### member states shall collectively ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 27% . ### member states shall collectively ensure that : the share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 27% ; the contribution from biofuels and bioliquids , as well as from biomass fuels consumed in transport , if produced from food or feed crops is no more than the limit set in article 7 for the calculation of the union ' s gross final consumption of energy in transport in 2030 ; and member states shall also collectively ensure that the share of renewable energy in the transport sector for the eu overall should be at least 12 % of the final consumption of energy in transport in 2030 .


### it is important to provide information on how the supported electricity is allocated to final customers . in order to improve the quality of that information to consumers , member states should ensure that guarantees of origin are issued for all units of renewable energy produced . in addition , with a view to avoiding double compensation , renewable energy producers already receiving financial support should not receive guarantees of origin . however , those guarantees of origin should be used for disclosure so that final consumers can receive clear , reliable and adequate evidence on the renewable origin of the relevant units of energy . moreover , for electricity that received support , the guarantees of origin should be auctioned to the market and the revenues should be used to reduce public subsidies for renewable energy . ### it is important to provide information on how the renewable energy sources injected into electricity and gas grids are allocated to final customers . in order to improve the quality of that information to consumers , member states shall ensure that guarantees of origin are issued for all units of renewable energy produced and injected into both electricity and gas grid . in addition , with a view to avoiding double compensation , renewable energy producers already receiving financial support should not receive guarantees of origin . however , those guarantees of origin should be used for disclosure so that final consumers can receive clear , reliable and adequate evidence on the renewable origin of the relevant units of energy . moreover , for renewable electricity and gases that received support , the guarantees of origin may be auctioned to the market and the revenues may be used to reduce public subsidies for renewable energy .


### emission saving from carbon capture and replacement , eccr , shall be related directly to the production of biofuel or bioliquid they are attributed to , and shall be limited to emissions avoided through the capture of co2 of which the carbon originates from biomass and which is used in the energy or transport sector . ### emission saving from carbon capture and replacement , eccr , shall be limited to emissions avoided through the capture of co2 of which the carbon originates from biomass and which is used to replace fossil - derived co2 used in commercial products and services .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 7 , 7 ; 19 , 19 , 25 and 28 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from 1st january 2021 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 19 , 19 , 25 and 28 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from 1st january 2021 .


### promoting renewable forms of energy is one of the goals of the union energy policy . the increased use of energy from renewable sources , together with energy savings and increased energy efficiency , constitutes an important part of the package of measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the 2015 paris agreement on climate change , and the union 2030 energy and climate framework , including the binding target to cut emissions in the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . it also has an important part to play in promoting the security of energy supply , technological development and innovation and providing opportunities for employment and regional development , especially in rural and isolated areas or regions with low population density . ### promoting renewable forms of energy is one of the goals of the union energy policy . the increased use of energy from renewable sources , together with energy savings and increased energy efficiency , constitutes an important part of the package of measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the 2015 paris agreement on climate change , and the union 2030 energy and climate framework , including the binding target to cut emissions in the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . it also has an important part to play in promoting the security of energy supply , technological development and innovation and providing opportunities for employment and regional development , especially in rural and isolated areas , in regions with low population density and in areas undergoing partial deindustrialisation .


### ‘ ambient heat’ means heat energy at a useful temperature level which is extracted or captured by means of heat pumps that need electricity or other auxiliary energy to function , and which can be stored in the ambient air , beneath the surface of solid earth or in surface water . the reported values shall be established on the basis of the same methodology used for the reporting of heat energy extracted or captured by heat pumps ; ### ‘ ambient heat’ means energy for the production of heating or cooling at a useful temperature level by means of heat pumps as defined by directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the reported values shall be established on the basis of the same methodology used for the reporting of energy transferred by heat pumps ;


### promoting renewable forms of energy is one of the goals of the union energy policy . the increased use of energy from renewable sources , together with energy savings and increased energy efficiency , constitutes an important part of the package of measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the 2015 paris agreement on climate change , and the union 2030 energy and climate framework , including the binding target to cut emissions in the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . it also has an important part to play in promoting the security of energy supply , technological development and innovation and providing opportunities for employment and regional development , especially in rural and isolated areas or regions with low population density . ### promoting renewable forms of energy is one of the goals of the union energy policy . the increased use of energy from renewable sources , together with energy savings and increased energy efficiency , constitutes an important part of the package of measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the 2015 paris agreement on climate change , and the union 2030 energy and climate framework , including the binding target to cut emissions in the union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 . it also has an important part to play in promoting the security of energy supply , technological development and innovation and providing opportunities for employment and sustainable development at regional and local level , including rural , remote , isolated , geographically problematic areas or regions with low population density . greenhouse gas emissions reductions are of critical importance but should not compete with other environment protection goals .


### the single administrative contact point , in collaboration with transmission and distribution system operators , shall publish a manual of procedures for renewable project developers , including for small scale projects and renewable self - consumers projects . ### the member state , in collaboration with the single administrative contact point , transmission and distribution system operators , shall set up a single online information platform with all the relevant information on procedures for renewable project developers , including for small scale projects and renewable self - consumers projects . if the member state decides to have more than one single administrative contact point the information platform shall guide the applicant to the contact point relevant for the applicant’s application .


### biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from forest biomass taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of paragraph 1 shall meet the following requirements to minimise the risk of using unsustainable forest biomass production : the country in which forest biomass was harvested has national and / or sub - national laws applicable in the area of harvest as well as monitoring and enforcement systems in place ensuring that : harvesting is carried out in accordance to the conditions of the harvesting permit within legally gazetted boundaries ; ii ) forest regeneration of harvested areas takes place ; iii ) areas of high conservation value , including wetlands and peatlands , are protected ; iv ) the impacts of forest harvesting on soil quality and biodiversity are minimised ; and v ) harvesting does not exceed the long - term production capacity of the forest ; when evidence referred to in the first subparagraph is not available , the biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from forest biomass shall be taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of paragraph 1 if management systems are in place at forest holding level to ensure that : the forest biomass has been harvested according to a legal permit ; ii ) forest regeneration of harvested areas takes place ; iii ) areas of high conservation value , including peatlands and wetlands , are identified and protected ; iv ) impacts of forest harvesting on soil quality and biodiversity are minimised ; v ) harvesting does not exceed the long - term production capacity of the forest . ### biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from forest biomass taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of paragraph 1 shall meet the following requirements to minimise the risk of using unsustainable forest biomass production : the country in which forest biomass was harvested has national and / or sub - national laws applicable in the area of harvest as well as monitoring and enforcement systems in place ensuring that : harvesting is carried out in accordance to the conditions of the harvesting permit or equivalent proof of the legal right to harvest within the national or regional legally gazetted boundaries ; ii ) forest regeneration of harvested areas takes place ; iii ) areas designated , by international or national law or by the relevant competent authority , to promote the maintenance of biodiversity or for nature conservation purposes , including in wetlands and peatlands , are protected ; iv ) harvesting is carried out considering maintenance of soil quality and biodiversity with the aim of minimising negative impacts ; and v ) harvesting maintains or improves the long - term production capacity of the forest at national or regional level ; b ) when evidence referred to in the first subparagraph is not available , the biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from forest biomass shall be taken into account for the purposes referred to in points , and of paragraph 1 if additional information of legality and forest management practices are provided at the supply base level to ensure that : harvesting is carried out in accordance with the conditions of the harvesting permit procedure or equivalent national or regional proof of the legal right to harvest ; ii ) forest regeneration of harvested areas takes place ; iii ) areas designated , by international or national law or by the relevant competent authority , to promote the maintenance of biodiversity or for nature conservation purposes , including in wetlands and peatlands , are protected ; iv ) harvesting is carried out considering maintenance of soil quality and biodiversity ; including surrounding areas provided that they are affected by the harvesting activities ; v ) harvesting maintains or improves long - term production capacity of the forest at national or regional level ; and vi ) environmental and nature regulations or measures are in place and in line with the relevant union environmental and nature standards .


### to ensure that , despite the growing demand for forest biomass , harvesting is carried out in a sustainable manner in forests where regeneration is ensured , that special attention is given to areas explicitly designated for the protection of biodiversity , landscapes and specific natural elements , that biodiversity resources are preserved and that carbon stocks are tracked , woody raw material should come only from forests that are harvested in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management developed under international forest processes such as forest europe and are implemented through national laws or the best management practices at the forest holding level . operators should take the appropriate steps in order to minimise the risk of using unsustainable forest biomass for the production of bioenergy . to that end , operators should put in place a risk - based approach . in this context , it is appropriate for the commission to develop operational guidance on the verification of compliance with the risk based approach , following the consultation of the energy union governance committee , and the standing forestry committee established by council decision 89 / 367 / eec24 . ### to ensure that , despite the growing demand for forest biomass , harvesting is carried out in a sustainable manner in forests where regeneration is ensured , that special attention is given to areas explicitly designated for the protection of biodiversity , landscapes and specific natural elements , that biodiversity resources are preserved and that carbon stocks are tracked , woody raw material should come only from forests that are harvested in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management developed under international forest processes such as forest europe and are implemented through national laws or the best management practices at the supply base level . operators should ensure that measures are taken to avoid or limit negative consequences of harvesting on the environment . to that end , operators should put in place a risk - based approach . in this context , it is appropriate for the commission to develop arrangements for implementing the requirements based on best practices in member states as well as operational guidance on the verification of compliance with the risk based approach , following the consultation of the energy union governance committee , and the standing forestry committee established by council decision 89 / 367 / eec24 .


### the specific situation of the outermost regions is recognised in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the energy sector in the outermost regions is often characterised by isolation , limited supply and dependence on fossil fuels while these regions benefit from important local renewable sources of energy . the outermost regions could thus serve as examples of the application of innovative energy technologies for the union . it is therefore necessary to promote the uptake of renewable energy in order to achieve a higher degree of energy autonomy for those regions and recognise their specific situation in terms of renewable energy potential and public support needs . ### the specific situation of the outermost regions is recognised in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the energy sector in the outermost regions is often characterised by isolation , limited and more costly supply and dependence on fossil fuels while these regions benefit from important local renewable sources of energy , particularly biomass . the outermost regions could thus serve as examples of the application of innovative energy technologies for the union . it is therefore necessary to adapt the renewable energy strategy in order to achieve a higher degree of energy autonomy for those regions , to strengthen the security of supply , and recognise their specific situation in terms of renewable energy potential and public support needs . moreover , the outermost regions should be able to fully exploit their resources , in compliance with the strict sustainability criteria and in keeping with specific local needs , in order to step up their renewable energy output and strengthen their energy independence .


### ‘ power purchase agreement’ means a contract under which a legal person agrees to purchase renewable electricity directly from an energy generator ; ### ´renewable power purchase agreement ' means a contract under which a legal or natural person agrees to purchase new additional renewable electricity directly from an energy generator and that does not benefit from a member state support scheme ;


### without prejudice to adaptations necessary to comply with state aid rules , member states shall ensure that the level of , and the conditions attached to , the support granted to renewable energy projects are not revised in a way that negatively impacts the rights conferred thereunder and the economics of supported projects . ### without prejudice to adaptations necessary to comply with state aid rules , member states shall ensure that the level of , and the conditions attached to , the support granted to renewable energy projects are not revised in any way .


### the commission shall keep annex v and annex vi under review , with a view , where justified , to adding or revising values for biofuel , bioliquid and biomass fuel production pathways . that review shall also consider the modification of the methodology laid down in part c of annex v and in part b of annex vi . ### the commission shall keep annex v and annex vi under review , with a view , where justified , to add , but not to revise , values for biofuel , bioliquid and biomass fuel production pathways . that review shall also consider the modification of the methodology laid down in part c of annex v and in part b of annex vi .


### ‘ repowering’ means renewing power plants producing renewable energy , including the full or partial replacement of installations or operation systems and equipment , in order to replace capacity or increase efficiency ; ### ‘ repowering’ means renewing power plants producing renewable energy , including the full or partial replacement of installations or operation systems and equipment , in order to replace or increase capacity or increase efficiency ;


### in order to ensure that annex ix takes into account the principles of the waste hierarchy established in directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council17 , the union sustainability criteria , and the need to ensure that the annex does not create additional demand for land while promoting the use of wastes and residues , the commission , when regularly evaluating the annex , should consider the inclusion of additional feedstocks that do not cause significant distortive effects on markets for products , wastes or residues . __________________ 17 directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives . ### in order to ensure that annex ix takes into account the principles of the circular economy , the waste hierarchy established in directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council17 , the union sustainability criteria , a lifecycle assessment of emissions and the need to ensure that the annex does not create additional demand for land while promoting the use of wastes and residues , the commission should regularly evaluate the annex and consider the effects on markets for products , wastes or residues in any amendments that it proposes . __________________ 17 directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives .


### for the calculation of a member state ' s gross final consumption of energy from renewable energy sources , the contribution from biofuels and bioliquids , as well as from biomass fuels consumed in transport , if produced from food or feed crops , shall be no more than 7% of final consumption of energy in road and rail transport in that member state . this limit shall be reduced to 3 , 8% in 2030 following the trajectory set out in part a of annex x . member states may set a lower limit and may distinguish between different types of biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from food and feed crops , for instance by setting a lower limit for the contribution from food or feed crop based biofuels produced from oil crops , taking into account indirect land use change . ### from 1 january 2021 , for the calculation of a member state ' s gross final consumption of energy from renewable energy sources , the contribution from biofuels and bioliquids other than highly sustainable crop - based biofuels as well as from biomass fuels consumed in transport , if produced from food or feed crops , shall be no more than 7% of final consumption of energy in road and rail transport in that member state . this limit shall be reduced to 3 , 8% in 2030 following the trajectory set out in part a of annex x . member states may set a lower limit and may distinguish between different types of biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels produced from food and feed crops , for instance by setting a lower limit for the contribution from food or feed crop based biofuels produced from oil crops , taking into account indirect land use change .


### the specific situation of the outermost regions is recognised in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the energy sector in the outermost regions is often characterised by isolation , limited supply and dependence on fossil fuels while these regions benefit from important local renewable sources of energy . the outermost regions could thus serve as examples of the application of innovative energy technologies for the union . it is therefore necessary to promote the uptake of renewable energy in order to achieve a higher degree of energy autonomy for those regions and recognise their specific situation in terms of renewable energy potential and public support needs . ### the specific situation of the outermost regions is recognised in article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . the energy sector in the outermost regions is often characterised by isolation , limited and more expensive supply and dependence on fossil fuels while these regions benefit from important local renewable sources of energy , in particular biomass . the outermost regions could thus serve as examples of the application of innovative energy technologies for the union . it is therefore necessary to adjust the renewable energy strategy in order to achieve a higher degree of energy autonomy for those regions , strengthen security of supply and recognise their specific situation in terms of renewable energy potential and public support needs . on the other hand , the outermost regions should be able to use the full potential of their resources , in accordance with the criteria of strict sustainability and in line with local conditions , in order to increase the production of renewable energies and strengthen their energy independence .


### member states shall collectively ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 27 % . ### member states shall collectively ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in the union ' s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 27 % . member states shall ensure that they make the contributions required of them to this overarching objective .


### ' waste heat or cold ' means heat or cold which is generated as by - product in industrial or power generation installations and which would be dissipated unused in air or water without access to a district heating or cooling system ; ### ' waste heat or cold ' means heat or cold which is generated as by - product in industrial or power generation installations or heat or cold generated inside a building and which would be dissipated unused in air or water ;


### with effect from 1 january 2021 , member states shall require fuel suppliers to include a minimum share of energy from advanced biofuels and other biofuels and biogas produced from feedstock listed in annex ix , from renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non - biological origin , from waste - based fossil fuels and from renewable electricity in the total amount of transport fuels they supply for consumption or use on the market in the course of a calendar year . ### with effect from 1 january 2021 , member states shall set the fuel incorporation obligation and shall require fuel suppliers to increase gradually the share of renewable energy from biofuels , advanced biofuels and biogas produced from feedstock listed in annex ix , from renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non - biological origin , and from renewable electricity supplied for transport to at least 15 % in 2030 in the total amount of transport fuels they supply for consumption or use on the market in the course of a calendar year .


### in order to ensure that additional geographical indications protected and registered in the union are registered in the international register , it is appropriate to authorise the commission , at a later stage , to file applications for the international registration of such additional geographical indications , on its own initiative or at the request of a member state or of an interested group of producers or , in exceptional cases , at the request of a single producer . ### in order to ensure that additional geographical indications protected and registered in the union are registered in the international register , it is appropriate to authorise the commission , at a later stage , to file applications for the international registration of such additional geographical indications , on its own initiative or at the request of a member state or of an interested group of producers or , in exceptional cases , at the request of a single producer . the accession of the union to the geneva act does not prejudice the current and future protection of geographical indications in bilateral free trade agreements .


### the ancillary online services covered by this regulation are those services offered by broadcasting organisations which have a clear and subordinate relationship to the broadcast . they include services giving access to television and radio programmes in a linear manner simultaneously to the broadcast and services giving access , within a defined time period after the broadcast , to television and radio programmes which have been previously broadcast by the broadcasting organisation . in addition , ancillary online services include services which give access to material which enriches or otherwise expands television and radio programmes broadcast by the broadcasting organisation , including by way of previewing , extending , supplementing or reviewing the relevant programme ' s content . the provision of access to individual works or other protected subject matter that have been incorporated in a television or radio programme should not be regarded as an ancillary online service . similarly , the provision of access to works or other protected subject matter independently of broadcast , such as services giving access to individual musical or audiovisual works , music albums or videos , do not fall under the definition of ancillary online service . ### the ancillary online services covered by this regulation are those services offered by broadcasting organisations which have a clear and subordinate relationship to the broadcast . they include services giving access to television and radio programmes in a linear manner simultaneously to the broadcast and services giving access to television and radio programmes during , or within a defined time period after , the broadcast . in addition , ancillary online services include services which give access to material which enriches or otherwise expands television and radio programmes broadcast by the broadcasting organisation , including by way of previewing , extending , supplementing or reviewing the relevant programme ' s content . the provision of access to individual works or other protected subject matter that have been incorporated in a television or radio programme should not be regarded as an ancillary online service . similarly , the provision of access to works or other protected subject matter independently of broadcast , such as services giving access to individual musical or audiovisual works , music albums or videos , do not fall under the definition of ancillary online service .


### operators of retransmission services , that normally offer multiple programmes which use a multitude of works and other protected subject matter included in the retransmitted television and radio programmes , have a very short time - frame for obtaining the necessary licences and hence also face a significant rights clearing burden . there is also a risk for right holders of having their works and other protected subject matter exploited without authorisation or payment of remuneration . ### operators of retransmission services , that normally offer multiple programmes which use a multitude of works and other protected subject matter included in the retransmitted television and radio programmes , have a very short time - frame for obtaining the necessary licences and hence also face a significant rights clearing burden . there is also a risk for right holders of having their works and other protected subject matter exploited without authorisation or payment of appropriate remuneration .


### when fixing the amount of the payment to be made for the rights subject to the country of origin principle as set out in paragraph 1 , the parties shall take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service such as the features of the ancillary online service , the audience , and the language version . ### when fixing the appropriate amount of the payment to be made for the rights subject to the country of origin principle as set out in paragraph 1 , the parties shall take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service . to be deemed appropriate , such an amount must be reasonable in relation to the economic value of the service provided and , in particular , take into account the features of the ancillary online service , the actual and potential audience , including the audience in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment and in other member states in which the ancillary online service is accessed and used , and all language versions and subtitled versions .


### ' ancillary online service ' means an online service consisting in the provision to the public , by or under the control and responsibility of a broadcasting organisation , of radio or television programmes simultaneously with or for a defined period of time after their broadcast by the broadcasting organisation as well as of any material produced by or for the broadcasting organisation which is ancillary to such broadcast ; ### ' ancillary online service ' means an online service consisting in the provision to the public , by or under the control and responsibility of a broadcasting organisation , of radio or television programmes simultaneously with , during or for a defined period of time after their broadcast by the broadcasting organisation as well as of any material produced by or for the broadcasting organisation which is ancillary to such broadcast ;


### since the provision of , the access to or the use of an ancillary online service is deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment , while de facto the ancillary online service can be provided across borders to other member states , it is necessary to ensure that in arriving at the amount of the payment to be made for the rights in question , the parties should take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service such as the features of the service , the audience , including the audience in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment and in other member states in which the ancillary online service is accessed and used , and the language version . ### since the provision of , the access to or the use of an ancillary online service is deemed to occur solely in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment , while de facto the ancillary online service can be provided across borders to other member states , it is necessary to ensure that the parties fix appropriate remuneration . to be deemed appropriate , such remuneration should be reasonable in relation to the economic value of the service provided and take into account all aspects of the ancillary online service such as the features of the service , the actual and potential audience , including the audience in the member state in which the broadcasting organisation has its principal establishment and in other member states in which the ancillary online service is accessed and used , and all language versions and subtitled versions .


### without prejudice to article 1 , if a member state decides to change its standard time or times in any territory under its jurisdiction , it shall notify the commission at least 6 months before the change takes effect . where a member state has made such a notification and has not withdrawn it at least 6 months before the date of the envisaged change , the member state shall apply this change . ### without prejudice to article 1 , if a member state decides to change its standard time or times in any territory under its jurisdiction , it shall notify the commission at least one year before the change takes effect . where a member state has made such a notification and has not withdrawn it at least one year before the date of the envisaged change , the member state shall apply this change .


### the commission has examined available evidence , which points to the importance of having harmonised union rules in this area to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and avoid , inter alia , disruptions to the scheduling of transport operations and the functioning of information and communication systems , higher costs to cross - border trade , or lower productivity for goods and services . evidence is not conclusive as to whether the benefits of summer - time arrangements outweigh the inconveniences linked to a biannual change of time . ### the commission has examined available evidence , which points to the importance of having harmonised union rules in this area to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and avoid , inter alia , disruptions to the scheduling of transport operations and the functioning of information and communication systems , higher costs to cross - border trade , or lower productivity for goods and services . therefore any changes implemented at eu level and in the member states in connection with the repeal of directive 2000 / 84 / ec will seek to preserve the harmonisation of time zones in the eu at least at the current level .


### member states shall adopt and publish , by 1 april 2019 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions . ### member states shall adopt and publish , without delay and by 1 april 2019 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions .


### member states shall not apply seasonal changes to their standard time or times . ### member states shall not apply seasonal changes to their standard time or times . they shall jointly choose either permanent standard time or permanent summer time throughout the eu .


### this directive should not prejudice the right of each member state to decide on the standard time or times for the territories under its jurisdiction and falling under the territorial scope of the treaties , and on further changes thereto . however , in order to ensure that the application of summer - time arrangements by some member states only does not disrupt the functioning of the internal market , member states should refrain from changing the standard time in any given territory under their jurisdiction for reasons related to seasonal changes , be such change presented as a change of time zone . moreover , in order to minimise disruptions , inter alia , to transport , communications and other concerned sectors , they should notify the commission in due time of their intention to change their standard time and subsequently apply the notified changes . the commission should , on the basis of that notification , inform all other member states so that they can take all necessary measures . it should also inform the general public and stakeholders by publishing this information . ### this directive should not prejudice the right of each member state to decide on the standard time or times for the territories under its jurisdiction and falling under the territorial scope of the treaties , and on further changes thereto . however , in order to ensure that the functioning of the internal market is not thereby disrupted , member states should agree on a possible change in standard time in consultation with the other member states and , where possible , adopt a harmonised approach . in order to prevent the application of summer - time arrangements by some member states only , member states should refrain from changing the standard time in any given territory under their jurisdiction for reasons related to seasonal changes , be such change presented as a change of time zone . moreover , in order to minimise disruptions , inter alia , to transport , communications and other concerned sectors , they should notify the commission in due time of their intention to change their standard time and subsequently apply the notified changes . the commission should , on the basis of that notification , inform all other member states so that they can take all necessary measures . it should also inform the general public and stakeholders by publishing this information .


### this directive should apply from 1 april 2019 , so that the last summer - time period subject to the rules of directive 2000 / 84 / ec should start , in every member state , at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 31 march 2019 . member states that , after that summer - time period , intend to adopt a standard time corresponding to the time applied during the winter season in accordance with directive 2000 / 84 / ec should change their standard time at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 27 october 2019 , so that similar and lasting changes occurring in different member states take place simultaneously . it is desirable that member states take the decisions on the standard time that each of them will apply as from 2019 in a concerted manner . ### this directive shall apply from 1 april 2019 , so that the last summer - time period subject to the rules of directive 2000 / 84 / ec should start , in every member state , at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 31 march 2019 . member states that , after that summer - time period , intend to adopt a standard time corresponding to the time applied during the winter season in accordance with directive 2000 / 84 / ec should change their standard time at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 27 october 2019 , so that similar and lasting changes occurring in different member states take place simultaneously . member states should take the decision on the standard time that each of them will apply as from 2019 in a concerted manner , so that any change implemented at eu level and in the member states in connection with the implementation of this directive maintains the harmonisation of time zones in the eu at least at the current level .


### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements . ### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements thanks to the active participation of national action groups in many member states and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements .


### the commission , assisted by the european environment agency , shall prepare every six years a composite report based on the information referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the commission , assisted by the european environment agency , shall prepare and publish , every six years , a composite report based on the information referred to in paragraph 1 .


### a more connected europe by enhancing mobility and regional ict connectivity ; ### a more connected europe by enhancing safe and intelligent mobility and regional ict connectivity ;


### as of 1 january 2024 , resources transferred to the cef which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project shall be made available to all member states eligible for funding from the cohesion fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with regulation [ the new cef regulation ] . ### as of 1 january 2025 , resources transferred to the cef which have not been committed to a transport infrastructure project by 31 december 2024 shall be made available to all member states eligible for funding from the cohesion fund to finance transport infrastructure projects in accordance with regulation [ the new cef regulation ] .


### the commission may make observations within three months of the date of submission of the programme by the member state . ### the commission may make observations within two months of the date of submission of the programme by the member state .


### the scope and level of the suspension of commitments or payments to be imposed shall be proportionate , shall respect the equality of treatment between member states and shall take into account the economic and social circumstances of the member state concerned , in particular the level of unemployment , the level of poverty or social exclusion of the member state concerned in relation to the union average and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the member state concerned . the impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address adverse economic or social conditions shall be a specific factor to be taken into account . ### the scope and level of the suspension of commitments or payments to be imposed shall be proportionate , shall respect the equality of treatment between member states and shall take into account the economic and social circumstances of the member state concerned , in particular the level of unemployment , the level of poverty or social exclusion of the member state concerned in relation to the union average and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the member state concerned . the impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address adverse structural , economic or social conditions , such as those in the outermost regions , shall be a specific factor to be taken into account .


### rules applicable for the transport sector under regulation [ new cef regulation ] shall apply to the specific calls referred to in the first subparagraph . until 31 december 2023 , the selection of projects eligible for financing shall respect the national allocations under the cohesion fund with regard to 70% of the resources transferred to the cef . ### rules applicable for the transport sector under regulation [ new cef regulation ] shall apply to the specific calls referred to in the first subparagraph .


### a safeguard procedure should be set up which applies only in the event of disagreement between member states over measures taken by a member state under which interested parties are informed of measures intended to be taken with regard to products not complying with the accessibility requirements of this directive . it should allow market surveillance authorities , in cooperation with the relevant economic operators , to act at an earlier stage in respect of such products . ### a safeguard procedure should be set up which applies only in the event of disagreement between member states over measures taken by a member state whereby interested parties are informed of measures intended to be taken with regard to products not complying with the accessibility requirements of this directive . it should allow market surveillance authorities , in cooperation with organisations representing persons with disabilities and the relevant economic operators , to act at an earlier stage in respect of such products .


### member states shall ensure that information held by market surveillance authorities concerning the compliance of economic operators with the applicable accessibility requirements set out in article 3 and the assessment of the exceptions provided for in article 12 , is made available to consumers upon request and in an accessible format , except where that information cannot be provided for reasons of confidentiality as provided for in article 19 of regulation no 765 / 2008 . ### member states shall ensure that information held by market surveillance authorities concerning the compliance of economic operators with the applicable accessibility requirements set out in article 3 and the assessment of the exceptions provided for in article 12 , is made available to consumers in an accessible format , except where that information cannot be provided for reasons of confidentiality as provided for in article 19 of regulation no 765 / 2008 .


### member states may decide , in the light of national conditions , that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services , and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators shall comply with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise their use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities . ### member states shall ensure that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services , including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators , complies with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise its use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities .


### importers shall , further to a reasoned request from a competent national authority , provide it with all the information and documentation necessary to demonstrate the conformity of a product in a language which can be easily understood by that authority . they shall cooperate with that authority , at its request , on any action taken to eliminate the risks posed by products which they have placed on the market . ### importers shall provide it with all the information and documentation necessary to demonstrate the conformity of a product in a language which can be easily understood by that authority . they shall cooperate with that authority , at its request , on any action taken to eliminate the risks posed by products which they have placed on the market .


### the appointment by a judicial or administrative authority of a practitioner in the field of restructuring shall not be mandatory in every case . ### member states may provide for cases in which the appointment by a judicial or administrative authority of a practitioner in the field of restructuring shall not be mandatory .


### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , the judicial or administrative authority may decide not grant the stay of individual enforcement actions or may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned . ### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , or a vulnerable creditor would encounter financial difficulties , the judicial or administrative authority may decide not grant the stay of individual enforcement actions or may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned . an unfair prejudice shall be deemed to exist at least where a creditor or class of creditors is facing considerable economic difficulties .


### the total duration of the stay of individual enforcement actions , including extensions and renewals , shall not exceed twelve months . ### the total duration of the stay of individual enforcement actions , including extensions and renewals , shall not exceed six months .


### fulfils the conditions in article 10 ; ### fulfils the conditions in article 10 , while ensuring compliance with all the requirements laid down in national law ;


### member states may limit the access provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 to small and medium sized enterprises or to entrepreneurs ### for small and medium sized enterprises or entrepreneurs , member states shall at all stages provide access to professional advice from a restructuring practitioner , for instance through chambers of trade or business and notaries’ associations bearing in mind that those measures should be affordable to sme’s .


### a general stay covering all creditors shall prevent the opening of insolvency procedures at the request of one or more creditors . ### any stay of individual enforcement actions shall prevent the opening of insolvency procedures at the request of any creditor .


### member states shall ensure that over - indebted entrepreneurs may be fully discharged of their debts in accordance with this directive . ### member states shall ensure that bona fide over - indebted entrepreneurs may be fully discharged of their debts in accordance with this directive .


### member states shall ensure that the following restructuring plans can become binding on the parties only if they are confirmed by a judicial or administrative authority : ### member states shall ensure that the&#160 ; restructuring plans which affect the interests of dissenting affected parties can become binding on the parties only if they are confirmed by a judicial or administrative authority .


### preventive restructuring procedures available for debtors in financial difficulty when there is a likelihood of insolvency ; ### rapid preventive restructuring procedures available for debtors in financial difficulty when there is a likelihood of insolvency and a genuine possibility of saving the company from an insolvency procedure ;


### member states shall limit the duration of the stay of individual enforcement actions to a maximum period of no more than four months . ### member states shall limit the duration of the stay of individual enforcement actions to a maximum period of no more than two months .


### member states shall ensure that affected parties are treated in separate classes which reflect the class formation criteria . classes shall be formed in such a way that each class comprises claims or interests with rights that are sufficiently similar to justify considering the members of the class a homogenous group with commonality of interest . as a minimum , secured and unsecured claims shall be treated in separate classes for the purposes of adopting a restructuring plan . member states may also provide that workers are treated in a separate class of their own . ### member states shall ensure that affected parties are treated in separate classes which reflect the class formation criteria . classes shall be formed in such a way that each class comprises claims or interests with rights that are sufficiently similar to justify considering the members of the class a homogenous group with commonality of interest . as a minimum , secured and unsecured claims shall be treated in separate classes for the purposes of adopting a restructuring plan . member states shall also provide that workers are treated in a separate class of their own . member states may also lay down specific rules supporting separate class formation for vulnerable creditors , such as small suppliers and micro and small enterprises .


### member states shall ensure that creditors may not withhold performance or terminate , accelerate or in any other way modify executory contracts to the detriment of the debtor by virtue of a contractual clause providing for such measures , solely by reason of the debtor ' s entry into restructuring negotiations , a requested for a stay of individual enforcement actions , the ordering of the stay as such or any similar event connected to the stay . ### member states shall ensure that creditors may not withhold performance or terminate , accelerate or in any other way modify executory contracts to the detriment of the debtor by virtue of a contractual clause providing for such measures , solely by reason of the debtor ' s entry into restructuring negotiations , a requested for a stay of individual enforcement actions , the ordering of the stay as such or any similar event connected to the stay , unless they are affected by the stay and they can prove that they would suffer significant disadvantages from such an event .


### excessive length of restructuring , insolvency and discharge procedures in several member states is an important factor triggering low recovery rates and deterring investors from making business in jurisdictions where procedures risk taking too long . ### excessive length of restructuring , insolvency and discharge procedures in several member states is an important factor triggering low recovery rates and deterring investors from making business in jurisdictions where procedures risk taking too long and being unduly costly .


### member states shall ensure that debtors and entrepreneurs have access to early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor or the entrepreneur the need to act as a matter of urgency . ### member states shall ensure that debtors and entrepreneurs have access to early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor or the entrepreneur the need to act as a matter of urgency . in that regard , the commission shall promote , as part of its digital single market strategy , the use and development of new it technologies for notifications and online communications , to ensure more effective early warning procedures .


### preventive restructuring frameworks shall be available on the application by debtors , or by creditors with the agreement of debtors . ### preventive restructuring frameworks shall be available on the application by debtors . member states may provide for restructuring frameworks to be made available at the request of creditors with the agreement of the debtor .


### member states shall ensure that debtors and entrepreneurs have access to early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor or the entrepreneur the need to act as a matter of urgency . ### member states shall develop early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor , the entrepreneur and the employees ' representative or the employees themselves , where they have no representative , the need to act as a matter of urgency .


### member states shall ensure that debtors who are negotiating a restructuring plan with their creditors may benefit from a stay of individual enforcement actions if and to the extent such a stay is necessary to support the negotiations of a restructuring plan . ### member states shall ensure that debtors who are negotiating a restructuring plan with their creditors may benefit from a stay of individual enforcement actions to the extent that such a stay is necessary to support the negotiations of a restructuring plan .


### member states may require the appointment of a practitioner in the field of restructuring in the following cases : ### member states shall require the appointment of a practitioner in the field of restructuring in the following cases :


### a debtor should be able to request the judicial or administrative authority for a temporary stay of individual enforcement actions which should also suspend the obligation to file for opening of insolvency procedures where such actions may adversely affect negotiations and hamper the prospects of a restructuring of the debtor ' s business . the stay of enforcement could be general , that is to say affecting all creditors , or targeted towards individual creditors . in order to provide for a fair balance between the rights of the debtor and of creditors , the stay should be granted for a period of no more than four months . complex restructurings may , however , require more time . member states may decide that in such cases , extensions of this period may be granted by the judicial or administrative authority , providing there is evidence that negotiations on the restructuring plan are progressing and that creditors are not unfairly prejudiced . if further extensions are granted , the judicial or administrative authority should be satisfied that there is a strong likelihood that a restructuring plan will be adopted . member states should ensure that any request to extend the initial duration of the stay is made within a reasonable deadline so as to allow the judiciary or administrative authorities to deliver a decision within due time . where a judicial or administrative authority does not take a decision on the extension of a stay of enforcement before it lapses , the stay should cease to have effects on the day the stay period expires . in the interest of legal certainty , the total period of the stay should be limited to twelve months . ### a debtor should be able to request the judicial or administrative authority for a temporary stay of individual enforcement actions which should also suspend the obligation to file for opening of insolvency procedures where such actions may adversely affect negotiations and hamper the prospects of a restructuring of the debtor ' s business . the stay of enforcement could be general , that is to say affecting all creditors , or targeted towards individual creditors . in order to provide for a fair balance between the rights of the debtor and of creditors , the stay should be granted for a period of no more than two months . complex restructurings may , however , require more time . member states may decide that in such cases , extensions of this period may be granted by the judicial or administrative authority , providing there is evidence that negotiations on the restructuring plan are progressing and that creditors are not unfairly prejudiced . if further extensions are granted , the judicial or administrative authority should be satisfied that there is a strong likelihood that a restructuring plan will be adopted . member states should ensure that any request to extend the initial duration of the stay is made within a reasonable deadline so as to allow the judiciary or administrative authorities to deliver a decision within due time . where a judicial or administrative authority does not take a decision on the extension of a stay of enforcement before it lapses , the stay should cease to have effects on the day the stay period expires . in the interest of legal certainty , the total period of the stay should be limited to twelve months .


### has been approved by at least one class of affected creditors other than an equity - holder class and any other class which , upon a valuation of the enterprise , would not receive any payment or other consideration if the normal ranking of liquidation priorities were applied ; ### has been approved by the majority of classes of affected creditors amongst which there is neither an equity - holder class nor any other class which , upon a valuation of the enterprise , would not receive any payment or other consideration if the normal ranking of liquidation priorities were applied ;


### to have due regard to the interests of creditors and other stakeholders ; ### to have due regard to the interests of creditors , workers and other stakeholders ;


### member states shall ensure that debtors and entrepreneurs have access to early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor or the entrepreneur the need to act as a matter of urgency . ### member states shall develop early warning tools which can detect a deteriorating business development and signal to the debtor or the entrepreneur or the workers ' representative the need to act as a matter of urgency . member states shall ensure that the nature and content of early warning instruments are clearly and transparently indicated and that borrowers and entrepreneurs have access to these instruments . member states may require debtors to consider the need to use a restructuring instrument if , over a two - year period , financial indicators reflect the risk of the business being affected . member states may decide to restrict access to pre - insolvency restructuring mechanisms for debtors who have failed to make use of early warning instruments despite these being made available to them .


### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , the judicial or administrative authority may decide not grant the stay of individual enforcement actions or may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned . ### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , the judicial or administrative authority may decide - in line with their remit under national law - not grant the stay of individual enforcement actions or may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned .


### member states shall ensure that mediators , insolvency practitioners and other practitioners appointed in restructuring , insolvency and second chance matters receive the necessary initial and further training in order to ensure that their services are provided in an effective , impartial , independent and competent way in relation to the parties . ### member states shall ensure that mediators , insolvency practitioners and other practitioners appointed in restructuring , insolvency and second chance matters receive the initial and further training and obtain the qualifications necessary in order to ensure that their services are provided in an effective , impartial , independent and competent way in relation to the parties .


### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , the judicial or administrative authority may decide not grant the stay of individual enforcement actions or may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned . ### member states shall ensure that , where an individual creditor or a single class of creditors is or would be unfairly prejudiced by a stay of individual enforcement actions , the judicial or administrative authority may lift a stay of individual enforcement actions already granted in respect of that creditor or class of creditors , at the request of the creditors concerned .


### member states may require the appointment of a practitioner in the field of restructuring in the following cases : ### member states shall require the appointment of a practitioner in the field of restructuring at least in the following cases :


### member states shall ensure that a stay of individual enforcement actions may be ordered in respect of all types of creditors , including secured and preferential creditors . the stay may be general , covering all creditors , or limited , covering one or more individual creditors , in accordance with national law . ### member states shall ensure that a stay of individual enforcement actions may be obtained by the debtor in respect of all types of creditors . the stay may be general , covering all creditors , or limited , covering one or more individual creditors , in accordance with national law .


### preventive restructuring frameworks may consist of one or more procedures or measures . ### preventive restructuring frameworks may consist of one or more procedures or measures , either out - of - court or ordered by an administrative or judicial authority .


### to promote efficiency and reduce delays and costs , national preventive restructuring frameworks should include flexible procedures limiting the involvement of judicial or administrative authorities to where it is necessary and proportionate in order to safeguard the interests of creditors and other interested parties likely to be affected . to avoid unnecessary costs and reflect the early nature of the procedure , debtors should in principle be left in control of their assets and the day - to - day operation of their business . the appointment of a restructuring practitioner , whether a mediator supporting the negotiations of a restructuring plan or an insolvency practitioner supervising the actions of the debtor , should not be mandatory in every case , but made on a case - by - case basis depending on the circumstances of the case or on the debtor ' s specific needs . furthermore , there should not necessarily be a court order for the opening of the restructuring process which may be informal as long as the rights of third parties are not affected . nevertheless , a degree of supervision should be ensured when this is necessary to safeguard the legitimate interests of one or more creditors or another interested party . this may be the case , in particular , when a general stay of individual enforcement actions is granted by the judicial or administrative authority or where it appears necessary to impose a restructuring plan on dissenting classes of creditors . ### to promote efficiency and reduce delays and costs , national preventive restructuring frameworks should include flexible procedures limiting the involvement of judicial or administrative authorities to where it is necessary and proportionate in order to safeguard the interests of creditors and other interested parties likely to be affected . to avoid unnecessary costs and reflect the early nature of the procedure , debtors should in principle be left in control of their assets and the day - to - day operation of their business . member states may provide for cases in which the appointment of a restructuring practitioner , a mediator supporting the negotiations of a restructuring plan or an insolvency practitioner supervising the actions of the debtor , is not mandatory . furthermore , there should not necessarily be a court order for the opening of the restructuring process which may be informal as long as the rights of third parties are not affected . nevertheless , a degree of supervision should be ensured when this is necessary to safeguard the legitimate interests of one or more creditors or another interested party . this may be the case , in particular , when a general stay of individual enforcement actions is granted by the judicial or administrative authority or where it appears necessary to impose a restructuring plan on dissenting classes of creditors .


### member states shall ensure that creditors may not withhold performance or terminate , accelerate or in any other way modify executory contracts to the detriment of the debtor by virtue of a contractual clause providing for such measures , solely by reason of the debtor ' s entry into restructuring negotiations , a requested for a stay of individual enforcement actions , the ordering of the stay as such or any similar event connected to the stay . ### member states may require that creditors may not withhold performance or terminate , accelerate or in any other way modify executory contracts to the detriment of the debtor by virtue of a contractual clause providing for such measures , solely by reason of the debtor ' s entry into restructuring negotiations , a requested for a stay of individual enforcement actions , the ordering of the stay as such or any similar event connected to the stay .


### member states shall ensure that the following restructuring plans can become binding on the parties only if they are confirmed by a judicial or administrative authority : ### member states shall ensure that the restructuring plans which affect the interests of dissenting affected parties can become binding on the parties only if they are confirmed by a judicial or administrative authority .


### it is necessary to maintain and enhance the transparency and predictability of the procedures in delivering outcomes that are favourable for the preservation of businesses and for giving entrepreneurs a second chance or that permit the efficient liquidation of non - viable enterprises . it is also necessary to reduce the excessive length of insolvency procedures in many member states , which results in legal uncertainty for creditors and investors and low recovery rates . finally , given the enhanced cooperation mechanisms between courts and practitioners in cross - border cases set up by regulation 2015 / 848 , the professionalism of all actors involved needs to be brought to comparable high levels across the union . to achieve these objectives , member states should ensure that members of the judicial and administrative bodies are properly trained and have specialised knowledge and experience in insolvency matters . such specialisation of members of the judiciary should allow making decisions with potentially significant economic and social impacts within a short period of time and should not mean that members of the judiciary have to deal exclusively with restructuring , insolvency and second chance matters . for example , the creation of specialised courts or chambers in accordance with national law governing the organisation of the judicial system could be an efficient way of achieving these objectives . ### specialised insolvency practitioners and judges and the availability of digital tools can greatly help reduce the length of proceedings , lower costs and improve the quality of assistance or supervision . it is necessary to maintain and enhance the transparency and predictability of the procedures in delivering outcomes that are favourable for the preservation of businesses and for giving honest entrepreneurs a second chance or that permit the prompt and efficient liquidation of non - viable enterprises . it is also necessary to reduce the excessive length of insolvency procedures in many member states , which results in legal uncertainty for creditors and investors and low recovery rates . it is also necessary to integrate digital communication tools into insolvency procedures to reduce the excessive duration thereof . finally , given the enhanced cooperation mechanisms between courts and practitioners in cross - border cases set up by regulation 2015 / 848 , the professionalism and specialisation of all actors involved needs to be brought to comparable high levels across the union . to achieve these objectives , member states should ensure that members of the judicial and administrative bodies are properly trained and have specialised knowledge and experience in insolvency matters . such specialisation of members of the judiciary should allow making decisions with potentially significant economic and social impacts within a short period of time and should not mean that members of the judiciary have to deal exclusively with restructuring , insolvency and second chance matters . for example , the creation of specialised courts or chambers in accordance with national law governing the organisation of the judicial system could be an efficient way of achieving these objectives .


### paragraph 2 shall not apply to workers ' outstanding claims except if and to the extent that member states ensure by other means that the payment of such claims is guaranteed at a level of protection at least equivalent to that provided for under the relevant national law transposing directive 2008 / 94 / ec . ### paragraph 2 shall not apply to micro and small enterprise claims and workers ' outstanding claims except if and to the extent that member states ensure by other means that the payment of such claims is guaranteed at a level of protection at least equivalent to that provided for under the relevant national law transposing directive 2008 / 94 / ec .


### consumer over - indebtedness is a matter of great economic and social concern and is closely related to the reduction of debt overhang . furthermore , it is often not possible to draw a clear distinction between the consumer and business debts of an entrepreneur . a second chance regime for entrepreneurs would not be effective if the entrepreneur had to go through separate procedures , with different access conditions and discharge periods , to discharge his business personal debts and his non - business personal debts . for these reasons , although this directive does not include binding rules on consumer over - indebtedness , member states should be able to also apply the discharge provisions to consumers . ### consumer over - indebtedness is a matter of great economic and social concern and is closely related to the reduction of debt overhang . furthermore , it is often not possible to draw a clear distinction between the consumer and business debts of an entrepreneur . a second chance regime for entrepreneurs would not be effective if the entrepreneur had to go through separate procedures , with different access conditions and discharge periods , to discharge his business personal debts and his non - business personal debts . for these reasons , although this directive does not include binding rules on consumer over - indebtedness , member states are advised to begin at the earliest opportunity also to apply the discharge provisions to consumers .


### a debtor should be able to request the judicial or administrative authority for a temporary stay of individual enforcement actions which should also suspend the obligation to file for opening of insolvency procedures where such actions may adversely affect negotiations and hamper the prospects of a restructuring of the debtor ' s business . the stay of enforcement could be general , that is to say affecting all creditors , or targeted towards individual creditors . in order to provide for a fair balance between the rights of the debtor and of creditors , the stay should be granted for a period of no more than four months . complex restructurings may , however , require more time . member states may decide that in such cases , extensions of this period may be granted by the judicial or administrative authority , providing there is evidence that negotiations on the restructuring plan are progressing and that creditors are not unfairly prejudiced . if further extensions are granted , the judicial or administrative authority should be satisfied that there is a strong likelihood that a restructuring plan will be adopted . member states should ensure that any request to extend the initial duration of the stay is made within a reasonable deadline so as to allow the judiciary or administrative authorities to deliver a decision within due time . where a judicial or administrative authority does not take a decision on the extension of a stay of enforcement before it lapses , the stay should cease to have effects on the day the stay period expires . in the interest of legal certainty , the total period of the stay should be limited to twelve months . ### a debtor should be able to request the judicial or administrative authority for a temporary stay of individual enforcement actions which should also suspend the obligation to file for opening of insolvency procedures where such actions may adversely affect negotiations and hamper the prospects of a restructuring of the debtor ' s business . the stay of enforcement could be general , that is to say affecting all creditors , or targeted towards individual creditors . in order to provide for a fair balance between the rights of the debtor and of creditors , the stay should be granted for a period of no more than four months . complex restructurings may , however , require more time . member states may decide that in such cases , extensions of this period may be granted by the judicial or administrative authority , providing there is evidence that negotiations on the restructuring plan are progressing and that creditors are not unfairly prejudiced . if further extensions are granted , the judicial or administrative authority should be satisfied that there is a strong likelihood that a restructuring plan will be adopted . member states should ensure that any request to extend the initial duration of the stay is made within a reasonable deadline so as to allow the judiciary or administrative authorities to deliver a decision within due time . where a judicial or administrative authority does not take a decision on the extension of a stay of enforcement before it lapses , the stay should cease to have effects on the day the stay period expires . in the interest of legal certainty , the total period of the stay should be limited to eighteen months .


### the agency shall participate in the implementation of international agreements concluded by the union with third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , and regarding matters covered by this regulation . ### the agency shall participate in the implementation of international agreements concluded by the union with third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , and in so doing shall take into account international law , including international humanitarian law , principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law , and regarding matters covered by this regulation .


### the agency shall inform the commission on a regular basis of the implementation of the action plan . ### the agency shall inform the commission and the european parliament on a regular basis of the implementation of the action plan .


### member states shall contribute to the asylum intervention pool through a national expert pool on the basis of the various defined profiles and by nominating experts corresponding to the required profiles . the duration of deployment shall be determined by the home member state but it shall not be less than 30 days . ### member states shall contribute to the asylum intervention pool through a national expert pool on the basis of the various defined profiles and by nominating experts corresponding to the required profiles . the duration of deployment shall be determined by the home member state but it shall not be less than 60 days .


### the management board shall , on a proposal of the executive director , decide by a three - fourths majority of members with a right to vote on the profiles of experts and on the share that each member state shall contribute to constitute the asylum intervention pool . the same procedure shall apply to any subsequent changes in the profiles and the overall number of experts . ### the management board shall , on a proposal of the executive director , decide on the profiles of experts and on the share that each member state shall contribute to constitute the asylum intervention pool . the same procedure shall apply to any subsequent changes in the profiles and the overall number of experts . the executive director shall ensure that the composition of the asylum support teams or the experts to be deployed from the asylum intervention pool is in accordance with the request , depending on the needs on the ground , of the host member state .


### where in the event of disproportionate pressure on the asylum or reception systems a member state does not request the agency for operational and technical assistance or does not accept an offer by the agency for such assistance or does not take sufficient action to address that pressure , or where it does not comply with the commission ' s recommendations referred to in article 15 , thereby rendering the asylum or reception systems ineffective to the extent of jeopardising the functioning of the ceas , the commission may adopt a decision by means of an implementing act , identifying one or more of the measures set out in article 16 to be taken by the agency to support the member state concerned . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 64 . ### where in the event of disproportionate pressure on the asylum or reception systems a member state does not request the agency for operational and technical assistance or does not accept an offer by the agency for such assistance or does not take sufficient action to address that pressure , or where it does not comply with the council , on the basis of a proposal from the commission , may adopt without delay a decision by means of an implementing act , identifying measures as set out in article 16 to mitigate those risks to be implemented by the agency and requiring the member state concerned to cooperate with the agency in the implementation of those measures . the commission shall consult the agency before making its proposal .


### manage and further develop a portal for gathering information on countries of origin ; ### manage and further develop a publicly accessible portal for gathering and disseminating information on countries of origin ;


### the agency may initiate a monitoring exercise for the assessment of the asylum or reception systems of a member state on its own initiative or at the request of the commission whenever there are serious concerns regarding the functioning of any aspect of that member state ' s asylum or reception systems . ### the agency may initiate a monitoring exercise for the assessment of the asylum or reception systems of a member state at the request of the commission whenever there are serious concerns regarding the functioning of any aspect of that member state ' s asylum or reception systems .


### the agency shall be a centre for gathering relevant , reliable , accurate and up - to date information on countries of origin of persons applying for international protection , including child - specific information and targeted information on persons belonging to vulnerable groups . it shall draw up and regularly update reports and other products providing for information on countries of origin at the level of the union including on thematic issues specific to countries of origin . ### the agency shall be an independent centre for gathering relevant , reliable , transparent , traceable accurate and up - to date information on countries of origin of persons applying for international protection , including child , gender and sexual orientation - specific as well as targeted information on persons belonging to vulnerable groups . it shall draw up and regularly update reports and other products providing for information on countries of origin at the level of the union including on thematic issues specific to countries of origin , including on torture and ill - treatment in places of detention and including the principles referred to in article 21 teu .


### the agency shall , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be considered for inclusion in the common eu list of safe countries of origin in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx . ### the agency shall , at the request of the commission , provide it with information on specific third countries which could be considered for inclusion in the common eu list of safe countries of origin in accordance with regulation no xxx / xxx . that information shall be forwarded to the relevant european parliament committees .


### the agency may initiate a monitoring exercise for the assessment of the asylum or reception systems of a member state on its own initiative or at the request of the commission whenever there are serious concerns regarding the functioning of any aspect of that member state ' s asylum or reception systems . ### the agency , at the request of the commission , may initiate an exceptional monitoring exercise for the assessment the asylum or reception systems of a member state whenever : there are serious concerns regarding the functioning of any aspect of that member state ' s asylum or reception systems ; or there are serious concerns regarding the capacity and readiness of member states to meet challenges from present and future disproportionate pressure on their asylum and reception systems .


### member states shall ensure that the experts that they contribute match the profiles and numbers decided upon by the management board . the duration of deployment shall be determined by the home member state but it shall not be less than 30 days . ### member states shall ensure that the experts that they contribute match the profiles and numbers decided upon by the management board . the duration of deployment shall be determined by the home member state but it shall not be less than 60 days .


### the agency shall assess the readiness of member states to meet challenges from possible disproportionate pressure on their asylum and reception systems . the agency may request member states to provide it with their contingency planning for measures to be taken to deal with such possible disproportionate pressure and shall assist member states to prepare and review their contingency planning , where necessary . ### the agency shall assess the capacity and readiness of member states to meet challenges from present and future disproportionate pressure on their asylum and reception systems . the agency may request member states to provide it with their contingency planning for measures to be taken to deal with such possible disproportionate pressure and shall assist member states to prepare and review their contingency planning , where necessary .


### for that purpose , member states shall , at the request of the agency , provide it with the necessary information as regards asylum procedures , equipment , infrastructure , reception conditions , recognition rates and quality of protection as well as staff and financial resources at national level to ensure an efficient management of the asylum and reception system . the member states shall also cooperate with the agency and shall facilitate any on - site visit that the agency shall carry out for the purposes of the monitoring exercise . ### for that purpose , member states shall , at the request of the agency , provide it with the necessary information as regards asylum procedures , equipment , infrastructure , reception conditions , recognition rates and quality of protection as well as staff and financial resources at national level to ensure an efficient management of the asylum and reception system . the member states shall also cooperate with the agency and shall facilitate and actively support any on - site visit that the agency shall carry out for the purposes of the monitoring exercise .


### assist member states in ensuring that all the necessary child rights and child protection safeguards are in place ; ### assist member states in ensuring that all the necessary child rights and child protection safeguards are in place , and that all women ' s rights are respected ;


### the agency shall cooperate with international organisations , in particular unhcr , in areas governed by this regulation , within the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . the management board shall decide on the working arrangements which shall be subject to prior approval of the commission . ### the agency shall cooperate with international organisations , in particular unhcr , in areas governed by this regulation , within the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . the agency can enter into emergency standby agreements with international organizations and non - governmental organizations to complement the agency operational and technical assistance to member states , in particular by setting up reception facilities , providing information to asylum seekers or providing for specific needs of vulnerable groups . the management board shall decide on the working arrangements which shall be subject to prior approval of the commission . the agency shall inform the european parliament of any such arrangements .


### the agency shall base its analysis on information provided , in particular , by member states , relevant union institutions and agencies , the european external action service as well as unhcr and other international organisations . ### the agency shall base its analysis on information provided , in particular , by member states , relevant union institutions and agencies , the european external action service as well as unhcr , iom , and other expert national , international and non - governmental organisations in the field of asylum .


### the executive director shall be appointed by the management board from a list of candidates proposed by the commission , following an open and transparent selection procedure . the executive director shall be appointed on the ground of merit and documented high - level administrative and management skills as well as senior professional experience in the field of migration and asylum . ### the executive director shall be appointed by the management board from a list of at least three candidates proposed by the commission , following an open and transparent selection procedure . the executive director shall be appointed on the ground of merit and documented high - level administrative and management skills as well as senior professional experience in the field of migration and asylum .


### development of infrastructure , including in the areas of transport , particularly in industrial centres ; energy , in particular energy interconnections ; and digital infrastructure ; ### development of transport infrastructure , particularly in industrial centres ;


### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . ### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3 000 employees , with a particular focus on innovative micro - , small - and medium - sized enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib .


### any surplus shall be paid in one transaction to a special heading in the statement of revenue in the general budget of the european union of the year n + 1 , ### any surplus shall be paid in one transaction to a special heading in the statement of revenue in the general budget of the european union of the year n + 1 and shall be reallocated to the budgetary lines referred to in paragraph 2 ,


### since the objectives of this regulation , namely to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states by reason of the disparities in their fiscal capacity to act but can rather , by reason of its scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives , ### since the objectives of this regulation , namely to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , may - in a limited number of cases of market failure - not be sufficiently achieved by the member states alone but can rather , by reason of its scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives ,


### expansion of renewable energy and energy and resource efficiency ; ### expansion of renewable energy and energy and resource efficiency ; including tackling losses of energy during transport through the grids and development of energy - related internet technologies and low - carbon ict applications .


### an assessment of the added value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ; ### an assessment of the added value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ; furthermore this assessment shall evaluate whether the efsi is giving priority to investments that provide the opportunity for growth and return on investments , whether it is ensuring that the investments where there is a higher risk are also giving a higher return on investment and contributing to innovation and leadership in new markets . furthermore it shall also evaluate whether the financing of investments is not directed to political projects or replacing the funding of public spending .


### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects . ### throughout the economic and financial crisis , the union has made efforts to promote growth , in particular through initiatives set out in the europe 2020 strategy , that put in place an approach for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , and through the establishment of the european semester for economic policy coordination . the european investment bank has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the union , partly by way of an increase in capital in january 2013 . further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects .


### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of investment as a consequence of market uncertainty regarding the economic future and the fiscal constraints on member states . this lack of investment slows economic recovery and negatively affects job creation , long - term growth prospects and competitiveness . ### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of private investments that could contribute to competitiveness and new jobs . the fall of investments is due to instable public finances , increased debt burdens and high interest rates resulting in low growth and market uncertainty regarding the economic future . stabilized public finances have , where this has been achieved , given lower interest rates and a slow but not sufficient rice of investments . there is a need to increase the attractiveness to invest in european business , in new companies as well as established and growing industries and the infrastructure of a modern knowledge economy . investments in research , science and development are essential in order to improve european competitiveness