### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec . ### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the application of the ‘ energy efficiency first’ principle ; that principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for european societies , in particular for their citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec .


### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 30 % target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 23 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 17 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance . ### there are no binding targets in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary or final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions , expressing them by means of comparison with 2005 levels .


### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings . ### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings contributions should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings .


### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers . ### it is desirable to ensure that improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ' ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20&#160 ; % headline targets and its 2030 27&#160 ; % headline targets on energy efficiency are met . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ' ;


### development of all sources of renewable energies , nuclear energy , carbon capture and storage ; and ### development of all sources of renewable energies , nuclear energy , carbon capture and storage , and energy storage ; and


### article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; b ) buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; c ) buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and b ) the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; b ) put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; c ) use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 is replaced by the following : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; b ) buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; c ) buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and b ) the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; b ) put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; c ) use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ”


### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . ### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 proportionate to the contributions referred to in article 3 of annual energy sales to final customers , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their experience with a view to future employment . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire knowledge and competences , especially in the field of humanitarian aid , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions .


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment servicesand the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate .


### special attention should be paid to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should therefore be put in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories24 . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this includes resolving , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits . _________________ 24 individuals from an overseas country or territory and competent public and / or private bodies and institutions from an oct may participate in the programmes in accordance with council decision 2001 / 822 / ec of 27 november 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european community , oj l314 , 30 . 11 . 2001 , p . 1 . ### special attention should be paid to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should therefore be put in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories24 . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps .


### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the european solidarity corps should be ensured at european , national and local level . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders . ### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the european solidarity corps should be ensured at european , national and local level . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders . member states shall , in particular , ensure that the opportunities offered by the european solidarity corps are made as widely available as possible .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements in the form of paid traineeships , employment contracts or volunteer experience schemes relating principally to projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ;


### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ; ### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ;


### “volunteering” means a full - time32unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; _________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day . ### “volunteering” means a part or full - time32 voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and career development ;


### “volunteering teams’ placements”means placements allowing teams of european solidarity corps participants from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project for a period between two weeks and two months ; ### “volunteering teams’ placements” means placements allowing teams of european solidarity corps participants from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project for a period between two weeks and two months ; these tasks shall not have the purpose or effect of replacing an employment contract , traineeship or any other paid activity ;


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . the european solidarity corps portal in its entirety shall be available in all the official languages of the european union .


### circular approaches that prioritise re - usable products and re - use systems will lead to a reduction of waste generated , and such prevention is at the pinnacle of the waste hierarchy enshrined in article 4 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . 34such approaches are also in line with united nations sustainable development goal 1235to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns . _________________ 34 directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives . 35 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 . ### circular approaches that prioritise re - usable products and re - use systems , as well as the recyclability of products , will lead to a reduction of waste generated , and such prevention is at the pinnacle of the waste hierarchy enshrined in article 4 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council34 . such approaches are also in line with united nations sustainable development goal 1235 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns . _________________ 34 directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives . 35 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 .


### marine litter is of a transboundary nature and is recognized as a global problem . reducing marine litter is a key action for the achievement of united nations sustainable development goal 14 which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development . 36 the union must play its part in tackling marine litter and aim to be a standard setter for the world . in this context , the union is working with partners in many international fora such as g20 , g7 and united nations to promote concerted action . this initiative is part of the union efforts in this regard . __________________ 36 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 . ### 150 million tons of plastics and microplastics have accumulated in the world’s oceans and seas , causing severe damage to marine fauna and flora , the climate and global biodiversity . marine litter is of a transboundary nature and is recognized as a global problem . reducing marine litter is a key action for the achievement of united nations sustainable development goal 14 which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development . 36 the union must play its part in tackling marine litter and aim to be a standard setter for the world , while safeguarding a fair competition environment for its industry . in this context , the union should seek commitments from partners at international level fora such as g20 , g7 and united nations to promote concerted action . this initiative is part of the union efforts in this regard to reduce waste for a sustainable economy . __________________ 36 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 .


### marine litter is of a transboundary nature and is recognized as a global problem . reducing marine litter is a key action for the achievement of united nations sustainable development goal 14 which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development . 36 the union must play its part in tackling marine litter and aim to be a standard setter for the world . in this context , the union is working with partners in many international fora such as g20 , g7 and united nations to promote concerted action . this initiative is part of the union efforts in this regard . __________________ 36 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 . ### marine litter is of a transboundary nature and is recognized as a global problem . successful prevention and management of plastic waste is most effective through international cooperation and when using a scientific , evidence - based approach . reducing marine litter is a key action for the achievement of united nations sustainable development goal 14 which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development . 36 the union must play its part in tackling marine litter and aim to be a standard setter for the world . in this context , the union should enforce its collaboration , in particular with the main polluting countries , and together with partners at international level such as g20 , g7 and united nations promote concerted action . this initiative is part of the union efforts to reduce waste for a sustainable and circular economy . __________________ 36 the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the united nations general assembly on 25 september 2015 .


### certain single - use plastic products end up in the environment as a result of inappropriate disposal through sewers or other inappropriate release into the environment . therefore , single - use plastic products that are frequently disposed of through sewers otherwise inappropriately disposed of should be subject to marking requirements . the marking should inform consumers about appropriate waste disposal options and / or waste disposal options to be avoided and / or about the negative environmental impacts of litter as a result of inappropriate disposal . the commission should be empowered to establish a harmonised format for the marking and when doing so should , where appropriate , test the perception of the proposed marking with representative groups of consumers to ensure that it is effective and clearly understandable . ### certain single - use plastic products end up in the environment as a result of inappropriate disposal through sewers or other inappropriate release into the environment . therefore , single - use plastic products that are frequently disposed of through sewers otherwise inappropriately disposed of should be subject to marking requirements . the marking should inform consumers about appropriate waste disposal options and / or waste disposal options to be avoided and / or about the negative environmental impacts of litter as a result of inappropriate disposal . the commission in cooperation with the member states should take account of sectorial voluntary agreements adopted for clear labelling rules in order to inform consumers , for example via a logo , whether or not the product is recyclable . the commission should be empowered to establish a harmonised format for the marking and when doing so should , where appropriate and reflecting different specifics in member states , test the perception of the proposed marking with representative groups of consumers to ensure that it is effective and clearly understandable . marking has to be placed visibly on the packaging of the products which is sold to the end user .


### certain single - use plastic products end up in the environment as a result of inappropriate disposal through sewers or other inappropriate release into the environment . therefore , single - use plastic products that are frequently disposed of through sewers otherwise inappropriately disposed of should be subject to marking requirements . the marking should inform consumers about appropriate waste disposal options and / or waste disposal options to be avoided and / or about the negative environmental impacts of litter as a result of inappropriate disposal . the commission should be empowered to establish a harmonised format for the marking and when doing so should , where appropriate , test the perception of the proposed marking with representative groups of consumers to ensure that it is effective and clearly understandable . ### certain single - use plastic products end up in the environment as a result of inappropriate disposal through sewers or other inappropriate release into the environment . therefore , single - use plastic products that are frequently disposed of through sewers otherwise inappropriately disposed of should be subject to marking requirements . the marking should inform consumers about appropriate waste disposal options and / or waste disposal options to be avoided and / or about the negative environmental impacts of litter as a result of inappropriate disposal . the commission should be empowered to establish a harmonised format for the marking , for example a logo , and when doing so should , where appropriate , test the perception of the proposed marking with representative groups of consumers to ensure that it is effective and clearly understandable . in that process , the commission should take into account the existing sectorial voluntary agreements that were adopted for this purpose . furthermore , the member states may lay down rules on dissuasive fines and penalties which would apply to those responsible for the release of the litter into the environment .


### the large portion of plastic stemming from abandoned , lost and discarded fishing gear containing plastic in marine litter indicates that the existing legal requirements46 do not provide sufficient incentives to return such fishing gear to shore for collection and treatment . the indirect fee system envisaged under union law on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships takes away the incentive for ships to discharge their waste at sea , and ensures a right of delivery . that system should , however , be supplemented by further financial incentives for fishermen to bring their fishing gear waste on shore to avoid any potential increase in the indirect waste fee to be paid . as plastic components of fishing gear have a high recycling potential , member states should , in line with the polluter pays principle , introduce extended producer responsibility for fishing gear containing plastic to facilitate separate collection of waste fishing gear and to finance sound waste management of such fishing gear , in particular recycling . __________________ 46 council regulation no 1224 / 2009 , directive 2000 / 59 / ec and directive 2008 / 98 / ec . ### the large portion of plastic stemming from abandoned , lost and discarded fishing gear containing plastic in marine litter indicates that the existing legal requirements46 do not provide sufficient incentives to return such fishing gear to shore for collection and treatment . the indirect fee system envisaged under union law on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships takes away the incentive for ships to discharge their waste at sea , and ensures a right of delivery . that system is , however , not sufficiently effective for fishermen to bring their fishing gear waste on shore . as plastic components of fishing gear have a high recycling potential , member states should , in line with the polluter pays principle , introduce extended producer responsibility for fishing gear containing plastic to finance sound waste management of such fishing gear , in particular recycling . in addition , the commission and member states should work together to create fishing gear waste reduction mechanisms and to facilitate separate collection of fishing waste gear . __________________ 46 council regulation no 1224 / 2009 , directive 2000 / 59 / ec and directive 2008 / 98 / ec .


### in order to prevent littering and other inappropriate forms of disposal resulting in marine litter containing plastic , consumers need to be properly informed about the most appropriate waste disposal options available and / or waste disposal options to be avoided , best practices with regard to waste disposal and the environmental impact of bad disposal practices as well as about the plastic content in certain single - use plastic products and fishing gear . therefore , member states should be required to take awareness raising measures ensuring that such information is given to the consumers . the information should not contain any promotional content encouraging the use of the single - use plastic products . member states should be able to choose the measures which are most appropriate based on the nature of the product or its use . producers of single - use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic should cover the costs of the awareness raising measures as part of their extended producer responsibility obligation . ### in order to prevent littering and other inappropriate forms of disposal resulting in marine litter containing plastic , consumers need to be properly informed about the most appropriate waste disposal options available and / or waste disposal options to be avoided , best practices with regard to waste disposal and the environmental impact of bad disposal practices as well as about the plastic content in certain single - use plastic products and fishing gear . therefore , member states should be required to take awareness raising measures , including education campaigns at schools , ensuring that such information is given to the consumers to incentivise them to change their behaviour and to participate more actively in litter prevention . member states should be able to choose the measures which are most appropriate based on the regional conditions , the nature of the product or its use . proper care must be taken that no competitive distortion arises between domestic producers of single - use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic and non - eu competitors which are allowed to sell their products in the single market . producers of single - use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic should be part of the awareness raising measures as part of their responsibility . the producers shall not be obliged to cover the costs of these awareness - raising campaigns . the fight against litter should be a shared effort between competent authorities , producers and consumers .


### member states should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this directive and ensure that they are implemented . the penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . ### member states should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this directive and ensure that they are effectively brought to the attention of producers and implemented . the penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive .


### member states should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this directive and ensure that they are implemented . the penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . ### member states should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this directive and ensure that they are implemented . the penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . consumers should also be incentivized or penalized for their behaviour .


### this directive shall apply to the single - use plastic products listed in the annex and to fishing gear containing plastic . ### this directive shall apply particularly to the single - use plastic products listed in the annex and to fishing gear containing a significant proportion of plastic .


### this directive shall apply to the single - use plastic products listed in the annex and to fishing gear containing plastic . ### this directive shall apply to the single - use plastic products listed in the annex , to fishing gear containing plastic and to the plastic sheeting used in greenhouses used for agricultural production .


### member states shall ensure that single - use plastic products listed in part c of the annex that have caps and lids with a significant part made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the container during the product ' s intended use stage . ### member states shall ensure that single - use plastic products listed in part c of the annex that have caps and lids with a significant part made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the economic conditions for recycling are in place , particularly for caps and lids which remain attached to the container during the product ' s intended use stage . for separate caps and collars , member states shall ensure that they put recycling methods in place , for instance through deposit - refund schemes .


### the directives which have been adopted in the area of copyright and related rights provide for a high level of protection for rightholders and create a framework wherein the exploitation of works and other protected subject - matter can take place . this harmonised legal framework contributes to the good functioning of the internal market ; it stimulates innovation , creativity , investment and production of new content , also in the digital environment . the protection provided by this legal framework also contributes to the union ' s objective of respecting and promoting cultural diversity while at the same time bringing the european common cultural heritage to the fore . article 167 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union requires the union to take cultural aspects into account in its action . ### the constitutional traditions of the member states and the european directives which have been adopted in the area of copyright and related rights have the aim of providing for a high level of protection for rightholders and of creating a framework wherein the exploitation of works and other protected subject - matter can take place . this harmonised legal framework should make it possible to preserve cultural heritage and to promote the cultural and creative industries , with the purpose of stimulating innovation , creativity , investment and production of new content , also in the digital environment . the protection provided by this legal framework also contributes to the union ' s objective of respecting and promoting cultural diversity while at the same time bringing the european common cultural heritage to the fore . article 167 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union requires the union to take cultural aspects into account in its action .


### rapid technological developments continue to transform the way works and other subject - matter are created , produced , distributed and exploited . new business models and new actors continue to emerge . the objectives and the principles laid down by the union copyright framework remain sound . however , legal uncertainty remains , for both rightholders and users , as regards certain uses , including cross - border uses , of works and other subject - matter in the digital environment . as set out in the communication of the commission entitled ‘ towards a modern , more european copyright framework’26 , in some areas it is necessary to adapt and supplement the current union copyright framework . this directive provides for rules to adapt certain exceptions and limitations to digital and cross - border environments , as well as measures to facilitate certain licensing practices as regards the dissemination of out - of - commerce works and the online availability of audiovisual works on video - on - demand platforms with a view to ensuring wider access to content . in order to achieve a well - functioning marketplace for copyright , there should also be rules on rights in publications , on the use of works and other subject - matter by online service providers storing and giving access to user uploaded content and on the transparency of authors ' and performers ' contracts . _________________ 26 com 626 final . ### rapid technological developments continue to transform the way works and other subject - matter are created , produced , distributed and exploited . new business models and new actors continue to emerge . the objectives and the principles laid down by national legal systems and taken over by the union with regard to copyright remain sound . however , legal uncertainty remains , for both rightholders and users , as regards certain uses , including cross - border uses , of works and other subject - matter in the digital environment . as set out in the communication of the commission entitled ‘ towards a modern , more european copyright framework’26 , in some areas it is necessary to adapt and supplement the current union copyright framework . this directive provides for rules to adapt certain exceptions and limitations to the digital environment , as well as measures to facilitate certain licensing practices as regards the dissemination of out - of - commerce works and the online availability of audiovisual works on video - on - demand platforms with a view to striking a balance between respect for rightholders ' rights or rights related to copyright , which are responsible for financing cultural creation , and ensuring wider access to content . in order to ensure legal certainty for all stakeholders , there should also be rules on rights in publications , on the use of works and other subject - matter by online service providers storing and giving access to user uploaded content and on the transparency of authors ' and performers ' contracts .


### in the fields of research , education and preservation of cultural heritage , digital technologies permit new types of uses that are not clearly covered by the current union rules on exceptions and limitations . in addition , the optional nature of exceptions and limitations provided for in directives 2001 / 29 / ec , 96 / 9 / ec and 2009 / 24 / ec in these fields may negatively impact the functioning of the internal market . this is particularly relevant as regards cross - border uses , which are becoming increasingly important in the digital environment . therefore , the existing exceptions and limitations in union law that are relevant for scientific research , teaching and preservation of cultural heritage should be reassessed in the light of those new uses . mandatory exceptions or limitations for uses of text and data mining technologies in the field of scientific research , illustration for teaching in the digital environment and for preservation of cultural heritage should be introduced . for uses not covered by the exceptions or the limitation provided for in this directive , the exceptions and limitations existing in union law should continue to apply . directives 96 / 9 / ec and 2001 / 29 / ec should be adapted . ### in the fields of research , education and preservation of cultural heritage , digital technologies permit new types of uses that are already taken into account by certain member states but are not clearly covered by the current union rules on exceptions and limitations . in addition , certain exceptions and limitations are already provided for in directives 2001 / 29 / ec , 96 / 9 / ec and 2009 / 24 / ec in these fields . therefore , the existing exceptions and limitations in union law that are relevant for scientific research , teaching and preservation of cultural heritage should be reassessed in the light of those new uses . optional exceptions or limitations for uses of text mining technologies in the field of scientific research , illustration for teaching in the digital environment and for preservation of cultural heritage should be introduced . for uses not covered by the exceptions or the limitation provided for in this directive , the exceptions and limitations existing in union law should continue to apply . directives 96 / 9 / ec and 2001 / 29 / ec should be adapted .


### the exceptions and the limitation set out in this directive seek to achieve a fair balance between the rights and interests of authors and other rightholders on the one hand , and of users on the other . they can be applied only in certain special cases which do not conflict with the normal exploitation of the works or other subject - matter and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rightholders . ### the exceptions and the limitation set out in this directive should seek to achieve a fair balance between the rights and interests of authors and other rightholders on the one hand , and of users on the other . it should be possible for them to be applied only in certain special cases and not to conflict with the normal exploitation of the works or other subject - matter or unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rightholders .


### different approaches in the member states for acts of preservation by cultural heritage institutions hamper cross - border cooperation and the sharing of means of preservation by cultural heritage institutions in the internal market , leading to an inefficient use of resources . ### article 1 of the unesco convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions , to which a number of member states , and also the union , are parties , reaffirms ' the sovereign rights of states to maintain , adopt and implement policies and measures that they deem appropriate for the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions on their territory ' . accordingly , to comply with legal requirements , it is imperative that this directive should not conflict with obligations under international law to protect and preserve the cultural heritage .


### member states should therefore be required to provide for an exception to permit cultural heritage institutions to reproduce works and other subject - matter permanently in their collections for preservation purposes , for example to address technological obsolescence or the degradation of original supports . such an exception should allow for the making of copies by the appropriate preservation tool , means or technology , in the required number and at any point in the life of a work or other subject - matter to the extent required in order to produce a copy for preservation purposes only . ### member states should therefore have the option of providing for an exception to permit cultural heritage institutions and libraries to reproduce works and other subject - matter permanently in their collections for preservation purposes , for example to address technological obsolescence or the degradation of original supports . such an exception should allow for the making of copies by the appropriate preservation tool , means or technology , in the required number and at any point in the life of a work or other subject - matter to the extent required in order to produce a copy for preservation purposes only .


### cultural heritage institutions should benefit from a clear framework for the digitisation and dissemination , including across borders , of out - of - commerce works or other subject - matter . however , the particular characteristics of the collections of out - of - commerce works mean that obtaining the prior consent of the individual rightholders may be very difficult . this can be due , for example , to the age of the works or other subject - matter , their limited commercial value or the fact that they were never intended for commercial use . it is therefore necessary to provide for measures to facilitate the licensing of rights in out - of - commerce works that are in the collections of cultural heritage institutions and thereby to allow the conclusion of agreements with cross - border effect in the internal market . ### cultural heritage institutions or libraries should benefit from a clear framework for the digitisation and dissemination of out - of - commerce works or other subject - matter . however , the particular characteristics of the collections of out - of - commerce works mean that obtaining the prior consent of the individual rightholders may be very difficult . this can be due , for example , to the age of the works or other subject - matter , their limited commercial value or the fact that they were never intended for commercial use . it is therefore necessary to provide for measures to facilitate the licensing of rights in out - of - commerce works that are in the collections of cultural heritage institutions or libraries .


### considering the variety of works and other subject - matter in the collections of cultural heritage institutions , it is important that the licensing mechanisms introduced by this directive are available and can be used in practice for different types of works and other subject - matter , including photographs , sound recordings and audiovisual works . in order to reflect the specificities of different categories of works and other subject - matter as regards modes of publication and distribution and to facilitate the usability of those mechanisms , specific requirements and procedures may have to be established by member states for the practical application of those licensing mechanisms . it is appropriate that member states consult rightholders , users and collective management organisations when doing so . ### considering the variety of works and other subject - matter in the collections of cultural heritage institutions and libraries , it is important that the licensing mechanisms introduced by this directive are available and can be used in practice for different types of works and other subject - matter , including photographs , sound recordings and audiovisual works . in order to reflect the specificities of different categories of works and other subject - matter as regards modes of publication and distribution and to facilitate the usability of those mechanisms , specific requirements and procedures may have to be established by member states for the practical application of those licensing mechanisms . it is appropriate that member states consult rightholders , users and collective management organisations when doing so .


### to facilitate the licensing of rights in audiovisual works to video - on - demand platforms , this directive requires member states to set up a negotiation mechanism allowing parties willing to conclude an agreement to rely on the assistance of an impartial body . the body should meet with the parties and help with the negotiations by providing professional and external advice . against that background , member states should decide on the conditions of the functioning of the negotiation mechanism , including the timing and duration of the assistance to negotiations and the bearing of the costs . member states should ensure that administrative and financial burdens remain proportionate to guarantee the efficiency of the negotiation forum . ### to facilitate the licensing of rights in audiovisual works to video - on - demand platforms , this directive recommends that member states set up a negotiation mechanism allowing parties willing to conclude an agreement to rely on the assistance of an impartial body . the body should meet with the parties and help with the negotiations by providing professional and external advice . against that background , member states should decide on the conditions of the functioning of the negotiation mechanism , including the timing and duration of the assistance to negotiations and the bearing of the costs . member states should ensure that administrative and financial burdens remain proportionate to guarantee the efficiency of the negotiation forum .


### this directive lays down rules which aim at further harmonising the union law applicable to copyright and related rights in the framework of the internal market , taking into account in particular digital and cross - border uses of protected content . it also lays down rules on exceptions and limitations , on the facilitation of licences as well as rules aiming at ensuring a well - functioning marketplace for the exploitation of works and other subject - matter . ### this directive aims to modernise the union law applicable to copyright and related rights , taking into account in particular digital uses of protected content . it also lays down rules on exceptions and limitations , and on the facilitation of licences as well as rules aiming at ensuring that the interests of all the stakeholders in the exploitation of works and other subject - matter are properly balanced .


### member states shall provide for an exception or limitation to the rights provided for in articles 2 and 3 of directive 2001 / 29 / ec , articles 5 and 7 of directive 96 / 9 / ec , article 4 of directive 2009 / 24 / ec and article 11 of this directive in order to allow for the digital use of works and other subject - matter for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching , to the extent justified by the non - commercial purpose to be achieved , provided that the use : ### member states shall provide for an exception or limitation to the rights provided for in articles 2 and 3 of directive 2001 / 29 / ec , articles 5 and 7 of directive 96 / 9 / ec , article 4 of directive 2009 / 24 / ec and article 11 of this directive in order to allow for the digital use of extracts from works and other subject - matter for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching , to the extent justified by the non - commercial purpose to be achieved , provided that the use :


### the use of works and other subject - matter for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching through secure electronic networks undertaken in compliance with the provisions of national law adopted pursuant to this article shall be deemed to occur solely in the member state where the educational establishment is established . ### the use of extracts from works and other subject - matter for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching through secure electronic networks undertaken in compliance with the provisions of national law adopted pursuant to this article shall be deemed to occur solely in the member state where the educational establishment is established .


### member states shall ensure a regular dialogue between representative users ' and rightholders ' organisations , and any other relevant stakeholder organisations , to , on a sector - specific basis , foster the relevance and usability of the licensing mechanisms referred to in article 7 , ensure the effectiveness of the safeguards for rightholders referred to in this chapter , notably as regards publicity measures , and , where applicable , assist in the establishment of the requirements referred to in the second subparagraph of article 7 . ### member states may ensure a regular dialogue between representative users ' and rightholders ' organisations , and any other relevant stakeholder organisations , to , on a sector - specific basis , foster the relevance and usability of the licensing mechanisms referred to in article 7 , ensure the effectiveness of the safeguards for rightholders referred to in this chapter , notably as regards publicity measures , and , where applicable , assist in the establishment of the requirements referred to in the second subparagraph of article 7 .


### the european strategy for low - emission mobility16 sets a clear ambition : by mid - century , greenhouse gas emissions from transport will need to be at least 60% lower than in 1990 and be firmly on the path towards zero . emissions of air pollutants from transport that harm our health need to be drastically reduced without delay . emissions from conventional combustion engines will need to further reduce after 2020 . zero - and low emission vehicles will need to be deployed and gain significant market share by 2030 . _________________ 16 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european strategy for low - emission mobility 501 final ) . ### the european strategy for low - emission mobility16 sets a clear ambition : by mid - century , greenhouse gas emissions from transport will need to be at least 60% lower than in 1990 and be firmly on the path towards zero . it is useful to reduce emissions of air pollutants from transport that harm our health . emissions from conventional combustion engines should be further reduced after 2020 . zero - emission vehicles – including electric vehicles , up to 80% of the energy for which in the eu comes from non - renewable sources – and low - emission vehicles will need to be deployed and gain significant market share by 2030 . _________________ 16 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european strategy for low - emission mobility 501 final ) .


### the commissions communications ' europe on the move ' 17 and ' delivering on the european strategy for low - emission mobility a european union that protects the planet , empowers its consumers , and defends its industry and workers ' 18 highlight that the co2 emissions standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles are a strong driver for innovation and efficiency and will contribute to strengthening competitiveness of the automotive industry and pave the way for zero and low - emission vehicles in a technology - neutral way . _________________ 17 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions europe on the move an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all 0283 final ) . 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions [ … ] ### the commission’s communications ' europe on the move ' 17 and ' delivering on the european strategy for low - emission mobility a european union that protects the planet , empowers its consumers , and defends its industry and workers ' 18 highlight that the co2 emissions standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles are a strong driver for innovation and efficiency and will contribute to strengthening competitiveness of the automotive industry and pave the way for zero and low - emission vehicles in a technology - neutral way , without , however , giving sufficient consideration to the problem of a lack of capacity to deal with the increasing quantity of waste from these vehicles . _________________ 17 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions europe on the move an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all 0283 final ) . 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions [ … ]


### the cap ' s compliance - driven delivery model should be adjusted to ensure a greater focus on results and performance . accordingly the union should set the basic policy objectives , types of intervention and basic union requirements while greater responsibility and accountability for meeting those objectives should be borne by the member states . as a consequence , there is a need to ensure greater subsidiarity in order to take better account of the local conditions and needs . accordingly , under the new delivery model , member states should be responsible for tailoring their cap interventions in line with basic union requirements in order to maximize their contribution to union cap objectives and to establish and design the compliance and control framework for beneficiaries . ### the cap ' s compliance - driven delivery model should be adjusted to ensure a greater focus on results and performance . accordingly the union should set the basic policy objectives , types of intervention and basic union requirements while greater responsibility for meeting those objectives should be borne by the member states . as a consequence , there is a need to ensure greater subsidiarity in order to take better account of the local conditions and needs . accordingly , under the new delivery model , member states should be responsible for tailoring their cap interventions in line with basic union requirements in order to maximize their contribution to union cap objectives and to establish and design the compliance and control framework for beneficiaries .


### member states should send the annual accounts and an annual performance report on the implementation of the cap strategic plan to the commission by 15 february n + 1 . where these documents are not sent , thus preventing the commission from clearing the accounts for the concerned paying agency or checking the eligibility of the expenditure against reported outputs , the commission should be empowered to suspend the monthly payments and to interrupt the quarterly reimbursement until the outstanding documents are received . ### member states should send the annual accounts and an annual performance report on the implementation of the cap strategic plan to the commission by 15 february n + 1 . where these documents are not sent , thus preventing the commission from clearing the accounts for the concerned paying agency or checking the eligibility of the expenditure against reported outputs , the commission should be empowered to ask the member state concerned for a justification for the absence of documents . if this justification is not satisfactory , the commission may refer the matter to parliament and the council in order , where appropriate , to suspend the monthly payments until the outstanding documents are received . this procedure must under no circumstances have the effect of endangering the economic situation of the payment agencies or the final beneficiaries .


### in order to to safeguard the financial interests of the union ' s budget , systems should be put in place by member states in order to satisfy themselves that interventions financed by the funds are actually carried out and are executed correctly , while maintaining the current robust framework for sound financial management . in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 201315of the european parliament and of the council , council regulation no 2988 / 9516 , council regulation no 2185 / 9617and council regulation 2017 / 193918 , the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including the prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities including fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative sanctions . moreover , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 the european anti - fraud office may carry out administrative investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the european public prosecutor ' s office may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union as provided for in directive 2017 / 137119of the european parliament and of the council . in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the union’s financial interests , to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf , the eppo and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . member states should have the systems in place allowing them to report to the commission , for the purpose of enabling olaf to exercise its powers and ensure an efficient analysis of cases of irregularity , on detected irregularities and other cases of non - compliance with the conditions established by member states in the cap strategic plan , including fraud and on their follow - up as well as on the follow - up of olaf investigations . to ensure the effective examination of complaints concerning the funds , member states should have in place the necessary arrangements . _________________ 15 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 , . 16 council regulation no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 17 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities ' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 18 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . 19 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union ' s financial interests by means of criminal law . ### in order to safeguard the financial interests of the union ' s budget , systems should be put in place by member states in order to satisfy themselves that interventions financed by the funds are actually carried out and are executed correctly , while maintaining the current robust framework for sound financial management . in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 , council regulation no 2988 / 9516 , council regulation no 2185 / 9617 and council regulation 2017 / 193918 , the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including the prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities including fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative sanctions . moreover , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 the european anti - fraud office may carry out administrative investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to cooperate fully in the protection of the union’s financial interests to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . member states should have the systems in place allowing them to report to the commission , for the purpose of enabling olaf to exercise its powers and ensure an efficient analysis of cases of irregularity , on detected irregularities and other cases of non - compliance with the conditions established by member states in the cap strategic plan , including fraud and on their follow - up as well as on the follow - up of olaf investigations . to ensure the effective examination of complaints concerning the funds , member states should have in place the necessary arrangements . _________________ 15 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 . 16 council regulation no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 17 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities ' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 18 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office .


### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal related issues . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have a level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality controls and penalties should be introduced at union level . ### conditionality is an important element of the cap , in particular with regard to its environmental and climate elements but also concerning public health and animal related issues . this implies that controls should be carried out and , where necessary , penalties should be applied in the most serious cases and after giving the beneficiary concerned the chance to regularise his or her situation , to ensure the effectiveness of the conditionality system . to have a level playing field between beneficiaries in different member states , certain general rules on conditionality controls and penalties should be introduced at union level .


### the funds may , either on the initiative of the commission or on its behalf , each directly finance the preparatory , monitoring , administrative and technical support activities , and the evaluation , audit and inspection , required to implement the cap . in particular , they shall include : ### the funds may , on the initiative of the commission , following the assent of parliament and the council , each directly finance the preparatory , monitoring , administrative and technical support activities , and the evaluation , audit and inspection , required to implement the cap . in particular , they shall include :


### where the commission establishes from declarations of expenditure or the information referred to in article 88 that the payment deadlines referred to in article 36 have not been complied with , the member state shall be afforded the opportunity to submit its comments within a period which shall not be less than 30 days . where the member state fails to submit its comments within the said period or where the commission considers the response to be unsatisfactory , the commission may reduce the monthly or interim payments to the member state concerned in the framework of the implementing acts concerning the monthly payments referred to in article 19 or in the framework of the interim payments referred to in article 30 . ### where the commission establishes from declarations of expenditure or the information referred to in article 88 that the payment deadlines referred to in article 36 have not been complied with , the member state shall be afforded the opportunity to submit its comments within a period which shall not be less than 30 days . where the member state fails to submit its comments within the said period or where the commission considers the response to be unsatisfactory , the commission may reduce the monthly or interim payments to the member state concerned , with the prior agreement of the european parliament and the council .


### where member states do not submit the documents referred to in articles 8 and 11 by the deadlines , as provided for in article 8 , the commission may adopt implementing acts suspending the total amount of the monthly payments referred to in article 19 . the commission shall reimburse the suspended amounts when it receives the missing documents from the member state concerned , provided that the date of receipt is not later than six months after the deadline . ### where member states do not submit the documents referred to in articles 8 and 11 by the deadlines , as provided for in article 8 , the commission may , after informing the european parliament and the council , adopt implementing acts suspending the total amount of the monthly payments referred to in article 19 . the commission shall reimburse the suspended amounts when it receives the missing documents from the member state concerned , provided that the date of receipt is not later than one year after the deadline .


### member states shall ensure a level of checks needed for an effective management of the risks . ### member states shall ensure a proportionate level of checks needed for an effective management of the risks .


### better statistics are therefore crucial to achieving better results and contributing to a better europe , and greater efforts should be made to boost investments in official statistics at both european and national levels . this should provide guidance in priority policy areas and for capacity - building , in addition to current guidance and ongoing re - prioritisation . more specifically , action should be taken to tackle the most urgent statistical gaps , increase timeliness and support political priorities and economic policy coordination through the european semester . the commission should also provide new population projections in close cooperation with the national statistical institutes to update the analysis of the economic and budgetary implications of population ageing . ### better statistics are therefore crucial to measuring the efficiency of european policies and programmes . the commission should also provide new population projections in close cooperation with the national statistical institutes to update the analysis of the economic and budgetary implications of population ageing .


### “developing and producing a set of indicators to measure competitiveness ; and” ### in objective 1 . 2 . 1 , second paragraph , the third indent is replaced by the following : “developing and producing a set of indicators to measure competitiveness and take account of its impact on employment rate , working conditions and pay ; and”


### “enhance the indicators and statistical information available on economic globalisation and global value chains for union decision - makers and the public at large . ### in objective 1 . 3 . 1 , the first paragraph is replaced by the following : “enhance the indicators and statistical information available on economic globalisation and global value chains for national governments , union decision - makers and the public at large . that information should make for a better understanding of the negative economic , social and environmental impact of globalisation . ”


### “in line with the ‘ european energy union’ priority of the commission particular focus will be given to statistics related to energy consumption , energy efficiency , renewable energies , energy dependence and security of supply . furthermore , energy statistics will need to support the 2030 policy framework for climate and energy that aims to make the union’s economy and energy system more competitive , secure and sustainable . ” ### “particular focus will be given to statistics related to energy consumption , energy efficiency , renewable energies , energy dependence and security of supply so as to make the member states’ economies and energy systems more competitive , secure and sustainable . ”


### processed food should be labelled as organic only where all or almost all the ingredients of agricultural origin are organic . however , special labelling provisions should be laid down for processed foods which include agricultural ingredients that cannot be obtained organically , as is the case for products of hunting and fishing . moreover , for the purposes of consumer information and transparency in the market , and to encourage the use of organic ingredients , it should also be made possible to refer to organic production in the ingredients list under certain conditions . ### processed food should be labelled as organic only where all or almost all the ingredients of agricultural origin are organic . however , special labelling provisions should be laid down for processed foods which include agricultural ingredients that cannot be obtained organically , as is the case for products of hunting and fishing . moreover , for the purposes of consumer information and transparency in the market , and to encourage the use of organic ingredients , it should also be made possible to refer to organic production and the place of production in the ingredients list under certain conditions .


### the labelling of agricultural products and foodstuffs should be subject to the general rules laid down in regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council32 , and in particular the provisions aimed at preventing labelling that may confuse or mislead consumers . in addition , specific provisions relating to the labelling of organic products should be laid down in this regulation . they should protect both the interests of operators in having their products correctly identified on the market and enjoying conditions of fair competition , and those of consumers in enabling them to make informed choices . __________________ 32 regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers , amending regulations no 1924 / 2006 and no 1925 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council , and repealing commission directive 87 / 250 / eec , council directive 90 / 496 / eec , commission directive 1999 / 10 / ec , directive 2000 / 13 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , commission directives 2002 / 67 / ec and 2008 / 5 / ec and commission regulation no 608 / 2004 . ### the labelling of agricultural products and foodstuffs should be subject to the general rules laid down in regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council32 and , in particular , strict compliance with the common labelling standard and the provisions aimed at preventing labelling that may confuse or mislead consumers . in addition , specific provisions relating to the labelling of organic products should be laid down in this regulation . they should protect both the interests of operators in having their products correctly identified on the market and enjoying conditions of fair competition , and those of consumers in enabling them to make informed choices . __________________ 32 regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers , amending regulations no 1924 / 2006 and no 1925 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council , and repealing commission directive 87 / 250 / eec , council directive 90 / 496 / eec , commission directive 1999 / 10 / ec , directive 2000 / 13 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , commission directives 2002 / 67 / ec and 2008 / 5 / ec and commission regulation no 608 / 2004 .


### small farmers in the union face , individually , relatively high inspection costs and administrative burden linked to organic certification . a system of group certification should be allowed with a view to reducing the inspection and certification costs and the associated administrative burden , strengthening local networks , contributing to better market outlets and ensuring a level playing field with operators in third countries . for that reason , the concept of ‘ group of operators’ should be introduced and defined . ### small farmers in the union face , individually , relatively high inspection costs and administrative burden linked to organic certification . a system of group certification should be allowed with a view to reducing the inspection and certification costs and the associated administrative burden , strengthening local networks , contributing to better market outlets and ensuring a level playing field with operators in third countries . for that reason , the concept of ‘ group of operators’ should be introduced and defined and extended to include cross - border groups .


### provision should be made to ensure that the movement of organic products that have been subject to a control in one member state and which comply with this regulation cannot be restricted in another member state . in order to ensure the proper functioning of the single market and trade between member states , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission to lay down rules relating to the free movement of organic products . ### as sovereign entities , member states must have the right to impose restrictions on imports and the movement of imported products on their territory in order to encourage the consumption of domestic and local organic products . the movement of imported organic products would be authorised only if they are not produced on the territory of the member state in question .


### this regulation shall apply to any operator involved in activities , at any stage of production , preparation and distribution , relating to the products referred to in paragraph 1 . ### this regulation shall apply to any operator involved in activities , at any stage of production , preparation , labelling and distribution , relating to the products referred to in paragraph 1 .


### responsible use of energy and natural resources , such as water , soil , organic matter and air ; ### responsible and environmentally friendly use of energy and natural resources , such as water , soil , organic matter and air ;


### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements . ### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . furthermore , the public consultation exercise conducted by the commission in 2018 revealed that 84% of the 4 . 6 million people who took part would like to discontinue biannual clock changes . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to abide by the will of the peoples of europe and to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements .


### ensuring transparency in the general terms and conditions can be essential to promoting sustainable business relationships and to preventing unfair behaviour to the detriment of business users . providers of online intermediation services should therefore also ensure that the terms and conditions are easily available at all stages of the contractual relationship , including to prospective business users at the pre - contractual phase , and that any modifications to those terms are notified to business users within a set notice period which is reasonable and proportionate in light of the specific circumstances and which is at least 15 days . that notice period should not apply where , and to the extent that , it is waived in an unambiguous manner by the business user concerned or where , and to the extent that , the need to implement the modification without respecting the notice period stems from a legal obligation incumbent on the service provider under union or national law . ### ensuring transparency in the general terms and conditions can be essential to promoting sustainable business relationships and to preventing unfair behaviour to the detriment of business users . what is more , these terms and conditions should be objective , non - discriminatory , fair and reasonable . providers of online intermediation services should therefore also ensure that the terms and conditions are easily available at all stages of the contractual relationship , including to prospective business users at the pre - contractual phase , and that any modifications to those terms are notified to business users within a set notice period which is reasonable and proportionate in light of the specific circumstances and which is at least 15 days . that notice period should not apply where , and to the extent that , it is waived in an unambiguous manner by the business user concerned or where , and to the extent that , the need to implement the modification without respecting the notice period stems from a legal obligation incumbent on the service provider under union or national law .


### in order to protect business users it should be possible for a competent court to establish that non - compliant terms and conditions are not binding on the business user concerned , with effects ex nunc . any such finding by a court should however only concern the specific provisions of the terms and conditions which are not compliant . the remaining provisions should remain valid and enforceable , in as far as they can be severed from the non - compliant provisions . sudden modifications to existing terms and conditions may significantly disrupt business users ' operations . in order to limit such negative effects on business users , and to discourage such behaviour , modifications made in contravention of the obligation to provide a set notice period , should therefore be null and void , that is , deemed to have never existed with effects erga omnes and ex tunc . ### in order to protect business users , non - compliant terms and conditions should be considered null and void . any such measure should however only concern the specific provisions of the terms and conditions which are not compliant . the remaining provisions should remain valid and enforceable , in as far as they can be severed from the non - compliant provisions . sudden modifications to existing terms and conditions may significantly disrupt business users ' operations . in order to limit such negative effects on business users , and to discourage such behaviour , modifications made in contravention of the obligation to provide a set notice period , should therefore be null and void , that is , deemed to have never existed with effects erga omnes and ex tunc .