### resources for economic , social and territorial cohesion the resources for economic , social and territorial cohesion available for budgetary commitment for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be eur [ x ] at 2011 prices , in accordance with the annual breakdown shown in annex iii , of which eur [ x ] represents the global resources allocated to the erdf , the esf and the cf and eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] constitutes a specific allocation for the youth employment initiative . for the purposes of programming and subsequent inclusion in the general budget of the union , the amount of the resources for economic , social and territorial cohesion shall be indexed at 2 % per year . 2 . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , setting out the annual breakdown of the global resources for the funds by member state , in accordance with the criteria and methodology set out in annex iiibis and the annual breakdown of the resources from the specific allocation for the youth employment initiative by member state together with the list of eligible regions , in accordance with the criteria and methodology set out in annex iiiter without prejudice to paragraph 3 of this article and article 84 . 3 . 0 , 35 % of the global resources shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission . ### resources for economic , social and territorial cohesion the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the funds for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be eur xxx xxx xxx xxx at 2011 prices , in accordance with the annual breakdown shown in annex ii . for the purposes of programming and subsequent inclusion in the general budget of the union , the amount of global resources shall be indexed at 2 % per year . 2 . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , setting out the annual breakdown of the global resources per member state under the investment for growth and jobs goal , without prejudice to paragraph 3 of this article and article 84 and by cooperation programme under the european territorial cooperation goal . 3 . 0 , 35 % of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the connecting europe facility referred to under article 84 , and aid for the most deprived people referred to in article 84 shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission .


### 16 , 35 % for more developed regions ; ### 16 , 39 % for more developed regions , with special regard to possible exceptions in the case of a national capital with a high density of population and extreme concentration of the national population there , based on the partnership contract ;


### resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal shall amount to 96 , 50 % of the global resources and shall be allocated as follows : 48 , 25 % for less developed regions ; 10 , 76 % for transition regions ; 16 , 35 % for more developed regions ; 20 , 87 % for member states supported by the cohesion fund ; 0 , 27 % as additional funding for the outermost regions identified in article 349 of the treaty and the nuts level 2 regions fulfilling the criteria laid down in article 2 of protocol no 6 to the treaty of accession of austria , finland and sweden . all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 shall receive an allocation under the structural funds equal to at least two thirds of their 2007 - 2013 allocation . ### resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal shall amount to xx % of the global resources and shall be allocated as follows : xx % for less developed regions ; xx % for transition regions ; xx % for more developed regions ; xx % for member states supported by the cohesion fund ; xx % as additional funding for the outermost regions identified in article 349 of the treaty and the nuts level 2 regions fulfilling the criteria laid down in article 2 of protocol no 6 to the treaty of accession of austria , finland and sweden . all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 and regions designated with phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period shall receive an allocation under the structural funds equal to at least two thirds of their 2007 - 2013 allocation . single region island states eligible for funding from the cohesion fund in 2013 and outermost regions covered by the categories referred to in points 1 and 1 in the first subparagraph shall receive an allocation under the funds equal to at least four fifths of their 2007 - 2013 allocations .


### eligible population , regional prosperity , national prosperity and unemployment rate for less developed regions and transition regions ; ### eligible population , elderly dependency ratio , population density , regional prosperity , national prosperity , net adjusted disposable income per inhabitant , and unemployment rate for less developed regions and transition regions ;


### eligible population , regional prosperity , unemployment rate , employment rate , educational level and population density for more developed regions ; ### eligible population , regional prosperity , taking into account where appropriate the specific situation of regions with severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps , unemployment rate , employment rate , educational level and population density , net adjusted income per inhabitant , intraregional disparities and the demographic vulnerability index for more developed regions ;


### the following criteria shall be used for the breakdown by member state : eligible population , regional prosperity , national prosperity and unemployment rate for less developed regions and transition regions ; eligible population , regional prosperity , unemployment rate , employment rate , educational level and population density for more developed regions ; population , national prosperity and surface area for the cohesion fund . ### the following criteria shall be used for the breakdown by member state : eligible population , regional prosperity taking into account , where appropriate , the specific situation of regions with severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps , national prosperity , ageing of the population and the unemployment rate for less developed regions and transition regions ; eligible population , regional prosperity , unemployment rate , employment rate , educational level and population density , net adjusted income per inhabitant , school drop - out rate , intraregional disparities and the demographic vulnerability index for more developed regions ; population , national prosperity and surface area for the cohesion fund .


### at least 25 % of the structural funds resources for less developed regions , 40% for transition regions and 52% for more developed regions in each member state shall be allocated to the esf . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf . ### in order to ensure that sufficient investment is targeted at youth employment , labour mobility , knowledge , social inclusion and combating poverty , the share of structural funds resources available for programming for operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal allocated to the esf in each member state shall not be lower than the corresponding esf share for that member state observed in the operational programmes for the convergence and regional competitiveness and employment objectives for the period 2007 - 2013 . an additional amount shall be added to that share for each member state determined according to the method set out in annex iii quater in order to ensure that the share of the esf as a percentage of the total combined resources for the structural funds and the cohesion fund at union level , excluding the support from the cohesion fund for transport infrastructure under the connecting europe facility referred to in article 84 and support from the structural funds for aid for the most deprived people referred to in article 84 , in member states is not less than 25 % . for the purposes of this provision , investment from the esf in the youth employment initiative shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf .


### at least 25 % of the structural funds resources for less developed regions , 40% for transition regions and 52% for more developed regions in each member state shall be allocated to the esf . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf . ### from the structural funds , each member state will allocate the proportion of the esf best suited to its regional development strategy . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf .


### at least 25 % of the structural funds resources for less developed regions , 40% for transition regions and 52% for more developed regions in each member state shall be allocated to the esf . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf . ### in order to ensure that sufficient investment is targeted at youth employment , labour mobility , knowledge , social inclusion and combating poverty , the share of structural funds resources available for programming for operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal allocated to the esf in each member state shall not be lower than the corresponding esf share for that member state observed in the operational programmes for the convergence and regional competitiveness and employment objectives for the period 2007 - 2013 . to this share shall be added an additional amount for each member state determined according to the method set out in annex iiiquater in order to ensure that the share of the esf as a percentage of total combined resources for the structural funds and the cohesion fund at eu level , excluding the support from the cohesion fund for transport infrastructure under the connecting europe facility referred to in article 84 and support from the structural funds for aid for the most deprived people referred to in article 84 , in member states is not less than 23 . 1% . for the purposes of this provision , investment provided from the esf to the youth employment initiative shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf .


### at least 25 % of the structural funds resources for less developed regions , 40% for transition regions and 52% for more developed regions in each member state shall be allocated to the esf . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf . ### indicatively , at least 25 % of the structural funds resources for less developed regions , 40% for transition regions and 52% for more developed regions in each member state shall be allocated to the esf . the exact share of esf for each member state will be established during the negotiations for the partnership agreement reflecting the specific needs of regions and shall be equal to at least the 2007 - 2013 allocations share . nevertheless , if in accordance with the partnership agreement , a minimum share for a category of regions is lower than the minimum level , such a decrease must be compensated by an increase in other categories of regions . the resulting sum at national level for all categories of regions shall accordingly not be less than the sum at national level resulting from applying the indicative levels . for the purposes of this provision , the support to a member state through the [ food for deprived people instrument ] shall be considered as part of the share of structural funds allocated to the esf .


### resources for the youth employment initiative shall amount to eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from the specific allocation for the youth employment initiative and at least eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from esf targeted investment . ### resources for the youth employment initiative shall amount to eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from the specific allocation for the youth employment initiative and at least eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from esf targeted investment . resources for the youth employment initiative shall be revised upwards pursuant to the review clause set out in article 144 and in the context of the revision of the multiannual financial framework foreseen for xxxx .


### resources for the youth employment initiative shall amount to eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from the specific allocation for the youth employment initiative and at least eur [ 3 000 000 000 ] from esf targeted investment . ### resources for the youth employment initiative shall amount to eur xxxx from the specific allocation for the youth employment initiative and at least eur xxxx from esf targeted investment .


### the support from the structural funds for food for deprived people under the investment for growth and jobs shall be eur 2 500 000 000 . the commission shall adopt a decision by implementing act setting out the amount to be transferred from each member state ' s structural funds allocation for the whole period in each member state . the structural funds allocation of each member state shall be reduced accordingly . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the structural funds mentioned in the first subparagraph shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of the food for deprived people instrument with the 2014 budgetary exercise . ### the support from the structural funds for the fead under the investment for growth and jobs shall be eur 2 500 000 000 . member states may decide to increase their allocations in addition to that amount by up to eur 1 000 000 000 in total . the commission shall adopt a decision by implementing act on the basis of the criteria and methodology set out in regulation no [ … / … ] [ fead regulation ] setting out the amount to be transferred from each member state ' s structural funds allocation for the whole period in each member state . the structural funds allocation of each member state shall be reduced accordingly . the annual appropriations corresponding to the support from the structural funds mentioned in the first subparagraph shall be entered in the relevant budget lines of the fead with the 2014 budgetary exercise .


### 0 , 2% of the erdf resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to innovative actions at the initiative of the commission in the area of sustainable urban development . ### 1% of the erdf resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to innovative actions at the initiative of the commission in the area of sustainable urban and rural development .


### 0 , 2% of the erdf resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be allocated to innovative actions at the initiative of the commission in the area of sustainable urban development . ### eur xxxx of the structural funds resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal will be allocated to innovative actions at the initiative of the commission in the area of sustainable urban development .


### non - transferability of resources the total appropriations allocated to each member state in respect of less developed regions , transition regions and more developed regions shall not be transferable between each of those categories of regions . 2 . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , the commission may accept , in duly justified circumstances which are linked to the implementation of one or more thematic objectives , a proposal by a member state in its first submission of the partnership contract to transfer up to 2% of the total appropriation for a category of regions to other categories of regions . ### non - transferability of resources the total appropriations allocated to each member state in respect of less developed regions , transition regions and more developed regions shall not be transferable between each of those categories of regions . 2 . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , the commission may accept , in duly justified circumstances which are linked to the implementation of one or more thematic objectives , a proposal by a member state in its first submission of the partnership agreement to transfer up to 4% of the total appropriation for a category of regions to other categories of regions .


### ' public or equivalent structural expenditure ' means the gross fixed capital formation of the general government reported in the stability and convergence programmes prepared by member states according to council regulation no 1466 / 9729 to present their medium term budgetary strategy ; ### ' public or equivalent structural expenditure ' means the gross fixed capital formation of the general government ;


### the commission and the member states shall take into account the general macroeconomic conditions and specific or exceptional circumstances , such as privatisations or an exceptional level of public or equivalent structural expenditure by a member state in the period 2007 - 2013 . they shall also take into account changes in the national allocations from the structural funds as compared to the years 2007 - 2013 . ### the commission and the member states shall take into account the general macroeconomic conditions and specific or exceptional circumstances which may represent an exceptional variation in public or equivalent structural expenditure by a member state in the period 2007 - 2013 . they shall also take into account changes in the national allocations from the structural funds as compared to the years 2007 - 2013 .


### member states shall maintain for the period 2014 - 2020 a level of public or equivalent structural expenditure at least equal to the reference level set in the partnership contract . the reference level on average per year of public or equivalent structural expenditure for the years 2014 - 2020 shall be set in the partnership contract , on the basis of an ex ante verification by the commission of the information submitted in the partnership contract , having regard to the average level of public or equivalent structural expenditure per year in the period 2007 - 2013 . the commission and the member states shall take into account the general macroeconomic conditions and specific or exceptional circumstances , such as privatisations or an exceptional level of public or equivalent structural expenditure by a member state in the period 2007 - 2013 . they shall also take into account changes in the national allocations from the structural funds as compared to the years 2007 - 2013 . ### member states shall maintain for the period 2014 - 2020 a level of public or equivalent structural expenditure on average per year at least equal to the reference level set in the partnership agreement . deleted in setting this reference level , the commission and the member states shall take into account the general macroeconomic conditions and specific or exceptional circumstances , such as privatisations , an exceptional level of public or equivalent structural expenditure by a member state in the period 2007 - 2013 and the evolution of other public investment indicators . they shall also take into account changes in the national allocations from the funds as compared to the years 2007 - 2013 .


### if it is established by the commission in the ex post verification that a member state has not maintained the reference level of public or equivalent structural expenditure under the investment for growth and jobs goal set out in the partnership contract as set out in annex iv , the commission may carry out a financial correction . in deciding whether or not to carry out a financial correction , the commission will take into account whether the economic situation of the member state has significantly changed since the mid - term verification and whether the change was taken into account at that time . the detailed rules relating to financial correction rates are set out in point 3 of annex iv . ### if it is established by the commission in the ex post verification that a member state has not maintained the reference level of public or equivalent structural expenditure under the investment for growth and jobs goal set out in the partnership agreement as set out in annex iii , the commission may carry out a financial correction . in deciding whether to carry out a financial correction , the commission shall first decide whether the member state has taken the necessary steps to comply with the recommendations the commission had made to this effect and shall consider whether the economic situation of the member state has significantly changed since the mid - term verification and whether that change was taken into account at that time . the detailed rules relating to financial correction rates are set out in point 3 of annex iii .


### an operational programme shall set out : a strategy for the operational programme ' s contribution to the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , including : an identification of needs addressing the challenges identified in the country - specific recommendations under article 121 and the council recommendations adopted under article 148 of the treaty , and taking into account the integrated guidelines and national and regional specificities ; a justification of the choice of thematic objectives and corresponding investment priorities , having regard to the partnership contract and the results of the ex ante evaluation ; ### an operational programme shall contribute to the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and to the achievement of economic , social and territorial cohesion and shall set out : a justification of the choice of thematic objectives , corresponding investment priorities and financial allocations having regard to the partnership agreement , based on an identification of regional and , where appropriate , national needs including the needs to address the challenges identified in relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 and the relevant council recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union taking into account the ex ante evaluation . deleted deleted


### for each priority axis : the investment priorities and corresponding specific objectives ; the common and specific output and result indicators , with where appropriate a baseline value and a quantified target value , in accordance with the fund - specific rules ; a description of actions to be supported including the identification of the main target groups , specific territories targeted and types of beneficiaries where appropriate and the planned use of financial instruments ; the corresponding categories of intervention based on a nomenclature adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure referred to article 143 and an indicative breakdown of the programmed resources ; ### for each priority axis other than technical assistance : the investment priorities and corresponding specific objectives ; in order to strenghten the result - orientation of the programming , the expected results for the specific objectives , and the corresponding result indicators , with a baseline value and a target value , where appropriate quantified , in accordance with the fund - specific rules ; a description of the type and examples of actions to be supported under each investment priority and their expected contribution to the specific objectives referred to in point including the guiding principles for the selection of operations and where appropriate , the identification of main target groups , specific territories targeted and types of beneficiaries and the planned use of financial instruments and major projects ; the output indicators , including the quantified target value , which are expected to contribute to the results , in accordance with fund - specific rules , for each investment priority ; identification of implementation steps and financial and output indicators to act as milestones and targets for the performance framework in accordance with article 19 and annex ; the corresponding categories of intervention based on a nomenclature adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure referred to article 143 , and an indicative breakdown of the programmed resources ; where appropriate , a summary of the planned use of technical assistance including , where necessary , actions to reinforce the administrative capacity of authorities involved in the management and control of the programmes and beneficiaries ;


### arrangements to ensure the effective implementation of the funds , including : a performance framework in accordance with article 19 ; for each ex ante conditionality , established in accordance with annex iv , that is not fulfilled at the date of submission of the partnership contract and operational programme , a description of the actions to fulfil the ex ante conditionality and a timetable for such actions ; the actions taken to involve the partners in the preparation of the operational programme , and the role of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme ; ### deleted deleted deleted deleted


### a financing plan containing two tables : a table specifying for each year , in accordance with articles 53 , 110 and 111 , the amount of the total financial appropriation envisaged for the support from each of the funds ; a table specifying , for the whole programming period , for the operational programme and for each priority axis , the amount of the total financial appropriation of the support from the funds and the national co - financing . where the national co - financing is made up of public and private co - financing , the table shall give the indicative breakdown between the public and the private components . it shall show , for information purposes , the envisaged participation from the eib ; ### a financing plan containing two tables : a table specifying for each year , in accordance with articles 53 , 110 and 111 , the amount of the total financial appropriation envisaged for the support from each of the funds ; a table specifying , for the whole programming period , for the operational programme and for each priority axis , the amount of the total financial appropriation of the support from each of the funds and the national co - financing . for priority axes , which concern several categories of region , the table shall specify the amount of total financial appropriation from the funds and the national co - financing for each category of region . for priority axes , which combine investment priorities from different thematic objectives , the table shall specify the amount of total financial appropriation from each of the funds and the national co - financing for each of the corresponding thematic objectives . where the national co - financing is made up of public and private co - financing , the table shall give the indicative breakdown between the public and the private components . it shall show , for information purposes , the envisaged participation from the eib ;


### a description of its contribution to the promotion of equality between men and women and , where appropriate , the arrangements to ensure the integration of gender perspective at operational programme and operation level . ### a description of its contribution to the promotion of equality between men and women and , the arrangements to ensure the integration of gender perspective at operational programme and operation level and a description of the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women .


### each operational programme , except those where technical assistance is undertaken under a specific operational programme , shall include : a description of specific actions to take into account environmental protection requirements , resource efficiency , climate change mitigation and adaptation , disaster resilience and risk prevention and management , in the selection of operations ; a description of the specific actions to promote equal opportunities and prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation during the preparation , design and implementation of the operational programme and in particular in relation to access to funding , taking account of the needs of the various target groups at risk of such discrimination and in particular the requirements of ensuring accessibility for disabled persons ; a description of its contribution to the promotion of equality between men and women and , where appropriate , the arrangements to ensure the integration of gender perspective at operational programme and operation level . member states shall submit an opinion of the national equality bodies on the measures set out in points and with the proposal for an operational programme under the investment for growth and jobs goal . ### the operational programme shall describe , taking into account its content and objectives , the integrated approach to territorial development , having regard to the partnership agreement , and showing how it contributes to the accomplishment of the programme objectives and expected results , specifying , where appropriate , the following : the approach to the use of community led local development instruments and the principles for identifying the areas where it will be implemented ; the indicative amount of the erdf support for integrated actions for sustainable urban development , to be implemented in accordance with the provisions under article 7 of regulation no [ erdf ] and the indicative allocation of esf support for integrated actions ; the approach to the use of the integrated territorial investment instrument other than in cases covered by , and their indicative financial allocation from each priority axis ; the arrangements for interregional and transnational actions , within the operational programmes , with beneficiaries located in at least one other member state ; where member states and regions participate in macro - regional strategies and sea - basin strategies , subject to the needs of the programme area as identified by the member state , the contribution of the planned interventions to such strategies .


### member states shall draft the operational programme according to the model adopted by the commission . the commission shall adopt that model by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . ### in addition , the operational programme shall specify the following : where appropriate , the identification of whether and how it addresses the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty or target groups at highest risk of discrimination or social exclusion , with special regard to marginalised communities , and persons with disabilities , and where relevant the contribution to the integrated approach set out in the partnership agreement ; where appropriate , the identification of whether and how it addresses demographic challenges of regions or specific needs of geographical areas which suffer by severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps , as defined in article 174 of the treaty and the contribution to the integrated approach set out in the partnership agreement to this end .


### the commission shall adopt a decision approving the operational programme by means of implementing acts . ### the commission shall adopt a decision approving the elements of the operational programme falling under points , b - , , - , g - and h - of paragraph 2 , by means of implementing acts .


### the commission shall adopt a decision approving the operational programme by means of implementing acts . ### the operational programme shall identify : the managing authority , the certifying authority , where applicable , and the audit authority ; the body to which payments will be made by the commission ; the actions taken to involve the relevant partners referred to in article 5 in the preparation of the operational programme , and the role of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme .


### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , the erdf and the cohesion fund may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature which has clearly identified goals and whose total cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects . ### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , or macro - regional development fund programmes , the erdf and the cohesion fund may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature which has clearly identified goals and whose total cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects . all macro - regional projects supported by the macro - regional development fund programme must comply with the classification of major projects .


### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , the erdf and the cohesion fund may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature which has clearly identified goals and whose total cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects . ### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , the erdf and the cohesion fund may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature that creates jobs which has clearly identified goals and whose total eligible cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects .


### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , the erdf and the cohesion fund may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature which has clearly identified goals and whose total cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects . ### as part of an operational programme or operational programmes , which have been subject to a commission decision under article 87 , the erdf and the cf may support an operation comprising a series of works , activities or services intended in itself to accomplish an indivisible task of a precise economic or technical nature which has clearly identified goals and for which the total eligible cost exceeds eur 50 000 000 and in the case of operations contributing to the thematic objective under article 9 where the total eligible cost exceeds eur 75 000 000 . financial instruments shall not be considered major projects .


### an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience ; ### an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience , and of the social impact , taking into account the benefits in terms of cohesion and development ;


### information to be submitted to the commission the member state or the managing authority shall submit the following information on major projects to the commission as soon as preparatory work has been completed : information on the body to be responsible for implementation of the major project , and its capacity ; a description of and information on the investment and its location ; total cost and total eligible cost , taking account of the requirements set out in article 54 ; information on the feasibility studies carried out , including the options analysis , the results , and independent quality review ; a cost - benefit analysis , including an economic and a financial analysis , and a risk assessment ; an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience ; the consistency with the relevant priority axes of the operational programme or programmes concerned , and its expected contribution to achieving the specific objectives of those priority axes ; the financing plan showing the total planned financial resources and the planned support from the funds , the eib , and all other sources of financing , together with physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , taking account of the identified risks ; the timetable for implementing the major project and , where the implementation period is expected to be longer than the programming period , the phases for which support from the funds is requested during the 2014 to 2020 programming period . the commission shall provide indicative guidance on the methodology to be used in carrying out the cost - benefit analysis referred to in point above in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . the format for the information on major projects to be submitted shall be set up in accordance with the model adopted by the commission , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . 2 . major projects submitted to the commission for approval shall be contained in the list of major projects in an operational programme . the list shall be reviewed by the member state or the managing authority two years following the adoption of an operational programme and may at the request of the member state be adjusted in accordance with the procedure set out in article 26 , in particular to include major projects with an expected completion date by the end of 2022 . ### information necessary for the approval of major projects before a major project is approved , the managing authority shall ensure that the following information is available : the body responsible for implementation of the major project , and its capacity ; a description of the investment and its location ; total cost and total eligible cost , taking account of the requirements set out in article 54 ; feasibility studies carried out , including the options analysis , and the results ; a cost - benefit analysis , including an economic and a financial analysis , and a risk assessment ; an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience ; the consistency with the relevant priority axes of the operational programme or operational programmes concerned , and its expected contribution to achieving the specific objectives of those priority axes and the expected contribution to socio - economic development ; the financing plan showing the total planned financial resources and the planned support from the funds , the eib , and all other sources of financing , together with physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , taking account of the identified risks ; the timetable for implementing the major project and , where the implementation period is expected to be longer than the programming period , the phases for which support from the funds is requested during the 2014 to 2020 programming period . the commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the methodology to be used based on recognised best practices , in carrying out the cost - benefit analysis referred to in point , in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . at the initiative of a member state , the information in article 91 to may be assessed by independent experts supported by technical assistance of the commission or , in agreement with the commission , by other independent experts . in other cases , the member state shall submit to the commission the information set out in article 91 to as soon as it is available . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 142 , laying down the methodology to be used in carrying out the quality review of a major project . the commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing the format for submission of the information set out in points to of the first subparagraph . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . deleted


### information to be submitted to the commission the member state or the managing authority shall submit the following information on major projects to the commission as soon as preparatory work has been completed : information on the body to be responsible for implementation of the major project , and its capacity ; a description of and information on the investment and its location ; total cost and total eligible cost , taking account of the requirements set out in article 54 ; information on the feasibility studies carried out , including the options analysis , the results , and independent quality review ; a cost - benefit analysis , including an economic and a financial analysis , and a risk assessment ; an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience ; the consistency with the relevant priority axes of the operational programme or programmes concerned , and its expected contribution to achieving the specific objectives of those priority axes ; the financing plan showing the total planned financial resources and the planned support from the funds , the eib , and all other sources of financing , together with physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , taking account of the identified risks ; the timetable for implementing the major project and , where the implementation period is expected to be longer than the programming period , the phases for which support from the funds is requested during the 2014 to 2020 programming period . the commission shall provide indicative guidance on the methodology to be used in carrying out the cost - benefit analysis referred to in point above in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . the format for the information on major projects to be submitted shall be set up in accordance with the model adopted by the commission , by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . ### information necessary for the approval of major projects before a major project is approved , the managing authority shall ensure that the following information is available : the body responsible for implementation of the major project , and its capacity ; a description of the investment and its location ; total cost and total eligible cost , taking account of the requirements set out in article 54 ; feasibility studies carried out , including the options analysis , and the results ; a cost - benefit analysis , including an economic and a financial analysis , and a risk assessment ; an analysis of the environmental impact , taking into account climate change adaptation and mitigation needs , and disaster resilience ; a description of the public consultation proposed and the involvement of partners as referred to in article 5 ; the consistency with the relevant priority axes of the operational programme or operational programmes concerned , and its expected contribution to achieving the specific objectives of those priority axes and the expected contribution to socio - economic development ; the financing plan showing the total planned financial resources and the planned support from the funds , the eib , and all other sources of financing , together with physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , taking account of the identified risks ; the timetable for implementing the major project and , where the implementation period is expected to be longer than the programming period , the phases for which support from the funds is requested during the 2014 to 2020 programming period . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 142 , laying down guidance on the methodology to be used in carrying out the cost - benefit analysis referred to in point of the first subparagraph . at the initiative of a member state , the information in article 91 to may be assessed by independent experts supported by technical assistance of the commission or , in agreement with the commission , by other independent experts . in other cases , the member state shall submit to the commission the information set out in article 91 to as soon as it is available . the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the uniform conditions on the methodology to be used in carrying out a quality review of a major project and shall establish the format for the submission of the information set out in article 91 to . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 .


### the commission shall appraise the major project on the basis of the information referred to in article 91 in order to determine whether the proposed support from the funds is justified . 2 . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing act , no later than three months after the date of submission of the information approving a major project in accordance with article 91 . that decision shall define the physical object , the amount to which the co - financing rate for the priority axis applies , physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , and the expected contribution of the major project to the objectives of the relevant priority axis or axes . an approval decision shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded within two years of the date of the decision . 3 . where the commission refuses to allow support from the funds to be given to a major project , it shall notify the member state of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2 . 4 . expenditure relating to major projects shall not be included in payment applications before adoption of an approval decision by the commission . ### where the major project has been appraised positively by a quality review by independent experts , on the basis of their assessment of the information referred to in article 91 , the member state may proceed with the selection of the major project in accordance with article 114 paragraph 3 . the managing authority shall notify the commission of the selected major project . the notification shall consist of the following elements : the document referred to in article 114 setting out : the body to be responsible for implementation of the major project ; a description of the investment , its location , timetable and expected contribution of the major project to the objectives of the relevant priority axis or axes ; total cost and total eligible cost , taking account of the requirements set out in article 54 and ; the financing plan , and the physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , taking account of identified risks ; the quality review of the independent experts , providing clear statements on the investment ' s feasibility and economic viability of the major project . the financial contribution to the major project selected by the member state shall be deemed to be approved by the commission in the absence of a decision , by means of an implementing act , refusing the financial contribution within three months of the date of notification . the commission shall refuse the financial contribution only on the grounds that it has established a significant weakness in the independent quality review . the commission shall establish the format for the notification by means of implementing acts . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 143 . 2 . in other cases the commission shall appraise the major project on the basis of the information referred to in article 91 in order to determine whether the requested financial contribution for the major project selected by the managing authority in accordance with article 114 is justified . the commission shall adopt a decision on the approval of the financial contribution to the selected major project , by means of an implementing act , no later than three months after the date of submission of the information referred to in article 91 . the approval by the commission under 92 and 92 shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded , or in the case of operations implemented under ppp structures the signing of the ppp contract between the public body and the private sector body , within three years of the date of the approval . at the duly motivated request of the member state , in particular in the case of delays resulting from administrative and legal proceedings related to the implementation of major projects , and made within the three year period , the commission may adopt a decision , by means of an implementing act , on the extension of the period by not more than two years . 3 . where the commission does not approve the financial contribution to the selected major project , it shall give in its decision the reasons for its refusal . 3a . major projects notified to the commission under paragraph 1 or submitted for approval under paragraph 2 shall be contained in the list of major projects in an operational programme . 4 . expenditure relating to a major project may be included in a request for payment after the notification referred to in paragraph 1 of this article or after the submission for approval referred to in paragraph 2 . when the commission does not approve the major project selected by the member state , the expenditure declaration following the adoption of the commission decision must be rectified accordingly .


### the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing act , no later than three months after the date of submission of the information approving a major project in accordance with article 91 . that decision shall define the physical object , the amount to which the co - financing rate for the priority axis applies , physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , and the expected contribution of the major project to the objectives of the relevant priority axis or axes . an approval decision shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded within two years of the date of the decision . ### the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of implementing acts , no later than three months after the date of submission of the information approving a major project in accordance with article 91 . that decision shall define the physical object , the amount to which the co - financing rate for the priority axis applies , physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress , and the expected contribution of the major project to the objectives of the relevant priority axis or axes . an approval decision shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded within two years of the date of the decision . in the case of operations implemented under ppp structures the signing of the ppp contract between the public body and the private sector body , an approval decision shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded within three years of the date of the decision . at the duly justified request of the member state , and made within two years of that decision for example , in the case of delays resulting from administrative and legal proceedings related to the implementation of major projects the commission may adopt a decision , by means of a delegated act , on the extension of the period by not more than two years .


### a joint action plan is an operation defined and managed in relation to the outputs and results which it will achieve . it comprises a group of projects , not consisting in the provision of infrastructure , carried out under the responsibility of the beneficiary , as part of an operational programme or programmes . the outputs and results of a joint action plan shall be agreed between the member state and the commission and shall contribute to specific objectives of the operational programmes and form the basis of support from the funds . results shall refer to direct effects of the joint action plan . the beneficiary shall be a public law body . joint action plans shall not be considered as major projects . 2 . the public support allocated to a joint action plan shall be a minimum of eur 10 000 000 or 20 % of the public support of the operational programme or programmes , whichever is lower . the first subparagraph shall not apply to the youth employment initiative . ### a joint action plan is an operation the scope of which is defined and is managed in relation to the outputs and results which it will achieve . it comprises a project or a group of projects , not consisting in the provision of infrastructure , carried out under the responsibility of the beneficiary , as part of an operational programme or programmes . the outputs and results of a joint action plan shall be agreed between the member state and the commission and shall contribute to specific objectives of the operational programmes and form the basis of support from the funds . results shall refer to direct effects of the joint action plan the beneficiary shall be a public law body . joint action plans shall not be considered as major projects . 2 . the public expenditure allocated to a joint action plan shall be a minimum of eur 10 000 000 or 20 % of the public support of the operational programme or programmes , whichever is lower . for the purpose of undertaking a pilot project , the public expenditure allocated to one joint action plan for each operational programme may be reduced to eur 5 000 000 . the first subparagraph shall not apply to the youth employment initiative .


### the joint action plan shall contain : an analysis of the development needs and objectives justifying the joint action plan , taking into account the objectives of the operational programmes and , where applicable , the country - specific recommendations and the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the member states and of the union under article 121 and the council recommendations which the member states shall take into account in their employment policies under article 148 of the treaty ; ### the joint action plan shall contain : analysis of the development needs and objectives justifying the joint action plan , taking into account the objectives of the operational programmes and , where applicable , the relevant country - specific recommendations and the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the member states and of the union under article 121 and the relevant council recommendations which the member states shall take into account in their employment policies under article 148 of the treaty ;


### the costs of achieving milestones , outputs and result targets with reference to point , based on the methods set out in article 57 and in article 14 of the esf regulation ; an indicative schedule of payments to the beneficiary linked to the milestones and targets ; the financing plan by operational programme and priority axis , including the total eligible amount and the public support . ### the costs of achieving milestones , outputs and result targets with reference to point , based on the methods set out in article 57 of this regulation and in article 14 of the esf regulation ; an indicative schedule of payments to the beneficiary linked to the milestones and targets ; the financing plan by operational programme and priority axis , including the total eligible amount and the public expenditure .


### where the commission , within three months following the submission of a joint action plan proposal , considers that it does not meet the appraisal requirements , it shall make observations to the member state . the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information requested and , where appropriate , revise the joint action plan accordingly . ### where the commission , within three months following the submission of a joint action plan proposal , considers that it does not meet the appraisal requirements , it shall make observations to the member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund . the member state , or the group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund , shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information requested and , where appropriate , revise the joint action plan accordingly .


### where the commission , within three months following the submission of a joint action plan proposal , considers that it does not meet the appraisal requirements , it shall make observations to the member state . the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information requested and , where appropriate , revise the joint action plan accordingly . ### where the commission , within two months following the submission of a joint action plan proposal , considers that it does not meet the appraisal requirements , it shall make observations to the member state . the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information requested and , where appropriate , revise the joint action plan accordingly .


### provided that any observations have been satisfactorily taken into account , the commission shall adopt a decision approving the joint action plan no later than 6 months after its submission by the member state but not before the adoption of the operational programmes concerned . ### provided that any observations have been satisfactorily taken into account , the commission shall adopt a decision approving the joint action plan no later than 6 months after its submission by the member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund , but not before the adoption of the operational programmes , or programmes for macro - regional development funds , concerned .


### provided that any observations have been satisfactorily taken into account , the commission shall adopt a decision approving the joint action plan no later than 6 months after its submission by the member state but not before the adoption of the operational programmes concerned . ### provided that any observations have been adequately taken into account , the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of an implementing act , approving the joint action plan no later than four months after its submission by the member state but not before the adoption of the operational programmes concerned .


### where the commission refuses to allow support from the funds to be given to a joint action plan , it shall notify the member state of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2 . ### where the commission refuses to allow support from the funds to be given to a joint action plan , it shall notify the member state , or the group of member states that has established a macro - regional development fund , of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2 .


### where the commission refuses to allow support from the funds to be given to a joint action plan , it shall notify the member state of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2 . ### where the commission refuses , by means of an implementing act , to allow support from the funds to be given to a joint action plan , it shall notify the member state of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2 .


### the member state or the managing authority shall set up a steering committee for the joint action plan , distinct from the monitoring committee of the operational programmes . the steering committee shall meet at least twice a year . its composition shall be decided by the member state in agreement with the managing authority , respecting the principle of partnership . the commission may participate in the work of the steering committee in an advisory capacity . ### the member state or the managing authority shall set up a steering committee for the joint action plan , distinct from the monitoring committee of the relevant operational programmes . the steering committee shall meet at least twice a year and shall report to the managing authority . the managing authority shall inform the relevant monitoring committee of the results of the work carried by the steering committee and the progress of the implementation of the joint action plan in accordance with article 100 and 114 . its composition shall be decided by the member state in agreement with the relevant managing authority , respecting the principle of partnership . the commission may participate in the work of the steering committee in an advisory capacity .


### requests for amendment of joint action plans submitted by a member state shall be duly substantiated . the commission shall assess whether the request for amendment is justified , taking account of the information provided by the member state . the commission may make observations and the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information . the commission shall adopt a decision on a request for amendment no later than three months after its formal submission by the member state , provided that any observations made by the commission have been satisfactorily taken into account . the amendment shall enter into force from the date of the decision , unless otherwise set out in the decision . ### requests for amendment of joint action plans submitted by a member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund , shall be duly substantiated . the commission shall assess whether the request for amendment is justified , taking account of the information provided by the member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund . the commission may make observations and the member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund , shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information . the commission shall adopt a decision on a request for amendment no later than three months after its formal submission by the member state , or a group of member states that have established a macro - regional development fund , provided that any observations made by the commission have been satisfactorily taken into account . the amendment shall enter into force from the date of the decision , unless otherwise set out in the decision .


### requests for amendment of joint action plans submitted by a member state shall be duly substantiated . the commission shall assess whether the request for amendment is justified , taking account of the information provided by the member state . the commission may make observations and the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information . the commission shall adopt a decision on a request for amendment no later than three months after its formal submission by the member state , provided that any observations made by the commission have been satisfactorily taken into account . the amendment shall enter into force from the date of the decision , unless otherwise set out in the decision . ### requests for amendment of joint action plans submitted by a member state shall be duly substantiated . the commission shall assess whether the request for amendment is justified , taking account of the information provided by the member state . the commission may make observations and the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information . the commission shall adopt a decision , by means of an implementing act , on a request for amendment no later than three months after its formal submission by the member state , provided that any observations made by the commission have been satisfactorily taken into account . the amendment shall enter into force from the date of the decision , unless otherwise set out in the decision .


### where an urban development strategy or other territorial strategy or pact as defined in article 12 of regulation&#8230 ; [ esf ] requires an integrated approach involving investments under more than one priority axis of one or more operational programmes , the action shall be carried out as an integrated territorial investment . ### where an urban or rural development strategy or pact as defined in article 12 of regulation&#8230 ; [ esf ] requires an integrated approach involving investments under more than one priority axis of one or more operational programmes , the action shall be carried out as an integrated territorial investment .


### where an urban development strategy or other territorial strategy or pact as defined in article 12 of regulation&#8230 ; [ esf ] requires an integrated approach involving investments under more than one priority axis of one or more operational programmes , the action shall be carried out as an integrated territorial investment . 2 . the relevant operational programmes shall identify the itis planned and shall set out the indicative financial allocation from each priority axis to each iti . 3 . the member state or the managing authority may designate one or more intermediate bodies , including local authorities , regional development bodies or non - governmental organisations , to carry out the management and implementation of an iti . 4 . the member state or the relevant managing authorities shall ensure that the monitoring system for the operational programme provides for the identification of operations and outputs of a priority axis contributing to an iti . ### where an urban development strategy or other territorial strategy or pact referred to in article 12 of regulation… [ esf ] requires an integrated approach involving investments from the esf , erdf or cohesion fund under more than one priority axis of one or more operational programmes , the action may be carried out as an integrated territorial investment . the action carried out under an iti may be complemented with financial support from the eafrd or the emff . 2 . where an iti is supported by esf , erdf or cohesion fund , the relevant operational programme shall describe the approach to the use of the iti instrument and the indicative financial allocation from each priority axis in accordance with the fund - specific rules . where an iti is complemented with financial support from the eafrd or the emff , the indicative financial allocation and the measures covered shall be set out in the relevant programme in accordance with the fund - specific rules . 3 . the member state or the managing authority may designate one or more intermediate bodies , including local authorities , regional development bodies or non - governmental organisations , to carry out the management and implementation of an iti in accordance with the fund - specific rules . 4 . the member state or the relevant managing authorities shall ensure that the monitoring system for the programme provides for the identification of operations and outputs of a priority axis or union priority contributing to an iti .


### actions in the operational programme relating to the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities ; ### where applicable ex - ante conditionalities are not fulfilled at the date of the submission of the partnership agreement and operational programme , progress on actions to fulfil the applicable ex - ante conditionalities ;


### the monitoring committee shall examine and approve : ### by derogation from article 43 , the monitoring committee shall examine and approve :


### the evaluation plan for the operational programme and any amendment of the plan ; ### the evaluation plan for the operational programme , or the programme for a macro - regional development fund , and any amendment of the plan ;


### the evaluation plan for the operational programme and any amendment of the plan ; ### the evaluation plan for the operational programme and any amendment of the plan , including where part of a common evaluation plan pursuant to the first sentence of article 104 ;


### the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and respectively , the information set out in paragraph 2 , together with : ### the annual implementation reports submitted in the years of the performance review shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and respectively , the information set out in paragraph 2 , and may , depending on the content and objectives of operational programmes , add information on the following elements :


### progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; ### progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban and rural development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ;


### the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; ### the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations , as well as the specific actions taken to fight poverty and promote social inclusion of vulnerable groups of people ;


### progress in the implementation of measures to address the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty or of target groups at highest risk of discrimination or exclusion , with special regard to marginalised communities including , where appropriate , the financial resources used ; ### progress in the implementation of measures to address the regional demographic challenges and the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty and unemployment or of target groups at highest risk of discrimination or social exclusion , with special regard to persons with disabilities and marginalised communities including the financial resources used ;


### by 30 april 2016 and by 30 april of each subsequent year until and including 2022 the member state shall submit to the commission an annual report in accordance with article 44 . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 2013 . 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the operational programme in accordance with article 44 ; progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and respectively , the information set out in paragraph 2 , together with : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of member state authorities and beneficiaries to administer and use the funds ; progress in implementation of any interregional and transnational actions ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , including accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development in accordance with article 8 ; the results of the information and publicity measures of the funds carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation , where appropriate ; progress in the implementation of measures to address the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty or of target groups at highest risk of discrimination or exclusion , with special regard to marginalised communities including , where appropriate , the financial resources used ; the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 . ### by 31 may 2016 and by 31 may of each subsequent year until and including 2022 the member state shall submit to the commission an annual implementation report in accordance with article 44 . the report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 december 2013 . 1a . for the reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 , the deadline referred to in paragraph 1 shall be 30 june . 2 . annual implementation reports shall set out information on : implementation of the operational programme in accordance with article 44 ; progress in preparation and implementation of major projects and joint action plans . 3 . the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 shall set out and assess the information required under articles 44 and respectively , the information set out in paragraph 2 together with information on the elements set out under , and below and may dependent on the content and objectives of operational programmes and information on the other elements : progress in implementation of the integrated approach to territorial development , including development of regions facing demographic challenges and permanent or natural handicaps , sustainable urban development , and community - led local development under the operational programme ; progress in implementation of actions to reinforce the capacity of member state authorities and beneficiaries to administer and use the funds ; progress in implementation of any interregional and transnational actions ; where appropriate , contribution to macro - regional and sea basin strategies ; progress in implementation of the evaluation plan and the follow - up given to the findings of evaluations ; the specific actions taken to promote equality between men and women and to prevent discrimination , in particular accessibility for disabled persons , and the arrangements implemented to ensure the integration of the gender perspective in the operational programme and operations ; actions taken to promote sustainable development in accordance with article 8 ; the results of the information and publicity measures of the funds carried out under the communication strategy ; progress in the implementation of actions in the field of social innovation , where appropriate ; progress in the implementation of measures to address the specific needs of geographical areas most affected by poverty or of target groups at highest risk of poverty , discrimination or social exclusion , with special regard to marginalised communities and persons with disabilities , long term unemployed and young people not in employment including , where appropriate , the financial resources used . the involvement of the partners in the implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme . by derogation , and in order to ensure consistency between the partnership agreement and the progress report , the member states with no more than one operational programme per fund may include information related to ex ante conditionalities referred to in article 44 , the information required by article 44 and the information referred to in points , , and of this paragraph in the progress report instead of the annual implementation reports submitted in 2017 and 2019 respectively and the final report respectively , without prejudice to article 100 . 4 . the annual and final implementation reports shall be drawn up following models adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 143 .


### an evaluation plan shall be drawn up by the managing authority for each operational programme . the evaluation plan shall be submitted to the first meeting of the monitoring committee . where a single monitoring committee covers more than one operational programme , an evaluation plan may cover all the operational programmes concerned . 2 . by 31 december 2020 , managing authorities shall submit to the commission , for each programme , a report summarising the findings of evaluations carried out during the programming period , including an assessment of the main outputs and results of the programme . 3 . the commission shall carry out ex post evaluations in close cooperation with the member states and managing authorities . ### an evaluation plan shall be drawn up by the managing authority or member state for one or more operational programmes . the evaluation plan shall be submitted to the monitoring committee no later than a year after the adoption of the programme . 2 . by 31 december 2021 , managing authorities shall submit to the commission , for each programme , a report summarising the findings of evaluations carried out during the programming period and the main outputs and results of the programme , providing comments on the reported information . 3 . the commission shall carry out ex post evaluations in close cooperation with the member states and managing authorities .


### information and publicity member states and managing authorities shall be responsible for : ensuring the establishment of a single website or a single website portal providing information on , and access to , all operational programmes in that member state ; informing potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under operational programmes ; publicising to union citizens the role and achievements of cohesion policy and of the funds through information and communication actions on the results and impact of partnership contracts , operational programmes and operations . 2 . member states shall in order to ensure transparency in the support of the funds maintain a list of operations by operational programme and by fund in csv or xml format which shall be accessible through the single website or the single website portal providing a list and summary of all operational programmes in that member state . the list of operations shall be updated at least every three months . the minimum information to be set out in the list of operations is laid down in annex vi . 3 . detailed rules concerning the information and publicity measures for the public and information measures for applicants and for beneficiaries are laid down in annex vi . 4 . technical characteristics of information and publicity measures for the operation and instructions for creating the emblem and a definition of the standard colours shall be adopted by the commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure referred to article 143 . ### information and communication member states and managing authorities shall be responsible for : drawing up the communication strategies ; ensuring the establishment of a single website or a single website portal providing information on , and access to , all operational programmes in that member state , including information about the timing of implementation of programming and any related public consultation processes ; informing potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities under operational programmes ; publicising to union citizens the role and achievements of cohesion policy and of the funds through information and communication actions on the results and impact of partnership contracts , operational programmes and operations . 2 . member states or managing authorities shall in order to ensure transparency in the support of the funds maintain a list of operations by operational programme and by fund in a spreadsheet data format , which allows the data to be sorted , searched , extracted , compared and easily published on the internet , for instance in csv or xml format . the list of operations shall be accessible through the single website or the single website portal providing a list and summary of all operational programmes in that member state . in order to stimulate the re - use of the list of operations by the private sector , the civil society or national public administration , the website may clearly indicate the applicable licensing rules under which the data are published . the list of operations shall be updated at least every six months . the minimum information to be set out in the list of operations is laid down in annex vi . 3 . detailed rules concerning the information and communication measures for the public and information measures for applicants and for beneficiaries are laid down in annex vi . 4 . the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure laid down in article 143 , uniform conditions concerning the technical characteristics of information and communication measures for the operation and instructions for creating the emblem and a definition of the standard colours .


### the managing authority shall draw up a communication strategy for each operational programme . a common communication strategy may be drawn up for several operational programmes . the communication strategy shall include the elements set out in annex vi and annual updates with details of the planned information and publicity activities to be carried out . 2 . the communication strategy shall be discussed and approved by the first monitoring committee following the adoption of the operational programme . any revision of the communication strategy shall be discussed in , and approved by , the monitoring committee . 3 . the managing authority shall inform the monitoring committee for each operational programme at least once a year of progress in the implementation of the communication strategy and its assessment of the results . ### the member state or the managing authorities shall draw up a communication strategy for each operational programme . a common communication strategy may be drawn up for several operational programmes . the communication strategy shall take into account the size of the operational programme in accordance with the principle of proportionality . the communication strategy shall include the elements set out in annex vi . 2 . the communication strategy shall be submitted to the monitoring committee for approval in accordance with article 100 no later than 6 months after the adoption of the operational programme concerned . deleted where a common communication strategy is drawn up for several operational programmes and concerns several monitoring committees , the member state may designate one monitoring committee which shall be responsible , in consultation with the other relevant monitoring committees , for the approval of the common strategy and for the approval of any subsequent revisions . when necessary , the member state or managing authorities may revise the communication strategy during the programming period . the revised communication strategy shall be submitted by the managing authority to the monitoring committee for approval in accordance with article 100 . 3 . by derogation from paragraph 2 , third sub - paragraph , the managing authority in accordance with article 100 shall inform the responsible monitoring committee at least once a year on the progress in the implementation of the communication strategy and on its analysis of the results as well as on the planned information and communication activities to be carried out in the following year . the monitoring committee shall , if it considers appropriate , give an opinion on the planned activities for the following year .


### the funds may support technical assistance up to a ceiling of 0 , 35 % of their respective annual allocation . ### the funds may support technical assistance up to a ceiling of 0 , 25 % of their respective annual allocation .


### technical assistance at the initiative of the commission the funds may support technical assistance up to a ceiling of 0 , 35 % of their respective annual allocation . ### technical assistance at the initiative of the commission the funds , in accordance with the deductions laid down in article 83 , may support technical assistance up to a ceiling of 0 , 35 % of their respective annual allocation .


### technical assistance of the member states each of the funds may finance technical assistance operations eligible under any of the other funds . the amount of the funds allocated to technical assistance shall be limited to 4% of the total amount of the funds allocated to operational programmes under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal . 2 . technical assistance shall take the form of a mono - fund priority axis within an operational programme or of a specific operational programme . 3 . the allocation for technical assistance from a fund shall not exceed 10% of the total allocation of that fund to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal . ### technical assistance of the member states the amount of the funds allocated to technical assistance shall be limited to 4% of the total amount of the funds allocated to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region , where applicable , of the investment for growth and jobs goal . 1a . each fund may support technical assistance operations eligible under any of the other funds . without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 , the allocation for technical assistance from a fund shall not exceed 10% of the total allocation of that fund to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region , where applicable , of the investment for growth and jobs goal . 1b . by derogation from article 60 and , technical assistance operations may be implemented outside the programme area , but within the union , provided that the operations are for the benefit of the operational programme , or , in the case of a technical assistance operational programme for the other programmes concerned . 1c . where the structural funds allocations referred to in paragraph 1 are used to support technical assistance operations relating to more than one category of region , the expenditure relating to the operations may be implemented under a priority axis combining different categories of region and attributed on a pro rata basis taking into account the allocation under each category of region as a share of the total allocation to the member state . 1d . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , when the total amount of the funds allocated to a member state under the investment for growth and jobs goal is up to eur 1 billion , the amount allocated to technical assistance may increase up to the lower of 6% or eur 50 000 000 . 2 . technical assistance shall take the form of a mono - fund priority axis within an operational programme or of a specific operational programme , or both . deleted


### each of the funds may finance technical assistance operations eligible under any of the other funds . the amount of the funds allocated to technical assistance shall be limited to 4% of the total amount of the funds allocated to operational programmes under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal . 2 . technical assistance shall take the form of a mono - fund priority axis within an operational programme or of a specific operational programme . 3 . the allocation for technical assistance from a fund shall not exceed 10% of the total allocation of that fund to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal . ### the amount of the funds allocated to technical assistance shall be limited to 4% of the total amount of the funds allocated to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal , and 4% of the cohesion fund allocated to operational programmes in a member state . 1a . without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 , each fund may support technical assistance operations eligible under any of the other funds . the allocation for technical assistance from the erdf and the esf respectively shall not exceed 10% of the total allocation of each fund to operational programmes in a member state under each category of region of the investment for growth and jobs goal . 1b . by derogation from article 60 and , technical assistance operations may be implemented outside the programme area , but within the union , provided that the operations are for the benefit of the operational programme , or , in the case of a technical assistance operational programme for the other programmes concerned . 1c . where the funds are used to support technical assistance operations relating to more than one category of region , for the purposes of attributing the costs of the operations to technical assistance allocations for different categories of regions , a pro rata basis may be applied taking into account the allocation under each category of region as a share of the total allocation to the member state . 1d . by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , when the total amount of the funds allocated to a member state under the investment for growth and jobs goal is up to eur 1 billion , the percentage referred to in paragraph 1 shall be 6% but the total amount allocated to technical assistance shall not exceed eur 50 000 000 whichever is the lower . 2 . technical assistance shall take the form of a mono - fund priority axis within an operational programme or of a specific operational programme , or both . deleted


### 75% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in points and , and for all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 ; ### 85% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in points and , and for all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 ;


### the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be no higher than : 85 % for the cohesion fund ; 85 % for the less developed regions of member states whose average gdp per capita for the period 2007 to 2009 was below 85 % of the eu - 27 average during the same period and for the outermost regions ; 80% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in point eligible for the transitional regime of the cohesion fund on 1 january 2014 ; 75% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in points and , and for all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 ; 60 % for the transition regions other than those referred to in point ; 50 % for the more developed regions other than those referred to in point . the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 75% . 4 . the co - financing rate of the additional allocation in accordance with article 84 shall be no higher than 50% . the same co - financing rate shall apply to the additional allocation under article 4 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ etc regulation ] . ### the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be no higher than : 85 % for the cohesion fund ; 85 % for the less developed regions of member states , for the outermost regions including additional funding and for member states consisting of one single nuts level 2 region eligible for the transitional regime of the cohesion fund on 1 january 2014 ; 80 % for the transition regions and for regions which were eligible for funding under transitional support pursuant to article 8 of regulation no 1083 / 2006 ; deleted deleted 50 % for the more developed regions other than those referred to in point . the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 85% . 4 . the co - financing rate of the additional allocation for nuts level 2 regions fulfilling the criteria laid down in article 2 of protocol no 6 to the treaty of accession of austria , finland and sweden will be not higher than 50% . deleted


### the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be no higher than : 85 % for the cohesion fund ; 85 % for the less developed regions of member states whose average gdp per capita for the period 2007 to 2009 was below 85 % of the eu - 27 average during the same period and for the outermost regions ; 80% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in point eligible for the transitional regime of the cohesion fund on 1 january 2014 ; 75% for the less developed regions of member states other than those referred to in points and , and for all regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 2013 period was less than 75% of the average of the eu - 25 for the reference period but whose gdp per capita is above 75% of the gdp average of the eu - 27 ; 60 % for the transition regions other than those referred to in point ; 50 % for the more developed regions other than those referred to in point . the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 75% . ### the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal shall be no higher than : 85 % for the cohesion fund ; 85 % for the less developed regions of member states and for the outermost regions including additional funding ; deleted deleted 75 % for the transition regions and for regions which were eligible for funding under transitional support pursuant to article 8 of regulation no 1083 / 2006 ; 50 % for the more developed regions other than those referred to in point . the co - financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 85% .


### the maximum co - financing rate under paragraph 3 at the level of a priority axis shall be increased by ten percentage points , where the whole of a priority axis is delivered through financial instruments , or through community - led local development . ### the maximum co - financing rate under paragraph 3 at the level of a priority axis shall be increased by ten percentage points , where 50 % of the resources that contribute to an investment priority are delivered through financial instruments , or through community - led local development .


### the maximum co - financing rate under paragraph 3 at the level of a priority axis shall be increased by ten percentage points , where the whole of a priority axis is delivered through financial instruments , or through community - led local development . ### the maximum co - financing rate under paragraph 3 at the level of a priority axis shall be increased by no more than ten percentage points , where the whole of a priority axis is delivered through financial instruments , or territorial instruments supporting local development .