### verification that the third - country national concerned is not considered to be a threat to public policy , internal security or international relations of any of the member states , including by consulting the relevant union and national databases , in particular the schengen information system ; ### verification that the third - country national concerned is not considered to be a threat to public policy , internal security or international relations of any of the member states , including by consulting the relevant union national and international relevant databases , in particular the schengen information system ;


### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . it is therefore possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . _________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union . ### technological developments allow in principle to consult relevant databases without delaying the process of crossing the border , as the controls on documents and persons can be carried out in parallel . therefore , synergies and convergence between information systems and their corresponding infrastructure for union border management and for customs operations should be structurally improved by making data management in the union more effective , efficient , interoperable and compatible , with full respect for data protection requirements , in order to better protect the external borders and enhance the internal security of the union , for the benefit of all citizens . it is also possible without negative effect on persons travelling in good faith to strengthen checks at external borders to better identify those persons who intend to hide their real identity or who are subject to relevant alerts for security reasons or for arrest . systematic checks should be carried out at all external borders . however , if systematic checks at land and sea borders were to have a disproportionate impact on the flow of traffic at the border , member states should be allowed not to carry out systematic checks against databases but only if based on a risk analysis assessing that such a relaxation would not lead to a security risk . such risk assessment should be transmitted to the agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union established by council regulation no 2007 / 20048 and be the subject of regular reporting both to the commission and to the agency . _________________ 8 council regulation no 2007 / 2004 of 26 october 2004 establishing a european agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the european union .


### member states are obliged to check systematically third country nationals against all databases on entry . it should be ensured that such checks are also carried out systematically on exit . ### member states should be obliged to check systematically third country nationals against all relevant available databases , both on entry and exit .


### ' verification that the third - country national concerned is not considered to be a threat to public policy , internal security or international relations of any of the member states , including by consulting the relevant union and national databases , in particular the schengen information system ; ' ### ' verification that the third - country national concerned is not considered to be a threat to public policy , internal security or international relations of any of the member states , including by consulting the relevant union and national databases , in particular the schengen information system and , where possible , all data bases made available by third countries , following special agreements made with the union in the field of international cooperation for security and the fight against terrorism ; ' .


### member states are obliged to check systematically third country nationals against all databases on entry . it should be ensured that such checks are also carried out systematically on exit . ### deleted .


### masters of fishing vessels authorised to harvest red coral shall have on board a logbook in which are reported the daily catches of red coral and fishing activity by area and depths , including the number of fishing days and diving . that information shall be communicated to the competent national authorities without delay . ### masters of fishing vessels authorised to harvest red coral shall have on board a logbook in which are reported the daily catches of red coral and fishing activity by area and depths , including the number of fishing days and diving . that information shall be communicated to the competent national authorities within the deadlines provided for by the rules in force .


### in order to ensure that the union continues to fulfil its obligations under the gfcm agreement , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission concerning authorisations to derogate from the prohibition to harvest red coral at depths less than 50 m and to depart from the minimum basal diameter of red coral colonies . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to ensure that the union continues to fulfil its obligations under the gfcm agreement , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission concerning authorisations to derogate from the prohibition to harvest red coral at depths less than 50 m and to depart from the minimum basal diameter of red coral colonies , unless the member state concerned has already transposed the relevant gfcm recommendation by developing adequate national management plans . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles for the exploitation of red coral shall be prohibited . that prohibition shall cover , as from 1 january 2015 , the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles which may have been authorized by member states in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of paragraphs 3 or 3 of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 . ### the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles for the exploitation of red coral shall be prohibited . that prohibition shall cover , as from 1 january 2016 , the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles which may have been authorized by member states in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of paragraphs 3 or 3 of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 . with regard to the second sentence of this paragraph , if scientific advice , as validated by the gfcm ' s scientific advisory committee , states otherwise , the commission shall adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 27 , which shall reflect this advice .


### for the harvesting of red coral , the only permitted gear shall be a hammer used manually by professional fishermen . ### for the harvesting of red coral , the only permitted gear shall be a hammer used manually by licensed fishermen in the course of scuba diving .


### the harvesting of red coral shall be prohibited at depth less than 50 m . ### the harvesting of red coral shall be prohibited at depth less than 50 m until scientific studies , as validated by the gfcm ' s scientific advisory committee , indicate otherwise .


### by 15 november of each year , member states shall submit to the commission : ### by 15 december of each year , member states shall submit to the commission :


### the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles for the exploitation of red coral shall be prohibited . that prohibition shall cover , as from 1 january 2015 , the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles which may have been authorized by member states in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of paragraphs 3 or 3 of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 . ### the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles for the exploitation of red coral shall be authorised until 31 december 2015 . it shall be prohibited from that date . that prohibition shall cover the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles which may have been authorized by member states in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of paragraphs 3 or 3 of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 .


### the harvesting of red coral shall be prohibited at depth less than 50 m . ### the harvesting of red coral shall be prohibited at depth less than 50 m . &#160 ; if&#160 ; scientific studies , as validated by the gfcm ' s scientific advisory committee , indicate otherwise , &#160 ; the commission shall adopt delegated acts , &#160 ; in accordance with article 27 , which shall reflect the results of&#160 ; such&#160 ; studies .


### vessels using purse seines for small pelagic species or surrounding nets without purse line for pelagic species shall not encircle sea turtles . ### to the extent practicable , vessels using purse seines for small pelagic species or surrounding nets without purse line for pelagic species shall avoid encircling sea turtles .


### at its annual sessions in 2011 and 2012 , the gfcm adopted measures for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in its area of competence to be implemented in union law . one of those measures concerns the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles . the gfcm decided that rovs in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 , are no longer to be allowed after 2014 . according to another measure laid down in recommendation gfcm / 36 / 2012 / 1 , red coral catches are to be landed only in a limited number of ports with adequate port facilities and the lists of designated ports are to be communicated to the gfcm secretariat . any changes affecting the lists of ports designated by member states should be communicated to the european commission for further transmission to the gfcm secretariat . ### at its annual sessions in 2011 and 2012 , the gfcm adopted measures for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in its area of competence to be implemented in union law . one of those measures concerns the use of remotely operated under - water vehicles . the gfcm decided that rovs in zones under national jurisdiction exclusively for observation and prospection of red coral on the basis of recommendation gfcm / 35 / 2011 / 2 , are no longer to be allowed after 2014 , unless scientific advice states otherwise . however , in line with the recommendation , the use of rovs should be allowed in the case of member states which have not yet authorised them for prospection and may wish to do so , provided that scientific results obtained in the context of management plans show no negative impact on the sustainable exploitation of red coral . the use of rovs may also be authorised for a limited period not extending beyond 2015 , for scientific experimental campaigns both for observation and for harvesting . according to another measure laid down in recommendation gfcm / 36 / 2012 / 1 , red coral catches are to be landed only in a limited number of ports with adequate port facilities and the lists of designated ports are to be communicated to the gfcm secretariat . any changes affecting the lists of ports designated by member states should be communicated to the european commission for further transmission to the gfcm secretariat .


### identity cards issued by member states shall be produced in id - 1 format and shall comply with the minimum security standards set out in icao document 9303 . ### identity cards issued by member states shall be produced in id - 1 format and shall comply with the following minimum security standards : the document title shall appear in the official language or languages of the issuing member state and at least one other official language of the institutions of the union ; identity cards shall include a machine readable zone ; identity cards shall include a highly secure storage medium which shall contain a facial image of the holder of the card and two fingerprints taken flat in interoperable formats only accessible to the holder , competent authorities and , upon authorization of the user , to other entities .


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies may request the office to conduct a preliminary evaluation of allegations reported to them . for the purposes of those requests , paragraph 3 shall apply . ### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies may request the office to conduct a preliminary evaluation of allegations reported to them . for the purposes of those requests , paragraphs 1 to 4 shall apply mutatis mutandis . the office shall inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned of the results of the preliminary evaluation , unless providing such information could jeopardise an investigation conducted by the office or the eppo .


### for the purpose of applying the first subparagraph , the office shall verify in accordance with article 12g via the eppo ' s case management system whether the eppo is conducting an investigation . the office may request further information from the eppo . the eppo shall reply to such a request within 10 working days . ### for the purpose of applying the first subparagraph , the office shall verify in accordance with article 12g whether the eppo is conducting an investigation . the office may request further information from the eppo . the eppo shall reply to such a request without undue delay .


### article 19 evaluation report by 2 october 2017 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application of this regulation . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation . ### article 19 is replaced by the following : article 19 evaluation report no later than three years after the date determined in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 120 of regulation 2017 / 1939 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application and impact of this regulation , in particular as regards the effectiveness and efficiency of the cooperation between the office and the eppo . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation .


### the director - general may open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . the decision by the director - general whether or not to open an investigation shall take into account the investigation policy priorities and the annual management plan of the office established in accordance with article 17 . that decision shall also take into account the need for efficient use of the office ' s resources and for proportionality of the means employed . with regard to internal investigations , specific account shall be taken of the institution , body , office or agency best placed to conduct them , based , in particular , on the nature of the facts , the actual or potential financial impact of the case , and the likelihood of any judicial follow - up . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to article 12d , the director - general shall open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union . the evaluation period preceding the decision shall not exceed two months . if the informant who provided the underlying information is known , he or she shall be informed of the outcome of the evaluation .


### in addition to the first subparagraph , the institution , body , office or agency concerned may at any time consult the office with a view to taking , in close cooperation with the office , any appropriate precautionary measures , including measures for the safeguarding of evidence , and shall inform the office without delay of such decision . ### in addition to the first subparagraph , the institution , body , office or agency concerned shall inform the office without delay of any deviation from the suggested precautionary measures and the reasons for the deviation .


### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ### if an investigation cannot be closed within nine months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that nine - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating in detail the reasons for the delay and the remedial measures taken with a view to speeding up the investigation .


### in cases where the information received by the office does not include the elements set out in paragraph 2 , and there is no investigation of the office ongoing , the office may conduct a preliminary evaluation of the allegations . the evaluation shall be carried out expeditiously , and in any case within two months of receipt of the information . in the course of this evaluation , article 6 and article 8 shall apply . ### in cases where the information received by the office does not include the elements set out in paragraph 2 , and there is no investigation of the office ongoing , the office may conduct a preliminary evaluation of the allegations . the evaluation shall be carried out without delay , and in any case within two months of receipt of the information . in the course of this evaluation , article 6 and article 8 shall apply .


### the director - general shall report regularly to the european parliament , the council , the commission and the court of auditors on the findings of investigations carried out by the office , the action taken and the problems encountered , whilst respecting the confidentiality of the investigations , the legitimate rights of the persons concerned and of informants , and , where appropriate , national law applicable to judicial proceedings . ### paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : 4 . the director - general shall report regularly , and at least annually , to the european parliament , the council , the commission and the court of auditors on the findings of investigations carried out by the office , the action taken , the problems encountered and the office’s follow - up to the recommendations made by the supervisory committee in accordance with article 15 , whilst respecting the confidentiality of the investigations , the legitimate rights of the persons concerned and of informants , and , where appropriate , national law applicable to judicial proceedings . the annual report shall also include an assessment of the degree of cooperation with the competent authorities of the member states and the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , with particular regard to the implementation of article 11 .


### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation . ### where the eppo is conducting an investigation , if the director - general , in duly justified cases , considers that an investigation by the office should also be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo and request its agreement . for that purpose , the office shall transmit a written request , specifying the nature of the measure and the person concerned .


### the office may request oral information , including through interviews , and written information from officials , other servants , members of institutions or bodies , heads of offices or agencies , or staff members . ### the office may request oral information , including through interviews , and written information from economic operators , officials , other servants , members of institutions or bodies , heads of offices or agencies , or staff members .


### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation . ### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation , and seeking the eppo’s written consent to the opening of a complementary investigation .


### within 30 days after receipt of this information the eppo may object to the opening of an investigation or to the performance of certain acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply . ### within 30 working days after receipt of this information the eppo shall either give its consent to the opening of an investigation or object to the opening of an investigation or to the performance of certain acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply .


### within 30 days after receipt of this information the eppo may object to the opening of an investigation or to the performance of certain acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply . ### within 10 working days after receipt of this information the eppo shall either agree or object to the opening of an investigation or to the performance of certain any acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . if the eppo objects to the request , the office shall not take such action . in exceptional cases , due to the complexity of investigations , the eppo may inform the office of the need to extend this deadline by 20 working days . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply .


### where necessary to facilitate the cooperation with the eppo as set out in article 1 , the office shall agree with the eppo on administrative arrangements . such working arrangements may establish practical details for the exchange of information , including personal data , operational , strategic or technical information and classified information . they shall include detailed arrangements on the continuous exchange of information during the receipt and verification of allegations by both offices . ### where necessary to facilitate the cooperation with the eppo as set out in article 1 , the office shall agree with the eppo on administrative arrangements . such working arrangements may establish practical details for the exchange of information , including personal data , operational , strategic or technical information and classified information . they shall include detailed arrangements on the continuous exchange of information during the receipt and verification of allegations by both offices . the director - general of the office and the european chief public prosecutor shall meet at least once year to discuss matters of common interest .


### if the director - general decides not to open an internal investigation , he may without delay send any relevant information to the institution , body , office or agency concerned for appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the rules applicable to that institution , body , office or agency . the office shall agree with that institution , body , office or agency , if appropriate , on suitable measures to protect the confidentiality of the source of that information and shall , if necessary , ask to be informed of the action taken . ### in article 5 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ' 5 . if the director - general decides not to open an investigation within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies despite there being a sufficient suspicion that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union , he shall without delay send any relevant information to the institution , body , office or agency concerned for appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the rules applicable to that institution , body , office or agency . the office shall agree with that institution , body , office or agency , if appropriate , on suitable measures to protect the confidentiality of the source of that information and shall , if necessary , ask to be informed of the action taken . '


### the office shall report to the eppo without undue delay any criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo could exercise its competence in accordance with article 22 and article 25 and of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the report shall be sent at any stage before or during an investigation of the office . ### the office shall immediately notify the eppo on any indication of a criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo exercises its competence in accordance with articles 22 and 25 of regulation 2017 / 1939 . this notification shall be followed by a report sent without undue delay . the notification and the report shall be sent at any stage before or during an investigation of the office . the eppo may request the office to send additional information setting a deadline for this transmission .


### the office shall report to the eppo without undue delay any criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo could exercise its competence in accordance with article 22 and article 25 and of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the report shall be sent at any stage before or during an investigation of the office . ### the office shall report to the eppo without undue delay any criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo could exercise its competence in accordance with chapter iv of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the report shall be sent as early as possible before or during an investigation of the office .


### the office shall report to the eppo without undue delay any criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo could exercise its competence in accordance with article 22 and article 25 and of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the report shall be sent at any stage before or during an investigation of the office . ### the office shall immediately notify to the eppo of any criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo could exercise its competence in accordance with chapter iv of regulation 2017 / 1939 . this notification shall be followed by a report sent as early as possible . the notification and the report shall be sent at any stage before or during an investigation of the office . the eppo may request the office to send additional information setting a deadline for this transmission .


### if the director - general decides not to open an external investigation , he may without delay send any relevant information to the competent authorities of the member state concerned for action to be taken where appropriate , in accordance with union law and national law . where necessary , the office shall also inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned . ; ### if the director - general decides not to conduct an on - the - spot check or inspection pursuant to article 3 despite there being a sufficient suspicion that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union , he shall without delay send any relevant information to the competent authorities of the member state concerned for action to be taken where appropriate , in accordance with union law and national law . where necessary , the office shall also inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned . ;


### article 19 evaluation report by 2 october 2017 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application of this regulation . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation . ### article 19 is replaced by the following : article 19 evaluation report no later than three years after the date determined in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 120 of regulation 2017 / 1939 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council an evaluation report on the application and impact of this regulation , in particular as regards the effectiveness and efficiency of the cooperation between the office and the eppo . that report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the supervisory committee and shall state whether there is a need to amend this regulation .


### any special measures of confidentiality recommended , in particular in cases entailing the use of investigative measures falling within the competence of a national judicial authority or , in the case of an external investigation , within the competence of a national authority , in accordance with the national rules applicable to investigations . ### in paragraph 6 , subparagraph 1 point c is replaced by the following : any special measures of confidentiality recommended , in particular in cases entailing the use of investigative measures falling within the competence of a national judicial authority or other national authority , in accordance with the national rules applicable to investigations .


### for the purpose of applying the first subparagraph , the office shall verify in accordance with article 12g via the eppo ' s case management system whether the eppo is conducting an investigation . the office may request further information from the eppo . the eppo shall reply to such a request within 10 working days . ### for the purpose of applying the first subparagraph , the office shall verify in accordance with article 12g whether the eppo is conducting an investigation . the office may request further information from the eppo . the eppo shall reply to such a request without undue delay .


### in cases where the information received by the office does not include the elements set out in paragraph 2 , and there is no investigation of the office ongoing , the office may conduct a preliminary evaluation of the allegations . the evaluation shall be carried out expeditiously , and in any case within two months of receipt of the information . in the course of this evaluation , article 6 and article 8 shall apply . ### in cases where the information received by the office does not include the elements set out in paragraph 2 , and there is no investigation of the office ongoing , the office may conduct a preliminary evaluation of the allegations . the evaluation shall be carried out as expeditiously as possible , and in any case within two months of receipt of the information . in the course of this evaluation , article 6 and article 8 shall apply . the office shall refrain from performing any measures that may jeopardise any possible future investigations of the eppo .


### if the director - general decides not to open an internal investigation , he may without delay send any relevant information to the institution , body , office or agency concerned for appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the rules applicable to that institution , body , office or agency . the office shall agree with that institution , body , office or agency , if appropriate , on suitable measures to protect the confidentiality of the source of that information and shall , if necessary , ask to be informed of the action taken . ### in article 5 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : 5 . if the director - general decides not to open an investigation within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , he shall without delay send any relevant information to the institution , body , office or agency concerned for appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the rules applicable to that institution , body , office or agency . the office shall agree with that institution , body , office or agency , if appropriate , on suitable measures to protect the confidentiality of the source of that information and shall , if necessary , ask to be informed of the action taken .


### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ### if an investigation cannot be closed within nine months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that nine - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating in detail the reasons for the delay and the remedial measures taken with a view to speeding up the investigation .


### reports and recommendations drawn up following an external investigation and any relevant related documents shall be sent to the competent authorities of the member states concerned in accordance with the rules relating to external investigations and , if necessary , to the institution , body , office or agency concerned . that institution , body , office or agency shall take such action as the results of the external investigation warrant , and shall report thereon to the office , within a time - limit laid down in the recommendations accompanying the report , and , in addition , at the request of the office . ### reports and recommendations drawn up following an investigation and any relevant related documents shall be sent , as appropriate , to the competent authorities of the member states concerned in accordance with the rules relating to investigations and , to the institution , body , office or agency concerned . that institution , body , office or agency shall take such action , in particular of a disciplinary or legal nature , as the results of the investigation warrant , and shall report thereon to the office , within a time - limit laid down in the recommendations accompanying the report , and , in addition , at the request of the office . member states shall report back to the office within six months on the actions taken in response to the case report .


### the report may be accompanied by recommendations of the director - general on action to be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established . ### the report shall be accompanied by recommendations of the director - general on action to be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established .


### in the event that the eppo does not object within the time period of the previous subparagraph , the office may open an investigation , and it shall conduct it in close consultation with the eppo . ### in the event that the eppo gives its consent , the office may open an investigation , and it shall conduct it in close consultation with the eppo .


### the director - general may open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . the decision by the director - general whether or not to open an investigation shall take into account the investigation policy priorities and the annual management plan of the office established in accordance with article 17 . that decision shall also take into account the need for efficient use of the office ' s resources and for proportionality of the means employed . with regard to internal investigations , specific account shall be taken of the institution , body , office or agency best placed to conduct them , based , in particular , on the nature of the facts , the actual or potential financial impact of the case , and the likelihood of any judicial follow - up . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . without prejudice to article 12d , the director - general may open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union . the evaluation period preceding the decision shall not exceed two months . if the informant who provided the underlying information is known , he or she shall be informed of the outcome of the evaluation . '


### the report shall contain , as a minimum , a description of the facts , including an assessment of the damage caused or likely to be caused the possible legal qualification and any available information about potential victims , suspects and any other involved persons . ### the report shall contain , as a minimum , a description of the facts and information known by the office , including an assessment of the damage caused or likely to be caused , where the office has such information , the possible legal qualification and any available information about potential victims , suspects and any other involved persons . together with the report , the office shall transmit to the eppo any other relevant information , on the case , in its possession .


### ‘ fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union’ shall have the meaning applied to those words in the relevant union acts ; ### in article 2 , point 3 is replaced by the following : ‘ fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union’ shall have the meaning applied to those words in the relevant union acts ;


### the report shall contain , as a minimum , a description of the facts , including an assessment of the damage caused or likely to be caused the possible legal qualification and any available information about potential victims , suspects and any other involved persons . ### the report shall contain , all the facts and information known by the office , including an assessment of the damage caused or likely to be caused the possible legal qualification and any available information about potential victims , suspects and any other involved persons .


### the director - general may open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . the decision by the director - general whether or not to open an investigation shall take into account the investigation policy priorities and the annual management plan of the office established in accordance with article 17 . that decision shall also take into account the need for efficient use of the office ' s resources and for proportionality of the means employed . with regard to internal investigations , specific account shall be taken of the institution , body , office or agency best placed to conduct them , based , in particular , on the nature of the facts , the actual or potential financial impact of the case , and the likelihood of any judicial follow - up . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to article 12d , the director - general shall open an investigation when there is a sufficient suspicion , which may also be based on information provided by any third party or anonymous information , that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union . the evaluation period preceding the decision shall not exceed two months . if the informant who provided the underlying information is known , he or she shall be informed of the outcome of the evaluation .


### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation . ### where the eppo is conducting an investigation , if the director - general , in duly justified cases , considers that an investigation by the office should also be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo and request its agreement . for that purpose , the office shall transmit a written request , specifying the nature of the measure and the person concerned .


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies may request the office to conduct a preliminary evaluation of allegations reported to them . for the purposes of those requests , paragraph 3 shall apply . ### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies may request the office to conduct a preliminary evaluation of allegations reported to them . for the purposes of those requests , paragraphs 1 to 4 shall apply mutatis mutandis . the office shall inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned of the results of the preliminary evaluation , unless providing such information could jeopardise an investigation conducted by the office or the eppo .


### if the director - general decides not to open an external investigation , he may without delay send any relevant information to the competent authorities of the member state concerned for action to be taken where appropriate , in accordance with union law and national law . where necessary , the office shall also inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned . ### if the director - general decides not to conduct an on - the - spot check or inspection pursuant to article 3 , he shall without delay send any relevant information to the competent authorities of the member state concerned for action to be taken where appropriate , in accordance with union law and national law . where necessary , the office shall also inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned .


### information transmitted or obtained in the course of external investigations , in whatever form , shall be protected by the relevant provisions . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . information transmitted or obtained in the course of investigations outside the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , in whatever form , shall be protected by the relevant provisions under national and union law . '


### the director - general shall not open an investigation in accordance with article 5 if the eppo is conducting an investigation into the same facts , other than in accordance with articles 12e or 12f . ### the director - general shall not open an investigation in accordance with article 5 , and shall discontinue an ongoing investigation , if the eppo is conducting an investigation into the same facts , other than in accordance with articles 12e or 12f . the director - general shall inform the eppo about each decision on discontinuation taken on such grounds .


### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 . ### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 . payments towards organic conversion and maintenance in cap strategic plans under articles 28 and 65 of this regulation shall exceed the total payments made before 2021 under rural development to organic farmers , calculated as a yearly average using constant prices .


### in respect of the main objectives laid down in annex iii member states may prescribe standards additional to those laid down in that annex against those main objectives . however , member states shall not define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii . ### member states shall not define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular chemical input reduction . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , input management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient and pesticides management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required .


### under this type of interventions , member states shall only provide payments covering commitments which : ### under this type of interventions , member states shall only provide payments covering commitments which do not provide double funding for commitments in respect of which payments are granted under article 28 .


### improve the response of eu agriculture to societal demands on food and health , including safe , nutritious and sustainable food , food waste , as well as animal welfare . ### improve the response of eu agriculture to societal demands on food and health , including sufficient , safe , nutritious and sustainable food , the fight against food waste , as well as animal welfare .


### member states may grant payments for environmental , climate and other management commitments under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may grant payments for schemes for agriculture , the climate , the environment , and other management obligations under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and permanent landscape features , and organic farming should be encouraged through eco - schemes , on the basis of a list of agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environments established by the commission .


### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ; ### ‘ permanent grassland and permanent pasture’ shall be land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation and that has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , as well as that has not been ploughed up for five years or more ; it shall include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed and other species such as shrubs and / or trees which produce animal feed , provided that the grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant ; member states may also decide to consider as permanent grassland : land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas ; and / or land which can be grazed where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant or are absent in grazing areas ;


### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ; ### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which do not produce animal food , but which are grazing areas for animals or are maintained in a suitable condition for a minimum agricultural activity defined by member states ; member states may also decide to consider as permanent grassland : - land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas . - grazing areas : land which can be grazed where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant or are absent in grazing areas , but where animals graze , or are maintained in a suitable condition for a minimum agricultural activity ;


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the use of a nutrient management plan should take account of the size and intensity of the farm . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required .


### contribute to the protection of biodiversity , enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes ; ### contribute to reversing the decline in biodiversity , including agro - biodiversity , enhancing ecosystem services and preserving habitats and landscapes ;


### foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water , soil and air ; ### foster sustainable development through more efficient management of natural resources ;


### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ; ### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used as naturally or cultivated forage . it includes grasses and other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ;


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges and international commitments , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . in order to strike a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , member states should be required to take action to achieve all specific objectives simultaneously . these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment .


### on the basis of the information provided by member states the commission shall evaluate the contribution of the policy to the climate change objectives using a simple and common methodology . ### on the basis of the information provided by member states the commission shall evaluate the contribution of the policy to the environmental and climate change objectives using a simple , appropriate and common methodology .


### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . ### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . the funds obtained by the capping application in a region shall be used in the same region .


### foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water , soil and air ; ### foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water , soil , air and solar energy ;


### improve the response of eu agriculture to societal demands on food and health , including safe , nutritious and sustainable food , food waste , as well as animal welfare . ### improve the response of eu agriculture to societal demands on food and health , the nutritional and health aspects of food , the fight against food waste , the consideration of animal welfare and reducing dependency on input products ;


### existing administrative registers such as the iacs , lpis , animal and vineyard registers shall be maintained . the iacs and lpis shall be further developed to better meet the statistical needs of the cap . data from administrative registers shall be used as much as possible for statistical purposes , in cooperation with statistical authorities in member states and with eurostat . ### existing administrative registers such as the iacs , lpis , animal and vineyard registers shall be maintained . the iacs and lpis shall be further developed to better meet the statistical needs of the cap . data from administrative registers shall be used as much as possible for statistical purposes and to monitor compliance , in cooperation with statistical authorities in member states and with eurostat .


### economic and social partners ; ### economic , environmental and social partners ;


### member states should be allowed to use part of their financial ceiling available for direct payments for coupled income support in order to improve competitiveness , sustainability , and / or quality in certain sectors and productions that are particularly important for social , economic or environmental reasons and undergo certain difficulties . furthermore , member states should also be allowed to use an additional part of their financial ceiling available for direct payments to grant coupled income support specifically for the support of protein crop production in order to reduce the union ' s deficit in this regard . ### member states should be allowed to use part of their financial ceiling available for direct payments for coupled income support in order to improve competitiveness , sustainability , and / or quality in certain sectors and productions that are particularly important for social , economic or environmental reasons and undergo certain difficulties . support should be conditional on the respect of strict sustainability criteria , including on animal welfare , and animal health . furthermore , member states should also be allowed to use an additional part of their financial ceiling available for direct payments to grant coupled income support specifically for the support of protein crop production in order to reduce the union ' s deficit in this regard .


### the achievement of the general objectives shall be pursued through the following specific objectives : ### progress towards meeting the general objectives shall be pursued through simultaneously achieving the following specific objectives :


### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to farmers , groupings of farmers and other land managers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives that are relevant among those set out in article 6 .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define equivalent practices or certification systems that have beneficial effects on climate and environment that are similar or superior to the effects of one or more gaec practices .


### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging and waste reduction ; ### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction and production monitoring ;


### member states may only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone related to the area - specific disadvantages in the area concerned . ### member states may only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for the additional costs and income foregone related to the area - specific disadvantages in the area concerned .


### the indicative financial allocations for the coupled income support interventions referred to in subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii , shall be limited to a maximum of 10% of the amounts set out in annex vii . ### the indicative financial allocations for the coupled income support interventions referred to in subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii , shall be limited to a maximum of 5% of the amounts set out in annex vii .


### the target plan referred to in point of article 95 shall consist of a recapitulative table showing the targets as referred to in point of article 97 , indicating the break - down in annual milestones . ### the target plan referred to in point of article 95 shall consist of a recapitulative table showing the targets as referred to in point of article 97 , indicating the breakdown in biennial milestones .


### member states shall provide for a complementary redistributive income support for sustainability under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may provide for a complementary redistributive income support for sustainability under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 , including the appropriate protection of wetlands and organic soils .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned in line with established local practices and the specific environmental - related objectives set out in point of article 6 , including soil , water and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures .


### support should enable the establishment and implementation of cooperation between at least two entities in view of achieving cap objectives . support can entail all aspects of such cooperation , such as the setting up of quality schemes ; collective environmental and climate action ; the promotion of short supply chain and local markets ; pilot projects ; operational group projects within the eip for agricultural productivity and sustainability local development projects , smart villages , buyers ' clubs and machinery rings ; farm partnerships ; forest management plans ; networks and clusters ; social farming ; community supported agriculture ; actions within the scope of leader ; and the setting up of producer groups and producer organisations , as well as other forms of cooperation deemed necessary to achieve the specific objectives of the cap . ### support should enable the establishment and implementation of cooperation between at least two entities in view of achieving cap objectives . support can entail all aspects of such cooperation , such as the setting up of quality schemes ; collective environmental and climate action ; the promotion of short supply chain and local markets ; pilot projects ; operational group projects within the eip for agricultural productivity and sustainability local development projects , smart villages , buyers ' clubs and machinery rings ; farm partnerships ; forest management plans , including agroforestry ; networks and clusters ; social farming ; community supported agriculture ; actions within the scope of leader ; and the setting up of producer groups and producer organisations , as well as other forms of cooperation deemed necessary to achieve the specific objectives of the cap .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , the specific agronomic characteristics of different productions , existing farming systems , land use , annual crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and permanent landscape features , and organic farming should be encouraged through eco - schemes , on the basis of a list of agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environments established by the commission .


### member states shall explain in their cap strategic plans , on the basis of available information , how they intend to achieve the greater overall contribution set out to in paragraph 1 . that explanation shall be based on relevant information such as the elements referred to in points to of article 95 and in point of article 95 . ### member states shall explain in their cap strategic plans the environmental and climate objectives they aim to achieve in the period 2021 - 2027 , on the basis of targets for the relevant impact indicators set out in annex i , and how they intend to achieve the greater overall contribution set out to in paragraph 1 . that explanation shall be based on relevant information such as the elements referred to in points to of article 95 and in point of article 95 .


### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to genuine farmers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to farmers or groups of farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### member states shall provide the commission with all the necessary information enabling it to perform the monitoring and evaluation of the cap . ### member states shall provide the commission with all the necessary information or data enabling it to perform the monitoring and evaluation of the cap . granting of cap funds shall be conditional upon the provision by the member states of this information and data .


### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 . ### at least 70% of the total sum of cap strategic plan contributions from the eafrd and direct payments in eagf as set out in annexes vii and ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental and climate - related objectives set out in points , and , and societal demands objective of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 . member states may choose the proportion of eafrd and direct payments going to the mentioned objectives , provided that the total sum amounts to 70% . without prejudice to previous paragraph , at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 .


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . landscape features and / or mobile and stationary technical equipment , which are absolutely necessary for proper agricultural management , may hereby be included as components of the agricultural area . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework :


### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 . ### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions under articles 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 71 and 72 addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation .


### enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness , including greater focus on research , technology and digitalisation ; ### enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness , including greater focus on research , investment , bio - economy , technology , innovation , and digitalisation within a circular economy logic ;


### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including contributing to improvement of sustainable production systems and reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and of article 6 ; ### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; by applying production methods that respect the environment , environmentally friendly cultivation methods and production techniques , sustainable use of natural resources , in particular for the protection of water , soil and other natural resources , while reducing pesticide dependence ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and to of article 6 ;


### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually . ### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . payments may also include a lump - sum amount linked to risk - taking resulting from the subscription of certain measures , in particular those involving performance requirements and / or involving significant changes in practices . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually .


### by way of derogation from the first sub - paragraph , member states that in accordance with article 53 of regulation no 1307 / 2013 used for the purpose of voluntary coupled support more than 13% of their annual national ceiling set out in annex ii to that regulation , may decide to use for the purpose of coupled income support more than 10% of the amount set out in annex vii . the resulting percentage shall not exceed the percentage approved by the commission for voluntary coupled support in respect of claim year 2018 . ### by way of derogation from the first sub - paragraph , member states that in accordance with article 53 of regulation no 1307 / 2013 used for the purpose of voluntary coupled support more than 15% of their annual national ceiling set out in annex ii to that regulation , may decide to use for the purpose of coupled income support more than 15% of the amount set out in annex vii . the resulting percentage shall not exceed the percentage approved by the commission for voluntary coupled support in respect of claim year 2018 .


### in order to ensure legal certainty , protect the rights of farmers and guarantee a smooth , coherent and efficient functioning of types of interventions in the form of direct payments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of rules making the granting of payments conditional upon the use of certified seeds of certain hemp varieties and the procedure for the determination of hemp varieties and the verification of their tetrahydrocannabinol content ; rules for good agricultural and environmental condition and certain related elements in respect of the eligibility requirements ; and on the content of the declaration and the requirements for the activation of payment entitlements ; further rules on eco - schemes ; measures to avoid that beneficiaries of coupled income support suffering from structural market imbalances in a sector , including the decision that such support may continue to be paid until 2027 on the basis of the production units for which it was granted in a past reference period ; rules and conditions for the authorisation of land and varieties for the purposes of the crop - specific payment for cotton and rules on the conditions for the granting of that payment . ### in order to ensure legal certainty , protect the rights of farmers and guarantee a smooth , coherent and efficient functioning of types of interventions in the form of direct payments , the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the commission in respect of rules making the granting of payments conditional upon the use of certified seeds of certain hemp varieties and the procedure for the determination of hemp varieties and the verification of their tetrahydrocannabinol content ; rules for good agricultural and environmental condition and certain related elements in respect of the eligibility requirements ; and on the content of the declaration and the requirements for the activation of payment entitlements ; further rules on eco - schemes , including establishing a list of agricultural practices beneficial to the climate and the environment , measures to avoid that beneficiaries of coupled income support suffering from structural market imbalances in a sector , including the decision that such support may continue to be paid until 2027 on the basis of the production units for which it was granted in a past reference period ; rules and conditions for the authorisation of land and varieties for the purposes of the crop - specific payment for cotton and rules on the conditions for the granting of that payment .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 amending annex i to adapt the common output , result and impact indicators to take into account the experience with their application and , where needed , to add new indicators . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 amending annex i to adapt the common output , result and impact indicators to take into account the experience with their application and , where needed , to delete and add new indicators .


### advisory services and technical assistance , in particular concerning sustainable pest control techniques , sustainable use of pesticides and climate change adaptation and mitigation ; ### advisory services and technical assistance , in particular concerning the maintaining and the increase of product quality , the improvement of marketing conditions , sustainable pest control techniques , sustainable use of pesticides and climate change adaptation and mitigation ;


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national level with regard to regional specificities , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii and stemming from local soil and climatic conditions including occurrence of drought , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned such as existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation and farming practices .


### soil conservation , including the enhancement of soil carbon ; ### soil conservation and rebuilding soil fertility and structure , including the enhancement of soil carbon sequestration ;


### by 15 february 2023 and 15 february of each subsequent year until and including 2030 , the member states shall submit to the commission an annual performance report on the implementation of the cap strategic plan in the previous financial year . the report submitted in 2023 shall cover the financial years 2021 and 2022 . for direct payments as referred to in chapter ii of title iii , the report shall cover only financial year 2022 . ### by 15 february 2025 and 15 february of each subsequent year until and including 2030 , the member states shall submit to the commission an annual performance report on the implementation of the cap strategic plan in the previous financial year . the report submitted in 2025 shall cover the financial years 2023 and 2024 . for direct payments as referred to in chapter ii of title iii , the report shall cover only financial year 2024 .


### on the basis of the information provided by member states the commission shall evaluate the contribution of the policy to the climate change objectives using a simple and common methodology . ### on the basis of the information provided by member states the commission shall evaluate the contribution of the policy to the climate change and biodiversity objectives and for combating diffuse pollution using a simple and common methodology .


### contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as sustainable energy ; ### contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as sustainable energy from agriculture ;


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop diversification , farming practices , and farm structures .


### financial contributions to mutual funds , including the administrative cost of setting up ; ### mutual funds to pay financial compensations to farmers for economic losses caused by adverse climatic events , an outbreak of an animal or plant disease , pest infestation , or an environmental incident ;