### procedures for the registration , modification and possible cancellation of union or third country geographical indications in accordance with the trips agreement should be laid down whilst automatically recognising the status of existing protected geographical indications of the union . in view of making procedural rules on geographical indications consistent through all the sectors concerned , such procedures for spirit drinks should be modelled on the more exhaustive and well tested procedures for agricultural products and foodstuffs laid down in regulation no 1151 / 2012 while taking into account specificities of spirit drinks . in order to simplify the registration procedures and to ensure that information for food business operators and consumers is electronically available an electronic register of geographical indications should be established . ### procedures for the registration , modification and possible cancellation of union or third country geographical indications in accordance with the trips agreement should be laid down whilst automatically recognising the status of existing protected geographical indications of the union . in view of making procedural rules on geographical indications consistent through all the sectors concerned , such procedures for spirit drinks should be modelled on the procedures for agricultural products and foodstuffs laid down in regulation no 1151 / 2012 while taking into account specificities of spirit drinks . in order to simplify the registration procedures and to ensure that information for food business operators and consumers is electronically available an electronic register of geographical indications should be established .


### - the maceration or similar processing of plant materials in ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillates of agricultural origin or spirit drinks or a mixture thereof within the meaning of this regulation , ### - the maceration or similar processing of plant materials in ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillates of agricultural origin or spirit drinks or a combination thereof within the meaning of this regulation ,


### by adding to a spirit drink any of the following : ### by adding to a spirit drink any of the following , individually or in combination :


### the alcohol used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall be ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin . ### the alcohol used in the production of spirit drinks and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of spirit drinks shall be ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin .


### distillates used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall exclusively be of agricultural origin . ### distillates used in the production of spirit drinks and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of spirit drinks shall exclusively be of agricultural origin .


### be sweetened to correspond to particular product characteristics and in accordance with point of annex i and taking into account the relevant legislation of the member states . ### be sweetened to correspond to particular product characteristics . taking into account the legislation of the member states which has been in force hitherto , the commission shall within three years submit an implementing act establishing uniform maximum levels of sweetening of the categories of spirit drinks referred to in annex ii throughout the eu .


### be sweetened to correspond to particular product characteristics and in accordance with point of annex i . ### be sweetened to correspond to particular product characteristics and in accordance with point of annex i . taking into account the legislation in force in the member states , the commission shall within three years submit an implementing act establishing uniform maximum levels of sweetening of these spirit drinks throughout the eu .


### where a spirit drink meets the requirements of more than one of the categories of spirit drinks 15 to 47 of part i of annex ii , it may be sold under one or more of the relevant sales denominations provided for under those categories . ### where a spirit drink meets the requirements of more than one of the categories of spirit drinks 1 to 47 of part i of annex ii , it may be sold under one or more of the relevant sales denominations provided for under those categories .


### a maturation period or age may only be specified in the presentation or labelling of a spirit drink where it refers to the youngest alcoholic component and provided that the spirit drink was aged under supervision of the tax authorities of a member state or a supervision affording equivalent guarantees . ### a maturation period or age may only be specified in the presentation or labelling of a spirit drink where it refers to the youngest alcoholic component and provided that all the operations to age the spirit drink took place under supervision of the tax authorities of a member state or supervision affording equivalent guarantees . the commission shall adopt a public register listing the bodies appointed by each member state to supervise ageing processes .


### in order to take into account evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in the relevant international standards and the need to improve the economic conditions of production and marketing , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 43 concerning : ### in order to take into account evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in the relevant international standards and the need to improve the economic conditions of production and marketing , whilst at the same time ensuring that consumers are protected and taking into account traditional practices , the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts , supplementing this regulation , in accordance with article 43 concerning :


### a description of the method of obtaining the spirit drink and , where appropriate , the authentic and unvarying local methods as well as information on packaging , if the applicant group so determines and gives sufficient product - specific justification as to why the packaging must take place in the defined geographical area to safeguard quality , to ensure the origin or to ensure control , taking into account union law , in particular that on the free movement of goods and the free provision of services ; ### a description of the method of obtaining the spirit drink and , where appropriate , the authentic and unvarying local methods as well as information on packaging , if the applicant or applicant group so determines and gives sufficient product - specific justification as to why the packaging must take place in the defined geographical area to safeguard quality , to ensure the origin or to ensure control , taking into account union law , in particular that on the free movement of goods and the free provision of services ;


### details establishing the link between a given quality , reputation or other characteristic of the spirit drink and the geographical area referred to in point ; ### the details bearing out the link with the geographical environment or the geographical origin ;


### the names and addresses of the applicant group and of the authorities or , if available , the bodies verifying compliance with the provisions of the product specification ; ### the names and addresses of the applicant and of the authorities or , if available , the bodies verifying compliance with the provisions of the product specification ;


### the name and address of the applicant group ; ### the name and address of the applicant ;


### a declaration by the member state that it considers that the application lodged by the applicant group and qualifying for the favourable decision meets the conditions of this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant thereto ; ### a declaration by the member state that it considers that the application lodged by the applicant and qualifying for the favourable decision meets the conditions of this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant thereto ;


### a joint application shall be submitted to the commission by a member state concerned , or by an applicant group in a third country concerned , directly or through the authorities of that third country . it shall include the declaration referred to in point of article 20 from all the member states concerned . the requirements laid down in article 20 shall be fulfilled in all member states and third countries concerned . ### a joint application shall be submitted to the commission by a member state concerned , or by an applicant in a third country concerned , directly or through the authorities of that third country . it shall include the declaration referred to in point of article 20 from all the member states concerned . the requirements laid down in article 20 shall be fulfilled in all member states and third countries concerned .


### where the application relates to a geographical area in a third country the application shall be lodged with the commission , either directly or via the authorities of the third country concerned . ### where the application relates to a geographical area in a third country the application shall be lodged with the commission via the authorities of the third country concerned .


### a name shall not be protected as a geographical indication if the production or preparation steps which are compulsory for the relevant category of spirit drink , do not take place in the relevant geographical area . ### a name shall not be protected as a geographical indication if the steps which are compulsory for the relevant category of spirit drink , do not take place in the relevant geographical area .


### procedures and requirements laid down in regulation no 882 / 2004 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the checks provided for in articles 35 and 36 of this regulation . ### procedures and requirements laid down in regulation 2017 / 625 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the checks provided for in articles 35 and 36 of this regulation .


### member states shall ensure that activities for the control of obligations under this chapter are specifically included in a separate section within the multi - annual national control plans in accordance with articles 41 to 43 of regulation no 882 / 2004 . ### member states shall ensure that activities for the control of obligations under this chapter are specifically included in a separate section within the multi - annual national control plans in accordance with articles 109 to 111 of regulation 2017 / 625 .


### the annual reports referred to in article 44 of regulation no 882 / 2004 shall include in a separate section the information referred to in that provision concerning the control of the obligations established by this regulation . ### the annual reports referred to in article 113 of regulation 2017 / 625 shall include in a separate section the information referred to in that provision concerning the control of the obligations established by this regulation .


### member states shall be responsible for checks on spirit drinks . they shall take the measures necessary to ensure compliance with this regulation and designate the competent authorities responsible on compliance with this regulation . ### member states shall be responsible for checks on spirit drinks , in accordance with regulation 2017 / 625 . they shall take the measures necessary to ensure compliance with this regulation and designate the competent authorities responsible on compliance with this regulation .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 16 , 38 , 41 and 46 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from the entry into force of this regulation . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 16 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 38 , 41 and 46 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from . . . [ oj please insert the date of the entry into force of this regulation ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### where reference is made to the raw materials used , the distillate must be obtained exclusively from that raw materials . ### where reference is made to the raw materials used , the distillate must be obtained exclusively from those raw materials .


### fruit spirit ### fruit spirit or obstler


### whenever two or more fruits , berries or vegetables are distilled together , the product shall be sold under the name ‘ fruit spirit’ or ‘ vegetable spirit’ , as appropriate . the name may be supplemented by that of each fruit , berry or vegetable , in decreasing order of the quantity used . ### whenever two or more fruits , berries or vegetables are distilled together , the product shall be sold under the name ‘ fruit and vegetable spirit’ or ‘ vegetable and fruit spirit’ , according to whether mashes from mainly fruit or berries or mashes from vegetables are distilled together . the name may be supplemented by that of each fruit , berry or vegetable , in decreasing order of the quantity used . the term ‘ obstler’ is reserved for fruit spirit made exclusively from apples and pears .


### hefebrand ### hefebrand or lees spirit


### topinambur ### topinambur or jerusalem artichoke spirit


### vodka ### vodka the word ‘ or’ is to appear in plain bold text if this amendment is adopted and the word ‘ vodka’ is to appear in plain italic text if this amendment is adopted .


### the description , presentation or labelling of vodka not produced exclusively from potatoes or cereals shall bear the indication ‘ produced from . . ’ , supplemented by the name of the raw materials used to produce the ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin . ### the description , presentation or labelling of vodka not produced exclusively from potatoes or cereals or both shall bear the indication ‘ produced from . . ’ , supplemented by the name of the raw materials used to produce the ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin .


### produced by maceration of fruit or berries listed under point , whether partially fermented or unfermented , with the possible addition of a maximum of 20 litres of ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or of spirit or of distillate deriving from the same fruit , or of a mixture thereof , per 100 kg of fermented fruit or berries , followed by distillation at less than 86 % vol . ; ### produced by maceration of fruit or berries listed under point , whether partially fermented or unfermented , with the possible addition of a maximum of 20 litres of ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or of spirit or of distillate deriving from the same fruit , or of a combination thereof , per 100 kg of fermented fruit or berries , followed by distillation at less than 86 % vol . ;


### juniper - flavoured spirit drinks are spirit drinks produced by flavouring ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or grain spirit or grain distillate or a mixture thereof with juniper berries . ### juniper - flavoured spirit drinks are spirit drinks produced by flavouring ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or grain spirit or grain distillate or a combination thereof with juniper berries .


### the mixture of the product of such distillation and ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin with the same composition , purity and alcoholic strength ; flavouring substances or flavouring preparations as specified in point of category 20 or both may also be used to flavour distilled gin . ### the combination of the product of such distillation and ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin with the same composition , purity and alcoholic strength ; flavouring substances or flavouring preparations as specified in point of category 20 or both may also be used to flavour distilled gin .


### produced using ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or a distillate of agricultural origin or one or more spirit drinks or a mixture thereof , which has been sweetened and to which one or more flavourings , products of agricultural origin or foodstuffs have been added . ### produced using ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or a distillate of agricultural origin or one or more spirit drinks or a combination thereof , which has been sweetened and to which one or more flavourings , products of agricultural origin or foodstuffs have been added .


### liqueur ### liqueur the word ‘ or’ is to appear in plain bold text if this amendment is adopted and the word ‘ liqueur’ is to appear in plain italic text if this amendment is adopted .


### egg liqueur or advocaat or avocat or advokat is a spirit drink , whether or not flavoured , obtained from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillate or spirit , or a mixture thereof , the ingredients of which are quality egg yolk , egg white and sugar or honey . the minimum sugar or honey content must be 150 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar . the minimum content of pure egg yolk must be 140 grams per litre of the final product . ### egg liqueur or advocaat or avocat or advokat is a spirit drink , whether or not flavoured , obtained from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillate or spirit , or a combination thereof , the ingredients of which are quality egg yolk , egg white and sugar or honey . the minimum sugar or honey content must be 150 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar . the minimum content of pure egg yolk must be 140 grams per litre of the final product .


### liqueur with egg is a spirit drink , whether or not flavoured , obtained from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillate or spirit drink , or a mixture thereof , the characteristic ingredients of which are quality egg yolk , egg white and sugar or honey . the minimum sugar or honey content must be 150 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar . the minimum egg yolk content must be 70 grams per litre of the final product . ### liqueur with egg is a spirit drink , whether or not flavoured , obtained from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin , distillate or spirit drink , or a combination thereof , the characteristic ingredients of which are quality egg yolk , egg white and sugar or honey . the minimum sugar or honey content must be 150 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar . the minimum egg yolk content must be 70 grams per litre of the final product .


### the minimum alcoholic strength by volume of anis shall be 37 % . ### the minimum alcoholic strength by volume of anis shall be 35 % .


### it has a minimum sugar content of 370 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar ; ### it has a minimum sugar content of 350 grams per litre expressed as invert sugar ;


### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . ### persons who work for a public or private organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about illegal activities or inadmissible practices that could result in threats or even harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and actions harmful to the public interest , as well as safeguarding the welfare of society as a whole . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . in this connection , the importance of providing balanced and effective whistleblower protection in order to safeguard the public interest is increasingly acknowledged both at european and international level .


### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . ### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they may play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society . however , potential whistleblowers are sometimes discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation .


### at union level , reports by whistleblowers are one upstream component of enforcement of union law : they feed national and union enforcement systems with information leading to effective detection , investigation and prosecution of breaches of union law . ### at union level , reports by whistleblowers and investigative journalists are one upstream component of enforcement of union law : they feed national and union enforcement systems with information leading to effective detection , investigation and prosecution of breaches of union law .


### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . the consequences of breaches of union law with cross - border dimension uncovered by whistleblowers illustrate how insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole . ### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . the consequences of breaches of union law with cross - border dimension uncovered by whistleblowers illustrate how insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole . the absence of adequate and balanced protection for potential informants results in inadequate disclosure , making it impossible to prevent infringements of union law , which could prove highly detrimental to the general interest .


### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of union law which can seriously harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers ' reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of society . _________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union . ### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers may help to disclose breaches of union law which can seriously harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers ' reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of society . _________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union .


### the protection of the financial interests of the union , which relates to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the use of union expenditures , the collection of union revenues and funds or union assets , is a core area in which enforcement of union law needs to be strengthened . the strengthening of the protection of the financial interests of the union also encompasses implementation of the union budget related to expenditures made on the basis of the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community . lack of effective enforcement in the area of the financial interests of the union , including fraud and corruption at national level , causes a decrease of the union revenues and a misuse of eu funds , which can distort public investments and growth and undermine citizens’ trust in eu action . whistleblower protection is necessary to facilitate the detection , prevention and deterrence of relevant fraud and illegal activities . ### the protection of the financial interests of the union , which relates to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the use of union expenditures , the collection of union revenues and funds or union assets , is a core area in which enforcement of union law needs to be strengthened . the strengthening of the protection of the financial interests of the union also encompasses implementation of the union budget related to expenditures made on the basis of the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community . lack of effective enforcement in the area of the financial interests of the union , including fraud and corruption at national level , causes a decrease of the union revenues and a misuse of eu funds , which can distort public investments and growth and undermine citizens’ trust in eu action . investigative journalists also play a crucial role in revealing wrongdoing connected to all these areas ; they represent a very exposed group of professionals , often paying with their jobs , freedom and even with their lives disclosure of massive irregularities and corruption schemes ; therefore , special measures to protect investigative journalists should be included in a horizontal legislative proposal for the protection of whistle - blowers . investigative journalism and whistleblower protection are necessary to facilitate the detection , prevention and deterrence of relevant fraud and illegal activities .


### each time a new union act for which whistleblower protection is relevant and can contribute to more effective enforcement is adopted , consideration should be given to whether to amend the annex to the present directive in order to place it under its scope . ### each time a new union act for which whistleblower protection is essential and can have a major impact in terms of more effective enforcement is adopted , consideration should be given to whether to amend the annex to the present directive in order to place it under its scope .


### persons who report information about threats or harm to the public interest obtained in the context of their work - related activities make use of their right to freedom of expression . the right to freedom of expression , enshrined in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and in article 10 of the european convention on human rights , encompasses media freedom and pluralism . ### persons who report information about serious threats or harm to the public interest obtained in the context of their work - related activities make use of their right to freedom of expression . the right to freedom of expression , enshrined in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and in article 10 of the european convention on human rights , encompasses media freedom and pluralism .


### protection should , firstly , apply to persons having the status of ' workers ' , within the meaning of article 45 tfeu , as interpreted by the court of justice of the european union52 , , i . e . persons who , for a certain period of time , perform services for and under the direction of another person , in return of which they receive remuneration . protection should thus also be granted to workers in non - standard employment relationships , including part - time workers and fixed - term contract workers , as well as persons with a contract of employment or employment relationship with a temporary agency , which are types of relationships where standard protections against unfair treatment are often difficult to apply . _________________ 52 judgments of 3 july 1986 , lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 . ### protection should , firstly , apply to persons having the status of ' workers ' , within the meaning of article 45 tfeu , as interpreted by the court of justice of the european union52 , i . e . persons who , for a certain period of time , perform services for and under the direction of another person , in return of which they receive remuneration . protection should thus also be granted to workers in non - standard employment relationships , including part - time workers and fixed - term contract workers , as well as persons with a contract of employment or employment relationship with a temporary agency and those in precarious employment or with cross - border status , which are types of relationships where standard protections against unfair treatment are often difficult to apply . _________________ 52 judgments of 3 july 1986 , lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 .


### effective detection and prevention of serious harm to the public interest requires that the information reported which qualifies for protection covers not only unlawful activities but also abuse of law , namely acts or omissions which do not appear to be unlawful in formal terms but defeat the object or the purpose of the law . ### effective detection and prevention of serious harm to the public interest requires that the information reported which qualifies for protection covers not only unlawful activities but also abuses , because any person abuses his rights who , among various ways of exercising his rights , deliberately opts for the one that is most damaging to others and defeats the object or the purpose of the law .


### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay . ### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that adequate and balanced protection is also granted to persons acting in good faith and for selfless motives who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed and could be detrimental to the general interest . for the same reasons , protection is , under certain conditions , warranted also for persons who do not provide sufficient positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . however , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay .


### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay . ### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about breaches which are very likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay .


### it is for the member states to identify the authorities competent to receive and give appropriate follow up to the reports on breaches falling within the scope of this directive . these may be regulatory or supervisory bodies in the areas concerned , law enforcement agencies , anti - corruption bodies and ombudsmen . the authorities designated as competent shall have the necessary capacities and powers to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and to address the breaches reported , including by launching an investigation , prosecution or action for recovery of funds , or other appropriate remedial action , in accordance with their mandate . ### it is for the member states to identify the authorities competent to receive and give appropriate and proportionate follow up to the reports on breaches falling within the scope of this directive . these may be regulatory or supervisory bodies in the areas concerned , law enforcement agencies , anti - corruption bodies and ombudsmen . the authorities designated as competent shall have the necessary capacities and powers to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and to address the breaches reported , including by launching an investigation , prosecution or action for recovery of funds , or other appropriate remedial action that is proportional to the gravity of the reported offence in accordance with their mandate and their statutory terms of reference . the commission shall encourage cooperation and exchanges of good practice between the member state authorities with a view to ensuring proper and balanced implementation of the uniform whistleblower protection rules .


### for the effective detection and prevention of breaches of union law it is vital that the relevant information reaches swiftly those closest to the source of the problem , most able to investigate and with powers to remedy it , where possible . this requires that legal entities in the private and the public sector establish appropriate internal procedures for receiving and following - up on reports . ### for the effective detection and prevention of breaches of union law it is vital that the relevant information reaches swiftly those closest to the source of the problem , most able to investigate and with powers to remedy it , where possible . this requires that legal entities in the private and the public sector establish appropriate and proportionate internal procedures governed by the principles of independence and impartiality for receiving and following - up on reports . measures taken under these internal procedures shall provide adequate guarantees regarding confidentiality , data protection and privacy .


### for legal entities in the private sector , the obligation to establish internal channels is commensurate with their size and the level of risk their activities pose to the public interest . it should apply to all medium - sized and large entities irrespective of the nature of their activities , based on their obligation to collect vat . as a general rule small and micro undertakings , as defined in article 2 of the annex of the commission recommendation of 6 may 2003 , as amended56 , should be exempted from the obligation to establish internal channels . however , following an appropriate risk assessment , member states may require small undertakings to establish internal reporting channels in specific cases . _________________ 56 commission recommendation of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises . ### for legal entities in the private sector , the obligation to establish internal channels is commensurate with their size and the level of risk their activities pose to the public interest . as a general rule small , micro and medium - sized undertakings , as defined in the commission recommendation of 6 may 2003 , as amended56 , should be exempted from the obligation to establish internal channels . _________________ 56 commission recommendation of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises .


### in the context of internal reporting , the quality and transparency of information provided on the follow up procedure to the report is crucial to build trust in the effectiveness of the overall system of whistleblower protection and reduces the likelihood of further unnecessary reports or public disclosures . the reporting person should be informed within a reasonable timeframe about the action envisaged or taken as follow up to the report as far as such information would not prejudice the enquiry or investigation or affect the rights of the concerned person . such reasonable timeframe should not exceed in total three months . where the appropriate follow up is still being determined , the reporting person should be informed about this and about any further feedback he / she should expect . ### in the context of internal reporting , the quality and transparency of information provided on the follow up procedure to the report is crucial to build trust in the effectiveness of the overall system of whistleblower protection and reduces the likelihood of further unnecessary reports or public disclosures . the reporting person should be informed within a reasonable timeframe about the action envisaged or taken as follow up to the report as far as such information would not prejudice the enquiry or investigation or affect the rights of the concerned person . such reasonable timeframe should not exceed three months , but could be extended to six months where necessary due to the specific circumstances of the case , in particular the nature and complexity of the subject of the whistleblowing , which may require a lengthy investigation . where the appropriate follow up is still being determined , the reporting person should be informed about this and about any further feedback he / she should expect .


### persons intending to report should be able to make an informed decision on whether , how and when to report . competent authorities should therefore publicly disclose and make easily accessible information about the available reporting channels with competent authorities , about the applicable procedures and about the dedicated staff members within these authorities . all information regarding reports should be transparent , easily understandable and reliable in order to promote and not deter reporting . ### persons intending to report should be able to make an informed decision on whether , how and when to report . competent authorities should therefore publicly disclose and make easily accessible information about the available reporting channels , in circumstances where outside whistleblowing is possible , with competent authorities , about the applicable procedures and about the dedicated staff members within these authorities . all information regarding reports should be transparent , easily understandable and reliable in order to promote and not deter reporting .


### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope . ### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should be acting in good faith and for selfless motives . in other words , they should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection and may indeed be held accountable under the national laws of the member states . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope .


### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope . ### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope .


### action taken against reporting persons outside the work - related context , through proceedings , for instance , related to defamation , breach of copyright , trade secrets , confidentiality and personal data protection , can also pose a serious deterrent to whistleblowing . directive 2016 / 943 of the european parliament and of the council58 exempts reporting persons from the civil redress measures , procedures and remedies it provides for , in case the alleged acquisition , use or disclosure of the trade secret was carried out for revealing misconduct , wrongdoing or illegal activity , provided that the respondent acted for the purpose of protecting the general public interest . also in other proceedings , reporting persons should be able to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this directive as a defence . in such cases , the person initiating the proceedings should carry the burden to prove any intent on the part of the reporting person to violate the law . _________________ 58 directive 2016 / 943 of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know - how and business information against their unlawful acquisition , use and disclosure . ### action taken against reporting persons outside the work - related context , through proceedings , for instance , related to defamation , breach of copyright , trade secrets , confidentiality and personal data protection , can also pose a serious deterrent to whistleblowing . directive 2016 / 943 of the european parliament and of the council58 exempts reporting persons from the civil redress measures , procedures and remedies it provides for , in case the alleged acquisition , use or disclosure of the trade secret was carried out for revealing misconduct , wrongdoing or illegal activity , provided that the respondent acted for the purpose of protecting the general public interest . also in other proceedings , reporting persons should be able to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this directive as a defence . _________________ 58 directive 2016 / 943 of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know - how and business information against their unlawful acquisition , use and disclosure .


### the rights of the concerned person should be protected in order to avoid reputational damages or other negative consequences . furthermore , the rights of defence and access to remedies of the concerned person should be fully respected at every stage of the procedure following the report , in accordance with articles 47 and 48 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . member states should ensure the right of defence of the concerned person , including the right to access to the file , the right to be heard and the right to seek effective remedy against a decision concerning the concerned person under the applicable procedures set out in national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings . ### the rights of the concerned person should be protected in order to avoid reputational damages or other negative consequences . furthermore , the rights of defence and access to remedies of the concerned person should be fully respected at every stage of the procedure following the report , in accordance with articles 47 and 48 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . member states should protect the confidentiality of the identity of the person concerned and ensure the right of defence , including the right to access to the file , the right to be heard and the right to seek effective remedy against a decision concerning the concerned person under the applicable procedures set out in national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings .


### any person who suffers prejudice , whether directly or indirectly , as a consequence of the reporting or disclosure of inaccurate or misleading information should retain the protection and the remedies available to him or her under the rules of general law . where such inaccurate or misleading report or disclosure was made deliberately and knowingly , the concerned persons should be entitled to compensation in accordance with national law . ### any person who suffers prejudice , whether directly or indirectly , as a consequence of the reporting or disclosure of inaccurate or misleading information should retain the protection and the remedies available to him or her under the rules of general law . where such inaccurate or misleading report or disclosure was made deliberately and knowingly , whistleblowers should not enjoy protection and the concerned persons should be entitled to compensation in accordance with national law .


### barticle 1 – financial services , prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing ; ### barticle 1 – financial services , prevention of and fight against money - laundering and terrorist financing :


### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ; ### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual , direct or indirect act or omission , prompted by the internal , external reporting or by disclosure , which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ;


### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ; ### ‘ retaliation’ means any actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting or disclosure which occurs in a work - related context and causes unjustified detriment to the reporting person ;


### ‘ follow - up’ means any action taken by the recipient of the report , made internally or externally , to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and , where relevant , to address the breach reported , including actions such as internal enquiry , investigation , prosecution , action for recovery of funds and closure ; ### ‘ follow - up’ means any action taken by the recipient of the report , made internally or externally , to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and their good faith and , where relevant , to address the breach reported , including actions such as internal enquiry , investigation , prosecution , action for recovery of funds and closure ;


### the legal entities in the private sector referred to in paragraph 1 are the following : ### paragraph 1 does not apply to micro , small or medium - sized enterprises in the sense of commission recommendation of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises1a . _________________ 1a commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 concerning the definition of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises


### channels for receiving the reports which are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person and prevents access to non - authorised staff members ; ### channels for receiving the reports which are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person and the identity of the concerned person and prevents access to non - authorised staff members .


### the designation of a person or department competent for following up on the reports ; ### the designation of a person or department competent and impartial for following up on the reports ;


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months following the report , but could be extended to six months , where necessary due to the specific circumstances of the case , in particular the nature and complexity of the subject of the report , which may require a lengthy investigation , to provide feedback to the reporting person about follow - up to the report ;


### the channels provided for in point of paragraph 1 shall allow for reporting in all of the following ways : ### the channels provided for in point of paragraph 1 shall allow for reporting of the following ways :


### the person or department referred to in point of paragraph 1 may be the same person who is competent for receiving the reports . additional persons may be designated as “trusted persons” from whom reporting persons and those considering reporting may seek confidential advice . ### the person or department referred to in point of paragraph 1 may be the same person who is competent for receiving the reports , provided that impartiality and confidentiality safeguards are maintained . additional persons may be designated as “trusted persons” from whom reporting persons and those considering reporting may seek confidential advice .


### establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels , which are both secure and ensure confidentiality , for receiving and handling information provided by the reporting person ; ### establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels , which are secure , ensure confidentiality and guarantee that the identity of the reporting person will not be disclosed , for receiving and handling information provided by the reporting person ;


### member states shall ensure that competent authorities have staff members dedicated to handling reports . dedicated staff members shall receive specific training for the purposes of handling reports . ### member states shall ensure that competent authorities have staff members dedicated to handling reports . dedicated staff members shall receive specific training for the purposes of handling reports . they shall analyse and interpret whether the report has serious implications for the public interest without prejudice to existing procedures in accordance with the union acts listed in the annex .


### receiving and following - up reports ; ### receiving and following - up reports , verifying whether the report comes under the scope of this directive ;


### the confidentiality regime applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed . ### the confidentiality regime applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person and a concerned person may be disclosed .


### a statement clearly explaining that persons making information available to the competent authority in accordance with this directive are not considered to be infringing any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and are not to be involved in liability of any kind related to such disclosure . ### a statement clearly explaining that bona fide persons , disinterestedly making information available to the competent authority in accordance with this directive are not considered to be infringing any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and are not to be involved in liability of any kind related to such disclosure .


### a statement clearly explaining that persons making information available to the competent authority in accordance with this directive are not considered to be infringing any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and are not to be involved in liability of any kind related to such disclosure . ### a statement clearly explaining , without prejudice to article 1 , that persons making information available to the competent authority in accordance with this directive are not considered to be infringing any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and are not to be involved in liability of any kind related to such disclosure .


### member states shall ensure that competent authorities keep records of every report received . ### member states shall ensure that competent authorities keep records of every report received , in compliance with all the rules regarding confidentiality and personal data protection .


### early termination or cancellation of contract for goods or services ; ### early termination or cancellation of contract for goods or services not covered by the provisions of the contract ;


### persons reporting externally to competent authorities or making a public disclosure in accordance with this directive shall not be considered to have breached any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and incur liability of any kind in respect of such disclosure . ### persons reporting externally to competent authorities or making a public disclosure in accordance with this directive shall not be considered to have breached any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and incur liability of any kind in respect of such disclosure without prejudice to article 1 .


### where the identity of the concerned persons is not known to the public , competent authorities shall ensure that their identity is protected for as long as the investigation is ongoing . ### competent authorities shall ensure that their identity is protected for as long as the investigation is ongoing .


### costs incurred in connection with the integration of the existing national infrastructures and their connection to the national uniform interfaces as well as in connection with hosting the national uniform interfaces shall be borne by the general budget of the union . ### costs incurred in connection with the integration of the existing national infrastructures and their connection to the national uniform interfaces as well as in connection with hosting and future developments of the national uniform interfaces shall be borne by the general budget of the union .


### four years after the start of operations of each interoperability component and every four years thereafter , eu - lisa shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the commission a report on the technical functioning of the interoperability components , including the security thereof . ### two years after the start of operations of each interoperability component and every two years thereafter , the responsible agency shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the commission a report on the technical functioning of the interoperability components , including the security thereof .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . _________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters , this being of great importance for humans and the ecosystem . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . __________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the efficiency and reuse measures , inter alia , promotion of water - efficient technologies in industry and water - saving irrigation techniques as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . __________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination , but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reclaimed water . ### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination . but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the significant cost of wastewater reuse system and the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential health and environmental risks and potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reclaimed water . at the same time , it should be borne in mind that , in certain member states , the irrigation infrastructure is inadequate or non - existent .


### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination , but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reclaimed water . ### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination , but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the significant cost of waste water reuse systems and the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reused water .


### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse . ### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality , monitoring and key risk management tasks . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse . the joint research centre should develop parameters and measurement methods to identify the presence of microplastics and pharmaceutical residues in reclaimed water .


### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse . ### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum quality requirements for reclaimed water , monitoring requirements and key risk management tasks . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse .


### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse . ### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reused water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reused water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research centre and reflect the international standards on water reuse .


### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health . ### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health in particular concerning the use treated waste water on agricultural land used for food production .


### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health . ### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for agricultural irrigation . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health .


### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec . ### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , which should be proportionate and not overly burdensome , consisting of the monthly frequencies of the routine monitoring and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec .


### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . ### to reduce these risks use of treated waste water on agricultural land for food production should be of a high standard . competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation facility operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation facility should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . the competent authorities should work closely with farmers in order to facilitate the reuse of reclaimed water .


### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . ### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reused water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the recycled water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . the competent authorities should work closely with end users in order to facilitate the reuse of properly treated water .


### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management . ### this directive lays down minimum quality requirements for water intended for agricultural irrigation , minimum monitoring requirements and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe use of reclaimed water in the context of integrated water management .


### the purpose of this regulation is to guarantee that reclaimed water is safe for its intended use , thereby ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment , addressing water scarcity and the resulting pressure on water resources in a coordinated way throughout the union , thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market . ### the purpose of this directive is to guarantee that reclaimed water intended for agricultural irrigation is safe , thereby ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment , addressing water scarcity and the resulting pressure on water resources in a coordinated way throughout the union , thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market .


### ‘ end - user’ means a natural or legal person who uses reclaimed water ; ### ‘ end - user’ means a natural or legal person who uses reused water ;


### ‘ preventive measure’ means any action or activity that can be used to prevent or eliminate a health and environmental risk , or reduce it to an acceptable level . ### ‘ preventive measure’ means appropriate action or activity that can be used to prevent or eliminate a health and environmental risk , or reduce it to an acceptable level .


### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the outlet of the reclamation plant , comply with the following : ### reclamation facility operators shall , at the point of compliance , ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall comply with the following :


### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the outlet of the reclamation plant , comply with the following : ### reclamation facility operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the point of compliance , comply with the following :


### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the outlet of the reclamation plant , comply with the following : ### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water intended for agricultural irrigation specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the point of compliance comply with the following :


### any additional conditions set by the competent authority in the relevant permit pursuant to points and of article 7 , as regards water quality . ### any additional conditions that fall under their scope of responsibility set by the competent authority in the relevant permit pursuant to points and of article 7 , as regards water quality .


### the reclamation plant operator shall draw - up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii . the water reuse risk management plan shall propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and shall , inter alia , identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures . ### the competent authority shall , as part of the authorisation process for the water reuse plan , propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures while monitoring costs arising from the measures . the reclamation plant operator shall refer to the risk assessment drawn up by the competent authority when drawing up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii .


### an operator shall submit an application for the permit referred to in paragraph 1 , or for a modification of an existing permit to the competent authority of the member state in which the reclamation plant operates or is planned to operate . ### an entity responsible for a water reuse project shall submit an application for the permit referred to in paragraph 1 , or for a modification of an existing permit to the competent authority of the member state in which the water reuse project is implemented or is planned to be implemented .


### a description of how the reclamation plant operator will comply with the minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring set out in section 2 of annex i ; ### a description of how the reclamation facility operator will comply with the minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring set out in section 2 of annex i ;


### a description of how the reclamation plant operator will comply with the additional requirements proposed in the water reuse risk management plan . ### a description of how the reclamation facility operator will comply with the additional requirements proposed in the water reuse risk management plan .


### the competent authority shall verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit , at the point of compliance . the compliance check shall be performed using the following means : ### the competent authority shall verify compliance of the reused water with the conditions set out in the permit , at the point of compliance . the compliance check shall be performed using the following means :


### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit’s conditions occurs , the reclamation plant operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and the end - user which may be potentially affected , and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident . ### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit’s conditions occurs , the reclamation facility operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and the user which may be potentially affected , and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident .


### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit ' s conditions occurs , the reclamation plant operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and the end - user which may be potentially affected , and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident . ### if an incident affecting compliance with the permit ' s conditions occurs , the reclamation facility operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and all reclaimed water distributors and end - user and communicate to the competent authority the information necessary for assessing the impacts of such an incident .


### the entities and persons entrusted pursuant to point of article 58 shall prevent , detect and correct irregularities and fraud when executing tasks relating to the implementation of the budget . to this end , they shall carry out , in accordance with the principle of proportionality , ex ante and ex post controls including , where appropriate , on - the - spot checks on representative and / or risk - based samples of transactions , to ensure that the actions financed from the budget are effectively carried out and implemented correctly . they shall also recover funds unduly paid and bring legal proceedings where necessary in this regard . ### article 60 is replaced by the following : ' 3 . the entities and persons entrusted pursuant to point of article 58 shall prevent , detect and correct irregularities and fraud when executing tasks relating to the implementation of the budget . to this end , they shall carry out , in accordance with the principle of proportionality , ex ante and ex post controls including , where appropriate , on - the - spot checks on representative and / or risk - based samples of transactions , to ensure that the actions financed from the budget are effectively carried out and implemented correctly . they shall also recover funds unduly paid , bring legal proceedings where necessary in this regard , and notify the commission about any fraud case detected . '


### the activity report shall indicate the results of the operations by reference to the objectives set , the risks associated with those operations , the use made of the resources provided and the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control systems , including an overall assessment of the costs and benefits of controls . ### the second subparagraph of article 66 is replaced by the following : ' the activity report shall indicate the results of the operations by reference to the objectives set , the risks associated with those operations , the use made of the resources provided and the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control systems , including an overall assessment of the costs and benefits of controls . the report shall also include an assessment of the extent to which the operations have contributed to policy achievements and generated union added value , as well as of the overall performance of those operations . '


### no later than 15 june each year , the commission shall send to the european parliament and the council a summary of the annual activity reports for the preceding year . the annual activity report of each authorising officer by delegation shall also be made available to the european parliament and the council . ### the third subparagraph of article 66 is replaced by the following : ' no later than 15 june each year , the commission shall send to the european parliament and the council a summary of the annual activity reports for the preceding year . the annual activity report of each authorising officer by delegation , as well as the annual activity reports of the authorising officers / authorising officers by delegation of the other institutions , offices , bodies and agencies , shall also be made available to the european parliament and the council and be published on the website of the respective institution , office , body or agency no later than 30 june each year for the preceding year . '


### ' procurement ' means the acquisition by means of a contract of buildings , works , supplies or services by one or more contracting authorities from economic operators chosen by those contracting authorities . ### ' procurement ' means the acquisition by means of a contract of works , supplies or services , and the acquisition or rental of land , existing buildings or other immovable property , by one or more contracting authorities from economic operators chosen by those contracting authorities .


### all contracts shall be put out to competition on the broadest possible basis , except when use is made of the negotiated procedure referred to in point of article 104 . contracting authorities shall not use framework contracts improperly or in such a way that their purpose or effect is to prevent , restrict or distort competition . ### all contracts shall be put out to competition on the broadest possible basis , except when use is made of the negotiated procedure referred to in point of article 104 . the estimated value of a contract may not be determined with a view to circumventing the applicable rules , nor may a contract be split up for that purpose . 3 . contracting authorities shall not use framework contracts improperly or in such a way that their purpose or effect is to prevent , restrict or distort competition .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 210 concerning detailed rules on the types of procurement procedures , dynamic purchasing system , joint procurement , low value contracts and payment against invoices . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 210 concerning detailed rules on the types of procurement procedures for the award of contracts with reference to their value in comparison to the thresholds referred to in article 118 , on a dynamic purchasing system , and on joint procurement .


### in the procurement documents , the contracting authority shall identify the subject matter of the procurement by providing a description of its needs and the characteristics required of the works , supplies or services to be bought and specify the applicable criteria . it shall also indicate which elements define the minimum requirements to be met by all tenders . ### in the procurement documents , the contracting authority shall identify the subject matter of the procurement by providing a description of its needs and the characteristics required of the works , supplies or services to be bought and specify the applicable exclusion , selection and award criteria . it shall also indicate which elements define the minimum requirements to be met by all tenders .


### a contract shall not be awarded for a given procedure to an economic operator who : ### the contracting authority shall not award the contract for a given procedure to an economic operator who :


### by olaf in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council* where an olaf investigation in progress shows that it might be appropriate to take precautionary measures to protect the financial interests of the union ; ### by olaf in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council* where an olaf investigation in progress shows that it might be appropriate to take precautionary measures to protect the financial interests of the union , with due regard to the respect for procedural and fundamental rights , and to the protection of whistleblowers ;


### by an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency in case of presumed grave professional misconduct , irregularity , fraud or serious breach of contract ; ### by an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency in case of presumed grave professional misconduct , irregularity , fraud , corruption or serious breach of contract ;


### by another institution , body or a european office in case of presumed grave professional misconduct , irregularity , fraud or serious breach of contract . ### by another institution , body or a european office in case of presumed grave professional misconduct , irregularity , fraud , corruption or serious breach of contract .


### the information referred to in points , and of the first subparagraph shall be transmitted without delay through the accounting system of the commission to the authorising officers of the commission and of its executive agencies , all other institutions , bodies and european offices in order to allow them to take preventive temporary and conservatory measures in the implementation of the budget . those measures shall not go beyond what is foreseen in the terms and conditions of the procurement documents . ### the information referred to in points , and of the first subparagraph shall be transmitted without delay through the accounting system of the commission to the authorising officers of the commission and of its executive agencies , all other institutions , bodies and european offices in order to allow them to take preventive measures in the implementation of the budget . those measures shall not go beyond what is foreseen in the terms and conditions of the procurement documents .


### for the situations referred to in points , , and of article 106 , a panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency or a joint panel at the request of another institution , body or european office . the panel , on behalf of the commission and its executive agencies , other institutions , bodies or european offices , shall apply the following procedure : ### for the situations referred to in points , , and of article 106 , a neutral and politically independent panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of an authorising officer of the commission or of an executive agency , or a joint panel shall be set up by the commission at the request of another institution , body or european office . the panel or the joint panel shall appoint a standing high - level body and shall be composed of members with technical and legal competences . the commission shall ensure that the panel or the joint panel work independently . the panel or the joint panel shall , on behalf of the commission and its executive agencies , other institutions , bodies or european offices , apply the following procedure :


### where the request of the authorising officer is based , inter alia , on the information provided by olaf , the office shall cooperate with the panel in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 ; ### where the request of the authorising officer is based , inter alia , on the information provided by olaf , the office shall cooperate with the panel in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 , with due regard to respect for procedural and fundamental rights , and to the protection of whistleblowers ;


### the panel may take an exclusion decision including as regards the duration of the exclusion and / or may impose a financial penalty on the basis of evidence and information received taking into account the principle of proportionality ; ### the panel may take an exclusion decision including as regards the duration of the exclusion and / or may impose a financial penalty on the basis of evidence and information received taking into account the principle of proportionality ; the financial penalty shall represent between 2 % and 10 % of the total value of the contract , without prejudice to the application of liquidated damages or other contractual penalties ;


### in exceptional cases , including where natural persons are concerned or where it is necessary to preserve the confidentiality of the investigation or of a national judicial proceeding , the panel may decide not to publish the exclusion or financial penalty as set out in point of the first subparagraph of this paragraph with due consideration to the right to privacy and with due observance of the rights provided for in regulation no 45 / 2001 . ### in exceptional cases , including where natural persons are concerned or where it is necessary to preserve the confidentiality of the investigation or of a national judicial proceeding , the panel may decide not to publish the exclusion or financial penalty as set out in point of the first subparagraph of this paragraph with due consideration to the right to privacy and with due observance of the rights provided for in regulation no 45 / 2001 . notwithstanding the foregoing , the commission shall regularly inform the european parliament and the council of those decisions , using appropriate measures to ensure confidentiality . the contracting authority shall adopt the measures necessary to implement the decision of the panel .


### the authorities of the member states and third countries as well as the ecb , the eib , the european investment fund and the entities participating in the implementation of the budget in accordance with articles 58 and 61 shall : ### where the conduct of economic operators has been detrimental to the union ' s financial interests , the authorities of the member states and third countries as well as the ecb , the eib , the european investment fund and the entities participating in the implementation of the budget in accordance with articles 58 and 61 shall :


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 210 concerning detailed rules on the union’s system for the protection of the union ' s financial interests , including its standardised procedures and the details subject to publication , the time limits to exclude , the organisation of the panel , the duration of exclusion and financial penalties . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 210 concerning detailed rules on the union’s system for the protection of the union ' s financial interests , including its standardised procedures and the details subject to publication , the time limits to exclude , the organisation of the panel , the criteria for membership of the panel , the selection process for members of the panel , the prevention and management of conflicts of interest of members of the panel , the duration of exclusion and financial penalties .


### the candidate or tenderer meets the selection criteria specified in the procurement documents . ### the candidate or tenderer meets the selection criteria specified in the procurement documents and is not subject to conflicting interests which may negatively affect the performance of the contract .


### the contracting authority shall base the award of contracts on the most economically advantageous tender . ### the contracting authority shall base the award of contracts on the most economically advantageous tender in accordance with article 67 of directive 2014 / 24 / eu .