### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , and investment , which will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . ” ; ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation for europeans as a matter of priority , and investment , in particular in the context of the economic governance process , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds .


### furthermore , organic production is a system that contributes to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the cap , and promotes sustainable agricultural production . that is why , measures financially supporting organic production have been introduced under the cap , most recently under regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council14 , and in particular strengthened in the recent reform of the legal framework for rural development policy as established by regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 . __________________ 14 regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulation no 637 / 2008 and council regulation no 73 / 2009 . 15 regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing council regulation no 1698 / 2005 . ### furthermore , organic production is a system that contributes to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the cap , and promotes sustainable agricultural production . that is why , measures financially supporting organic production have been introduced under the cap , most recently under regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council14 , and in particular strengthened in the recent reform of the legal framework for rural development policy as established by regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 . in order to encourage farmers to invest in organic farming and avoid a deadweight effect , greater incentives should be provided for farmers to stay in organic farming , in keeping with the amount of time needed to make conversion profitable . __________________ 14 regulation no 1307 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulation no 637 / 2008 and council regulation no 73 / 2009 . 15 regulation no 1305 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development and repealing council regulation no 1698 / 2005 .


### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . organic agricultural holdings should undergo the same conversion period in all member states , irrespective of whether they have previously adhered to agri - environmental measures supported by union funds . however , no conversion period is necessary in the case of fallow land . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of establishing rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing and amending the specific conversion rules . ### the risk of non - compliance with the organic production rules is considered higher in agricultural holdings which include units not managed under organic production rules . therefore , after an appropriate conversion period , all agricultural holdings in the union which aim to become organic should be entirely managed in compliance with the requirements applicable to organic production . organic agricultural holdings should undergo the same conversion period in all member states , irrespective of whether they have previously adhered to agri - environmental measures supported by union funds . however , no conversion period is necessary in the case of fallow land . in order to ensure quality , traceability and compliance with this regulation and adaptation to technical developments , acts should be submitted to the european parliament and the council relating to the establishment of rules supplementing the general conversion rules or supplementing and amending the specific conversion rules .


### member states shall ensure that the court or administrative authority shall require the infringing trader to inform affected consumers at its expense about the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits , including , where appropriate , through notifying all consumers concerned individually . ### member states shall ensure that the court or administrative authority shall inform affected consumers at its expense about the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits , including , where appropriate , through notifying all consumers concerned individually .


### the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall declare at an early stage of the action the source of the funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action . it shall demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail . ### the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall declare at an early stage of the action the source of the funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action throughout the whole procedure . it shall demonstrate in a transparent way that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail .


### a pre - condition for granting the union’s macro - financial assistance should be that georgia respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union’s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in georgia , and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### the granting of eu macro - financial assistance cannot be made conditional on georgia giving up aspects of its sovereignty ; given that georgia is a sovereign state which is not an eu member state , the union cannot and must not meddle in georgia’s internal affairs ;


### in order to effectively protect business users where needed , this regulation should apply where the terms and conditions of a contractual relationship , regardless of their name or form , are not individually negotiated by the parties to them . whether or not terms and conditions were individually negotiated should be determined on the basis of an overall assessment , whereby the fact that certain provisions thereof may have been individually negotiated is , in itself , not decisive . ### in order to effectively protect business users where needed , this regulation should apply to the terms and conditions of a contractual relationship , or provisions thereof , regardless of their name or form , that have not been individually negotiated by the parties .


### where a provider of online intermediation services decides to suspend or terminate , in whole or in part , the provision of its online intermediation services to a given business user , it shall provide the business user concerned , without undue delay , with a statement of reasons for that decision . ### where a provider of online intermediation services decides to suspend or terminate , in whole or in part , the provision of its online intermediation services to a given business user , it shall provide the business user concerned , without undue delay , with a statement of reasons for that decision , giving at least 15&#160 ; days ' notice .


### as the objective of this regulation , namely to ensure a fair , predictable , sustainable and trusted online business environment within the internal market , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of its scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective . ### as the objective of this regulation , namely to ensure a clear , fair , predictable , sustainable and trusted online business environment within the internal market , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather , by reason of its scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective .


### examples of online intermediation services covered by this regulation should consequently include online e - commerce market places , including collaborative ones on which business users are active , online software applications services and online social media services . however , this regulation should not apply to online advertising serving tools or online advertising exchanges which are not provided with the aim of facilitating the initiation of direct transactions and which do not involve a contractual relationship with consumers . this regulation should also not apply to online payment services , since they do not themselves meet the applicable requirements but are rather inherently auxiliary to the transaction for the supply of goods and services to the consumers concerned . ### examples of online intermediation services covered by this regulation should consequently include online e - commerce market places , including collaborative ones on which business users are active , online software applications services , online social media services and voice assistance services . however , this regulation should not apply to online advertising serving tools or online advertising exchanges which are not provided with the aim of facilitating the initiation of direct transactions and which do not involve a contractual relationship with consumers . this regulation should also not apply to online payment services , since they do not themselves meet the applicable requirements but are rather inherently auxiliary to the transaction for the supply of goods and services to the consumers concerned .


### ‘ corporate website user’ means any natural or legal person which uses websites to offer goods or services to consumers for purposes relating to its trade , business , craft or profession ; ### ‘ corporate website user’ means any natural or legal person which uses websites or mobile applications to offer goods or services to consumers for purposes relating to its trade , business , craft or profession ;


### the ranking of goods and services by the providers of online intermediation services has an important impact on consumer choice and , consequently , on the commercial success of the business users offering those goods and services to consumers . providers of online intermediation services should therefore outline the main parameters determining ranking beforehand , in order to improve predictability for business users , to allow them to better understand the functioning of the ranking mechanism and to enable them to compare the ranking practices of various providers . the notion of main parameter should be understood to refer to any general criteria , processes , specific signals incorporated into algorithms or other adjustment or demotion mechanisms used in connection with the ranking . the description of the main parameters determining ranking should also include an explanation of any possibility for business users to actively influence ranking against remuneration , as well as of the relative effects thereof . this description should provide business users with an adequate understanding of how the ranking mechanism takes account of the characteristics of the actual goods or services offered by the business user , and their relevance to the consumers of the specific online intermediation services . ### the ranking of goods and services by the providers of online intermediation services has an important impact on consumer choice and , consequently , on the commercial success of the business users offering those goods and services to consumers . providers of online intermediation services should therefore clearly and precisely outline the main parameters determining ranking beforehand , in order to improve predictability for business users , to allow them to better understand the functioning of the ranking mechanism and to enable them to compare the ranking practices of various providers . the notion of main parameter should be understood to refer to any general criteria , processes , specific signals incorporated into algorithms or other adjustment or demotion mechanisms used in connection with the ranking . the description of the main parameters determining ranking should also include an explanation of any possibility for business users to actively influence ranking against remuneration , as well as of the relative effects thereof . this description should provide business users with an adequate understanding of how the ranking mechanism takes account of the characteristics of the actual goods or services offered by the business user , and their relevance to the consumers of the specific online intermediation services . online intermediation service providers should also provide consumers with a description of the parameters that affect ranking . the parameters should be objective and non - discriminatory and should be applied in a consistent and non - discriminatory way .


### in order to effectively protect business users where needed , this regulation should apply where the terms and conditions of a contractual relationship , regardless of their name or form , are not individually negotiated by the parties to them . whether or not terms and conditions were individually negotiated should be determined on the basis of an overall assessment , whereby the fact that certain provisions thereof may have been individually negotiated is , in itself , not decisive . ### in order to effectively protect business users , this regulation should apply to the terms and conditions of a contractual relationship .


### examples of online intermediation services covered by this regulation should consequently include online e - commerce market places , including collaborative ones on which business users are active , online software applications services and online social media services . however , this regulation should not apply to online advertising serving tools or online advertising exchanges which are not provided with the aim of facilitating the initiation of direct transactions and which do not involve a contractual relationship with consumers . this regulation should also not apply to online payment services , since they do not themselves meet the applicable requirements but are rather inherently auxiliary to the transaction for the supply of goods and services to the consumers concerned . ### examples of online intermediation services covered by this regulation should consequently include online e - commerce market places , including collaborative ones on which business users are active , such as online hotel reservation services , and any marketplace like functionality of online software applications services and online social media services and voice assistance services . however , this regulation should not apply to online advertising serving tools or online advertising exchanges which are not provided with the aim of facilitating the initiation of direct transactions and which do not involve a contractual relationship with consumers . this regulation should also not apply to online payment services , since they do not themselves meet the applicable requirements but are rather inherently auxiliary to the transaction for the supply of goods and services to the consumers concerned or electronic communications networks or services or audiovisual media services , which are subject to sector specific regulation in relation to transparency , redress and non discrimination ;


### providers of online intermediation services shall set out in their terms and conditions the main parameters determining ranking and the reasons for the relative importance of those main parameters as opposed to other parameters . ### providers of online intermediation services shall set out clearly and precisely in their terms and conditions the main parameters determining ranking and the reasons for the relative importance of those main parameters as opposed to other parameters . the parameters must be objective and non - discriminatory and must be applied in a consistent and non - discriminatory way .


### where a provider of online intermediation services itself offers certain goods or services to consumers through its own online intermediation services , or does so through a business user which it controls , that provider may compete directly with other business users of its online intermediation services which are not controlled by the provider . in such situations , in particular , it is important that the provider of online intermediation services acts in a transparent manner and provides a description of any differentiated treatment , whether through legal , commercial or technical means , that it might give in respect of goods or services it offers itself compared to those offered by business users . to ensure proportionality , this obligation should apply at the level of the overall online intermediation services , rather than at the level of individual goods or services offered through those services . ### where a provider of online intermediation services itself offers certain goods or services to consumers through its own online intermediation services , or does so through a business user which it controls , that provider may compete directly with other business users of its online intermediation services which are not controlled by the provider . in this case , the online intermediation services provider has both an economic incentive and the power to use its privileged position to give its own services or those it controls economic and technical benefits , and to refuse to grant those benefits to competing user companies . if it does this , it denies competing user companies a level playing field to conduct their business , and this can , in turn , be detrimental to consumers by reducing choice , increasing costs and restricting access to information and online services . in such situations , in particular , it is important that the provider of online intermediation services acts in a transparent manner and provides a description of any differentiated treatment , whether through legal , commercial or technical means , that it might give in respect of goods or services it offers itself compared to those offered by business users . for the purposes of this regulation , the concept of a competing service should be understood as a service which consumers consider interchangeable or substitutable because of its characteristics , price or usage . to ensure proportionality , this obligation should apply at the level of the overall online intermediation services , rather than at the level of individual goods or services offered through those services .


### since the objectives of this regulation to support the free movement of workers and services and to contribute to strengthening fairness in the internal market cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather , by reason of the cross - border nature of those activities and the need for increased cooperation between member states , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives . ### since the objective of this regulation to contribute to eliminating the inequalities in the internal market , with regard to the free movement of workers and of services , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather , by reason of the cross - border nature of that activity and the need for increased cooperation between member states , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives .


### an agreement for setting up a joint inspection between the participating member states and the authority shall set out the conditions for carrying out such an exercise . the joint inspection agreement may include provisions which enable joint inspections , once agreed and planned , to take place at short notice . the authority shall establish a model agreement . ### an agreement for setting up a concerted or joint inspection between the participating member states and the agency shall set out the conditions for carrying out such an exercise . the joint inspection agreement may include provisions which enable joint inspections , once agreed and planned , to take place at short notice . the agency shall establish a model agreement .


### in order to reflect this new institutional set - up , regulations no 883 / 2004 , no 987 / 2009 , no 492 / 2011 , and 2016 / 589 should be amended , and decision 2009 / 17 / ec and decision 2016 / 344 should be repealed . ### in order to reflect this new institutional set - up , regulation no 492 / 2011 should be amended , and decision 2009 / 17 / ec and decision 2016 / 344 should be repealed .


### the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility and social security coordination , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and highly mobile services . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities , including in areas of union law beyond its scope , such as violations of working conditions , health and safety rules , or the employment of illegally staying third - country nationals , it should be able to report them and cooperate on these matters with the commission , competent union bodies , and national authorities where appropriate . ### to ensure the efficient functioning of the authority , it is necessary for its objective , together with its tasks and responsibilities , to be clearly defined , so as to ensure complementarity of its tasks with those of existing entities . the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility and social security coordination , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and cross - border provision of services , such as the transport sector . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities , including in areas of union law beyond its scope , such as violations of working conditions , health and safety rules , undeclared work and restrictions on rights and benefits , or the employment of illegally staying third - country nationals , it should report them efficiently and without undue delay and cooperate on these matters with the commission , competent union bodies , and national authorities .


### since the objectives of this regulation to support the free movement of workers and services and to contribute to strengthening fairness in the internal market cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather , by reason of the cross - border nature of those activities and the need for increased cooperation between member states , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives . ### since the objective of this regulation to contribute to strengthening fairness in the internal market , in particular by improving the enforcement of the union law , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather , by reason of the cross - border nature of those activities and the need for increased cooperation between member states , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective .


### in the event of disputes between member states regarding the application or interpretation of union law in areas covered by this regulation , the authority may perform a mediation role . ### in the event of disputes between member states regarding the application or interpretation of union law in areas covered by this regulation , the authority may help resolve the dispute .


### members of the management board representing their member states and their alternates shall be appointed by their respective member states in light of their knowledge in the fields referred to in article 1 , taking into account relevant managerial , administrative and budgetary skills . ### members of the management board representing their member states and their alternates shall be appointed by their respective member states in light of their knowledge in the fields referred to in article 1 , taking into account relevant qualifications as well as managerial , administrative and budgetary skills .


### coordinate and support concerted and joint inspections , in accordance with articles 9 and 10 ; ### provide operational support to concerted or joint inspections , in accordance with articles 9 and 10 ;


### concerted and joint inspections and their follow - up shall be carried out in accordance with the national law of the member states concerned . ### concerted or joint inspections as referred to in paragraph 1 and their follow - up shall be carried out in accordance with the national law of the member states concerned .


### in order to keep track of emerging trends , challenges , or loopholes in the areas of labour mobility and social security coordination , the authority should develop an analytical and risk assessment capacity . this should involve carrying out labour market analyses and studies , as well as peer reviews . the authority should monitor potential imbalances in terms of skills and cross - border labour flows , including their possible impact on territorial cohesion . the authority should also support the risk assessment referred to in article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . the authority should ensure synergies and complementarity with other union agencies or services or networks . this should include seeking input from solvit and similar services on recurring problems encountered by individuals and businesses in the exercise of their rights in the areas under the scope of the authority . the authority should also facilitate and streamline data collection activities provided for by the relevant union laws within its scope . this does not entail the creation of new reporting obligations for member states . ### in order to keep track of emerging trends , challenges , or inequalities in the area of labour mobility , the authority should develop an analytical and risk assessment capacity . this should involve carrying out labour market analyses and studies , as well as peer reviews . the authority should examine current and potential imbalances in terms of skills and cross - border labour flows , in addition to any labour market disruptions affecting more than one member state , including their impact on social and territorial cohesion . the authority should also support the risk assessment referred to in article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . the authority should ensure synergies and complementarity with other union agencies or services or networks . this should include seeking input from solvit and similar services on recurring problems encountered by individuals and businesses in the exercise of their rights in the areas under the scope of the authority . the authority should also facilitate and streamline data collection activities provided for by the relevant union laws within its scope . this does not entail the creation of new reporting obligations for member states .


### support cooperation between member states in the cross - border enforcement of relevant union law , including facilitating joint inspections ; ### enhance cooperation between member states ' relevant authorities to improve more effectively the cross - border enforcement of relevant union law ;


### cases in which there are ongoing court proceedings at national or union level shall not be admissible for mediation by the authority . ### cases in which there are ongoing court proceedings at national or union level shall not be admissible for assistance by the authority .


### information on concerted and joint inspections shall be included in quarterly reports to be submitted to the management board . a yearly report on the inspections supported by the authority shall be included in the authority ' s annual activity report . ### information on concerted and joint inspections conducted with the operational support of the authority shall be included in quarterly reports to be submitted to the management board . a yearly report on the inspections conducted with the operational support of the authority shall be included in the authority’s annual activity report .


### when presenting a case for mediation by the authority , member states shall ensure that all personal data related to that case is anonymised and the authority shall not process the personal data of individuals concerned by the case at any point in the course of the mediation procedure . ### when applying to the authority , member states shall ensure that all personal data related to that case is anonymised and the authority shall not process the personal data of individuals concerned by the case .


### mediate in disputes between member states ' authorities on the application of relevant union law , in accordance with article 13 ; ### facilitate a solution in cases of disputes between member states ' competent authorities on the application of relevant union law , in accordance with article 13 ;


### the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility and social security coordination , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and highly mobile services . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities , including in areas of union law beyond its scope , such as violations of working conditions , health and safety rules , or the employment of illegally staying third - country nationals , it should be able to report them and cooperate on these matters with the commission , competent union bodies , and national authorities where appropriate . ### the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and highly mobile services . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . the authority should pay particular attention to the road transport sector as regards carriage for hire or reward , where the cross - border mobility of workers accounts for a major share of business . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities in areas of union law within its scope , it should be able to report them and cooperate on these matters with the national authorities .


### the authority should provide a platform for resolving disputes between member states in relation to the application of union law that falls within its scope . it should build on dialogue and conciliation mechanisms that are currently in place in the area of social security coordination , which are valued by member states60 and their importance is recognised by the court of justice61 . member states should be able to refer cases to the authority for mediation according to standard procedures put in place for this purpose . the authority should only deal with disputes between member states , while individuals and employers facing difficulties with exercising their union rights should continue to have at their disposal the national and union services dedicated to dealing with such cases , such as the solvit network to which the authority should refer such cases . the solvit network should also be able to refer to the authority for its consideration cases in which the problem cannot be solved due to differences between national administrations . __________________ 60 council , partial general approach of 26 october 2017 on the proposal for a regulation amending regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems and regulation no 987 / 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 13645 / 1 / 17 . 61 case c - 236 / 88 eu : c : 1990 : 303 , paragraph 17 ; case c - 202 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 75 , paragraphs 57 - 58 ; case c - 178 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 169 , paragraphs 44 - 45 ; case c - 2 / 05 eu : c : 2006 : 69 , paragraphs 28 - 29 ; case c - 12 / 14 eu : c : 2016 : 135 , paragraphs 39 - 41 ; case c - 359 / 16 eu : c : 2018 : 63 , paragraphs 44 - 45 . ### the authority should provide a platform for resolving disputes between member states in relation to the application of union law that falls within its scope . it should build on dialogue and conciliation mechanisms that are currently in place in the area of social security coordination , which are valued by member states60 and their importance is recognised by the court of justice61 . the member states involved in a dispute should be able to request the assistance of the authority according to standard procedures put in place for this purpose . the authority should be responsible for dealing only with disputes between member states , while individuals and employers facing difficulties with exercising their union rights should continue to have at their disposal the national and union services dedicated to dealing with such cases . __________________ 60 council , partial general approach of 26 october 2017 on the proposal for a regulation amending regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems and regulation no 987 / 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 13645 / 1 / 17 . 61 case c - 236 / 88 eu : c : 1990 : 303 , paragraph 17 ; case c - 202 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 75 , paragraphs 57 - 58 ; case c - 178 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 169 , paragraphs 44 - 45 ; case c - 2 / 05 eu : c : 2006 : 69 , paragraphs 28 - 29 ; case c - 12 / 14 eu : c : 2016 : 135 , paragraphs 39 - 41 ; case c - 359 / 16 eu : c : 2018 : 63 , paragraphs 44 - 45 .


### the authority should contribute to facilitating the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should facilitate the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . it should also help the coordination of social security systems governed by regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and the council44 , regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council45 , regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and the council46 ; as well as council regulation no 1408 / 7147 and council regulation no 574 / 7248 . __________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . 44 regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 45 regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 september 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 46 regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 extending regulation no 883 / 2004 and regulation no 987 / 2009 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by these regulations solely on the ground of their nationality . 47 council regulation no 1408 / 71 of 14 june 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons and to members of their families moving within the community . 48 council regulation no 574 / 72 of 21 march 1972 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 1408 / 71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons , and to their families moving within the community . ### the authority should support member states in the effective application of existing rights and obligations in the area of cross - border mobility , facilitating the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should facilitate the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . __________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system .


### the objective of the authority shall be to contribute to ensuring fair labour mobility in the internal market . to that end , the authority shall : ### the objective of the authority shall be to contribute to ensuring that labour mobility in the internal market does not involve any unfair competition or social and wage dumping between member states . to that end , the authority shall :


### upon request of one of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority shall launch a mediation procedure before its mediation board set up for that purpose in accordance with article 17 . the authority may also launch a mediation procedure on its own initiative before the mediation board , including on the basis of a referral from solvit , subject to the agreement of all member states concerned by that dispute . ### upon request of all of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority shall provide assistance with a view to resolving the dispute through its working group or expert group set up for that purpose in accordance with article 17 .


### the authority should contribute to facilitating the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should facilitate the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . it should also help the coordination of social security systems governed by regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and the council44 , regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council45 , regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and the council46 ; as well as council regulation no 1408 / 7147 and council regulation no 574 / 7248 . __________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 2016 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . 44 regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 45 regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 september 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 46 regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 extending regulation no 883 / 2004 and regulation no 987 / 2009 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by these regulations solely on the ground of their nationality . 47 council regulation no 1408 / 71 of 14 june 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons and to members of their families moving within the community . 48 council regulation no 574 / 72 of 21 march 1972 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 1408 / 71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons , and to their families moving within the community . ### the authority should contribute to supervising the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should also supervise the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . __________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 2016 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system .


### upon request of one of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority shall launch a mediation procedure before its mediation board set up for that purpose in accordance with article 17 . the authority may also launch a mediation procedure on its own initiative before the mediation board , including on the basis of a referral from solvit , subject to the agreement of all member states concerned by that dispute . ### at the request of all of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority may provide assistance with a view to resolving the dispute .


### in view of their respective expertise in cybersecurity , the joint research centre of the commission as well as the european network and information security agency should play an active part in the cybersecurity competence community and the industrial and scientific advisory board . ### in view of their respective expertise in cybersecurity , the joint research centre of the commission as well as the european network and information security agency should play an active part in the cybersecurity competence community and the industrial and scientific advisory board , so that synergies can be promoted and developed in a targeted manner .


### having regard to the state - of - the - art cybersecurity industrial and research infrastructures and related services , acquiring , upgrading , operating and making available such infrastructures and related services to a wide range of users across the union from industry including smes , the public sector and the research and scientific community ; ### having regard to the state - of - the - art cybersecurity industrial and research infrastructures and related services , acquiring , upgrading , operating and making available such infrastructures and related services to a wide range of users across the union from industry , especially smes , the public sector and the research and scientific community ;


### in determining whether a foreign direct investment may affect security or public order , member states and the commission should be able to consider all relevant factors , including the effects on critical infrastructure , technologies , including key enabling technologies , and inputs which are essential for security or the maintenance of public order , and the disruption , loss or destruction of which would have a significant impact in a member state or in the union . in that regard , member states and the commission should also be able to take into account whether a foreign investor is controlled directly or indirectly by the government of a third country . ### in determining whether a foreign direct investment may affect security or public order , member states should be able to consider all relevant factors , including the effects on critical infrastructure , technologies , including key enabling technologies , and inputs which are essential for security or the maintenance of public order , and the disruption , loss or destruction of which would have a significant impact in a member state or in the union . in that regard , member states and the commission should also be able to take into account whether a foreign investor is controlled directly or indirectly by the government of a third country or large multinational companies . multinational companies known for their aggressive tax optimisation practices and for systematically relocating production activities should be prevented from depriving the member states of their economic lifeblood and contributing to the gradual exclusion from society of ever larger numbers of people in the member states .


### in determining whether a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order , member states and the commission may take into account whether the foreign investor is controlled by the government of a third country , including through significant funding . ### in determining whether a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order , member states and the commission may take into account whether the foreign investor is controlled by the government of a third country , including through significant funding , as well as the multinational nature of the foreign investor , in particular its practices concerning tax evasion and aggressive tax optimisation and the systematic relocation of production .


### for reasons of cost - effectiveness , holding union certificates of qualification should not be made compulsory on national inland waterways not linked to the navigable network of another member state . ### in keeping with the principle of subsidiarity and for reasons of cost - effectiveness , holding union certificates of qualification should not be made compulsory on national inland waterways not linked to the navigable network of another member state .


### the anticipated duration , envisaged beginning and end date of the posting ; ### the anticipated duration , envisaged beginning and end date of the posting for each country crossed ;


### the balance between enhancing social and working conditions for drivers and facilitating the exercise of the freedom to provide road transport services based on fair competition between national and foreign operators is crucial for the smooth functioning of the internal market . ### improved social and working conditions for drivers , proper safety standards , the simplification of administrative formalities and an adequate number of checks to ensure fair competition between domestic and foreign operators are of paramount importance to creating a properly functioning road transport sector in the internal market .


### the type of transport services , that is to say carriage of goods , carriage of passengers , international carriage , cabotage operation ; ### the type of transport services , that is to say carriage of goods or carriage of passengers ;


### difficulties have also been experienced in applying the rules on posting of workers specified in directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and the rules on the administrative requirements laid down in directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council16 to the highly mobile road transport sector . the uncoordinated national measures on the application and enforcement of the provisions on posting of workers in the road transport sector have generated high administrative burdens for non - resident union operators . this created undue restrictions to the freedom to provide cross - border road transport services having negative side - effects on jobs . __________________ 15 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services 16 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . ### difficulties have also been experienced in applying the rules on posting of workers specified in directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and the rules on the administrative requirements laid down in directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council16 to the highly mobile road transport sector . __________________ 15 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services 16 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system .


### having evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the current union social legislation in road transport , certain loopholes in the existing provisions and deficiencies in their enforcement were identified . furthermore a number of discrepancies exist between member states in interpretation , application and implementation of the rules . this creates legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators , which is detrimental to the working , social and competition conditions in the sector . ### current eu social legislation in the road transport sector has fostered social dumping , unregulated relocation and , in general , the proliferation of illicit practices causing unfair competition in this sector , such as , for example , the misuse of cabotage arrangements or letterbox companies .


### the rights and values programme should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field . that should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor programmes . this will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies , to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people . to be effective , the programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies , their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor - made approaches . ### the rights and values programme should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field . it is therefore necessary to fully exploit the potential of synergies , to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people . to be effective , the programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies through tailor - made approaches .


### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , and erasmus + to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , health , citizenship , justice , migration , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , external relations , trade and development . ### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , health , citizenship , justice , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , external relations , trade and development .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of european society , based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values and rights and the rich cultural diversity of the national cultures of the member states alive and vibrant in accordance with the aforementioned article 167 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , just , meritocratic and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of the national cultures of the european union , based on national histories and cultures and our common history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### in order to bring the european union closer to its citizens , a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary . bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the union . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , diversity , dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a european identity , based on a shared understanding of european values , culture , history and heritage . the promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the union and of union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the eu outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental europe . ### bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , dialogue and respect for others fosters civic competences based on a shared understanding of european values and of the national cultures , histories and heritage of the european union .


### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the eu budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . _________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 ### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project , while respecting the competences of the member states , particularly with regard to their migration policy , since , under article 79 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , member states are free in particular to determine the number of economic migrants accepted in their territory . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the eu budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism – particularly islamist fundamentalism and the terrorist threat to which it gives rise – and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . _________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020


### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together . ### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory must not be confined to recent history and totalitarian regimes but must take into account the whole of our common heritage , particularly the greco - latin and judeo - christian heritage , as the foundation for a moral purpose and shared values . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account .


### in order to further develop a coordinated and harmonised implementation of union funds implemented under shared management namely the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , measures financed under shared management in the european maritime and fisheries fund , the asylum and migration fund , internal security fund and integrated border management fund , financial rules based on article 322 of the tfeu should be established for all these funds , clearly specifying the scope of application of the relevant provisions . in addition , common provisions based on article 177 of the tfeu should be established to cover policy specific rules for the erdf , the esf + , the cohesion fund and the emff . ### in order to further develop a coordinated and harmonised implementation of union funds implemented under shared management namely the european regional development fund , the european social fund plus , the cohesion fund , measures financed under shared management in the european maritime and fisheries fund , the internal security fund and integrated border management fund , financial rules based on article 322 of the tfeu should be established for all these funds , clearly specifying the scope of application of the relevant provisions . in addition , common provisions based on article 177 of the tfeu should be established to cover policy specific rules for the erdf , the esf + , the cohesion fund and the emff .


### the provision of accurate , relevant and comparable information on the specific energy consumption of energy - related products facilitates the customer ' s choice in favour of those products which consume less energy and other essential resources during use . a standardised mandatory label is an effective mean to provide potential customers with comparable information on the energy consumption of energy - related products . it should be supplemented with a product information sheet . the label should be easily recognisable , simple and concise . to this end the existing dark green to red colour scale of the label should be retained as the basis to inform customers about the energy efficiency of products . a classification using letters from a to g has shown to be most effective for customers . in situations where because of ecodesign measures under directive 2009 / 125 / ec products can no longer fall into classes ' f ' or ' g ' , those classes should not be shown on the label . for exceptional cases this should also be extended to the ' d ' and ' e ' classes , although this situation is unlikely to occur given that the label would be rescaled once a majority of product models falls into the top two classes . ### the provision of accurate , relevant and comparable information on the specific energy consumption of energy - related products facilitates the customer ' s choice in favour of those products which consume less energy and other essential resources during use . a standardised mandatory label is an effective mean to provide potential customers with comparable information on the energy consumption and lifespan of energy - related products . it should be supplemented with a product information sheet . the label should be easily recognisable , simple and concise . to this end the existing dark green to red colour scale of the label should be retained as the basis to inform customers about the energy efficiency of products . a classification using letters from a to g has shown to be most effective for customers . in situations where because of ecodesign measures under directive 2009 / 125 / ec products can no longer fall into classes ' f ' or ' g ' , those classes should not be shown on the label . for exceptional cases this should also be extended to the ' d ' and ' e ' classes , although this situation is unlikely to occur given that the label would be rescaled once a majority of product models falls into the top two classes .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that the flexibility required of workers makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , they should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations .


### member states shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the rights which are within the scope of this directive . member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that those penalties are applied . penalties shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . they may take the form of a fine . they may also comprise payment of compensation . ### member states shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the rights which are within the scope of this directive . member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that those penalties are applied . penalties shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive .


### the commission ' s communication of 3 march 2010 entitled ' europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ' 30 sets the objective of the union becoming an economy based on knowledge and innovation , reducing the administrative burden on companies and better matching lab our supply with demand . measures to facilitate the admission of third - country national highly skilled workers have to be seen in that broader context . _________________ 30 com 2020 final ### the commission ' s communication of 3 march 2010 entitled ' europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ' 30 sets the objective of the union becoming an economy based on knowledge and innovation , reducing the administrative burden on companies and better matching labour supply with demand . access to the labour market should therefore be facilitated and encouraged for the more than 20 million people who are unemployed in the european union . _________________ 30 com2020 final


### since eu blue card holders are highly skilled workers contributing to addressing labour and skills shortages in key sectors , the principle of access to the labour market should be the general rule . however , in circumstances where the domestic labour market undergoes serious disturbances such as a high level of unemployment in a given occupation or sector , which may be limited to particular regions or other parts of the territory , a member state should be able to take into account the situation of its labour market before issuing an eu blue card . ### eu blue card holders have to be highly skilled workers . however , in circumstances where the domestic labour market undergoes serious disturbances such as a high level of unemployment in a given occupation or sector , which may be limited to particular regions or other parts of the territory , a member state should take into account the situation of its labour market before issuing an eu blue card .


### in order to ensure a sufficient level of harmonisation in the admission conditions throughout the union , both minimum and maximum factors for calculating the salary threshold should be determined . member states should fix their threshold in accordance with the situation and organisation of their respective labour markets and their general immigration policies . ### in order to ensure a sufficient level of harmonisation in the admission conditions throughout the union , minimum factors for calculating the salary threshold should be determined . member states should fix their threshold in accordance with the situation and organisation of their respective labour markets and their general immigration policies .


### member states should reject applications for an eu blue card and be allowed to withdraw or refuse to renew an eu blue card if there is a threat to public policy , public security or public health . any rejection on grounds of public policy or public security should be based on the individual behaviour of the person concerned , in accordance with the principle of proportionality . illness or disability suffered after the third - country national was admitted to the territory of the first member state should not constitute the sole ground for withdrawing or refusing to renew an eu blue card or for not issuing an eu blue card in a second member state . ### member states should reject applications for an eu blue card and be allowed to withdraw or refuse to renew an eu blue card if there is a threat to public policy , public security or public health . illness or disability suffered after the third - country national was admitted to the territory of the first member state should not constitute the sole ground for withdrawing or refusing to renew an eu blue card or for not issuing an eu blue card in a second member state .


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


### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall also express those targets in terms of an absolute level of primary energy consumption and final energy consumption in 2020 and shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , this has been calculated . ### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on either primary or final energy consumption , or energy intensity . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , the calculation has been made .


### energy savings obligation ### energy savings contributions


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


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


### the objective of this directive is to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment , in particular the aquatic environment , and on human health as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative business models , products and materials , thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market . ### the objective of this directive is to prevent and significantly reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment , in particular the aquatic environment , and on human health as well as to strengthen the eu´s leading role to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models , products and non - toxic materials , thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market .