### directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council40 impose transparency obligations as regards social , environmental and corporate governance aspects in non - financial reporting . the required form and presentation established by those directives is not , however , suitable for direct use by financial market participants and financial advisors when dealing with end - investors . the financial market participants and financial advisors should have the option to use information in management reports and non - financial statements in accordance with directive 2013 / 34 / eu for the purposes of this regulation , where appropriate . __________________ 40 directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec . ### directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council40 impose transparency obligations as regards social , environmental and corporate governance aspects in non - financial reporting . the required form and presentation established by those directives is not , however , suitable for direct use by financial market participants and financial advisors when dealing with end - investors . the financial market participants , financial advisors and publicly listed companies should disclose information on the environmental , social and corporate governance impact and risks in annual management reports and non - financial statements in accordance with directive 2013 / 34 / eu , for the purposes of this regulation . __________________ 40 directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec .


### the european banking authority , european insurance and occupational pensions authority and the european securities and markets authority established by regulation no 1093 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council , 41 regulation no 1094 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council42 and regulation no 1095 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council43 respectively should , through the joint committee , develop regulatory technical standards further specifying the details of the presentation and content of the information on sustainability investment targets to be disclosed in pre - contractual documents , periodical reports and websites of financial market participants in accordance with articles 10 to 14 of regulation no 1093 / 2010 , regulation no 1094 / 2010 and of regulation no 1095 / 2010 . the commission should be empowered to adopt those regulatory technical standards . __________________ 41 regulation no 1093 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 78 / ec . 42 regulation no 1094 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 79 / ec . 43 regulation no 1095 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 77 / ec . ### the european banking authority , european insurance and occupational pensions authority and the european securities and markets authority established by regulation no 1093 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council , 41 regulation no 1094 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council42 and regulation no 1095 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council43 respectively should , through the joint committee , develop regulatory technical standards further specifying the details of the presentation and content of the information on the sustainability impact and risks of investment to be disclosed in pre - contractual documents , periodical and annual integrated reports and websites of financial market participants in accordance with articles 10 to 14 of regulation no 1093 / 2010 , regulation no 1094 / 2010 and of regulation no 1095 / 2010 . the commission should be empowered to adopt those regulatory technical standards . __________________ 41 regulation no 1093 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 78 / ec . 42 regulation no 1094 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 79 / ec . 43 regulation no 1095 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 establishing a european supervisory authority , amending decision no 716 / 2009 / ec and repealing commission decision 2009 / 77 / ec .


### since the objectives of this regulation , namely to strengthen protection for end - investors and improve disclosures to them , including in cases of cross - border purchases for end - investors , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can be better achieved at union level because of the need to lay down uniform disclosure requirements at union level the union may adopt measures , in accordance with principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives , ### since the objectives of this regulation , namely to strengthen information to investors and improve disclosures to them , and to help financial market participants , investment advisers and publicly listed companies integrate environmental , social and governance risks into their investment strategies and company board decisions , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states but can be better achieved at union level because of the need to lay down uniform disclosure requirements at union level the union may adopt measures , in accordance with principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives ,


### this regulation lays down harmonised rules on the transparency to be applied by financial market participants , insurance intermediaries which provide insurance advice with regard to ibips and investment firms which provide investment advice on the integration of sustainability risks in investment decision - making process or advisory process and the transparency of financial products that have as their targets sustainable investments , including the reduction in carbon emissions . ### this regulation lays down harmonised rules on the transparency to be applied by financial market participants , insurance intermediaries which provide insurance advice with regard to ibips and investment firms which provide investment advice , and publicly listed companies on how sustainability risks and impact are incorporated in investment decision - making process or advisory process , and the transparency of the sustainability impact and risks of investment products , where material and appropriate .


### ‘ sustainable investments’ mean any of the following or a combination of any of the following : ### ‘ sustainable investments’ mean products associated with strategies that aim at achieving environmental , social and governance - related impact , including any combination of the following , to the extent that the objectives of any one category are in accordance with , and do not significantly harm , any of the objectives of the other categories below :


### investments in an economic activity that contributes to an environmental objective , including an environmentally sustainable investment as defined in article 2 of [ po : please insert reference to regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] ; ### investments in an economic activity that contributes to an environmental objective , including an environmentally sustainable investment as defined in article 2 of [ po : please insert reference to regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] and based on key resource efficiency indicators , such as the use of energy , use of renewable energy , use of raw materials , production of waste , emissions , co2 emissions , use of water , use of land , and impact on biodiversity ;


### investments in companies following good governance practices , and in particular companies with sound management structures , employee relations , remuneration of relevant staff and tax compliance ; ### investments in companies following good governance practices , and in particular companies with sound management and due diligence structures , employee relations , remuneration of relevant staff and tax compliance ;


### transparency of the sustainability risk policies ### transparency of the sustainability risk policies and the sustainability impact


### financial market participants shall publish written policies on the integration of sustainability risks in the investment decision - making process on their websites . ### financial market participants shall have in place written policies on the integration of sustainability risks and impact in the investment decision - making process , such as in the areas of governance , asset allocation , investment strategy , risk management , the exercise of shareholder voting and company engagement ; and publish a summary of them in written form on their websites .


### insurance intermediaries which provide insurance advice with regard to ibips and investment firms which provide investment advice shall publish written policies on the integration of sustainability risks in investment advice or insurance advice on their websites . ### insurance intermediaries which provide insurance advice with regard to ibips and investment firms which provide investment advice shall have in place written policies on the integration of sustainability risks and impact in investment advice or insurance advice , such as in the areas of governance , asset allocation , investment strategy , risk management , the exercise of shareholder voting and company engagement ; and publish a summary of them in written form on their websites .


### 4transparency of the integration of sustainability risks ### transparency of the integration of sustainability risks and impact


### the procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks in investment decisions ; ### the due diligence procedures and conditions applied for integrating sustainability risks in investment decisions ;


### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on the returns of the financial products made available ; ### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on environmental , social and governance issues and on the returns of the financial products made available ;


### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on the returns of the financial products advised on ; ### the extent to which sustainability risks are expected to have a relevant impact on environmental , social and governance issues and on the returns of the financial products advised on ;


### transparency of sustainable investments in pre - contractual disclosures ### transparency of the sustainability impact and risks of investments in pre - contractual disclosures


### information on the methodologies used to assess , measure and monitor the impact of the sustainable investments selected for the financial product , including its data sources , screening criteria for the underlying assets and the relevant sustainability indicators used to measure the overall sustainable impact of the financial product ; ### information on the methodologies used to assess , measure and monitor the sustainability impact of the investments selected for the financial product , including its data sources , screening criteria for the underlying assets and the relevant sustainability indicators used to measure the overall sustainable impact of the financial product ;


### the information to be disclosed pursuant to the first subparagraph shall be published in a clear way and in a prominent area of the website . ### the information to be disclosed pursuant to the first subparagraph shall be published in a clear way and in a prominent area of the website , in a manner that is understandable to different stakeholders including a non - specialised audience with different levels of financial literacy .


### where financial market participants make available a financial product referred to in paragraphs , and of article 5 , they shall include a description of the following in periodical reports : ### where financial market participants make available a financial product referred to in paragraphs , and of article 5 , they shall include a description of the following in periodical , audited , integrated reports , conducted at least annually :


### the overall sustainability - related impact by the financial product by means of relevant sustainability indicators ; ### the overall sustainability - related impact by the financial product by means of harmonised and comparable sustainability indicators ;


### promote opportunities to support the labour mobility of individuals , including through guidance on access to learning and language training ; ### promote opportunities to support the labour mobility of individuals and families , including through guidance on access to learning and language training ;


### the members of the stakeholder group shall be nominated by their respective organisations and appointed by the management board . the management board shall also appoint alternate members , in accordance with the same conditions as members , who shall automatically replace any members who are absent or indisposed . to the extent possible , an appropriate gender balance shall be respected , as well as adequate representation of smes . ### the members of the stakeholder group shall be nominated by their respective organisations and appointed by the management board . the management board shall also appoint alternate members , in accordance with the same conditions as members , who shall automatically replace any members who are absent or indisposed . to the extent possible , an appropriate balance between women and men shall be respected , as well as adequate representation of smes .


### since the launch of the stabilisation and association process , stabilisation and association agreements have been concluded with all concerned western balkan countries , with the exception of bosnia and herzegovina and kosovo3 . in june 2013 , the council authorised the commission to start negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement with kosovo . ______________ 3 this designation is without prejudice to positions on status , and is in line with unscr 1244 / 1999 and the icj opinion on the kosovo declaration of independence . ### since the launch of the stabilisation and association process , stabilisation and association agreements have been concluded with all concerned western balkan countries , with the exception of bosnia and herzegovina and kosovo3 . in may 2014 , the negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement with kosovo were completed and the agreement was initialled in july 2014 . _______________ 3 this designation is without prejudice to positions on status , and is in line with unscr 1244 / 1999 and the icj opinion on the kosovo declaration of independence .


### the individuals covered by the activities of the authority should be persons who are subject to the union law within the scope of this regulation , including workers , self - employed persons , jobseekers , and economically non - active persons ; this should cover both union citizens and third - country nationals who are legally resident in the union , such as posted workers , eu blue card holders , intra - corporate transferees or long - term residents , as well as their family members . ### the individuals covered by the activities of the authority should be persons who are subject to the union law within the scope of this regulation , including workers , self - employed persons , jobseekers , and economically non - active persons in cross - border situations ; this should cover both union citizens and third - country nationals who are legally resident in the union , such as posted workers , eu blue card holders , intra - corporate transferees or long - term residents , as well as their family members and who are mobile within the eu .


### carry out analyses and risk assessments on issues of cross - border labour mobility , in accordance with article 11 ; ### carry out analyses and risk assessments on issues of cross - border labour mobility and barriers to the free movement of workers and services , in accordance with article 11 ;


### the authority shall assess risks and carry out analyses regarding cross - border labour flows , such as labour market imbalances , sector - specific threats and recurring problems encountered by individuals and employers in relation to cross - border mobility . for that purpose , the authority shall ensure complementarity with , and draw on the expertise of , other union agencies or services , including in the areas of skills forecasting and health and safety at work . upon a request by the commission , the authority may carry out focused in - depth analyses and studies to investigate specific labour mobility issues . ### the authority shall assess risks and carry out analyses regarding cross - border labour flows , such as labour market imbalances , sector - specific developments , barriers to the free movement of workers and services , discrimination in access to employment and other recurring problems encountered by individuals and employers in relation to cross - border mobility . for that purpose , the authority shall ensure complementarity with , and draw on the expertise of , other union agencies or services , including in the areas of skills forecasting and health and safety at work . upon a request by the commission , the authority may carry out focused in - depth analyses and studies to investigate specific labour mobility issues .


### the authority shall establish cooperation arrangements with other decentralised union agencies where appropriate . ### the authority shall establish cooperation arrangements with other decentralised union agencies where appropriate , in particular with the agencies established in the area of employment and social policy as well as the agencies dealing with the areas of fight against organised crime and trafficking in human beings and severe labour exploitation ;


### in order to ensure that the european union programme for employment and social innovation provides swiftly adequate resources to support changing political priorities , the indicative shares for each of the three axis and the minimum percentages for each of the thematic priorities within the individual axis should allow for a greater flexibility . this should improve the management of the programme and allow focussing budgetary resources on actions producing better employment and social results . ### in order to ensure that the european union programme for employment and social innovation provides swiftly adequate resources to support changing political priorities , the indicative shares for each of the three axis and the minimum percentages for each of the thematic priorities within the individual axis should allow for a greater flexibility , while maintaining an ambitious deployment rate for eures cross - border partnerships . this should improve the management of the programme and allow focussing budgetary resources on actions producing better employment and social results .


### the data on participants under the two first above indicators will be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 50 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 . the data on participants under the last three above indicators will be provided in the reports as specified in article 50 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 . the data of the five indicators above shall be collected based on a representative sample of participants within each investment priority . internal validity shall be ensured in such a way that the data can be generalised at the level of the investment priority . ### the data on participants under the two above indicators will be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 50 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 . the data of the two indicators above shall be collected based on a representative sample of participants within each investment priority . internal validity shall be ensured in such a way that the data can be generalised at the level of the investment priority .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people , including those vulnerable and with fewer opportunities , should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , cultural , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . dialogue with local and regional authorities and stakeholders should be encouraged in order to best determine unmet societal needs and ensure a needs - oriented programme .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality and target especially those who are not in education , employment or training , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening local communities and social cohesion , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge , skills and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe , inclusive and healthy conditions .


### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact . ### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , cultural , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact .


### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship – , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity . ### these activities should be to the benefit of communities and supported by the local and regional authorities , while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , it and new technologies , developed in relation to different areas , such as formal and non - formal education and informal learning , intercultural dialogue , social inclusion , and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship – , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid education and learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity .


### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship – , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity . ### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , cultural , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship –circular economy , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , prevention of and recovery from natural or man - made disasters , protection of vulnerable groups affected by disasters , resilience , poverty reduction , food security , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , particularly non - accompanied children , conflict prevention , peace and reconciliation , human rights , gender equality , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity .


### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people’s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination . ### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young participants’ s personal , cultural , socio - educational and professional development , sense of responsibility , active citizenship and employability . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . volunteering activities within the european solidarity corps programme should also aim to be complementary to existing local , regional and national volunteering schemes , when such schemes are in place . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination .


### particular attention should be given to ensuring the quality of the activities and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - activity support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . security and safety of the volunteers remain of paramount importance and volunteers should not be deployed to operations conducted in the theatre of international and non - international armed conflicts . ### particular attention should be given to ensuring the quality of the activities and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - activity support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . appropriate training , security and safety of the volunteers remain of paramount importance and should be subject to regular exchange of information and risk assessment , notably as regards the european voluntary humanitarian aid corps . volunteers should not be deployed to operations conducted in the theatre of international and non - international armed conflicts . due consideration should also be given to the safety and interests of children and other vulnerable persons in contact with the volunteers . activities involving direct contact with children should be guided by the “best interests of the child” principle and should be subject , where appropriate , to background checks or other measures with a view to ensure child protection .


### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps activities on the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the participants , the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the activity should be properly identified and documented , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . _________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning . ### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps activities on the personal , educational , social , cultural , civic and professional development of the participants , the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the activity should be properly identified and documented , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . _________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning .


### a quality label should ensure compliance of the participating organisations with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps , as regards their rights and responsibilities during all stages of the solidarity experience . obtaining a quality label is a precondition for participation but should not automatically lead to funding under the european solidarity corps . ### a quality label should ensure compliance of the participating organisations with the values , principles and objectives of the union as well as the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps , as regards their rights , safety and responsibilities during all stages of the solidarity experience . obtaining a quality label is a precondition for participation but should not automatically lead to funding under the european solidarity corps .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled , taking account of the main fields where solidarity is developing in the member states .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps in coherence with existing certification schemes . the process of acquiring a label should be simplified for organizations already certified , notably under the current eu aid volunteers and for holders of the echo framework partnership agreements . this process should take due account of similar processes carried out under regulation no 375 / 2014 , regulation 2018 / 1475 of the european parliament and of the council1a as well as council regulation no 1257 / 961b . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . in both attribution of a quality label and reassessment of it , the administrative burden should be reduced to a minimum in order to ensure equal access and avoid discouraging smaller organisations from participating . ______________________ 1aregulation 2018 / 1475 of the european parliament and of the council of 2 october 2018 laying down the legal framework of the european solidarity corps and amending regulation no 1288 / 2013 , regulation no 1293 / 2013 and decision no 1313 / 2013 / eu . 1b council regulation no 1257 / 96 of 20 june 1996 concerning humanitarian aid .


### the scaling - up of european solidarity corps projects should be facilitated . specific measures should be put in place to help promoters of european solidarity corps projects to apply for grants or develop synergies through the support of the european structural and investment funds and the programmes relating to migration , security , justice and citizenship , health and culture . ### the scaling - up of european solidarity corps projects should be facilitated . at the same time , accurate and continually updated information regarding these opportunities should be provided for potential beneficiaries . specific measures should be put in place to help promoters of european solidarity corps projects to apply for grants or develop synergies through the support of the european structural and investment funds and the programmes relating to migration , security , justice and citizenship , health and culture


### in line with the commission’s communication on ‘ a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the union’s outermost regions’31 , the programme should take into account the specific situation of these regions . measures will be taken to increase the outermost regions’ participation in all actions . such measures will be monitored regularly and evaluated . _________________ 31 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank on a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu’s outermost regions 623 final ) . ### on the basis of article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in line with the commission’s communication on ‘ a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the union’s outermost regions’31 , the programme should take into account the specific situation of these regions . measures will be taken to increase the outermost regions’ participation in all actions . such measures will be monitored regularly and evaluated . _________________ 31 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank on a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu’s outermost regions 623 final ) .


### in line with the commission ' s communication on ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the union ' s outermost regions ' 1 , the programme should take into account the specific situation of these regions . measures will be taken to increase the outermost regions ' participation in all actions . such measures will be monitored regularly and evaluated . __________________ 1 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank on a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions 623 final ) . ### in line with the commission ' s communication on ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the union ' s outermost regions ' 1 , the programme should take into account the specific situation and needs of these regions , in particular the evolution of political , economic and social situation , notably the youth unemployment rate in order to enable better cooperation in the most effective and simple way . measures will be taken to increase the outermost regions ' participation in all actions . such measures will be monitored regularly and evaluated . __________________ 1 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank on a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions 623 final ) .


### in compliance with the financial regulation , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the programme , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure . ### given that the programme is implemented over a seven - year period , it is necessary to provide for adequate flexibility to enable adaptation to changing realities and political priorities for the implementation of solidarity activities under the strands of the programme . as such , the regulation does not define in detail how the actions will be designed , nor does it prejudge political priorities or respective budgetary priorities for the next seven years . instead , the secondary policy choices and priorities , including details of specific actions , to be implemented through the different activities , should be determined through an annual work programme in compliance with the financial regulation . the work programme should also set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the programme , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by means of a delegated act . to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should preferably work closely together in partnership with non - governmental organisations , youth organisations and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions ### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should preferably work closely together in partnership with non - governmental organisations , social enterprises , youth organisations and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions , including volunteer infrastructure and support agencies such as volunteer centres .


### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should preferably work closely together in partnership with non - governmental organisations , youth organisations and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions . ### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should preferably work closely together in partnership with national governments , non - governmental organisations , youth organisations , the private sector and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions , in accordance with existing national and regional volunteer programmes .


### in order to ensure sound financial management and legal certainty in each participating country , each national authority should designate an independent audit body . where feasible , and in order to maximise efficiency , the independent audit body could be the same as the one designated for the actions referred to in chapter iii of [ new erasmus regulation ] . ### in order to ensure sound financial management , cost optimisation and legal certainty in each participating country , each national authority should designate an independent audit body . where feasible , and in order to maximise efficiency , the independent audit body could be the same as the one designated for the actions referred to in chapter iii of [ new erasmus regulation ] .


### ‘ participant’ means an individual aged between 18 and 30 years , who has registered in the european solidarity corps portal and takes part in a solidarity activity under the european solidarity corps ; ### ‘ participant’ means an individual who has registered in the european solidarity corps portal and takes part in solidarity activities , under the european solidarity corps ; for activities other than those referred to in chapter iv , participants are individuals aged between 18 and 35 years old ;


### ‘ solidarity project’ means an unpaid in - country solidarity activity for a period of up to 12 months , carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their communities while presenting a clear european added value ; ### ‘ solidarity project’ means an unpaid in - country or cross - border solidarity activity for a period of up to 12 months , carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants or by a participating organisation , with a view to addressing key challenges within their communities while presenting a clear european added value ;


### the general objective of the programme is to enhance the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high - quality solidarity activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity and democracy in the union and abroad , addressing societal and humanitarian challenges on the ground , with particular effort to promote social inclusion . ### the general objective of the programme is to enhance the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high - quality solidarity and non - profit activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity , peace and democracy in the union and abroad , making progress towards achievement of the sustainable development goals , addressing societal and humanitarian challenges on the ground , particularly in terms of reducing the risks of natural and man - made disasters , emergency situations in fragile and post - conflict countries , with particular effort to promote social inclusion .


### reinforcing the capacities of the participating organisations to offer good quality projects to an increasing number of european solidarity corps participants ; ### reinforcing the capacities of the participating organisations and their local partners to cooperate and to offer good quality projects to an increasing number of european solidarity corps participants ;


### the establishment , maintenance and updating of the european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as the necessary it support systems and web - based tools . ### the establishment , maintenance and updating of an accessible european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as necessary it support systems and web - based tools in line with the accessibility requirements of directive 2016 / 2102 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies .


### volunteering as referred to in article 4 . 1 , point shall include a learning and training component , shall not substitute traineeships or jobs , shall not be equated with employment and shall be based on a written volunteering agreement . ### volunteering as referred to in article 4 . 1 , point shall be focused and have an impact on identified&#160 ; community needs , shall include a learning and training component , shall not substitute traineeships or jobs , shall not be equated with employment and shall be based on a written volunteering agreement . such agreement shall ensure an adequate legal and social protection of the participant . participants in volunteering activities shall be adequately compensated for their costs related to the volunteering activity .


### actions implemented under the strand ' european voluntary humanitarian aid corps ' shall in particular contribute to providing needs - based humanitarian aid aimed at preserving life , preventing and alleviating human suffering and maintaining human dignity and to strengthening the capacity and resilience of vulnerable or disaster - affected communities . ### actions implemented under the strand ' european voluntary humanitarian aid corps ' shall in particular contribute to providing needs - based humanitarian aid aimed at preserving life , preventing and alleviating human suffering and maintaining human dignity in the context of natural or man - made disasters and to strengthening the capacity and resilience of communities that are vulnerable , fragile or affected by natural or man - made disasters , . and to facilitate the transition from the humanitarian response to long term sustainable and inclusive development .


### the actions under this chapter shall be carried out in compliance with the humanitarian aid principles of humanity , neutrality , impartiality and independence . ### actions under this chapter shall be carried out in compliance with the european consensus on humanitarian aid , promoting the fundamental humanitarian aid principles of humanity , neutrality , impartiality and independence while reiterating the union’s firm commitment to a needs - based approach , without discrimination between or within affected populations and while respecting international law .


### volunteering under this strand may only take place in third countries : ### volunteering under this strand may only take place :


### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants , prizes and procurement . ### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants , prizes and procurement . in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , lump sums , unit costs and flat - rate funding shall be used to the maximum possible extent .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed at least every four years and may be revoked in case of misuse .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , its target public , its duration and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### lay down the internal control standards for the national agency concerned and the rules for the management of the union funds for grant support by the national agencies ; ### lay down the internal control standards for the national agency concerned and the rules for the management of the union funds for grant support by the national agencies , taking into consideration the simplification requirements and not imposing additional burden on participants and participating organisations .


### national agencies shall be responsible for the primary controls of grant beneficiaries for the actions of the european solidarity corps which are entrusted to them . those controls shall give reasonable assurance that the grants awarded are used as intended and in compliance with the applicable union rules . ### national agencies shall be responsible for the primary controls of grant beneficiaries for the actions of the european solidarity corps which are entrusted to them . those controls shall be proportionate and adequate and shall give reasonable assurance that the grants awarded are used as intended and in compliance with the applicable union rules .


### the actions of the european solidarity corps shall also be consistent with and complementary to the relevant policies , programmes and instruments at national level in the participating countries . to this end , the commission , national authorities and national agencies shall exchange information on existing national schemes and priorities related to solidarity and youth , on the one hand , and actions under the european solidarity corps , on the other hand , with a view to build on relevant good practices and achieve efficiency and effectiveness . ### the actions of the european solidarity corps shall also be consistent with and complementary to the relevant policies , programmes and instruments at national level in the participating countries , in order to guarantee a sense of responsibility on the part of the participating countries . to this end , the commission , national authorities and national agencies shall exchange information on existing national schemes and priorities related to solidarity , youth and humanitarian needs , on the one hand , and actions under the european solidarity corps , on the other hand , with a view to build on relevant good practices and achieve efficiency and effectiveness .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 19 shall be conferred on the commission for the duration of the programme . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 12 , 18 and 19 shall be conferred on the commission for the duration of the programme ;


### the delegation of power referred to in article 19 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 12 , 18 and 19 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 12 , 18 and 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### single use plastic products can be manufactured from a wide range of plastics . plastics are usually defined as polymeric materials to which additives may have been added . however , this definition would cover certain natural polymers . unmodified natural polymers should not be covered as they occur naturally in the environment . therefore , the definition of polymer in article 3 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council43 should be adapted and a separate definition should be introduced for the purposes of this directive . plastics manufactured with modified natural polymers , or plastics manufactured from bio - based , fossil or synthetic starting substances are not naturally occurring and should therefore be addressed by this directive . the adapted definition of plastics should therefore cover polymer - based rubber items and bio - based and biodegradable plastics regardless of whether they are derived from biomass and / or intended to biodegrade over time . certain polymeric materials are not capable of functioning as a main structural component of final materials and products , such as polymeric coatings , paints , inks , and adhesives . those materials should not be addressed by this directive and should therefore not be covered by the definition . _________________ 43 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec . ### single use plastic products can be manufactured from a wide range of plastics . plastics are usually defined as polymeric materials formed from fossil fuels to which additives may have been added . unmodified natural polymers should not be covered as they occur naturally in the environment . therefore , the definition of polymer in article 3 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council43 should be adapted and a separate definition should be introduced for the purposes of this directive . plastics manufactured with fossil fuels should be addressed by this directive . bioplastics , biodegradable and bio - based plastics , are excluded from this definition as they are chemically and physically separate from petroleum - based plastics , and do not contribute to marine litter . certain polymeric materials are not capable of functioning as a main structural component of final materials and products , such as polymeric coatings , paints , inks , and adhesives . those materials should not be addressed by this directive and should therefore not be covered by the definition . _________________ 43 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec .


### single use plastic products can be manufactured from a wide range of plastics . plastics are usually defined as polymeric materials to which additives may have been added . however , this definition would cover certain natural polymers . unmodified natural polymers should not be covered as they occur naturally in the environment . therefore , the definition of polymer in article 3 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council43 should be adapted and a separate definition should be introduced for the purposes of this directive . plastics manufactured with modified natural polymers , or plastics manufactured from bio - based , fossil or synthetic starting substances are not naturally occurring and should therefore be addressed by this directive . the adapted definition of plastics should therefore cover polymer - based rubber items and bio - based and biodegradable plastics regardless of whether they are derived from biomass and / or intended to biodegrade over time . certain polymeric materials are not capable of functioning as a main structural component of final materials and products , such as polymeric coatings , paints , inks , and adhesives . those materials should not be addressed by this directive and should therefore not be covered by the definition . _________________ 43 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec . ### single use plastic products can be manufactured from a wide range of plastics . plastics are usually defined as polymeric materials to which additives may have been added . however , this definition would cover certain natural polymers . unmodified natural polymers should not be covered as they occur naturally in the environment . therefore , the definition of polymer in article 3 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council43 should be adapted and a separate definition should be introduced for the purposes of this directive . plastics manufactured with modified natural polymers , or plastics manufactured from bio - based , fossil or synthetic starting substances are not naturally occurring and should therefore be addressed by this directive . the adapted definition of plastics should therefore cover polymer - based rubber items and bio - based and biodegradable plastics regardless of whether they are derived from biomass and / or intended to biodegrade over time . certain polymeric materials are not capable of functioning as a main structural component of final materials and products , such as polymeric coatings , linings or layers , paints , inks , and adhesives . those materials should not be addressed by this directive and should therefore not be covered by the definition . _________________ 43 regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , establishing a european chemicals agency , amending directive 1999 / 45 / ec and repealing council regulation no 793 / 93 and commission regulation no 1488 / 94 as well as council directive 76 / 769 / eec and commission directives 91 / 155 / eec , 93 / 67 / eec , 93 / 105 / ec and 2000 / 21 / ec .


### for certain single - use plastic products , suitable and more sustainable alternatives are not yet readily available and the consumption of most such single - use plastic products is expected to increase . to reverse that trend and promote efforts towards more sustainable solutions member states should be required to take the necessary measures to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of those products , without compromising food hygiene or food safety , good hygiene practices , good manufacturing practices , consumer information , or traceability requirements set out in union food legislation44 . _________________ 44 regulation 178 / 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law , regulation no 852 / 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs , regulation no 1935 / 2004 on materials intended to come into contact and other relevant legislation related to food safety , hygiene and labeling . ### for certain single - use plastic products , suitable and more sustainable alternatives are not yet readily available and the consumption of most such single - use plastic products is expected to increase . to reverse that trend and promote efforts towards more sustainable solutions member states should be required to take the necessary measures to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of those products , without prejudice to article 18 of directive 94 / 62 / ec , without compromising food hygiene or food safety , good hygiene practices , good manufacturing practices , consumer information , or traceability requirements set out in union food legislation44 . when considering a measure having restrictive effects on intra - union trade , member states should be able to demonstrate that the measure in question is adequate to attain the objective of reducing a significant reduction in the consumption of those products , does not go beyond what is necessary to attain that objective and does not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states . member states should encourage the use of products that are suitable for multiple use and that are , after having become waste , suitable for preparing for re - use and recycling and without compromising the free movement of goods in the internal market . those measures should take into account the impact of products throughout their lifecycle inclusive the marine environment and the waste hierarchy . _________________ 44 regulation 178 / 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law , regulation no 852 / 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs , regulation no 1935 / 2004 on materials intended to come into contact and other relevant legislation related to food safety , hygiene and labeling .


### in order to prevent littering and other inappropriate forms of disposal resulting in marine litter containing plastic , consumers need to be properly informed about the most appropriate waste disposal options available and / or waste disposal options to be avoided , best practices with regard to waste disposal and the environmental impact of bad disposal practices as well as about the plastic content in certain single - use plastic products and fishing gear . therefore , member states should be required to take awareness raising measures ensuring that such information is given to the consumers . the information should not contain any promotional content encouraging the use of the single - use plastic products . member states should be able to choose the measures which are most appropriate based on the nature of the product or its use . producers of single - use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic should cover the costs of the awareness raising measures as part of their extended producer responsibility obligation . ### in order to prevent littering and other inappropriate forms of disposal resulting in marine litter containing plastic , consumers need to be properly informed about the most appropriate waste disposal options available and / or waste disposal options to be avoided , best practices with regard to waste disposal and the environmental impact of bad disposal practices as well as about the plastic content in certain single - use plastic products and fishing gear . therefore , member states should be required to take awareness raising measures , including education campaigns at schools , ensuring that such information is given to the consumers to incentivise them to change their behaviour and to participate more actively in litter prevention . the information should not contain any promotional content encouraging the use of the single - use plastic products . member states should be able to choose the measures which are most appropriate based on the nature of the product or its use . the fight against litter should be a shared effort between competent authorities , producers and consumers . producers of single - use plastic products and fishing gear containing plastic should cover the costs of the awareness raising measures as part of their extended producer responsibility obligation .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of the single - use plastic products listed in part a of the annex on their territory by … [ six years after the end - date for transposition of this directive ] . ### member states shall take the necessary measures , without prejudice to article 18 of directive 94 / 62 / ec , to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of the single - use plastic products listed in part a of the annex on their territory by … [ six years after the end - date for transposition of this directive ] .


### member states shall ensure that extended producer responsibility schemes are established for all single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex placed on the union market , in accordance with the provisions on extended producer responsibility in directive 2008 / 98 / ec . ### member states shall ensure that extended producer responsibility schemes are established for all non - biodegradable or non - recycled single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex placed on the union market , in accordance with the provisions on extended producer responsibility in directive 2008 / 98 / ec .


### with regard to the schemes established pursuant to paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that the producers of the single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex shall cover the costs of the collection of waste consisting of those single - use plastic products and its subsequent transport and treatment , including the costs to clean up litter and the costs of the awareness raising measures referred to in article 10 regarding those products . ### with regard to the schemes established pursuant to paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that the producers of the single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex shall cover the costs of the collection of waste consisting of those non - biodegradable or non - recycled single - use plastic products and its subsequent transport and treatment , including the costs to clean up litter and the costs of the awareness raising measures referred to in article 10 regarding those products .


### with regard to the schemes established pursuant to paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that the producers of the single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex shall cover the costs of the collection of waste consisting of those single - use plastic products and its subsequent transport and treatment , including the costs to clean up litter and the costs of the awareness raising measures referred to in article 10 regarding those products . ### with regard to the schemes established pursuant to paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that the producers of the single - use plastic products listed in part e of the annex shall cover the necessary costs of the collection of waste consisting of those single - use plastic products and its subsequent transport and treatment , as defined under article 8 and 8a of directive 2008 / 98 / ec including the costs to clean up litter and the costs of the awareness raising measures referred to in article 10 regarding those products .


### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner for dissemination of information regarding funding opportunities , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value .


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities and the methods of implementation in the agricultural sector , in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 .


### the completion of the digital single market and the growing opportunities from the convergence of digital and physical technologies requires a stepping up of investments . horizon europe will contribute to these efforts with a substantial increase of spending in main digital research and innovation activities compared to the research and innovation framework programme horizon 20206 . this should ensure that europe remains at the forefront of global research and innovation in the digital field . _________________ 6 the communication from the commission ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that deliver efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' identifies eur 13 billion spent in main digital activities under the research and innovation framework programme horizon 2020 . ### the completion of the digital single market and the growing opportunities from the convergence of digital and physical technologies requires a stepping up of investments . and greater access to funding programmes through better communication . horizon europe will contribute to these efforts with a substantial increase of spending in main digital research and innovation activities compared to the research and innovation framework programme horizon 20206 . this should ensure that europe remains at the forefront of global research and innovation in the digital field . _________________ 6 the communication from the commission ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that deliver efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' identifies eur 13 billion spent in main digital activities under the research and innovation framework programme horizon 2020 .


### the commission will also implement information and communication activities relating to horizon europe , to promote the fact that results were obtained with the support of eu funding . they will also seek to raise public awareness on the importance of research and innovation and the broader impact and relevance of eu funded research and innovation , by means of e . g . publications , media relations , events , knowledge repositories , databases , multi - channel platforms , websites or a targeted use of social media . horizon europe will also provide support to the beneficiaries to communicate their work and its impact to society at large . ### the commission will also implement information and communication activities relating to horizon europe , to promote existing financing and the fact that results were obtained with the support of eu funding . they will also seek to raise public awareness on the importance of research and innovation and the broader impact and relevance of eu funded research and innovation , by means of e . g . publications , media relations , events , knowledge repositories , databases , multi - channel platforms , websites or a targeted use of social media . horizon europe will also provide support to the beneficiaries to communicate their work and its impact to society at large .


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ### cluster ' agriculture , food and natural resources '


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , fertile soil and clean air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production within the planet ' s boundaries and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources efficiently from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . ### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , ecotoxicity , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health , integrity and the economic viability of the food production system .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land . ### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 1 - no poverty ; sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sdg 3 - good health and well - being ; sdg 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 7 - affordable and clean energy ; sdg 8 - decent work and economic growth ; sdg 9 - industry , innovation and infrastructure ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land .


### –biodiversity status , ecosystem protection , climate mitigation and adaptation , food security , agriculture and forestry , land use and land use change , urban and peri - urban development , natural resources management , ocean exploitation and conservation , maritime security , and other relevant domains ; ### –biodiversity status , ecosystem protection , climate mitigation and adaptation , food security , agriculture and forestry , soil quality , land use and land use change , urban and peri - urban development , natural resources management , ocean exploitation and conservation , maritime security , and other relevant domains ;


### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , antibiotics and other substances ; ### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , herbicides , fungicides , antibiotics and other substances ;


### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation . 20 current food production and consumption are largely unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to deliver sufficient safe , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , sustainability , linking land and sea , reducing food waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits for consumers and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . _________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security ### the combined effects of population growth , resource scarcity and overexploitation , environmental degradation , climate change and migration create unprecedented challenges which require food system transformation . 20 certain food production and consumption patterns are unsustainable while we are confronted with the double burden of malnutrition , characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity . future food systems need to deliver sufficient safe , affordable , healthy and quality food for all , underpinned by resource efficiency , sustainability , linking land and sea , reducing and recycling food waste , enhancing food production from the seas and oceans and encompassing the entire ' food value chain ' from producers to consumers – and back again . this needs to go hand in hand with development of the food safety system of the future and the design , development and delivery of tools , technologies and digital solutions that provide significant benefits for consumers and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the food value chain . furthermore , there is a need to foster behavioural changes in food consumption and production patterns as well as to engage primary producers , industry , retailers , food service sectors , consumers , and public services . _________________ 20 swd 319 final : european research and innovation for food and nutrition security


### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; ### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food , feed and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ;


### –biotechnology , including cross sectoral cutting - edge biotechnology , for application in competitive , sustainable and novel industrial processes , environmental services and consumer products21 ; _________________ 21 health biotechnology applications will be addressed by the health cluster under this pillar . ### –biotechnology , including cross sectoral cutting - edge biotechnology , for application in competitive , sustainable and novel industrial and agricultural processes , environmental services and consumer products21 ; _________________ 21 health biotechnology applications will be addressed by the health cluster under this pillar .


### at the request of a member state or on the commission’s initiative , the commission shall take a formal decision to initiate an investigation within a reasonable period of time . where the commission decides to initiate an investigation , it shall publish a notice in the official journal of the european union announcing the investigation . the notice shall provide a summary of the information received and state that any relevant information should be sent to the commission . it shall specify the period , which shall not exceed four months from the date of publication of the notice , within which interested parties may make their views known in writing . ### at the request of a member state or on the commission’s initiative , the commission shall take a formal decision to initiate an investigation within a reasonable period of time . where the commission decides to initiate an investigation , it shall publish a notice in the official journal of the european union announcing the investigation . the notice shall provide a summary of the information received and state that any relevant information should be sent to the commission . it shall specify the period , which shall not exceed two months from the date of publication of the notice , within which interested parties may make their views known in writing .


### the investigation shall be completed within six months after the publication of the notice referred to in paragraph 2 . the commission may , in the case of exceptional circumstances , extend this period in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 5 . ### the investigation shall be completed within four months after the publication of the notice referred to in paragraph 2 .


### where exceptional circumstances requiring immediate action make an investigation impossible , the commission may , after informing the committee , take any preventive measure which is strictly necessary . ### the commission may , after informing the committee , take any preventive measure which is strictly necessary .


### the use of hired vehicles can reduce the costs of undertakings carrying goods on their own account or for hire and reward and at the same time increase their operational flexibility . it can therefore contribute to an increase in the productivity and competitiveness of the undertakings concerned . moreover , as hired vehicles tend to be younger than the average fleet , they are also safer and less polluting . ### the use of hired vehicles can in certain cases reduce the costs of undertakings carrying goods on their own account or for hire and reward and at the same time increase their operational flexibility . it can therefore contribute to an increase in the productivity and competitiveness of the undertakings concerned . moreover , as hired vehicles tend to be younger than the average fleet , they are also safer and less polluting .


### the vehicle is registered or put into circulation in compliance with the laws of a member state ; ; ### the vehicle is registered and complies with current operating standards and safety requirements or put into circulation in compliance with the laws of any member state and authorised to be used by the member state of establishment of the undertaking ;


### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by [ op : please insert the date calculated 18 months following the entry into force ] at the latest . they shall communicate to the commission the text of those provisions without delay . ### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by . . . [ 20 months after the date of entry into force of this directive ] . they shall communicate to the commission the text of those provisions without delay .


### based on the experience with cross - border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014 - 2020 in outermost regions , where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries , a specific outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with their neighbouring countries and territories in the most effective and simple way . ### based on the experience with cross - border and transnational cooperation during the programming period 2014 - 2020 in outermost regions , where the combination of both components within a single programme per cooperation area has not brought about sufficient simplification for programme authorities and beneficiaries , a specific additional outermost regions’ component should be established in order to enable outermost regions to cooperate with third countries , overseas countries and territories , or regional cooperation organisations in the most effective and simple way that takes into account their individual characteristics .


### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 . ### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of octs , third countries and regional cooperation organisations , including the outermost neighbouring regions . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 .