### the european commission does not explicitly solicit the use of human embryonic stem cells . the use of human stem cells , be they adult or embryonic , if any , depends on the judgement of the scientists in view of the objectives they want to achieve and is subject to stringent ethics review . no project involving the use of human embryonic stem cells should be funded that does not obtain the necessary approvals from the member states . no activity should be funded that is forbidden in all member states . no activity should be funded in a member state where such activity is forbidden . ### attention should be paid to the considerable differences between national legislations of member states with regard to research using human embryos and human embryonic stem cells . union research policy should not lead to harmonize national legislation of member states . the commission should remember its declaration , with regard to the seventh framework programme , to continue the current practice and not submit to the regulatory committee proposals for projects which include research activities which destroy human embryos , including for the procurement of stem cells1 . this commitment should be included in this regulation in order to ensure legal continuity . __________________ 1 point 12 of the commission statement regarding article 6 annexed to decision 1982 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the 7th frp of the ec for research , technological development and demonstration activities , oj l 412 , 30 . 12 . 2006 , p . 1


### the aim is to enhance solidarity as well as social , economic and political inclusion and positive inter - cultural dynamics in europe and with international partners , through cutting - edge science and interdisciplinarity , technological advances and organisational innovations . humanities research can play an important role here . research shall support policymakers in designing policies that combat poverty and prevent the development of various forms of divisions , discriminations and inequalities in european societies , such as gender inequalities or digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the union . specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in less developed regions , thereby widening participation in horizon 2020 . ### the aim is to enhance solidarity as well as social , economic and political inclusion and positive inter - cultural dynamics in europe and with international partners , through cutting - edge science and interdisciplinarity , technological advances and organisational innovations . humanities research can play an important role here . research shall support policymakers in designing policies that combat poverty and social exclusion in european societies , such as the absence of equal opportunities for women and men , digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the union . specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in less developed regions , thereby widening participation in horizon 2020 .


### the activities developed under horizon 2020 should aim at promoting equality between men and women in research and innovation , by addressing in particular the underlying causes of gender imbalance , by exploiting the full potential of both female and male researchers , and by integrating the gender dimension into the content of projects in order to improve the quality of research and stimulate innovation . activities should also aim at the implementation of the principles relating to the equality between women and men as laid down in articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 tfeu . ### horizon 2020 funded research activities should comply with the eu acquis communautaire with regard to equal opportunities between men and women . horizon 2020 should pay attention to excellent science and to professional qualification of scientific and research personal of both sex involved in research and innovation . in order to assure the effective use of eu funding , the principal distinction for eu research funding should be the excellence of science project and the professional qualification of the research staff .


### smes constitute a significant source of innovation and growth in europe . therefore a strong participation of smes , as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 , is needed in horizon 2020 . this should support the aims of the small business act . ### smes constitute an essential source of innovation , growth and jobs in europe . therefore a strong participation of smes , as defined in commission recommendation 2003 / 361 / ec of 6 may 2003 , is needed in horizon 2020 . this should support the aims of the small business act .


### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues . ### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through the global earth observation system of systems and europe ' s contribution to gmes , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues .


### a fully functional european bio - economy – encompassing the sustainable production of renewable resources from land and aquatic environments and their conversion into food , bio - based products and bioenergy as well as the related public goods - will generate high european added value . managed in a sustainable manner , it can reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole . it can increase their competitiveness and provide jobs and business opportunities for rural and coastal development . the food security , sustainable agriculture , and overall bio - economy – related challenges are of a european and global nature . actions at union level are essential to bring together clusters to achieve the necessary breadth and critical mass to complement efforts made by a single or groups of member states . a multi - actor approach will ensure the necessary cross - fertilising interactions between researcher , businesses , farmers / producers , advisors and end - users . the union level is also necessary to ensure coherence in addressing this challenge across sectors and with strong links to relevant union policies . coordination of research and innovation at union level will stimulate and help to accelerate the required changes across the union . ### a fully functional european bio - economy – encompassing the sustainable production of renewable resources from land and aquatic environments and their conversion into food , feed , bio - based products and bioenergy as well as the related public goods - will generate high european added value . managed in a sustainable manner , it can reduce the environmental footprint of primary production and the supply chain as a whole . it can increase their competitiveness and provide jobs and business opportunities for rural and coastal development . in parallel to the market oriented functions , the bio - economy sustains also a wide range of public goods function that should be preserved : agricultural and forested landscape , farmland and forest biodiversity , water quality and availability , soil functionality , climate stability , air quality , resilience to flooding and fire . the food security , sustainable agriculture , and overall bio - economy – related challenges are of a european and global nature . actions at union level are essential to bring together clusters to achieve the necessary breadth and critical mass to complement efforts made by a single or groups of member states . a transparent multi - actor approach will ensure the necessary cross - fertilising interactions between researcher , businesses , farmers / producers , advisors , consumers and end - users . the union level is also necessary to ensure coherence in addressing this challenge across sectors and with strong links to relevant union policies . coordination of research and innovation at union level will stimulate and help to accelerate the required changes across the union .


### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , with a further reduction to 80 - 95 % by 2050 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining low carbon profile , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . europe is currently far from this overall goal . 80 % of the european energy system still relies on fossil fuels , and the sector produces 80 % of all the union ' s greenhouse gas emissions . every year 2 . 5 % of the union ' s gross domestic product is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase . this trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050 . faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , coupled with concerns over security of supply , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy . ### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , with a further reduction to 80 - 95 % by 2050 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . by 2050 greenhouse gas emission reductions of 80 - 95% should be achieved . all decarbonisation scenarios in the energy roadmap 2050 show that renewable energy technologies will by the middle of this century account for the biggest share of energy supply technologies . this must be accompanied by an ambitious energy efficiency policy as the most cost - effective way of reaching our long - term decarbonisation goals . it is therefore appropriate for three quarters of the budget under this challenge to go towards research and innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining the development of alternatives to fossil fuels , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . europe is currently far from this overall goal . 80 % of the european energy system still relies on fossil fuels , and the sector produces 80 % of all the union ' s greenhouse gas emissions . every year 2 . 5 % of the union ' s gross domestic product is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase . this trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050 . faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , coupled with concerns over security of supply , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy .


### reducing energy consumption and co2 emissions by the development and deployment of sustainable construction technologies . ### reducing energy consumption and co2 emissions by the research , development and deployment of sustainable construction technologies addressing the whole value chain and fostering cross - sectorial and multidisciplinary innovations while enabling new business models and value propositions to citizens .


### to achieve maximum impact , horizon 2020 should develop close synergies with other union programmes in areas such as education , space , environment , competitiveness and smes , the internal security , culture and media and with the cohesion policy funds and rural development policy , which can specifically help to strengthen national and regional research and innovation capabilities in the context of smart specialization strategies . ### to achieve maximum impact , horizon 2020 should develop close synergies with other union programmes in areas such as health , education , space , environment , competitiveness and smes , the internal security , culture and media and with the cohesion policy funds and rural development policy , which can specifically help to strengthen national and regional research and innovation capabilities in the context of smart specialization strategies . in addition , complementarity between horizon 2020 and programmes funded at national level should also be ensured . that complementarity should also be taken into account by the european court of auditors when assessing the implementation of horizon 2020 .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society , horizon 2020 should favour responsible research and innovation through the active participation of the societal actors in the research and innovation process , notably by ensuring the uptake of the gender dimension ; by promoting science education , by guaranteeing the respect of ethical legislation and promoting the emergence of an adherence to the highest ethical standards worldwide ; by increasing the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing a governance framework that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and facilitates their participation in horizon 2020 activities .


### horizon 2020 should promote cooperation with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit . international cooperation in science , technology and innovation should be targeted to contribute to achieving the europe 2020 objectives to strengthen competitiveness , contribute to tackling societal challenges and support union external and development policies , including by developing synergies with external programmes and contributing to the union ' s international commitments such as the achievement of millennium development goals . ### horizon 2020 should promote cooperation with third countries based on common interest , mutual benefit and reciprocity , where appropriate . international cooperation in science , technology and innovation should be targeted to contribute to achieving the europe 2020 objectives to strengthen competitiveness , contribute to tackling societal challenges and support union external and development policies , including by developing synergies with external programmes and contributing to the union ' s international commitments such as the achievement of millennium development goals . special attention will be paid to the council conclusion on the role of the eu in global health1 . __________________ 1 conclusions of the foreign affairs council of 10 may 2010 .


### leadership in enabling and industrial technologies shall provide dedicated support for research , development and demonstration on ict , nanotechnology , advanced materials , biotechnology , advanced manufacturing and processing and space . emphasis will be placed on interactions and convergence across and between the different technologies . ### leadership in enabling and industrial technologies shall provide dedicated support for research , development and demonstration on ict , nanotechnology , quantum optics , advanced materials , biotechnology , advanced manufacturing and processing , robotics and space . emphasis will be placed on interactions and convergence across and between the different technologies . appropriate consideration shall be given to the needs of users in all these areas , in both the public and private spheres .


### a greater impact should also be achieved by combining horizon 2020 and private sector funds within public - private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to europe ' s wider competitiveness goals and help tackle societal challenges . the public - private partnerships in the form of joint technology initiatives launched under decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the european community for research , technological development and demonstration activities may be continued using more fit - for - purpose structures . ### a greater impact could also be achieved by combining horizon 2020 and private sector funds within public - private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to europe ' s wider competitiveness goals , unlocking private funds and help tackle societal challenges . these partnerships should be based on a real partnership , including in terms of commitments and contributions from the private sector , define and be accountable to concrete targets to be reached , be aligned with the rest of horizon 2020 in terms of rules on ipr , access rights , transparency and openness towards interested newcomers and small players , encourage the involvement of the entire value chain , incentivise additional private r&d investments , and be aligned with the union r&d&i strategic agenda . the public - private partnerships in the form of joint technology initiatives launched under decision no 1982 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the european community for research , technological development and demonstration activities may be continued using more fit - for - purpose structures and respecting the above mentioned principles .


### the union has the objective of strengthening its scientific and technological bases by achieving a european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging the union to become more competitive , including in its industry . to pursue those objectives the union should carry out activities to implement research , technological development and demonstration , promote international cooperation , disseminate and optimise results and stimulate training and mobility . ### the union has the objective of strengthening its scientific and technological bases by achieving a european research area in which researchers , scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely , and encouraging the union to become more sustainable , competitive , and resilient , including in its industry . to pursue those objectives the union should carry out activities to implement research , technological development and demonstration , promote international cooperation , disseminate and optimise results and stimulate training and mobility .


### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting standardisation , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes . ### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , more resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries , while making bio - waste an asset used at its full potential . it is vital to create a closed circuit between urban and rural areas . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated second and third generation biorefineries , producing and utilising biomass and other residues from primary agricultural and forestry production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and through efficient transformation of bio - waste in urban areas into agricultural inputs . this will foster new markets and create potential new revenue streams for primary producers through supporting standardisation , certification schemes , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes .


### successful efforts to prevent , manage , treat and cure disease , disability and reduced functionality are underpinned by the fundamental understanding of their determinants and causes , processes and impacts , as well as factors underlying good health and wellbeing . effective sharing of data and the linkage of these data with large scale cohort studies is also essential , as is the translation of research findings into the clinic , in particular through the conduct of clinical trials . ### successful efforts to prevent , manage , treat and cure disease , disability and reduced functionality are underpinned by the fundamental understanding of their determinants and causes , processes and impacts , as well as factors underlying good health and wellbeing . effective sharing of data and the linkage of these data with large scale cohort studies is also essential , as is the translation of research findings into the clinic , which should address all age groups so to ensure that medicines are adapted to their use .


### not later than end 2017 , and taking into account the ex - post evaluation of the seventh framework programme to be completed by the end of 2015 and the review of the european institute of innovation and technology , the commission shall carry out , with the assistance of independent experts , an interim evaluation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme , including the european research council , and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology , on the achievements of the objectives of horizon 2020 and continued relevance of all the measures , the efficiency and use of resources , the scope for further simplification , and union added value . that evaluation shall also take into consideration aspects relating to access to funding opportunities for participants in all regions , for smes and for promoting gender balance . that evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the union priorities of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long - term impact of the predecessor measures . ### not later than end 2017 , and taking into account the ex - post evaluation of the seventh framework programme to be completed by the end of 2015 and the review of the european institute of innovation and technology , the commission shall carry out , with the assistance of independent experts , an interim evaluation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme , including the european research council , and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology , on the achievements of the objectives of horizon 2020 and continued relevance of all the measures , the efficiency and use of resources , the scope for further simplification , and union added value . that evaluation shall also take into consideration aspects relating to the dissemination and exploitation of research results and to access to funding opportunities for participants in all regions , especially the under - represented ones in research programs , for smes and for promoting gender balance . that evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the union priorities of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long - term impact of the predecessor measures .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . consumers have to make conscious choices and be not only informed about safe foods , but also made aware of the environmental , socio - economic , and nutritional consequences entailed in their choices and in the fact of wasting food . these innovations should also aim to reduce food waste in production , the distribution chain and by consumers .


### powered by the expansion of the knowledge of living systems , biotechnology is set to deliver a stream of new applications and to strengthen the union ' s industrial base and its innovation capacity . examples of the rising importance of biotechnology are in industrial applications including bio - chemicals , of which the market share is estimated to increase by up to 12 % - 20 % of chemical production by 2015 . a number of the so - called twelve rules of green chemistry are also addressed by biotechnology , due to the selectivity and efficiency of bio - systems . the possible economic burdens for union enterprises can be reduced by harnessing the potential of biotechnology processes and bio - based products to reduce co2 emissions , estimated to range from between 1 to 2 . 5 billion tons co2 equivalent per year by 2030 . in europe ' s biopharmaceutical sector , already some 20 % of the current medicines are derived from biotechnology , with up to 50 % of new medicines . biotechnology also opens new avenues for exploiting the huge potential of marine resources for producing innovative industrial , health and environmental applications . the emerging sector of marine biotechnology has been predicted to grow by 10 % a year . ### powered by the expansion of the knowledge of living systems , biotechnology is set to deliver a stream of new applications and to strengthen the union ' s industrial base and its innovation capacity . examples of the rising importance of biotechnology are in industrial and agricultural applications including food and feed production , bio - chemicals , of which the market share is estimated to increase by up to 12 % - 20 % of chemical production by 2015 . a number of the so - called twelve rules of green chemistry are also addressed by biotechnology , due to the selectivity and efficiency of bio - systems . the possible economic burdens for union enterprises can be reduced by harnessing the potential of biotechnology processes and bio - based products to reduce co2 emissions , estimated to range from between 1 to 2 . 5 billion tons co2 equivalent per year by 2030 . in europe ' s biopharmaceutical sector , already some 20 % of the current medicines are derived from biotechnology , with up to 50 % of new medicines . biotechnology also opens new avenues for exploiting the huge potential of marine resources for producing innovative industrial , health and environmental applications . the emerging sector of marine biotechnology has been predicted to grow by 10 % a year .


### further development of the marie curie actions will make a significant contribution to development of the european research area . with their europe - wide competitive funding structure , marie curie actions will encourage new , creative and innovative types of training such as industrial doctorates , involving education , research and innovation players who will have to compete globally for a reputation of excellence . by providing union funding for the best research and training programmes following the principles for innovative doctoral training in europe , they will also promote wider dissemination and take - up , moving towards more structured doctoral training . ### further development of the marie curie actions will make a significant contribution to development of the european research area . with their europe - wide competitive funding structure , marie curie actions will encourage new , creative and innovative types of training such as joint or industrial doctoral degrees , involving education , research and innovation players who will have to compete globally for a reputation of excellence . by providing union funding for the best research and training programmes following the principles for innovative doctoral training in europe , they will also promote wider dissemination and take - up , moving towards more structured doctoral training .


### research and innovation activities supported by horizon 2020 should respect fundamental ethical principles . the opinions of the european group on ethics in science and new technologies should be taken into account . research activities should also take into account article 13 tfeu and reduce the use of animals in research and testing , with a view ultimately to replacing animal use . all activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection in accordance with article 168 tfeu . ### research and innovation activities supported by horizon 2020 should respect fundamental ethical principles . the reasoned , regularly updated opinions of the european group on ethics in science and new technologies should be taken into account , which entails , as a prerequisite , a transparent method of selection underpinned by the independence and scientific expertise of the members of the european group on ethics in science and new technologies . research activities should also take into account article 13 tfeu and reduce the use of animals in research and testing , with a view ultimately to replacing animal use , including through strategic development , integration and use of innovative , non - animal tools and technologies . all activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection in accordance with article 168 tfeu .


### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future - such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well ensuring security and freedom , trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . these challenges are enormous and they call for a common european approach . ### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future , such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing and demographic change , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well as ensuring trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . moreover the role of public social policies in europe is increasingly perceived as a critical element for the sustainability of the european social model itself . these challenges are enormous and they call for an increasingly complex mix of diverse as well as common european approaches , based upon shared scientific knowledge that only the social sciences and humanities can provide .


### the need for a new approach to control and risk management in union research funding was recognised by the european council of 4 february 2011 , asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk - taking and risk avoidance . the european parliament , in its resolution of 11 november 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the research framework programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and states that the management of european research funding should be more trust - based and risk - tolerant towards participants . the interim evaluation report of the seventh framework programme for research concludes that a more radical approach is needed to attain a quantum leap in simplification , and that the risk - trust balance needs to be redressed . ### the need for a new approach to develop an evidence - based risk management strategy as part of the union ' s research funding strategy was recognised by the european council of 4 february 2011 . at this time the council asked for a new balance between trust and control and between risk - taking and risk avoidance . the european parliament , in its resolution of 11 november 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the research framework programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and states that the management of european research funding should be more trust - based and risk - tolerant towards researchers . the interim evaluation report of the seventh framework programme for research concludes that a more radical approach is needed to attain a quantum leap toward simplified procedures that demonstrate the union ' s trust in researchers and encourage them to take the risks needed for accelerated progress in science and technology .


### the maximum overall amount for the union financial contribution from horizon 2020 to the non - nuclear direct actions of the joint research centre shall be eur 2212 million . ### the maximum overall amount for the union financial contribution from horizon 2020 to the non - nuclear direct research actions of the joint research centre shall be 2 . 52%1 of the total horizon 2020 budget , taking into account that the jrc budget is mainly based on fixed costs . 1 the percentage is based on the financial allocation proposed by the commission for horizon 2020 .


### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on societal challenges that are of utmost relevance to the future , such as climate change or sustainable energy . by addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way , the eit will promote inter - and multi - disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the kics . ### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on areas which offer a true innovation potential and has a clear relevance to the societal challenges addressed in horizon2020 . by addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way , the eit will promote inter - and multi - disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the kics .


### the european institute of innovation and technology shall be financed through a maximum contribution from horizon 2020 of eur 3194 million as set out in annex ii . a first allocation of eur 1542 million shall be provided to the european institute of innovation and technology for activities under title xvii of the treaty on the functioning of the european union . a second allocation of up to eur 1652 million shall be provided , subject to the review set out in article 26 . this additional amount shall be provided on a pro - rata basis , as indicated in annex ii , from the amount for the specific objective ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ within the priority on industrial leadership set out in paragraph 2 and from the amount for the priority on societal challenges set out in 2 . ### the european institute of innovation and technology shall be financed through a maximum contribution from horizon 2020 of 3 , 1% of the total budget as set out in annex ii .


### in addition , horizontal and cross - cutting activities to promote the strategic development of international cooperation shall be implemented under horizon 2020 under the specific objective ‘ inclusive , innovative and secure societies’ set out in point 6 . 3 . 2 of part iii of annex i . ### in addition , horizontal and cross - cutting activities to promote the strategic development of international cooperation shall be implemented under horizon 2020 under the specific objective ‘ europe in a changing world - inclusive , innovative and reflective societies’ set out in point 6 . 3 . 2 of part iii of annex i .


### a single , smart european electricity grid ### a single , flexible , reliable and smart european energy grid


### the activities developed under horizon 2020 should aim at promoting equality between men and women in research and innovation , by addressing in particular the underlying causes of gender imbalance , by exploiting the full potential of both female and male researchers , and by integrating the gender dimension into the content of projects in order to improve the quality of research and stimulate innovation . activities should also aim at the implementation of the principles relating to the equality between women and men as laid down in articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 tfeu . ### horizon 2020 funded research activities should comply with the union acquis communautaire with regard to equal opportunities between men and women . horizon 2020 should pay attention to excellent science and to professional qualification of scientific and research personal of both sexes involved in research and innovation . in order to assure the effective use of union funding , the principal distinction for union research funding should be the excellence of science project and the professional qualification of the research staff .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration - of innovative renewables and carbon capture and storage technologies offering larger scale , lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments . ### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration - of innovative renewables , carbon capture and storage technologies and infrastructures offering larger scale , lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for good quality , safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive while preserving european biodiversity . . the activities shall focus on good quality , a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , better food information to consumers , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by products , waste and green - house gases .


### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for the union ' s research and innovation funding , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainable growth and competitiveness . ### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for the union ' s research and innovation funding , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging public and private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainable growth and competitiveness and global scientific leadership .


### the focus of activities shall be to reduce resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and improve vehicle efficiency , to accelerate the development and deployment of a new generation of electric and other low or zero emission vehicles , including through breakthroughs in engines , batteries and infrastructure ; to explore and exploit the potential of alternative fuels and innovative and more efficient propulsion systems , including fuel infrastructure ; to optimise the use of infrastructures , by means of intelligent transport systems and smart equipment ; and to increase the use of demand management and public and non - motorised transport , particularly in urban areas . ### the focus of activities shall , as a first step , be to reduce resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of all kinds of vehicles , to accelerate the development and deployment of a new generation of low or zero emission vehicles and the accompanying infrastructure , including through breakthroughs in engines , batteries and infrastructure and the use of renewables in rail , water and air transport . it is also essential to have a waste management policy linked to these innovations . moreover , all innovation aimed at achieving low or zero emissions in all modes of transport should be encouraged , including developing and harnessing the huge potential of alternative and sustainable fuels , as well as developing innovative and more efficient propulsion systems , work on optimising fuel systems , vehicle weights and aerodynamics , and development and infrastructure , and optimising the use of infrastructures by using intelligent transport systems and smart equipment . it is important to increase the use of public and non - motorised transport and intermodal mobility chains , particularly in urban areas .


### the activities developed under horizon 2020 should aim at promoting equality between men and women in research and innovation , by addressing in particular the underlying causes of gender imbalance , by exploiting the full potential of both female and male researchers , and by integrating the gender dimension into the content of projects in order to improve the quality of research and stimulate innovation . activities should also aim at the implementation of the principles relating to the equality between women and men as laid down in articles 2 and 3 of the treaty on european union and article 8 tfeu . ### horizon 2020 funded research activities should comply with the eu acquis communautaire with regard to equal opportunities between men and women . horizon 2020 should pay attention to excellent science and to professional qualification of scientific and research personal of both sex involved in research and innovation . in order to assure the effective use of eu funding , the principal distinction for eu research funding should be the excellence of science project and the professional qualification of the research staff .


### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported . ### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations including non - governmental organisations and other civil society groups and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported .


### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from science and technology , industry , policies and society . as such , the agendas should be set in close liaison with stakeholders from all sectors concerned , and sufficient flexibility should be allowed for new developments . external advice should be sought on a continuous basis during horizon 2020 , also making use of relevant structures such as european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and the european innovation partnerships . ### the implementation of horizon 2020 should respond to the evolving opportunities and needs from science and technology , industry , policies and society . the cross - and transdisciplinary nature of the societal challenges , as well as the need for cross - cutting linkages and interfaces within horizon 2020 , requires the setting up of dedicated steering boards . the boards should be composed of relevant stakeholders from academia , industry , end - users and civil society of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , ensuring a diversity of all sectors and research areas concerned . the boards should provide input and advice to the commission on the overall strategy for the societal challenge concerned , the establishment of its work programmes , and the areas and criteria for the calls for proposals .


### strengthening the european space sector by boosting space research and innovation is vital to maintain and safeguard europe ' s capability of access to and operations in space in support of union policies , international strategic interests and competitiveness amongst established and emerging space faring nations . ### strengthening the european space sector by boosting space research and innovation in electronic communications , earth observation , navigation , science and exploration is vital to maintain and safeguard europe ' s capability of access to and operations in space in support of union policies , international strategic interests and competitiveness amongst established and emerging space faring nations .


### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy and a sustainable supply of raw materials , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european competitiveness and improving well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , keeping average global warming below 2 °c and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change . ### the specific objective is to achieve a resource efficient and climate change resilient economy and society and a sustainable supply of raw materials , in order to meet the needs of a growing global population within the sustainable limits of the planet ' s natural resources . activities will contribute to increasing european competitiveness and improving well being , whilst assuring environmental integrity and sustainability , with the aim of keeping average global warming below 2 °c and enabling ecosystems and society to adapt to climate change .


### biotechnology - based industrial processes ### biotechnology - based products and processes


### in the communication ' a budget for europe 2020 ' , the commission proposed to address with a single common strategic framework for research and innovation the areas covered in the period 2007 - 2013 under the seventh framework programme for research and the innovation part of the competitiveness and innovation framework programme , as well as the european institute of innovation and technology in order to serve the europe 2020 strategy target of raising spending on research and development to 3 % of gdp by 2020 . in that communication , the commission also committed to mainstream climate change into union spending programmes and to direct at least 20 % of the union budget to climate - related objectives . climate action and resource efficiency are mutually reinforcing objectives for achieving sustainable development . the specific objectives relating to both should be complemented through the other specific objectives of horizon 2020 . as a result it is expected that at least 60% of the overall horizon 2020 budget should be related to sustainable development . it is also expected that climate - related expenditure should exceed 35% of the budget , including mutually compatible measures improving resource efficiency . the commission should provide information on the scale and results of support to climate change objectives . climate - related expenditure under horizon 2020 should be tracked in accordance with the methodology stated in that communication . ### in the communication ' a budget for europe 2020 ' , the commission proposed to address with a single common strategic framework for research and innovation the areas covered in the period 2007 - 2013 under the seventh framework programme for research and the innovation part of the competitiveness and innovation framework programme , as well as the european institute of innovation and technology in order to serve the europe 2020 strategy target of raising spending on research and development to 3 % of gdp by 2020 . in that communication , the commission also committed to mainstream climate change into union spending programmes and to direct at least 20 % of the union budget to climate - related objectives . climate action and resource efficiency are mutually reinforcing objectives for achieving sustainable development . the specific objectives relating to both should be complemented through the other specific objectives of horizon 2020 .


### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs and societal impact unbearable . passenger - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 . ### within a few decades the expected growth rates of transport would drive european traffic into a gridlock and make its economic costs and societal impact unbearable . passenger - kilometres are predicted to double over the next 40 years and grow twice as fast for air travel . co2 emissions would grow 35 % by 2050 . congestion costs would increase by about 50 % , to nearly eur 200 billion annually . the external costs of accidents would increase by about eur 60 billion compared to 2005 . it ' s important to reduce this impact through technological improvements , economic and regulatory frameworks to facilitate introduction of new technologies and infrastructures , and wider application of behavioural sciences to understand how we choose to travel , bearing in mind that each transport mode faces different challenges and is characterised by different technology integration cycles .


### development of emerging technology areas such as synthetic biology , bioinformatics and systems biology , which hold great promise for completely novel applications . ### development of emerging technology areas such as synthetic biology , bioinformatics and systems biology , biopharmaceuticals , which hold great promise for completely novel applications e . g . biologically active natural peptides with proven mode of pharmacological action .


### space is a rapidly growing sector which delivers information vital to many areas of modern society , meeting its fundamental demands , addresses universal scientific questions , and serves to secure the union ' s position as a major player on the international stage . space research underpins all activities undertaken in space , but is currently fragmented in national programmes run by a subset of union member states . union level coordination and investment in space research are required to maintain the competitive edge , to safeguard union space infrastructure such as galileo and to sustain a future role for the union in space . in addition , innovative downstream services and applications using space derived information represent an important source of growth and job creation . ### space is a rapidly growing sector which delivers information vital to many areas of modern society , meeting its fundamental demands , addresses universal scientific questions , and serves to secure the union ' s position as a major player on the international stage . space research underpins all activities undertaken in space . union level coordination and investment in space research are required to maintain the competitive edge , to safeguard union space infrastructure such as galileo and to sustain a future role for the union in space . this shall be achieved in close cooperation with the european space agency . in addition , innovative downstream services and applications using space derived information represent an important source of growth and job creation and their development represents an important opportunity for the union .


### the eit shall aim to pioneer new approaches in innovation and to develop a common innovation and knowledge - transfer culture , among other things by sharing the diverse experience of its kics via various dissemination mechanisms , such as a stakeholder platform and a fellowship scheme . ### the eit shall aim to pioneer new approaches in innovation and to develop a common innovation and knowledge - transfer culture , among other things by sharing the diverse experience of its kics via various dissemination mechanisms , such as a stakeholder platform , awards and competitions , product and process exhibitions , intellectual property and patent pools , and a fellowship scheme .


### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers . ### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality , to research results with high social and economic potential impact and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers . the erc shall share experience and best practices with regional and national research funding agencies in order to promote the support of excellent researchers . moreover , the erc shall further raise the visibility of its programmes outside europe in order to attract excellent researchers .


### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated biorefineries , utilising biomass from primary production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and opening new markets through supporting standardisation , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes . ### the aim is the promotion of low carbon , more resource efficient , sustainable and competitive european bio - based industries , while making bio - waste an asset used at its full potential . it is vital to create a closed circuit between urban and rural areas . the activities shall focus on fostering the bio - economy by transforming conventional industrial processes and products into bio - based resource and energy efficient ones , the development of integrated second and third generation biorefineries , producing and utilising biomass and other residues from primary agricultural and forestry production , biowaste and bio - based industry by - products , and through efficient transformation of bio - waste in urban areas into agricultural inputs . this will foster new markets and create potential new revenue streams for primary producers through supporting standardisation , certification schemes , regulatory and demonstration / field trial activities and others , while taking into account the implication of the bio - economy on land use and land use changes .


### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media . ### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media , and the increasing penetration of mobile technologies through smartphones .


### advanced interfaces and robots : robotics and smart spaces ; ### advanced interfaces and robots : robotics , smart environment ;


### all of these activities shall be undertaken in such a way as to provide support throughout the research and innovation cycle , strengthening the competitiveness of the european based industries and development of new market opportunities . ### all of these activities shall be undertaken in such a way as to provide support throughout the research and innovation cycle , strengthening the competitiveness of the european based industries and development of new market opportunities and increase the security of the society .


### to achieve maximum impact , horizon 2020 should develop close synergies with other union programmes in areas such as education , space , environment , competitiveness and smes , the internal security , culture and media and with the cohesion policy funds and rural development policy , which can specifically help to strengthen national and regional research and innovation capabilities in the context of smart specialisation strategies . ### to achieve maximum impact , horizon 2020 should develop close synergies and flagship initiatives with other union programmes in areas such as education , space , environment , energy , agriculture and fisheries , competitiveness and smes , the internal security , culture and media and with the cohesion policy funds and rural development policy , which can specifically help to strengthen national and regional research and innovation capabilities and foster the potential to ascend the ' stairway to excellence ' in the context of smart specialisation strategies .


### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported . ### for the implementation of horizon 2020 , account shall be taken of advice and inputs provided by : advisory groups of independent , high level experts set up by the commission ; non - profit civil society platforms ; dialogue structures created under international science and technology agreements ; representatives from industry ; forward looking activities ; targeted public consultations ; active consultation of organisations of persons with disabilities , and transparent and interactive processes that ensure responsible research and innovation is supported .


### to maximise the impact of union level actions , support will be provided to the full spectrum of research and innovation activities . from basic research through translation of knowledge to large trials and demonstration actions , mobilising private investment ; to public and pre - commercial procurement for new products , services , scalable solutions , which are when necessary , interoperable and supported by defined standards and / or common guidelines . this co - ordinated , european effort will contribute to the ongoing development of the era . it will also interface , as and when appropriate , with activities developed in the context of the health for growth programme and the european innovation partnership on active and health ageing . ### to maximise the impact of union level actions and create long - term benefits to its objectives , support will be provided to the full spectrum of research and innovation activities . from basic research through translation of knowledge to large trials and demonstration actions , mobilising private investment ; to public and pre - commercial procurement for new products , services , scalable solutions , which are when necessary , interoperable and supported by defined standards and / or common guidelines . this co - ordinated , european effort will contribute to the ongoing development of the era . it will also complement and create synergies , as and when appropriate , with activities developed in the context of the health for growth programme and the european innovation partnership on active and healthy ageing , the council conclusions on the role of the eu in global health and union external programmes and international commitments in the field of global health .


### developing industrial biotechnology for competitive industrial products and processes and its environmental dimension . ### developing biotechnology for competitive products and processes and its environmental dimension .


### the need for a new approach to control and risk management in union research funding was recognised by the european council of 4 february 2011 , asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk - taking and risk avoidance . the european parliament , in its resolution of 11 november 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the research framework programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and states that the management of european research funding should be more trust - based and risk - tolerant towards participants . the interim evaluation report of the seventh framework programme for research concludes that a more radical approach is needed to attain a quantum leap in simplification , and that the risk - trust balance needs to be redressed . ### the need for a new approach to develop an evidence - based risk management strategy as part of the union ' s research funding strategy was recognised by the european council of 4 february 2011 . at this time the council asked for a new balance between trust and control and between risk - taking and risk avoidance . the european parliament , in its resolution of 11 november 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the research framework programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and states that the management of european research funding should be more trust - based and risk - tolerant towards researchers . the interim evaluation report of the seventh framework programme for research concludes that a more radical approach is needed to attain a quantum leap toward simplified procedures that demonstrate the union ' s trust in researchers and encourage them to take the risks needed for accelerated progress in science and technology .


### effective health promotion , supported by a robust evidence base , prevents disease , improves wellbeing and is cost effective . health promotion and disease prevention also depend on an understanding of the determinants of health , on effective preventive tools , such as vaccines , on effective health and disease surveillance and preparedness , and on effective screening programmes . ### effective health promotion , supported by a robust evidence base , prevents disease , improves mental and physical wellbeing and is cost effective . health promotion and disease prevention also depend on an understanding of the determinants of , and links between , physical and mental health , on european data based on common indicators , on effective preventive tools , such as vaccines and behavioural interventions addressing risk factors , including obesity , on effective health and disease surveillance and preparedness , and on effective screening programmes and early diagnosis .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration - of innovative renewables and carbon capture and storage technologies offering larger scale , lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments . ### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration - of innovative renewables and carbon capture and storage or usage technologies offering larger scale , lower cost , environmentally safe technologies with higher conversion efficiency and higher availability for different market and operating environments .


### the successful mastering and deployment of enabling technologies by european industry is a key factor in strengthening europe ' s productivity and innovation capacity and ensuring europe has an advanced , sustainable and competitive economy , global leadership in hi - tech application sectors and the ability to develop effective solutions for societal challenges . the pervasive nature of such activities can spur further progress through complementary inventions and applications , ensuring a higher return on investment in these technologies than in any other field . ### the successful mastering and deployment of enabling technologies by european industry is a key factor in strengthening europe ' s productivity and innovation capacity and ensuring europe has an advanced , sustainable and competitive economy , global leadership in hi - tech application sectors and the ability to develop effective solutions for societal challenges . the pervasive nature of such activities can spur further progress through complementary inventions and applications , ensuring a higher return on investment in these technologies than in any other field . the development of spin - offs from research projects shall be supported through flexible instruments such as open calls .


### the specific objective of biotechnology research and innovation is to develop competitive , sustainable and innovative industrial products and processes and contribute as an innovation driver in a number of european sectors like agriculture , food , chemical and health . ### the specific objective of biotechnology research and innovation is to develop competitive , sustainable and innovative industrial products and processes and contribute as an innovation driver in a number of european sectors like agriculture , food , the chemical sector , energy and health .


### the in - built complexity of these challenges and the evolutions of demands thus make it essential to develop innovative research and new smart technologies , processes and methods , social innovation mechanisms , coordinated actions and policies that will anticipate or influence major evolutions for europe . it calls for understanding the underlying trends and impacts at play in these challenges and rediscovering or reinventing successful forms of solidarity , coordination and creativity that make europe a distinctive model of inclusive , innovative and secure societies compared to other world regions . it requires a more strategic approach to cooperation with third countries . finally , as security policies should interact with different social policies , enhancing the societal dimension of security research will be an important aspect of this challenge . ### the in - built complexity of these challenges and the evolutions of demands thus make it essential to develop innovative research and new smart technologies , processes and methods , social innovation mechanisms , coordinated actions and policies that will anticipate or influence major evolutions for europe . it calls for understanding the underlying trends and impacts at play in these challenges and rediscovering or reinventing successful forms of solidarity , coordination and creativity that make europe a distinctive model of inclusive , innovative and secure societies compared to other world regions . it requires a more strategic approach to cooperation with third countries . it is also essential to exploit europe ' s vast cultural heritage as a means of bringing eu citizens closer together and strengthening the cohesion of european society . finally , as security policies should interact with different social policies , enhancing the societal dimension of security research will be an important aspect of this challenge .


### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , with a further reduction to 80 - 95 % by 2050 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining low carbon profile , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . europe is currently far from this overall goal . 80 % of the european energy system still relies on fossil fuels , and the sector produces 80 % of all the union ' s greenhouse gas emissions . every year 2 . 5 % of the union ' s gross domestic product is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase . this trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050 . faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , coupled with concerns over security of supply , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy . ### the union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 . in addition , renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target . achieving these objectives will require an overhaul of the energy system combining low carbon profile , energy security and affordability , while at the same time reinforcing europe ' s economic competitiveness . the system needs to be overhauled in this way because , faced with volatile energy prices on the world market , an increased tax burden on energy sources and the high cost of adapting to the union’s environmental and climate - change legislation , european industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy .


### taking into account the specific characteristics of urban , suburban and regional regular services , member states should be granted the right to exempt these types of transport from the application of a significant part of this regulation . in order to identify urban , suburban and regional regular services , member states should take into account criteria such as distance , frequency of services , number of scheduled stops , type of buses or coaches employed , ticketing schemes , fluctuations in passenger numbers between services in peak and off - peak periods , bus codes and timetables . ### taking into account the specific characteristics of urban and intercity regular services , member states should be granted the right to exempt these types of transport from the application of part of this regulation . in order to identify urban and intercity regular services , member states should take into account criteria such as division of administrative authority , geographical location , distance , frequency of services , number of scheduled stops , type of buses or coaches employed , ticketing schemes , fluctuations in passenger numbers between services in peak and off - peak periods , bus codes and timetables .


### ' tour operator ' means an organiser or retailer , other than the carrier , within the meaning of article 2 and of directive 90 / 314 / eec ; ### ' tour operator ' means an organiser , other than a carrier , within the meaning of article 2 of directive 90 / 314 / eec ;


### council position 4 . under the same conditions set out in paragraph 1 , a carrier , travel agent or tour operator may require that a disabled person or person with reduced mobility be accompanied by another person who is capable of providing the assistance required by the disabled person or person with reduced mobility , if this is strictly necessary . such an accompanying person shall be transported free of charge and , where feasible , seated next to the disabled person or person with reduced mobility . ### if a carrier , travel agent or tour operator refuses to accept a reservation from , to issue or otherwise provide a ticket to or to take on board a person on the grounds of disability or of reduced mobility for the reasons set out in paragraph 1 or if the crew of the vehicle concerned consists only of one person who drives the vehicle and who is not in a position to provide the disabled person or the person with reduced mobility with all the assistance as specified in annex i b , a disabled person or person with reduced mobility may request to be accompanied by another person who is capable of providing the assistance required by the disabled person or person with reduced mobility . such an accompanying person shall be transported free of charge and , where feasible , seated next to the disabled person or person with reduced mobility .


### council position passengers and , as a minimum , persons whom the passenger had , or would have had , a legal duty to maintain should enjoy adequate protection in the event of accidents arising out of the use of the bus or coach , taking into account directive 2009 / 103 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 september 2009 relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability . ### passengers should enjoy liability rules comparable to those applicable to other modes of transport in the event of accidents resulting in death or injury .


### immediate practical needs of passengers in the event of an accident arising out of the use of the bus or coach , the carrier shall provide reasonable assistance with regard to the passengers ' immediate practical needs following the accident . any assistance shall not constitute recognition of liability . ### immediate practical and economic needs of passengers in the event of an accident arising out of the use of the bus or coach , the carrier shall provide assistance with regard to the passengers ' immediate practical needs following the accident . such assistance shall include , where necessary , first aid , accommodation , food , clothes , transport and funeral expenses and any other financial assistance important for each day life needs . in the event of death or personal injury , the carrier shall in addition make advance payments to cover immediate economic needs on a basis proportional to the damage suffered , provided that there is prima facie evidence of causality attributable to the carrier . any payments made or assistance provided shall not constitute recognition of liability .


### council position carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , provide passengers with adequate information throughout their travel . where feasible this information shall be provided in accessible formats upon request . ### carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , provide passengers with adequate information throughout their travel in accessible formats and according to a conceptual model for public transport data and systems .


### council position carriers shall set up or have in place a complaint handling mechanism for the rights and obligations set out in articles 4 , 8 and 9 to 24 . ### carriers shall set up or have in place a complaint handling mechanism for the rights and obligations set out in this regulation .


### council position passengers should , in addition to compensation in accordance with applicable national law in the event of death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage due to accidents arising out of the use of the bus or coach , be entitled to assistance with regard to their immediate practical needs following an accident . such assistance could include first aid , accommodation , food , clothes and transport . ### passengers should , in addition to compensation in accordance with applicable national law in the event of death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage due to accidents arising out of the use of the bus or coach , be entitled to assistance with regard to their immediate practical and economic needs following an accident . such assistance should include , where necessary , first aid , accommodation , food , clothes , transport and funeral expenses . in the event of the death or personal injury , the carrier shall in addition make advance payments to cover immediate economic needs on a basis proportional to the damage suffered , provided that there is prima facie evidence of causality attributable to the carrier .


### council position taking into account the specific characteristics of urban , suburban and regional regular services , member states should be granted the right to exempt these types of transport from the application of a significant part of this regulation . in order to identify urban , suburban and regional regular services , member states should take into account criteria such as distance , frequency of services , number of scheduled stops , type of buses or coaches employed , ticketing schemes , fluctuations in passenger numbers between services in peak and off - peak periods , bus codes and timetables . ### taking into account the specific characteristics of urban and suburban regular services , member states should be granted the right to exempt these types of transport from the application of part of this regulation . in order to identify urban and suburban regular services , member states should take into account criteria such as the administrative division , geographical situation , distance , frequency of services , number of scheduled stops , type of buses or coaches employed , ticketing schemes , fluctuations in passenger numbers between services in peak and off - peak periods , bus codes and timetables .


### council position subject to the access conditions provided for in article 11 , carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , at terminals designated by member states , provide assistance free of charge to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility as specified in part&#160 ; of annex i . ### carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , at terminals designated by member states , provide assistance free of charge to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility , at least to the extent specified in part of annex i .


### council position ### in addition to the reimbursement referred to in point , have the right to compensation amounting to 50% of the ticket price if the carrier fails to offer continuation or re - routing to the final destination as referred to in point . the compensation shall be paid within one month after the submission of the request for compensation .


### . with the exception of articles 4 , 9 and 10 , member states may exempt urban , suburban and regional regular services , including cross - border services of that type , from the application of this regulation . ### . with the exception of articles 4 , 9 , 10 , 20 , 25 and 26 , member states may exempt urban and intercity regular services , including cross - border services of that type , from the application of this regulation .


### ' carrier ' means a natural or legal person , other than a tour operator or ticket vendor , offering transport by regular or occasional services to the general public ; ### ' carrier ' means a natural or legal person , other than a tour operator , travel agent or ticket vendor , offering transport by regular or occasional services to the general public ;


### council position 4 . with the exception of articles 4 , 9 and 10 , member states may exempt urban , suburban and regional regular services , including cross - border services of that type , from the application of this regulation ### with the exception of articles 4 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 17 , 20 , 23 , 25 , 26 and 27 member states may exempt urban and suburban regular services , including cross - border services of that type , from the application of this regulation


### council position carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , ensure that passengers are provided with appropriate and comprehensible information regarding their rights under this regulation at the latest on departure . the information shall be provided at terminals and where applicable , on the internet . at the request of a disabled person or person with reduced mobility the information shall be provided in an accessible format . this information shall include contact details of the enforcement body or bodies designated by the member state pursuant to article 27 . ### carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , ensure that passengers are provided with appropriate and comprehensible information regarding their rights under this regulation at the latest on departure . the information shall be provided in accessible formats at terminals and where applicable , on the internet . this information shall include contact details of the enforcement body or bodies designated by the member state pursuant to article 27 .


### . nothing in this regulation shall be understood as constituting technical requirements imposing obligations on carriers or terminal managing bodies to modify or replace buses or coaches or infrastructure or equipment at bus stops and terminals . ### . nothing in this regulation shall be understood as constituting technical requirements imposing obligations on carriers or terminal managing bodies to modify or replace buses or coaches or infrastructure at bus stops and terminals .


### council position 8 . nothing in this regulation shall be understood as constituting technical requirements imposing obligations on carriers or terminal managing bodies to modify or replace buses or coaches or infrastructure or equipment at bus stops and terminals . ### nothing in this regulation shall be understood as conflicting with existing legislation on technical requirements for buses or coaches or infrastructure or equipment at bus stops and terminals .


### it is necessary that the monetary limits expressed in regulation no 2027 / 97 should be amended in order to take into account economic developments , as reviewed by the international civil aviation organization in 2009 pursuant to article 24 of the montreal convention . ### it is necessary that the monetary limits expressed in regulation no 2027 / 97 should be amended by means of implementing acts in order to take into account economic developments .


### five hours or more after the scheduled time of arrival for all intra - community journeys and for journeys to / from third countries of 3500 kilometres or less ; ### three hours or more after the scheduled time of arrival for all journeys within the union , including overseas departments of the member states , and for journeys to / from third countries of 3500 kilometres or less ;


### paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 shall also apply to return tickets where the passenger is denied boarding at the return journey on the grounds that he / she did not take the outward journey or did not pay an additional charge for this purpose . ### paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 shall also apply to return tickets where the passenger is denied boarding at the return journey on the grounds that he / she did not take the outward journey or did not pay an additional charge for this purpose . denied boarding within the meaning of this paragraph shall not have occurred if a ticket covers more than two flights and the passenger is not carried because he / she has not taken all preceding flights or has not taken them in the agreed order . should that be the result of unavoidable extraordinary circumstances , the passenger may take the remaining flights making up the journey , in the agreed order , provided that he / she provides evidence of those circumstances by the time of the next flight at the latest .


### when the scheduled time of departure of the alternative flight or other transport offered under article 8 is at least 5 hours after the scheduled time of departure of the flight missed and the delay includes one or several nights , the assistance specified in article 9 and 9 . ### when the scheduled time of departure of the alternative flight or other transport offered under article 8 is at least 3 hours after the scheduled time of departure of the flight missed and the delay includes one or several nights , the assistance specified in article 9 and 9 .


### where a musical instrument is too large to be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment within the cabin or under an appropriate passenger seat , an air carrier may request the payment of a second fare where such musical instruments are carried as hand luggage on a second seat . where a second seat is purchased an air carrier should make reasonable efforts to seat the passenger and the musical instrument concerned together . where available and if requested , musical instruments shall be carried in a heated part of an aircraft cargo hold subject to applicable safety rules , space constraints and the technical specifications of the aircraft concerned . an air carrier shall clearly indicate in its terms and conditions the basis on upon which musical instruments will be transported and the applicable charges . ' ### where a musical instrument is too large to be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment within the cabin or under an appropriate passenger seat , an air carrier may request the payment of a second fare , which must be exempt from any applicable airport taxes , where such musical instruments are carried as hand luggage on a second seat . where a second seat is purchased an air carrier should make reasonable efforts to seat the passenger and the musical instrument concerned together . where available and if requested , musical instruments shall be carried in a heated part of an aircraft cargo hold subject to applicable safety rules , space constraints and the technical specifications of the aircraft concerned . air carriers should attach special labels to such instruments to ensure that they are handled with the requisite care . an air carrier shall clearly indicate in its terms and conditions the basis on upon which musical instruments will be transported and the applicable charges . '


### if the operating air carrier can prove that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken , it may limit the total cost of accommodation provided according to paragraph 1 to eur 100 per night and per passenger and to a maximum of 3 nights . if the operating air carrier chooses to apply this limitation , it shall nevertheless provide the passengers with information about available accommodation after the three nights , in addition to the continued obligations for information specified in article 14 . ### if the operating air carrier can prove that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken , it may limit the accommodation provided according to paragraph 1 to a maximum of 3 nights . the operating air carrier shall provide the passengers with information about available accommodation after the three nights , in addition to the continued obligations for information specified in article 14 .


### within 7 days of receiving the complaint , the designated body shall confirm receipt of the complaint and shall send a copy to the appropriate national enforcement body . the time taken to provide the final reply to the complainant shall not be longer than three months from the receipt of the complaint . a copy of the final reply shall also be provided to the national enforcement body . ### the designated body shall be required to confirm receipt of the complaint within 7 days of receiving it and to send a copy to the appropriate national enforcement body . the time taken to provide the final reply to the complainant shall not be longer than 90 days from the receipt of the complaint . a copy of the final reply shall also be provided to the national enforcement body .


### the air carrier may reach a voluntary agreement with the passenger that replaces the compensation provisions set out in paragraph 1 , provided that this agreement is confirmed by a document signed by the passenger which reminds the passenger of his rights to compensation under this regulation . ### the air carrier may reach a voluntary agreement with the passenger that replaces the compensation provisions set out in paragraph 1 , provided that this agreement is confirmed by a document signed by the passenger which reminds the passenger of his rights to compensation under this regulation . such an agreement may only be concluded after the events giving rise to the entitlement have occurred .


### where a passenger misses a connecting flight as a result of a delay or change of schedule to a preceding flight , the community air carrier operating the onward connecting flight shall offer the passenger : ### where a passenger misses a connecting flight as a result of a delay or change of schedule to a preceding flight , the community air carrier responsible for the delay shall offer the passenger :


### whilst air carriers have full commercial freedom to establish the conditions under which they permit baggage to be carried , they shall clearly indicate , at booking and at the check - in desks , the maximum baggage allowance passengers are permitted to carry within the cabin and hold of the aircraft on each of the flights included within a passenger ' s reservation , including any restrictions on the number of items that would be applied within a given maximum baggage allowance . where additional charges are applied for the carriage of baggage air carriers shall clearly indicate details of those charges at booking and on request at the airport . ### whilst air carriers have full commercial freedom to establish the conditions under which they permit baggage to be carried , they must clearly indicate , at the beginning of every booking process and at the check - in desks , the maximum baggage allowance passengers are permitted to carry within the cabin and hold of the aircraft on each of the flights included within a passenger ' s reservation , including any restrictions on the number of items that would be applied within a given maximum baggage allowance . where additional charges are applied for the carriage of baggage air carriers must clearly indicate details of those charges at the beginning of every booking process and on request at the airport . additional charges must be communicated clearly and transparently , and it must be possible for them to be paid in conjunction with the actual reservation of the journey , irrespective of the manner in which that reservation is made . this obligation shall also apply to operators offering flights on behalf of air carriers . additional charges are part of the overall fare .


### where the passenger , or an intermediary acting on behalf of the passenger , reports a spelling mistake in the name of one or several passengers included in the same contract of carriage that may lead to a denial of boarding , the air carrier shall correct this at least once up until 48 hours before departure without any additional charge to the passenger or the intermediary , except where it is prevented from doing so by national or international law . ### where the passenger , or an intermediary acting on behalf of the passenger , reports a spelling mistake in the name , or an error in the title , of one or several passengers included in the same contract of carriage that may lead to a denial of boarding , the air carrier shall correct this at least once up until 48 hours before departure without any additional charge to the passenger or the intermediary , except where it is prevented from doing so by national or international law . '


### nine hours or more after the scheduled time of arrival for journeys to / from third countries between 3500 and 6000 kilometres ; ### five hours or more after the scheduled time of arrival for journeys to / from third countries of more than 3 500 kilometres ;


### whilst air carriers have full commercial freedom to establish the conditions under which they permit baggage to be carried , they shall clearly indicate , at booking and at the check - in desks , the maximum baggage allowance passengers are permitted to carry within the cabin and hold of the aircraft on each of the flights included within a passenger ' s reservation , including any restrictions on the number of items that would be applied within a given maximum baggage allowance . where additional charges are applied for the carriage of baggage air carriers shall clearly indicate details of those charges at booking and on request at the airport . ### air carriers shall clearly indicate , at booking and at the check - in desks , the maximum baggage allowance passengers are permitted to carry within the cabin and hold of the aircraft on each of the flights included within a passenger ' s reservation , including any restrictions on the number of items that would be applied within a given maximum baggage allowance . where additional charges are applied for the carriage of baggage air carriers shall clearly indicate details of those charges at booking and at the airport .


### the following circumstances shall be considered as extraordinary : ### the following circumstances shall always , as a binding rule , be considered as extraordinary :