### the processing of electronic communications data can be useful for businesses , consumers and society as a whole . vis - à - vis directive 2002 / 58 / ec , this regulation broadens the possibilities for providers of electronic communications services to process electronic communications metadata , based on end - users consent . however , end - users attach great importance to the confidentiality of their communications , including their online activities , and that they want to control the use of electronic communications data for purposes other than conveying the communication . therefore , this regulation should require providers of electronic communications services to obtain end - users ' consent to process electronic communications metadata , which should include data on the location of the device generated for the purposes of granting and maintaining access and connection to the service . location data that is generated other than in the context of providing electronic communications services should not be considered as metadata . examples of commercial usages of electronic communications metadata by providers of electronic communications services may include the provision of heatmaps ; a graphical representation of data using colors to indicate the presence of individuals . to display the traffic movements in certain directions during a certain period of time , an identifier is necessary to link the positions of individuals at certain time intervals . this identifier would be missing if anonymous data were to be used and such movement could not be displayed . such usage of electronic communications metadata could , for example , benefit public authorities and public transport operators to define where to develop new infrastructure , based on the usage of and pressure on the existing structure . where a type of processing of electronic communications metadata , in particular using new technologies , and taking into account the nature , scope , context and purposes of the processing , is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons , a data protection impact assessment and , as the case may be , a consultation of the supervisory authority should take place prior to the processing , in accordance with articles 35 and 36 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### the processing of electronic communications data can be useful for businesses , consumers and society as a whole . vis - à - vis directive 2002 / 58 / ec , this regulation broadens the possibilities for providers of electronic communications services to process electronic communications metadata , based on end - users consent . however , end - users attach great importance to the confidentiality of their communications , including their online activities , and that they want to control the use of electronic communications data for purposes other than conveying the communication . therefore , this regulation should require providers of electronic communications services to obtain end - users ' consent to process electronic communications metadata , which should include data on the location of the device generated for the purposes of granting and maintaining access and connection to the service . location data that is generated other than in the context of providing electronic communications services should not be considered as metadata . examples of commercial usages of electronic communications metadata by providers of electronic communications services may include the provision of heatmaps ; a graphical representation of data using colours to indicate the presence of individuals . to display the traffic movements in certain directions during a certain period of time , an identifier is necessary to link the positions of individuals at certain time intervals . this identifier would be missing if anonymous data were to be used and such movement could not be displayed . such usage of electronic communications metadata could , for example , benefit public authorities and public transport operators to define where to develop new infrastructure , based on the usage of and pressure on the existing structure . as an exemption from obtaining end - user´s consent , the processing of metadata for purposes other than those for which they were initially collected should be allowed in cases where the processing is compatible and is subject to specific safeguards , especially pseudonymisation as set forth in point of article 6 of regulation 2016 / 679 , as well as if it is necessary in accordance with article 6 of regulation 2016 / 679 for the purpose of legitimate interest , provided that the data protection impact assessment was carried out , as prescribed in article 35 of regulation 2016 / 679 .


### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application . the choices made by end - users when establishing its general privacy settings of a browser or other application should be binding on , and enforceable against , any third parties . web browsers are a type of software application that permits the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet . other types of applications , such as the ones that permit calling and messaging or provide route guidance , have also the same capabilities . web browsers mediate much of what occurs between the end - user and the website . from this perspective , they are in a privileged position to play an active role to help the end - user to control the flow of information to and from the terminal equipment . more particularly web browsers may be used as gatekeepers , thus helping end - users to prevent information from their terminal equipment from being accessed or stored . ### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using appropriate technical settings of a browser or other application .


### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ‘ accept all cookies’ . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option to prevent third parties from storing information on the terminal equipment ; this is often presented as ‘ reject third party cookies’ . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and intermediate . such privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner . ### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ' accept all cookies ' . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option to prevent third parties from storing information on the terminal equipment ; this is often presented as ' reject third party cookies ' . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and intermediate . such privacy setting options should differentiate between cookies from third parties that have a contractual relationship with website providers and other third party cookies . such privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner .


### publicly available directories of end - users of electronic communications services are widely distributed . publicly available directories means any directory or service containing end - users information such as phone numbers , email address contact details and includes inquiry services . the right to privacy and to protection of the personal data of a natural person requires that end - users that are natural persons are asked for consent before their personal data are included in a directory . the legitimate interest of legal entities requires that end - users that are legal entities have the right to object to the data related to them being included in a directory . ### publicly available directories of end - users of electronic communications services are widely distributed . publicly available directories means any directory or service containing end - users information such as phone numbers , email address contact details and includes inquiry services . the right to privacy and to protection of the personal data of a natural person acting out of his / her business capacity requires that end - users that are natural persons are asked for consent before their personal data are included in a directory . the legitimate interest of legal entities and natural persons acting in their business capacity requires that end - users that are legal entities and natural persons acting in their business capacity have the right to object to the data related to them being included in a directory .


### if end - users that are natural persons give their consent to their data being included in such directories , they should be able to determine on a consent basis which categories of personal data are included in the directory . in addition , providers of publicly available directories should inform the end - users of the purposes of the directory and of the search functions of the directory before including them in that directory . end - users should be able to determine by consent on the basis of which categories of personal data their contact details can be searched . the categories of personal data included in the directory and the categories of personal data on the basis of which the end - user ' s contact details can be searched should not necessarily be the same . ### if end - users that are natural persons give their consent to their data being included in such directories , they should be able to determine on a consent basis which categories of personal data are included in the directory . in addition , upon giving their consent the end - users should be informed of the purposes of the directory and of the search functions of the directory before including them in that directory . end - users should be able to determine by consent on the basis of which categories of personal data their contact details can be searched . the categories of personal data included in the directory and the categories of personal data on the basis of which the end - user ' s contact details can be searched should not necessarily be the same . the providers of publicly available directories shall provide information about the search options , as well as if new options and functions of the directories are available in the publicly available directories .


### the provisions of this regulation particularise and complement regulation 2016 / 679 by laying down specific rules for the purposes mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 . ### the provisions of this regulation does not lower the level of protection enjoyed by natural persons under the regulation 2016 / 679 but particularise and complement regulation 2016 / 679 by laying down specific rules for the purposes mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 .


### ‘ direct marketing communications’ means any form of advertising , whether written or oral , sent to one or more identified or identifiable end - users of electronic communications services , including the use of automated calling and communication systems with or without human interaction , electronic mail , sms , etc . ; ### ' direct marketing communications ' means any form of commercial communication , whether written or oral , sent to one or more identified end - users of electronic communications services , including the use of automated calling and communication systems with or without human interaction , electronic mail , sms , etc . ;


### providers of the electronic communications services may process electronic communications content only : ### without prejudice to points and of article 6 , providers of the electronic communications services may process electronic communications content only :


### the providers of publicly available directories shall obtain the consent of end - users who are natural persons to include their personal data in the directory and , consequently , shall obtain consent from these end - users for inclusion of data per category of personal data , to the extent that such data are relevant for the purpose of the directory as determined by the provider of the directory . providers shall give end - users who are natural persons the means to verify , correct and delete such data . ### the providers electronic communication services shall obtain the consent of end - users who are natural persons to&#160 ; share their personal data with the providers of publicly available directories to include them in the directory and , consequently , shall provide end - users who are natural persons with information about inclusion of data per category of personal data , to the extent that such data are relevant for the purpose of the directory as determined by the provider of the directory . providers shall give end - users who are natural persons the means to verify , correct and delete such data .


### natural or legal persons may use electronic communications services for the purposes of sending direct marketing communications to end - users who are natural persons that have given their consent . ### natural or legal persons may use electronic communications services for the purposes of sending direct marketing communications to end - users who are natural persons that have given their consent or when the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party .


### where a natural or legal person obtains electronic contact details for electronic mail from its customer , in the context of the sale of a product or a service , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 , that natural or legal person may use these electronic contact details for direct marketing of its own similar products or services only if customers are clearly and distinctly given the opportunity to object , free of charge and in an easy manner , to such use . the right to object shall be given at the time of collection and each time a message is sent . ### where a natural or legal person obtains electronic contact details for electronic mail from its customer , in the context of the sale of a product or a service , in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 , these electronic contact details may be used for direct marketing of similar or analogue products or services only if customers are clearly and distinctly given the opportunity to object , free of charge and in an easy manner , to such use . the right to object shall be given at the time of collection and each time a message is sent .


### without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2 , natural or legal persons using electronic communications services for the purposes of placing direct marketing calls shall : ### without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2 , natural or legal persons using electronic communications services for the purposes of placing direct marketing calls shall present the identity of a line on which they can be contacted ; or present a specific code or prefix identifying the fact that the call is a marketing call .


### given that in each member states there are numerous authorities or bodies which are competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences , and in order to ensure a proportionate access to financial and other information under the present directive , member states should be required to designate which authorities should be empowered to have access to the centralised bank account registries and request information from financial intelligence units for the purposes of this directive . ### given that in each member states there are numerous authorities or bodies which are competent for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of criminal offences , and in order to ensure a proportionate access to financial and other information under the present directive , member states should be required to designate which authorities should be empowered to have access to the centralised bank account registries and which should be able to request information from financial intelligence units for the purposes of this directive .


### in order to enhance legal certainty and operational effectiveness , this directive should lay down rules to strengthen the financial intelligence units ' ability to share information with their designated competent authorities for all serious criminal offences . ### in order to enhance legal certainty and operational effectiveness , this directive should lay down rules to strengthen the financial intelligence units ' ability to share information or analysis with the designated competent authorities in their member state for all serious criminal offences . more precisely , financial intelligence units should be enabled to share information or analysis with the designated competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing , and , where it is necessary on a case - by - case basis , of serious criminal offences . at the same time , the operational independence and autonomy of financial intelligence units should not be jeopardised and the decision to provide the requested information or analysis should remain with the fiu .


### this directive should also set out a clearly defined legal framework to enable financial intelligence units to request relevant data stored by designated competent authorities in order to enable them to prevent and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing effectively . ### this directive should also set out a clearly defined legal framework to enable financial intelligence units to request relevant data stored by designated competent authorities in their member state in order to enable them to prevent , detect and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing effectively .


### sharing information between financial intelligence units and with competent authorities should only be permitted where it is necessary on a case - by - case basis , either for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences or for money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing . ### sharing information between financial intelligence units should be permitted for the purposes of the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of either money laundering , the associated predicate offences or terrorist financing , and , in exceptional and urgent cases , of serious criminal offences . such sharing of information should be undeterred .


### in order to prevent and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing more effectively and to reinforce its role in providing financial information and analysis , a financial intelligence unit should be empowered to exchange information or analysis already in its possession or which can be obtained from obliged entities at the request of another financial intelligence unit or of a competent authority in its member state . this exchange should not hamper a financial intelligence unit ' s active role in disseminating its analysis to other financial intelligence units where that analysis reveals facts , conduct or suspicion of money laundering and terrorist financing of direct interest to those other financial intelligence units . financial analysis covers operational analysis which focuses on individual cases and specific targets or on appropriate selected information , depending on the type and volume of the disclosures received and the expected use of the information after dissemination as well as strategic analysis addressing money laundering and terrorist financing trends and patterns . however , this directive should be without prejudice to the organisational status and role conferred to financial intelligence units under the national law of member states . ### in order to prevent , detect and combat money laundering , the associated predicate offences and terrorist financing more effectively and to reinforce its role in providing financial information and analysis , a financial intelligence unit should be empowered to exchange information already in its possession or which can be obtained from obliged entities or analysis already in its possession at the request of another financial intelligence unit or of a competent authority in its member state . this exchange should not hamper a financial intelligence unit ' s active role in disseminating its analysis to other financial intelligence units where that analysis reveals facts , conduct or suspicion of money laundering and terrorist financing of direct interest to those other financial intelligence units . financial analysis covers operational analysis which focuses on individual cases and specific targets or on appropriate selected information , depending on the type and volume of the disclosures received and the expected use of the information after dissemination as well as strategic analysis addressing money laundering and terrorist financing trends and patterns . the financial intelligence units should receive feedback on the use of the information and analysis provided . however , this directive should be without prejudice to the organisational status and role conferred to financial intelligence units under the national law of member states .


### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should provide that their financial intelligence unit replies to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit replies to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . __________________ 7 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 . ### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should enable their financial intelligence unit to reply to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit replies to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . the operational independence and autonomy of financial intelligence units should not be jeopardised and the decision whether to provide the requested information or analysis should remain with the financial intelligence unit . in order to ensure quick and effective cooperation , it is necessary that this directive establishes time limits for replies by the financial intelligence units to requests by europol . __________________ 7 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 .


### to achieve the appropriate balance between efficiency and a high level of data protection , member states should be required to ensure that the processing of sensitive financial information that could reveal a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation should be allowed only to the extent that it is strictly necessary and relevant to a specific investigation . ### to achieve the appropriate balance between efficiency and a high level of data protection , member states should be required to ensure that the processing of sensitive financial information that could reveal a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation should be allowed by persons specifically authorised and only to the extent that it is strictly necessary , relevant and proportionate for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of a specific case .


### subject to national procedural safeguards , each member state shall ensure that its national financial intelligence unit is required to reply to requests for financial information or financial analysis by its designated competent authorities referred to in article 3 , where that financial information or financial analysis is necessary , on a case - by - case basis , for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . ### subject to national procedural safeguards , each member state shall ensure that its national financial intelligence unit is enabled to reply to motivated requests for financial information or financial analysis by designated competent authorities referred to in article 3 in their respective member state , where that financial information or financial analysis is necessary , on a case - by - case basis , for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences .


### member states shall ensure that where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information or financial analysis , it shall do so as soon as possible and in any case no later than three days after the receipt of the request . in exceptional , duly justified cases , this time limit may be extended by a maximum of 10 days . ### member states shall ensure that where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information or financial analysis , it shall do so as soon as possible and in any case no later than five days after the receipt of the request . in exceptional , duly justified cases , this time limit may be extended by a maximum of 10 days .


### each member state shall ensure that its europol national unit replies to duly justified requests related to bank account information made by the agency for law enforcement cooperation established by regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council on a case - by - case basis within the limits of its responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . ### each member state shall ensure that its europol national unit replies to duly justified requests related to bank account information made by the agency for law enforcement cooperation established by regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council on a case - by - case basis within the limits of its investigative powers and for the performance of its tasks .


### the processing of personal data related to bank account information , financial information and financial analysis referred to in article 10 and shall be performed only by the persons within europol who have been specifically designated and authorised to perform those tasks . ### the processing of personal data related to bank account information , financial information and financial analysis referred to in article 10 and shall be performed only by means of operational analysis projects , in respect of which the specific safeguards laid down in article 18 of regulation 2016 / 794 shall apply .


### the processing of personal data related to bank account information , financial information and financial analysis referred to in article 10 and shall be performed only by the persons within europol who have been specifically designated and authorised to perform those tasks . ### the processing of personal data related to bank account information , financial information and financial analysis referred to in article 10 and shall be performed only by the persons within europol who have been specifically designated and authorised to perform those tasks . the processing of personal data shall be carried out in compliance with the data protection safeguards provided for in regulation 2016 / 794 . europol shall duly document those processing operations .


### europol shall inform the data protection officer appointed in accordance with article 41 of regulation 2016 / 794 of each exchange of information pursuant to article 10 of this directive . ### europol shall inform the data protection officer appointed in accordance with article 41 of regulation 2016 / 794 of each exchange of information pursuant to articles 10 and 10a .


### processing of sensitive data ### processing of sensitive personal data


### the processing of information revealing a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation may only be allowed to the extent that it is strictly necessary and relevant in a specific case ### the processing of personal data revealing a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religious or philosophical beliefs , or trade union membership , and the processing of genetic data , biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person , data concerning health or data concerning a natural person ' s sex life or sexual orientation shall only be allowed to the extent that there are objective grounds to consider this necessary and relevant in a specific case , in accordance with article 10 of directive 2016 / 680 .


### member states shall adopt and publish the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by xxyy [ 26 months after the date of entry into force of directive / 2018 : oj please insert number of directive amending directive 2015 / 849 ] at the latest . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions . ### member states shall adopt and publish the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by no later than . . . [ 24 months after the date of entry into force of directive / 2018 + ] . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions . + oj : please insert number of directive amending directive 2015 / 849 ]


### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies . ### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments must be respected . the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , technologically advanced , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies .


### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies . ### pursuing the achievement of the union ' s objectives and targets set by environmental , climate and related clean energy legislation , policy , plans and international commitments , the programme should contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss while ensuring that fauna and flora are appropriately managed in the union , either through direct interventions or by supporting the integration of those objectives in other policies .


### the union is committed to developing a comprehensive response to the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development , which highlight the intrinsic connection between the management of natural resources to ensure their long - term availability , ecosystem services , their link to human health and sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth . in this spirit , the programme should make a material contribution to both economic development and social cohesion . ### the european union as a whole is committed to developing a comprehensive response to the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development , which highlight the intrinsic connection between the management of natural resources to ensure their long - term availability , ecosystem services , their link to human health and sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth . this will also support the creation of green jobs . in this spirit , the programme should make a material contribution to both sustainable economic development and social and territorial cohesion .


### the programme should contribute to sustainable development and to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the union environment , climate and relevant clean energy legislation , strategies , plans and international commitments , in particular the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development8 , the convention on biological diversity9 and the paris agreement adopted under the united nations framework convention on climate change10 . _________________ 8 agenda 2030 , resolution adopted by un ga on 25 / 09 / 2015 . 9 93 / 626 / eec : council decision of 25 october 1993 concerning the conclusion of the convention on biological diversity , . 10 oj l 282 , 19 . 10 . 2016 , p . 4 . ### the programme should contribute to sustainable development and to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the union environment , climate and relevant clean energy legislation , strategies , plans and international commitments , in particular and importantly the united nations 2030 agenda for the sustainable development8 , the convention on biological diversity9 and the paris agreement adopted under the united nations framework convention on climate change10 . _________________ 8 agenda 2030 , resolution adopted by un ga on 25 / 09 / 2015 . 9 93 / 626 / eec : council decision of 25 october 1993 concerning the conclusion of the convention on biological diversity , . 10 oj l 282 , 19 . 10 . 2016 , p . 4 .


### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , is of particular importance . _________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com 501 ; 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . ### for achieving the overarching objectives , the implementation of the circular economy package11 , the 2030 climate and energy policy framework12 , 13 , 14 , union nature legislation15 , as well as of related policies16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 20a , is of particular importance . _________________ 11 com 614 final , 02 . 12 . 2015 . 12 2030 climate and energy policy framework , com15 , 22 . 01 . 2014 . 13 eu strategy on adaptation to climate change , com216 , 16 . 04 . 2013 . 14 clean energy for all europeans package , com 860 , 30 . 11 . 2016 . 15 action plan for nature , people and the economy , com198 , 27 . 04 . 2017 . 16 clean air programme for europe , com918 . 17 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 18 thematic strategy for soil protection , com231 . 19 low emission mobility strategy , com 501 ; 20 action plan on alternative fuels infrastructure under article 10 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu , 8 . 11 . 2017 . 20a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse .


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , sustainable , circular , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and implementation of the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy , in line with the objective of the paris agreement . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change , which must be respected , requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change and anticipate and counter disasters caused by it .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology , for renewable energy and energy efficiency , that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation and alleviation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation and alleviation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes by encouraging multiple funding and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the programme should involve all sectors involved in a clean energy transition , such as electricity producers , buildings , industry , transport and agriculture . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments for supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency , also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the commission proposed union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . these targets were raised by the co - legislators when finalising the renewable energy directive and the energy efficiency directive , in order to bring the union ' s targets closer to the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of a highly distributed nature , for example by promoting pilot projects based on small urban conglomerates . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , focusing on the specific energy potential of the regions , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### the union ' s most recent environmental implementation review package21indicates that significant progress is required to accelerate implementation of the union environment acquis and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies . the programme should therefore act as a catalyst to achieve the required progress through developing , testing and replicating new approaches ; supporting policy development , monitoring and review ; enhancing stakeholder involvement ; mobilising investments across union investment programmes or other financial sources and supporting actions to overcome the various obstacles to the effective implementation of key plans required by environment legislation . _________________ 21 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - the eu environmental implementation review : common challenges and how to combine efforts to deliver better results . ### the union ' s most recent environmental implementation review package21 indicates that significant progress is required to accelerate implementation of the union environment acquis and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies . the programme should therefore act as an essential catalyst to achieve the required progress through developing , testing and replicating new approaches ; supporting policy development , monitoring and review ; promoting greater awareness and communication ; developing good governance ; enhancing stakeholder involvement ; mobilising investments across union investment programmes or other financial sources and supporting actions to overcome the various obstacles to the effective implementation of key plans required by environment legislation . _________________ 21 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - the eu environmental implementation review : common challenges and how to combine efforts to deliver better results .


### the union ' s most recent environmental implementation review package21 indicates that significant progress is required to accelerate implementation of the union environment acquis and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies . the programme should therefore act as a catalyst to achieve the required progress through developing , testing and replicating new approaches ; supporting policy development , monitoring and review ; enhancing stakeholder involvement ; mobilising investments across union investment programmes or other financial sources and supporting actions to overcome the various obstacles to the effective implementation of key plans required by environment legislation . _________________ 21 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - the eu environmental implementation review : common challenges and how to combine efforts to deliver better results . ### the union ' s most recent environmental implementation review package21 indicates that significant progress is required to accelerate implementation of the union environment acquis and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives into other policies . the programme should therefore act as a catalyst to achieve the required progress through developing , testing , replicating and increasing the visibility of new approaches and best practices ; supporting policy development , coherence , consistency , monitoring and review ; promoting more effective coordination between national , regional and local authorities ; enhancing all stakeholders ' involvement , particularly with regard to national , regional and local authorities , ngos , research centres and businesses ; mobilising investments across union investment programmes or other financial sources and supporting actions to overcome the various obstacles to the effective implementation of key plans required by environment legislation . _________________ 21 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - the eu environmental implementation review : common challenges and how to combine efforts to deliver better results .


### halting and reversing biodiversity loss , including in marine ecosystems , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union should track its biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil its reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . _________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species . ### halting and reversing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems , including in marine ecosystems , alongside appropriate management of fauna and flora , particularly for certain species suffering from overpopulation , such as the large carnivores , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union should track its biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil its reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . _________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species .


### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation . ### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs , while complying with the sectoral policy objectives and eligibility criteria defined by the union for each of the funds , and ensuring that funding is complementary . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their cap strategic plan to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation , provided that the eligibility criteria defined in regulation . . . / . . . [ regulation on cap strategic plans ] and supplemented by the cap national strategic plans are complied with .


### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular . ### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated territorial approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular , thus contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity .


### the improvement of governance on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness , consumer engagement , and broadening of stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , in consultation on and implementation of related policies . ### the improvement of governance at all levels on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by increasing communication and raising public awareness , involving national , regional and local authorities , consumer engagement , and broadening of stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , research and innovation partners and businesses in consultation on and implementation of related policies .


### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted . ### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy through the sustainable use of existing natural resources and by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , in particular the development of innovative renewable energy technologies , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted .


### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted . ### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape , as well as involving local and regional stakeholders in the implementation of objectives in the context of the circular economy . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted , including through media campaigns .


### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies . ### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities while respecting the principle of geographical balance , under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### tackling climate change is one of the most important global challenges requiring a coordinated and ambitious response . in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities to disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field . ### in support of the implementation of the programme , the commission should collaborate with the programme’s national , regional and local contact points , organise seminars and workshops , publish lists of projects funded under the programme or undertake other activities , such as media campaigns , in order to better disseminate project results and to facilitate exchanges of experience , knowledge and best practices and the replication of project results across the union , thus promoting cooperation and communication . such activities should in particular target member states with a low uptake of funds and should facilitate the communication and cooperation between project beneficiaries , applicants or stakeholders of completed and ongoing projects in the same field . it is essential that this communication and cooperation should also involve regional and local authorities and stakeholders .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver the best results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , the expected risk of non - compliance and the lower co - financing rate compared with other direct management instruments . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . as regards grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs . the european commission must ensure that implementation is easy to understand , and must promote genuine simplification for project developers .


### projects under the sub - programme nature and biodiversity concerning the management , restoration and monitoring of natura 2000 sites in accordance with directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec shall be supported in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec . ### projects under the sub - programme nature and biodiversity concerning the management , restoration and monitoring of natura 2000 sites in accordance with directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec shall take account of priorities set out in national and regional plans , strategies and policies in prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec .


### grants may finance activities outside the union , provided that the project pursues union environmental and climate objectives and the activities outside the union are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in member state territories . ### grants may finance activities outside a member state of the union or an overseas country or territory linked to that member state , provided that the project pursues union environmental and climate objectives and the activities outside the union are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in member state territories .


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


### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply . ### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply , leading to integration of regions’ energy markets .


### so far , the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited . this has to do not only with better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations , but also of national preventive measures , such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas , which can be strategically important in certain regions . ### so far , the potential for more efficient and less costly measures through regional cooperation has not been fully exploited , and an open concept of regional cooperation is needed , with the possibility of reconfiguring cooperation formats on the basis of consultations with the member states , taking account of the energy dynamic . better coordination of national mitigation actions in emergency situations is recommended , as well as of national preventive measures , such as national storage or policies related to liquefied natural gas , which can be strategically important in certain regions .


### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers . ### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , must be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region , based on relevant analyses , and to optimise the benefits of coordinated measures at local , regional and cross - border level , in order to mitigate them and consolidate the security of the gas supply , and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers , defined by common accord with the member states .


### in order to make the regional cooperation feasible , member states should establish a cooperation mechanism within each region . such mechanism or mechanisms should be developed sufficiently in time to allow for conducting the risk assessment and drawing up meaningful plans at regional level . member states are free to agree on a cooperation mechanism best suited for a given region . the commission should have a facilitating role in the overall process and share best practises for arranging regional cooperation such as a rotating coordination role within the region for the preparation of the different documents or establishing dedicated bodies . in absence of an agreement on the cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a suitable cooperation mechanism for a given region . ### in order to make the regional cooperation feasible , member states should establish a cooperation mechanism within each region . such mechanism or mechanisms should be developed sufficiently in time and ensure a high degree of transparency to allow for conducting the risk assessment and drawing up meaningful plans at regional level . member states are free to agree on a cooperation mechanism best suited for a given region . the commission should have a facilitating role in the overall process and share best practises for arranging regional cooperation such as a rotating coordination role within the region for the preparation of the different documents or establishing dedicated bodies . in absence of an agreement on the cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a suitable cooperation mechanism for a given region .


### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings . ### as demonstrated by the october 2014 stress test , solidarity based on regional cooperation is needed to ensure security of supply across the union and to keep overall costs to a minimum . this solidarity should / could be defined on three levels of action – bilateral or regional , interregional and european – and it should not be left to an individual regional group alone if a consistent and uniform approach at eu level is needed . if an emergency is declared in any member state , a two - step approach should be applied to strengthen solidarity . firstly , all member states which have introduced a higher supply standard should reduce it to default values to make the gas market more liquid . secondly , if the first step fails to provide the necessary supply , further measures by neighbouring member states , even if not in an emergency situation , should be triggered to ensure the supply to households , essential social services and district heating installations in the member state experiencing the emergency . member states should identify and describe the details of these solidarity measures in their emergency plans , ensuring fair and equitable compensation of the natural gas undertakings .


### one of the union goals is to strengthen the energy community that would ensure effective implementation of the union energy acquis , energy market reforms and incentivising investments in the energy sector by closer integration of the union and energy community energy markets . this entails also introducing common crisis management by proposing preventive and emergency plans at the regional level including the energy community contracting parties . furthermore , the commission communication on the short term resilience of the european gas system from october 2014 refers to the need to apply internal energy market rules on the flow of energy between the union member states and the energy community contracting parties . in this regard , in order to ensure an efficient crisis management on borders between the union member states and the contracting parties , the necessary arrangements following the adoption of a joint act should be set so that specific cooperation with any individual energy community contracting party can take place once the required mutual provisions have been duly put into place . ### one of the union goals is to strengthen the energy community that would ensure effective implementation of the union energy acquis , energy market reforms and incentivising investments in the energy sector by closer integration of the union and energy community energy markets . this entails also introducing common crisis management by proposing preventive and emergency plans at the regional level including the energy community contracting parties . to this end , forecasts should be drawn up of consumption at regional level and the available reserves , which would make it possible to strengthen the ability to respond in the event of a crisis . furthermore , the commission communication on the short term resilience of the european gas system from october 2014 refers to the need to apply internal energy market rules on the flow of energy between the union member states and the energy community contracting parties . in this regard , in order to ensure an efficient crisis management on borders between the union member states and the contracting parties , the necessary arrangements following the adoption of a joint act should be set so that specific cooperation with any individual energy community contracting party can take place once the required mutual provisions have been duly put into place .


### where there is reliable information on a situation outside the union that threatens the security of supply of one or several member states and that may trigger an early warning mechanism involving the union and a third country , the commission should inform the gas coordination group without delay and the union should take appropriate action to try to defuse the situation . ### where there is reliable information on a situation outside the union that threatens the security of supply of one or several member states and that may trigger an early warning mechanism involving the union and a third country , the commission should inform the gas coordination group without delay and the union should take appropriate action to try to defuse the situation . where the situation allows and adequate infrastructure exists , the commission and member states could grant temporary aid to third countries in crisis .


### ' protected customer ' means a household customer connected to a gas distribution network and , in addition , where the member state concerned so decides , may also mean one or more of the following : ### ' protected customer ' means a household customer connected to a gas distribution network and , in addition , in the event that the competent authorities within each region so decide , may also mean one or more of the following :


### the measures to ensure the security of supply contained in the preventive action plans and in the emergency plans shall be clearly defined , transparent , proportionate , non - discriminatory and verifiable , shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the internal market in gas and shall not endanger the security of gas supply of other member states or of the union as a whole . ### the measures to ensure the security of supply contained in the preventive action plans and in the emergency plans shall be clearly defined , transparent , proportionate , non - discriminatory and verifiable , shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the internal market in gas and shall not endanger the security of gas supply of other member states , regions or the union as a whole .


### no later than 31 march 2017 member states shall notify the commission their definition of protected customers , the annual gas consumption volumes of the protected customers and the percentage they represent of the total annual final gas consumption in that member state . where a member state includes in its definition of protected customers the categories referred to in point or of article 2 it shall specify in the notification to the commission the gas consumption volumes corresponding to consumers belonging to those categories and the percentage that each of those groups of consumers represents in terms of the annual final use of gas . ### no later than 31 march 2017 the competent authorities within each region shall notify the commission the definition of protected consumers in that region , the annual and daily peak gas consumption volumes of the protected customers and the percentage they represent of the total annual final gas consumption in respective member states as well as how it could influence cross - border flows in the region . where a member state includes in its definition of protected customers the categories referred to in point or of article 2 it shall specify in the notification to the commission the gas consumption volumes corresponding to consumers belonging to those categories and the percentage that each of those groups of consumers represents in terms of the annual final use of gas .


### natural gas undertakings , industrial gas customers , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial gas customers as well as member states and the national regulatory authority , where it is not the competent authority , shall cooperate with the competent authorities and provide it upon request with all necessary information for the risk assessment . ### natural gas undertakings , industrial gas customers , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household , protected and industrial gas customers as well as member states and the national regulatory authority , where it is not the competent authority , shall cooperate with the competent authorities and provide it upon request with all necessary information for the risk assessment .


### the risk assessment once agreed by all member states in the region shall be notified to the commission for the first time no later than on 1 september 2018 . the risk assessment shall be updated every four years unless circumstances warrant more frequent updates . the risk assessment shall take account of progress made in investments needed to cope with the infrastructure standard defined in article 4 and of country - specific difficulties encountered in the implementation of new alternative solutions . it shall also build on the experience acquired through the simulation of the emergency plans contained in article 9 . ### the risk assessment once agreed by all member states in the region shall be notified to the commission for the first time no later than on 1 september 2018 . the risk assessment shall be updated every four years unless circumstances warrant more frequent updates . the risk assessment shall take account of progress made in investments needed to cope with the infrastructure standard defined in article 4 and of country - specific difficulties encountered in the implementation of new alternative solutions . it shall also build on the experience acquired through the simulation of the emergency plans contained in article 9 . if the competent authorities within a region do not agree on the risk assessment , the commission shall present a risk assessment for that region in cooperation with the competent authorities .


### the competent authorities of the member states of each region as listed in annex i , after consulting the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial gas customers , including electricity producers , and the national regulatory authorities , where they are not the competent authorities , shall establish jointly : ### the competent authorities of the member states of each region as listed in annex i , after consulting the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial gas customers , including electricity producers , and the national regulatory authorities , where they are not the competent authorities , shall establish jointly a coherent framework at eu level :


### the competent authorities of the member states of each region as listed in annex i , after consulting the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial gas customers , including electricity producers , and the national regulatory authorities , where they are not the competent authorities , shall establish jointly : ### the competent authorities of the member states of each region as listed in annex i , after consulting the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household , protected and industrial gas customers , including electricity producers , and the national regulatory authorities , where they are not the competent authorities , shall establish jointly :


### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism sufficiently in time to establish the plans and allow for their notification and for the notification of the updated plans . ### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism , bearing in mind the principle of european territorial cooperation , sufficiently in time to establish the plans and allow for their notification and for the notification of the updated plans .


### when the competent authority declares any of the crisis levels referred to in paragraph 1 , it shall immediately inform the commission and provide it with all the necessary information , in particular with information on the action it intends to take . in the event of an emergency which may result in a call for assistance from the union and its member states , the competent authority of the member state concerned shall without delay notify the commission’s emergency response coordination centre . ### when the competent authority declares any of the crisis levels referred to in paragraph 1 , it shall immediately inform the commission and the competent authorities in the region and provide them with all the necessary information , in particular with information on the action it intends to take . in the event of an emergency which may result in a call for assistance from the union and its member states , the competent authority of the member state concerned shall without delay notify the commission’s emergency response coordination centre .


### the first subparagraph shall apply to essential social services and district heating installations to the extent they are covered by the definition of protected customers in the respective member state . ### the first subparagraph shall apply to essential social services and district heating installations to the extent they are covered by the definition of protected customers in the respective region .


### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . ### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with the same supplier from a third country or from its affiliates , with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with contracts of other natural gas undertakings on the same market with the same supplier or its affiliates exceed the threshold of 8 billion cubic meters or provide more than 40% of total annual gas imports from third countries to the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . to that end , the national regulatory authorities shall monitor on a yearly basis the market supply structure and inform the relevant natural gas undertakings once the 40% threshold is exceeded . this information shall be communicated no later than the 1st june each year for the year proceeding the year for which the threshold was calculated .