### distribution tariffs shall reflect the cost of use of the distribution network by system users including active customers , and may be differentiated based on system users ' consumption or generation profiles . where member states have implemented the deployment of smart metering systems , regulatory authorities may introduce time differentiated network tariffs , reflecting the use of the network , in a transparent and foreseeable way for the consumer . ### distribution tariffs shall reflect the cost and benefits related to the use of the distribution network by system users and the benefits of those users including lower transmission losses and load reduction including active customers and may be differentiated based on system users ' consumption or generation profiles and grid connection capacities , whilst avoiding disincentives for energy efficiency . where member states have implemented the deployment of smart metering systems , regulatory authorities may introduce time differentiated network tariffs , reflecting the use of the network , in a transparent and foreseeable way for the consumer . the tariffs shall be set in a manner that incentivises investment in demand response flexibility systems and energy savings ; subsequently they shall not include additional capacity - based elements . member states shall ensure that tariffs are not discriminatory , and that there are no subsidies to specific groups of users , including exemptions to pay . member states may allow subsidies and exemptions for measures aiming at preventing fuel poverty as set in article 28 and article 29 of the [ electricity directive ] .


### member states shall monitor resource adequacy within their territory based on the european resource adequacy assessment pursuant to article 19 . ### member states shall monitor resource adequacy within their territory based on the european resource adequacy assessment pursuant to article 19 and on a national and regional assessment where appropriate .


### guarantee the capability of transmission and distribution networks to transmit electricity produced from renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration with minimum possible curtailment or redispatching . that shall not prevent network planning from taking into account limited curtailment or redispatching where this is shown to be more economically efficient and does not exceed 5 % of installed capacities using renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration in their area ; ### guarantee the capability of transmission and distribution networks to transmit electricity produced from renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration with minimum possible curtailment or redispatching . that shall not prevent network planning by distribution system operators&#160 ; from taking into account limited curtailment or redispatching where it can objectively&#160 ; demonstrate that it is&#160 ; more economically efficient and does not exceed 5 % of installed capacities using renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration&#160 ; at the connection point . such a decision should be jointly reached by the distribution system operator and the generator ;


### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility and reflect actual costs incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . in particular , they shall be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not discriminate against energy storage and shall not create disincentives for participation in demand response . without prejudice to paragraph 3 , those charges shall not be distance - related . ### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility and reflect actual costs incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . in particular , they shall be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production or energy storage connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not discriminate against energy storage , specifically not double charging energy storage , and aggregation and shall not create disincentives for self - generation , self - consumption , and for participation in demand response . without prejudice to paragraph 3 , those charges shall not be distance - related .


### actions which prevent price formation on the basis of demand and supply or constitute a disincentive to the development of more flexible generation , low carbon generation , or more flexible demand shall be avoided ; ### actions which prevent price formation on the basis of demand and supply shall be avoided unless they aim to establish solidarity and fair distribution of costs ;


### distribution system operators which are not part of a vertically integrated undertaking or which are unbundled according to the provisions of article 35 [ recast of directive 2009 / 72 / ec as proposed by com 864 / 2 ] , shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity . ### all distribution system operators which are not part of a vertically integrated undertaking or which are unbundled according to the provisions of article 35 [ recast of directive 2009 / 72 / ec as proposed by com 864 / 2 ] , shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity and gas to support the development of a sustainable , decentralised and more integrated energy system , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators and associations that represent them at union level who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity .


### distribution system operators which are not part of a vertically integrated undertaking or which are unbundled according to the provisions of article 35 [ recast of directive 2009 / 72 / ec as proposed by com 864 / 2 ] , shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity . ### all distribution system operators shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity and gas to support the development of a sustainable , decentralized and more integrated energy system , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators and associations that represent them at union level who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity .


### by [ op : twelve months after entry into force ] , the distribution system operators , with the administrative support of the agency , shall submit to the commission and to the agency the draft statutes , a list of registered members , the draft rules of procedure , including the rules of procedures on the consultation with entso for electricity and other stakeholders and the financing rules , of the eu dso entity to be established . ### by [ op : twelve months after entry into force ] , the distribution system operators , with the administrative support of the agency , shall submit to the commission and to the agency the draft outline of a governance structure that guarantees a fair and balanced representation of interests between members and member states . this shall include the draft statutes , a list of registered members , the draft rules of procedure , including the rules of procedures on the consultation with entso for electricity and other stakeholders and the financing rules , of the eu dso entity to be established .


### regional operational centres shall set up and manage their organisation according to a structure that supports the safety of their functions . their organisational structure shall specify : ### the transmission system operators of a system operation region shall set up the organisational structure of regional coordination centres . their organisational structure shall specify :


### member states shall publish a timeline for adopting measures to eliminate any identified regulatory distortions . when addressing resource adequacy concerns member states shall in particular consider removing regulatory distortions , enabling scarcity pricing , developing interconnection , energy storage , demand side measures and energy efficiency . ### member states shall publish a timeline for adopting measures to eliminate any identified regulatory distortions and actions to address market failures . when addressing resource adequacy concerns member states shall in particular consider removing regulatory distortions , enabling scarcity pricing , developing interconnection , energy storage , demand side measures and energy efficiency .


### regional operational centres shall take the necessary steps to cover liability related to the execution of their tasks , in particular , where they adopt decisions binding on transmission system operators . the method employed to provide the cover shall take into account the legal status of the regional operational centre and the level of commercial insurance cover available . ### the transmission system operators of the system operation region shall include arrangements to cover liability related to the execution of its tasks in the proposal for the establishment of regional coordination centres in accordance with article 32 . the method employed to provide the cover shall take into account the legal status of the regional coordination centre and the level of commercial insurance cover available .


### to address residual concerns that cannot be eliminated by the measures pursuant to article 18 , member states may introduce capacity mechanisms , subject to the provisions of this article and to the union state aid rules . ### member states may introduce capacity mechanisms , subject to the provisions of this article and to the union state aid rules .


### ' strategic reserve ' means a capacity mechanism in which resources are only dispatched in case day - ahead and intraday markets have failed to clear , transmission system operators have exhausted their balancing resources to establish an equilibrium between demand and supply , and imbalances in the market during periods where the reserves were dispatched are settled at the value of lost load ; ### ' strategic reserve ' means a capacity mechanism in which resources are held outside the market and are only dispatched in case day - ahead markets have failed to clear , transmission system operators have exhausted their balancing resources to establish an equilibrium between demand and supply , and imbalances in the market during periods where the reserves were dispatched are settled at the value of lost load ;


### the decisions and recommendations issued and the outcome achieved ; ### the decisions by transmission system operators where they have deviated from the recommendations issued by the regional cooperation centres ;


### capacity mechanisms shall not create unnecessary market distortions and not limit cross - border trade . the amount of capacity committed in the mechanism shall not go beyond what is necessary to address the concern . ### capacity mechanisms shall not create unnecessary market distortions and not limit cross - border trade . the amount of capacity committed in the mechanism shall not go beyond what is necessary to address the concern . generation capacity providers shall be selected on the basis of transparent criteria , including flexibility criteria with the aim of minimising the level of stable output .


### self - generated electricity from generating installations using renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration which is not fed into the transmission or distribution network shall not be curtailed unless no other solution would resolve network security issues ; ### self - generated electricity from generating installations using renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration which is not fed into the transmission or distribution network shall not be curtailed unless no other solution would resolve network security issues or if this would result in disproportionately high costs ;


### generating installations using renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration which have been commissioned prior to [ op : entry into force ] and have , when commissioned , been subject to priority dispatch under article 15 of directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council or article 16 of directive 2009 / 28 / ec of the european parliament and of the council35 shall remain subject to priority dispatch . priority dispatch shall no longer be applicable from the date where the generating installation is subject to significant modifications , which shall be the case at least where a new connection agreement is required or the generation capacity is increased . _________________ 35 directive 2009 / 28 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 april 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing directives 2001 / 77 / ec and 2003 / 30 / ec . ### generating installations using variable renewable energy sources or high - efficiency cogeneration which have been commissioned prior to [ op : entry into force ] and have , when commissioned , been subject to priority dispatch under article 15 of directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council or article 16 of directive 2009 / 28 / ec of the european parliament and of the council35 shall remain subject to priority dispatch . priority dispatch shall no longer be applicable from the date where the generating installation is subject to significant modifications , which shall be the case at least where a new connection agreement is required or the generation capacity is increased . _________________ 35 directive 2009 / 28 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 april 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing directives 2001 / 77 / ec and 2003 / 30 / ec .


### regional operational centres shall submit to the agency and to the regulatory authorities of the system operation region the data resulting from their continuous monitoring at least annually . ### regional operational centres shall submit to the agency and to the regulatory authorities of the system operation region the data resulting from their continuous monitoring at least annually . the regional coordination centres shall publish an annual report explaining how their recommendations have been implemented . the report should provide details of cases where operators have departed from the recommendations and of the justifications they have provided .


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


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


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


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


### the management board shall elect a chairperson and a deputy chairperson from among the members with voting rights , and shall strive for gender balance . the chairperson and the deputy chairperson shall be elected by a majority of two - thirds of the members of the management board with voting rights . ### the management board shall elect a chairperson and a deputy chairperson from among the members with voting rights , and shall strive for balanced representation of women and men . the chairperson and the deputy chairperson shall be elected by a majority of two - thirds of the members of the management board with voting rights .


### ) regulation no 1215 / 2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries . it is appropriate to introduce such possibility , so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the european union ' s stabilisation and association process . ### regulation no 1215 / 2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of violations of the fundamental principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries . it is appropriate to introduce such possibility , so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case violations of the fundamental principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the european union ' s stabilisation and association process .


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


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


### participation of young people in humanitarian aid related solidarity activities as referred to in article 10 . ### participation of young people and people with expertise in humanitarian aid related solidarity activities as referred to in article 10 and actions inside and outside the union aimed at building the hosting organisations’ capacity for humanitarian aid in third countries as referred to in article 11 .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible and inclusive opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which will enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities , including local communities , while acquiring useful experience , knowledge , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability at national , regional , european and where appropriate at cross - border or international level . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers .


### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , including those with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad while improving and properly validating their competences as well as facilitating their employability and transition into the labour market . ### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , including persons with disabilities and those with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad while improving and properly validating their intercultural awareness and their professional and civic competences as well as facilitating their employability and transition into the labour market .


### participation of young people in solidarity activities addressing societal challenges , as referred to in article 6 ; ### participation of young people in solidarity activities addressing societal challenges and efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals , as referred to in article 6 ;


### special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union . ### special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . accordingly , the monitoring of the programme shall report upon the extent to which participation meets the aspiration to reflect the diverse make up of society in terms of minority groups , ability , social / financial disadvantage and the regional origin of the participants . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union .


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


### ‘ traineeship’ means a solidarity activity for a period from two to six months , renewable once and for a maximum duration of 12 months , that is offered and paid by the participating organisation hosting the european solidarity corps participant ; ### ‘ traineeship’ means a solidarity activity for a period from two to six months , renewable once and for a maximum duration of 12 months , that is offered and paid by the participating organisation hosting the european solidarity corps participant and that involves a learning component ;


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . these projects are an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , non - governmental organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local and regional communities taking account of specific local , regional and cross - border factors where necessary . these projects are an opportunity to develop innovative solutions to key challenges and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , non - governmental organisations , social enterprises or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . it shall also be accompanied by a final evaluation of the predecessor programme . ### the mid - term review of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than 30 june 2024 . it shall also be accompanied by a final evaluation of the predecessor programme .


### in its communication ‘ a european solidarity corps’ of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes were mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the union . ___________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps 0942 final ) . ### in its communication ‘ a european solidarity corps’ of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national , regional and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes were mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the union . __________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps 0942 final ) .


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


### the european solidarity corps portal should be continuously developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - activity support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### the european solidarity corps portal should be continuously developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps to all users , in compliance with the accessibility requirements of directive 2016 / 2102 of the european parliament and of the council1a , and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - activity support , as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . as regards the deployments in support of humanitarian aid activities and the lengthy timeline between the application and deployment of the volunteer , participants in humanitarian aid activities should not encounter additional barriers compared to participants in other fields . _______________________ 1a directive 2016 / 2102 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically or upon request from participants and may be revoked . particular attention shall be paid to avoiding the duplication of work .


### the establishment , maintenance and updating of the european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as the necessary it support systems and web - based tools . ### the establishment , maintenance and updating of the european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as the necessary it support systems and web - based tools in line with the accessibility requirements of directive 2016 / 2102 .


### special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union . ### special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably most disadvantaged and vulnerable ones , including candidates for volunteer work with disabilities . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , training , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union .


### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , including those with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad while improving and properly validating their competences as well as facilitating their employability and transition into the labour market . ### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , including those with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible and inclusive opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad , with emphasis on candidate and potential candidate countries while improving and properly validating their knowledge and competences as well as facilitating their employability .


### volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations as referred to in article 4 . 1 , point shall include a learning and training component , shall not substitute traineeships or jobs and shall be based on a written volunteering agreement . ### volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations as referred to in article 4 . 1 , point shall include adequate learning and training , including before the placement , linked to the projects in which young volunteers will be involved , with due emphasis on the humanitarian aid principles referred to in article 10 , including the ' do no harm principle ' , and it shall not substitute traineeships or jobs and shall be based on a written volunteering agreement .


### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people’s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination . ### volunteering activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people’s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship , exchanges of good practices , and , the perspectives of employability on the labour market . volunteering activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . participants in volunteering activities should be adequately compensated for their costs related to the volunteering activity including accommodation , local transport , pocket money , meals , transportation from their place of residence to the place of the volunteering activity and back . the commission and the member states should cooperate regarding volunteering policies in the youth field via the open method of coordination .


### the european solidarity corps portal should be continuously developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - activity support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### the european solidarity corps portal should be continuously developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps , in accordance with the standards established by directive 2016 / 2102 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies . the european solidarity corps portal provides a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - activity support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . while a one - stop shop provides the advantage of integrated access to diverse activities , individuals may encounter physical , social and other obstacles in acceding the european solidarity corps portal . in order to overcome such obstacles , participating organisations should provide participants with registration support .


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


### participation of young people in humanitarian aid related solidarity activities as referred to in article 10 . ### participation of young people and people with expertise in humanitarian aid related solidarity activities as referred to in article 10 and actions inside and outside the union aimed at building the hosting organisations’ capacity for humanitarian aid in third countries as referred to in article 11 .


### attracting newcomers , both young people and participating organisations ; ### attracting newcomers , both young people and those with some experience in the eu aid volunteers initiative and participating organisations ;


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . these projects are an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , non - governmental organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities and also the most deprived in society . these projects are an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to continue being active citizens either as volunteers or as employees in associations or setting up associations , non - governmental organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors .


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


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


### actions implemented under the strand ' participation of young people in solidarity activities addressing societal challenges ' shall in particular contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity and democracy in the union and abroad , while also responding to societal challenges with particular effort to promote social inclusion . ### actions implemented under the strand ' participation of young people in solidarity activities addressing societal challenges ' shall in particular contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity , citizenship and democracy in the union and abroad , while also responding to societal challenges with particular effort to promote social inclusion .


### in its communication ‘ a european solidarity corps’ of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes were mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the union . ___________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps 0942 final ) . ### in its communication ‘ a european solidarity corps’ of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national , regional and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes were mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the union . __________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps 0942 final ) .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible and inclusive opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which will enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities , including local communities , while acquiring useful experience , knowledge , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability at national , regional , european and where appropriate at cross - border or international level . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers .


### the actions of the european solidarity corps in third countries referred to in article 11 shall be in particular consistent with and complementary to other areas of union external action , in particular humanitarian aid policy , development cooperation policy , enlargement policy , neighbourhood policy and the union civil protection mechanism . ### the actions of the european solidarity corps in third countries referred to in article 11 shall be in particular consistent with and complementary to other areas of union external action , in particular humanitarian aid policy , development cooperation policy , security policy , enlargement policy , neighbourhood policy and the union civil protection mechanism .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed at least every four years and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled .


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


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


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


### with regard to single - use plastic products for which there are no readily available suitable and more sustainable alternatives , member states should , in line with the polluter pays principle , also introduce extended producer responsibility schemes to cover the costs of waste management and clean - up of litter as well as the costs of awareness - raising measures to prevent and reduce such litter . ### with regard to single - use plastic products for which there are no readily available suitable and more sustainable alternatives , member states should , in line with the polluter pays principle , also introduce extended producer responsibility schemes to cover the necessary costs of waste management in line with article 8 and 8a of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and article 7 of directive 94 / 62 / ec as well as the costs of awareness - raising measures to prevent and reduce such litter .


### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy . ### bio - based innovation lays the foundations for the transition away from a fossil - based economy by encompassing the sustainable sourcing , industrial processing and conversion of biomass from land and sea into bio - based materials and products . it also capitalises on the potential of living resources , life sciences and industrial and agricultural biotechnology for new discoveries , products and processes . bio - based innovation , including technologies , can bring new economic activities and employment to regions and cities , contribute to revitalising rural and coastal economies and strengthen the circularity of the bioeconomy .


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


### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . ### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to ensuring food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas .


### –digital innovations in farming , forestry and across value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models ; ### –digital innovations in farming , forestry and across value chains and rural areas through the use of data and development of infrastructures , technologies and governance models that are accessible for farmers ;


### where a product originating in ukraine is imported on terms which cause , or threaten to cause , serious difficulties to a community producer of like or directly competing products , common customs tariff duties on such product may be reintroduced at any time by the council acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the commission . ### where a product originating in ukraine is imported on terms which cause , or threaten to cause , serious difficulties to a community producer of like or directly competing products , common customs tariff duties on such product may be reintroduced at any time by the council acting by qualified majority .


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


### the level of road transport taxation still differs considerably within the union . therefore , certain restrictions , which also indirectly affect the freedom to provide vehicle hiring services , remain justified in order to avoid fiscal distortions . consequently , member states should have the option to limit the length of time a vehicle hired in a member state other than the one of establishment of the undertaking hiring it can be used within their respective territories . ### the level of road transport taxation still differs considerably within the union . therefore , certain restrictions , which also indirectly affect the freedom to provide vehicle hiring services , remain justified for the purpose of avoiding fiscal distortions . consequently , member states should have the option to limit , within their respective territories , the length of time an established undertaking may use a hired vehicle registered or put into circulation in another member state . they should also be allowed to limit the number of such vehicles being hired by an undertaking established within their territories .


### the implementation and effects of this directive should be monitored by the commission and be documented by it in a report . any future action in this area should be considered in light of that report . ### the implementation and effects of this directive should be monitored by the commission and be documented by it at the latest three years after the transposition deadline . the report should take due account of the impact on road safety , environment and tax revenues and other key elements as such as the number of vehicles registered in another member state hired by transport operators and the number of infringements related to the use of hired vehicles , overall as well as cross - border . the need for future action in this area should be considered in light of that report .


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


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that their undertakings may use hired vehicles for the carriage of goods by road under the same conditions as vehicles owned by them , provided that the conditions laid down in article 2 are satisfied . ” ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that their undertakings may use hired vehicles for the carriage of goods by road under the same conditions as vehicles owned by them , provided that the conditions laid down in article 2 are satisfied . member states may exclude from the provisions of paragraph 1 own - account transport operations carried out by vehicles with a total permissible laden weight of more than 6 tonnes . ” .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that their undertakings may use hired vehicles for the carriage of goods by road under the same conditions as vehicles owned by them , provided that the conditions laid down in article 2 are satisfied . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that undertakings established within their territories may use hired vehicles for the carriage of goods by road under the same conditions as vehicles owned by them , provided that the conditions laid down in article 2 are satisfied .


### 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 , the regions to be supported by the erdf shall be the nuts level 2 regions of the union covering functional areas , taking into account , where applicable , macro - regional strategies or sea basin strategies .


### it is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of interreg , including each member state ' s share of the global amounts for the cross - border cooperation , the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation , the potential available to member states concerning flexibility between those components . compared to the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the share for cross - border cooperation should be reduced , while the share for transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation should be increased because of the integration of maritime cooperation , and a new outermost regions’ cooperation component should be created . ### it is necessary to set out the resources allocated to each of the different components of interreg , including each member state ' s share of the global amounts for the cross - border cooperation , the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation , the outermost regions’ cooperation and the interregional cooperation , the potential available to member states concerning flexibility between those components .


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


### 3 . 2 % for outermost regions ' cooperation ; ### 2 . 7 % for outermost regions ' cooperation ;


### technical assistance to each interreg programme shall be reimbursed as a flat rate by applying the percentages set out in paragraph 2 to the eligible expenditure included in each payment application pursuant to [ points or of article 85 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] as appropriate . ### technical assistance to each interreg programme may be reimbursed either as a refund of costs pursuant to article [ 48 of the regulation [ new regulation on common regulations ] , or as a flat rate by applying the percentages set out in paragraph 2 to the eligible expenditure included in each payment application pursuant to [ points or of article 85 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] as appropriate .


### 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 ;


### internal cross - border cooperation between adjacent land border regions of two or more member states or between adjacent land border regions of at least one member state and one or more third countries listed in article 4 ; or ### internal cross - border cooperation between adjacent land or maritime border regions of two or more member states or between adjacent land border regions of at least one member state and one or more third countries listed in article 4 ; or


### the managing authority shall consult the commission and take its comments into account prior to the initial submission of the selection criteria to the monitoring committee or , where applicable , the steering committee . the same shall apply for any subsequent changes to those criteria . ### the managing authority shall notify the commission prior to the initial submission of the selection criteria to the monitoring committee or , where applicable , the steering committee . the same shall apply for any subsequent changes to those criteria .


### travel and accommodation costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs other than the direct staff costs of that operation . ### travel and accommodation costs of an operation may be calculated at a flat rate of up to 15 % of the direct costs of that operation .


### the erdf resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to eur 8 430 000 000 of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the erdf , esf + and the cohesion fund for the 2021 - 2027 programming period and set out in article [ 102 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] . ### the erdf resources for the european territorial cooperation goal shall amount to eur 11 165 910 000 of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the erdf , esf + and the cohesion fund for the 2021 - 2027 programming period and set out in article [ 102 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] .


### the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities , and should also include maritime cross - border cooperation . transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the union , whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea - basins and integrate cross - border cooperation on maritime borders during the programming period 2014 - 2020 . maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross - border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework , in particular by defining the territory covered , the specific objectives for such cooperation , the requirements for a project partnership and the setting - up of sub - programmes and specific steering committees . ### the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities . transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the union , whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea - basins that extend geographically beyond those covered by cross - border programmes . maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross - border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework , in particular by defining the territory covered , the specific objectives for such cooperation , the requirements for a project partnership and the setting - up of sub - programmes and specific steering committees .


### the cross - border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border regions , and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas as evidenced in the communication of the commission ' boosting growth and cohesion in eu border regions’23 . consequently , the cross - border component should be limited to cooperation on land borders and cross - border cooperation on maritime borders should be integrated into the transnational component . ### the cross - border cooperation component should aim to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the land or maritime border regions , and to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas . consequently , the cross - border component should include cooperation on land or maritime borders and cross - border cooperation should support regions located along land or maritime borders .


### the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities , and should also include maritime cross - border cooperation . transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the union , whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea - basins and integrate cross - border cooperation on maritime borders during the programming period 2014 - 2020 . maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross - border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework , in particular by defining the territory covered , the specific objectives for such cooperation , the requirements for a project partnership and the setting - up of sub - programmes and specific steering committees . ### the transnational cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities , and should also include maritime cooperation . .


### the transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities , and should also include maritime cross - border cooperation . transnational cooperation should cover larger territories on the mainland of the union , whereas maritime cooperation should cover territories around sea - basins and integrate cross - border cooperation on maritime borders during the programming period 2014 - 2020 . maximum flexibility should be given to continue implementing previous maritime cross - border cooperation within a larger maritime cooperation framework , in particular by defining the territory covered , the specific objectives for such cooperation , the requirements for a project partnership and the setting - up of sub - programmes and specific steering committees . ### the transnational cooperation component should aim to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the union ' s cohesion policy priorities . transnational cooperation should cover larger transnational territories and , where appropriate , territories around sea basins that extend geographically beyond those covered by cross - border programmes .


### under external cross - border and component 2 and 3 interreg programmes the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union shall also contribute to the external interreg - specific objective ' a safer and more secure europe ' , in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management , including the protection of migrants . ### under external cross - border and component 2 and 3 interreg programmes the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union may also contribute to the external interreg - specific objective ' a safer and more secure europe ' , in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management , including the protection of migrants .


### third countries , partner countries and octs participating in an interreg programme shall delegate staff to the joint secretariat of that programme or shall set up a branch office in its respective territory , or shall do both . ### third countries , partner countries and octs participating in an interreg programme may delegate staff to the joint secretariat of that programme and / or shall set up a branch office or a contact point in its respective territory .


### however , an interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the union shall be submitted by the member state hosting the prospective managing authority no later than six months after the adoption by the commission of the relevant strategic programming document under article 10 or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the union . ### however , an interreg programme covering support from an external financing instrument of the union shall be submitted by the member state hosting the prospective managing authority no later than twelve months after the adoption by the commission of the relevant strategic programming document under article 10 or where required under the respective basic act of one or more of an external financing instrument of the union .


### 2022 : 1% ; ### 2022 : 2% ;


### under external cross - border and component 2 and 3 interreg programmes the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union shall also contribute to the external interreg - specific objective ' a safer and more secure europe ' , in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management , including the protection of migrants . ### under external cross - border and component 2 and 3 interreg programmes the erdf and , where applicable , the external financing instruments of the union shall also contribute to the external interreg - specific objective ' a safer and more secure europe ' , in particular by actions in the fields of border crossing management and mobility and migration management in full respect of the principle of the rule of law and , including the protection of and respect for human rights of migrants .


### member states should be encouraged to assign the functions of the managing authority to an egtc or to make such a grouping , like other cross - border legal bodies , responsible for managing a sub - programme , an integrated territorial investment or one or more small project funds , or to act as sole partner . ### member states should be encouraged to assign the functions of the managing authority to an egtc or to make such a grouping , like other cross - border legal bodies , responsible for managing a sub - programme or an integrated territorial investment , or to act as sole partner .


### 1 . 2 % for interregional cooperation ; ### eur 365 000 000 for interregional cooperation ;


### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' 25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . __________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 . ### based on the positive experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg , on the one hand , and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , on the other , interregional cooperation among cities and regions is an important component with a view to finding common solutions in the cohesion policy field and building lasting partnerships . existing programmes and , in particular , promotion of project - based cooperation , including promoting european groupings of territorial cooperation , should therefore be continued . through early measures for regional networking and coordination ahead of the programming process , support should be provided for interregional cooperation under the ‘ investment for jobs and growth’ goal . the new component on interregional innovation investments should be used to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood and contribute to implementing the communication from the commission ‘ strengthening innovation in europe’s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth’ . the programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . __________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 .


### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . under that article and the second and third paragraphs of article 174 of the tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention is to be paid to certain categories of regions , among which cross - border regions are explicitly listed . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . under that article and the second and third paragraphs of article 174 of the tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention is to be paid to rural areas , areas affected by an industrial transition and regions suffering from serious and permanent natural or demographic disadvantages , such as the northernmost regions with a low population density and island , cross - border and mountain 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 or for interregional innovation investments under component 5 , the entire territory of the union shall be supported by the erdf . third countries may participate , provided they make a funding contribution .


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


### based on the experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 , the interregional cooperation component should focus more specifically on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy . that component should therefore be limited to two programmes , one to enable all kind of experience , innovative approaches and capacity building for programmes under both goals and to promote european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 and one to improve the analysis of development trends . project - based cooperation throughout the union should be integrated into the new component on interregional innovation investments and closely linked to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' 25 , in particular to support thematic smart specialisation platforms on fields such as energy , industrial modernisation or agrifood . finally , integrated territorial development focusing on functional urban areas or urban areas should be concentrated within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal and in one accompanying instrument , the ‘ european urban initiative” . the two programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 . ### based on the positive experience with the interregional cooperation programmes under interreg , on the one hand , and the lack of such cooperation within programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal during the programming period 2014 - 2020 on the other , interregional cooperation should focus on boosting the effectiveness of cohesion policy through the exchange of experience , the development of capacities among cities and regions in the whole eu , the implementation of innovative approaches and the analysis of development trends for programmes under both goals . the 4 existing programmes and , in particular , promotion of project - based cooperation in the whole union , as well as european groupings of territorial cooperation set up or to be set up pursuant to regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council24 , should therefore be continued . interregional cooperation should allow the support to cooperation on innovation and ecological transition and contribute to the implementation of the communication from the commission ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' 25 . the programmes under the interregional cooperation component should cover the whole union and should also be open for the participation of third countries . _________________ 24 regulation no 1082 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2006 on a european grouping of territorial cooperation . 25 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' strengthening innovation in europe ' s regions : strategies for resilient , inclusive and sustainable growth ' - com 376 final , 18 . 7 . 2017 .


### 7 % for cross - border cooperation ; ### 2% for cross - border cooperation ;


### an interreg operation may be implemented in a single country , provided that the impact on and the benefits for the programme area are identified in the operation application . ### an interreg operation may be implemented in a single country or oct , provided that the impact on and the benefits for the programme area are identified in the operation application .