### each measure under the cap should be subject to monitoring and evaluation in order to improve its quality and demonstrate its achievements . in this context a list of indicators should be determined and the impact of the cap policy assessed by the commission in relation to policy objectives . the commission should set up a framework for a common monitoring and evaluation ensuring among others that relevant data , including information from member states is available on a timely manner . in so doing it should take into account the data needs and synergies between potential data sources . moreover , the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions : a budget for europe 2020 - part ii stated that the climate related expenditure in the overall union budget should increase to at least 20% , with contribution from different policies . the commission should therefore be able to assess the impact of the union ' s support in the framework of the cap to climate objectives . ### each measure under the cap should be subject to monitoring and evaluation in order to improve its quality and demonstrate its achievements . in this context a list of indicators should be determined and the impact of the cap policy assessed by the commission in relation to policy objectives . the commission should set up a framework for a common monitoring and evaluation ensuring among others that relevant data , including information from member states is available on a timely manner . in so doing it should take into account the data needs and synergies between potential data sources and draw as far as possible on existing data sources . in addition , the monitoring and evaluation framework must take account of and properly reflect the structure of the cap . the monitoring and evaluation framework for the second pillar cannot be applied to the first pillar , in particular because under the first pillar there is scope for generating synergies , given the comparably uniform nature of the measures . proper account should be taken of this . moreover , the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions : a budget for europe 2020 - part ii stated that the climate related expenditure in the overall union budget should increase to at least 20% , with contribution from different policies . the commission should therefore be able to assess the impact of the union ' s support in the framework of the cap to climate objectives .


### a summary of the results of all available audits and checks carried out , including an analysis of systematic or recurrent weaknesses as well as corrective actions taken or planned . ### a summary of : the results of all available audits ; the control statistics reported in accordance with article 102 ; and other checks considered relevant .


### when sectoral agricultural legislation requires member states to submit , within a specific period of time , information on the numbers of checks carried out and their outcome and the member states overrun that period , the commission may suspend the monthly payments referred to in article 18 or the interim payments referred to in article 35 for which the relevant statistical information has not been sent in time . ### when sectoral agricultural legislation requires member states to submit , within a specific period of time , information on the numbers of checks carried out and their outcome and the member states overrun that period , the commission may suspend the monthly payments referred to in article 18 or the interim payments referred to in article 35 for which the relevant statistical information has not been sent in time , provided that the commission has made all the information , forms and explanations they need to compile the relevant statistics available to the member states in good time prior to the start of the reference period .


### before the adoption of any decision to refuse financing , the findings from the commission ' s inspection and the member state ' s replies shall be notified in writing , following which the two parties shall attempt to reach agreement on the action to be taken . ### before the adoption of any decision to refuse financing , the findings from the commission ' s inspection and the member state ' s replies shall be notified in writing , following which the two parties shall attempt to reach agreement on the action to be taken . in this context the member states shall be given the opportunity to demonstrate , through an examination of the documentation concerned , that the actual extent of irregularity is less than the commission ' s assessment .


### if agreement is not reached , the member state may request opening of a procedure aimed at reconciling each party ' s position within four months . a report of the outcome of the procedure shall be given to the commission , which shall examine it before deciding on any refusal of financing . ### if agreement is not reached , the member state may request the opening of a procedure aimed at reconciling each party ' s position within four months . a report of the outcome of the procedure shall be given to the commission , which shall take it into account before deciding on any refusal of financing .


### national aids or infringements for which the procedure laid down in article 108 or article 258 of the treaty respectively has begun ; ### national aids for which the procedure laid down in article 108 of the treaty has been initiated by the commission or infringements for which the commission has notified by a letter of formal notice to the member state in accordance with article 258 of the treaty ;


### for any undue payment following the occurrence of irregularity or negligence , member states shall request recovery from the beneficiary within one year of the first indication that such an irregular has taken place and shall record the corresponding amounts in the debtors ' ledger of the paying agency . ### for any undue payment following the occurrence of irregularity or negligence , member states shall request recovery from the beneficiary within one year of the first indication that such an irregularity has taken place and shall record the corresponding amounts in the debtors ' ledger of the paying agency . the commission shall take all necessary measures to ensure that all debts are registered .


### if the costs already and likely to be incurred total more than the amount to be recovered , or ### if the costs already and likely to be incurred total more than the amount to be recovered this condition shall be deemed to have been met if the amount to be recovered from the beneficiary in the context of a single payment does not exceed eur 300 .


### in order to ensure correct and efficient application of the provisions relating to recovery set out in this section , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated act in accordance with article 111 concerning specific obligations to be complied with by the member states . ### in order to ensure correct and efficient application of the provisions relating to the conditions and procedures for the recovery of debts and default interest thereon set out in this section , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated act in accordance with article 111 concerning specific obligations to be complied with by the member states .


### offer effective prevention against fraud , especially as regards the areas with a higher level of risk , and which shall act as a deterrent , having regard to the costs and benefits as well as the proportionality of the measures ; ### ensure effective prevention against fraud , especially as regards the areas with a higher level of risk , and which shall act as a deterrent , having regard to the costs and benefits as well as the proportionality of the measures ;


### the rules on the minimum level of on - the - spot checks necessary for an effective management of the risks , as well as the conditions under which member states have to increase such checks , or may reduce them where the management and control systems function properly and the error rates are at an acceptable level ; ### the rules on the minimum level of on - the - spot checks necessary for an effective management of the risks , as well as the conditions under which member states have to increase such checks , or may reduce them where the management and control systems function properly and the error rates are at an acceptable level . the european court of auditors may assess the commission ' s criteria for justifying a reduction of these checks ;


### the amounts concerned by the withdrawal referred to in paragraph 1 and by the penalties referred to in paragraph 2 shall be recovered in full . ### the amounts concerned by the withdrawal referred to in paragraph 1 and by the penalties referred to in paragraph 2 shall be recovered in full , without prejudice to article 56 .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural area , including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land , on the basis of annex ii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . member states shall not define minimum requirements which are not established in annex ii . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural area , including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land , requiring concrete and regular activities , on the basis of annex ii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . member states shall not define minimum requirements which are not established in annex ii .


### for the calculation of those reductions and exclusions account shall be taken of the severity , extent , permanence and reoccurrence of the non - compliance found as well as of the criteria set out in paragraphs 2 , 3 and 4 . ### for the calculation of those reductions and exclusions account shall be taken of the severity , extent , permanence and reoccurrence of the non - compliance found as well as of the criteria set out in paragraphs 2 , 3 and 4 . as a general principle , the penalty will be proportional to or dependent on the seriousness and the consequences of the breach of cross compliance obligations .


### in the case of non compliance due to negligence , the percentage of reduction shall not exceed 5 % and , in the case of repeated non - compliance , 15 % . in duly justified cases member states may decide that no reduction shall be applied where , given its severity , extent and duration , a case of non - compliance is to be considered as minor . however , cases of non - compliance which constitute a direct risk to public or animal health shall not be considered as minor . the finding and the obligation to take remedial action shall be notified to the beneficiary . ### in the case of non compliance due to negligence , the percentage of reduction shall be at least 5 % and , in the case of repeated non - compliance , at least 15 % .


### a common monitoring and evaluation framework shall be established with a view to measuring the performance of the common agricultural policy . it shall include all instruments related to the monitoring and evaluation of common agricultural policy measures and in particular of the direct payments provided for in regulation no dp / xxx , the market measures provided for in regulation no cmo / xxx , the rural development measures provided for in regulation no rd / xxx and of the application of the cross compliance provided for in this regulation . ### a common monitoring and evaluation framework shall be established with a view to measuring the performance of the common agricultural policy . it shall include all instruments related to the monitoring and evaluation of common agricultural policy measures and in particular of the direct payments provided for in regulation no dp / xxx , the market measures provided for in regulation no cmo / xxx , the rural development measures provided for in regulation no rd / xxx and of the application of the cross compliance provided for in this regulation . in this process the commission shall exploit synergies and rely as far as possible on already available data and data sources .


### the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , rules on the information to be sent by the member states , as well as on the data needs and synergies between potential data sources . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 112 . ### the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , rules on the information to be sent by the member states , as well as on the data needs and synergies between potential data sources . these implementing acts must not lead to any further increase in the administrative burden on member states and the beneficiaries . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 112 .


### it is essential that union priority objectives for 2020 are established , in light of a long - term vision for 2050 . the new programme should build on policy initiatives in the europe 2020 strategy4 , including the eu climate and energy package5 , the roadmap for moving to a low - carbon economy in 20506 , the eu biodiversity strategy to 20207 , the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe8 and the innovation union flagship initiative9 . ### it is essential that union priority objectives for 2020 are established , in light of a long - term vision for 2050 . the new programme should build on already adopted policy initiatives in the europe 2020 strategy4 , including the eu climate and energy package5 , the eu biodiversity strategy to 20207 , the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe8 , the innovation union flagship initiative9 as well as proposal for 2030 framework for climate and energy policies by the european commission .


### it is essential that union priority objectives for 2020 are established , in light of a long - term vision for 2050 . the new programme should build on policy initiatives in the europe 2020 strategy , including the eu climate and energy package , the roadmap for moving to a low - carbon economy in 2050 , the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 , the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe and the innovation union flagship initiative . ### it is essential that union priority objectives for 2020 are established , in light of a clear long - term vision for 2050 , in order to provide a stable environment for investment and growth . the new programme should build on policy initiatives in the europe 2020 strategy , including the eu climate and energy package , the roadmap for moving to a low - carbon economy in 2050 , the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 , the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe and the innovation union flagship initiative .


### the union has agreed to achieve a reduction of eu greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20 % by 2020 ; to ensure that 20 % of energy consumption comes from renewable energy by 2020 ; and a 20 % cut in primary energy use compared with projected levels , to be achieved by improving energy efficiency10 . ### the union has agreed to achieve a reduction of eu greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20 % by 2020 ; to ensure that 20 % of energy consumption comes from renewable energy by 2020 ; and a 20 % cut in primary energy use compared with projected levels , to be achieved by improving energy efficiency10 . these pledges should continue to apply on the basis of the existing climate and energy policy framework , which sets binding targets for 2030 , in order to ensure that long - term climate - policy objectives can be achieved in a cost - effective manner .


### action to deliver the priority objectives should be taken at different levels of governance , in line with the principle of subsidiarity . ### action to deliver the priority objectives should be taken at different levels of governance , in line with the principle of subsidiarity and the latest scientific developments .


### biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems in the union have important implications for the environment and are costly for society as a whole , particularly for economic actors in sectors that depend directly on ecosystem services . ### biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems in the union have important implications for the environment and human wellbeing and are costly for society as a whole , particularly for economic actors in sectors that depend directly on ecosystem services . biodiversity threats also represent a challenge for the union in terms of its responsibility towards the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories , which are ' biodiversity hotspots ' 1 , and towards the rest of the world in relation to europe’s ecological footprint outside the union’s borders . _______________ 1 ‘ biodiversity hotspots’ are geographical areas in which biodiversity is under threat . the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories are home to 70% of europe’s biodiversity and to more endemic species than continental europe as a whole .


### there is significant scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resource efficiency in the union . this will ease pressures on the environment and bring increased competitiveness and new sources of growth and jobs through cost savings from improved efficiency , commercialisation of innovations and better management of resources over their whole life cycle . ### there is significant scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy and resource efficiency in the union . this will ease pressures on the environment and bring increased competitiveness and new sources of growth and jobs through cost savings from improved efficiency , commercialisation of innovations and better management of resources over their whole life cycle .


### environmental problems and impacts continue to pose significant risks for human health and wellbeing , whereas measures to improve the state of the environment can be beneficial . ### environmental problems and impacts increasingly pose significant risks for human health and wellbeing , especially regarding the quality and security of the food supply , whereas measures to improve the state of the environment can be beneficial .


### the full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the union is a sound investment for the environment and human health , and also for the economy . ### the full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the union is a sound investment for the environment , a secure food supply , and human health , and also for the economy .


### the union and its member states are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the priority objectives set out in this programme . they shall pursue a coherent approach to addressing the challenges identified . action shall be taken with due account of the principle of subsidiarity and at the level best suited to achieving the priority objectives and related outcomes set out in this programme . ### the union and its member states are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the priority objectives set out in this programme . they shall pursue a coherent approach to addressing the challenges identified . action shall be taken with due regard for the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality and at the level best suited to achieving the priority objectives and related outcomes set out in this programme .


### considerable headway has also been made in integrating environmental objectives into other union policies and activities . the reformed common agricultural policy has , since 2003 , linked direct payments to requirements for farmers to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition and to comply with relevant environmental legislation . fighting climate change has become an integral part of energy policy and progress is being made on integrating resource efficiency , climate change and energy efficiency concerns into other key sectors , such as transport and buildings . ### considerable headway has also been made in integrating environmental objectives into other union policies and activities . the reformed common agricultural policy has , since 2003 , linked direct payments to requirements for farmers to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition and to comply with relevant environmental legislation . fighting climate change has become an integral part of energy policy and progress is being made on integrating resource efficiency , climate change and energy efficiency concerns into other key sectors , such as transport and buildings . in future , however , greater attention must be paid to implementing cross - compliance more effectively .


### together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy , rising global demand for goods and services and depletion of resources is increasing the cost of essential raw materials , minerals and energy , generating more pollution and waste , increasing global ghg emissions and driving land degradation , deforestation and biodiversity loss . nearly two - thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity , climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed . there is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency . there is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems , with high costs . in 2011 , disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion euros . the oecd has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs . ### together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy , rising global demand for goods and services , the lack of provision for sustainable resource management at international level and the depletion of some resources are increasing the cost of essential raw materials , minerals and energy , generating more pollution and waste , increasing global ghg emissions and driving land degradation , deforestation and biodiversity loss . nearly two - thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity , climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed . there is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency . there is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems , with high costs . in 2011 , disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion euros . the oecd has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs .


### the following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020 : in 2050 , we live well , within the planet’s ecological limits . our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative , circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience . our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use , setting the pace for a global sustainable economy . ### the following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020 : in 2050 , we live well , within the planet’s ecological limits . our well - being and healthy environment stem from an innovative , circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience . the biodiversity and ecosystem services are protected , valued and appropriately restored . our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use , setting the pace for a global sustainable economy .


### the eu has set this transformation in motion with long - term , integrated strategies to halt biodiversity loss27 , improve resource efficiency28 and expedite the transition towards a low - carbon economy29 . the commission has further integrated environmental concerns and objectives in recent initiatives taken in other key policy areas , including energy30 and transport31 , and sought to enhance the delivery of environmental benefits through reforms of eu policies for agriculture and rural development , fisheries and cohesion , building on achievements to date . ### the eu has set this transformation in motion with long - term , integrated strategies to halt biodiversity loss , improve resource efficiency and expedite the transition towards a low - carbon economy . the commission has further integrated environmental concerns and objectives in recent initiatives taken in other key policy areas , including energy and transport , and sought to enhance the delivery of environmental benefits through reforms of eu policies for agriculture and rural development , fisheries and cohesion , building on achievements to date . in that connection , however , greater attention must be paid to the implementation of the provisions on cross - compliance .


### in many cases , action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national , regional or local level , in line with the principle of subsidiarity . in others , additional measures at eu level will be needed . since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the eu , one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities . clear goals and objectives also provide policy makers and other stakeholders , including regions and cities , businesses and social partners , and individual citizens , with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action . ### in many cases , action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national , regional or local level , in line with the principle of subsidiarity , with the proviso that the public must be given a proper say in discussions on environmental issues . in others , additional measures at eu level will be needed . since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the eu , one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities . clear goals and objectives also provide policy makers and other stakeholders , including regions and cities , businesses and social partners , and individual citizens , with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action .


### in many cases , action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national , regional or local level , in line with the principle of subsidiarity . in others , additional measures at eu level will be needed . since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the eu , one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities . clear goals and objectives also provide policy makers and other stakeholders , including regions and cities , businesses and social partners , and individual citizens , with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action . ### in many cases , action to achieve these objectives will be required primarily at national , regional or local level , in line with the principle of subsidiarity . in others , additional measures at eu level will be needed . since environment policy is a sphere of shared competence in the eu , one of the purposes of this programme is to create common ownership of shared goals and objectives and ensure a level playing field for businesses and public authorities . clear goals and objectives and the exchange of best practice also provide policy makers and other stakeholders , including regions and cities , businesses and social partners , and individual citizens , with a sense of direction and a predictable framework for action .


### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its natural capital , which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to productive land and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , species and habitats . ### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its citizens and by its natural capital , which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to productive land and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , species and habitats .


### however , recent assessments show that biodiversity in the eu is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded . the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to reverse these negative trends and to enhance ecosystem services . it must be implemented in full to enable the eu to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020 . whereas the strategy includes built - in measures to improve the implementation of the birds and habitats directives , including the natura 2000 network , reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital . ### however , recent assessments show that biodiversity in the eu is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded . the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to reverse these negative trends and to enhance ecosystem services . it must be implemented in full to enable the eu to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020 . whereas the strategy includes built - in measures to improve the implementation of the birds and habitats directives , including the natura 2000 network , reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital . the commission should therefore ensure that natura 2000 network conservation management plans meet the criteria laid down in article 6 of the habitats directive . the active participation of land owners and land users is also required with a view to getting them involved in policies to preserve biodiversity .


### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation . ### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . for that reason , the provisions on cross - compliance should also encompass the wfd . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation .


### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation . ### despite considerable efforts to date , the wfd target of achieving ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 is also coming under severe pressure , inter alia due to continuing human threats such as overfishing , pollution and marine litter , combined with the effects of global warming . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation .


### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission ' s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas . ### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with objective and measurable criteria laid down in the wfd . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas . a key component of sustainable agriculture is resource - efficient and productive land use consistent with the interests of future generations .


### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission’s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas . ### enhancing the sustainable use of eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission’s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas .


### in the case of the marine environment , while the maritime sector offers economic opportunities , from fishing , shipping and aquaculture to raw materials and offshore energy and marine biotechnology , care needs to be taken to ensure their exploitation is compatible with the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems . ### the union has a primary responsibility for the marine environment , given that it has the world ' s largest maritime domain , not least because of its overseas countries and territories . while the maritime sector offers economic opportunities , from fishing , shipping and aquaculture to raw materials and offshore energy and marine biotechnology , care needs to be taken to ensure their exploitation is compatible with the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems . the marine environment is also lagging far behind in terms of protection , as the natura 2000 marine environment network , which was scheduled for completion in 20121 , is still neither ecologically coherent nor operational . member states have made considerable efforts to extend the natura 2000 marine network on the basis of existing scientific knowledge and implement programmes to acquire the scientific data on the marine environment required in order to complete the network , and those efforts must be continued . marine protected areas , in particular in the mediterranean , need to be managed more efficiently . _______________ 1 com0216 of 22 may 2006 .


### the impacts of pressures on fresh , transitional and coastal waters are significantly reduced to achieve , maintain or enhance good status as defined by the water framework directive . ### the impacts of pressures on fresh , transitional and coastal waters are significantly reduced , inter alia by means of cross - cutting measures , to achieve , maintain or enhance good status as defined by the water framework directive .


### forests and the services they provide are protected and their resilience to climate change and fires is improved . ### forests are sustainably managed to safeguard the services they provide and to improve their resilience to climate change , fires , storms , pests and diseases .


### fully implementing the blueprint to safeguard europe’s water resources . ### fully implementing the water framework directive and the blueprint to safeguard europe’s water resources , inter alia by means of cross - compliance measures .


### increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives . ### increasing efforts at national level to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives . increasing efforts at national level to reduce land use and maintain agricultural land for the production of feed and food and renewable raw materials .


### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives . ### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the commission’s proposals for roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy , the 2050 energy roadmap and the white paper on transport are key starting points for setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives within new , global climate agreement to be concluded in 2015 .


### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives . ### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe , the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy and the exchange of best practice between member states are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives .


### the europe 2020 strategy’s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives . ### the ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives .


### this key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio - economic benefits . potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a low carbon and resource - efficient economy is key for delivering the europe 2020 employment objectives . employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the eu has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years . the global market for eco - industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion euros , and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years . european companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand , supported by the eco - innovation action plan . for example , the european renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400 , 000 new jobs by 2020 . 49 ### this key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio - economic benefits . potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a safe and sustainable low carbon and resource - efficient economy is key for delivering the europe 2020 employment objectives . employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the eu has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years . the global market for eco - industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion euros , and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years . european companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand , supported by the eco - innovation action plan . for example , the european renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400 , 000 new jobs by 2020 . 49


### this key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio - economic benefits . potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a low carbon and resource - efficient economy is key for delivering the europe 2020 employment objectives . employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the eu has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years . the global market for eco - industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion euros , and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years . european companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand , supported by the eco - innovation action plan . for example , the european renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400 , 000 new jobs by 2020 . ### this key requirement for meeting the environmental challenge also has important socio - economic benefits , and environmental policy needs to be used to lever business competitiveness and give eu industry a boost . potential job growth brought about by the transformation to a low carbon and resource - efficient economy is key for delivering the europe 2020 employment objectives . employment in environmental technologies and service sectors in the eu has been growing by around 3 % annually over recent years . the global market for eco - industries is estimated to be worth at least a trillion euros , and is forecast to almost double over the next 10 years . european companies already have a global lead in recycling and energy efficiency and should be encouraged to benefit from this growth in global demand , supported by the eco - innovation action plan . for example , the european renewables sector alone is expected to generate more than 400 , 000 new jobs by 2020 .


### measures will also be taken to further improve the environmental performance of goods and services on the eu market over their whole life cycle through measures to increase the supply of environmentally sustainable products and stimulate a significant shift in consumer demand for these products . this will be achieved using a balanced mix of incentives for consumers and businesses , including smes , market - based instruments and regulations to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and products . existing product legislation such as the ecodesign and energy label directives and the ecolabel regulation will be reviewed with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle , thus ensuring a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption in the eu . ### measures will also be taken to further improve the environmental performance of goods and services on the eu market over their whole life cycle through measures to increase the supply of environmentally sustainable products and stimulate a significant shift in consumer demand for these products . this will be achieved using a balanced mix of incentives for consumers and businesses , including smes , market - based instruments and regulations to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and products . in this connection , a suitable framework needs to be introduced at eu and national level to help smes , which make up the majority of eu firms , to improve their environmental performance1 . the measures provided for as part of that framework should include awareness - raising campaigns and technical / financial assistance programmes targeted specifically at smes . existing product legislation such as the ecodesign and energy label directives and the ecolabel regulation will be reviewed with a view to establishing a simplified , unified and comprehensive environmental labelling system , optimising packaging , improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle , thus ensuring a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption in the eu and encouraging both businesses and individuals to act in a more responsible manner . efforts need to be made to establish a harmonised eu method for calculating the environmental footprint of products . _______________ 1in accordance with principle ix of the small business act for europe , com0394 of 19 june 2008 .


### there is also considerable potential for improving waste management in the eu to make better use of resources , open up new markets , create new jobs and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials , while having lower impacts on the environment . each year in the eu , 2 . 7 billion tonnes of waste are produced , of which 98 million tonnes is hazardous . on average , only 40 % of solid waste is re - used or recycled . the rest goes to landfill or incineration . in some member states , more than 70 % of waste is recycled , showing how waste could be used as one of the eu ' s key resources . at the same time , many member states landfill over 75 % of their municipal waste . ### there is also considerable potential for improving waste management in the eu to make better use of resources , open up new markets , create new jobs and reduce dependence on imports of raw materials , while having lower impacts on the environment . each year in the eu , 2 . 7 billion tonnes of waste are produced , of which 98 million tonnes is hazardous . on average , only 40 % of solid waste is prepared for re - use or recycled . the rest goes to landfill or incineration . in some member states , more than 70 % of municipal waste is recycled , showing how waste could be used as one of the eu ' s key resources . at the same time , many member states landfill over 75 % of their municipal waste .


### turning waste into a resource , as called for in the resource efficiency roadmap , requires the full implementation of eu waste legislation across the eu , based on strict application of the waste hierarchy and covering different types of waste . additional efforts are needed to : reduce per capita waste generation in absolute terms , limit energy recovery to non - recyclable materials , phase out landfilling , ensure high quality recycling , and develop markets for secondary raw materials . hazardous waste will need to be managed so as to minimise significant adverse effects on human health and the environment , as agreed at the rio + 20 summit . to achieve this , market - based instruments that privilege prevention , recycling and re - use should be applied much more systematically across the eu . barriers facing recycling activities in the eu internal market should be removed and existing prevention , re - use , recycling , recovery and landfill diversion targets reviewed so as to move towards a ‘ circular’ economy , with a cascading use of resources and residual waste close to zero . ### turning waste into a resource , as called for in the resource efficiency roadmap , requires the full implementation of eu waste legislation across the eu , based on strict application of the waste hierarchy taking into account life - cycle thinking on the overall impacts of the generation and management of waste and covering different types of waste . additional efforts are needed to : reduce per capita waste generation in absolute terms , limit energy recovery to non - recyclable materials , phase out landfilling , ensure high quality recycling , and develop markets for secondary raw materials . hazardous waste will need to be managed so as to minimise significant adverse effects on human health and the environment , as agreed at the rio + 20 summit . to achieve this , market - based instruments that privilege prevention , recycling and re - use should be applied much more systematically across the eu . barriers facing recycling activities in the eu internal market should be removed and existing prevention , re - use , recycling , recovery and landfill diversion targets reviewed so as to move towards a ‘ circular’ economy , with a cascading use of resources and residual waste close to zero .


### resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status . even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of europe , an estimated 20 - 40 % of europe’s available water is still being wasted , for instance , through leakages in the distribution system . according to available modelling , there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the eu . moreover , rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on europe’s water resources significantly . against this background , the union and member states should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020 , including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water . progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies , systems and business models building on the strategic implementation plan of the european innovation partnership on water . ### resource efficiency in the water sector will also be tackled as a priority to help deliver good water status . even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of europe , an estimated 20 - 40 % of europe’s available water is still being wasted , for instance , through leakages in the distribution system . according to available modelling , there is still considerable scope for improving water efficiency in the eu . moreover , rising demand and the impacts of climate change are expected to increase the pressure on europe’s water resources significantly . against this background , the union and member states should take action to ensure water abstraction respects available renewable water resource limits by 2020 , including by improving water efficiency through the use of market mechanisms such as water pricing that reflects the true value of water . the agriculture and energy production sectors in particular , as the biggest consumers , should be encouraged to use water reserves more efficiently . progress will be facilitated by accelerated demonstration and rolling out of innovative technologies , systems and business models building on the strategic implementation plan of the european innovation partnership on water .


### the eu has met its 2020 climate and energy targets and is working towards reducing ghg emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 , as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase below 2&#176 ; c . ### the eu has met its 2020 climate and energy targets , established a framework for energy and climate policy for 2030 which is based on binding ghg emission , renewable energy and energy efficiency targets and is working towards reducing ghg emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 , as part of a global effort to limit the average temperature increase below 2&#176 ; c .


### waste is safely managed as a resource , waste generated per capita is in absolute decline , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable materials and landfilling of recyclable and compostable materials is effectively eradicated . ### waste is safely managed as a resource and in such a way as to prevent any harm being caused to the environment and to health , waste generated in relation to gnp is in decline and recyclable and compostable waste is gradually being shifted away from disposal streams and into recycling and recovery streams .


### establishing a more coherent framework for sustainable production and consumption . reviewing product legislation with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle . setting targets for the reduction of the overall impact of consumption . ### establishing a more coherent legal framework for sustainable production and consumption . reviewing product legislation with a view to improving the environmental performance and resource efficiency of products throughout their lifecycle . setting targets for the reduction of the overall impact of consumption . combating food wastage . universalising environmental labelling of products .


### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market - based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable materials , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed . ### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the waste hierarchy in accordance with the waste framework directive , on the basis of a lifecycle approach , and the effective use of measures to ensure that recyclable and compostable post - consumer waste in particular is gradually shifted away from disposal streams and into recycling and recovery streams , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed .


### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market - based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable materials , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed . ### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the five - tier waste hierarchy and the effective use of market - based instruments and measures to ensure that an overall ban on landfilling is gradually introduced at eu level , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable and non - biodegradable materials , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu and , correspondingly , the viability of recycling and the demand for secondary raw materials increases , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed .


### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market - based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable materials , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are eradicated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed . ### fully implementing eu waste legislation . this will include applying the waste hierarchy and the effective use of market - based instruments and measures to ensure that landfilling is effectively phased out , energy recovery is limited to non - recyclable materials , recycled waste is used as a major , reliable source of raw material for the eu , hazardous waste is safely managed and its generation is reduced , illegal waste shipments are virtually eliminated and internal market barriers for environmentally - sound recycling activities in the eu are removed .


### access to water of satisfactory quality remains problematic in a number of rural areas in the eu , while ensuring the good quality of europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the eu’s tourism industry . adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently , partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use . ### access to water of satisfactory quality and the arrangements for sewage collection and treatment remain inadequate in a number of rural areas in the eu , while ensuring the good quality of europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the eu’s tourism industry . adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently , partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use .


### access to water of satisfactory quality remains problematic in a number of rural areas in the eu , while ensuring the good quality of europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the eu’s tourism industry . adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently , partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use . ### access to water of satisfactory quality remains problematic in a number of rural areas in the eu , while ensuring the good quality of europe’s bathing waters benefits both human health and the eu’s tourism industry . adverse consequences of floods for human health and economic activity are being experienced more frequently , partly due to changes to the hydrological cycle and land use . with a view to helping ensure compliance with eu water quality legislation , measures must be taken to restore natural river banks and reforest the surrounding areas .


### meanwhile , the growing market for bio - based products , chemicals and materials may offer advantages such as lower ghg emissions and new market opportunities , but care needs to be taken to ensure that the full life - cycle of these products is sustainable and does not exacerbate competition over land or increase emission levels . ### meanwhile , the growing market for bio - based products , chemicals and materials may offer advantages such as lower ghg emissions and new market opportunities , but care needs to be taken to ensure that the full life - cycle of these products is sustainable and does not exacerbate competition over land and water or increase emission levels .


### in addition , the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience , such as ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure , can have important socioeconomic benefits , including for public health . the synergies and potential trade - offs between climate and other environmental objectives , such as air quality , need to be adequately managed . for example , fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions . ### in addition , the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience , such as ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure , can have important socioeconomic benefits , and significant improvements for public health and wellbeing . the synergies and potential trade - offs between climate and other environmental objectives , such as air quality , need to be adequately managed . for example , fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions .


### in addition , the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience , such as ecosystem restoration and green infrastructure , can have important socioeconomic benefits , including for public health . the synergies and potential trade - offs between climate and other environmental objectives , such as air quality , need to be adequately managed . for example , fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions . ### in addition , the measures to enhance ecological and climate resilience , such as ecosystem restoration and green and blue infrastructure , can have important socioeconomic benefits , including for public health . the synergies and potential trade - offs between climate and other environmental objectives , such as air quality , need to be adequately managed . for example , fuel switching in response to climate or security of supply considerations could lead to substantial increases in particulate matter and dangerous emissions .


### developing an eu strategy for a non - toxic environment , supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base and conducive to innovation of sustainable substitutes . ### continuing to implement the eu strategy for a clean , safe and healthy environment in keeping with the goal agreed at the 2002 world summit on sustainable development and reaffirmed at the rio + 20 summit , supported by a comprehensive chemical exposure and toxicity knowledge base compiled from data produced using non - animal test methods wherever possible , with central coordination by the european chemicals agency , and conducive to innovation of safe and sustainable substitutes .


### the benefits of ensuring that eu environment legislation is actually implemented are threefold : providing a level playing field for economic actors operating in the single market , stimulating innovation , and promoting first - mover advantages for european companies in many sectors . the costs associated with failure to implement legislation , by contrast , are high , broadly estimated at around €50 billion a year , including costs related to infringement cases . in 2009 alone there were 451 infringement cases related to eu environment legislation . the commission also receives numerous complaints directly from eu citizens , many of which could be better addressed at member state or local level . ### the benefits of ensuring that eu environment legislation is actually implemented are threefold : providing a level playing field for economic actors operating in the single market , stimulating innovation , and promoting first - mover advantages for european companies in many sectors . the costs associated with failure to implement legislation , by contrast , are high , broadly estimated at around €50 billion a year , including costs related to infringement cases . in 2011 the environment was the area in which the most infringements of eu law were reported in the union – 299 , representing 17% of all infringements – and 114 new infringement proceedings were initiated . the commission also receives numerous complaints directly from eu citizens , many of which could be better addressed at member state or local level .


### improving the implementation of the eu environment acquis at member state level will therefore be given top priority in the coming years . there are significant differences in implementation between and within member states . there is a need to equip those involved in implementing environmental legislation at national , regional and local levels with the knowledge and capacity to improve the delivery of benefits from this legislation . ### improving the implementation of the eu environment acquis at member state level will therefore be given top priority in the coming years . the fact that eu environmental law is constantly changing and becoming more complex is causing legal instability , confusion and extra costs for businesses , public bodies at all levels , members of the public and people working at grassroots level . this is also resulting in significant differences in implementation between and within member states , cumbersome red tape and conflicts of interpretation and case law . there is a need to equip those involved in implementing environmental legislation at national , regional and local levels with the knowledge and capacity to improve the delivery of benefits from this legislation .


### first , the way knowledge about implementation is collected and disseminated will be improved to help the general public and environmental professionals fully understand how national and local administrations put union commitments into effect . implementation challenges specific to an individual member state will be targeted for assistance , similar to the tailored approach followed in the european semester process . for instance , partnership implementation agreements involving the commission and individual member states will be drawn up , addressing issues such as where to find financial support for implementation and better information systems to track progress . ### first , the way knowledge about implementation is collected and disseminated will be improved to help the general public and environmental professionals fully understand how national and local administrations put union commitments into effect . implementation challenges specific to an individual member state will be targeted for assistance , similar to the tailored approach followed in the european semester process . for instance , partnership implementation agreements involving the commission and individual member states will be drawn up , addressing issues such as where to find financial support for implementation and better information systems to track progress . with a view to maximising the effectiveness of this approach , local and regional authorities will also be able to take part , for example under three - way partnership agreements , with due regard for the specific administrative set - up in each member state . the technical platform for cooperation on the environment set up by the committee of the regions and the european commission will facilitate dialogue and information pooling , with a view to improving the implementation of legislation at local level .


### citizens’ trust and confidence in eu environment law is enhanced . ### citizens’ trust and confidence in eu environment law is enhanced and they are more closely involved in action taken to address environmental problems .


### steps should be taken at eu and international level to further strengthen and improve the science - policy interface for environment , such as through the appointment of chief scientific advisors , as already done by the commission and some member states . ### steps should be taken at eu and international level to further strengthen and improve the science - policy interface for environment , such as through the optimisation of the work currently being carried out by national environment agencies and the european environment agency and its partner organisation , the european environment information and observation network and the appointment of chief scientific advisors , as already done by the commission and some member states . it is also important for the eu to play an active role in the intergovernmental science - policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services once it becomes a full member , in order to link up the local , regional and international levels of biodiversity governance .


### further implementation of the shared environmental information system principle of ‘ produce once , use often’ and the common approaches and standards on acquisition and collation of spatial information under the inspire and gmes65 systems will help avoid duplication of effort and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on public authorities , as will efforts to streamline reporting obligations under different pieces of legislation . member states should make information gathered to assess environmental impacts of plans , programmes and projects more accessible to the public . ### further implementation of the shared environmental information system principle of ‘ produce once , use often’ and the common approaches and standards on acquisition and collation of spatial information under the inspire and copernicus systems , as well as other environmental information systems for europe , will help avoid duplication of effort and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on public authorities , as will efforts to streamline reporting obligations under different pieces of legislation . member states should make information gathered to assess environmental impacts of plans , programmes and projects more accessible to the public .


### policy - makers and businesses have a better basis for developing and implementing environment and climate policies , including measuring costs and benefits . ### policy - makers and businesses have a better basis for developing and implementing environment and climate policies , including measuring costs and benefits of action or inaction .


### adopting a systematic approach to risk management . ### adopting a systematic and integrated approach to risk management , based on the precautionary principle and preventive action , the polluter - pays principle , the principle of rectification of pollution at source as well as the principle of proportionality .


### the union and member states will need to put in place the right conditions to ensure that environmental externalities are adequately addressed and that the right market signals are sent to the private sector , with due regard to any adverse social impacts . this will involve applying the polluter - pays principle more systematically , through phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting taxation away from labour towards pollution . as natural resources become increasingly scarce , the economic rent and profits associated with their ownership or exclusive use may increase . public intervention to ensure that such rents are not excessive and that externalities are taken into account will lead to more efficient use of these resources and will help to avoid market distortions , as well as generate public revenue . environment and climate priorities will be pursued in the framework of the european semester where these are relevant to the sustainable growth prospects of individual member states to which country - specific recommendations are addressed . other market - based instruments , such as payments for ecosystem services , should be used more extensively at eu and national level to incentivise private sector involvement and sustainable management of natural capital . ### the union and member states should consider putting in place the right conditions enabling that environmental externalities are adequately addressed and that the right market signals are sent to the private sector , with due regard to any adverse economic and social impacts . this may involve applying the polluter - pays principle more systematically , through phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting taxation away from labour towards pollution in neutral way . as natural resources become increasingly scarce , the economic rent and profits associated with their ownership or exclusive use may increase . public intervention to ensure that such rents are not excessive and that externalities are taken into account will lead to more efficient use of these resources and will help to avoid market distortions , as well as generate public revenue . environment and climate priorities will be pursued in the framework of the european semester where these are relevant to the sustainable growth prospects of individual member states to which country - specific recommendations are addressed . other market - based instruments , such as payments for ecosystem services , should be used more extensively at eu and national level to incentivise private sector involvement and sustainable management of natural capital .


### experience gained in the 2007 - 2013 programming period shows that although significant funds are available for the environment , the uptake at national and regional level in the early years has been very uneven , potentially jeopardising the achievement of agreed objectives and targets . to avoid repeating this experience , member states should integrate environment and climate objectives in their funding strategies and programmes for economic , social and territorial cohesion , rural development and maritime policy , prioritise the early uptake of funding for the environment and climate change and reinforce the capacity of implementing bodies to deliver cost - effective and sustainable investments in order to secure the adequate and needed financial support for investments in these areas . ### experience gained in the 2007 - 2013 programming period shows that although significant funds are available for the environment , the uptake at national and regional level in the early years has been very uneven , potentially jeopardising the achievement of agreed objectives and targets . to avoid repeating this experience , member states should integrate environment and climate objectives in their funding strategies and programmes for economic , social and territorial cohesion , rural development and maritime policy , prioritise the early uptake of funding for the environment and climate change and reinforce the capacity of implementing bodies to deliver cost - effective and sustainable investments in order to secure the adequate and needed financial support for investments in these areas . for example , it is recommended that systematic use should be made of the prioritised action frameworks provided for in the habitats directive in order to coordinate natura 2000 funding requirements .


### most cities face a common core set of environmental problems , including poor air quality , high levels of noise , ghg emissions , water scarcity , floods and storms , contaminated sites , brownfields and waste . at the same time , eu cities are standard - setters in urban sustainability and often pioneer innovative solutions to environmental challenges . an ever - growing number of european cities are putting environmental sustainability at the core of their urban development strategies . ### most cities face a common core set of environmental problems , including poor air quality , high levels of noise , ghg emissions , biodiversity developments in urban and suburban areas , water scarcity , floods and storms , contaminated sites , brownfields and waste and energy management . at the same time , eu cities are standard - setters in urban sustainability and often pioneer innovative solutions to environmental challenges . an ever - growing number of european cities are putting environmental sustainability at the core of their urban development strategies .


### defining and agreeing a set of criteria to assess the environmental performance of cities , taking into account economic and social impacts . ### defining and agreeing a set of common criteria and indicators to assess the environmental performance of cities , taking into account economic and social impacts and the historical and geographical specificities of urban models .


### environmental sustainability is key to reducing poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growth . at rio + 20 , world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognised the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development , and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty . in the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world , these challenges will include the need for action on water , oceans , sustainable land and ecosystems , resource efficiency , sustainable energy and climate change , including through the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies . they will need to be addressed through tailor - made approaches at local , national or union level , as well as committed engagement in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally . ### environmental sustainability is key to reducing poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growth . at rio + 20 , world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognised the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development , and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty . in the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world , these challenges will include the need for action on water , oceans , sustainable land and ecosystems , resource efficiency , sustainable energy and climate change , including through the identification and phase out of environmentally harmful subsidies . they will need to be addressed through tailor - made approaches at local , national or union level , as well as committed engagement in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally .


### environmental sustainability is key to reducing poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growth . at rio + 20 , world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognised the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development , and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty . in the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world , these challenges will include the need for action on water , oceans , sustainable land and ecosystems , resource efficiency , sustainable energy and climate change , including through the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies . they will need to be addressed through tailor - made approaches at local , national or union level , as well as committed engagement in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally . ### environmental sustainability is key to reducing poverty and ensuring quality of life and economic growth . at rio + 20 , world leaders renewed their commitment to sustainable development and recognised the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development , and the crucial role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security and reducing poverty . in the light of a growing population in an increasingly urbanised world , these challenges will include the need for action on water , oceans , sustainable land and ecosystems , resource efficiency , sustainable energy and climate change , including through the phase out of fossil fuel subsidies . they will need to be addressed through tailor - made approaches at local , national or union level , as well as committed engagement in international efforts to develop the solutions needed to ensure sustainable development globally . these efforts must be shared fairly at international level . this programme must send a strong political signal to the rest of the world and must contribute to the creation of an international environmental governance that goes beyond financial solidarity and guarantees that third countries will commit just as much as the eu .


### many of the priority objectives set out in this programme can only be fully achieved as part of a global approach and in cooperation with partner countries . that is why the union and its member states should engage in relevant international , regional and bilateral processes in a strong , focused , united and coherent manner . they should continue to promote an effective , rules - based framework for global environment policy , complemented by a more effective , strategic approach in which bilateral and regional political dialogues and cooperation are tailored towards the union ' s strategic partners , candidate and neighbourhood countries , and developing countries , respectively , supported by adequate finance . ### many of the priority objectives set out in this programme can only be fully achieved as part of a global approach and in cooperation with the union’s partner countries and associated countries and territories . that is why the union and its member states should engage in relevant international , regional and bilateral processes in a strong , focused , united and coherent manner . they should continue to promote an effective , rules - based framework for global environment policy , complemented by a more effective , strategic approach in which bilateral and regional political dialogues and cooperation are tailored towards the union ' s strategic partners , candidate and neighbourhood countries , and developing countries , respectively , supported by adequate finance . the union’s communication policy relating to its global - level actions in the environmental field should be stepped up .


### the eu should also leverage its position as one of the largest markets in the world to promote policies and approaches that decrease pressure on the global natural resource base . this can be done by changing patterns of consumption and production , as well as ensuring that trade and internal market policies support the achievement of environmental and climate goals and provide incentives to other countries to upgrade and enforce their environmental regulatory frameworks and standards . the eu will continue to promote sustainable development through the negotiation and implementation of dedicated provisions in its international trade agreements and should consider other policy options to reduce the impacts of eu consumption on the environment in non - eu countries . an example of such a policy option are the bilateral forest law enforcement , governance and trade partnerships , which establish a framework to ensure only legally - harvested timber enters the eu market from partner countries . ### the eu should also leverage its position as one of the largest markets in the world to promote policies and approaches that decrease pressure on the global natural resource base . this can be done by changing patterns of consumption and production , as well as ensuring that trade and internal market policies support the achievement of environmental and climate goals and provide incentives to other countries , in a spirit of reciprocity , to upgrade and enforce their environmental regulatory frameworks and standards and combat environmental dumping . in order to guarantee the environmental integrity of european measures , to ensure fair competition , and to avoid carbon leakage and the relocation of european businesses , the debate on establishing a carbon inclusion mechanism , while also complying with wto rules , should continue . the eu will continue to promote sustainable development through the negotiation and implementation of dedicated provisions in its international trade agreements and should consider other policy options to reduce the impacts of eu consumption on the environment and the exploitation of resources in non - eu countries . an example of such a policy option are the bilateral forest law enforcement , governance and trade partnerships , which establish a framework to ensure only legally - harvested timber enters the eu market from partner countries . in a general way , the union will seek improvements in areas related to the duty of diligence throughout all supply chains .


### working towards the adoption of sustainable development goals that : a ) address priority areas of an inclusive green economy and wider sustainable development objectives , such as energy , water , food security , oceans and sustainable consumption and production , as well as cross - cutting issues such as equity , social inclusion , decent work , rule of law and good governance ; b ) are universally applicable , covering all three areas of sustainable development ; c ) are assessed and accompanied by targets and indicators , and d ) are coherent and integrated with the post - 2015 development framework , and supportive of climate actions . ### working towards the adoption of sustainable development goals that : a ) address priority areas of an inclusive green economy and wider sustainable development objectives , such as energy , water , food security , oceans and sustainable consumption and production , as well as cross - cutting issues such as equity , social inclusion , decent work , rule of law and good governance ; b ) are universally applicable , covering all three areas of sustainable development ; c ) are assessed and accompanied by targets and indicators , while taking into account different national circumstances , and d ) are coherent and integrated with the post - 2015 development framework , e ) are coherent with existing and any future internationally agreed goals and targets such as on biodiversity , climate change , social protection floors and others ;


### engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way . this should involve focusing cooperation : 1 ) with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations ; 2 ) with countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy on gradual approximation with key eu environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation to address regional environmental and climate challenges ; 3 ) with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment , fight climate change and reduce natural disasters , and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development . ### engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way . this should involve focusing cooperation : 1 ) with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations ; 2 ) with countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy on gradual approximation with key eu environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation to address regional environmental and climate challenges ; 3 ) with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment , fight climate change and reduce natural disasters , and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development . making sure that the principle of reciprocity is observed in trade relations , in particular bilateral trade agreements .


### engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way . this should involve focusing cooperation : with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations ; with countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy on gradual approximation with key eu environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation to address regional environmental and climate challenges ; with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment , fight climate change and reduce natural disasters , and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development . ### engaging with partner countries in a more strategic way . this should involve focusing cooperation : i ) with strategic partners on the promotion of best practice in domestic environment policy and legislation and convergence in multilateral environmental negotiations ; ii ) with countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy on gradual approximation with key eu environment and climate policy and legislation and on strengthening cooperation and sharing information and capabilities to address regional environmental and climate challenges ; iii ) with developing countries to support their efforts to protect the environment , fight climate change and reduce natural disasters , and implement international environmental commitments as a contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development . iv ) on the implementation of the ten year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production adopted at the rio + 20 conference ;


### the commission will ensure that implementation of the programme is monitored in the context of the europe 2020 strategy ' s regular monitoring process . an evaluation of the programme will be carried out before 2020 , in particular on the basis of the eea ' s state of the environment report . ### an overall monitoring method should be set up in order to monitor progress towards meeting the 9 priority objectives , including milestones and continuous monitoring throughout the implementation of the program . in addition the commission will ensure that implementation of the programme is also monitored in the context of the europe 2020 strategy ' s regular monitoring process . an evaluation of the programme will be carried out before 2020 , in particular on the basis of the eea ' s state of the environment report .


### the indicators used to monitor progress towards meeting priority objectives include those used by the eea to monitor the state of the environment and those to monitor the implementation of existing environment and climate - related targets and legislation , including the climate and energy targets , biodiversity targets , and resource efficiency milestones . additional indicators to measure overall progress towards a resource - efficient european economy and society and its contribution to prosperity and well - being will be developed in coordination with stakeholders in the context of the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe . ### the indicators used to monitor progress towards meeting priority objectives include those used by the eea to monitor the state of the environment and those to monitor the implementation of existing environment and climate - related targets and legislation , including the climate and energy targets , biodiversity targets , and proposed resource efficiency milestones . additional indicators to measure overall progress towards a resource - efficient european economy and society and its contribution to prosperity and well - being will be developed in coordination with stakeholders in the context of the roadmap to a resource - efficient europe .