of 17 october 2013 , schwarz v stadt bochum , c - 291 / 12 , ecli : eu : c : 2013 : 670 .


### the mandate of the office includes the protection of revenues to the union budget arising from vat own resources . in this field , the office should be able to support and complement the activities of the member states through investigations conducted in accordance with its mandate , the coordination of national competent authorities in complex , transnational cases , and the support and assistance to member states and to the eppo . to this end , the office should be able to exchange information through the eurofisc network established by council regulation no 904 / 20109 in order to promote and facilitate cooperation in the fight against vat fraud . _________________ 9 council regulation no 904 / 2010 of 7 october 2010 on administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax , oj l 268 , 12 . 10 . 2010 , p . 1–18 . ### the mandate of the office includes the protection of revenues to the union budget arising from vat own resources . in this field , the office should be able to support and complement the activities of the member states and union institutions and bodies , through the coordination with national competent authorities and the support and assistance to member states and to the eppo , on their request . investigations by the office in the field of vat should be opened in cooperation with the member states in situations where the office can bring an added value , in particular in complex and transnational cases . those investigations should be conducted in accordance with the principle of proportionality and the other criteria for the opening of investigations by the office . in the frame of its mandate , the office may also provide information to the eurofisc network established by council regulation no 904 / 20109 in order to promote and facilitate cooperation in the fight against vat fraud . _________________ 9 council regulation no 904 / 2010 of 7 october 2010 on administrative cooperation and combating fraud in the field of value added tax , oj l 268 , 12 . 10 . 2010 , p . 1–18 .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including animal welfare , environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### coupled income support shall take the form of an annual payment per hectare or animal . ### coupled income support shall take the form of an annual payment per hectare or animal . coupled income support cannot be provided to holdings exceeding the ' maximum stocking density ' defined in article 4 of this regulation .


### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets ; research and experimental production , as well as other actions , including actions for : ### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets , research and experimental production , as well as other actions aimed at :


### training including coaching and exchange of best practices ; ### training including coaching and exchange of best practices , in particular on organic farming , permaculture design courses , and carbon enhancing practices ;


### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 . ### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - , climate - and animal welfare - related objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 .


### in order to ensure compliance with union law , member states should notify the draft intergovernmental agreement to the commission before it becomes legally binding for the parties . in a spirit of cooperation , the commission should support the member state in identifying compliance issues of the draft intergovernmental agreement or amendment . the respective member state would then be better prepared to conclude a union law compliant agreement . the commission should have sufficient time for such an assessment in order to provide for as much legal certainty as possible while avoiding undue delays . in order to fully benefit from the commission ' s support member states should refrain from concluding an intergovernmental agreement until the commission has informed the member state of its assessment . the member states should take all necessary steps to find a suitable solution to eliminate the incompatibility identified . ### in order to ensure compliance with union law , member states should notify ex - ante to the commission the sections of the draft intergovernmental agreement to the commission which legal structure does not correspond to the model clauses or guidelines previously defined , ex ante meaning in this context ' with sufficient anticipation before the iga becomes legally binding for the parties ' . in a spirit of cooperation , the commission should support the member state in identifying potential compliance issues of the draft intergovernmental agreement or amendment . the respective member state would then be better prepared to conclude a union law compliant agreement . in order to fully benefit from the commission ' s support member states should refrain from concluding an intergovernmental agreement until the commission has informed the member state of its assessment . the member states should take all necessary steps to find a suitable solution to solve the potential incompatibility identified in a way satisfactory to all parties .


### this decision should only apply to intergovernmental agreements that have an impact on the internal energy market or the security of energy supply in the union . in case of doubt , member states should consult the commission . in principle , agreements that are no longer in force or are no longer applied do not have an impact on the internal energy market or on the security of energy supply in the union and should therefore not be covered by this decision . ### this decision should only apply to intergovernmental agreements that have an impact on the internal energy market or the security of energy supply in the union . in case of doubt , and whenever they intend to apply clauses diverging from the models previously established by the commission , member states are strongly encouraged to consult the commission . in principle , agreements that are no longer in force or are no longer applied do not have an impact on the internal energy market or on the security of energy supply in the union and should therefore not be covered by this decision .


### the commission should make information it receives available to all other member states in secure electronic form . the commission should respect requests from member states to treat information submitted to it as confidential . requests for confidentiality should , however , not restrict access of the commission itself to confidential information , as the commission needs to have comprehensive information for its own assessments . the commission should be responsible for guaranteeing the application of the confidentiality clause . requests for confidentiality should be without prejudice to the right of access to documents as provided for in regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council11 . _________________ 11 regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents . ### the commission should make legal information it receives available to all other member states in secure electronic form . the commission should respect requests from member states to treat information submitted to it as confidential . requests for confidentiality should , however , not restrict access of the commission itself to confidential information , as the commission needs to have comprehensive information for its own legal assessments . the commission should be responsible for guaranteeing the application of the confidentiality clause . requests for confidentiality should be without prejudice to the right of access to documents as provided for in regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council11 . _________________ 11 regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents .


### if a member state considers an intergovernmental agreement to be confidential , it should provide the commission with a summary of it for the purposes of sharing that summary with the other member states . ### if a member state considers an intergovernmental agreement to be confidential , it should provide the commission with a summary of it for the purposes of sharing that summary with the other member states . such a summary should explicitly and clearly highlight , inter alia , any planned use of legal clauses that are not fully aligned with the model clauses established by the commission .


### this decision establishes a mechanism for the exchange of information between member states and the commission with regard to intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments in the field of energy as defined in article 2 , in order to optimise the functioning of the internal energy market . ### this decision establishes a mechanism for the exchange of legal information between member states and the commission with regard to intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments in the field of energy as defined in article 2 , in order to optimise the functioning of the internal energy market .


### identifying common problems in relation to intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments and considering appropriate action to address those problems and , where appropriate , proposing solutions ; ### identifying common effective and potential problems in relation to intergovernmental agreements and non - binding instruments and considering appropriate action to address those problems and , where appropriate , proposing corrective or preventive solutions ;


### it is important to facilitate the mutual recognition and execution of orders to freeze and to confiscate property by establishing rules obliging a member state to recognise and execute in its territory freezing and confiscation orders issued by another member state within the framework of criminal proceedings . ### it is important to facilitate the mutual recognition and execution of orders to freeze and to confiscate property by establishing rules obliging a member state to recognise and execute in its territory freezing and confiscation orders issued by another member state within the framework of a criminal action . the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation procedures in criminal matters is intended to establish an effective mechanism for the cross - border recognition and enforcement of such judgments , this being one of the most effective means of combating crime . the effectiveness of such a mechanism should ensure the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation procedures provided that they are ordered in connection with national court proceedings , which , without necessarily being criminal proceedings , meet the essential requirements thereof .


### this regulation should be applied taking into account directives 2010 / 64 / eu30 , 2012 / 13 / eu31 , 2013 / 48 / eu32 , 2016 / 34333 , 2016 / 80034 and 2016 / 191935 of the european parliament and of the council , which concern procedural rights in criminal proceedings . _________________ 30 directive 2010 / 64 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings . 31 directive 2012 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 may 2012 on the right to information in criminal proceedings . 32 directive 2013 / 48 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2013 on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in european arrest warrant proceedings , and on the right to have a third party informed upon deprivation of liberty and to communicate with third persons and with consular authorities while deprived of liberty . 33 directive 2016 / 343 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on the strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence and of the right to be present at the trial in criminal proceedings . 34 directive 2016 / 800 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings . 35 directive 2016 / 1919 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in european arrest warrant proceedings . ### this regulation should be applied taking into account directives 2010 / 64 / eu30 , 2012 / 13 / eu31 , 2013 / 48 / eu32 , 2016 / 34333 , 2016 / 80034 and 2016 / 191935 of the european parliament and of the council , which concern procedural rights in criminal proceedings . directives on procedural rights in criminal proceedings apply only to criminal proceedings involving member states that are bound by it . in addition , the basic rules of criminal procedure under the charter apply to the conduct of proceedings that , while not strictly speaking criminal in nature , arise in connection with criminal proceedings . _________________ 30 directive 2010 / 64 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings . 31 directive 2012 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 may 2012 on the right to information in criminal proceedings . 32 directive 2013 / 48 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2013 on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings and in european arrest warrant proceedings , and on the right to have a third party informed upon deprivation of liberty and to communicate with third persons and with consular authorities while deprived of liberty . 33 directive 2016 / 343 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on the strengthening of certain aspects of the presumption of innocence and of the right to be present at the trial in criminal proceedings . 34 directive 2016 / 800 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings . 35 directive 2016 / 1919 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings and for requested persons in european arrest warrant proceedings .


### the executing authority shall communicate the decision on a confiscation order to the issuing authority without delay by any means capable of producing a written record . ### the executing authority shall immediately and at the latest within 10 days communicate the decision on a confiscation order to the issuing authority without delay by any means capable of producing a written record .


### the executing authority shall without delay make a report to the issuing authority by any means capable of producing a written record on the postponement of the execution of the order , including the grounds for the postponement and , if possible , the expected duration of the postponement . ### the executing authority shall immediately and at the latest within 24 hours notify the issuing authority by any means capable of producing a written record on the postponement of the execution of the order , including the grounds for the postponement and the expected duration of the postponement .


### as soon as the ground for postponement has ceased to exist , the executing authority shall without delay take the necessary measures for the execution of the order and inform the issuing authority thereof by any means capable of producing a written record . ### as soon as the ground for postponement has ceased to exist , the executing authority shall immediately and at the latest within 10 days take the necessary measures for the execution of the order and inform the issuing authority thereof by any means capable of producing a written record .


### the issuing of the order is necessary and proportionate in order to provisionally prevent the destruction , transformation , moving , transfer or disposal of property with a view to possible subsequent confiscation taking into account the rights of the person concerned ; ### the issuing of the order is necessary and proportionate in order to provisionally prevent the destruction , transformation , moving , transfer or disposal of property with a view to possible subsequent confiscation taking into account the rights of the person concerned and any third parties acting in good faith ;


### as a type of feed , medicated feed falls within the scope of regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council6 , of regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council7 , of regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council8 and of directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 . specific provisions for medicated feed and intermediate products should be established concerning facilities and equipment , personnel , manufacture quality control , storage and transport , record - keeping , complaints and product recalls , the application of procedures based on the hazard analysis and critical control points principles and labelling . __________________ 6 regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 january 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene . 7 regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed . 8 regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition . 9 directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 7 may 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed . ### as types of feed , medicated feed and intermediate products fall within the scope of regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council6 , of regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council7 , of regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council8 and of directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 . specific provisions for medicated feed and intermediate products should be established concerning facilities and equipment , personnel , manufacture quality control , storage and transport , record - keeping , complaints and product recalls , the application of procedures based on the hazard analysis and critical control points principles and labelling . __________________ 6 regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 january 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene . 7 regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed . 8 regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition . 9 directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 7 may 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed .


### information on the person who has issued the prescription , including at least his name and address . ### for the distributor who supplies to the animal holder information on the person who has issued the prescription , including at least his name and address .


### the expression ' medicated feed ' or ' intermediate product for medicated feed ' supplemented by the expression ' complete ' or ' complementary ' , as appropriate , and the target species ; ### the expression ' medicated feed ' or ' intermediate product for medicated feed ' supplemented by the expression ' complete ' or ' complementary ' , as appropriate ;


### the veterinary medicinal products with name , active substance , strength , added amount , marketing authorisation holder and marketing authorisation number , preceded by the heading ‘ medication ' ; ### the veterinary medicinal products with name , active substance and its added amount , strength , marketing authorisation holder and marketing authorisation number , preceded by the heading ‘ medication ' ;


### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities , including corporate information technology systems . ### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the programme , such as preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities , including corporate information technology systems . moreover , the indicative allocation referred to in paragraph 2 takes due account of the fact that the programme is the only one addressing , in particular , the expenditure side of the protection of the union’s financial interests .


### member states shall require ultimate parent undertakings governed by their national laws and having a consolidated net turnover exceeding eur 750 000 000 as well as undertakings governed by their national laws that are not affiliated undertakings and having a net turnover exceeding eur 750 000 000 to draw up and publish a report on income tax information on an annual basis . ### member states shall require ultimate parent undertakings of large groups as defined in article 3 , governed by their national laws , and of large undertakings as defined in article 3 , governed by their national laws that are not affiliated undertakings to draw up and publish a report on income tax information on an annual basis . member states shall publish the basic elements of all tax rulings granted to multinational undertakings and move towards a clear and less complex system for taxing multinational undertakings , which can make the excessive use of tax rulings redundant .


### the report on income tax information shall be made accessible to the public on the website of the undertaking on the date of its publication . ### the report on income tax information shall be published in a common template available in an open data format and made accessible to the public on the website of the undertaking on the date of its publication in at least one of the official languages of the union . on the date of publication of the report on income tax information , the undertaking shall also file the report in a public registry managed by the commission . member states shall adopt effective whistleblower protection measures to protect those who act in the public interest , including those who disclose tax dodging practices .


### solutions established or operated under the present isa2 programme should , as far as possible , form part of a consistent environment of services facilitating interaction between european public administrations , enterprises and citizens , and ensuring , facilitating and enabling cross - border or cross - sector interoperability . ### solutions established or operated under the present isa2 programme should form part of a consistent environment of services facilitating interaction between european public administrations , enterprises and citizens , promoting the exploitation of the potential of e - government and e - democracy and ensuring , facilitating and enabling cross - border or cross - sector interoperability .


### interoperability of european public administrations concerns all levels of administration : european , local , regional and national . it is therefore important that solutions take into account their respective needs , as well as those of citizens and enterprises where relevant . ### interoperability of european public administrations concerns all levels of administration : european , local , regional and national . it is therefore important to ensure that participation is as broad and inclusive as possible in the isa2 programme and that solutions take into account their respective needs , as well as those of citizens and enterprises where relevant .


### support measures for combined transport operations should be implemented in compliance with the state aid rules contained in the treaty on the functioning of the european union . ### support measures for combined transport operations should be implemented in compliance with the state aid rules contained in the treaty on the functioning of the european union . state aid facilitates the development of economic activities when it does not affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest within the meaning of article 107 tfeu , and it is a useful tool to promote the execution of an important project of common european interest within the meaning of article 107 tfeu . therefore , in such cases , the commission should consider exempting member states from the requirement to inform the commission provided for in article 108 tfeu .


### in a trailer or semi - trailer , with or without a tractor unit , swap body or container , identified in accordance with the identification regime established pursuant to international standards iso6346 and en13044 , where the load unit is transhipped between the different modes of transport ; or ### in a trailer or semi - trailer , with or without a tractor unit , swap body or container , identified in accordance with the identification regime established pursuant to international standards iso6346 and en13044 , where the unaccompanied intermodal load unit is transhipped between the different modes of transport ; or


### by a road vehicle that is carried by rail , inland waterways or maritime transport for the non - road leg of the journey . ### by a road vehicle that is accompanied by its driver and carried by rail , inland waterways or maritime transport for the non - road leg of the journey .


### member states shall ensure that road transport is considered forming part of a combined transport operation covered by this directive only if the carrier can produce clear evidence that such road transport constitutes a road leg of a combined transport operation , including the transport of empty load units before and after the transport of goods . ### member states shall ensure that road transport is considered forming part of a combined transport operation covered by this directive only if the carrier can produce information providing clear evidence that such road transport constitutes a road leg of a combined transport operation , including the transport of empty load units before and after the transport of goods .


### the evidence referred to in paragraph 1 shall be presented or transmitted upon the request of the authorised inspecting officer of the member state where the check is carried out . in case of road side checks , it shall be presented within the duration of such check . it shall be in an official language of that member state or in english . during a roadside check , the driver shall be allowed to contact the head office , the transport manager or any other person or entity which may support him in providing the evidence referred to paragraph 2 . ### the evidence referred to in paragraph 1 shall be presented or transmitted upon the request of the authorised inspecting officer of the member state where the check is carried out . in case of road side checks , it shall be presented within the duration of such check . if not available at the time of the road check , the signatures referred to in point and point of paragraph 2 shall be presented or transmitted within 15 days following the check to the competent authority of the member state concerned . the evidence shall be in an official language of that member state or in english . during a roadside check , the driver shall be allowed to contact the head office , the transport manager or any other person or entity which may support him in providing the information referred to in paragraph 2 .


### the evidence may be provided through a transport document fulfilling the requirements laid down in article 6 of council regulation no 11 , or through other existing transport documents such as the convention on the contract for the international carriage of goods by road transport document or the uniform rules concerning the contract of international carriage of goods by rail transport document . ### the evidence may be provided through a transport document fulfilling the requirements laid down in article 6 of council regulation no 11 , or through other existing transport documents such as the consignment notes provided for under the convention on the contract for the international carriage of goods by road or under the uniform rules concerning the contract of international carriage of goods by rail .


### the number and geographic coverage of terminals servicing combined transport operations and the yearly number of transhipments on those terminals ; ### the number , the location and geographic coverage of terminals servicing combined transport operations with a breakdown by type of operations per terminal and the yearly number of transhipments and an assessment of the capacity used in terminals ;


### possible further measures , including a revision of the definition of combined transport as defined in article 1 and an adaptation of the list of measures provided for in article 6 . ### possible further measures , including a revision of the definition of combined transport as defined in article 1 , improvements to data collection and publication of such data at union level , and an adaptation of the list of measures provided for in article 6 , including possible amendments to state aid rules .


### the construction and , where necessary , the expansion of such transhipment terminals for combined transport ; ### in areas where no suitable facilities are available under a distance of 150 km as the crow flies , the construction of transhipment terminals for combined transport unless there is no need of such facilities due to a lack of economic relevance or for reasons related to the geographic or natural features of a given area ;


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ date of entry into force of this directive ] ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from [ date of entry into force of this directive ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power no later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### in order to promote the use of the cleanest and most efficient vehicles , member states should apply significantly reduced road tolls and user charges to those vehicles . ### in order to promote the use of zero - emission vehicles , member states should apply significantly higher road tolls and user charges to less clean and less efficient vehicles , exempting zero - emission vehicles .


### road congestion , to which all motor vehicles contribute in different proportions , represents a cost of about 1% of gdp . a significant part of this cost can be attributed to interurban congestion . a specific congestion charge should therefore be allowed , on condition that it is applied to all vehicle categories . in order to be effective and proportionate , the charge should be calculated on the basis of the marginal congestion cost and differentiated according to location , time and vehicle category . in order to maximise the positive effect of congestion charges , corresponding revenues should be allocated to projects addressing the sources of the problem . ### road congestion , to which all motor vehicles contribute in different proportions , represents a cost of about 1% of gdp . a significant part of this cost can be attributed to interurban congestion . a specific congestion charge should therefore be allowed , on condition that it is applied to all vehicle categories . in order to be effective and proportionate , the charge should be calculated on the basis of the marginal congestion cost and differentiated according to location , time and vehicle category . in order to maximise the positive effect of congestion charges , corresponding revenues should be allocated to projects seeking to tackle the root causes of the problem and to encourage a shift of traffic towards alternative transport routes , as well as the greatest possible use of low - emission public transport .


### this directive covers rules applicable to the online and other distance sales of goods only in relation to key contract elements needed to overcome contract - law related barriers in the digital single market . for this purpose , rules on conformity requirements , remedies available to consumers for lack of conformity of the goods with the contract and modalities for their exercise should be fully harmonised and the level of consumer protection as compared to directive 1999 / 44 / ec , should be increased . ### this directive covers rules applicable to the sale of goods , including online sales and the other types of distance sales of goods , only in relation to key contract elements needed to overcome contract law - related barriers in the single market and the digital single market . for this purpose , rules on conformity requirements , remedies available to consumers for lack of conformity of the goods with the contract and modalities for their exercise should be harmonised and the level of consumer protection , as compared to directive 1999 / 44 / ec , should be increased .


### in order to balance the requirement of legal certainty with an appropriate flexibility of the legal rules , any reference to what can be expected of or by a person in this directive should be understood as a reference to what can reasonably be expected . the standard of reasonableness should be objectively ascertained , having regard to the nature and purpose of the contract , to the circumstances of the case and to the usages and practices of the parties involved . in particular , the reasonable time for completing a repair or replacement should be objectively ascertained , having regard to the nature of the goods and the lack of conformity . ### in order to balance the requirement of legal certainty with appropriate flexibility of the legal rules , any reference to what can be expected from or by a party to a contract in this directive should be understood as a reference to what can reasonably be expected . the standard of reasonableness should be objectively ascertained , having regard to the nature and purpose of the contract , to the circumstances of the case and to the usages and practices of the parties involved .


### a large number of consumer goods are intended to be installed before they can be usefully used by the consumer . therefore any lack of conformity resulting from an incorrect installation of the goods should be regarded as a lack of conformity with the contract where the installation was performed by the seller or under the seller ' s control , as well as where the goods were installed by the consumer but the incorrect installation is due to incorrect installation instructions . ### a large number of consumer goods are intended to be installed before they can be usefully used by the consumer . therefore any lack of conformity resulting from incorrect installation of the goods should be regarded as a lack of conformity with the contract where the installation was performed by the seller or under the seller ' s control , as well as where the goods were installed by the consumer but the incorrect installation is due to incomplete , missing , or incorrect installation instructions .


### in order to increase legal certainty for sellers and overall consumer confidence in cross - border purchases it is necessary to harmonise the period during which the seller is held liable for any lack of conformity which exists at the time when the consumer acquires the physical possession of goods . considering that the large majority of member states have foreseen a two - year period when implementing directive 1999 / 44 and in practice this is considered by market participants as a reasonable period , this period should be maintained . ### in order to increase legal certainty for sellers and overall consumer confidence in cross - border purchases it is necessary to harmonise the minimum period during which the seller is held liable for any lack of conformity which exists at the time when the consumer acquires the physical possession of goods . considering that the large majority of member states have laid down a two - year period when implementing directive 1999 / 44 / ec and in practice this is considered by market participants as a reasonable period , this minimum standard should be maintained .


### this directive lays down certain requirements concerning distance sales contracts concluded between the seller and the consumer , in particular rules on conformity of goods , remedies in case of non - conformity and the modalities for the exercise of these remedies . ### this directive lays down certain requirements concerning contracts for the sale of goods , including distance sales contracts , concluded between the seller and the consumer , in particular rules on conformity of goods , remedies in case of non - conformity and the modalities for the exercise of these remedies .


### the seller has not completed repair or replacement within a reasonable time ; ### the seller has not completed repair or replacement within one month from the return of the goods by the consumer ;


### the seller has declared , or it is equally clear from the circumstances , that the seller will not bring the goods in conformity with the contract within a reasonable time . ### the seller has declared , or it is equally clear from the circumstances , that the seller will not bring the goods in conformity with the contract within one month from the return of the goods by the consumer .


### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects . ### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive growth . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable and environmentally sustainable investment projects .


### many small and medium enterprises , as well as mid - cap companies , across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk . the efsi should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi . ### many micro , small and medium enterprises across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments with greater environmental and societal value added . the efsi should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi .


### the efsi should be established within the eib in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible . the work of the efsi on providing finance to small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies should be channelled through the european investment fund to benefit from its experience in these activities . ### the efsi should be established within the eib in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible . the work of the efsi on providing finance to micro , small and medium enterprises committed to environmentally and socially sustainable and inclusive activities should be channelled through the european investment fund to benefit from its experience in these activities .


### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies . ### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects in the green and circular economy . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies with high environmental and societal value added .


### although the projects identified under the project pipeline may be used by the eib in the identification and selection of efsi supported projects , the project pipeline should have a broader scope of identifying projects across the union . this scope may include projects that are capable of being fully financed by the private sector or with the assistance of other instruments provided at european or national level . the efsi should be able to support financing and investment to projects identified by the project pipeline , but there should be no automaticity between inclusion on the list and access to efsi support and the efsi be conferred with discretion to select and support projects that are not included on the list . ### although the projects identified under the project pipeline may be used by the eib in the identification and selection of environmentally sustainable efsi supported projects , the project pipeline should have a broader scope of identifying environmentally sustainable projects across the union . this scope may include projects that are capable of being fully financed by the private sector or with the assistance of other instruments provided at european or national level . the efsi should be able to support financing and investment to environmentally sustainable projects identified by the project pipeline , but there should be no automaticity between inclusion on the list and access to efsi support and the efsi be conferred with discretion to select and support projects that are not included on the list .


### the commission shall conclude an agreement with the european investment bank on the establishment of a european fund for strategic investments . ### the commission shall conclude an agreement with the european investment bank on the establishment of a european fund for strategic investments that are environmentally sustainable .


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson . ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi with an appropriate risk sharing between private investors and eu taxpayers , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 and to ensure sustainability of the projects . the steering board shall operate in a fully transparent manner and elect one of its members to be chairperson .


### the investment committee shall be composed of six independent experts and the managing director . independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance and be appointed by the steering board for a renewable fixed term of three years . ### the green and circular economy investment committee shall be composed of six independent experts and the managing director . independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in high environmental and societal value added project finance and be appointed by the steering board for a renewable fixed term of three years .


### in addition , the eu guarantee shall be granted for support of dedicated investment platforms and national promotional banks , via the eib , that invest in operations meeting the requirements of this regulation . in that case , the steering board shall specify policies regarding eligible investment platforms . ### in addition , the eu guarantee shall be granted for support of green and circular economy development dedicated investment platforms and national promotional banks , via the eib , that invest in operations meeting the requirements of this regulation . in that case , the steering board shall specify policies regarding eligible investment platforms .


### the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and potential future investment projects in the union . the pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to article 3 . ### the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of environmentally sustainable current and potential future investment projects in the union . the pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to article 3 .


### the commission and the eib shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future investments which significantly contribute to achieving eu policy objectives . ### the commission and the eib shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future investments which significantly contribute to achieving eu 2050 policy objectives on climate change , protection of the environment and biodiversity , and sustainable use of natural resources .


### member states shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future investment projects in their territory . ### member states shall develop , update and disseminate , on a regular and structured basis , information on current and future green and circular economy investment projects in their territory .


### an assessment of the added value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ; ### an assessment of the added environmental and societal value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ;


### in accordance with its own transparency policies on access to documents and information , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 . ### the eib shall make information on projects submitted for funding publically available on its website in order to ensure there is a public consultation on their eligibility in terms of compliance with the principles of environmental and social sustainability . for approved projects , the eib shall publish on its website all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 .


### transport sector : eur 23 550 582 000 , of which eur 11 305 500 000 shall be transferred from the cohesion fund to be spent in line with this regulation exclusively in member states eligible for funding from the cohesion fund ; ### sustainable transport sector : eur 23 550 582 000 , of which eur 11 305 500 000 shall be transferred from the cohesion fund to be spent in line with this regulation exclusively in member states eligible for funding from the cohesion fund ;


### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps placements on the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the participants , the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the placement should be properly identified and documented , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in the council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . _________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning , oj c 398 , 22 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 . ### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps placements on the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the participants , a system to recognise the skills acquired through esc voluntary work should be developed , and the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the placement should be properly identified and documented , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in the council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . _________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning , oj c 398 , 22 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 .


### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . ### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . other tools that complement this means of registration should be provided , in order to facilitate the participation of all young people , especially those in the most vulnerable situations and those who are not digitally literate .


### although the projects identified under the project pipeline may be used by the eib in the identification and selection of efsi supported projects , the project pipeline should have a broader scope of identifying projects across the union . this scope may include projects that are capable of being fully financed by the private sector or with the assistance of other instruments provided at european or national level . the efsi should be able to support financing and investment to projects identified by the project pipeline , but there should be no automaticity between inclusion on the list and access to efsi support and the efsi be conferred with discretion to select and support projects that are not included on the list . ### although the projects identified under the project pipeline may be used by the eib in the identification and selection of efsi supported projects , the project pipeline should have a broader scope of identifying projects across the union . this scope may include projects that are capable of being fully financed by the private sector or with the assistance of other instruments provided at european or national level . the efsi should be able to support financing and investment to projects identified by the project pipeline , but there should be no automaticity between inclusion on the list and access to efsi support and the efsi be conferred with discretion to select and support projects that are not included on the list . priority should be given to high quality projects using innovative technologies , promoting sustainability particularly in transport , telecommunication and energy sectors , strengthening the connections between these sectors , with higher efficiency and lower impact on environment and on the health of the people . social aspects should be taken into account as well .


### the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and potential future investment projects in the union . the pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to article 3 . ### the commission and the eib shall create a transparent pipeline of current and potential investment projects in the union . member states may contribute to its establishment and management .


### ' ' technical assistance ' means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; ' ### point is replaced by the following : ' ' technical assistance ' means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly , use or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; '


### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change . ### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change .


### may permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties including when obligated parties promote measures through other state - approved bodies or through public authorities that may or may not involve formal partnerships and may be in combination with other sources of finance . where member states so permit , they shall ensure that an approval process is in place which is clear , transparent and open to all market actors , and which aims at minimising the costs of certification ; ### may permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties including when obligated parties promote measures through other state - approved bodies or through public authorities that may or may not involve formal partnerships and may be in combination with other sources of finance . where member states so permit , they shall ensure that an accredited approval process is in place which is clear , transparent , participative and open to all market actors , and which aims at minimising the costs of certification ;


### in designing alternative policy measures to achieve energy savings , member states shall take into account the effect on households affected by energy poverty . ### where member states design alternative policy measures to achieve energy savings , they shall prioritise households affected by energy poverty , in social housing and in those buildings that adversely impact air quality .