### “solidarity placement” means a volunteering activity , traineeship or job in a solidarity - related area , which is organised by a participating organisation and which contributes to addressing key societal challenges while enhancing the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development and the employability of the european solidarity corps participant who undertakes it , either in a country other than the country of residence or in the country of residence of the participant ; ### “solidarity placement” means a volunteering activity in a solidarity - related area , which is organised by a participating organisation and which contributes to addressing key societal challenges while enhancing the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the european solidarity initiative participant who undertakes it , either in a country other than the country of residence or in the country of residence of the participant ;


### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that fall within the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should be supported by the latter in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should continue to be supported under the programme established by regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport20 . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european solidarity corps and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service . __________________ 20 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 50 . ### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and potentially employability . voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . in the light of this , traineeships and jobs should not be included in the scope of this regulation . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service should be included within the scope of the european voluntary service + in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service + should be supported under the programme ' erasmus + ' . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european voluntary service + and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service .


### the competent authority shall , by way of a formal act , decide on the issuing or , following a review , the withdrawal of the accreditation of the paying agency and the coordinating body on the basis of an examination of the accreditation criteria to be adopted by the commission in accordance with point of article 10 . the competent authority shall inform the commission of accreditations and withdrawals of accreditations without delay . ### the competent authority shall , by way of a formal act , decide on the issuing or , following a review , the withdrawal of the accreditation of the paying agency and the coordinating body on the basis of an examination of the accreditation criteria to be adopted by the commission in accordance with point of article 10 , taking into account the principle of proportionality . the competent authority shall inform the commission of accreditations and withdrawals of accreditations without delay .


### the deadline of 15 february referred to in the first subparagraph may be exceptionally extended by the commission to 1 march , upon request by the member state concerned , as provided for in the second subparagraph article 63 of the financial regulation . ### the deadline of 15 february referred to in the first subparagraph may be exceptionally extended by the commission to 1 june , upon request by the member state concerned , as provided for in the second subparagraph article 63 of the financial regulation .


### prior to 1 december but not before 16 october , pay advances of up to 50 % for direct payments interventions ; ### prior to 1 december but not before 16 october , pay advances of up to 75 % for direct payments interventions ;


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 concludes that the common agricultural policy should continue to step up its response to future challenges and opportunities , by boosting employment , growth and investment , fighting and adapting to climate change and bringing research and innovation out of the laboratories and onto fields and markets . the cap should furthermore address citizens ' concerns regarding sustainable agriculture production . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 concludes that the common agricultural policy should continue to step up its response to future challenges and opportunities , by boosting employment , growth and investment , fighting and adapting to climate change and bringing research and innovation out of the laboratories and onto fields and markets . the cap should furthermore address citizens ' concerns regarding sustainable agriculture production and rural development .


### the objective of this plan should be to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the cfp , and in particular , reaching and maintaining msy for the target stocks , implementing the landing obligation for demersal stocks subject to catch limits , promoting a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities , bearing in mind coastal fisheries and socio - economic aspects . it should also implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management in order to minimise negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . it should be coherent with the union’s environmental legislation , in particular the objective of achieving good environmental status by 2020 and the objectives of directive 2009 / 147 / ec and council directive 92 / 43 / eec . this plan should also specify details for the implementation of the landing obligation in union waters of the western waters for all stocks of species to which the landing obligation applies under article 15 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . ### the objective of this plan should be to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the cfp , and in particular , reaching and maintaining msy for the target stocks , promoting a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities , bearing in mind coastal fisheries and socio - economic aspects . it should also implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management in order to minimise negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . it should be coherent with the union’s environmental legislation , in particular the objective of achieving good environmental status by 2020 and the objectives of directive 2009 / 147 / ec and council directive 92 / 43 / eec .


### any reallocation from the performance reserve should be subject to the fulfilment of commitments with respect to implementing reforms identified in the european semester process . priority should be given for the implementation of structural reforms which are expected to contribute most to the resilience of domestic economies and have positive spill - over effects on other member states . these include reforms in product and labour markets , tax reforms , the development of capital markets , reforms to improve the business environment as well as investment in human capital and public administration reforms . ### reallocation from the performance reserve must not be subject to the fulfilment of commitments with respect to implementing reforms identified in the european semester process .


### whilst the european public prosecutor ' s office should have exclusive competence to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the union ' s financial interests , eurojust should be able to support national authorities when they are investigating and prosecuting these forms of crime in accordance with the regulation establishing the european public prosecutor ' s office . ### eurojust should be able to support national authorities when they are investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the union ' s financial interests


### the agency’s revenue shall consist of a contribution from the union , fees paid by undertakings for obtaining and maintaining union marketing authorisations and for other services provided by the agency , or by the coordination group as regards the fulfilment of its tasks in accordance with articles 107c , 107e , 107g , 107k and 107q of directive 2001 / 83 / ec and charges for other services provided by the agency . ### the agency’s revenue shall come from the general budget of the union .


### 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 . 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 extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , the environment , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , as well as the digital transformation . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### text proposed by the european central bank in order to address these issues , on 13 june 2017 the commission presented its legislative proposal to ensure financial stability and the safety and soundness of ccps that are of systemic relevance for financial markets across the union . in order to ensure that the eurosystem as central bank of issue for the euro can carry out the role envisaged by the legislative proposal , it is of utmost importance that it has the relevant powers under the treaty and the statute of the escb . in particular , the eurosystem should have regulatory powers to adopt binding assessments and require remedial action , in close cooperation with other union authorities . moreover , where necessary to protect the stability of the euro , the ecb should also have the regulatory powers to adopt additional requirements for ccps involved in the clearing of significant amounts of euro - denominated transactions . ### in order to address these issues , on 13 june 2017 the commission presented its legislative proposal to ensure financial stability and the safety and soundness of ccps that are of systemic relevance for financial markets across the union . in order to ensure that the eurosystem as central bank of issue for the euro can carry out the role envisaged by the legislative proposal , it is of utmost importance that it has the relevant powers under the treaty and the statute of the escb . in particular , the eurosystem should have regulatory powers to adopt binding assessments and require remedial action in full respect and consistency with the regulatory powers provided for in the relevant union legislative acts and in close cooperation with other union authorities . moreover , where necessary to protect the stability of the euro , the ecb should also have the regulatory powers to adopt specific additional requirements provided for in the relevant union legislation related to the union recognition of clearing systems established in third countries for ccps involved in the clearing of significant amounts of euro - denominated transactions .


### text proposed by the european central bank significant developments at both global and european level are expected to increase the risk that disturbances affecting clearing systems , in particular central counterparties , threaten the smooth operation of payment systems and implementation of the single monetary policy , ultimately affecting the eurosystem’s primary objective of maintaining price stability . ### significant developments at both global and european level are expected to increase the risk that disturbances affecting clearing systems , in particular central counterparties , threaten the smooth operation of payment systems and implementation of the single monetary policy , ultimately affecting financial stability , including the eurosystem’s primary objective of maintaining price stability .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , decent and rewarding working conditions , the fight against poverty , social protection and inclusion and a high level of human health protection .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the sometimes predatory and unfair commercial practices employed by third countries , the management of a significant wave of immigration and the increased security threat linked in particular to islamist terrorism , technological change and a birth rate that is too low , as well as the mismatch between the needs of businesses , particularly very small and medium - sized enterprises , and the skills of europe ' s working population . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , by enabling all territories , in particular rural areas and peripheral and outermost territories , to return to growth and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility .


### 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 , particularly by means of a truly meritocratic education system , and tackling discrimination of all kinds and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting people facing specific difficulties , namely persons with disabilities in particular , regardless of their age , as well as 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 .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , by ensuring a smoother transition from completing their studies to entering employment in a secure , high - quality job , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting the creation of economically viable companies and , where appropriate , self - employment , in compliance with the legislation of the state concerned , and in line with the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### 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 + may support policy and system reforms in the fields of employment , social inclusion , healthcare and long - term care , education and training , depending on the programmes and framework agreements drawn up with the member states .


### improving access to employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , and of inactive people , promoting self - employment and the social economy ; ### improving access to employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , and of inactive people , people living in rural areas , promoting the creation of economically viable companies , particularly although not exclusively in the field of the social economy , and the acquisition of companies , in particular those in rural areas ;


### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for the jobs of the future . ### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for the jobs of the future in science , technology , engineering and mathematics fields .


### 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 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 . the esf + may 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 and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed .


### member states shall allocate at least 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives for the social inclusion policy area set out in points to of article 4 , including the promotion of the socio - economic integration of third country nationals . ### member states shall allocate , according to their specific needs , a proportion corresponding to 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives for the policy area of social inclusion and combating poverty set out in points to of article 4 .


### market intervention mechanisms aiming to temporarily or permanently withdraw fishery or aquaculture products from the market with a view to reducing supply in order to prevent price decline or drive up prices ; by extension , storage operations in a logistics chain that would produce the same effects either intentionally or unintentionally ; ### market intervention mechanisms aiming to temporarily or permanently withdraw fishery or aquaculture products from the market with a view to reducing supply in order to prevent price decline or drive up prices ;


### owners of fishing vessels which are registered as active and which have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 120 days in each of the last three calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support ; or ### owners of fishing vessels which are registered as active and which have carried out fishing activities at sea for at least 120 days during the last two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support ; or


### the processing industry plays a role in the availability and quality of fishery and aquaculture products . it should be possible for the emff to support targeted investments in that industry , provided they contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the cmo . such support should be provided only through financial instruments and through investeu and not through grants . ### the processing industry plays a role in the availability and quality of fishery and aquaculture products . it should be possible for the emff to support targeted investments in that industry , provided they contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the cmo .


### contributing to food security in the union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets ; ### contributing to food security in the union through competitive and sustainable fisheries , aquaculture and markets ;


### fishers who have worked at sea for at least 120 days in each of the last three calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support on board a union fishing vessel concerned by the extraordinary cessation . ### fishers who have worked at sea for at least 120 days during the last two calendar years preceding the year of submission of the application for support on board a union fishing vessel concerned by the temporary cessation .


### given the high level of unpredictability of fishing activities , exceptional circumstances may cause significant economic losses to fishers . in order to mitigate those consequences , it should be possible for the emff to support a compensation for the extraordinary cessation of fishing activities caused by the implementation of certain conservation measures , i . e . multiannual plans , targets for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of stocks , measures to adapt the fishing capacity of fishing vessels to available fishing opportunities and technical measures , by the implementation of emergency measures , by the interruption , due to reasons of force majeure , of the application of a sustainable fisheries partnership agreement , by a natural disaster or by an environmental incident . support should be granted only if the impact on fishers of such circumstances is significant , i . e . if the commercial activities of the vessel concerned are stopped during at least 90 consecutive days and if the economic losses resulting from the cessation amount to more than 30% of the average annual turnover of the business concerned during a specified period of time . the specificities of eel fisheries should be taken into account in the conditions for granting such support . ### it should be possible for the emff to support a compensation for the temporary cessation of fishing activities caused by the implementation of certain conservation measures , i . e . biological recovery periods , multiannual plans , targets for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of stocks , measures to adapt the fishing capacity of fishing vessels to available fishing opportunities and technical measures , by the implementation of emergency measures , by the interruption , of the application or by the non - renewal of a sustainable fisheries partnership agreement , by a natural disaster or by an environmental incident . the specificities of eel fisheries should be taken into account in the conditions for granting such support .


### the outermost regions , as outlined in the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank of 24 october 2017 entitled ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' 10 , face specific challenges linked to their remoteness , topography and climate as referred to in article 349 of the treaty and also have specific assets on which to develop a sustainable blue economy . therefore , for each outermost region , an action plan for the development of sustainable blue economy sectors , including the sustainable exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture , should be attached to the programme of the concerned member states and a financial allocation should be reserved to support the implementation of those action plans . it should also be possible for the emff to support a compensation of the additional costs the outermost regions face due to their location and insularity . that support should be capped as a percentage of this overall financial allocation . in addition , a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations should be applied in the outermost regions . _________________ 10 com 623 ### the outermost regions , as outlined in the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank of 24 october 2017 entitled ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' 10 , face specific challenges linked to their remoteness , topography and climate as referred to in article 349 of the treaty and also have specific assets on which to develop a sustainable blue economy . therefore , for each outermost region , an action plan for the development of sustainable blue economy sectors , including the sustainable exploitation of fisheries and aquaculture , should be attached to the programme of the concerned member states and a financial allocation should be reserved to support the implementation of those action plans . it should also be possible for the emff to support a compensation of the additional costs the outermost regions face due to their location and insularity . that support should be left mostly to the discretion of the member states and include the possibility of supporting the renewal or modernisation of the fishing fleet . in addition , a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations should be applied in the outermost regions . _________________ 10 com 623


### it should be possible for the emff to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture , including freshwater aquaculture , for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material . complex administrative procedures in some member states remain in place , such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures , which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products . support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . in particular , support for environmental sustainability , productive investments , innovation , acquisition of professional skills , improvement of working conditions , compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible . public health actions , aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible . however , in the case of productive investments support should be provided only through financial instruments and through investeu , which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector . ### it should be possible for the emff to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture , including freshwater aquaculture , for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material , including by substantially increasing sustainable production and by fostering the acceptance of aquaculture by society . complex administrative procedures in some member states remain in place , such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures , which make it difficult for the sector to develop , to expand and to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products . support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . in particular , support for environmental sustainability , investments , innovation , acquisition of professional skills , improvement of working conditions , compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible . public health actions , aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible .


### the first acquisition of a fishing vessel by a young fisher who , at the moment of submitting the application , is under 40 years of age and has worked a least five years as fisher or has acquired adequate vocational qualification ; ### the first acquisition of a fishing vessel by a young fisher who , at the moment of submitting the application , is under 45 years of age and has worked a least two years as fisher or has acquired adequate vocational qualification ;


### ' small - scale coastal fishing ' : means fishing carried out by fishing vessels of an overall length of less than 12 metres and not using towed gear as listed in article 2 of council regulation no 1967 / 200626 ; _________________ 26 council regulation no 1967 / 2006 of 21 december 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the mediterranean sea , amending regulation no 2847 / 93 and repealing regulation no 1626 / 94 . ### ' small - scale coastal fishing ' : means fishing carried out by small fishing vessels , as defined by the member states as part of their programme , and not using towed gear as listed in article 2 of council regulation no 1967 / 200626 ; _________________ 26 council regulation no 1967 / 2006 of 21 december 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the mediterranean sea , amending regulation no 2847 / 93 and repealing regulation no 1626 / 94 .


### the interruption due to reasons of force majeure of the application of a sustainable fisheries partnership agreement or protocol thereto ; or ### the interruption of the application or non - renewal of a sustainable fisheries partnership agreement or protocol thereto ; or


### any processing of personal data under this regulation 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 the council13 , which governs the processing of personal data , as may be carried out by authorised entities within the framework of this regulation and under the supervision of the member statesʼ competent authorities , in particular the public independent authorities designated by the member states . __________________ 13 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 . ### any processing of personal data under this regulation 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 the council13 and with regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council13a , which govern the processing of personal data , as may be carried out by authorised entities within the framework of this regulation and under the supervision of the member statesʼ competent authorities , in particular the public independent authorities designated by the member states . __________________ 13 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 . 13a 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 .


### where it is reasonably to be expected , either at departure or in the event of a missed connection in the course of a journey with a through - ticket , that arrival at the final destination under the transport contract will be subject to a delay of more than 60 minutes , the passenger shall immediately have the choice between one of the following : ### where it is reasonably to be expected , either at departure or in the event of a missed connection in the course of a journey , that arrival at the final destination will be subject to a delay of more than 45 minutes , the passenger shall immediately have the choice between one of the following :


### an obligation for the road transport operator to deliver , after the period of posting , in paper or electronic form , copies of documents referred to in points , and , at the request of the authorities of the host member state within a reasonable period of time . ### an obligation for the road transport operator to indicate on the pay slip the number of hours worked in each member state , the remuneration paid , the hourly rates applied and the daily subsistence and homeward journey allowances paid , so that the worker or authorities can carry out the necessary checks .


### a binding target of at least a 40% domestic reduction in economy - wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 was set by the european council of 23 - 24 october 2014 . the council meeting on 6 march 2015 formally approved this contribution of the union and its member states as their intended nationally determined contribution under the paris agreement . the european council conclusions of october 2014 foresaw that the target should be delivered collectively by the union in the most cost - effective manner possible , with the reductions in the emissions trading system and non - ets sectors amounting to 43% and 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 respectively . all sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving these emission reductions . ### a binding target of at least a 40% domestic reduction in economy - wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 was set by the european council of 23 - 24 october 2014 . the council meeting on 6 march 2015 formally approved this contribution of the union and its member states as their intended nationally determined contribution under the paris agreement . the european council conclusions of october 2014 foresaw that the target should be delivered collectively by the union in the most cost - effective manner possible , with the reductions in the emissions trading system and non - ets sectors amounting to 43% and 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 respectively . all sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving these emission reductions , provided , however , that member states’ efforts do not result in a displacement of carbon emissions in other parts of the world . the eu objectives are only meaningful if equivalent efforts are made in other regions of the world , especially those causing higher levels of pollution than the eu .


### the resources of the asylum , migration and refugee fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . ### the resources of the asylum , migration and refugee fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical , demographic , social or economic situation .


### equal treatment should be provided for beneficiaries of international protection with nationals of the member state granting protection as regards social security . ### beneficiaries of international protection may not claim social security benefits until they have actively contributed through paying contributions .


### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures , modalities to be set by the member states . member states may make the participation in such integration measures , such as language courses , civic integration courses , vocational training and other employment - related courses compulsory . ### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures , modalities to be set by the member states .


### support for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to integrate electricity from renewable sources in the electricity market and ensure that renewable energy producers are responding to market price signals and maximise their market revenues . ### support for electricity from renewable sources should be designed to help renewable self - consumers , renewable energy communities , to address energy poverty among low - income households and to integrate electricity from renewable sources in the electricity market . that approach ensures that renewable energy producers are responding to market price signals and maximises their market revenues .


### subject to state aid rules , in order to reach the union target set in article 3 , member states may apply support schemes . support schemes for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to avoid unnecessary distortions of electricity markets and ensure that producers take into account the supply and demand of electricity as well as possible grid constraints . ### subject to state aid rules , in order to reach the union target set in article 3 , member states may apply support schemes . support schemes for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed to help renewable self - consumers and renewable energy communities , to address energy poverty among low - income households and to avoid unnecessary distortions of electricity markets and ensure that producers take into account the supply and demand of electricity as well as possible grid constraints .


### support for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to integrate electricity from renewable sources in the electricity market and ensure that renewable energy producers are responding to market price signals and maximise their market revenues . ### support for electricity from renewable sources should be designed to help renewable self - consumers and renewable energy communities , to address energy poverty among low - income households and to integrate electricity from renewable sources in the electricity market . that approach ensures that renewable energy producers are responding to market price signals and maximises their market revenues .


### member states shall adopt and publish , by 1 april 2019 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions . ### member states shall adopt and publish , by 1 april 2020 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions .


### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market . ### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats .


### the detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person should not be held in detention for the sole reason that he or she is seeking international protection . detention should be for as short a period as possible and subject to the principles of necessity and proportionality . in particular , the detention of applicants must be in accordance with article 31 of the geneva convention . the procedures provided for under this regulation in respect of a detained person should be applied as a matter of priority , within the shortest possible deadlines . as regards the general guarantees governing detention , as well as detention conditions , where appropriate , member states should apply the provisions of directive 2013 / 33 / eu also to persons detained on the basis of this regulation . ### the detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person who applies for the right of asylum and has illegally entered the territory of a member state may be held in detention until a decision is reached with regard to his or her request for international protection . detention should be for as short a period as possible and subject to the principles of necessity and proportionality . in particular , the detention of applicants must honour their fundamental rights . the procedures provided for under this regulation in respect of a detained person should be applied as a matter of priority , within the shortest possible deadlines .


### a personal interview with the applicant should be organised in order to facilitate the determination of the member state responsible for examining an application for international protection unless the applicant has absconded or the information provided by the applicant is sufficient for determining the member state responsible . as soon as the application for international protection is lodged , the applicant should be informed in particular of the application of this regulation , of the lack of choice as to which member state will examine his or her asylum application ; of his or her obligations under this regulation and of the consequences of not complying with them ### a personal interview with the applicant should be organised in order to facilitate the determination of the member state responsible for examining an application for international protection . as soon as the application for international protection is registered , the applicant should be informed in particular of the application of this regulation , of the procedure determining which member state will examine his or her asylum application , including the possibility to be transferred to a member state where family members are present and with which the applicant has meaningful links , including language skills , education , professional skills or cultural ties and of his or her obligations under this regulation and of any consequences of not complying with them .


### in order to facilitate the process of determining the member state responsible , the determining member state shall conduct a personal interview with the applicant , unless the applicant has absconded or the information provided by the applicant pursuant to article 4 is sufficient for determining the member state responsible . the interview shall also allow the proper understanding of the information supplied to the applicant in accordance with article 6 . ### in order to facilitate the process of determining the member state responsible , the determining member state shall conduct a personal interview with the applicant . the interview shall also allow the proper understanding of the information supplied to the applicant in accordance with article 6 .


### in accordance with article 80 of the treaty , union acts should , whenever necessary , contain appropriate measures to give effect to the principle of solidarity . a corrective allocation mechanism should be established in order to ensure a fair sharing of responsibility between member states and a swift access of applicants to procedures for granting international protection in situations when a member state is confronted with a disproportionate number of applications for international protection for which it is responsible under this regulation . ### in accordance with article 80 of the treaty , union acts must , whenever necessary , contain appropriate measures to give effect to the principle of solidarity . a corrective allocation mechanism must be established through which the guaranteeing and upholding of a fair sharing of responsibility between member states is effective and efficient .


### a zero - emission heavy - duty vehicle shall be counted as 2 vehicles ; ### a motorised zero - emission heavy - duty vehicle , whether it is a carrying vehicle or a towing vehicle , shall be counted as just one vehicle ;


### by 31 december 2022 , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the effectiveness of this regulation , the co2 reduction target to be determined for 2030 pursuant to article 1 and the setting of co2 reduction targets to other types of heavy - duty vehicles including trailers . that report shall also include an assessment of the effectiveness of the modalities addressing , in particular , zero - and low - emission vehicles , notably buses taking into account the targets set out in directive 2009 / 33 / ec30 , and the co2 credit system and the appropriateness of prolonging the application of those modalities in 2030 and beyond and , where appropriate , be accompanied by a proposal for amending this regulation . _________________ 30 clean vehicle directive 2009 / 33 / ec as amended by directive … / … / eu ### by 31 december 2022 , the commission shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the effectiveness of this regulation , the co2 reduction target to be determined for 2030 pursuant to article 1 and the setting of co2 reduction targets to other types of heavy - duty vehicles . that report shall also include an assessment of the effectiveness of the modalities addressing , in particular , zero - and low - emission vehicles , notably buses taking into account the targets set out in directive 2009 / 33 / ec30 , and the co2 credit system and the appropriateness of prolonging the application of those modalities in 2030 and beyond and , where appropriate , be accompanied by a proposal for amending this regulation . _________________ 30 clean vehicle directive 2009 / 33 / ec as amended by directive … / … / eu


### should the ambition of integrated national energy and climate plans or their updates be insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , for the first period , in particular the 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , the commission should take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of these objectives and targets . should progress made by the union towards these objectives and targets be insufficient for their delivery , the commission should , in addition to issuing recommendations , take measures at union level or member states should take additional measures in order to ensure achievement of these objectives and targets . such measures should take into account early ambitious contributions made by member states to the 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency when sharing the effort for collective target achievement . in the area of renewable energy , such measures can also include financial contributions by member states to a financing platform managed by the commission , which would be used to contribute to renewable energy projects across the union . member states ' national renewable energy targets for 2020 should serve as baseline shares of renewable energy from 2021 onwards . in the area of energy efficiency , additional measures can in particular aim at improving the energy efficiency of products , buildings and transport . ### should the ambition of integrated national energy and climate plans or their updates be insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , for the first period , in particular the 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , the council should take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of these objectives and targets . should progress made by the union towards these objectives and targets be insufficient for their delivery , the commission should , in addition to issuing recommendations , take measures at union level or member states should take additional measures in order to ensure achievement of these objectives and targets . such measures should take into account early ambitious contributions made by member states to the 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency when sharing the effort for collective target achievement . in the area of renewable energy , such measures can also include financial contributions by member states to a financing platform managed by the commission , which would be used to contribute to renewable energy projects across the union . member states ' national renewable energy targets for 2020 should serve as baseline shares of renewable energy from 2021 onwards . in the area of energy efficiency , additional measures can in particular aim at improving the energy efficiency of products , buildings and transport .


### in line with the commission ' s strong commitment to better regulation , the energy union governance should result in a significant reduction of administrative burden for the member states , the commission and other union institutions and it should help to ensure coherence and adequacy of policies and measures at union and national level with regard to the transformation of the energy system towards a low - carbon economy . ### the energy union governance should result in a significant reduction of administrative burden for the member states and it should help to ensure coherence and adequacy of policies and measures at union and national level with regard to the transformation of the energy system towards a low - energy economy .


### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 , the commission concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , for the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , it shall take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of those objectives and targets . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration the level of ambition of contributions to the union ' s 2030 target by member states set out in the national plans and their updates . ### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 , the commission concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , for the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , it shall issue recommendations at union level in order to facilitate the collective achievement of those objectives and targets . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration the level of ambition of contributions to the union ' s 2030 target by member states set out in the national plans and their updates .


### the goal of a resilient energy union with an ambitious climate policy at its core is to give union consumers , both households and businesses , secure , sustainable , competitive and affordable energy , which requires a fundamental transformation of europe ' s energy system . that objective can only be achieved through coordinated action , combining both legislative and non - legislative acts at union and national level . ### the goal of a resilient energy union with an ambitious climate policy at its core is to give european consumers , both households and businesses , secure , sustainable and affordable energy , which requires a fundamental transformation of europe ' s energy system . that objective can only be achieved through a combination of both legislative and non - legislative acts coordinated among the member states .


### the conclusions of the council of 26 november 201516 recognised that the governance of the energy union will be an essential tool for the efficient and effective construction of the energy union and the achievement of its objectives . they underlined that the governance system should be based on the principles of integration of strategic planning and reporting on the implementation of climate and energy policies and coordination between actors responsible for energy and climate policy , at union , regional and national level . they also underlined that the governance should ensure that the agreed energy and climate targets for 2030 are met ; and that the governance would monitor the union’s collective progress towards the achievement of the policy objectives across the five dimensions of the energy union . __________________ 16 conclusions of the council of 26 november 2015 . ### the conclusions of the council of 26 november 201516 recognised that the governance of the energy union will be an essential tool for the efficient and effective construction of the energy union and the achievement of its objectives . they underlined that the governance system should be based on the principles of integration of strategic planning and reporting by the member states on the implementation of climate and energy policies at national level and coordination between actors responsible for energy and climate policy , at union , regional and national level . they also underlined that the governance should ensure that the agreed energy and climate targets for 2030 are met ; and that the governance would monitor the union’s collective progress towards the achievement of the policy objectives across the five dimensions of the energy union . __________________ 16 conclusions of the council of 26 november 2015 .


### as is the case for planning , sectorial union legislation in the energy and climate fields sets out reporting requirements , many of which have been useful tools to drive change at the national level , but those requirements have been introduced at different moments in time which has led to overlaps and insufficient consideration of synergies and interactions between policy areas such as ghg mitigation , renewable energy , energy efficiency and market integration . to strike the right balance between the need to ensure a proper follow - up of the implementation of national plans and the need to reduce administrative burden , member states should establish biennial progress reports on the implementation of the plans and other developments in the energy system . some reporting however , particularly with regard to reporting requirements in the climate field stemming from the united nations framework convention on climate change and union regulations , would still be necessary on a yearly basis . ### as is the case for planning , sectorial union legislation in the energy and climate fields sets out reporting requirements , many of which have been useful tools to drive change at the national level , but those requirements have been introduced at different moments in time which has led to overlaps and insufficient consideration of synergies and interactions between policy areas such as ghg mitigation , renewable energy and energy efficiency . to strike the right balance between the need to ensure a proper follow - up of the implementation of national plans and the need to reduce administrative burden , member states should establish biennial progress reports on the implementation of the plans and other developments in the energy system . some reporting however , particularly with regard to reporting requirements in the climate field stemming from the united nations framework convention on climate change and union regulations , would still be necessary on a yearly basis .


### in view of the collective achievement of the objectives of the energy union strategy , it will be essential for the commission to assess national plans and , based on progress reports , their implementation . for the first ten - year period , this concerns in particular the achievement of the union - level 2030 targets for energy and climate and national contributions to those targets . such assessment should be undertaken on a biennial basis , and on an annual basis only where necessary , and should be consolidated in the commission ' s state of the energy union reports . ### in view of the collective achievement of the objectives of the energy union strategy , it will be essential for the commission to publish national plans and progress reports and to suggest to the member states how they should be coordinated .


### the european council also concluded on 24 october 201414 that a reliable and transparent governance system , without any unnecessary administrative burden , should be developed to help ensure that the union meets its energy policy goals , with the necessary flexibility for member states and fully respecting their freedom to determine their energy mix . it emphasized that such governance system should build on existing building blocks , such as national climate programmes , national plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the need to streamline and bring together separate planning and reporting strands . it also agreed to step up the role and rights of consumers , transparency and predictability for investors , inter alia by systematic monitoring of key indicators for an affordable , safe , competitive , secure and sustainable energy system and to facilitate coordination of national energy policies and foster regional cooperation between member states . __________________ 14 conclusions of the european council 23 - 24 october 2014 . ### the european council also concluded on 24 october 201414 that a reliable and transparent governance system , without any unnecessary administrative burden , should be developed to help ensure that the union meets its energy policy goals , with the necessary flexibility for member states and fully respecting their freedom to determine their energy mix . it emphasized that such governance system should build on existing building blocks , such as national climate programmes , national plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the need to streamline and bring together separate planning and reporting strands . it also agreed to step up the role and rights of consumers , transparency and predictability for investors , inter alia by systematic monitoring of key indicators for an affordable , safe , competitive , secure and sustainable energy system and to facilitate coordination of national energy policies and foster cooperation between member states . __________________ 14 conclusions of the european council 23 - 24 october 2014 .


### therefore , the main objective of the energy union governance should be to enable the achievement of the objectives of the energy union and in particular the targets of the 2030 framework for climate and energy . this regulation is therefore linked to sectorial legislation implementing the 2030 targets for energy and climate . while member states need flexibility to choose policies that are best - matched to their national energy mix and preferences , that flexibility should be compatible with further market integration , increased competition , the attainment of climate and energy objectives and the gradual shift towards a low - carbon economy . ### therefore , the main objective of the energy union governance should be to enable the achievement of the objectives of the energy union and in particular the targets of the 2030 framework for climate and energy . this regulation is therefore linked to sectorial legislation implementing the 2030 targets for energy and climate . while member states need complete flexibility to choose policies that are best - matched to their national energy mix and preferences , that flexibility is compatible with the attainment of climate and energy objectives and the gradual shift , which is compatible with growth , towards a low - energy economy .


### member states shall collectively ensure that the sum of their contributions adds up to at least 27% of energy produced from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption at union level by 2030 . ### member states shall collectively ensure that the sum of their contributions adds up to at least 27% of energy produced from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption at union level by 2030 and that no major disparities appear between member states .


### based on the assessment pursuant to article 25 , the commission shall issue recommendations to a member state pursuant to article 28 if policy developments in that member state show inconsistencies with the overarching objectives of the energy union . ### based on the assessment pursuant to article 25 , the commission shall issue non - binding recommendations to a member state pursuant to article 28 if policy developments in that member state do not comply with the energy objectives of the european union .


### if , on the basis of its aggregate assessment of member states ' integrated national energy and climate progress reports pursuant to article 25 , and supported by other information sources , as appropriate , the commission concludes that the union is at risk of not meeting the objectives of the energy union and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , the targets of the union ' s 2030 framework for climate and energy , it may issue recommendations to all member states pursuant to article 28 to mitigate such risk . the commission shall , as appropriate , take measures at union level in addition to the recommendations in order to ensure , in particular , the achievement of the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration ambitious early efforts by member states to contribute to the union ' s 2030 target . ### if , on the basis of its aggregate assessment of member states ' integrated national energy and climate progress reports pursuant to article 25 , and supported by other information sources , as appropriate , the council concludes that the union is at risk of not meeting the objectives of the energy union and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , the targets of the union ' s 2030 framework for climate and energy , it may issue recommendations to all member states pursuant to article 28 to mitigate such risk . the council shall , as appropriate , propose measures at union level in addition to the recommendations in order to ensure , in particular , the achievement of the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration ambitious early efforts by member states to contribute to the union ' s 2030 target .


### the union ' s 2020 energy consumption is no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy , the union ' s 2030 energy consumption is no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy for the first ten - year period ; ### the union ' s 2020 energy consumption is no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy , the union ' s 2030 energy consumption is no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy or no more than 987 mtoe of final energy for the first ten - year period ;


### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 , the commission concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , for the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , it shall take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of those objectives and targets . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration the level of ambition of contributions to the union ' s 2030 target by member states set out in the national plans and their updates . ### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 , the council concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , for the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , it shall take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of those objectives and targets . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration the level of ambition of contributions to the union ' s 2030 target by member states set out in the national plans and their updates .


### to help ensure coherence between national and union policies and objectives of the energy union , there should be an on - going dialogue between the commission and the member states . as appropriate , the commission should issue recommendations to member states including on the level of ambition of the draft national plans , on the subsequent implementation of policies and measures of the notified national plans , and on other national policies and measures of relevance for the implementation of the energy union . member states should take utmost account of such recommendations and explain in subsequent progress reports how they have been implemented . ### to help ensure coherence between national and union policies and objectives of the energy union , there should be an on - going dialogue between the commission and the member states .


### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 , the commission concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the energy union objectives and , in particular , for the first ten - years period , for the union ' s 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency , it shall take measures at union level in order to ensure the collective achievement of those objectives and targets . with regard to renewable energy , such measures shall take into consideration the level of ambition of contributions to the union ' s 2030 target by member states set out in the national plans and their updates . ### if , on the basis of its assessment of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their updates pursuant to article 12 or on the basis of the assessment pursuant to article 25 , the commission concludes that the targets , objectives and contributions of the national plans or their updates are insufficient for the collective achievement of the binding objectives of the union ' s energy policy , it may bring infringement proceedings , in the field falling within its competence to monitor the application of the law of the european union , against the member states deemed to be non - compliant .


### the european council also concluded on 24 october 201414 that a reliable and transparent governance system , without any unnecessary administrative burden , should be developed to help ensure that the union meets its energy policy goals , with the necessary flexibility for member states and fully respecting their freedom to determine their energy mix . it emphasized that such governance system should build on existing building blocks , such as national climate programmes , national plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the need to streamline and bring together separate planning and reporting strands . it also agreed to step up the role and rights of consumers , transparency and predictability for investors , inter alia by systematic monitoring of key indicators for an affordable , safe , competitive , secure and sustainable energy system and to facilitate coordination of national energy policies and foster regional cooperation between member states . __________________ 14 conclusions of the european council 23 - 24 october 2014 . ### the european council also concluded on 24 october 201414 that a reliable and transparent governance system , without any unnecessary administrative burden , should be developed to help ensure that the union meets its energy policy goals , with the necessary flexibility for member states and fully respecting their freedom to determine their energy mix . it emphasized that such governance system should build on existing building blocks , such as national climate programmes , national plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the need to streamline and bring together separate planning and reporting strands . it also agreed to step up the role and rights of consumers , transparency and predictability for investors , inter alia by systematic monitoring of key indicators for an affordable , safe , secure and sustainable energy system and to facilitate coordination of national energy policies and foster regional cooperation between member states . __________________ 14 conclusions of the european council 23 - 24 october 2014 .


### research , innovation and competitiveness . ### research and innovation


### consider whether the union ' s milestone of no more than 1483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 is achieved ; ### consider whether the union ' s milestone of no more than 1483 mtoe of primary energy or no more than 1086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 is achieved ;


### making a financial contribution to a financing platform set up at union level , contributing to renewable energy projects and managed directly or indirectly by the commission ; ### making a financial contribution to a development agency , based on national development banks , set up at union level by means of an intergovernmental agreement , contributing to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and managed directly or indirectly by member states ;


### national plans should be stable to ensure transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investor certainty . updates of national plans should however be foreseen once during the ten - year period covered to give member states the opportunity to adapt to significant changing circumstances . for the plans covering the period from 2021 to 2030 , member states should be able to update their plans by 1 january 2024 . targets , objectives and contributions should only be modified to reflect an increased overall ambition in particular as regards the 2030 targets for energy and climate . as part of the updates , member states should make efforts to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts that become apparent as part of the integrated reporting . ### national plans should be stable to ensure transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investor certainty . updates of national plans should however be foreseen once during the ten - year period covered to give member states the opportunity to adapt to significant changing circumstances . targets , objectives and contributions should only be modified to reflect an increased overall ambition in particular as regards the 2030 targets for energy and climate . as part of the updates , member states should make efforts to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts that become apparent as part of the integrated reporting .


### the conclusions of the council of 26 november 201516 recognised that the governance of the energy union will be an essential tool for the efficient and effective construction of the energy union and the achievement of its objectives . they underlined that the governance system should be based on the principles of integration of strategic planning and reporting on the implementation of climate and energy policies and coordination between actors responsible for energy and climate policy , at union , regional and national level . they also underlined that the governance should ensure that the agreed energy and climate targets for 2030 are met ; and that the governance would monitor the union’s collective progress towards the achievement of the policy objectives across the five dimensions of the energy union . __________________ 16 conclusions of the council of 26 november 2015 . ### the conclusions of the council of 26 november 201516 recognised that the governance of the energy union will be an essential tool for the efficient and effective construction of the energy union and the achievement of its objectives . they underlined that the governance system should be based on the principles of integration of strategic planning and reporting by the member states on the implementation of climate and energy policies at national level and coordination between actors responsible for energy and climate policy , at union , regional and national level . they also underlined that the governance should ensure that the agreed energy and climate targets for 2030 are met ; and that the governance would monitor the union’s collective progress towards the achievement of the policy objectives across the five dimensions of the energy union . __________________ 16 conclusions of the council of 26 november 2015 .


### in view of the collective achievement of the objectives of the energy union strategy , it will be essential for the commission to assess national plans and , based on progress reports , their implementation . for the first ten - year period , this concerns in particular the achievement of the union - level 2030 targets for energy and climate and national contributions to those targets . such assessment should be undertaken on a biennial basis , and on an annual basis only where necessary , and should be consolidated in the commission ' s state of the energy union reports . ### in view of the collective achievement of the objectives of the energy union strategy , it will be essential for the commission to assess national plans and , based on progress reports , their implementation . for the first ten - year period , this concerns in particular the achievement of the union - level 2030 targets for energy and climate and national contributions to those targets . such assessment should be undertaken on a biennial basis , and on an annual basis only where necessary , and should be consolidated in the commission’s state of the energy union reports , which may lead to non - binding recommendations for the member states .


### member states shall , well before submitting their draft integrated national energy and climate plan to the commission pursuant to article 9 , identify opportunities for regional cooperation and consult neighbouring member states and the other member states expressing an interest . member states shall set out in their draft integrated national energy and climate plans the results of such regional consultation , including where applicable how comments have been taken into account . ### member states shall , before submitting their draft integrated national energy and climate plan to the commission pursuant to article 9 , identify possible opportunities for cooperation between member states and consult neighbouring member states and the other member states expressing an interest . member states shall set out in their draft integrated national energy and climate plans the results of such regional consultation , including where applicable how comments have been taken into account .


### without prejudice to any other union law requirements , member states shall ensure that the public is given early and effective opportunities to participate in the preparation of draft plans referred to in article 9 and attach to the submission of their draft integrated national energy and climate plan to the commission a summary of the public’s views . in so far as the provisions of directive 2001 / 42 / ec are applicable , consultations undertaken in accordance with that directive shall be deemed to satisfy also the obligations to consult the public under this regulation . ### without prejudice to any other union law requirements , member states shall decide on the conditions for the public’s participation in the preparation of draft plans referred to in article 9 and attach to the submission of their draft integrated national energy and climate plan to the commission a summary of the public’s views . in so far as the provisions of directive 2001 / 42 / ec are applicable , consultations undertaken in accordance with that directive shall be deemed to satisfy also the obligations to consult the public under this regulation .


### stable long - term low emission strategies are crucial to contribute towards economic transformation , jobs , growth and the achievement of broader sustainable development goals , as well as to move in a fair and cost - effective manner towards the long - term goal set by the paris agreement . furthermore , parties to the paris agreement are invited to communicate , by 2020 , their mid - century , long - term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies . ### stable long - term low emission strategies are crucial to contribute towards economic transformation , jobs , growth and the achievement of broader sustainable development goals , as well as to move in a fair manner at global level and in a cost - effective way towards the long - term goal set by the paris agreement . furthermore , parties to the paris agreement are invited to communicate , by 2020 , their mid - century , long - term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies .


### the goal of a resilient energy union with an ambitious climate policy at its core is to give union consumers , both households and businesses , secure , sustainable , competitive and affordable energy , which requires a fundamental transformation of europe’s energy system . that objective can only be achieved through coordinated action , combining both legislative and non - legislative acts at union and national level . ### the goal of the union’s policy in the field of energy is to give the public and businesses in the eu secure , sustainable , competitive and affordable energy , which requires a fundamental transformation of the member states’ energy system . that objective can more easily be achieved through coordinated action , combining both legislative and non - legislative acts at union and national level .


### the objectives for the long - term renovation of the national stock of residential and commercial buildings ; ### a diagnosis of the existing building stock , and the objectives of the long term renovation of the national stock of residential , commercial and administrative buildings , laying the accent on the potential for energy savings expected by focusing , to the extent possible and depending on member states’ financial capacity , on thorough renovation and ambitious renovation strategies making for substantial energy savings of around 60% for a given building ;


### stable long - term low emission strategies are crucial to contribute towards economic transformation , jobs , growth and the achievement of broader sustainable development goals , as well as to move in a fair and cost - effective manner towards the long - term goal set by the paris agreement . furthermore , parties to the paris agreement are invited to communicate , by 2020 , their mid - century , long - term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies . ### stable long - term low emission strategies are crucial to contribute towards economic transformation , high - quality green jobs , growth and the achievement of broader sustainable development goals , as well as to move in a fair and cost - effective manner towards the long - term goal set by the paris agreement . furthermore , parties to the paris agreement are invited to communicate , by 2020 , their mid - century , long - term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies .


### national plans should be stable to ensure transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investor certainty . updates of national plans should however be foreseen once during the ten - year period covered to give member states the opportunity to adapt to significant changing circumstances . for the plans covering the period from 2021 to 2030 , member states should be able to update their plans by 1 january 2024 . targets , objectives and contributions should only be modified to reflect an increased overall ambition in particular as regards the 2030 targets for energy and climate . as part of the updates , member states should make efforts to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts that become apparent as part of the integrated reporting . ### national plans should be stable to ensure transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to address the needs of the population of a member state , to contribute to energy security and to ensure investor certainty . updates of national plans should however be foreseen once during the ten - year period covered to give member states the opportunity to adapt to significant changing circumstances . for the plans covering the period from 2021 to 2030 , member states should be able to update their plans by 1 january 2024 . as part of the updates , member states should make efforts to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts that become apparent as part of the integrated reporting . the progressive transition towards the latest generation of biofuels should take account of existing member state investments in first - generation biofuel production .


### in order to limit administrative burden on member states and the commission , the latter should establish an online reporting platform to facilitate communication and promote cooperation . that should ensure timely submission of reports and facilitate improved transparency on national reporting . the e - reporting platform should complement , build on and benefit from existing reporting processes , databases and e - tools , such as those of the european environment agency , eurostat , the joint research centre and the lessons learned from the union ' s eco - management and audit scheme . ### in order to limit administrative burden on member states and the commission , the latter may establish an online reporting platform to facilitate communication and promote cooperation . that should ensure timely submission of reports and facilitate improved transparency on national reporting . the e - reporting platform should complement , build on and benefit from existing reporting processes , databases and e - tools , such as those of the european environment agency , eurostat , the joint research centre and the lessons learned from the union ' s eco - management and audit scheme .


### national objectives with regard to increasing the diversification of energy sources and supply from third countries ; ### national objectives with regard to increasing the diversification of energy sources and supply ;


### regional cooperation is key to ensure an effective achievement of the objectives of the energy union . member states should get the opportunity to comment on other member states ' plans before they are finalised to avoid inconsistencies and potential negative impacts on other member states and ensure that common objectives are met collectively . regional cooperation in elaborating and finalising national plans as well as in the subsequent implementation of national plans should be essential to improve effectiveness and efficiency of measures and foster market integration and energy security . ### regional cooperation is key to ensure an effective achievement of the objectives of the energy union . member states should get the opportunity to comment on other member states ' plans before they are finalised to avoid inconsistencies and potential negative impacts on other member states and ensure that common objectives are met collectively . regional cooperation in elaborating and finalising national plans as well as in the subsequent implementation of national plans should be essential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of measures and foster energy security .


### the transition to a low - carbon economy requires changes in investment behaviour and incentives across the entire policy spectrum . achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions requires a boost to efficiency and innovation in the european economy and in particular should also lead to improvements of air quality . ### the transition to a low - carbon economy requires changes in investment behaviour and incentives across the entire policy spectrum . achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions requires a boost to efficiency and innovation in the european economy and in particular should also lead to improvements of air quality , on the one hand , and to a reduction in certain problems associated with the deterioration in air quality , particularly noise , which is also caused mainly by road traffic , on the other .


### member states and the commission should ensure close cooperation on all matters relating to the implementation of the energy union and this regulation , with close involvement of the european parliament . the commission should as appropriate assist member states in implementing this regulation , particularly with regard to the establishment of the national plans and associated capacity building . ### member states should ensure close cooperation on all matters relating to the implementation of the energy union and this regulation , with close involvement of the european parliament . the commission should as appropriate assist member states in implementing this regulation , particularly with regard to the establishment of the national plans and associated capacity building .


### the commission shall facilitate cooperation and consultation among the member states on the draft plans submitted to it under article 9 in view of their finalisation . ### the commission shall facilitate cooperation and consultation among the member states on the draft plans when the latter so request .


### the managing director and the deputy managing director shall be appointed by the steering board on a joint proposal of the commission and the eib for a renewable fixed term of three years . ### the managing director and the deputy managing director shall be appointed by the steering board on a joint proposal of the commission and the eib , subject to the prior approval of the european parliament , for a once renewable fixed term of three years .


### in accordance with its own transparency policies on access to documents and information , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 . ### the eib shall publish all documents relating to both the administrative tasks of the eib , as well as to the projects it finances directly or indirectly ; it shall make publicly available on its website information relating to all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 and any citizen of the european union and any natural and legal person residing or having its registered office in a member states shall have access to the documents related to the efsi in accordance with the regulation no . 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and the council regarding public access to european parliament , council .