### ' 2 . after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' . ### ' 2 . after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' .


### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' . ### after publication of the delegated acts adopted in accordance with the second subparagraph and at the manufacturer ' s request , this regulation shall apply to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council* with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum technically permissible laden mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum technically permissible laden mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ____________________ * oj l 263 , 9 . 10 . 2007 , p . 1 . ' .


### in order to facilitate the introduction of natural gas vehicles the current total hydrocarbons emission limit should be increased and the effect of methane emissions should be taken into account and expressed as a co2 equivalent for regulatory and consumer information purposes . ### in order to facilitate the introduction of natural gas vehicles , the current total hydrocarbons emission limit should be reviewed on the basis of a clear and detailed impact analysis and the effect of methane emissions should be considered to be taken into account and expressed as a co2 equivalent for regulatory and consumer information purposes .


### ' the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a to set out , in addition to the existing limit value for emissions of total nox , a limit value for emissions of no2 for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limit for emissions of no2 shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment , shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* . ### ' the commission shall consider , in addition to the existing limit value for emissions of total nox , what limit value should be set for emissions of no2 for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the commission shall submit a legislative proposal to the european parliament and the council on the basis of an impact assessment to ensure that this limit for emissions of no2 takes into consideration the technical feasibility and reflects the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ … ] [ publications office , please insert the exact date of entry into force ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from the [ date of entry into force of this directive ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ … ] [ publications office , please insert the exact date of entry into force ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 2 , article 5 , article 8 and in article 14 to shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from . . . * . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of four year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . ___________ * oj : please insert the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a concerning the detailed rules on the application of this regulation to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 as defined in annex ii to directive 2007 / 46 / ec with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg . the delegated acts shall ensure in particular that at chassis dynamometer tests the actual operational mass of the vehicle is appropriately considered for determining the equivalent inertia as well as other default power and load parameters .


### the commission shall keep under review the procedures , tests and requirements referred to in article 5 as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions . if the review finds that those procedures , tests , requirements and test cycles are no longer adequate or no longer reflect real world emissions , the commission shall act in accordance with article 5 in order to adapt them so as to adequately reflect the emissions generated by real driving on the road . ### the commission shall , as soon as possible , review the procedures , tests and requirements referred to in article 5 as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions . following that review , the commission shall , by means of delegated acts referred to in article 5 , adapt procedures , tests cycles and requirements so as to adequately reflect the emissions generated by real driving on the road . that review shall be conducted every two years .


### in order to achieve eu air quality objectives and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , the replacement of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity with information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , the increase or removal of the limit value of total hydrocarbons emissions for positive ignition vehicles , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values , the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates and a particle number limit value , a limit value for emissions of no2 and limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to achieve eu air quality objectives and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , the replacement of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity with information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , the increase or removal of the limit value of total hydrocarbons emissions for positive ignition vehicles , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values , the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates and a particle number limit value , a limit value for emissions of no2 and limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### although emissions of methane are not known to have a direct harmful effect on human health , methane is a strong greenhouse gas . therefore , in line with the communication of the commission on the application and future development of community legislation concerning vehicle emissions from light - duty vehicles and access to repair and maintenance information 2 and with article 14 of regulation 715 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council3 , the commission should consider including methane emissions in the calculation of co2 emissions . __________________ 2 oj c 182 , 19 . 7 . 2008 , p . 17 . 3 regulation 715 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 june 2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information . ### although emissions of methane are not known to have a direct harmful effect on human health , methane is a strong greenhouse gas . therefore , in line with the communication of the commission of 19 july 2008 on the application and future development of community legislation concerning vehicle emissions from light - duty vehicles and access to repair and maintenance information 1 and with article 14 of regulation 715 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council2 , the commission should consider including methane emissions in the calculation of co2 emissions , in the framework of the revision of regulation no 443 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council 3a , after carrying out a clear and detailed impact assessment evaluating the proper conversion of methane emissions into co2 emissions and its feasibility . __________________ 2 oj c 182 , 19 . 7 . 2008 , p . 17 . 3 regulation 715 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 june 2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information . 3a regulation no 443 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 april 2009 setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the community ' s integrated approach to reduce co2 emissions from light - duty vehicles .


### after the completion of the un / ece particulate measurement programme , conducted under the auspices of the world forum for harmonisation of vehicle regulations , and at the latest upon entry into force of euro 6 , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a in order to adopt the following measures , without lowering the level of environmental protection within the union : ### after the completion of the un / ece particulate measurement programme , conducted under the auspices of the world forum for harmonisation of vehicle regulations , and at the latest upon entry into force of euro 6 , the commission shall be empowered to adopt , without undue delay , delegated acts in accordance with article 14a in order to adopt the following measures , without lowering the level of environmental protection within the union :


### in order to achieve eu air quality objectives and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , the replacement of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity with information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , the increase or removal of the limit value of total hydrocarbons emissions for positive ignition vehicles , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values , the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates and a particle number limit value , a limit value for emissions of no2 and limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to achieve union air quality objectives and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 7 500 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , including remote diagnostic support , the review of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity with information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , the increase of the limit value of total hydrocarbons emissions for positive ignition vehicles , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values , the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates , including nano - particulates , and a particle number limit value , a limit value for emissions of no2 and limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### in some instances , given the current state of technical development it may still be necessary for users of a procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , in particular in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of the procedure . ### in some instances , the user may be required to submit evidence to prove facts that cannot be established by online means , such as medical certificates and proof of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles . as long as the evidence to prove such facts can be submitted in electronic format , this should not constitute an exception to the principle that a procedure should be offered fully online . in other instances , given the current state of technical development , it may still be necessary for users of an online procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , such as in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to situations where no appropriate technology exists .


### the name and the logo by which the gateway shall be known and promoted to the general public , will be decided by the commission in close cooperation with the gateway coordination group , at the latest by the date of application of this regulation . ### the name&#160 ; by which the gateway shall be known and promoted to the general public shall be the english&#160 ; designation ' your europe ' , the same name as the existing portal . the logo by which the gateway shall be known and promoted to the general public shall be decided by the commission in close cooperation with the gateway coordination group , at the latest by the date of application of this regulation .


### users are able to access and receive instructions for completing the procedure in at least one official language of the union other than the national language or , where applicable , the national languages ; ### users are able to access and receive instructions for completing the procedure in at least one working language of the commission ;


### where the objective pursued by a given procedure , referred to in paragraph 2 , cannot be achieved without requiring the user to appear in person before the competent authority at some stage of the procedure , member states shall limit such physical presence to what is strictly necessary and objectively justified and shall ensure that other steps of the procedure can be completed fully online . they shall notify such exceptions to the commission . ### where , in exceptional cases such as in the interest of public policy , general security , public health and the fight against fraud , the objective pursued by a given procedure , referred to in paragraph 2 , cannot be fully achieved online , member states may require the user to appear in person before the competent authority for a procedural step . in these exceptional cases , member states shall limit such physical presence to what is strictly necessary and objectively justified and shall ensure that other steps of the procedure can be completed fully online . in implementing these requirements which require physical presence , member states should ensure , that they are non - discriminatory . they shall notify such exceptions forthwith to the commission and the single digital gateway coordination group and duly justify them .


### member states shall ensure that where a procedure , referred to in article2 , established at national level , can be accessed and completed online by users of that member state , it can be also accessed and completed by users of other member states in a non - discriminatory way . ### member states shall ensure that where a procedure referred to in article 2 and , established at national level , can be accessed and completed online by users of that member state , it can be also accessed and completed by users of other member states in a non - discriminatory way .


### in case of non - compliance with applicable deadlines , users are informed in advance of the reasons thereof and a new deadline is given . ### in the case of non - compliance with applicable deadlines , users are informed in advance of the reasons thereof and a new deadline is given , unless the rules on tacit approval or administrative silence referred to in point of article 8 provide otherwise .


### member states shall ensure that users can complete the procedures listed in annex ii fully online . ### member states shall ensure that users can complete the procedures listed in annex ii fully online through a single user interface integrated in the portal ' your europe ' .


### a single digital gateway shall be established by the commission and the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation . the gateway shall consist of a common user interface integrated in a single portal managed by the commission and shall link to relevant national and union websites . ### a single digital gateway shall be established by the commission and the competent authorities in accordance with this regulation . the gateway shall consist of a common user interface integrated in&#160 ; the&#160 ; single portal ' your europe ' managed by the commission and shall link to relevant national and union websites .


### in some instances , given the current state of technical development it may still be necessary for users of a procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , in particular in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of the procedure . ### in some instances , the user might be required to submit evidence to prove facts that cannot be established by online means , such as medical certificates and proof of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles . as long as the evidence to prove such facts can be submitted in electronic format , this should not constitute an exception to the principle that a procedure should be offered fully online . in other instances , given the current state of technical development , it may still be necessary for users of an online procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , such as in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to what is proportionate , non - discriminatory , strictly necessary and objectively justified by an overriding reason of public interest relevant to the particular procedure and limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of completing the procedure online . an overriding reason of public interest should be considered strictly necessary and objectively justified for the member states if it serves the implementation of national measures , for instance in the interest of public policy , public security , public health and combatting fraud . in those exceptional circumstances , member states should limit the physical presence of the user to what is strictly necessary , objectively justified and proportionate . any such exceptions should be notified to the commission and should be discussed and reviewed regularly in the gateway coordination group together with good national practices and technical developments that would facilitate the further digitalisation of procedures .


### in some instances , given the current state of technical development it may still be necessary for users of a procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , in particular in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of the procedure . ### in some instances , the user may be required to submit evidence to prove facts that cannot be established by online means , such as medical certificates and proof of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles . as long as the evidence to prove such facts can be submitted in electronic format , this should not constitute an exception to the principle that a procedure should be offered fully online . in other instances , given the current state of technical development , it may still be necessary for users of an online procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , such as in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should not be discriminatory and should be limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of completing the procedure online and where it is absolutely necessary for the member states to implement strict , indispensable , objectively justified and proportionate measures . this may , for example , be in the interest of public policy , general security , public health and the fight against fraud . in such exceptional cases , member states should limit the physical presence of the user to what is strictly necessary . any such exceptions should be notified to the commission and should be discussed regularly and carefully reviewed for an improvement in the situation in the gateway coordination group together with good national practices and technical developments that would facilitate the further digitalisation of procedures .


### in some instances , given the current state of technical development it may still be necessary for users of a procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , in particular in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . any such exception should be limited to situations where no digital technology exists to achieve the purpose of the procedure . ### in some instances , given the current state of technical development it may still be necessary for users of a procedure to appear in person before a competent authority as part of the online procedure , in particular in the case of requesting or renewing passports or identity cards containing biometric data . where technologies exist that could replace a personal appearance before an authority , for instance secure online communication such as live chats or video - conferencing , these should be used , unless that is contrary to the formal prerequisites of the law of the state in which the procedure is being conducted .


### the re - use of documents shall be open to all potential actors in the market , even if one or more market actors already exploit added - value products based on these documents . contracts or other arrangements between the public sector bodies or public undertakings holding the documents and third parties shall not grant exclusive rights . ### the re - use of documents shall be open to all potential actors in the market , even if one or more market&#160 ; actors already exploit added - value products based on these documents . contracts or other arrangements between the public sector bodies&#160 ; or public undertakings holding the documents and third parties shall where possible not grant exclusive rights . any existing exemptions from procurement legislation under article 11 of directive 2014 / 24 / eu and innovation partnerships as defined in article 31 of directive 2014 / 24 / eu shall be taken into account .


### existing documents held by public undertakings active in the areas defined in directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council42and by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council43 , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council44 , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of council regulation no 3577 / 9245 . _________________ 42 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . 43 regulation no . 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2007on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing council regulations nos 1191 / 69 and 1107 / 70 . 44 regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community . 45 council regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states . ### publicly accessible documents held by public undertakings active in the areas defined in directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council42 and by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council43 , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council44 , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of council regulation no 3577 / 9245 . _________________ 42 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . 43 regulation no . 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing council regulations nos 1191 / 69 and 1107 / 70 . 44 regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community . 45 council regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states , oj l 364 , 12 . 12 . 1992 , p . 7 .


### existing documents held by public undertakings active in the areas defined in directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council42 and by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council43 , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council44 , and public undertakings acting as community ship owners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of council regulation no 3577 / 9245 . __________________ 42 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . 43 regulation no . 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2007on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing council regulations nos 1191 / 69 and 1107 / 70 . 44 regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community . 45 council regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states . ### publicly accessible documents held by public undertakings active in the areas defined in directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council42 and by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council43 , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council44 , and public undertakings acting as community ship owners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of council regulation no 3577 / 9245 . __________________ 42 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . 43 regulation no . 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing council regulations nos 1191 / 69 and 1107 / 70 . 44 regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community . 45 council regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states .


### directive 2003 / 98 / ec should therefore be amended in order to ensure that its provisions can be applied to the re - use of documents produced in the performance of services in the general interest by public undertakings pursuing one of the activities referred to in articles 8 to 14 of directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council33 , as well as by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and the council on public passenger transport services by rail and by road , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide sevices to maritime transport within member states . _________________ 33 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec . ### directive 2003 / 98 / ec should therefore be amended in order to ensure that its provisions can be applied to the re - use of documents produced in the performance of services in the general interest by public undertakings pursuing one of the activities referred to in articles 8 to 14 of directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council33 , as well as by public undertakings acting as public service operators pursuant to article 2 of regulation no 1370 / 2007 of the european parliament and the council on public passenger transport services by rail and by road , public undertakings acting as air carriers fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 16 of regulation no 1008 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 september 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the community , and public undertakings acting as community shipowners fulfilling public service obligations pursuant to article 4 of regulation no 3577 / 92 of 7 december 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within member states . due to the critical nature of their activities and to security and notification requirements they have to comply with , the provisions shall not apply to public undertakings where their activities fall under rules governing operators of critical infrastructures including operators of essential services as defined in point of article 4 of directive 2016 / 1148 . _________________ 33 directive 2014 / 25 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and repealing directive 2004 / 17 / ec .


### the directive lays down an obligation for member states to make all documents re - usable unless access is restricted or excluded under national rules on access to documents and subject to the other exceptions laid down in this directive . the directive builds on the existing access regimes in the member states and does not change the national rules for access to documents . it does not apply in cases in which citizens or companies can , under the relevant access regime , only obtain a document if they can prove a particular interest . at union level , articles 41 and 42 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union recognise the right of any citizen of the union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a member state to have access to european parliament , council and commission documents . public sector bodies should be encouraged to make available for re - use any documents held by them . public sector bodies should promote and encourage re - use of documents , including official texts of a legislative and administrative nature in those cases where the public sector body has the right to authorise their re - use . ### the directive lays down an obligation for member states to make all documents re - usable without prejudice to the exceptions laid down in this directive , such as national security or the protection of personal data , allowing member states to restrict or exclude certain documents from access . in the absence of harmonisation , procedures and modalities regarding access to public sector information remain within the competence of member states . the directive builds on the existing access regimes in the member states and does not change the national rules for access to documents . it does not apply in cases in which citizens or companies can , under the relevant access regime , only obtain a document if they can prove a particular interest . at union level , articles 41 and 42 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union recognise the right of any citizen of the union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a member state to have access to european parliament , council and commission documents . public sector bodies should be encouraged to make available for re - use any documents held by them . public sector bodies should promote and encourage re - use of documents , including official texts of a legislative and administrative nature in those cases where the public sector body has the right to authorise their re - use . although this directive does not set an obligation for public sector bodies to ensure the storage of a certain type of documents with a view to the re - use of such documents , member states should make all reasonable efforts to ensure that this does not unduly impair the exploitation of their economic potential .


### the selection of datasets for the list referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on the assessment of their potential to generate socio - economic benefits , the number of users and the revenues they may help generate , and their potential for being combined with other datasets . ### the selection of the list of categories for high value datasets referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on the assessment of their potential to generate socio - economic benefits , the number of users and the revenues they may help generate , and their potential for being combined with other datasets .


### 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 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 may also provide that workers , and micro and small enterprises , are each treated in a separate class of their own .


### 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 six months .


### 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 provide access to professional advice from a restructuring practitioner on a low cost basis .


### 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 require the appointment by a judicial or administrative authority of a practitioner in the field of restructuring , if necessary and appropriate to safeguard the rights of affected parties .


### 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 six 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 .


### 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 .


### member states may derogate from paragraph 1 where the debtor becomes illiquid and therefore unable to pay his debts as they fall due during the stay period . in that case , member states shall ensure that restructuring procedures are not automatically terminated and that , upon examining the prospects for achieving an agreement on a successful restructuring plan within the period of the stay , a judicial or administrative authority may decide to defer the opening of insolvency procedure and keep in place the benefit of the stay of individual enforcement actions . ### member states shall ensure that a derogation from paragraph 1 where the debtor becomes illiquid and therefore unable to pay his debts as they fall due during the stay period will be put in place . in that case , member states shall ensure that restructuring procedures are not automatically terminated and that , upon examining the prospects for achieving an agreement on a successful restructuring plan within the period of the stay , a judicial or administrative authority may decide to defer the opening of insolvency procedure and keep in place the benefit of the stay of individual enforcement actions , upon the condition of not financially troubling the creditors severely .


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


### preventive restructuring procedures available for debtors in financial difficulty when there is a likelihood of insolvency ; ### preventive restructuring procedures available for debtors in financial difficulty when there is a likelihood of insolvency , and a possibility of survival ;


### in order to address the need for implementation and compliance information , amendments of several pieces of environmental legislation should be introduced taking into account the results of the commission report on actions to streamline environmental report45 and its related fitness check46 . __________________ 45 com 312 . 46 swd 230 . ### in order to address the need for implementation and compliance information , amendments of several pieces of legislation related to the environment should be introduced , taking into account the results of the commission report on actions to streamline environmental report45 and its related fitness check46 . __________________ 45 com 312 . 46 swd 230 .


### without prejudice to article 20 , the management authorities of the member states shall , one year before each meeting of the conference of the parties to the convention , communicate to the commission all the information relating to the relevant preceding period required for drawing up the reports referred to in article viii . 7 of the convention and equivalent information on the provisions of this regulation that fall outside the scope of the convention . the information to be communicated and the format for its presentation shall be specified by the commission in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in article 18 . ### without prejudice to article 20 , the management authorities of the member states shall , one year before each meeting of the conference of the parties to the convention , communicate to the commission all the information relating to the relevant preceding period required for drawing up the reports referred to in article viii . 7 of the convention and equivalent information on the provisions of this regulation that fall outside the scope of the convention . the format for its presentation shall be specified by the commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 18 .


### by 3 december 2015 and every six years thereafter , the commission shall , on the basis of information on and experience with the application of this regulation , review the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation , including in preventing illegally harvested timber or timber products derived from such timber being placed on the market . it shall in particular consider the administrative consequences for small and medium - sized enterprises and product coverage . the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results of the review and accompany such reports , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals . ### by 3 december 2015 and every five years thereafter , the commission shall , on the basis of information on and experience with the application of this regulation , review the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation , including in preventing illegally harvested timber or timber products derived from such timber being placed on the market . it shall in particular consider the administrative consequences for small and medium - sized enterprises and product coverage . the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results of the review and accompany such reports , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals .


### the member states shall ensure that the information from strategic noise maps and summaries of the action plans as referred to in annex vi are sent to the commission within six months of the dates laid down in articles 7 and 8 respectively . for that purpose , member states shall only report the information electronically to the data repository to be established in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 13 . in case a member state wants to update information , it shall describe the differences between the updated and original information and the reasons for the update when making the updated information available to the data repository . ### the member states shall ensure that the information from strategic noise maps and summaries of the action plans as referred to in annex vi are sent to the commission within six months of the dates laid down in articles 7 and 8 respectively . for that purpose , member states shall only report the information electronically to a mandatory data repository . in case a member state wants to update information , it shall describe the differences between the updated and original information and the reasons for the update when making the updated information available to the data repository .


### member states shall provide , each year , to the commission by electronic transfer a report containing all the data referred to in article 5 and in a format and by a date to be established by the commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 19 . the reporting date shall be , in any case , no later than 9 months after the end of the reporting year . ### no later than 31 march every year , member states shall provide to the commission by electronic transfer a report containing all the data referred to in article 5 and in a format to be established by the commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 19 . the reporting date shall be , in any case , no later than 9 months after the end of the reporting year .


### 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 .


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the alignment of reporting obligations in the field of environment policy and thereby amending directives 86 / 278 / eec , 2002 / 49 / ec , 2004 / 35 / ec , 2007 / 2 / ec , 2009 / 147 / ec and 2010 / 63 / eu , regulations no 166 / 2006 and no 995 / 2010 , and council regulations no 338 / 97 and no 2173 / 2005 ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the alignment of reporting obligations in the field of legislation related to the environment and thereby amending directives 86 / 278 / eec , 2002 / 49 / ec , 2004 / 35 / ec , 2007 / 2 / ec , 2009 / 147 / ec and 2010 / 63 / eu , regulations no 166 / 2006 and no 995 / 2010 , and council regulations no 338 / 97 and no 2173 / 2005


### the commission shall establish a common format and information content for submitting the information referred to in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in article 56 . ### the commission shall establish a common format and information content for submitting the information referred to in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 56 .


### by 3 december 2015 and every six years thereafter , the commission shall , on the basis of information on and experience with the application of this regulation , review the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation , including in preventing illegally harvested timber or timber products derived from such timber being placed on the market . it shall in particular consider the administrative consequences for small and medium - sized enterprises and product coverage . the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results of the review and accompany such reports , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals . ### by 3 december 2021 and every six years thereafter , the commission shall , on the basis of information on and experience with the application of this regulation , review the functioning and effectiveness of this regulation , including in preventing illegally harvested timber or timber products derived from such timber being placed on the market . it shall in particular consider the administrative consequences for small and medium - sized enterprises and product coverage . the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results of the review and accompany such reports , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals .


### the objective of the agency shall be to assist the commission in shaping and implementing vocational education and training and skills and qualifications policies . to this end the agency shall provide evidence and services for policy making and knowledge sharing amongst and between union and national actors , in particular governments and social partners . ### the objective of the agency shall be to assist the commission , the other union institutions and national actors , in particular member state governments and the social partners , in helping shape and implement vocational education and training and skills and qualifications policies . to this end the agency shall provide evidence , analyses and services for policy making and knowledge sharing amongst and between union and national actors .


### as the three so - called tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , close coordination among the three agencies is required and the ways to enhance efficiency and synergies should be exploited . in addition , where relevant , the agency should seek to engage in efficient cooperation with the european commission ' s in - house research capacities . ### as the three tripartite agencies - cedefop , the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions and the european agency for safety and health at work - address issues related to the labour market , working environment and vocational education and training and skills , close coordination among the three agencies is required so that the work of the agencies does not overlap where they have similar fields of interest , while ways to enhance efficiency and synergies should be exploited and any duplication among the agencies , as well as between them and the commission , concerning their mandates , objectives and activities , should be avoided . in addition , where relevant , the agency should seek to engage in efficient cooperation with the commission ' s and european parliament ' s in - house research capacities .


### the executive board shall meet three times a year . in addition , it shall meet on the initiative of its chairperson or at the request of its members . ### the executive board shall meet at least three times a year . each coordinator shall inform members of its own group . in addition , it shall meet on the initiative of its chairperson or at the request of its members .


### where necessary , because of urgency , the executive board may take certain provisional decisions on behalf of the management board , in particular on administrative management matters , including the suspension of the delegation of the appointing authority powers and budgetary matters ### where necessary , because of urgency , the executive board may take certain provisional decisions on behalf of the management board .


### the term of office for members and their alternates shall be four years . that term shall be extendable . upon the expiry of their term of office or in the event of their resignation , members shall remain in office until their appointments are renewed or until they are replaced . ### the term of office for members and their alternates shall be four years . that term shall be renewable . upon the expiry of their term of office or in the event of their resignation , members shall remain in office until their appointments are renewed or until they are replaced .


### in carrying out its tasks , the agency shall maintain a close dialogue particularly with specialised bodies , whether public or private , national or international , public authorities and educational institutions and with workers ' and employers’ organisations . the agency , without prejudice to its own aims , shall ensure cooperation with other european union agencies aimed at avoiding overlaps and promoting synergy and complementarity in their activities , in particular with the european training foundation , eurofound and eu - osha . ### in carrying out its tasks , the agency shall maintain a close dialogue particularly with specialised bodies , whether public or private , national or international , public authorities and educational institutions and with workers ' and employers’ organisations . the agency , without prejudice to its own aims , shall ensure cooperation with other european union agencies aimed at avoiding overlaps and promoting synergy and complementarity in their activities , including the possibility of working jointly , in particular with the european training foundation , eurofound and eu - osha .


### give general orientation for the agency ' s activities and adopt each year the agency ' s programming document by a majority of two - thirds of members entitled to vote and in accordance with article 6 ; ### give strategic orientation for the agency ' s activities taking into account that the prime role of the management board is the strategic governance of the agency ' s work , such as its priorities and the specific themes on which it works and their coherence with the needs of stakeholders and adopt each year the agency ' s programming document by a majority of two - thirds of members entitled to vote and in accordance with article 6 ;


### the term of office of members of the executive board shall be two years . that term shall be extendable . the term of office of members of the executive board shall end when their membership of the management board ends . ### the term of office of members of the executive board shall be two years . that term shall be renewable . the term of office of members of the executive board shall end when their membership of the management board ends .


### the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal from the commission . ### the executive director may be removed from office only upon a decision of the management board acting on a proposal , based on a reasoned assessment , from the commission .


### the annual work programme shall comprise detailed objectives and expected results including performance indicators . it shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed and an indication of the financial and human resources allocated to each action , in accordance with the principles of activity - based budgeting and management . the annual work programme shall be coherent with the multi - annual work programme referred to in paragraph 4 . it shall clearly indicate tasks that have been added , changed or deleted in comparison with the previous financial year . ### the annual work programme shall comprise detailed objectives and expected results including performance indicators , as well as activities and programmes to be subject to ex - ante or ex - post evaluations . it shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed and an indication of the financial and human resources allocated to each action , in accordance with the principles of activity - based budgeting and management . the annual work programme shall be coherent with the multi - annual work programme referred to in paragraph 4 . it shall clearly indicate tasks that have been added , changed or deleted in comparison with the previous financial year .


### the executive director shall also be responsible for deciding whether it is necessary for the purpose of carrying out the agency ' s tasks in an efficient and effective manner to establish one or more local offices in one or more member states . that decision requires the prior consent of the commission , the management board and the member state where the local office is to be established . that decision shall specify the scope of the activities to be carried out at that local office in a manner that avoids unnecessary costs and duplication of administrative functions of the agency . ### the executive director shall also be responsible for deciding whether it is necessary for the purpose of carrying out the agency ' s tasks in an efficient and effective manner to establish one local offices in brussels as a liaison office to further the agency ' s cooperation with the relevant union institutions . that decision shall be subject to the prior consent of the commission , the management board and the member state where the local office is to be established . that decision shall specify the scope of the activities to be carried out at that local office in a manner that avoids unnecessary costs and duplication of administrative functions of the agency .


### in view of the specific nature of the exception , its targeted scope and the need for legal certainty for its beneficiaries , member states should not be allowed to impose additional requirements for the application of the exception , such as compensation schemes or the prior verification of the commercial availability of accessible format copies . ### in view of the specific nature of the exception , its targeted scope and the need for legal certainty for its beneficiaries , member states should not be allowed to impose additional requirements for the application of the exception , such as compensation schemes or the prior verification of the commercial availability of accessible format copies . such additional requirements would bear the risk of going against the purpose of the exceptions provided by the present directive , and against the purpose of facilitating the cross - border exchange of special format copies within the single market .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 120 000 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund .


### eur 2 800 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ; ### eur 3 300 000 000 for cluster ' inclusive , educated and creative society ' ;


### to deliver scientific , economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . ### to deliver scientific , economic , cultural and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective , the union should invest in research and innovation through horizon europe - a framework programme for research and innovation 2021 - 2027 to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality knowledge and technologies , to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry whilst achieving the goal of establishing a more inclusive , educated , creative and secure and society , to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness ; to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened european research area .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ; ### cluster ' inclusive , educated and creative society ' ;


### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; disaster - resilient societies ; protection and security ; cybersecurity ### areas of intervention : democracy ; cultural heritage ; social and economic transformations ; cultural and creative industries and sectors ; accessibility for persons with disabilities to all products and services


### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . the gender dimension should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle . ### the activities developed under the programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities , enhancing family / work life balance , promoting equality between women and men in , as well as ensuring accessibility of researchers with disabilities to , research and innovation , in compliance with articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 of the tfeu . these dimensions should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle .


### the eit , primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , should aim at strengthening innovation ecosystems that tackle global challenges , by fostering the integration of business , research , higher education and entrepreneurship . the eit should foster innovation in its activities and should support the integration of higher education within the innovation ecosystem , in particular by : stimulating entrepreneurial education , fostering strong non - disciplinary collaborations between industry and academia ; and identifying prospective skills for future innovators to address global challenges , which includes advanced digital and innovation skills . support schemes provided by the eit should benefit to eic beneficiaries , while start - ups emerging from eit kics should have access to eic actions . while the eit’s focus on innovation ecosystems should make it naturally fit within the pillar ' open innovation ' , the planning of its kics should be aligned through the strategic planning process with the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' . ### the eit , primarily through its knowledge and innovation communities , should aim at strengthening innovation ecosystems that tackle global challenges , by fostering the integration of business , research , higher education and entrepreneurship . the eit should foster innovation in its activities and should support the integration of higher education within the innovation ecosystem , in particular by : stimulating entrepreneurial education ; fostering strong non - disciplinary collaborations between industry and academia ; and identifying prospective skills for future innovators to address global challenges , which includes advanced digital and innovation skills . support schemes provided by the eit should benefit eic beneficiaries , while start - ups emerging from eit kics should have access to eic actions . while the eit’s focus on innovation ecosystems should make it naturally fit within the ' open innovation ' pillar , the planning of its kics should be aligned through the strategic planning process with the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar . cooperation with pillar ii and the missions under development is also important ; the development of a smoothly - functioning distribution of tasks and coordination between the eic and the eit is also important if overlapping is to be avoided .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of european society , based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , open , inclusive and democratic society by funding activities that promote a vibrant , well - developed , self - reliant and empowered civil society , including advocacy for the promotion and protection of our common values , and that encourage people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and foster peace and the rich diversity of european society , based on our common values , history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union requires that the institutions shall maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . the commission should maintain a regular dialogue with the beneficiaries of the programme as well as other relevant stakeholders by setting up a civil dialogue group .


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , in particular by supporting civil society organisations at local , national and transnational level , in order to sustain open , rights - based , democratic , equal and inclusive societies .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of european society , based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant , resilient and empowered civil society , which fosters people ' s democratic , civic and social participation and cultivates the rich diversity of european society , based on our common values , history and memory . article 11 of the treaty of the european union further specifies that the institutions shall maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation . ### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , which shall ensure sound financial management , prudent use of public funds , low administrative burdens for the programme operator and for beneficiaries as well as accessibility of the programme funds to potential beneficiaries . the programme shall provide funding primarily through action grants , annual and multiannual operating grants and core funding . it may use lump sums , unit costs , flat rates and financial assistance for third parties . co - funding requirements shall be accepted in kind and may be waived in cases of limited complementary funding .


### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , and erasmus + to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , health , citizenship , justice , migration , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , external relations , trade and development . ### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , including at local , regional and national level , directed at promoting and safeguarding the values enshrined in article 2 of the treaty of the european union . the commission is to seek consistency , synergies and complementarity with member states’ actions , and with other funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to justice , rights and values fund , including with creative europe programme , and erasmus + , as well as with relevant policies of the union .


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the treaties , including democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights as enshrined in article 2 teu , in particular by supporting and building the capacity of civil society organisations at local , regional , national and transnational level , in order to sustain open , rights - based , democratic , equal and inclusive societies .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur [ 641 705 000 ] in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur [ 1 500&#160 ; 000 000 ] in current prices .


### provisional safeguard measures shall not apply for more than 200 calendar days . ### provisional safeguard measures shall not apply for more than 200 calendar days , without prejudice to any other time period agreed upon in the agreement concerned .


### possession , procurement for use , import , export , sale , transport , distribution or otherwise making available of a stolen or otherwise unlawfully appropriated , or of a counterfeited or falsified payment instrument in order for it to be used fraudulently . ### possession , procurement for use , import , export , sale , transport , distribution or otherwise making available of a stolen or otherwise unlawfully appropriated , or of a counterfeited or falsified payment instrument .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are available to persons , units or services responsible for investigating or prosecuting the offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those used in organised crime , money laundering , cybercrime or other serious criminal offences , are available to the intelligence and law enforcement units and any other person or authority responsible for investigating or prosecuting the offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 . such tools shall respond to the latest and continuously changing instruments of criminality involving&#160 ; cryptocurrencies and ransomeware attacks .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to encourage financial institutions and other legal persons operating in their territory to report without undue delay suspected fraud to law enforcement and other competent authorities , for the purpose of detecting , preventing , investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that financial institutions and other legal persons operating in their territory report without undue delay suspected fraud to law enforcement and other competent authorities , for the purpose of detecting , preventing , investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 .


### counterfeiting or falsification of a payment instrument in order for it to be used fraudulently ; ### counterfeiting or falsification of a payment instrument ;


### member states shall inform the commission , europol and eurojust of their appointed point of contact referred to in paragraph 1 . the commission shall forward that information to the other member states . ### member states shall inform the commission , europol and eurojust of their appointed point of contact referred to in paragraph 1 within ten days from the implementation date . the commission shall forward this information to the other member states .


### they involve extensive or considerable damage or an aggregate advantage of at least eur 20 000 . ### they involve extensive or considerable damage , a significant number of victims or an aggregate advantage of at least eur 10 000 .


### significant gaps and differences in member states’ laws in the area of fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment may hamper the fight against this type of crime and other serious and organised crimes related to and enabled by it , and may complicate effective police and judicial cooperation in this area . ### significant gaps and differences in member states’ laws in the area of fraud and counterfeiting of non - cash means of payment obstruct the prevention , detection and sanctioning of this type of crime and other serious and organised crimes related to and enabled by it , and complicate effective police and judicial cooperation in this area .


### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by [ 24 months after entry into force ] . they shall immediately inform the commission thereof . ### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by [ 12 months after entry into force ] . they shall immediately inform the commission thereof .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that , when committed intentionally , the following are punishable as a criminal offence : ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that , the following are punishable as a criminal offence :


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that , where national law oblige natural and legal persons to submit information regarding offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 , such information reaches the authorities investigating or prosecuting those offences without undue delay . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure the obligation of natural and legal persons to submit information regarding offences referred to in articles 3 to 7 , such information to reach the authorities investigating or prosecuting those offences without undue delay , and in no case later than ten days from the demand . the breach of this obligation to comply shall be sanctioned . such sanctions shall be determined by the member states .


### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply . ### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made at union level for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply .


### ' protected customer ' means a household customer connected to a gas distribution network and , in addition , where the member state concerned so decides , may also mean one or more of the following : ### ' protected customer ' means a household customer connected to a gas distribution network and , in addition , in the event that the competent authorities within each region so decide , may also mean one or more of the following :


### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism to conduct the risk assessment within the deadline provided for in paragraph 5 of this article . competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism for conducting the risk assessment 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the risk assessment and the updates of the risk assessment . the commission may have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the risk assessment , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission may propose a cooperation mechanism for that region . ### the competent authorities within each region shall agree on a cooperation mechanism to conduct the risk assessment within the deadline provided for in paragraph 5 of this article . competent authorities shall report to the gas coordination group on the agreed cooperation mechanism for conducting the risk assessment 18 months before the deadline for the adoption of the risk assessment and the updates of the risk assessment . the commission shall have a facilitating role overall in the preparation of the risk assessment , in particular for the establishment of the cooperation mechanism . if competent authorities within a region do not agree on a cooperation mechanism , the commission shall propose a cooperation mechanism for that region .


### certain customers , including households and customers providing essential social services , are particularly vulnerable and may need social protection . a definition of such protected customers should not conflict with the union solidarity mechanisms . ### certain customers , including households and customers providing essential social services , are particularly vulnerable and may need social protection . a definition of such protected customers should not conflict with the union solidarity mechanisms and should be harmonised at union level .


### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed among the member states which are directly connected to each other and described in the emergency plans of their respective regions . such arrangements may cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the coverage of compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly . ### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed at the regional and inter - regional levels and described in the emergency plans . such arrangements may cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the shared responsibility for compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly .


### no later than 31 march 2017 member states shall notify the commission their definition of protected customers , the annual gas consumption volumes of the protected customers and the percentage they represent of the total annual final gas consumption in that member state . where a member state includes in its definition of protected customers the categories referred to in point or of article 2 it shall specify in the notification to the commission the gas consumption volumes corresponding to consumers belonging to those categories and the percentage that each of those groups of consumers represents in terms of the annual final use of gas . ### no later than 31 march 2017 the competent authorities within each region shall notify the commission the definition of protected consumers in that region , the annual and daily gas consumption volumes of the protected customers and the percentage they represent of the total annual final gas consumption in respective member states as well as how it could influence cross - border flows in the region . where a member state includes in its definition of protected customers the categories referred to in point or of article 2 it shall specify in the notification to the commission the gas consumption volumes corresponding to consumers belonging to those categories and the percentage that each of those groups of consumers represents in terms of the annual final use of gas .


### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract . ### to the competent authority and to the commission immediately after their conclusion or modification the gas supply contracts with a duration of more than 1 year concluded or modified after [ op : please insert the date of entry in force of this regulation ] that individually or cumulatively with other contracts with the same supplier or its affiliates exceed the threshold of 8 billion cubic metres or provide more than 40% of yearly natural gas consumption in the member state concerned . the notification obligation shall not apply to the modifications related only to the gas price . the notification obligation shall also apply to all commercial agreements relevant for the execution of the gas supply contract .