### as in respect of heavy duty vehicles , it is important to ensure that any time - based charges applied to light duty vehicles are proportionate , including in respect of periods of use shorter than one year . in that regard , account needs to be taken of the fact that light duty vehicles have a use pattern differing from the use pattern of heavy duty vehicles . the calculation of proportionate time - based charges could be based on available data on trip patterns . ### as in respect of heavy duty vehicles , it is important to ensure that any time - based charges applied to light duty vehicles are proportionate , including in respect of periods of use shorter than one year . in that regard , account needs to be taken of the fact that light duty vehicles have a use pattern differing from the use pattern of heavy duty vehicles . the calculation of proportionate time - based charges could be based on available data on trip patterns while ensuring non - discrimination .


### as in respect of heavy duty vehicles , it is important to ensure that any time - based charges applied to light duty vehicles are proportionate , including in respect of periods of use shorter than one year . in that regard , account needs to be taken of the fact that light duty vehicles have a use pattern differing from the use pattern of heavy duty vehicles . the calculation of proportionate time - based charges could be based on available data on trip patterns . ### as in respect of heavy duty vehicles , it is important to ensure that any time - based charges applied to light duty vehicles are proportionate .


### to this effect , the maximum weighted average external - cost charges should be replaced by readily applicable reference values updated in light of inflation , the scientific progress made in estimating the external costs of road transport and the evolution of the fleet composition . ### to this effect , the maximum weighted average external - cost charges should be replaced by readily applicable minimum values updated in light of inflation , the scientific progress made in estimating the external costs of road transport and the evolution of the fleet composition .


### costs of infrastructure or infrastructure improvements may include any specific expenditure on infrastructure designed to reduce nuisance related to noise or to improve road safety and actual payments made by the infrastructure operator corresponding to objective environmental elements such as protection against soil contamination . ### costs of infrastructure or infrastructure improvements may include any specific expenditure on infrastructure designed to reduce nuisance related to noise or air pollution or to improve road safety and actual payments made by the infrastructure operator corresponding to objective environmental elements such as protection against soil contamination .


### directive 1999 / 62 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 1999 on the charging of vehicles for the use of road infrastructures ### directive 1999 / 62 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 1999 on charging for the use of road infrastructures


### costs of infrastructure or infrastructure improvements may include any specific expenditure on infrastructure designed to reduce nuisance related to noise or to improve road safety and actual payments made by the infrastructure operator corresponding to objective environmental elements such as protection against soil contamination . ### costs of infrastructure or infrastructure improvements may include any expenditure , including that incurred as a result of new regulatory requirements , designed to reduce nuisance related to noise , to improve road safety or to introduce innovative technological solutions for the operation of the infrastructure , and actual payments made by the infrastructure operator corresponding to objective environmental elements such as protection against soil contamination . .


### — costs shall be apportioned to heavy duty vehicles on an objective and transparent basis taking account of the proportion of heavy duty vehicle traffic to be carried on the network and the associated costs . the vehicle kilometres travelled by heavy duty vehicles may for this purpose be adjusted by objectively justified ‘ equivalence factors’ such as those set out in point 4 . ### — costs shall be apportioned to each vehicle type on an objective and transparent basis taking account of the proportion of traffic for each vehicle type to be carried on the network and the associated costs . the vehicle kilometres travelled by heavy duty vehicles may for this purpose be adjusted by objectively justified ‘ equivalence factors’ such as those set out in point 4 .


### ‘ cost of traffic - based air pollution’ means the cost of the damage caused by the release of particulate matter and of ozone precursors , such as nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds , in the course of the operation of a vehicle ; ### ‘ cost of traffic - based air pollution’ means the cost of the harm to human health and of the damage caused to the environment by the release of particulate matter and of ozone precursors , such as nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds , in the course of the operation of a vehicle ;


### road charges can mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance and development of high quality transport infrastructure . it is therefore appropriate to incentivise member states to use revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , to require that they adequately report on the use of such revenues . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging . ### road charges mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance , the repair and development of high quality transport infrastructure and services . member states should use the revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , are required to adequately report on the use of such revenues . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging . member states should communicate transparently with road users on how they use the revenues from road charging through visible displays .


### the revenue generated from the mark - up is invested in financing the construction of transport infrastructure of the core network identified in accordance with chapter iii of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , which contribute directly to the alleviation of the congestion or environmental damage and which are located in the same corridor as the road section on which the mark - up is applied ; ### the revenue generated from the mark - up is invested in financing the construction of overall transport infrastructure or other sections of the toll road network identified in accordance with chapter i of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , which contribute directly to the alleviation of the congestion or environmental damage ;


### the variation of infrastructure charges according to euro emission class has contributed to the use of cleaner vehicles . however , with the renewal of vehicle fleets , the variation of charges on this basis on the inter - urban network is expected to become obsolete by the end of 2020 and should therefore be phased out by that time . from the same point in time , external - cost charging should be applied more systematically , as a targeted means to recover external cost in respect of situations in which it matters most . ### the variation of infrastructure charges according to euro emission class has contributed to the use of cleaner vehicles and should be retained .


### ‘ light duty vehicle’ means a passenger car , a minibus or van ; ### ‘ light duty vehicle’ means a minibus or a van ;


### ‘ light duty vehicle’ means a passenger car , a minibus or van ; ### ‘ light duty vehicle’ means a passenger car , a minibus , a van , or a van intended for the carriage of goods ;


### for light duty vehicles , until 31 december 2021 , member states may vary tolls and user charges according to the environmental performance of the vehicle . ### for light duty vehicles and vans intended for the carriage of goods , until 31 december 2021 , member states may vary tolls and user charges according to the environmental performance of the vehicle .


### road charges can mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance and development of high quality transport infrastructure . it is therefore appropriate to incentivise member states to use revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , to require that they adequately report on the use of such revenues . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging . ### road charges can mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance and development of high quality transport infrastructure . it is therefore appropriate to incentivise member states to use a part of the revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , to require that they adequately report on the use of such revenues . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging .


### ‘ vehicle’ means a motor vehicle , with four wheels or more , or articulated vehicle combination intended or used for the carriage by road of passengers or goods ; ### ‘ vehicle’ means a motor vehicle , with no fewer than four wheels , or articulated vehicle combination intended or used for the carriage by road of passengers or goods ;


### in order to promote the use of the cleanest and most efficient vehicles , member states should apply significantly reduced road tolls and user charges to those vehicles . ### in order to promote the use of the cleanest and most efficient vehicles and the use of alternative fuels , member states should apply significantly reduced road tolls and user and external - cost charges to those vehicles . zero - emission vehicles should not be subject to any external - cost charge related to air pollution .


### as of 1 january 2020 , tolls and user charges applied to heavy duty vehicles shall apply to all heavy duty vehicles . ### tolls and user charges for heavy goods vehicles and for other heavy duty vehicles may be introduced or maintained independently from one another .


### the mark - up does not exceed 15 % of the weighted average infrastructure charge calculated in accordance with article 7b and article 7e , except where the revenue generated is invested in cross - border sections of core network corridors , in which case the mark - up may not exceed 25 % ; ### the mark - up does not exceed 15 % of the weighted average infrastructure charge calculated in accordance with article 7b and article 7e , except where the revenue generated is invested in cross - border sections of core network corridors , in which case the mark - up may not exceed 50 % ;


### in order to exploit potential synergies among existing road charging systems so as to reduce operating costs , the commission should be fully involved in the cooperation among member states intending to introduce common road charging schemes . ### in order to exploit potential synergies among existing road charging systems so as to reduce operating costs , the commission should be fully involved in the cooperation among member states intending to introduce common and interoperable road charging schemes .


### member states shall put in place adequate mechanisms for monitoring the impact of congestion charges and for reviewing the level thereof . they shall review the level of charges regularly , at least every three years , to ensure that they are not higher than the cost of congestion occurring in that member state and generated on those road sections , which are subject to the congestion charge . ; ### member states shall put in place adequate mechanisms for monitoring the impact of congestion charges and for reviewing the level thereof . they shall review the level of charges every year , to ensure that they are not higher than the cost of congestion occurring in that member state and generated on those road sections , which are subject to the congestion charge . ;


### in order to promote the use of the cleanest and most efficient vehicles , member states should apply significantly reduced road tolls and user charges to those vehicles . ### in order to promote the use of cleaner and more efficient vehicles , member states should apply significantly reduced road tolls and user charges to those vehicles .


### insofar as user charges are applied in respect of passenger cars , the use of the infrastructure shall be made available at least for the following periods : 10 days , a month or two months or both , and a year . the two - monthly rate shall be no more than 30 % of the annual rate , the monthly rate shall be no more than 18 % of the annual rate , and the 10 - day rate shall be no more than 8 % of the annual rate . ### insofar as user charges are applied in respect of passenger cars , the use of the infrastructure shall be made available at least for the following periods : a day , a week , 10 days , a month or two months or both , and a year . the two - monthly rate shall be no more than 30 % of the annual rate , the monthly rate shall be no more than 18 % of the annual rate , and the 10 - day rate shall be no more than 8 % of the annual rate .


### directive 1999 / 62 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 1999 on the charging of vehicles for the use of road infrastructures ### directive 1999 / 62 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 1999 on the charging of distance - based tolls


### road charges can mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance and development of high quality transport infrastructure . it is therefore appropriate to incentivise member states to use revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , to require that they adequately report on the use of such revenues . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging . ### road charges can mobilise resources that contribute to the financing of the maintenance and development of high quality transport infrastructure . it is therefore appropriate to incentivise member states to use revenues from road charges accordingly and , to this end , to require that they adequately report on the use of such revenues . in the process , member states should ensure that road charge revenues are used in their entirety for road infrastructure measures . that should in particular help identifying possible financing gaps , and raising the public acceptance of road charging .


### ‘ cost of traffic - based noise pollution’ means the cost of the damage caused by the noise emitted by the vehicles or created by their interaction with the road surface ; ### ‘ cost of traffic - based noise pollution’ means the cost of the harm to human health and of the damage caused to the environment by the noise emitted by the vehicles or created by their interaction with the road surface ;


### for minibuses and vans , member states shall comply either with paragraph 2 or with paragraph 3 . member states shall however set higher user charges for minibuses and vans than for passenger cars as from 1 january 2024 at the latest . ; ### for minibuses , vans and vans intended for the carriage of goods , member states shall comply either with paragraph 2 or with paragraph 3 . member states shall however set higher user charges for minibuses , vans and vans intended for the carriage of goods than for passenger cars as from 1 january 2024 at the latest .


### the achievement of the digital single market relies on the underlying digital connectivity infrastructure . the digitalisation of european industry and the modernisation of sectors like transport , energy , healthcare and public administration depend on universal access to reliable , affordable , high and very high capacity networks . digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic , social and territorial divides , supporting the modernisation of local economies and underpinning the diversification of economic activities . the scope of intervention of the programme in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect its increasing importance for the economy and the society at large . therefore , it is necessary to set out the digital connectivity infrastructure projects of common interest needed to meet union ' s digital single market objectives , and to repeal regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council14 __________________ 14 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec . ### the achievement of the digital single market relies on the underlying digital connectivity infrastructure . the digitalisation of european industry and the modernisation of sectors like such as transport , energy , healthcare , security , defence and public administration depend on universal access to reliable , affordable , resilient , high and very high capacity networks . digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic , social and territorial divides , supporting the modernisation of local economies and underpinning the diversification of economic activities . the scope of intervention of the programme in the area of digital connectivity infrastructure should be adjusted to reflect its increasing importance for the economy and the society at large . therefore , it is necessary to set out the digital connectivity infrastructure projects of common interest needed to meet union ' s digital single market objectives , and to repeal regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council14 __________________ 14 regulation no 283 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2014 on guidelines for trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications infrastructure and repealing decision no 1336 / 97 / ec .


### the union should seek coherence and synergies with the union programmes for external policies , including pre - accession assistance following the engagements taken in the context of the communication ' a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced eu engagement with the western balkans ' 23 . __________________ 23 com 65 ### the union should seek coherence and synergies with the union programmes for external policies , including pre - accession assistance following the engagements taken in the context of the communication ' a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced eu engagement with the western balkans ' 23 and the future neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument . __________________ 23 com 65


### in view of their potential to considerably affect the road haulage market , as well as the social protection of workers , serious infringements of union rules on the posting of workers and the law applicable to contractual obligations should be added to the items relevant to the assessment of good repute . ### in view of their potential to considerably affect the road haulage market , as well as the social protection of workers , serious infringements of union rules on the posting of workers , cabotage and the law applicable to contractual obligations should be added to the items relevant to the assessment of good repute .


### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory . ### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings has been increasing particularly on the national transport market , because of the use of light commercial vehicles in towns and on shorter routes . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector , avoid loopholes and create fairer competition on the internal market without imposing unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on transport undertakings , particularly smes , vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes involved in international transport and cabotage operations by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory


### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit should have a minimum level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis . however , since the operations concerned are generally of a limited size , the corresponding requirements should be less demanding than those applicable to operators using vehicles or combinations of vehicles above that limit . ### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit involved in international transport should have a sufficient level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis and have the means to meet their obligations related to their employees in wages and social contributions . however , since the operations concerned are generally of a limited size , the corresponding requirements should be less demanding than those applicable to operators using vehicles or combinations of vehicles above that limit and they should not represent an unnecessary burden for smaller undertakings or self - employed workers .


### currently , member states are entitled to make access to the occupation of road transport operator subject to requirements additional to those specified in regulation no 1071 / 2009 . this possibility has not proven to be necessary in order to respond to imperative needs and has led to divergences in respect of such access . it should therefore be abolished . ### member states are entitled to make access to the occupation of road transport operator subject to requirements additional to those specified in regulation no 1071 / 2009 . this possibility is necessary to provide for a level playing field and common standards across member states .


### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory . ### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules and thus to ensure fair and equal competition between all operators in the sector , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory for all vehicles used in international haulage and cabotage operations , of whatever size .


### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify the provisions regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment . ### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . freedom of establishment is a cornerstone of the internal market . however , the existence of letterbox companies and bogus self - employment within the transport sector have caused a proliferation of illicit practices , which degrade the sector ' s image , since they reduce labour costs illegally and fail to ensure that working standards are maintained . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify , ensure and monitor the implementation of the provisions set out in article 5 of regulation no 1071 / 2009 regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment , step up checks and so put an end to the illegal practice of so - called letterbox companies and bogus self - employment . it is also necessary to foster enhanced cooperation , joint controls , the setting of more ambitious targets and the exchange of best practices between member states .


### in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall , on a permanent basis , be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , they have at their disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 1 800 when only one vehicle is used and eur 900 for each additional vehicle used . ; ### in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall at all times be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used that is over 3 . 5 tonnes . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles the permissible laden mass of which does not exceed 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 900 for each vehicle used .


### the names of the transport managers designated to meet the conditions as to good repute and professional competence or , as appropriate , the name of a legal representative ; ### paragraph - 1 is added as follows : ' for more effective cross - border enforcement , the data contained in the national electronic registers shall be fully accessible in real time to competent authorities from other member states ' ; the names of the transport managers designated to meet the requirements laid down in article 3 relating to good repute and professional competence or , as appropriate , the name of a legal representative ;


### the rules on national transport performed on a temporary basis by non - resident hauliers in a host member state should be clear , simple and easy to enforce , while broadly maintaining the level of liberalisation achieved so far . ### the rules on national transport performed on a temporary basis by non - resident hauliers in a host member state – in order to avoid their having to return empty – should be clear , simple for hauliers to implement and easy to enforce in order to guarantee road transport workers’ rights and promote fair competition between companies without undermining the basic principle of the free movement of services in the internal market .


### member states shall provide for sanctions against consignors , freight forwarders , contractors and subcontractors for non - compliance with chapters ii and iii , where they knowingly commission transport services which involve infringements of this regulation . ### member states shall provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions against consignors , freight forwarders , contractors and subcontractors for non - compliance with chapters ii and iii , where they commission transport services which involve infringements of this regulation .


### define the degree of seriousness of infringements according to their potential to create a risk of fatalities or serious injuries and to distort competition in the road transport market , including by undermining the working conditions of transport workers ; ### define the degree of seriousness of infringements according to their potential to create a risk of fatalities or serious injuries , to distort competition in the road transport market , the threat to the health and safety of the worker posed by the non - compliance with union labour law , including the undermining of the working conditions of transport workers , avoiding the applicable labour and social legislation ;


### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory . ### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , the requirements for access to the profession should become mandatory for operators using vehicles with a permissible laden mass between 2 . 4 tonnes and 3 . 5 tonnes involved in international transport .


### currently , member states are entitled to make access to the occupation of road transport operator subject to requirements additional to those specified in regulation no 1071 / 2009 . this possibility has not proven to be necessary in order to respond to imperative needs and has led to divergences in respect of such access . it should therefore be abolished . ### member states are entitled to make access to the occupation of road transport operator subject to requirements additional to those specified in regulation no 1071 / 2009 .


### ‘ cabotage operation’ means national carriage for hire or reward carried out on a temporary basis in a host member state , involving the carriage from the picking up of the goods at one or several loading points until their delivery at one or several delivery points , as specified in the consignment note ; ### ‘ cabotage operation’ means national carriage for hire or reward carried out on a temporary basis in a host member state , involving the carriage from the picking up of the goods at one loading point until their delivery at one delivery point , as specified in the consignment note ;


### member states shall , at least three times per year , undertake concerted roadside checks on cabotage operations . such checks shall be undertaken at the same time by the national authorities in charge of enforcing the rules in the field of road transport of two or more member states , each operating in its own territory . the national contact points designated in accordance with article 18 of regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council**** shall exchange information on the number and type of infringements detected after the concerted roadside checks have taken place . ### member states shall , at least six times per year , undertake concerted roadside checks on cabotage operations , which may coincide with checks performed in accordance with article 5 of directive 2006 / 22 / ec . such checks shall be undertaken at the same time by the national authorities in charge of enforcing the rules in the field of road transport of two or more member states , each operating in its own territory . the national contact points designated in accordance with article 18 of regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council**** shall exchange information on the number and type of infringements detected after the concerted roadside checks have taken place .


### the carriage of empty containers or pallets shall be considered as carriage of goods for hire or reward whenever it is subject to a transport contract . ; ### the carriage of empty containers or pallets shall not be considered as an international carriage of goods for hire or reward for the purposes of chapter iii . ;


### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit should have a minimum level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis . however , since the operations concerned are generally of a limited size , the corresponding requirements should be less demanding than those applicable to operators using vehicles or combinations of vehicles above that limit . ### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit should have a minimum level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis . the rules applicable to access to the occupation of road haulage operator by means of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes are those set out in regulation no 1071 / 2009 .


### ' in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall , on a permanent basis , be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , they have at their disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 1 800 when only one vehicle is used and eur 900 for each additional vehicle used . ' ; ### ' in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall , on a permanent basis , be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used that is over 3 . 5 tonnes , or eur 1 000 for each additional vehicle with a permissible laden mass which does not exceed 3 . 5 tonnes . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , they have at their disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 1 800 when only one vehicle is used and eur 900 for each additional vehicle used . ' ;


### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings which are active in both national and international transport operations has been increasing . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector using vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory . ### so far , and unless otherwise provided for in national law , the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator do not apply to undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit . the number of such undertakings has been increasing particularly on the national transport market , because of the use of light commercial vehicles in towns and on shorter routes . as a result , several member states have decided to apply the rules on access to the occupation of road transport operator , provided for in regulation no 1071 / 2009 , to those undertakings . to ensure a minimum level of professionalisation of the sector , avoid loopholes and create fairer competition on the internal market without imposing unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on transport undertakings , particularly smes , vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes involved in international transport and cabotage operations by way of common rules , and thus to approximate competitive conditions between all operators , this provision should be deleted , whereas the requirements regarding effective and stable establishment and appropriate financial standing should be rendered mandatory


### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify the provisions regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment . ### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify and strengthen the provisions set out in article 5 of regulation no 1071 / 2009 regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment in order to combat the establishment of so - called letterbox companies .


### once the goods carried in the course of an incoming international carriage from another member state or from a third country to a host member state have been delivered , hauliers referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allowed to carry out , with the same vehicle or , in the case of a coupled combination , the motor vehicle of that same vehicle , cabotage operations in the host member state or in contiguous member states . the last unloading in the course of a cabotage operation shall take place within 5 days from the last unloading in the host member state in the course of the incoming international carriage . ' ; ### once the goods carried in the course of an incoming international carriage from another member state or from a third country to a host member state have been delivered , hauliers referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allowed to carry out , with the same vehicle or , in the case of a coupled combination , the motor vehicle of that same vehicle , cabotage operations in the host member state . the last unloading in the course of a cabotage operation shall take place within three days from the last unloading in the host member state in the course of the incoming international carriage . the vehicles referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall return to the member state of origin within two weeks , at the latest , of the time of exit from that member state .


### each member state shall organise checks in such a way that , as from 1 january 2020 , in every calendar year at least 2 % of all cabotage operations performed in their territory are checked . they shall increase the percentage to at least 3 % from 1 january 2022 . the basis for the calculation of that percentage shall be the total cabotage activity in the member state in terms of tonnes - kilometres in year t - 2 , as reported by eurostat . ### each member state shall organise checks in such a way that , as from 1 january 2020 , in every calendar year at least 4 % of all cabotage operations performed in their territory are checked . they shall increase the percentage to at least 6 % from 1 january 2022 . the basis for the calculation of that percentage shall be the total cabotage activity in the member state in terms of tonnes - kilometres in year t - 2 , as reported by eurostat .


### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify the provisions regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment . ### it is necessary to ensure that road transport operators established in a member state have a real and continuous presence in that member state and conduct their business from there . freedom of establishment is a cornerstone of the internal market . however , the existence of letterbox companies and bogus self - employment within the transport sector have caused a proliferation of illicit practices , which degrade the sector ' s image , since they reduce labour costs illegally and fail to ensure that working standards are maintained . therefore , and in light of experience , it is necessary to clarify , ensure and monitor the implementation of the provisions set out in article 5 of regulation no 1071 / 2009 regarding the existence of an effective and stable establishment , step up checks and so put an end to the illegal practice of so - called letterbox companies and bogus self - employment . it is also necessary to foster enhanced cooperation , joint controls , the setting of more ambitious targets and the exchange of best practices between member states .


### in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall , on a permanent basis , be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or combinations of vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , they have at their disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 1 800 when only one vehicle is used and eur 900 for each additional vehicle used . ; ### in order to satisfy the requirement laid down in article 3 , an undertaking shall at all times be able to meet its financial obligations in the course of the annual accounting year . the undertaking shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 9 000 when only one vehicle is used and eur 5 000 for each additional vehicle used that is over 3 . 5 tonnes . undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles the permissible laden mass of which does not exceed 3 . 5 tonnes shall demonstrate , on the basis of annual accounts certified by an auditor or a duly accredited person , that , every year , it has at its disposal equity capital totalling at least eur 900 for each vehicle used .


### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit should have a minimum level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis . however , since the operations concerned are generally of a limited size , the corresponding requirements should be less demanding than those applicable to operators using vehicles or combinations of vehicles above that limit . ### undertakings engaged in the occupation of road haulage operator solely by means of motor vehicles with a permissible laden mass not exceeding 3 . 5 tonnes or with combinations of vehicles not exceeding that limit involved in international transport should have a sufficient level of financial standing , to ensure that they have the means to carry out operations on a stable and long - lasting basis and have the means to meet their obligations related to their employees in wages and social contributions . however , since the operations concerned are generally of a limited size , the corresponding requirements should be less demanding than those applicable to operators using vehicles or combinations of vehicles above that limit and they should not represent an unnecessary burden for smaller undertakings or self - employed workers .


### to avoid duplication in the training activities for the competent law enforcement personnel , which are carried out by existing european union agencies and other relevant bodies , cepol should assess strategic training needs and address union priorities in the area of internal security and its external aspects , in line with the relevant policy cycles . ### to avoid duplication , uncoordinated initiatives or overlap in the training activities for the competent law enforcement personnel , which are carried out by existing european union agencies and other relevant bodies , cepol should assess strategic training needs and recommends union training priorities in the area of internal security and its external aspects .


### ' law enforcement officers ' means officers of police , customs and of other relevant services , including union bodies , responsible for preventing and combating serious crime affecting two or more member states , terrorism and forms of crime that affect a common interest covered by a union policy and for crisis management and international policing of major events . ### ' law enforcement officials ' means officers of police , customs and of other relevant services , responsible for preventing and combating serious crime affecting two or more member states , terrorism and forms of crime that affect a common interest covered by a union policy , public order , crisis management and international policing of major events , including employees or experts of union institutions , bodies , offices and departments whose competences are related to those tasks .


### support member states and union bodies in law enforcement capacity - building activities in third countries ; ### develop , coordinate and implement training to support member states and union bodies in training law enforcement officials for participation in union missions and law enforcement capacity - building activities in third countries ;


### a european union agency for law enforcement training is hereby established in order to foster a coherent european law enforcement training policy . ### a european union agency for law enforcement training is hereby established to improve mutual cooperation among law enforcement authorities in the union by supporting and implementing training in relation to the prevention , detection and investigation of criminal offences .


### cepol shall support , develop and coordinate training for law enforcement officers , in line with the law enforcement training scheme , in particular in the areas of the fight against serious crime affecting two or more member states and terrorism , management of high - risk public order and sports events , planning and command of union missions , as well as law enforcement leadership and language skills , in order to : ### cepol shall support , develop and coordinate training for law enforcement officers , in particular in the areas of the fight against serious crime affecting two or more member states and terrorism , management of high - risk public order and sport events , planning and command of union missions . activities of cepol shall raise awareness and knowledge of international and union instruments on law enforcement cooperation , union bodies , in particular europol , eurojust and frontex , their functioning and role and judicial aspects of law enforcement cooperation .


### common curricula to raise awareness , address gaps and / or facilitate a common approach in relation to cross - border criminal phenomena ; ### common curricula to raise awareness and knowledge , address gaps and / or facilitate a common approach in relation to cross - border criminal phenomena , in particular with regard to cybercrime , financial investigation , and participation in union missions ;


### no later than 5 years after the date referred to in article 41 and every 5 years thereafter , the commission shall commission an evaluation to assess particularly the impact , effectiveness and efficiency of cepol and its working practices . the evaluation shall , in particular , address the possible need to modify the mandate of cepol , and the financial implications of any such modification . ### no later than 5 years after [ the date of application of this regulation ] and every 5 years thereafter , the commission shall commission an evaluation to assess particularly the impact , effectiveness and efficiency of cepol and its working practices . the evaluation shall , in particular , address the possible need to modify the mandate of cepol , and the financial implications of any such modification .


### cepol shall support , develop and coordinate training for law enforcement officers , in line with the law enforcement training scheme , in particular in the areas of the fight against serious crime affecting two or more member states and terrorism , management of high - risk public order and sports events , planning and command of union missions , as well as law enforcement leadership and language skills , in order to : ### cepol shall support , develop , implement and coordinate training for law enforcement officers , in line with the law enforcement training scheme , in particular in the areas of the prevention of and fight against serious crime affecting two or more member states and terrorism , management of high - risk public order and sports events , planning and command of union missions , as well as law enforcement leadership and language skills , in order to :


### by 31 december 2024 at the latest , the commission shall examine the target laid down in paragraph 5 with a view to reducing it and introducing restrictions to the landfilling of non - hazardous waste other than municipal waste . to this end , a report of the commission accompanied by a proposal , if appropriate , shall be sent to the european parliament and the council . ' ; ### by 31 december 2024 at the latest , the commission shall examine the target laid down in paragraph 5 with a view to reducing it and introducing restrictions to the landfilling of non - hazardous waste other than municipal waste , provided efficient and sustainable alternatives exist . to this end , a report of the commission accompanied by a proposal , if appropriate , shall be sent to the european parliament and the council . ' ;


### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union’s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive . ### progressive restriction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste , such as through energy recovery or low - grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union’s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such an obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive .


### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive . ### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in the light of the recent investments made in some member states leading to over capacities of residual waste facilities , it is essential to give today a clear signal to the waste operators and to the member states to avoid ' regret ' investments incompatible with the long term targets set in the landfill and waste framework directives . for these reasons a limit for incineration of municipal waste in line with the preparation for reuse and recycling targets in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and article 5 of directive 1999 / 31 / ec may be considered in order to apply and put the waste hierarchy into action . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive .


### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion . ### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises , which are responsible for more than 80% of job creation in the european union . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion


### the eu guarantee shall be granted for eib financing and investment operations approved by the investment committee referred to in article 3 or funding to the eif in order to conduct eib financing and investment operations in accordance with article 7 . the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies and support any of the following general objectives : ### the eu guarantee shall be granted for eib financing and investment operations approved by the investment committee referred to in article 3 or funding to the eif in order to conduct eib financing and investment operations in accordance with article 7 . the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies , seek to ensure sustainability and support one of the following general objectives :


### in order to allow for further increase in its resources , participation in the efsi should be open to third parties , including member states , national promotional banks or public agencies owned or controlled by member states , private sector entities and entities outside the union subject to the consent of existing contributors . third parties may contribute directly to the efsi and take part in the efsi governance structure . ### in order to allow for further increase in its resources , participation in the efsi should be open to third parties , including member states , national promotional banks or public agencies owned or controlled by member states or regional institutions , private sector entities and entities outside the union subject to the consent of existing contributors . third parties may contribute directly to the efsi and take part in the efsi governance structure .


### the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and potential future investment projects in the union . the pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to article 3 . ### the commission and the eib , &#160 ; based on proposals&#160 ; from the member states , shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and potential future investment projects in the union . the pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to article 3 .


### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects . ### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , unfortunately with an insufficient impact on employment and poverty levels . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further and complementary action is thus required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects , with a strong focus on their growth - and job - creation potential .


### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . ### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on micro , small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib .


### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . ### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for union - based companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . the overall objective of the efsi shall be to promote and guarantee sustainable and long - term growth and job creation in the union .


### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . ### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , which provide over 80% of jobs in the european union , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib .


### to partially finance the contribution from the union budget , the available envelopes of the horizon 2020 – the framework programme for research and innovation 2014 - 2020 , provided by regulation no 1291 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council2 , and the connecting europe facility , provided by regulation no 1316 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council3 , should be reduced . those programmes serve purposes that are not replicated by the efsi . however , the reduction of both programmes to finance the guarantee fund is expected to ensure a greater investment in certain areas of their respective mandates than is possible through the existing programmes . the efsi should be able to leverage the eu guarantee to multiply the financial effect within those areas of research , development and innovation and transport , telecommunications and energy infrastructure compared to if the resources had been spent via grants within the planned horizon 2020 and connecting europe facility programmes . it is , therefore , appropriate to redirect part of the funding presently envisaged for those programmes to the benefit of efsi . __________________ 2 regulation no 1291 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and repealing decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec . 3 regulation no 1316 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 . ### to partially finance the contribution from the union budget , the available envelopes of the horizon 2020 – the framework programme for research and innovation 2014 - 2020 , provided by regulation no 1291 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council2 , and the connecting europe facility , provided by regulation no 1316 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council3 , should be reduced . those programmes serve purposes that are not replicated by the efsi . however , the reduction of both programmes to finance the guarantee fund is expected to ensure a greater investment in certain areas of their respective mandates than is possible through the existing programmes . the efsi should be able to leverage the eu guarantee to multiply the financial effect within those areas of research , development and innovation and transport , telecommunications and energy infrastructure compared to if the resources had been spent via grants within the planned horizon 2020 and connecting europe facility programmes . it is , therefore , appropriate to redirect part of the funding presently envisaged for those programmes to the benefit of efsi , without sacrificing the initial objectives of those programmes . __________________ 2 regulation no 1291 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and repealing decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec . 3 regulation no 1316 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing the connecting europe facility , amending regulation no 913 / 2010 and repealing regulations no 680 / 2007 and no 67 / 2010 .


### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub should be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . this should establish a single point of entry for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union . ### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub should be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . this should establish a single point of entry for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union , access to which shall be fostered by a multilingual and further decentralised approach to support effective dissemination of information .


### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , member states may use european structural investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects that are supported by the eu guarantee . the flexibility of this approach should maximise the potential to attract investors to the areas of investment targeted by the efsi . ### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , including state aid rules and financing ceilings , member states may use european structural investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects that are supported by the eu guarantee . the flexibility of this approach should maximise the potential to attract investors to the areas of investment targeted by the efsi .


### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions . ### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions . in connection with the pipeline , value will be attached to the protection of essential business secrets .


### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions . ### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable and transparent information on which to base their investment decisions .


### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , member states may use european structural and investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects in which the eib is investing with the support of the eu guarantee . ### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , including state aid rules and financing ceilings , member states may use european structural and investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects in which the eib is investing with the support of the eu guarantee .


### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub should be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . this should establish a single point of entry for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union . ### alongside the financing operations that will be conducted through the efsi , a european investment advisory hub should be created . the eiah should provide strengthened support for project development and preparation across the union , by building on the expertise of the commission , the eib , national promotional banks , the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds and smes . this should establish a single point of entry for smes and for questions related to technical assistance for investments within the union .


### where , at external land and sea borders , the checks referred to in points a ) and b ) of the first subparagraph would have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic , member states may carry out those checks on a targeted basis based on an assessment of the risks related to internal security , public policy , international relations of any of the member states or a threat to public health . ### where the consultation of the databases referred to in points and of paragraph 2 would have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic , member states may decide to carry out those consultations on a targeted basis at specified border crossing points based on an assessment of the risks related to internal security , public policy , international relations of any of the member states or a threat to public health . the scope and duration of the temporary introduction of targeted checks shall not exceed what is strictly necessary and shall be defined in accordance with a risk assessment carried out by the member state concerned . the risk assessment shall be based on a set of criteria and clear indicators which shall be developed by the commission in close cooperation with the council and the eu counter - terrorism coordinator , by [ one month after the entry into force of this regulation ] . the risk assessment shall provide the reasons for the temporary introduction of targeted checks and shall take into account , inter alia , the disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic . the risk assessment shall assess the possible risks and provide statistics on passengers and incidents related to cross - border crime . the risk assessment shall be updated regularly . as regards land and sea borders , the derogation shall not apply for longer than three months in any year . the member state concerned shall without delay transmit its risk assessment and any updates thereto to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by regulation no 2007 / 2004 and to the commission and shall report every three months to the commission and to the agency on the application of the checks carried out on a targeted basis . the member state concerned may classify the risk assessment or parts thereof .


### where there is doubt on the authenticity of the travel document or on the identity of its holder , the checks shall include the verification of the biometric identifiers integrated in the passports and travel documents issued in accordance with council regulation no 2252 / 2004* . ____________________ * council regulation no 2252 / 2004 of 13 december 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by member states . ' ### where there is doubt on the authenticity of the travel document or on the identity of its holder , the checks shall include the verification of the biometric identifiers integrated in the passports and travel documents issued in accordance with council regulation no 2252 / 2004 . where possible , such verification shall also be carried out regarding travel documents not covered by this regulation .


### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . it is therefore possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . _________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union . ### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . automatic border control gates should be installed . the use of passenger information received in accordance with council directive 2004 / 82 / ec7a , or with other union or national law , may also contribute to speeding up the process of required controls during the border - crossing process . it is therefore possible without disproportionate negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at the external borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states concerned should be able to carry out targeted checks against all relevant databases , based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be based on a set of criteria and clear indicators to be developed by the commission in close cooperation with the council and the eu counter - terrorism coordinator , not later than one month after the date of entry into force of this regulation . the risk analysis should be immediately transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 , to the commission and to any member states with shared borders . the risk analysis should also be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . the derogation should , however , apply only for a limited transitional period regarding air borders . as regards land and sea borders , the derogation should not apply for longer than strictly necessary and , in any event , for no longer than three months in any year . _________________ 7a council directive of 29 april 2004 on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data . 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the members states of the european union .


### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . it is therefore possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . ____________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union . ### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . automatic border control gates should be installed . the use of passenger information received in accordance with council directive 2004 / 82 / ec7a , or in accordance with other union or national law , may also contribute to speeding up the process of required controls during the border crossing process . it is therefore possible without disproportionate negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states concerned may be allowed to carry out targeted checks against all relevant databases , based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 , to the european commission and to any member states with shared borders ; it should also be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . this derogation should , however , only apply for a limited transitional period regarding all borders . ___________________________ 7a council directive 2004 / 82 / ec of 29 april 2004 on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data . 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union .


### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . it is therefore possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . _________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union . ### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . therefore , synergies and convergence between information systems and their corresponding infrastructure for union border management and for customs operations should be structurally improved by making data management in the union more effective , efficient , interoperable and compatible , with full respect for data protection requirements , in order to better protect the external borders and enhance the internal security of the union , for the benefit of all citizens . it is also possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . _________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union .


### where there is doubt on the authenticity of the travel document or on the identity of its holder , the checks shall include the verification of the biometric identifiers integrated in the passports and travel documents issued in accordance with council regulation no 2252 / 2004* . ### checks on the authenticity of the travel document or on the identity of its holder shall include the systematic verification of the biometric identifiers integrated in the passports and travel documents issued in accordance with council regulation no 2252 / 2004* .


### since the objective of this regulation , namely reinforcing the checks against databases at external borders in reply in particular to the increase of the terrorist threat concerns one of the safeguards of the area without internal border control and as such concerns the proper functioning of the schengen area , it cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives . ### since the objective of this regulation , namely reinforcing the checks against databases at external borders in reply in particular to the increase of the terrorist threat concerns one of the safeguards of the european union and as such concerns the proper functioning of the schengen area , it cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states individually , but can rather be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives .


### with council regulation no 2252 / 20049 , the union introduced the facial image and fingerprints as security elements in the passport of union citizens . these security features have been introduced in order to render the passports more secure and establish a reliable link between the holder and the passport . member states should therefore verify these biometric identifiers , in case of doubts on the authenticity of the passport or on the identity of its holder . _________________ 9 council regulation no 2252 / 2004 of 13 december 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by member states . ### with council regulation no 2252 / 20049 , the union introduced the facial image and fingerprints as security elements in the passport of union citizens . these security features have been introduced in order to render the passports more secure and establish a reliable link between the holder and the passport . member states should therefore systematically verify these biometric identifiers on the authenticity of the passport or on the identity of its holder . the same verification should apply , where possible , to third - country nationals . _________________ 9 council regulation no 2252 / 2004 of 13 december 2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by member states .


### with council regulation no 2252 / 20049 , the union introduced the facial image and fingerprints as security elements in the passport of union citizens . these security features have been introduced in order to render the passports more secure and establish a reliable link between the holder and the passport . member states should therefore verify these biometric identifiers , in case of doubts on the authenticity of the passport or on the identity of its holder . ### with council regulation no 2252 / 20049 , the union introduced the facial image and fingerprints as security elements in the passport of union citizens . these security features have been introduced in order to render the passports more secure and establish a reliable link between the holder and the passport . member states should therefore verify at least one of these biometric identifiers , in case of doubts on the authenticity of the travel document or on the identity of its holder . the same verification should apply , where possible , to third country nationals .