### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse . ### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . one of the solutions sometimes cited is therefore the introduction of minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse .


### any additional conditions set by the competent authority in the relevant permit pursuant to points and of article 7 , as regards water quality . ### any well - founded additional conditions set by the competent authority in the relevant permit pursuant to points and of article 7 , as regards water quality .


### the competent authority shall verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit , at the point of compliance . the compliance check shall be performed using the following means : ### before issuing a permit , the competent authority shall verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit , at the point of compliance . the compliance check shall be performed using the following means :


### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit ' s conditions occurs , the reclamation plant operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and the end - user which may be potentially affected , and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident . ### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit ' s conditions occurs , the reclamation facility operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and all reclaimed water distributors and end - user and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident .


### for the situations referred to in points , , and of article 106 , a panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency or a joint panel at the request of another institution , body or european office . the panel , on behalf of the commission and its executive agencies , other institutions , bodies or european offices , shall apply the following procedure : ### for the situations referred to in points , , and of article 106 , a neutral and politically independent panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency , or a joint panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of another institution , body or european office . the panel or the joint panel shall appoint a standing high - level body and shall be composed of members with technical and legal competences . the commission shall ensure that the panel or the joint panel work independently . the panel or the joint panel shall , on behalf of the commission and its executive agencies , other institutions , bodies or european offices , apply the following procedure :


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


### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union . ### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable , and , in so far as possible , sources of added value in terms of employment or innovation , by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union .


### the investeu fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets to foster growth , investment and employment , and thereby contributing to improved well - being and fairer income distribution in the union . intervention through the investeu fund should complement union support delivered through grants . ### the investeu fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets to foster growth , investment and employment , technological innovation and member state sovereignty in certain strategic technologies , such as high - performance computing , thereby contributing to member states ' economic prosperity and their independence in areas of key relevance to their sovereignty , as well as to improved well - being and fairer income distribution in the union . intervention through the investeu fund should complement union support delivered through grants .


### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . ### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is still inadequate , and investment in higher - risk activities is particularly insufficient . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union , causing it to lag ever further behind in certain cutting - edge technologies such as high - performance computing , and is detrimental to its citizens ' quality of life . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . the investeu fund should target , in particular , innovative smes and start - ups by providing instruments tailored to their needs . it is important that such instruments should apply in respect of the horizon europe programme .


### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence . ### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in broadband deployment everywhere , particularly in rural areas to help reduce their isolation . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence and high - performance computing .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , particularly in certain key technological sectors , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . however , the instruments , especially loan guarantees , provided for micro enterprises and smes must effectively target those companies that genuinely find it hard to obtain private - market financing , particularly from banks . it is regrettable , in this regard , that in its 2017 special report on eu - funded loan guarantee instruments , covering cosme and innovfin , the court of auditors had to conclude , on the basis of a sample selection of loans , that ' only 40% of [ them ] were provided to businesses that would otherwise have struggled to obtain financing from a commercial lender ' . the court added that ' this level is not significantly different from the 43% we found in our previous audit of the sme guarantee facility . ' it should be remembered that loan guarantees are there to offset market failures and that the instruments the eu deploys should , therefore , be designed so as not merely to generate a deadweight effect .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more just and fairer union to tackle inequality and foster social justice and development policies in europe is a key priority for the union . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to good - quality and genuinely merit - based education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of population groups that face specific barriers , i . e . , as a priority people with disabilities , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled , young people , senior citizens and the long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , universal access to broadband including in rural areas , community development , and the role and place of young people in society as well as that of people facing specific barriers , i . e . , as a priority people with disabilities . the investeu programme should also contribute to supporting european culture and creativity , i . e . to supporting smes in the creative sectors . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### the social resilience and inclusiveness of the union ; ### resilience and to social equality , justice and development in the union , as well as territorial cohesion , with particular reference to rural areas ;


### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### to increase access to , and the availability of , finance for smes affected by genuine failures of the private market and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes affected by failures of the private financing market and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ;


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . notes however that the eiah has already dealt with some 230 requests from 27 member states and the eipp has already published more than 100 investment projects since its launch on 1 june 2016 .


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


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 .


### as a means to enhance the overall cost - effectiveness of total reductions , member states should be able to transfer part of their annual emission allocation to other member states . the transparency of such transfers should be ensured and may be carried out in a manner that is mutually convenient , including by means of auctioning , the use of market intermediaries acting on an agency basis , or by way of bilateral arrangements . ### as a means to enhance the overall cost - effectiveness of total reductions , member states should be able to transfer their annual emission allocation to other member states . the transparency of such transfers should be ensured and may be carried out in a manner that is mutually convenient , including by means of auctioning , the use of market intermediaries acting on an agency basis , or by way of bilateral arrangements .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic integration of third country nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic integration of european nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility .


### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ; ### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services , without prejudice to the prerogatives of the member states ;


### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children ; ### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , in particular single - parent families , the most deprived and children ;


### a greener , low carbon europe through the improvement of education and training systems necessary for the adaptation of skills and qualifications , the upskilling of all , including the labour force , the creation of new jobs in sectors related to the environment , climate and energy , and the bioeconomy . ### a more ecologically minded europe through the improvement of education and training systems necessary for the adaptation of skills and qualifications , the upskilling of all , including the labour force , the creation of new jobs in sectors related to the environment , climate and energy , and the bioeconomy .


### support the digital transformation of health and care ### take account of the digital transformation of health and care and train medical teams ;


### support member states with knowledge transfer useful for the national reform processes for more effective , accessible and resilient health systems and better health promotion and disease prevention addressing , in particular , the challenges identified in the european semester ### support member states with knowledge transfer useful for more effective , accessible and resilient health systems and better health promotion and disease prevention addressing , in particular , the challenges identified in the european semester


### any processing of personal data under this directive should respect fundamental rights , including the right to respect for private and family life and the right to protection of personal data under articles 7 and 8 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and must be in compliance with directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , which governs the processing of personal data , as may be carried out by authorised entities within the framework of this directive and under the supervision of the member statesʼ competent authorities , in particular the public independent authorities designated by the member states . ### any processing of personal data under this directive should respect fundamental rights , including the right to respect for private and family life and the right to protection of personal data , stemming from the common constitutional provisions of the member states and should be in compliance with directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1a and with regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council1b , which govern the processing of personal data , as may be carried out by authorised entities within the framework of this directive and under the supervision of the member statesʼ competent authorities , in particular the public independent authorities designated by the member states . _________________ 1a directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . 1b regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### without prejudice to paragraph 3 of this article , where enrolment of the fingerprints or facial image is not possible from third - country nationals who are deemed to be vulnerable persons and from a minor due to the conditions of the fingertips or face , the authorities of that member state shall not use sanctions to coerce the taking of fingerprints or a facial image . a member state may attempt to re - take the fingerprints or facial image of a minor or vulnerable person who refuses to comply , where the reason for non - compliance is not related to the conditions of the fingertips or facial image or the health of the individual and where it is duly justified to do so . where a minor , in particular an unaccompanied or separated minor refuses to give their fingerprints or a facial image and there are reasonable grounds to suspect that there are child safeguarding or protection risks , the minor shall be referred to the national child protection authorities and / or national referral mechanisms . ### without prejudice to paragraph 3 of this article , where enrolment of the fingerprints or facial image is not possible from third - country nationals who are deemed to be vulnerable persons and from a minor due to the conditions of the fingertips or face , the authorities of that member state may apply sanctions if the person concerned refuses to allow the taking of their fingerprints or facial image . a member state may attempt to re - take the fingerprints or facial image of a minor or vulnerable person who refuses to comply , where the reason for non - compliance is not related to the conditions of the fingertips or facial image or the health of the individual and where it is duly justified to do so . where a minor , in particular an unaccompanied or separated minor refuses to give their fingerprints or a facial image and there are reasonable grounds to suspect that there are child safeguarding or protection risks , the minor shall be referred to the national child protection authorities and / or national referral mechanisms .


### in accordance with article 2 tfeu , member states are therefore entitled to have a possibility , during the authorisation procedure and thereafter , to decide to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of a gmo on their territory with the effect of excluding cultivation of a specific gmo in all or part of that member state ' s territory . in that context , it appears appropriate to grant member states , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , more flexibility to decide whether or not they wish to cultivate gmo crops on their territory without affecting the risk assessment provided in the system of union authorisations of gmos , either in the course of the authorisation procedure or thereafter , and independently of the measures that member states are entitled to take by application of directive 2001 / 18 / ec to avoid the unintended presence of gmos in other products . the grant of that possibility to member states should facilitate the decision - making process in the gmo field . at the same time , freedom of choice of consumers , farmers and operators should be preserved whilst providing greater clarity to affected stakeholders concerning the cultivation of gmos in the union . this directive should therefore facilitate the smooth functioning of the internal market . ### in that context , it appears appropriate to grant member states , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , more flexibility to decide whether or not they wish to cultivate or market gmo crops on their territory , in the form of raw materials harvested or of products processed by the agri - food industry , without affecting the risk assessment provided in the system of union authorisations of gmos , either in the course of the authorisation procedure or thereafter , and independently of the measures that member states are required to take by application of directive 2001 / 18 / ec to avoid the unintended presence of gmos in other products on their territory and in the border areas of neighbouring member states .


### the european small claims procedure could be further improved by taking advantage of the technological developments in the field of justice which eliminate geographical distance and its consequences in terms of high costs and length of proceedings as factors discouraging access to justice . ### the european small claims procedure could be further improved by taking advantage of the technological developments in the field of justice which should eliminate geographical distance and its consequences in terms of high costs and length of proceedings as factors discouraging access to justice .


### the payment of court fees should not require the claimant to travel or hire a lawyer for this purpose . as a minimum , bank transfers and credit or debit card on - line payment systems should be accepted by all courts and tribunals with jurisdiction in european small claims procedures . ### the payment of court fees should not require the claimant to travel or hire a lawyer for this purpose . as a minimum , bank transfers and credit or debit card on - line payment systems should be accepted by all courts and tribunals with jurisdiction in european small claims procedures . to this end , the role of the judicial mediator in resolving many such issues should be encouraged and developed .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states could be asked to bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### differences in national mandatory consumer contract law rules and a lack of clear contract law rules are among the key obstacles which hinder the development of the supply of digital content , as very few tailor - made rules exist at union level . businesses face additional costs stemming from differences in national mandatory consumer contract law rules and legal uncertainty when selling digital content across borders . businesses also face costs when adapting their contracts to specific mandatory rules for the supply of digital content are already emerging in several member states , creating differences in scope and content between specific national rules governing these contracts . in those member states where there are not yet specific rules for the supply of digital content , traders willing to sell cross - border face uncertainty , as they will often not know which rules apply to digital content in the member state they want to export to , nor the content of those rules and whether they are mandatory . ### differences in national consumer contract law rules may create a challenge for the development of the international supply of digital content ; a trade challenge and a legal challenge , which are not insurmountable and which are part and parcel of international trade . international trade does not preclude partnerships and cooperation between different countries to promote trade between two chosen markets , and thereby encouraging trade and reducing the additional costs borne by enterprises .


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


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


### responsibility for security of gas supply should be shared by natural gas undertakings , member states , acting through their competent authorities ; and the commission , within their respective remits . such shared responsibility requires very close cooperation between these parties . however , customers using gas for electricity generation or industrial purposes may also have an important role to play in security of gas supply , as they can respond to a crisis by taking demand - side measures such as interruptible contracts and fuel switching , which have an immediate impact on the supply / demand balance . ### responsibility for security of gas supply should be shared by natural gas undertakings and member states acting through their competent authorities . such shared responsibility requires very close cooperation between these parties . however , customers using gas for electricity generation or industrial purposes may also have an important role to play in security of gas supply , as they can respond to a crisis by taking demand - side measures such as interruptible contracts and fuel switching , which have an immediate impact on the supply / demand balance .


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


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


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


### the roles and responsibilities of all natural gas undertakings and competent authorities should therefore be defined precisely in order to keep the internal gas market functioning properly , particularly in the event of supply disruptions and crises . such roles and responsibilities should be established in such a way as to ensure that a three - level approach is respected which would involve first the relevant natural gas undertakings and industry , then member states at national or regional level , and then the union . this regulation should enable natural gas undertakings and customers to rely on market mechanisms for as long as possible when coping with disruptions . however , it should also provide for mechanisms that can be deployed when markets alone are no longer able to deal adequately with a gas supply disruption . ### the roles and responsibilities of all natural gas undertakings and competent authorities should therefore be defined precisely in order to keep the gas market functioning properly , particularly in the event of supply disruptions and crises . such roles and responsibilities should be established in such a way as to ensure that a two - level approach is respected which would involve first the relevant natural gas undertakings and member states at national or regional level , and the union . this regulation should enable natural gas undertakings and customers to rely on mechanisms for possible state control when coping with disruptions .


### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . ### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . fulfilling security of supply standards on the level of member states is a condition to make solidarity mechanisms work . transparency on the level of member states about the fulfilment shall serve the spirit of solidarity . for the creation of these mechanisms , member states should identify and describe the corresponding details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . the commission shall submit a framework for necessary technical , legal and financial arrangements to be agreed between neighbouring member states .


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


### to assess the security of supply situation of a given member state or region or of the union , access to the relevant information is essential . in particular , member states and the commission need regular access to information from natural gas undertakings regarding the main parameters of the gas supply as a fundamental input in the design of the security of supply policies . under duly justified circumstances , irrespective of a declaration of emergency , access should also be possible to additional information needed to assess the overall gas supply situation . that additional information would typically be non - price - related gas delivery information , e . g . minimum and maximum gas volumes , delivery points or supply margins . it could , for example , be requested in the event of changes in the pattern of the gas supply to a given buyer or buyers in a member state which would not be expected if the markets were functioning normally and which could affect the gas supply of the union or parts of it . ### to assess the security of supply situation of a given member state or region or of the union , access to the relevant information is essential . in particular , member states need regular access to information from natural gas undertakings regarding the main parameters of the gas supply as a fundamental input in the design of the security of supply policies . under duly justified circumstances , irrespective of a declaration of emergency , access should also be possible to additional information needed to assess the overall gas supply situation . that additional information would typically be non - price - related gas delivery information , e . g . minimum and maximum gas volumes , delivery points or supply margins . it could , for example , be requested in the event of changes in the pattern of the gas supply to a given buyer or buyers in a member state which would not be expected if the markets were functioning normally and which could affect the gas supply of the union or parts of it .


### regulation no 994 / 2010 should be repealed . to avoid a gap , the preventive action plans and emergency plans drawn up under regulation no 994 / 2010 should remain in force until the new preventive action plans and emergency plans draw up under this regulation are adopted for the first time . ### regulation no 994 / 2010 should be repealed . to avoid a gap , the preventive action plans and emergency plans drawn up under regulation no 994 / 2010 should remain in force until the new preventive action plans and emergency plans draw up under this directive are adopted for the first time .


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


### security of gas supply shall be a shared responsibility of natural gas undertakings , member states , notably through their competent authorities , and the commission , within their respective areas of activities and competence . ### security of gas supply shall be a shared responsibility of natural gas undertakings , member states , notably through their competent authorities , and the commission , within their respective areas of activities and competence . infrastructure operators shall be responsible for infrastructure , while supply undertakings shall be responsible for the function of supply .


### natural gas undertakings shall be allowed to meet their obligations under this article at a regional or union level , where appropriate . the competent authorities shall not require the standards laid down in this article to be met based on infrastructure located only within its territory . ### suppliers shall be allowed to meet their obligations under this article at a regional or union level , where appropriate . the competent authorities shall not require the standards laid down in this article to be met based on infrastructure located only within its territory .


### by 1 november 2017 entso for gas shall carry out a union wide simulation of supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios . the scenarios shall be defined by entso for gas in consultation with the gas coordination group . the competent authorities shall provide entso for gas with the necessary data for the simulations such as peak demand values , production capacity and demand side measures . the competent authorities shall take into account the results of the simulations for the preparation of the risk assessments , preventive action plans and emergency plans . the union - wide simulation of supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios shall be updated every four years unless circumstances warrant more frequent updates . ### by 1 november 2017 entso for gas shall carry out a union wide simulation of supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios . the scenarios shall be defined by entso for gas in coordination with the gas coordination group . the competent authorities shall provide entso for gas with the necessary data for the simulations such as peak demand values , production capacity and demand side measures . the competent authorities shall involve their national regulatory authorities and take into account the results of the simulations for the preparation of the risk assessments , preventive action plans and emergency plans . the union - wide simulation of supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios shall be updated every four years unless circumstances warrant more frequent updates . in addition entso for gas shall spread information gained by the early warning mechanism on regular basis among the gas coordination group .


### the commission shall issue an opinion to the competent authorities of the region with the recommendation to review the relevant preventive action plan or emergency plan if the plan is considered to contain one of the following elements : ### the commission shall issue a non - binding opinion to the competent authorities of the region .


### the competent authorities shall adopt the necessary measures , so that gas not supplied to customers other than households , essential social services and district heating installations in their territory in the situation described in paragraph 2 can be supplied to the member state in the emergency situation described in the same paragraph for the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in that member state . ### the competent authorities shall adopt the necessary measures , so that gas not supplied to protected customers in their territory in the situation described in paragraph 2 can be supplied to the member state in the emergency situation described in the same paragraph for the supply to protected customers in that member state .


### the competent authorities shall adopt the necessary measures , so that gas not supplied to customers other than households , essential social services and district heating installations in their territory in the situation described in paragraph 2 can be supplied to the member state in the emergency situation described in the same paragraph for the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in that member state . ### the competent authorities shall adopt the necessary measures , so that gas not supplied to customers other than households , essential public services and district heating installations in their territory in the situation described in paragraph 2 can be supplied to the member state in the emergency situation described in the same paragraph for the supply to households , essential public services and district heating installations in that member state .


### in duly justified circumstances irrespective of a declaration of emergency , the competent authority may require gas undertakings to provide the information referred to in paragraph 1 or additional information necessary to assess the overall situation of the gas supply in the member state or other member states , including contractual information . the commission may request from the competent authorities the information provided by natural gas undertakings . ### irrespective of a declaration of emergency , the competent authority may require the following details , and only these details of gas supply contracts , as collected under remit reporting requirements , with a duration of more than one year from acer in order to assess the situation of the security of supply at national , regional and union level . the commission may request from the competent authorities the information provided by natural gas undertakings on an aggregate level . duration of the contract delivery points maximum daily volumes contracted in the event of an emergency contracted volumes in total on an annual basis and the average volume per month ; minimum daily , monthly and yearly gas volumes conditions for the suspension of delivery


### where the commission considers that the gas supply in a region or the union as whole is affected or is likely to be affected it may require the competent authorities to collect and submit to the commission information necessary to assess the situation of the gas supply in the union . the commission may share its assessment with the gas coordination group . ### where the commission considers that the gas supply in a region or the union as whole is affected or is likely to be affected it may require the competent authorities to collect and submit to the commission the relevant information necessary to assess the situation of the gas supply in the union listed in article 13 and 13 . the commission shall share its assessment with the gas coordination group .


### where the commission considers that the gas supply in a region or the union as whole is affected or is likely to be affected it may require the competent authorities to collect and submit to the commission information necessary to assess the situation of the gas supply in the union . the commission may share its assessment with the gas coordination group . ### where the commission considers that the gas supply in a region or the union as whole is affected or is likely to be affected it may require the competent authorities to collect and submit to the commission information necessary to assess the situation of the gas supply in the union . the commission shall share its assessment with the council and the gas coordination group .


### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . ### to the competent authority immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . the commission may request from the competent authorities the information provided by natural gas undertakings on an aggregate level .


### a gas coordination group is established to facilitate the coordination of measures concerning security of gas supply . the group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , in particular of their competent authorities , as well as the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators , the entso for gas and representative bodies of the industry concerned and those of relevant customers . the commission shall , in consultation with the member states , decide on the composition of the group , ensuring it is fully representative . the commission shall chair the group . the group shall adopt its rules of procedure . ### a gas coordination group is established to facilitate the coordination of measures concerning security of gas supply . the group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , in particular of their competent authorities , as well as the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators , the entso for gas , groups of transport system operators which collaborate on a trans - national level , and representative bodies of the industry concerned and those of relevant customers . the commission shall , in consultation with the member states , decide on the composition of the group , ensuring it is fully representative . the commission shall chair the group . the group shall adopt its rules of procedure .


### a gas coordination group is established to facilitate the coordination of measures concerning security of gas supply . the group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , in particular of their competent authorities , as well as the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators , the entso for gas and representative bodies of the industry concerned and those of relevant customers . the commission shall , in consultation with the member states , decide on the composition of the group , ensuring it is fully representative . the commission shall chair the group . the group shall adopt its rules of procedure . ### a gas coordination group is established to facilitate the coordination of measures concerning security of gas supply . the group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , in particular of their competent authorities , as well as the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators , the entso for gas and representative bodies of the industry concerned and those of relevant customers . the council shall , in consultation with the commission , decide on the composition of the group , ensuring it is fully representative . the commission shall chair the group . the group shall adopt its rules of procedure .


### to enable or enhance bi - directional capacity on an interconnector or to obtain or prolong an exemption from that obligation , transmission system operators on both sides of the interconnector shall submit to their competent authorities after consulting with all transmission system operators along the gas supply corridor : ### to enable or enhance bi - directional capacity on an interconnector or to obtain or prolong an exemption from that obligation , transmission system operators on both sides of the interconnector shall submit to their competent authorities or , where member states so provide , their competent authorities or their regulatory authorities after consulting with all transmission system operators along the gas supply corridor :


### electricity generation from renewable sources should be deployed at the lowest possible cost for consumers and taxpayers . when designing support schemes and when allocating support , member states should seek to minimise the overall system cost of deployment , taking full account of grid and system development needs , the resulting energy mix , and the long term potential of technologies . ### electricity generation from renewable sources should be deployed at the lowest possible cost for consumers and taxpayers . when designing support schemes and when allocating support , member states should seek to minimise the overall system cost of deployment , taking full account of grid and system development needs , the resulting energy mix , and the long term potential of technologies . it should be borne in mind , however , that some sources of electricity production , such as wind farms or photovoltaic panels , require considerable investment , which may have an impact on consumer prices .


### electricity generation from renewable sources should be deployed at the lowest possible cost for consumers and taxpayers . when designing support schemes and when allocating support , member states should seek to minimise the overall system cost of deployment , taking full account of grid and system development needs , the resulting energy mix , and the long term potential of technologies . ### electricity generation from renewable sources should be deployed at the lowest possible cost for consumers and taxpayers . when designing support schemes and when allocating support , member states should seek to minimise the overall system cost of deployment , taking full account of grid and system development needs , the resulting energy mix , and the long term potential and profitability of technologies .


### since the objectives of this directive , namely to achieve at least 27 % share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy by 2030 , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can rather , by reason of the scale of the action , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives . ### since the objectives of this directive , namely to achieve at least 27 % share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy by 2030 , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can rather , by reason of the scale of the action , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union , protecting member states ' capacity for decision - making and action and aimed at bringing the exercise of powers as close as possible to citizens . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 7 , 7 ; 19 , 19 , 25 and 28 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 7 , 7 ; 19 , 19 , 25 and 28 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of four months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object .


### space technology , data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of europeans and play an essential role in preserving many strategic interests . the union ' s space industry is already one of the most competitive in the world . however , the emergence of new players and the development of new technologies are revolutionising traditional industrial models . it is therefore crucial that the union remains a leading international player with extensive freedom of action in the space domain , that it encourages scientific and technical progress and support the competitiveness and innovation capacity of space sector industries within the union , in particular small and medium - sized enterprises , start - ups and innovative businesses . ### space technology , data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of europeans and play an essential role in preserving many of the member states ' strategic interests . the union ' s space industry is already one of the most competitive in the world , thanks in particular to the decisive contribution of long - standing intergovernmental cooperation arrangements in place among a number of member states . however , the emergence of new players and the development of new technologies are revolutionising traditional industrial models . it is therefore crucial that the union remains a leading international player with extensive freedom of action in the space domain , that it encourages scientific and technical progress and support the competitiveness and innovation capacity of space sector industries within the union , in particular small and medium - sized enterprises , start - ups and innovative businesses .


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


### owing to its coverage and its potential to help resolve global challenges , the space programme of the union has a strong international dimension . the commission should therefore be enabled to manage , on behalf of the union , and coordinate activities on the international scene on behalf of the union , in particular to defend the interests of the union and its member states in international fora , including in the area of frequencies , to promote the union ' s technology and industry , and to encourage cooperation in the field of training , bearing in mind the need to ensure the reciprocity of the rights and obligations of the parties . it is particularly important that the union be represented by the commission in the bodies of the international cospas - sarsat programme or in relevant sectoral un bodies including the food and agriculture organisation , as well as the world meteorological organisation . ### owing to its coverage and its potential to help resolve global challenges , the space programme of the union has a strong international dimension . the commission should therefore coordinate its efforts with those of the member states in order to defend the interests of the programme in international fora , including in the area of frequencies , to promote the union’s technology and industry , and to encourage cooperation in the field of training , bearing in mind the prerequisite of ensuring the reciprocity of the rights and obligations of the parties . it is particularly important that the union be represented as an observer by the commission in the bodies of the international cospas - sarsat programme or in relevant sectoral un bodies including the food and agriculture organisation , as well as the world meteorological organisation .


### as promoter of the union’s general interest , it falls to the commission to implement the programme , assume overall responsibility and promote their use . in order to optimise the resources and competences of the various stakeholders , the commission should be able to delegate certain tasks . moreover the commission is the best placed to determine the main technical and operational specifications necessary to implement systems and services evolution . ### as promoter of the union’s general interest , it falls to the commission to implement the programme , assume overall responsibility and promote their use . in order to optimise the resources and competences of the various stakeholders , the commission should be able to delegate certain tasks . moreover the commission will be required to collaborate with the european space agency regarding the main technical and operational specifications necessary to implement systems and services evolution .


### the competent authority of each host member state may require that the summary referred to in article 7 be translated into its official language or languages , but it shall not require the translation of any other part of the prospectus . ### the competent authority of each host member state shall require that the summary referred to in article 7 be translated into its official language or languages , and it may require the translation of any other part of the prospectus .


### waste prevention is the most efficient way to improve resource efficiency and to reduce the environmental impact of waste . it is important therefore that member states take appropriate measures to prevent waste generation and monitor and assess progress in the implementation of such measures . in order to ensure a uniform measurement of the overall progress in the implementation of waste prevention measures , common indicators should be established . ### waste prevention is the most efficient way to improve resource efficiency and to reduce the environmental impact of waste . it is important therefore that member states can take appropriate measures to prevent waste generation and monitor and assess progress in the implementation of such measures . in order to ensure a measurement of the overall progress in the implementation of waste prevention measures , indicators should be established .


### in order to ensure better , timelier and more uniform implementation of this directive and anticipate implementation weaknesses , an early warning system should be established to detect shortcomings and allow taking action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets . ### in order to ensure better and timelier implementation of this directive and anticipate implementation weaknesses , a progress estimation report should be established to detect shortcomings and allow taking action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets .


### compliance with the obligation to set up separate collection systems for paper , metal , plastic and glass is essential in order to increase preparing for re - use and recycling rates in member states . in addition bio - waste should be collected separately to contribute to an increase in preparing for re - use and recycling rates and the prevention of contamination of dry recyclable materials . ### compliance with the obligation to set up separate collection systems for all materials including paper , metal , plastic and glass is essential in order to increase preparing for re - use and recycling rates in member states . in addition bio - waste should be collected separately to contribute to an increase in preparing for re - use and recycling rates and the prevention of contamination of dry recyclable materials .


### member states shall report to the commission the specific instruments put in place in accordance with this paragraph by [ insert date eighteen months after the entry into force of this directive ] and every five years following that date . ### member states shall report to the commission the specific instruments put in place in accordance with this paragraph by [ insert date thirty - six months after the entry into force of this directive ] and every five years following that date .


### such measures may encourage , inter alia , the development , production and marketing of products that are suitable for multiple use , that are technically durable and that are , after having become waste , suitable for preparation for re - use and recycling in order to facilitate proper implementation of the waste hierarchy . the measures should take into account the impact of products throughout their life cycle . ### such measures may encourage , inter alia , the development , production and marketing of products and materials such as permanent materials that are suitable for multiple use and multiple recycling , that are technically durable and that are , after having become waste and prepared for re - use or recycled , suitable to be placed on the market in order to facilitate proper implementation of the waste hierarchy . the measures should take into account the impact of products and materials throughout their life cycle .


### - encourage the use of products that are resource efficient , durable , reparable and recyclable ; ### - encourage the production and use of products and materials that are resource efficient , durable , reparable and recyclable , such as permanent materials ;


### ' in order to comply with the objectives of this directive , and move towards a european recycling society with a high level of resource efficiency , member states shall take the necessary measures designed to achieve the following targets : ' ### in paragraph 2 , the introductory wording is replaced by the following : “in order to comply with the objectives of this directive , and move towards recycling with a high level of resource efficiency , member states shall take the necessary measures designed to achieve the following targets : ”


### the commission shall review the data reported in accordance with this article and publish a report on the results of its review . the report shall assess the organisation of the data collection , the sources of data and the methodology used in member states as well as the completeness , reliability , timeliness and consistency of that data . the assessment may include specific recommendations for improvement . the report shall be drawn up every three years . ### the commission shall review the data reported in accordance with this article and publish a report on the results of its review . the report shall assess the organisation of the data collection , the sources of data and the methodology used in member states as well as the completeness , reliability , timeliness and consistency of that data . the assessment may include specific non - binding recommendations for improvement . the report shall be drawn up every three years .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all to quality education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the dissemination of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility .


### the esf + should support policy and system reforms in the fields of employment , social inclusion , healthcare and long - term care , and education and training . in order to strengthen alignment with the european semester , member states should allocate an appropriate amount of their resources of the esf + strand under shared management to implement relevant country - specific recommendations relating to structural challenges which it is appropriate to address through multiannual investments falling within the scope of the esf + . the commission and the member states should ensure coherence , coordination and complementarity between the shared - management and health strands of esf + and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument . in particular , the commission and the member state should ensure , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to safeguard the consistency , coherence , complementarity and synergy among sources of funding , including technical assistance thereof . ### the esf + should support member states ' policies in the fields of employment , social inclusion , healthcare and long - term care , and education and training .


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote equality between women and men and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .