### in view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the union , it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds . consequently , certain provisions of this regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster cooperation with their neighbors , while taking into account the communication from the commission ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' 31 . __________________ 31 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' , - com 623 final , 24 . 10 . 2017 . ### in view of the specific situation of outmost regions of the union , it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the conditions under which those regions may have access to structural funds . consequently , certain provisions of this regulation should be adapted to the specificities of the outermost regions in order to simplify and foster their cooperation with third countries and octs , while taking into account the communication from the commission ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' 31 . __________________ 31 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank ' a stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the eu ' s outermost regions ' , - com 623 final , 24 . 10 . 2017 .


### the provisions on the criteria for operations to be considered as genuinely joint and cooperative , on the partnership within an interreg operation and on the obligations of the lead partner as set out during the programme period 2014 - 2020 should on be continued . however , interreg partners should cooperate in all four dimensions and , under outermost regions’ cooperation , in three out of four , as it should be simpler to combine support from the erdf and external financing instruments from the union both on the level of programmes and operations . ### the provisions on the criteria for operations to be considered as genuinely joint and cooperative , on the partnership within an interreg operation and on the obligations of the lead partner as set out during the programme period 2014 - 2020 should on be continued . interreg partners should cooperate in development and implementation as well as staffing and / or financing and , under outermost regions’ cooperation , in three out of four , as it should be simpler to combine support from the erdf and external financing instruments from the union both on the level of programmes and operations .


### it is necessary to clarify the rules governing small project funds which have been implemented since interreg has existed , but have never been covered by specific provisions . as also set out in the opinion of the committee of the regions ‘ people - to - people and small - scale projects in cross - border cooperation programmes’32 , such small project funds play an important role in building up trust between citizens and institutions , offer great european added value and contribute considerably to the overall objective of cross - border cooperation programmes by overcoming border obstacles and integrating border areas and their citizens . in order to simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients , who are often not used to applying for union funds , the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold . __________________ 32 opinion of the european committee of the regions ‘ people - to - people and small - scale projects in cross - border cooperation programmes’ of 12 july 2017 . ### since interreg has existed , p2p projects and small - scale projects have been supported via small - project funds or similar instruments that have never been covered by specific provisions , making it necessary to clarify the rules governing those funds . in order to maintain the added value and advantages of p2p and small - scale projects and simplify the management of the financing of small projects by the final recipients , who are often not used to applying for union funds , the use of simplified cost options and of lump sums should be made obligatory below a certain threshold . __________________


### due to the involvement of more than one member state , and the resulting higher administrative costs , in particular in respect of controls and translation , the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the investment for jobs and growth goal . in order to offset the higher administrative costs , member states should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible . in addition , interreg programmes with limited union support or external cross - border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities . ### due to the involvement of more than one member state , and the resulting higher administrative costs , including for regional points of contact , which function as important points of contact for those proposing and implementing projects , and therefore as a direct line to the joint secretariats or the relevant authorities , but in particular in respect of controls and translation , the ceiling for technical assistance expenditure should be higher than that under the investment for jobs and growth goal . in order to offset the higher administrative costs , member states should be encouraged to reduce the administrative burden with regard to the implementation of joint projects wherever possible . in addition , interreg programmes with limited union support or external cross - border cooperation programmes should receive a certain minimum amount for technical assistance to ensure sufficient funding for effective technical assistance activities .


### in order to continue the payment chain established for the programming period 2014 - 2020 , i . e . from the commission to the lead partner via the certifying authority , that payment chain should be continued under the accounting function . the union support should be paid to the lead partner , unless this would result in double fees for conversion into euro and back into another currency or vice versa between the lead partner and the other partners . ### in order to continue the payment chain established for the programming period 2014 - 2020 , i . e . from the commission to the lead partner via the certifying authority , that payment chain should be continued under the accounting function . the union support should be paid to the lead partner , unless this would result in double fees for conversion into euro and back into another currency or vice versa between the lead partner and the other partners . if not otherwise specified , the lead partner should ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective union fund in full and within agreed timeframe among all partners and following the same procedure applied for lead partner .


### a clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the commission . provision should be made for liability of member states , third countries , partner countries or overseas countries and territories , where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful , meaning that the member state reimburses the managing authority . consequently , under interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries . it is , however , necessary to clarify the rules , should a member state , third country , partner country or oct not reimburse the managing authority . the obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified . in particular , the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country . ### a clear chain of financial liability in respect of recovery for irregularities should be established from sole or other partners via the lead partner and the managing authority to the commission . provision should be made for liability of member states , third countries , partner countries or overseas countries and territories , where obtaining recovery from the sole or other or lead partner is not successful , meaning that the member state reimburses the managing authority . consequently , under interreg programmes there is no scope for irrecoverable amounts on the level of beneficiaries . it is , however , necessary to clarify the rules , should a member state , third country , partner country or oct not reimburse the managing authority . the obligations of the lead partner for recovery should also be clarified . moreover , procedures related to recoveries should be defined and agreed by the monitoring committee . however , the managing authority should not be allowed to oblige the lead partner to launch a judicial procedure in a different country .


### this regulation lays down rules for the european territorial cooperation goal with a view to fostering cooperation between member states inside the union and between member states and adjacent third countries , partner countries , other territories or overseas countries and territories respectively . ### this regulation lays down rules for the european territorial cooperation goal with a view to fostering cooperation between member states inside the union and between member states and third countries , partner countries , overseas countries and territories respectively . interreg shall contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals as described in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development .


### ' cross - border legal body ' means a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries . ### ' cross - border legal body ' means a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries or euroregions .


### ‘ cross - border legal body ' means a legal body established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries . ### ‘ cross - border legal body ' means a legal body or euroregions established under the laws of one of the participating countries in an interreg programme provided that it is set up by territorial authorities or other bodies from at least two participating countries .


### transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea - basins , involving national , regional and local programme partners in member states , third countries and partner countries and in greenland , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ; ### transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea - basins , involving national , regional and local programme partners in member states , third countries and partner countries and octs , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ;


### transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation over larger transnational territories or around sea - basins , involving national , regional and local programme partners in member states , third countries and partner countries and in greenland , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ; ### transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation extending geographically beyond cross - border cooperation , over larger transnational territories or around sea - basins , involving national , regional and local programme partners in member states , third countries and partner countries and in greenland , with a view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration ;


### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or octs , or several thereof , to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ; ### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with third or partner countries or octs or several thereof , to facilitate notably their regional integration ;


### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or octs , or several thereof , to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ; ### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or octs , or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation , or several thereof , to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ;


### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with their neighbouring third or partner countries or octs , or several thereof , to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood ; ### outermost regions ' cooperation among themselves and with their third or partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations or several thereof , to facilitate their regional integration in their neighbourhood in particular ;


### 5geographical coverage for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation ### 5geographical coverage for transnational cooperation


### for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the regions to be supported by the erdf shall be the nuts level 2 regions of the union covering contiguous functional areas , taking into account , where applicable , macro - regional strategies or sea basin strategies . ### for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the regions to be supported by the erdf shall be the nuts level 2 regions of the union covering contiguous functional areas , which should be defined under article&#160 ; 2 of the cpr , taking into account , where applicable , macro - regional strategies or sea basin strategies .


### the regions , third countries or partner countries listed in paragraph 2 shall be nuts level 2 regions or , in the absence of nuts classification , equivalent areas . ### the regions , third countries , partner countries or octs listed in paragraph 2 shall be nuts level 2 regions , nuts 3 in the case of octs or , in the absence of nuts classification , equivalent areas .


### the outermost regions ' interreg programmes may cover neighbouring partner countries supported by the ndici or octs supported by the octp , or both . ### the outermost regions ' interreg programmes may cover partner countries supported by the ndici , octs supported by the octp , regional cooperation organisations , or a combination of two or all three of these .


### 7geographical coverage for interregional cooperation and interregional innovation investments ### 7geographical coverage for interregional cooperation


### for any component 4 interreg programme or for interregional innovation investments under component 5 , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf . ### for any component 4 interreg programme or for interregional innovation investments under component 5 , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf , including the outermost regions .


### for any component 4 interreg programme or for interregional innovation investments under component 5 , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf . ### for any component 4 interreg programme , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf .


### for any component 4 interreg programme or for interregional innovation investments under component 5 , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf . ### for any component 4 interreg programme , including interregional innovation investments , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf .


### the interreg programme cannot be implemented as planned due to problems in relations between the participating countries . ### in duly justified cases , where the interreg programme cannot be implemented as planned due to serious problems in relations between the participating countries .


### with regard to a component 2 interreg programme already approved by the commission , the participation of a partner country or of greenland shall be discontinued , if one of the situations set out in points and of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled . ### with regard to a component 2 interreg programme already approved by the commission , the participation of a partner country or octs shall be discontinued or the allocation reduced , if one of the situations set out in points and of the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is fulfilled .


### where a third country or partner country contributing to an interreg programme with national resources , which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the erdf or from an external financing instrument of the union , reduces that contribution during the implementation of the interreg programme , either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in article 22 , the participating member state or member states shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4 . ### where a third country , partner country or octs contributing to an interreg programme with national resources , which do not constitute the national cofinancing of support from the erdf or from an external financing instrument of the union , reduces that contribution during the implementation of the interreg programme , either globally or with regard to joint operations already selected and having received the document provided for in article22 , the participating member state or member states shall request one of the options set out in the second subparagraph of paragraph 4 .


### in addition to the specific objectives for the erdf as set out in article [ 2 ] of regulation [ new erdf ] , the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union may also contribute to the specific objectives under po 4 as follows : ### in addition to the specific objectives for the erdf as set out in article [ 2 ] of regulation [ new erdf ] , the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union shall also contribute to the specific objectives under po 4 as follows :


### an additional 15% of the erdf and , where applicable , of the external financing instruments of the union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance to each interreg programme under components 1 , 2 and 3 , shall be allocated on the interreg - specific objective of ' a better interreg governance ' or on the external interreg - specific objective of ' a safer and more secure europe ' . ### up to 15 % of the erdf and , where applicable , of the external financing instruments of the union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance to each interreg programme under components 1 , 2 and 3 , may be allocated on the interreg - specific objective of ' a better interreg governance ' or , where applicable , on the external interreg - specific objective of ' a safer and more secure europe ' .


### where a component 2a interreg programme supports a macro - regional strategy , the total erdf and , where applicable , the total external financing instruments of the union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance shall be programmed on the objectives of that strategy . ### where a component 1 or 2 interreg programme supports a macro - regional strategy or a sea - basin strategy , part of the erdf and , where applicable , part of the external financing instruments of the union allocations under priorities other than for technical assistance shall contribute to the objectives of that strategy .


### the participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries or octs , shall prepare an interreg programme in accordance with the template set out in the annex for the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 . ### the participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations shall prepare an interreg programme in accordance with the template set out in the annex for the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 .


### the member state hosting the prospective managing authority , shall submit an interreg programme to the commission by [ date of entry into force plus nine months ; ] on behalf of all participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries or octs . ### the member state hosting the prospective managing authority , shall submit an interreg programme to the commission by [ date of entry into force plus nine months ; ] on behalf of all participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations .


### the member state hosting the prospective managing authority , shall submit an interreg programme to the commission by [ date of entry into force plus nine months ; ] on behalf of all participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries or octs . ### the member state hosting the prospective managing authority , shall submit one or more interreg programmes for the relevant border areas to the commission by [ date of entry into force plus nine months ] on behalf of all participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries or octs .


### in duly justified cases and in agreement with the commission , in order to increase the efficiency of programme implementation and to achieve larger - scale operations , the member state concerned may decide to transfer to interreg programmes up to [ x ] % of the amount of the erdf allocated to the corresponding programme under the investment for jobs and growth goal for the same region . the amount transferred shall constitute a separate priority or separate priorities . ### in order to increase the efficiency of programme implementation and to achieve larger - scale operations , the member state concerned may decide to transfer to interreg programmes up to 15 % of the amount of the erdf allocated to the corresponding programme under the investment for jobs and growth goal for the same region . each member state shall inform the commission in advance that it should like to make use of the transfer option , and shall give the commission reasons for its decision . the amount transferred shall constitute a separate priority or separate priorities .


### a summary of the main joint challenges , taking into account : ### a summary of the main joint challenges , particularly taking into account :


### lessons learnt from past experience ; ### lessons learnt from past experience and how they have been taken into account into the programme ;


### a justification for the selected policy objectives and interreg - specific objectives , corresponding priorities , specific objectives and the forms of support , addressing , where appropriate , missing links in cross - border infrastructure ; ### a justification for the selected policy objectives and interreg - specific objectives , corresponding priorities , specific objectives and addressing , where appropriate , missing links in cross - border infrastructure ;


### the participating member states and , where applicable , third or partner countries or octs shall review the interreg programme taking into account the observations made by the commission . ### the participating member states and , where applicable , third or partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations shall review the interreg programme taking into account the observations made by the commission .


### the participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries or octs shall review the amended programme and take into account the observations made by the commission . ### the participating member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations shall review the amended programme and take into account the observations made by the commission .


### the commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving each interreg programme no later than six months after the date of submission of that programme by the member state hosting the prospective managing authority . ### the commission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementing act approving each interreg programme no later than three months after the date of submission of the revised version of that programme by the member state hosting the prospective managing authority .


### the member state hosting the managing authority may submit a motivated request for an amendment of an interreg programme together with the amended programme , setting out the expected impact of that amendment on the achievement of the objectives . ### on the basis of the monitoring committee decision the managing authority shall submit a motivated request for an amendment of an interreg programme together with the amended programme , setting out the expected impact of that amendment on the achievement of the objectives .


### in selecting operations , the monitoring committee or , where applicable , the steering committee shall : ### before the monitoring committee or , where applicable , the steering committee selects operations , the managing authority shall :


### that document shall also set out the lead partner ' s obligations with regard to recoveries pursuant to article 50 . those obligations shall be defined by the monitoring committee . however , a lead partner located in a different member state , third country , partner country or oct from the partner shall not be obliged to recover through a judicial procedure . ### that document shall also set out the lead partner ' s obligations with regard to recoveries pursuant to article 50 . procedures related to recoveries shall be defined and agreed by the monitoring committee . however , a lead partner located in a different member state , third country , partner country or oct from the partner shall not be obliged to recover through a judicial procedure .


### operations selected under components 1 , 2 and 3 shall involve actors from at least two participating countries , at least one of which shall be a beneficiary from a member state . ### operations selected under components 1 , 2 and 3 shall involve actors from at least two participating countries or octs , at least one of which shall be a beneficiary from a member state .


### partners shall cooperate in the development , implementation , staffing and financing of interreg operations . ### partners shall cooperate in the development , implementation , staffing and financing of interreg operations . an effort shall be made to limit the number of partners for each interreg operation to no more than ten .


### a cross - border legal body or an egtc may be the sole partner of an interreg operation under component 1 , 2 and 3 interreg programmes , provided that the members thereof involve partners from at least two participating countries . ### a cross - border legal body or an egtc may be the sole partner of an interreg operation under component 1 , 2 and 3 interreg programmes , provided that the members thereof involve partners from at least two participating countries or octs .


### the contribution from the erdf or , where applicable , an external financing instrument of the union , to a small project fund within an interreg programme shall not exceed eur 20 000 000 or 15% of the total allocation of the interreg programme , whichever is lower . ### the total contribution from the erdf or , where applicable , an external financing instrument of the union to one or more small project funds within an interreg programme shall not exceed 20 % of the total allocation for the interreg programme .


### staff and indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund shall not exceed 20 % of the total eligible cost of the respective small project fund . ### staff and other direct costs corresponding to the cost categories in articles 39 to 42 , as well as indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund or funds , shall not exceed 30 % of the total eligible cost of the respective small project fund or funds .


### staff and indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund shall not exceed 20 % of the total eligible cost of the respective small project fund . ### staff and indirect costs generated at the level of the beneficiary for the management of the small project fund shall not exceed 20 % of the total eligible cost of the relevant small project fund .


### where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed eur 100 000 , the contribution from the erdf or , where applicable , an external financing instrument of the union shall take the form of unit costs or lump sums or include flat rates , except for projects for which the support constitutes state aid . ### where the public contribution to a small project does not exceed eur 100 000 , the contribution from the erdf or , where applicable , an external financing instrument of the union shall take the form of unit costs or lump sums or include flat rates .


### if not otherwise specified in the arrangements laid down pursuant to point of paragraph 1 the lead partner shall ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective union fund as quickly as possible and in full . no amount shall be deducted or withheld and no specific charge or other charge with equivalent effect shall be levied that would reduce that amount for the other partners . ### if not otherwise specified in the arrangements laid down pursuant to point of paragraph 1 the lead partner shall ensure that the other partners receive the total amount of the contribution from the respective union fund in full and within agreed timeframe among all partners and following the same procedure applied for lead partner . no amount shall be deducted or withheld and no specific charge or other charge with equivalent effect shall be levied that would reduce that amount for the other partners .


### any beneficiary in a member state , third country , partner country or oct participating in an interreg programme may be designated as the lead partner . ### any beneficiary in a member state participating in an interreg programme may be designated as the lead partner .


### for component 2 , 3 and 4 interreg programmes , both for the erdf and , where applicable , for the external financing instruments of the union : 7% . ### for component 2 and 4 interreg programmes , both for the erdf and , where applicable , for the external financing instruments of the union : 7% ;


### the member states and , where applicable , the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme shall set up , in agreement with the managing authority , a committee to monitor implementation of the respective interreg programme within three months of the date of notification to the member states of the commission decision adopting an interreg programme , ### the member states and , where applicable , the third countries , partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations participating in that programme shall set up , in agreement with the managing authority , a committee to monitor implementation of the respective interreg programme within three months of the date of notification to the member states of the commission decision adopting an interreg programme ,


### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme shall be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities , intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from member states , third countries , partner countries and octs . ### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme may be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities , intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from member states , third countries , partner countries and octs .


### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme shall be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities , intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from member states , third countries , partner countries and octs . ### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme shall be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from member states , third countries , partner countries and octs .


### the managing authority shall publish a list of the members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in article 35 . ### the managing authority shall publish a list of authorities / bodies appointed as members of the monitoring committee on the website referred to in article 35 .


### representatives of the commission shall participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity . ### representatives of the commission may participate in the work of the monitoring committee in an advisory capacity .


### the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries , where relevant . ### the progress in administrative capacity building for public institutions and beneficiaries , where relevant . and propose any further support measures if necessary .


### at the request of the commission , the managing authority shall , within one month , provide the commission with the information on the elements listed in article 29 : ### at the request of the commission , the managing authority shall , within three months , provide the commission with the information on the elements listed in article 29 :


### the values of output and result indicators for selected interreg operations and values achieved by interreg operations . ### the values of output and result indicators for selected interreg finalized operations and values achieved by interreg operations .


### common output and common result indicators , as set out in annex [ i ] to regulation [ new erdf ] , and , where necessary , programme - specific output and result indicators shall be used in accordance with article [ 12 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] , and point of article 17 and point of article 31 of this regulation . ### common output and common result indicators , asset out in annex [ i ] to regulation [ new erdf ] , which are found to be most suited to measure progress towards the goals of the european territorial cooperation goal programme , shall be used in accordance with article [ 12 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] , and point of article 17 and point of article 31 of this regulation .


### the managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each interreg programme . each evaluation shall assess the programme ' s effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and eu added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective interreg programme . ### the managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each interreg programme , no more than once a year . each evaluation shall assess the programme ' s effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and eu added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective interreg programme .


### the managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each interreg programme . each evaluation shall assess the programme ' s effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and eu added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective interreg programme . ### the managing authority shall carry out evaluations of each interreg programme . the evaluation should assess the programme ' s effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and eu added value with the aim to improve the quality of the design and implementation of the respective interreg programme .


### where the beneficiary does not comply with its obligations under article [ 42 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] or paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the member state shall apply a financial correction by cancelling up to 5% of the support from the funds to the operation concerned . ### where the beneficiary does not comply with its obligations under article [ 42 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] or paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the managing authority shall apply a financial correction by cancelling up to 5% of the support from the funds to the concerned activity of operation .


### as a flat rate in accordance with article [ 50 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] . ### direct staff costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 20 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation , without the requirement for the member state to perform a calculation to determine the applicable rate


### dividing the monthly gross employment cost by the monthly working time fixed in the employment document expressed in hours ; or ### dividing the latest documented monthly gross employment costs by the monthly working time of the person concerned in accordance with applicable legislation referred to in the employment contract and paragraph 2 of article 50 of regulation [ new cpr ] ; or


### as regards staff costs related to individuals who , according to the employment document , work on an hourly basis , such costs shall be eligible applying the number of hours actually worked on the operation to the hourly rate agreed in the employment document based on a working time registration system . ### as regards staff costs related to individuals who , according to the employment document , work on an hourly basis , such costs shall be eligible applying the number of hours actually worked on the operation to the hourly rate agreed in the employment document based on a working time registration system . if not yet included in the agreed hourly rate , salary costs as referred to under38 . 2 . b may be added to that hourly rate , in line with applicable national legislation .


### office and administrative costs shall be limited to the following elements : ### office and administrative costs shall be composed but not limited to the following elements :


### direct payment of expenditure for costs under this article by an employee of the beneficiary shall be supported by a proof of reimbursement by the beneficiary to that employee . ### direct payment of expenditure for costs under this article by an employee of the beneficiary shall be supported by a proof of reimbursement by the beneficiary to that employee . this cost category may be used for travel of operation staff and other stakeholders for the purpose of implementation and promotion of interreg operation and programme .


### external expertise and service costs shall be limited to the following services and expertise provided by a public or private law body or a natural person other than the beneficiary of the operation : ### external expertise and service costs shall be composed but not limited to the following services and expertise provided by a public or private law body or a natural person other than the beneficiary of the operation :


### travel and accommodation for external experts , speakers , chairpersons of meetings and service providers ; ### travel and accommodation for external experts ;


### costs for equipment purchased , rented or leased by the beneficiary of the operation other than those covered by article 39 shall be limited to the following : ### costs for equipment purchased , rented or leased by the beneficiary of the operation other than those covered by article 39 shall be composed but not limited to the following :


### member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries and octs participating in an interreg programme shall identify , for the purposes of article&#160 ; [ 65 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] , a single managing authority and a single audit authority . ### member states and , where applicable , third countries , partner countries , octs , and regional cooperation organisations participating in an interreg programme shall identify , for the purposes of article&#160 ; [ 65 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] , a single managing authority and a single audit authority .


### where the managing authority identifies an intermediate body under an interreg programme in accordance with article [ 65 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] , the intermediate body shall carry out those tasks in more than one participating member state or , where applicable , third country , partner country or oct . ### the managing authority can appoint one or more intermediate bodies to carry out certain tasks coming within its competency in the interreg programme in accordance with article [ 65 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] .


### where external cross - border interreg programmes are supported by the erdf and ipa iii cbc or ndici cbc , the pre - financing for all funds supporting such an interreg programme shall be made in accordance with regulation [ ipa iii ] or [ ndici ] or of any act adopted thereunder . ### where external interreg programmes are supported by the erdf and ipa iii cbc or ndici cbc , the pre - financing for all funds supporting such an interreg programme shall be made in accordance with regulation [ ipa iii ] or [ ndici ] or of any act adopted thereunder .


### participation of third countries or partner countries or octs in interreg programmes under shared management ### participation of third countries or partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations in interreg programmes under shared management


### chapters i to vii and chapter x shall apply to the participation of third countries , partner countries and octs in interreg programmes subject to the specific provisions set out in this chapter . ### chapters i to vii and chapter x shall apply to the participation of third countries , partner countries , octs , or regional cooperation organisations in interreg programmes subject to the specific provisions set out in this chapter .


### component 2 and 4 interreg programmes combining contributions from the erdf and from one or more external financing instrument of the union shall be implemented under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country or partner country or , with regard to component 3 , in any oct , whether or not that oct receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the union . ### component 2 and 4 interreg programmes combining contributions from the erdf and from one or more external financing instrument of the union shall be implemented under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country , partner country or octs , or with regard to component 3 , in any oct , whether or not that oct receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the union .


### component 2 and 4 interreg programmes combining contributions from the erdf and from one or more external financing instrument of the union shall be implemented under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country or partner country or , with regard to component 3 , in any oct , whether or not that oct receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the union . ### component 2 and 4 interreg programmes combining contributions from the erdf and from one or more external financing instrument of the union shall be implemented under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country , partner country , participating oct or , with regard to component 3 , in any oct , whether or not that oct receives support under one or more external financing instruments of the union .


### under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country or oct ; ### under shared management both in the member states and in any participating third country or oct or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation ;


### under indirect management both in the member states and in any participating third country or oct . ### under indirect management both in the member states and in any participating third country or oct or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation .


### under shared management only in the member states and in any participating third country or oct with regard to erdf expenditure outside the union for one or more operations , whereas the contributions from one or more external financing instruments of the union are managed under indirect management ; ### under shared management only in the member states and in any participating third country or oct , or group of third countries forming part of a regional organisation , with regard to erdf expenditure outside the union for one or more operations , whereas the contributions from one or more external financing instruments of the union are managed under indirect management ;


### where the selection of one or more large infrastructure projects is on the agenda of a monitoring committee or , where applicable , steering committee meeting , the managing authority shall transmit a concept note for each such project to the commission at the latest two months before the date of the meeting . the concept note shall be a maximum of three pages and shall indicate the name , the location , the budget , the lead partner and the partners as well as the main objectives and deliverables thereof . if the concept note concerning one or more large infrastructure projects is not transmitted to the commission by that deadline , the commission may request that the chair of the monitoring committee or steering committee remove the projects concerned from the agenda of the meeting . ### where the selection of one or more large infrastructure projects is on the agenda of a monitoring committee or , where applicable , steering committee meeting , the managing authority shall transmit a concept note for each such project to the commission at the latest two months before the date of the meeting . the concept note shall be a maximum of five pages and shall indicate the name , the location , the budget , the lead partner and the partners as well as the main objectives and deliverables thereof , as well as including a credible business plan which demonstrates that the project or projects’ continuation is secure even without the provision of interreg funds . if the concept note concerning one or more large infrastructure projects is not transmitted to the commission by that deadline , the commission may request that the chair of the monitoring committee or steering committee remove the projects concerned from the agenda of the meeting .


### where part or all of a component 3 interreg programme is implemented under indirect management pursuant to point or respectively of article 53 , implementation tasks shall be entrusted to one of the bodies listed in point [ of the first subparagraph of article 62 ] of regulation [ fr - omnibus ] , in particular to such a body located in the participating member state , including the managing authority of the interreg programme concerned . ### where , after consulting stakeholders , part or all of a component 3 interreg programme is implemented under indirect management pursuant to point or respectively of article 53 , implementation tasks shall be entrusted to one of the bodies listed in point [ of the first subparagraph of article 62 ] of regulation [ fr - omnibus ] , in particular to such a body located in the participating member state , including the managing authority of the interreg programme concerned .


### at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 5 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies established at national or regional levels . ### at the initiative of the commission , the erdf will support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 5 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation and social innovation strategies established at national or regional levels . close synergies are to be found with other relevant eu programmes , such as other esif programmes , horizon europe , digital europe and the single market program . the support will aim at enabling : i . the development of thematic road maps to build innovative value chains across europe , with a key role for interregional networks of demonstration and pilot infrastructures . ii . open access for smes to those interregional demonstration and pilot infrastructures . iii . facilitation and acceleration of bringing innovative solutions to the market .


### at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 5 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies established at national or regional levels . ### the erdf may support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 4 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies established at national or regional levels .


### where a spirit drink meets the requirements of more than one of the categories of spirit drinks 15 to 47 of part i of annex ii , it may be sold under one or more of the relevant sales denominations provided for under those categories . ### where a spirit drink meets the requirements of more than one of the categories of spirit drinks 1 to 47 of part i of annex ii , it may be sold under one or more of the relevant sales denominations provided for under those categories .


### in order to take into account evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in the relevant international standards and the need to improve the economic conditions of production and marketing , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 43 concerning : ### in order to take into account evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in the relevant international standards and the need to improve the economic conditions of production and marketing , while ensuring , at the same time , that consumers are protected and traditional practices are taken into account , the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 43 concerning :


### protected geographical indications shall not become generic in the union within the meaning of article 32 . ### protected geographical indications shall not become generic in the union within the meaning of article 32 . the protection for geographical indications referred to in paragraph 2 shall be extended to goods brought , in the course of trade , into the union without being released for circulation , where such goods , including packaging , come from third countries .


### where the application relates to a geographical area in a third country the application shall be lodged with the commission , either directly or via the authorities of the third country concerned . ### where the application relates to a geographical area in a third country the application shall be lodged with the commission via the authorities of the third country concerned .


### a name shall not be protected as a geographical indication if the production or preparation steps which are compulsory for the relevant category of spirit drink , do not take place in the relevant geographical area . ### a name shall not be protected as a geographical indication if the steps which are compulsory for the relevant category of spirit drink do not take place in the relevant geographical area .


### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 . ### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality between women and men , the rule of law and the principle of non - discrimination . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice . ### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention and protection of victims with due regard for the gender - sensitive perspective . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law , fundamental rights and to raise awareness on the practical application of the eu equality legislation . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable .


### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . ### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice and protection of the victims of crime , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives .


### pursuant to articles 8 and 10 tfeu , the programme should also support the mainstreaming of equality between women and men and non - discrimination objectives in all its activities . ### pursuant to articles 8 and 10 tfeu , the programme should also support the mainstreaming of equality between women and men and non - discrimination objectives in all its activities . regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality and non - discrimination are addressed in the programme ' s activities .


### actions covered by this regulation should contribute to the creation of a european area of justice , increasing cross - border cooperation and networking and achieving the correct , coherent and consistent application of union law . funding activities should also contribute to a common understanding of the union’s values , the rule of law , to better knowledge of union law and policies , to sharing know - how and best practices in using judicial cooperation instruments by all concerned stakeholders , as well as to a proliferation of interoperable digital solutions underpinning seamless and efficient cross - border cooperation , and should provide a sound analytical basis to support the development , enforcement and proper implementation of union law and policies . union intervention allows for those actions to be pursued consistently across the union and brings economies of scale . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to address cross - border situations and to provide a european platform for mutual learning . ### actions covered by this regulation should contribute to the creation of a european area of justice , increasing cross - border cooperation and networking and achieving the correct , coherent and consistent application of union law . funding activities should also contribute to a common understanding of the union’s values , the rule of law , to better knowledge of union law and policies , to raise awareness and improve practical application of the eu equality legislation , to sharing know - how and best practices in using judicial cooperation instruments by all concerned stakeholders , as well as to a proliferation of interoperable digital solutions underpinning seamless and efficient cross - border cooperation , and should provide a sound analytical basis to support the development , enforcement and proper implementation of union law and policies . union intervention allows for those actions to be pursued consistently across the union and brings economies of scale . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to address cross - border situations and to provide a european platform for mutual learning .


### to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters , and to promote the rule of law including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems and the enforcement of decision ; ### to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters , and to promote the rule of law and fundamental rights including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems and the enforcement of decision and protection of victims with regard to gender - sensitive perspective ;


### to support and promote judicial training , with a view to fostering a common legal , judicial and rule of law culture ; ### to support and promote judicial training , with a view to fostering a common legal , judicial and rule of law culture and understanding of the eu equality legislation ;


### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process and to follow the implementation of actions carried out under it and the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 3 and in accordance with article 5 .


### it is necessary to ensure that ppe entering the union market complies with this regulation and , in particular , that appropriate assessment procedures have been carried out by manufacturers . provision should therefore be made for importers to make sure that the ppe they place on the market complies with the requirements of this regulation and that they do not place on the market ppe which does not comply with such requirements or which present a risk . provision should also be made for importers to make sure that the conformity assessment procedures have been carried out and that the ce marking and technical documentation drawn up by manufacturers are available for inspection by the market surveillance authorities . ### it is necessary to ensure that ppe entering the union market complies with this regulation and , in particular , that appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been carried out by manufacturers . provision should therefore be made to the effect that importers shall place on the market only ppe which complies with the requirements of this regulation and does not present a risk . provision should also be made for importers to make sure that the conformity assessment procedures have been carried out and that the ce marking and technical documentation drawn up by manufacturers are available for inspection by the market surveillance authorities .


### ensuring traceability of ppe throughout the supply chain helps to make market surveillance simpler and more efficient . an efficient traceability system facilitates the market surveillance authorities ' task of tracing economic operators who made non - compliant product available on the market . ### ensuring traceability of ppe throughout the whole supply chain helps to make market surveillance simpler and more efficient . an efficient traceability system facilitates the market surveillance authorities ' task of tracing economic operators who made non - compliant ppe available on the market and to determine precisely , clearly and transparently the share of responsibility borne by each operator .


### manufacturers shall keep the technical documentation and the eu declaration of conformity for at least 10 years after the ppe has been placed on the market . ### manufacturers shall keep the technical documentation and the eu declaration of conformity for at least five years after the ppe has been placed on the market .


### manufacturers shall indicate , on the ppe , their name , registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal address at which they can be contacted or , where that is not possible , on its packaging or in a document accompanying the ppe . the address shall indicate a single point at which the manufacturer can be contacted . the contact details shall be in a language easily understood by end - users and market surveillance authorities . ### manufacturers shall indicate , on the ppe , their name , registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal address at which they can be contacted on its packaging or in a document accompanying the ppe . the address shall indicate a single point at which the manufacturer can be contacted . the contact details shall be in the official language or languages of the member states in which the ppe is to be marketed .


### these instructions , which must be precise and comprehensible , must be provided at least in the official language of the member state of destination . ### these instructions , which must be precise and comprehensible and clearly legible , must be provided at least in the official language of the member state of destination . the instructions shall be deemed to be clearly legible if they can be read easily from an appropriate distance and without artificial aids by a normal user with normal vision .


### the date of issue and , where appropriate , the date of renewal ; ### the date of issue and , where appropriate , the date of expiry or the date of renewal ;


### the resulting ineffective enforcement of cross - border infringements , in particular in the digital environment , enables traders to evade enforcement by relocating within the union , giving rise to a distortion of competition for law - abiding traders operating either domestically or cross - border , and thus directly harming consumers and undermining consumer confidence in cross - border transactions and the single market . an increased level of harmonisation setting effective and efficient enforcement cooperation among competent public enforcement authorities is therefore necessary to detect , investigate and order the cessation of intra - union infringements and widespread infringements , ### the resulting ineffective enforcement of cross - border infringements , in particular in the digital environment , enables traders to evade enforcement by relocating within the union , giving rise to a distortion of competition for law - abiding traders operating either domestically or cross - border , and thus directly and significantly harming the single market and consumers and undermining consumer confidence in cross - border transactions and the single market . an increased level of harmonisation setting effective and efficient enforcement cooperation among competent public enforcement authorities is therefore necessary to detect , investigate and order the cessation of intra - union infringements and provide an efficient and proportionate response to widespread infringements with a union dimension that significantly harm consumers and the single market ,


### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to take effective and transparent measures to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , requesting hosting service providers to remove content , suspend a website , service or account , or requesting a domain registry or registrar to put a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to request a hosting service provider to remove content , close down a website , service or account or a part of it , or request a registry or registrar to delete a fully qualified domain name . however , measures to remove content can be harmful to freedom of speech and information , as well as ineffective since , in a fast - moving digital environment , content reappears as quickly as it was removed . therefore , measures taken to restrict the online distribution , or otherwise making available , of content to the public should always comply with the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , be limited to what is necessary and proportionate and be executed on the basis of a prior judicial authorisation ,


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


### data related to consumer complaints may help policymakers at a national and union level to assess the functioning of consumer markets and detect infringements . with a view to facilitating the exchange of such data at a union level , the commission has adopted a recommendation on the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquiries59 . that recommendation should be implemented to fully support enforcement cooperation and facilitate the detection of intra - union infringements and widespread infringements , _________________ 59 commission recommendation on the use of harmonised methodology for classifying consumer complaints and enquiries . ### data related to consumer complaints may help policymakers at a national and union level to assess the functioning of consumer markets and detect infringements or risks of infringements . with a view to facilitating the exchange of such data at a union level , the commission has adopted a recommendation on the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquiries59 . member states should implement that recommendation in order to fully support and encourage cross - border enforcement cooperation and facilitate the detection of intra - union infringements and widespread infringements , _________________ 59 commission recommendation on the use of harmonised methodology for classifying consumer complaints and enquiries .


### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union67 . accordingly this regulation should be interpreted and applied with respect to those rights and principles . when exercising the minimum powers set out in this regulation , the competent authorities should strike an appropriate balance between the interests protected by fundamental rights such as a high level of consumer protection , the freedom to conduct business and freedom of information . _________________ 67 oj c 364 , 18 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 . ### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union67 . accordingly this regulation should be interpreted and applied with respect to those rights and principles . when exercising the minimum powers set out in this regulation , the competent authorities should guarantee that the principle of proportionality is respected and strike an appropriate balance between the interests protected by fundamental rights such as a high level of consumer protection , the freedom to conduct business , freedom of expression and freedom of information . _________________ 67 oj c 364 , 18 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 .


### this regulation shall be without prejudice to the application in the member states of measures relating to judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters , in particular the operation of the european judicial network . ### this regulation shall be without prejudice to the application in the member states of measures relating to judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters , in particular the operation of the european judicial network , and to the application of legal instruments regarding judicial cooperation in criminal matters .


### this regulation shall be without prejudice to the role and powers of competent authorities and european banking authority under directive 2014 / 17 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 4 february 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and directive 2014 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 23 july 2014 on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts , payment account switching and access to payment accounts . ### this regulation shall be without prejudice to the role and powers of competent authorities and european banking authority under directive 2014 / 17 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 4 february 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and directive 2014 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 23 july 2014 on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts , payment account switching and access to payment accounts . chapter iii of this regulation shall not apply to intra - union infringements of the two directives referred to in the first subparagraph .


### member states shall ensure that competent authorities and single liaison offices have the adequate resources necessary for the application of this regulation and for the effective use of their powers pursuant to article 8 , including sufficient budgetary and other resources , expertise , procedures and other arrangements . ### member states shall ensure that competent authorities and single liaison offices have the adequate resources necessary for the application of this regulation , including sufficient budgetary and other resources , expertise , procedures and other arrangements .


### each member state may designate bodies having a legitimate interest in the cessation or prohibition of infringements to gather the necessary information and to take the necessary enforcement measures available to them under national law on behalf of a requested competent authority . ### each member state may impose an obligation on designated bodies to gather the necessary information and to take the necessary enforcement measures available to them under national law on behalf of a requested competent authority .


### each competent authority shall have at least the following powers and exercise them under the conditions set out in article 9 , to : ### in order to carry out the duties assigned to them by this regulation , the competent authorities of each member state shall have the following powers and shall exercise them under the conditions set out in article 9 , to :


### require any public authority , body or agency within the member state of the competent authority to supply any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose among others , of identifying and following of financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites ; ### without prejudice to limitations set out by national law , require any public authority , body or agency within the member state of the competent authority to supply any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose among others , of identifying and following of financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites ;


### require any public authority , body or agency within the member state of the competent authority to supply any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose among others , of identifying and following of financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites ; ### require any public authority , body or agency within the member state of the competent authority , through the single liaison office , to supply any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose , among others , of identifying and following of financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites ;


### carry out the necessary on - site inspections , including in particular the power to enter any premises , land or means of transport or to request other authorities to do so in order to examine , seize , take or obtain copies of information , data or documents , irrespective of the medium on which they are stored ; to seal any premises or information , data or documents for a necessary period and to the extent necessary for the inspection ; to request any representative or member of the staff of the trader concerned to give explanations on facts , information or documents relating to the subject matter of the inspection and to record the answers ; ### carry out the necessary on - site inspections of business premises or means of transport , or request other authorities to do so ;


### carry out the necessary on - site inspections , including in particular the power to enter any premises , land or means of transport or to request other authorities to do so in order to examine , seize , take or obtain copies of information , data or documents , irrespective of the medium on which they are stored ; to seal any premises or information , data or documents for a necessary period and to the extent necessary for the inspection ; to request any representative or member of the staff of the trader concerned to give explanations on facts , information or documents relating to the subject matter of the inspection and to record the answers ; ### carry out the necessary on - site inspections , including in particular the power to enter any premises , land or means of transport that the trader uses for purposes related to his trade , business , craft , or profession , or to request other authorities to do so in order to examine , seize , take or obtain copies of information , data or documents , irrespective of the medium on which they are stored ; to seal any premises or information , data or documents for a necessary period and to the extent necessary for the inspection ; to request any representative or member of the staff of the trader concerned to give explanations on facts , information or documents relating to the subject matter of the inspection and to record the answers ;


### request in writing the cessation of the infringement by the trader ; ### request in writing the cessation of the infringement by the trader or prohibit the infringement ;


### directly under their own authority ; or ### as regards article 8 , , and either directly under their own authority or under the supervision of the judicial authorities ; or


### by application to courts competent to grant the necessary decision , including , where appropriate , by appeal , if the application to grant the necessary decision is not successful . ### as regards article 8 , , , , , , , , , , , and by application to courts competent to grant the necessary decision , including , where appropriate , by appeal , if the application to grant the necessary decision is not successful .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts setting out the time limits , standard forms and details of the procedures for requests for enforcement measures . the implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 48 . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts setting out the time limits , standard forms and details of the procedures for requests for enforcement measures , including operators’ right to be heard . the implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 48 .


### criminal investigations or judicial proceedings have already been initiated or final judgment has already been given in respect of the same intra - union infringement and against the same trader before the judicial authorities in the member state of the requested or applicant authority . ### criminal investigations or judicial proceedings have already been initiated or there is an administrative decision , a judgment or a court settlement in respect of the same intra - union infringement and against the same trader before the judicial authorities in the member state of the requested or applicant authority .


### in the event of a disagreement between the applicant and the requested authority , the applicant authority or the requested authority shall without delay refer the matter to the commission which shall issue an opinion . where the matter is not referred to it , the commission may of its own motion issue an opinion . ### in the event of a disagreement between the applicant and the requested authority , the applicant authority or the requested authority may refer the matter to the commission which shall issue an opinion . where the matter is not referred to it , the commission may of its own motion issue an opinion .


### the competent authorities concerned shall ensure that the necessary evidence , data and information are gathered effectively and efficiently . the competent authorities concerned shall ensure that investigations and inspections are conducted simultaneously and that interim measures are applied simultaneously . ### the competent authorities concerned shall ensure that the necessary evidence , data and information are gathered effectively and efficiently . the competent authorities concerned shall ensure that investigations and inspections are conducted simultaneously and that interim measures are applied simultaneously to the extent that national procedural law so allows .


### coordinate the investigations , the inspections and the adoption of interim measures that are decided upon by the competent authorities concerned in accordance with sections i and ii , monitor investigations , inspections and interim measures , as well as other measures , pursuant to article 8 ; ### coordinate and monitor the investigations , the inspections and the adoption of interim measures that are decided upon by the competent authorities concerned in accordance with sections i and ii ;


### the trader shall be entitled to communicate in the official language of the member state of its establishment or residence . the trader may waive that right or request that another official language of the union be used for communicating with the competent authorities . ### for the procedures set out in this chapter , the trader shall be entitled to communicate in the official language of the member state of its establishment or residence .


### the competent authorities may invite commission officials and other accompanying persons authorised by the commission to participate in sweeps . ### the competent authorities may invite commission officials , designated bodies , and other accompanying persons authorised by the commission , when appropriate , to participate in sweeps .


### a competent authority shall without delay notify the commission and other competent authorities of any reasonable suspicion that an infringement is taking place on its territory that may affect consumers ' interests in other member states using the standard form via the database referred to in article 43 . ### a competent authority shall without delay notify the commission and other competent authorities of any reasonable suspicion that an intra - union infringement or a widespread infringement is taking place on its territory that may affect consumers ' interests in other member states using the standard form via the database referred to in article 43 .


### the commission shall without delay notify the competent authorities concerned of any reasonable suspicion that an infringement has occurred on the union ' s territory via the database referred to in article 43 . ### the commission shall without delay notify the competent authorities concerned of any reasonable suspicion that an intra - union infringement or a widespread infringement has occurred on the union ' s territory via the database referred to in article 43 .


### information collected pursuant to article 8 which is communicated to the competent authorities and the commission shall only be used for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the laws that protect consumers ' interests . ### information collected by or communicated to the competent authorities and the commission shall only be used for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the union laws that protect consumers ' interests .


### notwithstanding paragraph 2 , the competent authorities may use and disclose the information necessary : ### notwithstanding paragraph 2 , the competent authorities may use and communicate the information necessary :


### information provided by other authorities , entities and designated bodies shall be stored and processed in the electronic database but those authorities , entities and designated bodies shall not have access to this database . ### information provided by other authorities , entities referred to in article 35 and designated bodies shall be stored and processed in the electronic database but those authorities , entities and designated bodies shall not have access to that database .


### any reallocation from the performance reserve should be subject to the fulfilment of commitments with respect to implementing reforms identified in the european semester process . priority should be given for the implementation of structural reforms which are expected to contribute most to the resilience of domestic economies and have positive spill - over effects on other member states . these include reforms in product and labour markets , tax reforms , the development of capital markets , reforms to improve the business environment as well as investment in human capital and public administration reforms . ### any reallocation from the performance reserve should be subject to the fulfilment of commitments with respect to implementing reforms identified in the european semester process . priority should be given for the implementation of structural reforms which are expected to contribute most to the resilience of domestic economies and have positive spill - over effects on other member states . these include reforms in product and labour markets , tax reforms , the development of capital markets , reforms to improve the business environment as well as investment in human capital and public administration reforms , provided that these reforms do not result in reduced standards and conditions in the labour markets , in production or in the products themselves .


### the measures applicable to spirit drinks should contribute to attaining a high level of consumer protection , preventing deceptive practices and attaining market transparency and fair competition . they should safeguard the reputation which the union’s spirit drinks have achieved in the union and on the world market by continuing to take into account the traditional practices used in the production of spirit drinks as well as increased demand for consumer protection and information . technological innovation should also be taken into account in respect of spirit drinks , where such innovation serves to improve quality , without affecting the traditional character of the spirit drinks concerned . the production of spirit drinks is strongly linked to the agricultural sector . besides representing a major outlet for the agriculture of the union , this link is determinant for the quality and reputation of the spirit drinks produced in the union . this strong link to the agricultural sector should therefore be emphasised by the regulatory framework . ### the measures applicable to spirit drinks should contribute to attaining a high level of consumer protection , removing information asymmetry , preventing deceptive practices and attaining market transparency and fair competition . they should safeguard the reputation which the union’s spirit drinks have achieved in the union and on the world market by continuing to take into account the traditional practices used in the production of spirit drinks as well as increased demand for consumer protection and information . technological innovation should also be taken into account in respect of spirit drinks , where such innovation serves to improve quality , without affecting the traditional character of the spirit drinks concerned . the production of spirit drinks is strongly linked to the agricultural sector . besides representing a major outlet for the agriculture of the union , this link is determinant for the quality and reputation of the spirit drinks produced in the union . this strong link to the agricultural sector should therefore be emphasised by the regulatory framework .


### the measures applicable to spirit drinks should contribute to attaining a high level of consumer protection , preventing deceptive practices and attaining market transparency and fair competition . they should safeguard the reputation which the union’s spirit drinks have achieved in the union and on the world market by continuing to take into account the traditional practices used in the production of spirit drinks as well as increased demand for consumer protection and information . technological innovation should also be taken into account in respect of spirit drinks , where such innovation serves to improve quality , without affecting the traditional character of the spirit drinks concerned . the production of spirit drinks is strongly linked to the agricultural sector . besides representing a major outlet for the agriculture of the union , this link is determinant for the quality and reputation of the spirit drinks produced in the union . this strong link to the agricultural sector should therefore be emphasised by the regulatory framework . ### the measures applicable to spirit drinks should contribute to attaining a high level of consumer protection , preventing deceptive practices and attaining market transparency and fair competition . they should safeguard the reputation which the union’s spirit drinks have achieved in the union and on the world market by continuing to take into account the traditional practices used in the production of spirit drinks as well as increased demand for consumer protection and information . technological innovation should also be taken into account in respect of spirit drinks , where such innovation serves to improve quality , without affecting the traditional character of the spirit drinks concerned . the production of spirit drinks is strongly linked to the agricultural sector . besides representing a major outlet for the agriculture of the union , this link is determinant for the quality and reputation of the spirit drinks produced in the union . this strong link to the agri - food sector should therefore be emphasised by the regulatory framework .