### these common non - exhaustive criteria for the application of penalties may not be relevant in deciding on penalties regarding every infringement , in particular regarding non - serious infringements . member states should also take account of other general principles of law applicable to the imposition of penalties , such as the principle of non bis in idem . ### penalties should be proportionate and appropriate to the nature of the breach of union consumer protection legislation and the actual or potential overall harm . these common criteria may not be relevant in the case of less serious infringements . the competent authorities should take account of all facts and circumstances of the case and choose the most appropriate penalties essential to address the infringement . those measures should be proportionate , effective and dissuasive .


### where the member state fails to take effective action in response to a request made in accordance with paragraph 1 , within the deadlines set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 , the commission may suspend all or part of the payments for the programmes or priorities concerned in accordance with article 91 . ### where the member state fails to take effective action in response to a request made in accordance with paragraph 1 , within the deadlines set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 , the commission may suspend all or part of the commitments for the programmes or priorities concerned in accordance with article 91 .


### the commission shall make a proposal to the council to suspend all or part of the commitments or payments for one or more of the programmes of a member state in the following cases : ### after taking into account economic and social circumstances of the member state concerned and the impact of the envisaged suspension on the economy , the commission shall make a proposal to the council to suspend all or part of the commitments for one or more of the programmes of a member state in the following cases :


### the commission shall keep the european parliament informed of the implementation of this article . in particular , the commission shall , when one of the conditions set out in paragraph 7 is fulfilled for a member state , immediately inform the european parliament and provide details of the funds and programmes which could be subject to a suspension of commitments . ### the commission shall keep the european parliament informed of the implementation of this article . in particular , the commission shall , when one of the conditions set out in paragraph 7 is fulfilled for a member state , immediately inform the european parliament and provide details of the funds and programmes which could be subject to a suspension of commitments and the impact of the envisaged suspension on the economy .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of these reform priorities . these strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the funds , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu . ### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of these reform priorities . these strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the funds , the reform support programme , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of these reform priorities . these strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the funds , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu . ### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of these reform priorities . these strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner , to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the funds , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu and to help implement the priorities identified in the european semester process .


### member states should determine how relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 of the tfeu and relevant council recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 of the tfeu are taken into account in the preparation of programming documents . during the 2021–2027 programming period , member states should regularly present to the monitoring committee and to the commission the progress in implementing the programmes in support of the csrs . during a mid - term review , member states should , among other elements , consider the need for programme modifications to accommodate relevant csrs adopted or modified since the start of the programming period . ### member states should determine how relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 of the tfeu and relevant council recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 of the tfeu are taken into account in the preparation of programming documents . during the 2021–2027 programming period , member states should regularly present to the monitoring committee and to the commission the progress in implementing the programmes in support of the csrs . during a mid - term review , member states should , among other elements , consider the need for programme modifications to accommodate relevant csrs adopted or modified since the start of the programming period , if all funds available under the reform support programme for the member state are absorbed .


### the commission shall transmit the proposal for suspension of commitments or the proposal to lift such a suspension , to the european parliament and to the council . ### the commission shall transmit the proposal for suspension of commitments or the proposal to lift such a suspension , to the european parliament for opinion and to the council for decision .


### mechanisms to ensure a link between union funding policies and the economic governance of the union should be further refined , allowing the commission to make a proposal to the council to suspend all or part of the commitments for one or more of the programmes of the member state concerned where that member state fails to take effective action in the context of the economic governance process . in order to ensure uniform implementation and in view of the importance of the financial effects of measures being imposed , implementing powers should be conferred on the council which should act on the basis of a commission proposal . to facilitate the adoption of decisions which are required to ensure effective action in the context of the economic governance process , reversed qualified majority voting should be used . ### mechanisms to ensure a link between union funding policies and the economic governance of the union must be further strengthened , allowing the commission to make a proposal to the council to suspend all or part of the commitments for one or more of the programmes of the member state concerned where that member state fails to take effective action in the context of the economic governance process . in order to ensure uniform implementation and in view of the importance of the financial effects of measures being imposed , implementing powers should be conferred on the council which should act on the basis of a commission proposal . to facilitate the adoption of decisions which are required to ensure effective action in the context of the economic governance process , reversed qualified majority voting should be used . suspensions must not be cancelled due to political considerations .


### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned , may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website to seek the views of other parties concerned and to verify whether the commitments are sufficient to cease the infringement and to compensate consumers . ### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website in order to seek the views of consumer organisations and other parties concerned and to verify whether the commitments are sufficient to ensure the cessation of the infringement and the compensation of consumers harmed by it .


### coordinated screening of online e - commerce websites are another form of enforcement coordination that has proven to be an effective tool against infringements that should be retained and strengthened in the future , ### coordinated screening of online e - commerce websites is another form of enforcement coordination that has proven to be an effective tool against infringements that should be retained and strengthened in the future , including by extending it to offline sectors ,


### the effectiveness and efficacy of the mutual assistance mechanism should be improved . information requested should be provided in a timely manner and the necessary enforcement measures should be adopted in a timely manner . the commission should therefore set binding time periods for competent authorities to reply to information and enforcement requests , and clarify procedural and other aspects of handling information and enforcement requests , by means of implementing measures , ### the effectiveness and efficacy of the mutual assistance mechanism should be improved . information requested should be provided in a timely manner , within clear time limits , and the necessary enforcement measures should be adopted in a timely and transparent manner . the commission should therefore set clear and binding time periods for competent authorities to reply to information and enforcement requests , and clarify procedural and other aspects of handling information and enforcement requests , by means of implementing measures ,


### widespread infringements with a union dimension may cause large scale harm to a majority of consumers in the union . they therefore require a specific union - level coordination procedure with the commission as the mandatory coordinator . to ensure that the procedure is launched in a timely , coherent and effective manner and that the conditions are verified in a uniform manner , the commission should be in charge of verifying whether the conditions for the launch of the procedure are fulfilled . evidence and information collected during the common action should be used seamlessly in national proceedings when required , ### widespread infringements with a union dimension may cause significant harm to the single market and to a majority of consumers in the union . in order to combat them , therefore , the commission should launch and coordinate a specific union - level coordination procedure with the commission as the mandatory coordinator . to ensure that the procedure is launched in a timely , coherent and effective manner and that the conditions are verified in a uniform manner , the commission should be in charge of verifying whether the conditions for the launch of the procedure are fulfilled . evidence and information collected during the coordinated action should be used seamlessly in national proceedings when required ,


### designated bodies and european consumer centres shall participate in the alert mechanism set out in article 34 . member states shall designate consumer organisations and associations , and other entities such as trader associations , with the appropriate expertise and legitimate interest in consumer protection that shall participate in the alert mechanism . member states shall notify the commission of those entities without delay . ### designated bodies and european consumer centres may participate in the alert mechanism set out in article 34 . member states&#160 ; may designate consumer organisations and associations , and other entities such as trader associations , with the appropriate expertise and legitimate interest in consumer protection that may participate in the alert mechanism . in such cases , member states shall notify the commission of those entities without delay .


### the external alerts shall only be ' for information ' . the competent authorities shall not be bound to initiate a procedure or take any other action in response to the alerts and information provided by those entities . entities making external alerts shall ensure that the information provided is correct , up to date and accurate and shall correct the information posted without delay or withdraw it as appropriate . for that purpose , they shall have access to the information they have provided , subject to the limitations referred to in articles 41 and 43 . ### the competent authorities shall not be bound to initiate a procedure or take any other action in response to the alerts and information provided by those external entities . entities making external alerts shall ensure that the information provided is correct , up to date and accurate and shall correct the information posted without delay , update it or withdraw it as appropriate . for that purpose , they shall have access to the information they have provided , subject to the limitations referred to in articles 41 and 43 . if the competent authorities , as a result of such alerts , decide to take further action , they shall inform external entities concerned .


### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned , may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website to seek the views of other parties concerned and to verify whether the commitments are sufficient to cease the infringement and to compensate consumers . ### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website , to inform the parties concerned .


### a blending facility under cef should aim to enhance the multiplier effect of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors . in addition , it should ensure that the actions supported become economically and financially viable . ### cef blending facilities should aim to enhance the multiplier effect of union spending by attracting additional resources from private investors . in addition , it should ensure that the actions supported become economically and financially viable and should contribute to the achievement of the union’s objectives on meeting the targets set at the paris climate conference , job creation and cross - border connectivity . when cef and efsi are both used for financing actions , the court of auditors should carry out an evaluation that analyses whether these contribute to achieving the mentioned union objectives .


### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , a blending facility or blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities should finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , including combination of cef equity and cef debt financial instruments , and financing from eib group development or other finance institutions as well as investors . ### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , a blending facility or blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities should finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget with financing from the eib group , national promotional banks , development or other finance institutions as well as investors , including private financial support , in the form of both direct and indirect financial contributions .


### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , a blending facility or blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities should finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support and / or financial instruments from the union budget , including combination of cef equity and cef debt financial instruments , and financing from eib group development or other finance institutions as well as investors . ### in order to increase the efficiency of the intervention , blending facilities may be established under the connecting europe facility . such blending facilities could finance blending operations which are actions combining non - reimbursable forms of support , such as member states ' budget and cef grants , and / or financial instruments from the union budget , including combinations of cef equity and cef debt financial instruments and financing from the eib group , or national promotional banks development or other finance institutions as well as investors and / or private financial support , including both direct and indirect financial contributions , including through public private partnerships .


### ensuring internal security , which is a competence of the member states , is a shared endeavour to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies and member states should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 . that shared strategy aimed at providing the strategic framework for the work at union level in the area of internal security , and defined the main priorities for action to ensure an effective union response to security threats for the period 2015 - 2020 , namely tackling terrorism and preventing radicalisation , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) . ### while national security remains solely a competence of the member states , protecting it requires a shared effort to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies , member states , the private sector and civil society should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 , namely tackling terrorism and preventing radicalisation , including online radicalisation , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) .


### if at least 10 % of the initial allocation of a programme referred to in article 10 has not been covered by interim payment applications submitted in accordance with article 85 of regulation no [ cpr ] , the member state concerned shall not be eligible to receive the additional allocation for the programme referred to in paragraph 1 . ### if at least 30 % of the initial allocation of a programme referred to in article 10 has not been covered by interim payment applications submitted in accordance with article 85 of regulation no x [ cpr ] , the member state concerned shall not be eligible to receive the additional allocation for the programme referred to in paragraph 1 .


### the commission shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility at under the annual appropriations of the union budget . the commission shall adopt financing decisions as referred to in article [ 110 ] of the financial regulation for the thematic facility identifying the objectives and actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components as referred to paragraph 1 . financing decisions shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the commission shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility at under the annual appropriations of the union budget . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 28 in order to supplement this regulation by laying down work programmes as referred to in article [ 110 ] of the financial regulation for the thematic facility identifying the objectives and actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components as referred to paragraph 1 . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . to ensure a timely availability of resources , the commission may separately adopt a work programme for emergency assistance .


### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address evolving and emerging threats with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities . ### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular preventing and combating terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address evolving and emerging threats , including hybrid threats , with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , to increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities .


### following the adopting of the financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly . ### following the adoption of the work programme as referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly .


### to achieve this objective , actions should be taken at union level to protect people and goods from increasingly transnational threats and to support the work carried out by member states’ competent authorities . terrorism , serious and organised crime , itinerant crime , drug trafficking , corruption , cybercrime , trafficking in human beings and arms , among others , continue to challenge the internal security of the union . ### to achieve this objective , actions should be taken at union level to protect people , public spaces and critical infrastructure from increasingly transnational threats and to support the work carried out by member states’ competent authorities . terrorism , serious and organised crime , itinerant crime , drug trafficking , corruption , cybercrime , hybrid threats , trafficking in human beings and arms , among others , continue to challenge the internal security and the internal market of the union .


### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction where appropriate in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . ### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european agency for the operational management of large - scale it systems , and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction where appropriate in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities .


### the recipient of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding , in particular when promoting the actions and their results by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including media and the public . ### the recipient of union funding shall promote the actions and their results by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple relevant audiences , including media and the public . to ensure the visibility of union funding , recipients of union funding shall make reference to its origin when communicating on the action .


### to achieve the objectives of this regulation , the fund may support the actions in - line with union priorities as referred to in annex iii in relation to and in third countries , where appropriate , in accordance with article 5 . ### to achieve the objectives referred to in article 3 of this regulation , the fund may support actions in - line with union priorities , including those referred to in annex iii , in relation to and in third countries , where appropriate , in accordance with article 5 .


### the commission shall ensure that the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction are associated to the development of the programmes at an early stage , as regards the areas of their competence . specifically , member states shall consult europol on the design of their actions in particular when including eu policy cycle or empact actions or actions coordinated by the joint cybercrime action taskforce in their programmes . prior to including training in their programmes , member states shall coordinate with cepol in order to avoid overlaps . ### the commission shall ensure that the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european agency for the operational management of large - scale it systems and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction are associated to the development of the programmes at an early stage , as regards the areas of their competence . specifically , member states shall consult europol on the design of their actions in particular when including eu policy cycle or empact actions or actions coordinated by the joint cybercrime action taskforce in their programmes . prior to including training in their programmes , member states shall coordinate with cepol in order to avoid overlaps .


### the commission shall carry out a mid - term and a retrospective evaluation of this regulation , including the actions implemented under this fund . ### by the end of 2024 , the commission shall present a mid - term evaluation of this regulation . the mid - term evaluation shall examine the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance and coherence of the fund . more specifically , it shall include an assessment of : the progress towards the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , taking into account all relevant information already available , in particular the annual performance reports referred to in article 26 and the output and result indicators set out in annex viii to this regulation ; the eu added value of actions and operations implemented under this fund ; the appropriateness of the implementation measures set out in article 3a to address existing and emerging security challenges .


### each member state shall ensure that the priorities addressed in its programmes are consistent with and respond to union priorities and challenges in the area of security and are fully in line with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . in defining these priorities of their programmes , member states shall ensure that the implementing measures as set out in annex ii are adequately addressed in the programme . ### each member state and the commission shall ensure that the priorities addressed in the programmes are consistent with and respond to union priorities and challenges in the area of security and are fully in line with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . in defining these priorities of their programmes , member states shall ensure that the implementing measures as set out in article 3a are adequately addressed in the programme .


### as challenges in the area of security are constantly evolving , there is a need to adapt the allocation of funding to changes in security threats and steer funding towards the priorities with the highest added value for the union . to respond to pressing needs , changes in policy and union priorities and to steer funding towards actions with a high level of union added value , part of the funding will be periodically allocated to specific actions , union actions and emergency assistance via a thematic facility . ### as challenges in the area of security are constantly evolving , there is a need to adapt the allocation of funding to changes in internal and external security threats and steer funding towards the priorities with the highest added value for the union . to respond to pressing needs , changes in policy and union priorities and to steer funding towards actions with a high level of union added value , part of the funding will be periodically allocated to specific actions , union actions and emergency assistance via a thematic facility .


### within the objectives referred to in article 3 and in - line with the implementation measures listed in annex ii , the fund shall in particular support the actions listed in annex iii . ### in - line with the implementation measures listed in article 3a , the fund shall support actions that contribute to the achievement of the objectives referred to in article 3 . they may include the actions listed in annex iii .


### these financing decisions may be annual or multiannual and may cover one or more components of the thematic facility . ### these work programmes may be annual or multiannual and may cover one or more components of the thematic facility .


### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented through the implementation measures listed in annex ii . ### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented through the implementation measures listed in article 3a .


### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes address the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in annex ii and that the allocation of resources between objectives ensures that the overall policy objective can be met . ### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes address the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in article 3a and that the allocation of resources between objectives ensures that the overall policy objective can be met .


### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime . ### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union through increased cooperation , in particular by preventing and combating terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime .


### ‘ eu policy cycle’ refers to an intelligence - led and multidisciplinary initiative with the aim to fight the most important serious and organised crime threats to the union by encouraging cooperation between the member states , the union institutions , the agencies and where relevant third countries and organisations ; ### ‘ eu policy cycle’ refers to an intelligence - led and multidisciplinary initiative with the aim to fight the most important serious and organised crime threats to the union by encouraging cooperation between the member states , the union institutions , the union justice and home affairs agencies and where relevant third countries and organisations ;


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201626 , there is a need to evaluate this fund on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burden , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the fund on the ground . in order to measure the achievements of the fund , indicators and related targets should be established in relation to each specific objective of the fund . __________________ 26 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201626 , there is a need to evaluate this fund on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burden , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include qualitative and quantitative indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the fund on the ground . in order to measure the achievements of the fund , indicators and related targets should be established in relation to each specific objective of the fund . __________________ 26 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 .


### through these indicators and financial reporting , the commission and the member states should monitor the implementation of the fund in accordance with the relevant provisions of regulation no x [ cpr ] and this regulation . ### through these indicators and financial reporting , the commission and the member states should monitor the implementation of the fund in accordance with the relevant provisions of regulation no x [ cpr ] and this regulation . to adequately fulfil its supervisory role , the commission must be in a position to establish the amounts actually spent from the fund in a given year . when reporting the annual accounts of their national programme to the commission , member states should therefore distinguish between recoveries , pre - financing payments to final beneficiaries and reimbursements of expenditure that was actually incurred . to facilitate the audit and the monitoring of the implementation of the fund , the commission should include these amounts in its annual implementation report for the fund .


### following the adopting of the financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly . ### following the adoption of the work programme as referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly .


### ensuring internal security , which is a competence of the member states , is a shared endeavour to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies and member states should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 . that shared strategy aimed at providing the strategic framework for the work at union level in the area of internal security , and defined the main priorities for action to ensure an effective union response to security threats for the period 2015 - 2020 , namely tackling terrorism and preventing radicalisation , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) . ### while national security remains solely a competence of the member states , protecting it requires a shared effort to which the eu institutions , relevant union agencies , member states , the private sector and civil society should jointly contribute . in the period 2015 to 2020 , the commission , the council of the european union and the european parliament have defined common priorities as set out in the european agenda on security of april 201510 , which were reaffirmed by the council in the renewed internal security strategy of june 201511 and by the european parliament in its resolution of july 201512 , namely tackling terrorism and preventing radicalisation , including online radicalisation , disrupting organised crime and fighting cybercrime . __________________ 10 com 185 final of 28 april 2015 . 11 council conclusions of 16 june 2015 on the renewed european union internal security strategy 2015 - 2020 . 12 european parliament resolution of 9 july 2015 on the european agenda on security ) .


### local wireless connectivity should only qualify as free where it is provided without corresponding remuneration , whether by direct payment or other types of consideration , including , but not limited to , advertising and the provision of personal data . ### local wireless connectivity should only qualify as free where it is provided without corresponding remuneration , whether by direct payment or other types of consideration , including , but not limited to , advertising and the provision of personal data . beneficiary local authorities should suitably inform users of european union financial support for the provision of internet services .


### where no opinion is delivered in the appeal committee pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 6 , the chair may decide that the appeal committee shall hold a further meeting , at ministerial level . in such cases the appeal committee shall deliver its opinion within 3 months of the initial date of referral . ### where no opinion is delivered in the appeal committee pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 6 , the chair may propose that the appeal committee shall hold a further meeting , at the appropriate political level . in such cases the appeal committee shall deliver its opinion within 3 months of the initial date of referral .


### where no opinion is delivered in the appeal committee , the commission may refer the matter to the council for an opinion indicating its views and orientation on the wider implications of the absence of opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission shall take account of any position expressed by the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral . ### where no opinion is delivered in the appeal committee , the council , at the request of the commission , may give its opinion on the wider implications of the absence of opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission shall take account of any position expressed by the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral . the european parliament shall be informed as soon as possible of the outcome of the referral to the council .


### in order to increase the added value of the appeal committee its role should therefore be strengthened by providing for the possibility of holding a further meeting of the appeal committee whenever no opinion is delivered . the appropriate level of representation at the further meeting of the appeal committee should be ministerial level , to ensure a political discussion . to allow the organisation of such a further meeting the timeframe for the appeal committee to deliver an opinion should be extended . ### in order to increase the added value of the appeal committee its role should therefore be strengthened by providing for the possibility of holding a further meeting of the appeal committee whenever no opinion is delivered . the level of representation at the further meeting of the appeal committee should be at an appropriate political level , such as ministerial level , to ensure a political discussion . to allow the organisation of such a further meeting the timeframe for the appeal committee to deliver an opinion should be extended .


### the commission should have the possibility , in specific cases , to ask the council to indicate its views and orientation on the wider implications of the absence of an opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission should take account of any position expressed by the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral . ### at the request of the commission , in specific cases , the council should have the possibility to give its views on the wider implications of the absence of an opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission should take account of any position expressed by the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral . the european parliament should be informed as soon as possible of the outcome of the referral to the council .


### transparency on the votes of member state representatives at the appeal committee level should be increased and the individual member state representatives ' votes should be made public . ### transparency throughout the entire legislative process , including with regard to information on how member state representatives vote , should be increased both at the committee level and in the appeal committee . the votes of each member state should be made public and be accompanied by a justification , whether it is for a vote for or against or an abstention .


### the system established by regulation no 182 / 2011 has , overall , proven to work well in practice and struck an appropriate institutional balance as regards the roles of the commission and the other actors involved . that system should therefore continue to function unchanged except for certain targeted amendments concerning specific aspects of procedure at the level of the appeal committee . these amendments are intended to ensure wider political accountability and ownership of politically sensitive implementing acts without , however , modifying the legal and institutional responsibilities for implementing acts as organised by regulation no 182 / 2011 . ### the system established by regulation no 182 / 2011 has , overall , proven to work well in practice and struck an appropriate institutional balance as regards the roles of the commission and the other actors involved . that system should therefore continue to function unchanged except for certain targeted amendments concerning specific aspects of procedure at the level of the appeal committee . these amendments are intended to ensure wider political accountability and ownership , in particular by the member states , of politically sensitive implementing acts without , however , modifying the legal and institutional responsibilities for implementing acts as organised by regulation no 182 / 2011 , while maintaining decision - making based on sound , objective and non - discriminatory scientific evidence in accordance with the procedures laid down in eu legislation and the most up - to - date scientific standards and methods .


### while the commission is empowered to decide in such cases , due to the particular sensitivity of the issues at stake , member states should also fully assume their responsibility in the decision - making process . this , however , is not the case when member states are not able to reach a qualified majority , due to , amongst others , a significant number of abstentions or non - appearances at the moment of the vote . ### while the commission is empowered to decide in such cases , member states should also fully assume their responsibility in the decision - making process and take a collective decision . this , however , is not the case when member states are not able to reach a qualified majority , due to , amongst others , a significant number of abstentions or non - appearances at the moment of the vote .


### the voting results including , in the case of the appeal committee , the votes expressed by the representative of each member state ; ### the voting results expressed by the representative of each member state both in the committees and in the appeal committee , accompanied by a justification , whether it is for a vote for or against or an abstention .


### that discretion is , however , significantly reduced in cases relating to the authorisation of products or substances , such as in the area of genetically modified food and feed , as the commission is obliged to adopt a decision within a reasonable time and cannot abstain from taking a decision . ### that discretion is , however , significantly reduced in cases relating to the authorisation of products or substances in particularly sensitive areas , as the commission is obliged to adopt a decision within a reasonable time and cannot abstain from taking a decision .


### in a number of specific cases , regulation no 182 / 2011 provides for referral to the appeal committee . in practice , the appeal committee has been seized in cases where no qualified majority , either in favour or against , was attained within the committee in the context of the examination procedure and thus no opinion was delivered . in the majority of cases this happened in relation to genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food and feed and plant protection products . ### in a number of specific cases , regulation no 182 / 2011 provides for referral to the appeal committee . in practice , the appeal committee has been seized in cases where no qualified majority , either in favour or against , was attained within the committee in the context of the examination procedure and thus no opinion was delivered . in the majority of cases this happened in relation to particularly sensitive sectors , such as tax , consumer health , food safety , environmental protection and , more specifically , genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food and feed and plant protection products .


### the sustainability of the union economy and its growth ; ### the sustainability of the union economy , its growth and the move to a circular economy ;


### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ; ### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , industrial decarbonisation , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies ; such investment shall contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , and meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ;


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the policy windows referred to in points to of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be adopted by the commission in accordance with paragraph 6 . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing .


### implementing partners shall target that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment . ### at least 35 % of the investment under investeu shall contribute to meeting union climate objectives . implementing partners shall target that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union climate objectives . clear eligibility criteria , and a reliable transparent tracking method , shall be further detailed in the investment guidelines adopted in accordance with paragraph 6 . those guidelines shall reflect current practises of the european investment bank as adopted in the climate action eligibility criteria .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 26 to define the investment guidelines for each of the policy windows . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 26 supplementing this regulation with a view to defining the investment guidelines for each of the policy windows referred to in paragraph 1 and setting out the guidance referred to in paragraph 3 .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 35 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### investment projects receiving substantial union support , notably in the area of infrastructure , should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden . ### all investment projects receiving substantial union support should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden .


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to maximise resource efficiency , ensure alignment with circular economy principles and minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . __________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is exhibiting special mitigation impacts or contributing to building climate resilience . __________________ 14 com353 .


### during the examination of an application , consulates may in justified cases carry out an interview with the applicant and request additional documents . ; ### during the examination of an application , consulates may in justified cases carry out an interview with the applicant and request additional documents . member states can use modern means of communication to interview applicants .


### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . ### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . member states are , however free to apply higher targets in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . in view of the on - going developments in transport technologies a mid - term review of this minimum target might be necessary to allow for an adaptation of the values at a later stage . the review of the specific emissions targets and the modalities set out in regulation no 253 / 2014 shall take into account the union’s long - term climate goals and the implications for the development of cost effective co2 - reducing technology implementing the well - to - wheels approach .


### member state authorities may apply higher minimum mandates than those referred to in the annex of this directive . ### member states may apply higher targets than those defined in paragraphs 1a to 1d of this article of this directive in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution .


### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . ### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market development throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . member states are , however , free to apply higher targets in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . in view of the on - going developments in transport technologies , a mid - term review of these minimum targets might be necessary to allow for an adaptation of the values at a later stage .


### light - duty and heavy - duty vehicles are used for different purposes and have different levels of market maturity , and it would be beneficial that public procurement provisions acknowledge these differences . the impact assessment illustrated the added value of adopting an approach based on alternative fuels until technology - neutral requirements for co2 emissions from heavy - duty vehicles have been set at union level , which the commission intends to propose in the future . the impact assessment further recognised that markets for low - and zero - emission urban buses are characterised by increased market maturity , whereas markets for low - and zero - emission trucks are at an earlier stage of market development . ### light - duty and heavy - duty vehicles are used for different purposes and have different levels of market maturity , and it would be beneficial that public procurement provisions acknowledge these differences . it should be further recognised that markets for low - and zero - emission urban buses are characterised by recent progression , whereas markets for low - and zero - emission trucks are at an incipient stage of market development .


### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex . ### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles used in public services , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles and for heavy - duty vehicles .


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and thereby improve the air quality in cities and other polluted areas , while contributing to competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles .


### member states may exempt from the requirements laid down in this directive contracts for the purchase of vehicles referred to in article 2 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec , which are not subject to type approval or individual approval on their territory ### in article 2 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' member states may exempt from the requirements laid down in this directive contracts for the purchase of vehicles referred to in article 2 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec , which are not subject to type approval or individual approval on their territory and vehicles referred to in points , and of article 13 of regulation no 561 / 2006 .


### in order to reinforce the take - up of the efsi in less - developed and transition regions , the scope of the general objectives eligible for efsi support should be enlarged . ### in order to reinforce the take - up of the efsi in all regions , and particularly in less - developed , transition and outermost regions , the scope of the general objectives and the conditions making them eligible for efsi support should be enlarged .


### for the period after 2020 , the commission intends to put forward the necessary proposals to ensure that strategic investment will continue at a sustainable level . ### by 30 june 2018 and 30 june 2020 , the commission is to submit to the european parliament and the council a report containing an independent evaluation of the application of regulation 2015 / 1017 . the report to be submitted by 30 june 2020 should , where appropriate , be accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend regulation 2015 / 1017 , and should , in accordance with the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law making , be accompanied by an impact assessment .


### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ; ### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and shall include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion , and information on the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria referred to in article 6 and on the use of the scoreboard of indicators referred to in paragraph 14 of this article . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ;


### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation ; ### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation in all policy windows ;


### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies other than smes as well as digitisation of union industry ; ### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies as well as digitisation of union industry ;


### research , including research infrastructure and support to academia , and innovation projects contributing to the objectives of [ horizon europe ] ; ### support to research infrastructures and research and innovation projects contributing to the objectives of horizon europe ;


### in addition , each implementing partner shall submit every six months a report to the commission on the financing and investment operations covered by this regulation , broken down by the eu compartment and the member state compartment by member state , as appropriate . the report shall include an assessment of compliance with the requirements on the use of the eu guarantee and with the key performance indicators laid down in annex iii to this regulation . the report shall also include operational , statistical , financial and accounting data on each financing and investment operation and at the compartment , policy window and the investeu fund level . one of those reports shall contain the information the implementing partners shall provide in accordance with [ article 155 ] of the [ financial regulation ] . ### in addition , each implementing partner shall submit every six months a report to the commission on the financing and investment operations covered by this regulation , broken down by the eu compartment and the member state compartment by member state , as appropriate . the report shall include an assessment of compliance with the requirements on the use of the eu guarantee and with the key performance indicators laid down in annex iii to this regulation . the report shall also , where appropriate and proportional , include operational , statistical , financial and accounting data on each financing and investment operation and at the compartment , policy window and the investeu fund level . one of those reports shall contain the information the implementing partners shall provide in accordance with [ article 155 ] of the [ financial regulation ] . wherever possible , those reports should be identical to reports already required at national or regional level . the commission shall compile and assess implementing partners’ reports and submit a summary in the form of public annual reports , providing information on the level of implementation of the programme against its objectives and performance indicators , indicating risks and opportunities for the financing and investment operations supported by the investeu programme .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . the investeu programme will also contribute to implementing other dimensions of the sustainable development goals in line with the communication on the next steps for a sustainable european future which aims to mainstream the sdgs into eu policies and initiatives , with sustainable development as an essential guiding principle for all its policies . _________________ 14 com353 .


### implementing partners shall target that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment . ### in order to ensure synergies with other union programmes , implementing partners shall target that : –at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment and the objectives of the innovation fund . –at least 35 % of the investment under the research , innovation and digitisation policy window contribute to horizon europe objectives . –at least 70 % of the guarantee offered to smes and mid - caps under the sme policy window should support innovative smes . –at least 30 % of the investment under the social investment and skills policy window contribute to the objectives of horizon europe and erasmus + .


### 2energy : number of households with improved energy consumption classification ### 2energy : number of households , number of public and commercial premises with improved energy consumption classification , including the degree of improvement in the classification , or equivalent figures


### collaboration projects between academia and industry ; ### collaboration projects between academia and industry , public private partnerships and civil society organisations ;


### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals . ### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services , including student loans ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals .


### new effective healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , medical devices and advanced therapy medicinal products . ### support to r&d in all thematic defined in horizon europe , including transport , health , energy , climate and digitalisation .


### where point of article 5 applies , in relation to the offer of information society services directly to a child , the processing of the personal data of a child shall be lawful where the child is at least 13 years old . where the child is below the age of 13 years , such processing shall be lawful only if and to the extent that consent is given or authorised by the holder of parental responsibility over the child . ### where point of article 5 applies , in relation to the offer of information society services directly to a child , the processing of the personal data of a child shall be lawful where the child is at least 16 years old . where the child is below the age of 16 years , such processing shall be lawful only if and to the extent that consent is given or authorised by the holder of parental responsibility over the child .


### union institutions and bodies may decide to keep their records of processing activities in a central register . in this case , they may also decide to make the register publicly accessible . ### union institutions and bodies shall keep their records of processing activities in a central register . for reasons of transparency , they should also make such a register public so that the individual concerned can consult it without prejudice to the rights of other concerned parties .


### when personal data are transferred from the union institutions and bodies to controllers , processors or other recipients in third countries or to international organisations , the level of protection of natural persons ensured in the union by this regulation should not be undermined , including in cases of onward transfers of personal data from the third country or international organisation to controllers , processors in the same or another third country or international organisation . in any event , transfers to third countries and international organisations may only be carried out in full compliance with this regulation . a transfer could take place only if , subject to the other provisions of this regulation , the conditions laid down in the provisions of this regulation relating to the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations are complied with by the controller or processor . ### when personal data are transferred from the union institutions and bodies to controllers , processors or other recipients in third countries or to international organisations , the level of protection of natural persons ensured in the union by this regulation should be guaranteed , including in cases of onward transfers of personal data from the third country or international organisation to controllers , processors in the same or another third country or international organisation . in any event , transfers to third countries and international organisations may only be carried out in full compliance with this regulation and with the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the eu charter of fundamental rights . a transfer could take place only if , subject to the other provisions of this regulation , the conditions laid down in the provisions of this regulation relating to the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations are complied with by the controller or processor .


### that it is necessary to have the data transmitted , it is proportionate to the purposes of the transmission and if there is no reason to assume that the data subject ' s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests might be prejudiced . ### that it is strictly necessary to have the data transmitted having regard to the recipient ' s objectives , and that there is not any reason to assume that the data subject ' s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests might be prejudiced by the requested data transfer or the reasonably to be expected further use of that personal data by the recipient .


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


### draft legislative resolution ### approves its statement annexed to this resolution ;


### by 31 march of each calendar year , all parcel delivery service providers shall submit the following information to the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established : ### by 31 may of each calendar year , all parcel delivery service providers shall submit the following information to the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established unless the national regulatory authority has already requested such information :


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . for reasons of non - discrimination , competing parcel delivery service providers shall be granted equal access to the terminal rates applicable between parties under multilateral agreements . it may be justified that terminal rates payable by third - party parcel delivery service providers , in some cases , exceed those payable by universal service providers that are parties to such agreements . this may be the case where the parties to a multilateral agreement on terminal rates are able to demonstrate that the cost of setting up , operating and administering the agreement , the extra cost incurred by accepting and handling items from non - designated parcel delivery service providers and other such costs are not covered by the terminal rates payable by the third - party service provider in the originating member state . ### parcel delivery service providers may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . for reasons of non - discrimination , competing parcel delivery service providers should be granted equal access to the terminal rates applicable between parties under multilateral agreements . it may be justified that terminal rates payable by third - party parcel delivery service providers , in some cases , exceed those payable by parcel delivery service providers that are parties to such agreements . this may be the case where the parties to a multilateral agreement on terminal rates are able to demonstrate that the cost of setting up , operating and administering the agreement , the extra cost incurred by accepting and handling items from third - party parcel delivery service providers and other such costs are not covered by the terminal rates payable by the third - party service provider in the originating member state . whenever the parcel delivery service provider concludes multilateral agreements on terminal rates , equal and non - discriminatory third party access to certain cross - border parcel delivery services provided under such multilateral agreements should encourage competition , be cost - oriented , benefit consumers and result in a more efficient use of existing networks , particularly in rural and remote areas .


### the market for cross - border parcel delivery services is diverse and complex , with different providers offering different services and prices depending on weight , size and format of the items sent as well as destination , added value features , such as traceability solutions , and the number of items sent . that diversity makes parcel delivery services hard to compare between different providers , both in terms of quality and price . furthermore , low volume senders , such as small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals are often not aware of the existence of different parcel delivery services offered . ### the market for cross - border parcel delivery services is diverse and complex , with different providers offering different services and prices depending on weight , size and format of the items sent as well as destination , added value features , such as traceability solutions , and the number of items sent . that diversity makes it hard for consumers and users to compare parcel delivery services as between different providers , in terms of quality and price , because they are often not aware of the existence of different parcel delivery options for similar services in cross - border online trade . it should be made easier , in particular , for small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals to access the relevant information .


### currently , postal services are regulated by directive 97 / 67 / ec of the european parliament and of the council49 . this directive establishes common rules governing the provision of postal services and the universal postal service in the union . it focuses primarily , but not exclusively , on national universal services and does not address regulatory oversight of parcel delivery service providers , transparency of tariffs and terminal rates for certain cross - border parcel delivery services , the assessment of the affordability of tariffs for certain cross - border parcel delivery services and transparent and non - discriminatory access to certain cross - border parcel delivery services and / or infrastructure . this regulation therefore complements , insofar as cross - border parcel delivery services are concerned , the rules set out in directive 97 / 67 / ec . _________________ 49 directive 97 / 67 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of community postal services and the improvement of quality of service . ### currently , postal services are regulated by directive 97 / 67 / ec of the european parliament and of the council49 . this directive establishes common rules governing the provision of postal services and the universal postal service in the union . compliance with the minimum universal service requirements laid down in the directive is ensured by national regulatory authorities appointed by the member states . where universal service providers’ parcel delivery prices are considered not to be affordable , the regulatory authority takes measures in respect of the universal service providers in line with directive 97 / 67 / ec . the commission ensures that compensation for the provision of universal services in the member states is proportionate and reasonable and that competition rules are adhered to . _________________ 49 directive 97 / 67 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of community postal services and the improvement of quality of service .


### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between universal service providers and ensure that the destination universal service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating universal service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that it includes both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels . ### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between parcel delivery service providers and ensure that the destination parcel delivery service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating parcel delivery service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that they include both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels .


### there are fundamental differences between member states when it comes to competences conferred on national regulatory authorities with regard to market monitoring and regulatory oversight of parcel delivery providers . this has been confirmed by a joint report48 prepared by the european regulators group for postal services and the body of european regulators for electronic communications , who concluded that national regulatory authorities need the appropriate regulatory powers to intervene and that such powers do not seem to be present in all member states . those differences result in additional administrative burdens and compliance costs for parcel delivery service providers who operate cross - border . those differences therefore constitute an obstacle to the cross - border provision of parcel delivery services and thus have a direct effect on the functioning of the internal market . _________________ 48 bor 214 / ergp pl 32 . ### there are fundamental differences between member states when it comes to competences conferred on national regulatory authorities with regard to market monitoring and regulatory oversight of parcel delivery providers . this has been confirmed by a joint report48 prepared by the european regulators group for postal services and the body of european regulators for electronic communications . where cross - border parcel delivery prices are found to be unreasonably high , national regulatory authorities can require the parcel delivery services to supply relevant price information without this entailing additional administrative burdens and compliance costs for parcel delivery service providers who operate cross - border . _________________ 48 bor 214 / ergp pl 32 .


### the national regulatory authority shall assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information . in that assessment , in particular the following elements shall be taken into account : ### the national regulatory authority may , if deemed necessary , assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs applied by universal service providers included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information in accordance with article 12 of directive 97 / 67ec .


### whether the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services has improved , including for users located in remote or sparsely populated areas ; ### whether the efficiency and accessibility of cross - border parcel delivery services has improved , including for users located in remote or sparsely populated areas ;


### the nature of the services offered by the provider ; ### the detailed description of the parcel delivery services offered by the parcel delivery services provider , including precise information on options for users ;


### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of parcel delivery services and to specify which postal items are covered by that definition . this concerns in particular postal items , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , postal items weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with current practice and directive 97 / 67 / ec , each step in the postal chain , i . e . clearance , sorting and delivery should be considered parcel delivery services . transport alone that is not undertaken in conjunction with one of those steps should fall outside the scope of parcel delivery services as it can in this case be assumed that this activity is part of the transport sector . ### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of “parcels” and “parcel delivery services” and to specify which postal items and parcels are covered by those definitions . this concerns in particular items handled or not by the universal service provider , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise with or without commercial value . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , parcels , handled or not by the universal service provider , weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with the current practice , each step of the parcel delivery chain , i . e . clearance , sorting and delivery should be considered parcel delivery services including when provided by express and courier service providers , as well as consolidators . parcel delivery service providers using alternative business models and e - commerce platforms should also be subject to this regulation if they provide at least one of these steps in the delivery chain . however , established freight or transport logistics providers , in contrast with individual independent subcontractors of the parcel delivery service provider , should not be covered by this regulation .


### uniform tariffs for cross - border deliveries to two or more member states may be important in the interest of protecting regional and social cohesion . in this context it should be considered that e - commerce offers new opportunities for sparsely populated areas to participate in the economic life . it is therefore necessary to take any uniform tariffs fully into account when assessing the affordability of parcel delivery services . ### uniform tariffs for cross - border deliveries to two or more member states may be important in the interest of protecting regional and social cohesion . in this context , consideration should be given to the need to promote e - commerce in sparsely populated areas so as to enable consumers in such areas to participate in online trade and to boost their regional economies . it is therefore necessary to take any uniform tariffs fully into account when assessing the affordability of parcel delivery services .


### whether the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services has improved , including for users located in remote or sparsely populated areas ; ### whether cross - border parcel delivery has improved throughout the eu , including for&#160 ; consumers located in remote or sparsely populated areas ;


### the national regulatory authority shall submit its assessment , including any information and / or justification provided in accordance with paragraph 3 , to the commission , the national regulatory authorities of the other member states and the national authorities within the member state of the submitting national regulatory authority entrusted with the implementation of competition law . a non - confidential version of that assessment shall also be provided to the commission . that information shall be provided by 31 march of each calendar year at the latest . ### the national regulatory authority shall submit its assessment , and any requisite non - confidential information and / or justification provided in accordance with paragraph 3 , to the commission , the national regulatory authorities of the other member states and the national authorities within the member state of the submitting national regulatory authority entrusted with the implementation of competition law . a non - confidential version of that assessment shall be provided to the commission . that information shall be provided by 31 march of each calendar year at the latest .


### transparency of tariffs and terminal rates ### transparency of tariffs


### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of parcel delivery services and to specify which postal items are covered by that definition . this concerns in particular postal items , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , postal items weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with current practice and directive 97 / 67 / ec , each step in the postal chain , i . e . clearance , sorting and delivery should be considered parcel delivery services . transport alone that is not undertaken in conjunction with one of those steps should fall outside the scope of parcel delivery services as it can in this case be assumed that this activity is part of the transport sector . ### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of parcels and parcel delivery services and to specify which postal items are covered by those definitions . this concerns in particular postal items , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , postal items weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with current practice and in accordance with directive 97 / 67 / ec , each step in the postal chain , i . e . clearance , sorting , transport and distribution , should be considered as a parcel delivery service .


### the national regulatory authority shall assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information . in that assessment , in particular the following elements shall be taken into account : ### the national regulatory authority shall assess the affordability of universal services with reference to cross - border tariffs on the basis of the information obtained in accordance with article 4 , in order to ensure the affordability of universal services in their own territory . in that assessment , in particular the following elements shall be taken into account :