### to ensure effective assessment of progress of the programme towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 27 to amend annex ii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework . ### to ensure effective assessment of progress of the programme towards the achievement of its objectives , the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 27 to amend annex ii to review or complement the indicators where considered necessary and to supplement this regulation with provisions on the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework . however , this delegation of powers may be revoked by the european parliament in particular .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union and the member states are confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation and dematerialisation , which are responsible for the substantial increase in immigration , the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change , the declining birth rate , an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work and the new challenges that they present in terms of employment protection , it is necessary to invest in relevant skills , growth and social and employment policies .


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


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should promote full and complete educational , professional and social inclusion of persons with disabilities by means of measures designed to ensure their independence and practical and effective support at all stages of life . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


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


### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ; ### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ; promoting and supporting research into and dissemination and appreciation of the cultural and linguistic heritage of the regional languages spoken in the union and recognised by unesco , and promoting the learning and teaching of these languages at schools of all types and levels ;


### member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall foster synergies and ensure coordination , complementarity and coherence between the esf + and other union funds , programmes and instruments such as erasmus , the asylum and migration fund and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument , both in the planning phase and during implementation . member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . ### member states and , where appropriate the commission , shall foster synergies and ensure coordination , complementarity and coherence between the esf + and other union funds , programmes and instruments such as erasmus and the asylum and migration fund , both in the planning phase and during implementation . member states , together with the competent regional , local and urban authorities , shall optimise mechanisms for coordination to avoid duplication of effort and ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions .


### in order to help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states , show solidarity with countries in regions to which or within which a large number of persons in need of international protection has been displaced by helping to alleviate the pressure on those countries , and help achieve the union’s foreign policy objectives , the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur should fit in a tailored engagement with third countries to better manage migration as foreseen in the commission’s communication of 7 june 2016 on establishing a new partnership framework with third countries under the european agenda on migration32 . _________________ 32 com 385 final . ### in order to help reduce the risk of a large - scale irregular inflow of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states , there needs to be a fundamental change in the way of managing immigration . as the italian example has clearly and demonstrably shown , the percentage of those legitimately entitled to asylum make up a small minority compared with the total number of arrivals .


### provide for the legal and safe arrival of third - country nationals and stateless persons in need of international protection to the territory of the member states ; ### provide , where third - country nationals and stateless persons are seeking international protection , for examination of their applications for international protection and , where persons are recognised to be entitled to refugee status , ensure their legal and safe arrival on the territory of the member states ;


### –survivors of violence and / or torture , including on the basis of gender ; ### –survivors of violence , persecution and / or torture , on the basis of gender or on religious grounds ;


### following the conclusion of the european citizens ' initiative on the right to water 71 , a union - wide public consultation was launched and a regulatory fitness and performance evaluation of directive 98 / 83 / ec was performed72 . it became apparent from that exercise that certain provisions of directive 98 / 83 / ec needed to be updated . four areas were identified as offering scope for improvement , namely the list of quality - based parametric values , the limited reliance on a risk - based approach , the imprecise provisions on consumer information , and the disparities between approval systems for materials in contact with water intended for human consumption . in addition , the european citizens ' initiative on the right to water identified as a distinct problem the fact that part of the population , especially marginalised groups , has no access to water intended for human consumption , which is also a commitment under sustainable development goal 6 of un agenda 2030 . a final issue identified is the general lack of awareness of water leakages , which are driven by underinvestment in maintenance and renewal of the water infrastructure , as also pointed out in the european court of auditors ' special report on water infrastructure73 . _________________ 71 com 177 final 72 swd 428 final 73 special report of the european court of auditors sr 12 / 2017 : ' implementing the drinking water directive : water quality and access to it improved in bulgaria , hungary and romania , but investment needs remains substantial ' . ### following the conclusion of the european citizens ' initiative on the right to water 71 , a union - wide public consultation was launched and a regulatory fitness and performance evaluation of directive 98 / 83 / ec was performed72 . it became apparent from that exercise that certain provisions of directive 98 / 83 / ec needed to be updated . four areas were identified as offering scope for improvement , namely the list of quality - based parametric values , the limited reliance on a risk - based approach , the imprecise provisions on consumer information even though citizens in the european union are increasingly and legitimately demanding transparency , and the disparities between approval systems for materials in contact with water intended for human consumption . in addition , the european citizens ' initiative on the right to water identified as a distinct problem the fact that part of the population , especially marginalised groups , has no access to water intended for human consumption , which is also a commitment under sustainable development goal 6 of un agenda 2030 . a final issue identified is the general lack of awareness of water leakages , which are driven by underinvestment in maintenance and renewal of the water infrastructure , as also pointed out in the european court of auditors ' special report on water infrastructure73 . _________________ 71 com 117 final 72 swd 428 final 73 special report of the european court of auditors no 12 / 2017 ' implementing the drinking water directive : water quality and access to it improved in bulgaria , hungary and romania , but investment needs remain substantial ' .


### the parametric values used to assess the quality of water intended for human consumption are to be complied with at the point where water intended for human consumption is made available to the appropriate user . however , the quality of water intended for human consumption can be influenced by the domestic distribution system . the who notes that , in the union , legionella causes the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens . it is transmitted by warm water systems through inhalation , for instance during showering . it is therefore clearly linked to the domestic distribution system . since imposing a unilateral obligation to monitor all private and public premises for this pathogen would lead to unreasonably high costs , a domestic distribution risk assessment is therefore more suited to address this issue . in addition , the potential risks stemming from products and materials in contact with water intended for human consumption should also be considered in the domestic distribution risk assessment . the domestic distribution risk assessment should therefore include , inter alia , focusing monitoring on priority premises , assessing the risks stemming from the domestic distribution system and related products and materials , and verifying the performance of construction products in contact with water intended for human consumption on the basis of their declaration of performance in accordance with regulation no 305 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council79 . the information referred to in articles 31 and 33 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council80is also to be supplied together with the declaration of performance . on the basis of this assessment , member states should take all necessary measures to ensure , inter alia , that appropriate control and management measures are in place , in line with the guidance of the who81 , and that the migration from construction products does not endanger human health . however , without prejudice to regulation no 305 / 2011 , where these measures would imply limits to the free movement of products and materials in the union , these limits need to be duly justified and strictly proportionate , and not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states . _________________ 79 regulation no 305 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89 / 106 / eec . 80 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec . 81 ' legionella and the prevention of legionellosis ' , world health organisation , 2007 , http : / / www . who . int / water_sanitation_health / emerging / legionella . pdf ### the parametric values used to assess the quality of water intended for human consumption are to be complied with at the point where water intended for human consumption is made available to the appropriate user . however , the quality of water intended for human consumption can be influenced by the domestic distribution system , especially in old and complex installations in urban areas . the who notes that , in the union , legionella causes the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens . it is transmitted by warm water systems through inhalation , for instance during showering . it is therefore clearly linked to the domestic distribution system . since imposing a unilateral obligation to monitor all private and public premises for this pathogen would lead to unreasonably high costs , a domestic distribution risk assessment is therefore more suited to address this issue . in addition , the potential risks stemming from products and materials in contact with water intended for human consumption should also be considered in the domestic distribution risk assessment . the domestic distribution risk assessment should therefore include , inter alia , focusing monitoring on priority premises , assessing the risks stemming from the domestic distribution system and related products and materials , and verifying the performance of construction products in contact with water intended for human consumption on the basis of their declaration of performance in accordance with regulation no 305 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council79 . the information referred to in articles 31 and 33 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council80 is also to be supplied together with the declaration of performance . on the basis of this assessment , member states should take all necessary measures to ensure , inter alia , that appropriate control and management measures are in place , in line with the guidance of the who81 , and that the migration from construction products does not endanger human health . however , without prejudice to regulation no 305 / 2011 , where these measures would imply limits to the free movement of products and materials in the union , these limits need to be duly justified and strictly proportionate , and not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states . _________________ 79 regulation no 305 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89 / 106 / eec . 80 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec . 81 ' legionella and the prevention of legionellosis ' , world health organisation , 2007 , http : / / www . who . int / water_sanitation_health / emerging / legionella . pdf


### each member state should ensure that monitoring programmes are established to check that water intended for human consumption meets the requirements of this directive . most of the monitoring carried out for the purposes of this directive is performed by water suppliers . a certain flexibility should be granted to water suppliers as regards the parameters they monitor for the purposes of the supply risk assessment . if a parameter is not detected , water suppliers should be able to decrease the monitoring frequency or stop monitoring that parameter altogether . the supply risk assessment should be applied to most parameters . however , a core list of parameters should always be monitored with a certain minimum frequency . this directive mainly sets provisions on monitoring frequency for the purposes of compliance checks and only limited provisions on monitoring for operational purposes . additional monitoring for operational purposes may be necessary to ensure the correct functioning of water treatment , at the discretion of water suppliers . in that regard , the water suppliers may refer to the who ' s guidelines and water safety plan manual . ### each member state should ensure that monitoring programmes are established to check that water intended for human consumption meets the requirements of this directive . it should be noted that some member states have standards and monitoring programmes that are already more demanding than those required by this directive . most of the monitoring carried out for the purposes of this directive is performed by water suppliers . a certain flexibility should be granted to water suppliers as regards the parameters they monitor for the purposes of the supply risk assessment . if a parameter is not detected , water suppliers should be able to decrease the monitoring frequency or stop monitoring that parameter altogether . the supply risk assessment should be applied to most parameters . however , a core list of parameters should always be monitored with a certain minimum frequency . this directive mainly sets provisions on monitoring frequency for the purposes of compliance checks and only limited provisions on monitoring for operational purposes . additional monitoring for operational purposes may be necessary to ensure the correct functioning of water treatment , at the discretion of water suppliers . in that regard , the water suppliers may refer to the who ' s guidelines and water safety plan manual .


### other relevant pollutants , such as microplastics , or river basin specific pollutants established by member states on the basis of the review of the impact of human activity undertaken in accordance with article 5 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec and information on significant pressures collected in accordance with point 1 . 4 of annex ii to that directive . ### other relevant pollutants and micropollutants , such as microplastics , endocrine disrupters , or river basin - specific pollutants established by member states on the basis of the review of the impact of human activity undertaken in accordance with article 5 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec and information on significant pressures collected in accordance with point 1 . 4 of annex ii to that directive .


### on the basis of the information gathered under paragraph 1 , member states shall take all necessary measures to ensure access to water intended for human consumption for vulnerable and marginalised groups . ### on the basis of the information gathered under paragraph 1 , member states may take measures necessary to ensure access to water intended for human consumption for vulnerable and marginalised social classes or groups .


### as the three so - called tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , close coordination among the three agencies is required and the ways to enhance efficiency and synergies should be exploited . in addition , where relevant , the agency should seek to engage in efficient cooperation with the european commission ' s in - house research capacities . ### as the three so - called tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , the usefulness of each agency should be assessed . if necessary , provision should be made for the two other agencies to be abolished .


### ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used for one or more of the following : ' ### in paragraph 3 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' 3 . ' in addition , these revenues may be used for one or more of the following : '


### ' to promote skill formation and reallocation of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy in close coordination with the social partners . ' ### ' to promote skill formation , reallocation and social protection schemes of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy in close coordination with the social partners . '


### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases , together with 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / … of the european parliament and of the council . ### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases . in addition , 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve by 31 december 2020 pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / 1814 shall be set aside for this purpose .


### the first subparagraph of paragraph 6 is replaced by the following : ### paragraph 6 is replaced by the following :


### 400 million allowances shall be available to support innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in industrial sectors listed in annex i , and to help stimulate the construction and operation of commercial demonstration projects that aim at the environmentally safe capture and geological storage of co2 as well as demonstration projects of innovative renewable energy technologies , in the territory of the union . ### up to 400 million allowances to be auctioned as set out in article 10 shall be available to support innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in industrial sectors listed in annex i , and up to a maximum of 50 million allowances shall be available to help stimulate the construction and operation of commercial demonstration projects that aim at the environmentally safe ccs and ccu as well as demonstration projects of innovative renewable energy technologies , in the territory of the union .


### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed . ### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes , carbon clean operation modes in existing installations and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs and ccu and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 80% of the relevant costs of projects , operating costs due to modifications in existing installations or investments in existing installations may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology or process adaption deployed .


### ' 1 . following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 25 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . ' ### in article 27 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 50 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states shall allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 50 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . ' hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . '


### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund . ### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young people to a career in research , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund .


### –strategies to address populism , extremism , radicalisation , terrorism and to include and engage disaffected and marginalised citizens ; ### –strategies to address extremism , radicalisation , terrorism and to include and engage disaffected and marginalised citizens ;


### the objectives of improving the access of union economic operators to the public procurement and concessions markets of certain third countries protected by restrictive and discriminatory procurement measures or practices and of preserving equal conditions of competition within the internal market require to refer to the non - preferential rules of origin established in the eu customs legislation , so that contracting authorities and contracting entities know whether goods and services are covered by the international commitments of the union . ### the objectives of improving the access of union economic operators to the public procurement and concessions markets of certain third countries protected by specific procurement measures or practices and of preserving equal conditions of competition within the internal market require to refer to the non - preferential rules of origin established in the eu customs legislation , so that contracting authorities and contracting entities know whether goods and services are covered by the international commitments of the union .


### in view of the fact that the access of third country goods and services to the public procurement market of the union falls within the scope of the common commercial policy , member states and or their contracting authorities and contracting entities should not be able to restrict the access of third country goods or services to their tendering procedures by any other measure than the ones provided for in this regulation . ### in view of the fact that the access of third country goods and services to the public procurement market of the union falls within the scope of the common commercial policy , member states and or their contracting authorities and contracting entities should have the capacity to restrict the access of third country goods or services to their tendering procedures by any measures considered strategic and in the best interests of the member state .


### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . ### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the member states and the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved .


### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , union and international level ; ### their complementarity with other union programmes and policies at national , union and international level ;


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities which desire and call for such support , for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , calling into question directive 96 / 71 / ce on the posting of workers and ensuring the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities and to the specific features of the beneficiary country , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ;


### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with other member states or international organisations . ### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with those member states .


### the commission shall implement the programme in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### the commission , in close collaboration with the beneficiary member state and always with its consent , shall implement the programme in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 .


### the measures of the programme may be implemented either directly by the commission or indirectly , by entities and persons other than member states in accordance with article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . in particular , union financial support for actions provided for in article 6 of this regulation shall take the form of : ### the measures of the programme may be implemented directly by the commission in accordance with article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . in particular , union financial support for actions provided for in article 6 of this regulation shall take the form of :


### the commission and the beneficiary member states , within their respective responsibilities , shall foster synergies and ensure effective coordination between the programme and other union programmes and instruments , and in particular with measures financed by the union funds . to this end , they shall : ### the commission and the beneficiary member states , within their respective responsibilities , shall ensure effective coordination between the programme and other union programmes and instruments , and in particular with measures financed by the union funds . to this end , they shall :


### ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at union and national levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation ; ### ensure complementarity and coherence between different instruments at union and national levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation ;


### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . ### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to ensuring food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account objectives of the cap and the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , competitiveness , demography and consumption patterns as well as new emerging pests and diseases . this presupposes acquiring a better scientific understanding of the impact of different farming systems on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . farmers also need continued access to innovation , to new technology and to research in order to produce food in a sustainable way so that we can both feed the world and protect the environment for future generations . in addition , it is important to address the dynamism of the rural - urban interface in the context of the expanding cities versus farming / forestry landscapes , residence versus work place dynamism and liveable countryside .


### that positive momentum should be maintained and efforts need to be continued to bring investment back to its long - term sustainable trend . the mechanisms of the investment plan work and should be reinforced to continue the mobilisation of private investments in sectors important to europe ' s future and where market failures or sub - optimal investment situations remain . ### the investment plan does not work and its mechanisms should not be reinforced . the results of the investment plan are impossible to evaluate owing to the lack of relevant data , particularly as regards the labour market .


### on 28 june 2016 the european council concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . ' ### on 28 june 2016 the european council concluded , albeit in the absence of the intended independent assessment which could supply precise and objective data , that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council ' . this conclusion has been contradicted both by the report of 11 november 2016 by the european court of auditors and by the independent report by ey likewise published in november . the report states that , since the efsi has only just been launched , it is too early to predict whether it will achieve its political objectives , add value to the economy , environment and society , help to reduce the unemployment rate and encourage growth .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature which hitherto has been missing from the efsi , should genuinely be taken into account in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations .


### when exercising the powers referred to in paragraph 1 with regard to the simplifications , the commission shall take into account the size and importance of the business economies , in accordance with the principle of proportionality , in order to alleviate the burden on enterprises . in addition , the commission shall ensure that the input needed for compiling the accounting frameworks of national and regional accounts according to regulation no 549 / 2013 and of balance of payments statistics according to regulation no 184 / 2005 is maintained . implementing acts , except for those that regulate the first implementation of this regulation , shall be adopted at least 15 months before the end of the reference period of the data for the topics listed in annex i . for the topics ' innovation ' and ' ict usage and e - commerce ' the implementing acts shall be adopted at least six and twelve months respectively before the end of the reference period of the data . ### the commission shall only be allowed to exercise its powers referred to in paragraph 1 if it was sufficiently demonstrated that the additional overall financial burden for enterprises and member states , through the adoption of all proposed implementing acts , combined , under this regulation , do not exceed 5% compared to the present regulations no 3924 / 91 , no 48 / 2004 , no 716 / 2007 , no 177 / 2008 , no 295 / 2008 , no 1165 / 1998 , no 638 / 2004 no 808 / 2004 and decision no 1608 / 2003 , as well as the acts adopted on the basis of those regulations . with regard to the simplifications , the commission shall take into account the size and importance of the business economies , in accordance with the principle of proportionality , in order to alleviate the burden on enterprises . in addition , the commission shall ensure that the input needed for compiling the accounting frameworks of national and regional accounts according to regulation no 549 / 2013 and of balance of payments statistics according to regulation no 184 / 2005 is maintained . implementing acts for the subject area “country level business statistics” and for the subject area “regional business statistics” shall be adopted at least 18 months and 24 months respectively before the start of the reference period of the data for the topics listed in annex i . for the topics ' innovation ' and ' ict usage and e - commerce ' the implementing acts shall be adopted at least six and twelve months respectively before the start of the reference period of the data .


### the commission shall assess the quality of the data and metadata transmitted . ### the commission shall assess the quality of the data and metadata transmitted in a transparent and verifiable way .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 6 , 9 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 6 , 9 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from [ please insert exact date of entry into force of the regulation ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### the public sector in the member states collects , produces , reproduces and disseminates a wide range of information in many areas of activity , such as social , economic , geographical , weather , tourist , business , patent and educational information . documents produced by public sector bodies of executive , legislative or judicial nature constitute a vast , diverse and valuable pool of resources that can benefit the knowledge economy . ### the public sector in the member states collects , produces , reproduces and disseminates a wide range of information in many areas of activity , such as social , economic , geographical , weather , tourist , business , patent and educational information . documents produced by public sector bodies of executive , legislative or judicial nature constitute a vast , diverse and valuable pool of resources that can benefit the knowledge economy , but that may also , particularly with regard to information from the legal system , contain sensitive personal data .


### the directive lays down an obligation for member states to make all documents re - usable unless access is restricted or excluded under national rules on access to documents and subject to the other exceptions laid down in this directive . the directive builds on the existing access regimes in the member states and does not change the national rules for access to documents . it does not apply in cases in which citizens or companies can , under the relevant access regime , only obtain a document if they can prove a particular interest . at union level , articles 41 and 42 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union recognise the right of any citizen of the union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a member state to have access to european parliament , council and commission documents . public sector bodies should be encouraged to make available for re - use any documents held by them . public sector bodies should promote and encourage re - use of documents , including official texts of a legislative and administrative nature in those cases where the public sector body has the right to authorise their re - use . ### the directive creates an incentive for member states to make all documents re - usable unless access is restricted or excluded under national rules on access to documents and subject to the other exceptions laid down in this directive . the directive builds on the existing access regimes in the member states and does not change the national rules for access to documents . it does not apply in cases in which citizens or companies can , under the relevant access regime , only obtain a document if they can prove a particular interest . at union level , articles 41 and 42 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union recognise the right of any citizen of the union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a member state to have access to european parliament , council and commission documents . public sector bodies should be encouraged to make available for re - use any documents held by them that pertain directly to their services or tasks of general interest . public sector bodies should promote and encourage re - use of documents , including official texts of a legislative and administrative nature in those cases where the public sector body has the right to authorise their re - use .


### charges for the re - use of documents constitute an important market entry barrier for start - ups and smes . documents should therefore be made available for re - use without charges and , where charges are necessary , they should in principle be limited to the marginal costs . in exceptional cases , the necessity of not hindering the normal running of public sector bodies that are required to generate revenue to cover a substantial part of their costs relating to the performance of their public tasks should be taken into consideration . the role of public undertakings in a competitive economic environment should also be acknowledged . in such cases , public sector bodies and public undertakings should therefore be able to charge above marginal costs . those charges should be set according to objective , transparent and verifiable criteria and the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents should not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction and dissemination , together with a reasonable return on investment . where applicable , the costs of anonymisation of personal data or of commercially sensitive information should also be included in the eligible cost . the requirement to generate revenue to cover a substantial part of the public sector bodies’ costs relating to the performance of their public tasks or the scope of the services of general interest entrusted with public undertakings does not have to be a legal requirement and may stem , for example , from administrative practices in member states . such a requirement should be regularly reviewed by the member states . ### charges for the re - use of documents constitute an important market entry barrier for start - ups and smes . documents should therefore be made available for re - use without charges and , where charges are necessary , they should in principle be limited to the marginal costs . in exceptional cases , the necessity of not hindering the normal running of public sector bodies that are required to generate revenue to cover a substantial part of their costs relating to the performance of their public tasks should be taken into consideration . the role of public undertakings in a competitive economic environment should also be acknowledged . whenever they deem it necessary for the purposes of performing their task or services of general interest , public sector bodies and public undertakings should therefore be able to charge above marginal costs . those charges should be set according to objective , transparent and verifiable criteria and the total income from supplying and allowing re - use of documents should not exceed the cost of collection , production , reproduction , dissemination and maintenance and of the prior anonymisation of information , together with a reasonable return on investment . the overall costs of anonymisation of personal data or of commercially sensitive information should also be included in the eligible cost . the requirement to generate revenue to cover a substantial part of the public sector bodies’ costs relating to the performance of their public tasks or the scope of the services of general interest entrusted with public undertakings does not have to be a legal requirement and may stem , for example , from administrative practices in member states . such a requirement should be regularly reviewed by the member states .


### tools that help potential re - users to find documents available for re - use and the conditions for re - use can facilitate considerably the cross - border use of public sector documents . member states should therefore ensure that practical arrangements are in place that help re - users in their search for documents available for re - use . assets lists , accessible preferably online , of main documents , and portal sites that are linked to decentralised assets lists are examples of such practical arrangements . ### tools that help potential re - users to find documents available for re - use and the conditions for re - use should be encouraged . member states should therefore ensure that practical arrangements are in place that help re - users in their search for documents available for re - use . assets lists , accessible preferably online , of main documents , and portal sites that are linked to decentralised assets lists are examples of such practical arrangements .


### one of the principal aims of the establishment of the internal market is the creation of conditions conducive to the development of union - wide services . libraries , museums and archives hold a significant amount of valuable public sector information resources , in particular since digitisation projects have multiplied the amount of digital public domain material . these cultural heritage collections and related metadata are a potential base for digital content products and services and have a huge potential for innovative re - use in sectors such as learning and tourism . other types of cultural establishments , including the archives that are part of those establishments , should remain outside the scope because of their ‘ performing arts’ specificity and the fact that almost all of their material is subject to third - party intellectual property rights and would therefore remain outside the scope of that directive . ### libraries , museums and archives hold a significant amount of valuable public sector information resources , in particular since digitisation projects have multiplied the amount of digital public domain material . these cultural heritage collections and related metadata are a potential base for digital content products and services and have a huge potential for innovative re - use in sectors such as learning and tourism . other types of cultural establishments , including the archives that are part of those establishments , should remain outside the scope because of their ‘ performing arts’ specificity and the fact that almost all of their material is subject to third - party intellectual property rights and would therefore remain outside the scope of that directive .


### in view of ensuring their maximum impact and to facilitate re - use , the high - value datasets should be made available for re - use with minimal legal restrictions and at no cost . they should also be published via application programming interfaces , whenever the dataset in question contains dynamic data . ### in view of ensuring their maximum impact and to facilitate re - use , the high - value datasets should be made available for re - use with minimal legal restrictions and at no cost , subject to the discretion of the member state concerned . they should also be published via application programming interfaces , whenever the dataset in question contains dynamic data .


### member states shall make practical arrangements facilitating the search for documents available for re - use , such as asset lists of main documents with relevant metadata , accessible where possible and appropriate online and in machine - readable format , and portal sites that are linked to the asset lists . where possible member states shall facilitate the cross - linguistic search for documents . ### member states shall make practical arrangements facilitating the search for documents available for re - use , such as asset lists of main documents with relevant metadata , accessible where possible and appropriate online and in machine - readable format , and portal sites that are linked to the asset lists .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . __________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target and sectorial targets included in the 2030 climate and energy framework will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment 14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . the investeu programme will should also contribute to the implementation of other dimensions of the sustainable development goals . __________________ 14 com353 .


### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . ### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . given the public funding of research and innovation activities drives productivity growth and is crucial to boost private research and innovation activities , the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets , and to promote eu excellence in sustainable technologies at a global level . in order to address the need to support investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation , it is essential that horizon europe , in particular the eic , works in synergy with the financial products to be deployed under investeu . additionally , innovative smes and start - ups face difficulties in access to finance , especially those focusing on intangible assets , hence the need for the eic to work in close complementarity with the dedicated financial products under investeu to ensure a continuity of support for such smes . in that regard , the experience gained from the financial instruments deployed under horizon 2020 such as innovfin and the loan guarantee for smes under cosme should serve as a strong basis to deliver this targeted support .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises represent over 99% of businesses in the union and their economic value is significant and crucial . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . gender disparities also need to be addressed , as female creativity and entrepreneurial potential are an under - exploited source of growth and jobs that should be further developed . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the lack of access to capital for smes is exacerbated by the comparatively small european private equity industry , and the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges by simplifying their access to finance and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth , innovation and sustainable development , ensure their competitiveness , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . programmes such as cosme have been important for smes in the they have facilitated access to finance in all phases of their lifecycle , and this was added to by efsi for which there was a quick sme uptake . the investeu fund should therefore build on these successes and provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### the eu guarantee under the member state compartment should be allocated to any implementing partner eligible according to [ article 62 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , including national or regional promotional banks or institutions , the eib , the european investment fund and other multilateral development banks . when selecting implementing partners under the member state compartment , the commission should take into account the proposals made by each member state . in accordance with [ article 154 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , the commission must carry out an assessment of the rules and procedures of the implementing partner to ascertain that they provide a level of protection of the financial interest of the union equivalent to the one provided by the commission . ### the eu guarantee under the member state compartment should be allocated to any implementing partner eligible according to [ article 62 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , including national or regional promotional banks or institutions , the eib group and other multilateral development banks . where the deployment of the member state compartment is to target policy actions already addressed by the eu compartment through similar financing and investment operations , the member state compartment and the eu compartment shall have the same implementing partners . when selecting implementing partners under the member state compartment , the commission should take into account the proposals made by each member state . in accordance with [ article 154 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , the commission must carry out an assessment of the rules and procedures of the implementing partner to ascertain that they provide a level of protection of the financial interest of the union equivalent to the one provided by the commission .


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


### coordination and coherence of the efsd with the european investment bank ' s external lending mandate as set out in decision [ to be adopted ] , including the eib resilience initiative , as well as with the acp investment facility23 should be ensured through the strategic board of the efsd . __________________ 23 annex ii to the cotonou agreement ### coordination and coherence of the efsd with the european investment bank ' s external lending mandate as set out in decision [ to be adopted ] , including the eib resilience initiative , as well as with the acp investment facility23 should be ensured through the strategic board of the efsd . the eib should report every six months to the commission , the european parliament and the council on the financing and investment operations covered by the efsd guarantee with a view to ensuring greater accountability . __________________ 23 annex ii to the cotonou agreement


### moreover , the strategic board should support the commission in setting strategic guidance and overall investment goals . the strategic board should also support coordination and coherence between the regional platforms . this should ensure complementarity of the various instruments in external action . the strategic board should be co - chaired by the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy to ensure consistency and coherence with union external policy objectives and partnership frameworks with third countries . ### the council should be responsible for providing guidance on the investments allowed under the fund , which is financed by the member states ;


### are economically and financially viable , taking also into account the possible support from , and co - financing by , private and public partners to the project ; ### are economically and financially viable , taking also into account the possible support for , and co - financing of , the project ;


### the paris agreement , inter alia , sets out a long - term goal in line with the objective to keep the global temperature increase well below 2°c above pre - industrial levels and to pursue efforts to keep it to 1 . 5°c above pre - industrial levels . in order to achieve this goal , the parties should prepare , communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions . the paris agreement replaces the approach taken under the 1997 kyoto protocol which will not be continued beyond 2020 . the paris agreement also calls for a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century , and invites parties to take action to conserve and enhance , as appropriate , sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases , including forests . ### the paris agreement , inter alia , sets out a long - term goal in line with the objective to keep the global temperature increase well below 2°c above pre - industrial levels and to pursue efforts to keep it to 1 . 5°c above pre - industrial levels . in order to achieve this goal , the parties should prepare , communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions . the paris agreement replaces the largely ineffectual approach taken under the 1997 kyoto protocol which will not be continued beyond 2020 . the paris agreement also calls for a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century , and invites parties to take action to conserve and enhance , as appropriate , sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases , including forests .


### the lulucf sector can contribute to climate change mitigation in several ways , in particular by reducing emissions , and maintaining and enhancing sinks and carbon stocks . in order for measures aiming in particular at increasing carbon sequestration to be effective , the long - term stability and adaptability of carbon pools is essential . ### the lulucf sector can contribute to climate change mitigation in several ways , by maintaining and enhancing sinks and carbon stocks . in order for measures aiming in particular at increasing carbon sequestration to be effective , the long - term stability and adaptability of carbon pools is essential .


### the increased sustainable use of harvested wood products can substantially limit emissions into and enhance removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere . the accounting rules should ensure that member states accurately reflect in accounts the changes in the harvested wood products pool when they take place , to provide incentives for enhanced use of harvested wood products with long life cycles . the commission should provide guidance on methodological issues related to the accounting for harvested wood products . ### the increased sustainable use of harvested wood products can substantially limit emissions into and enhance removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere . the accounting rules should ensure that member states accurately reflect in accounts the changes in the harvested wood products pool when they take place , to provide incentives for enhanced use of harvested wood products with long life cycles .


### reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens , companies and governments ; ### reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens , associations , companies and governments ;


### enhancing growth and competitiveness of smes ; ### enhancing growth , competitiveness and resilience of smes ;


### developing skills for smart specialisation , industrial transition and entrepreneurship ; ### developing skills for smart specialisation , industrial transition and entrepreneurship and partnership ;


### enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure ; ### enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality local employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure ;


### as a global ocean actor and the world ' s fifth largest producer of seafood , the union has a strong responsibility to protect , conserve and sustainably use the oceans and their resources . preserving seas and oceans is indeed vital for a rapidly growing world population . it is also of socio - economic interest for the union : a sustainable blue economy boosts investments , jobs and growth , fosters research and innovation and contributes to energy security through ocean energy . moreover , safe and secure seas and oceans are essential for an efficient border control and for the global fight against maritime crime , thereby addressing citizens ' security concerns . ### as a global ocean actor and the world ' s fifth largest producer of seafood , the union has a strong responsibility to protect , conserve and sustainably use the oceans and their resources , while concerns over the conservation of the seas and oceans are growing considerably among scientists and the general public as regards both the conservation of biological resources and the cleanliness of waters . preserving seas and oceans is indeed vital for a rapidly growing world population . it is also of socio - economic interest for the union : a sustainable blue economy boosts investments , jobs and growth , fosters research and innovation and contributes to energy security through ocean energy . moreover , safe and secure seas and oceans are essential for an efficient border control and for the global fight against maritime crime , thereby addressing citizens ' security concerns .


### europe ' s maritime sector employs over 5 million jobs generating almost eur 500 billion a year , with a potential to create many more jobs . the output of the global ocean economy is estimated at eur 1 . 3 trillion today and this could more than double by 2030 . the need to meet co2 emissions targets , increase resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of the blue economy has been a significant driving force for innovation in other sectors such as marine equipment , shipbuilding , ocean observation , dredging , coastal protection and marine construction . investment in the maritime economy has been provided by union structural funds , in particular the european regional development fund and the emff . new investment tools such as investeu must be utilised to meet the growth potential of the sector . ### while it is facing major economic problems in a number of member states , europe ' s maritime sector nevertheless employs over 5 million jobs generating almost eur 500 billion a year , with a potential to create many more jobs . the output of the global ocean economy is estimated at eur 1 . 3 trillion today and this could more than double by 2030 . the need to meet co2 emissions targets , increase resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of the blue economy has been a significant driving force for innovation in other sectors such as marine equipment , shipbuilding , ocean observation , dredging , coastal protection and marine construction . investment in the maritime economy has been provided by union structural funds , in particular the european regional development fund and the emff . new investment tools such as investeu must be utilised to meet the growth potential of the sector .


### support from the emff should aim to achieve and maintain sustainable fishing based on the maximum sustainable yield and to minimise the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . that support should include innovation and investments in low - impact , climate resilient and low - carbon fishing practices and techniques . ### support from the emff should aim to achieve and maintain sustainable fishing based on the maximum sustainable yield and to minimise the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . that support should include innovation and investments in low - impact , climate resilient and low - carbon fishing practices and techniques . this support cannot therefore under any circumstances be extended to electric pulse fishing .


### it should be possible for the emff to support innovation and investments on board fishing vessels in order to improve health , safety and working conditions , energy efficiency and the quality of catches . such support should , however , not lead to an increase of fishing capacity or ability to find fish and should not be granted simply for complying with requirements that are obligatory under union or national law . under the architecture with no prescriptive measures , it should be up to member states to define the precise eligibility rules for those investments . with regard to health , safety and working conditions on board fishing vessels , a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations should be allowed . ### it should be possible for the emff to support innovation and investments on board fishing vessels in order to improve health , safety and working conditions , energy efficiency , the quality of catches and animal welfare . such support should , however , not lead to an increase of fishing capacity or ability to find fish and should not be granted simply for complying with requirements that are obligatory under union or national law . under the architecture with no prescriptive measures , it should be up to member states to define the precise eligibility rules for those investments . with regard to health , safety and working conditions on board fishing vessels , a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations should be allowed .


### small - scale coastal fishing is carried out by fishing vessels below 12 metres and not using towed fishing gears . that sector represents nearly 75% of all fishing vessels registered in the union and nearly half of all employment in the fishery sector . operators from small - scale coastal fisheries are particularly dependant on healthy fish stocks for their main source of income . the emff should therefore give them a preferential treatment through a 100% aid intensity rate , including for operations related to control and enforcement , with the aim of encouraging sustainable fishing practices . in addition , certain areas of support should be reserved for small - scale fishing in fleet segment where the fishing capacity is balanced with the available fishing opportunities , i . e . support for the acquisition of a second - hand vessel and for engine replacement or modernisation . furthermore , member states should include in their programme an action plan for small - scale coastal fishing , which should be monitored on the basis of indicators for which milestones and targets should be set . ### small - scale coastal fishing is defined by the member states in their programmes . that sector represents the majority of all fishing vessels registered in the union and of all employment in the fishery sector . operators from small - scale coastal fisheries are particularly dependant on healthy fish stocks for their main source of income . the emff should therefore give them a preferential treatment through a 100% aid intensity rate , including for operations related to control and enforcement , with the aim of encouraging sustainable fishing practices . in addition , certain areas of support should be reserved for small - scale fishing in fleet segment where the fishing capacity is balanced with the available fishing opportunities , i . e . support for the acquisition or modernisation of a vessel . furthermore , member states should include in their programme an action plan for small - scale coastal fishing , which should be monitored on the basis of indicators for which milestones and targets should be set .


### fisheries and aquaculture contribute to food security and nutrition . however , the union currently imports more than 60% of its supply of fishery products and is therefore highly dependent on third countries . an important challenge is to encourage the consumption of fish protein produced in the union with high quality standards and available for consumers at affordable prices . ### fisheries and aquaculture contribute to food security and nutrition . however , the union currently imports more than 60% of its supply of fishery products and is therefore highly dependent on third countries , which is unsatisfactory from the point of view of both food sovereignty and food security . an important challenge is to encourage the consumption of fish protein produced in the union with high quality standards and available for consumers at affordable prices .


### job creation in coastal regions relies on a locally driven development of a sustainable blue economy that revives the social fabric of those regions . ocean industries and services are likely to outperform the growth of the global economy and make an important contribution to employment and growth by 2030 . to be sustainable , blue growth depends on innovation and investment in new maritime businesses and in the bio - economy , including sustainable tourism models , ocean - based renewable energy , innovative high - end shipbuilding and new port service , which can create jobs and at the same time enhance local development . whilst public investment in the sustainable blue economy should be mainstreamed throughout the union budget , the emff should specifically concentrate on enabling conditions for the development of the sustainable blue economy and on removing bottlenecks to facilitate investment and the development of new markets and technologies or services . support for the development of the sustainable blue economy should be delivered through shared , direct and indirect management . ### job creation in coastal regions relies on a locally driven development of a sustainable blue economy that revives the social fabric of those regions . ocean industries and services are likely to outperform the growth of the global economy and make an important contribution to employment and growth by 2030 , despite current economic difficulties . to be sustainable , blue growth depends on innovation and investment in new maritime businesses and in the bio - economy , including sustainable tourism models , ocean - based renewable energy , innovative high - end shipbuilding and new port service , which can create jobs and at the same time enhance local development . whilst public investment in the sustainable blue economy should be mainstreamed throughout the union budget , the emff should specifically concentrate on enabling conditions for the development of the sustainable blue economy and on removing bottlenecks to facilitate investment and the development of new markets and technologies or services . support for the development of the sustainable blue economy should be delivered through shared , direct and indirect management .


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


### having evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the existing set of union social rules in road transport , and in particular regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council9 , certain deficiencies were identified in the existing legal framework . unclear and unsuitable rules on weekly rest , resting facilities , breaks in multi - manning and the absence of rules on the return of drivers to their home , lead to diverging interpretations and enforcement practices in the member states . several member states recently adopted unilateral measures further increasing legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators . _________________ 9 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 . ### having evaluated the implementation of the existing set of union social rules in road transport , and in particular regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council9 , certain deficiencies were identified in the existing legal framework . unclear and unsuitable rules on weekly rest , resting facilities , breaks in multi - manning and the absence of rules on the return of drivers to their home , lead to diverging interpretations and enforcement practices in the member states . several member states recently adopted unilateral measures further increasing legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators . _________________ 9 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 .


### ‘ 1 . a transport undertaking shall not give drivers it employs or who are put at its disposal any payment , even in the form of a bonus or wage supplement , related to distances travelled and / or the amount of goods carried if that payment is of such a kind as to endanger road safety and / or encourages infringement of this regulation . ### in article 10 , paragraph 1 of the regulation is amended as follows : ‘ 1 . a transport undertaking shall not give drivers it employs or who are put at its disposal any payment , even in the form of a bonus or wage supplement , related to distances travelled and / or the amount of goods carried . member states shall lay down proportionate and dissuasive penalties for any undertaking contravening article 10 . '


### in addition , experience has shown that in order to facilitate the application of the rules provided for in those directives a number of the provisions require more precise wording and consistent terminology . in the interests of clarity and consistency of union legislation , it is also appropriate to provide for more definitions . ### in addition , experience has shown that in order to facilitate the application of the rules provided for in those directives a number of the provisions require more precise wording and consistent terminology that is standard across all member states . in the interests of clarity and consistency of union legislation , it is also appropriate to provide for more definitions .


### since the objective of this regulation , namely to ensure a harmonised approach to trade in breeding animals and their germinal products and their imports into the union and to the official controls necessary to be performed on breeding programmes carried out by breed societies and breeding operations , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states at national level and can therefore , by reason of its effect , complexity , trans - border and international character , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as referred to in article 5 of the treaty on european union . since the scope of this regulation is limited to what is necessary in order to achieve its objectives , it also respects the principle of proportionality as referred to in article 5 of that treaty . ### since the objective of this regulation , namely to ensure a harmonised approach to trade in breeding animals and their germinal products and their imports into the union , with an eye to the degree to which livestock breeders form associations , the capital levels of those associations and the effectiveness of breeding programmes , and to the official controls necessary to be performed on breeding programmes carried out by breed societies and breeding operations , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states at national level and can therefore , by reason of its effect , complexity , trans - border and international character , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as referred to in article 5 of the treaty on european union . since the scope of this regulation is limited to what is necessary in order to achieve its objectives , it also respects the principle of proportionality as referred to in article 5 of that treaty .


### breed societies and breeding operations recognised in one member state should have the possibility to implement their approved breeding programme in one or more other member states in order to ensure the best possible utilisation of breeding animals of high genetic value as an important production factor within the union . to this end a simple notification procedure should ensure that the competent authority in the other member state is aware of the intended activity . ### breed societies and breeding operations recognised in one member state should have the possibility to implement their approved breeding programme in one or more other member states in order to ensure the best possible utilisation of breeding animals of high genetic value as an important production factor within the union . to this end certification arrangements should be introduced for those societies to guarantee the quality of their breeding programmes , while a simple notification procedure should ensure that the competent authority in the other member state is aware of the intended activity .


### the import of breeding animals and their germinal products is essential for the european agriculture . imports of breeding animals and their germinal products should therefore be carried out under conditions closely in line with those rules applicable to trade between member states . however , breeding animals and their germinal products should only be entitled for entry in the main section of a breeding book or breed register in the union , if the level of official controls carried out in the exporting third country ensures the same certainty of pedigree details and the results of performance testing and genetic evaluation as in the union . in addition , breeding bodies in third countries should accept as a matter of reciprocity breeding animals and their germinal products from the respective breed society or breeding operation recognised in the union . ### the import of breeding animals and their germinal products is essential for the european agriculture . imports of breeding animals and their germinal products should therefore be carried out under conditions closely in line with those rules applicable to trade between member states and should comply with all the standards relating to the quality of imported material . however , breeding animals and their germinal products should only be entitled for entry in the main section of a breeding book or breed register in the union , if the level of official controls carried out in the exporting third country ensures the same certainty of pedigree details and the results of performance testing and genetic evaluation as in the union . in addition , breeding bodies in third countries should accept as a matter of reciprocity breeding animals and their germinal products from the respective breed society or breeding operation recognised in the union .


### with a view to establishing the lists of third countries from where imports into the union of breeding animals and their semen , oocytes and embryos should be allowed , to drawing up the conditions for such imports , to obtaining information relating to the functioning of bilateral agreements and where any serious infringement of the conditions for such imports laid down in this regulation so warrants , the commission should be empowered to carry out controls in third countries on behalf of the union , as appropriate . ### with a view to establishing the lists of third countries from where imports into the union of breeding animals and their semen , oocytes and embryos should be allowed , and to drawing up the conditions for such imports , it is necessary to obtain information on their traceability in the form of zootechnical certificates attesting to their origin and on the functioning of bilateral agreements and , where any serious infringement of the conditions for such imports laid down in this regulation so warrants , the commission should be empowered to carry out controls in third countries on behalf of the union , as appropriate .