### in order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the union budget and the principle of sound financial management , actions under this programme should complement and be additional to ongoing union programmes , whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure . in particular , the commission and the member state concerned , in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at union and member state levels , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to ensure consistency , complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant member states with close links to this programme , specifically with measures being financed from the union funds in the member states . ### in order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the union budget and the principle of sound financial management , actions under this programme should complement and be additional to ongoing union programmes , whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure . in particular , the commission and the member state concerned , in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at union and member state levels , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to ensure consistency , complementarity and synergy between measures being financed from the union funds , programmes and instruments and support from other relevant international organisations .


### in order to ensure the efficient and coherent allocation of funds from the union budget and the principle of sound financial management , actions under this programme should complement and be additional to ongoing union programmes , whilst avoiding double funding for the same expenditure . in particular , the commission and the member state concerned , in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at union and member state levels , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to ensure consistency , complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant member states with close links to this programme , specifically with measures being financed from the union funds in the member states . ### in order to ensure the efficient and coherent use of funds from the union budget and the principle of sound financial management , actions under this programme should complement and be additional to ongoing union programmes and financing without substituting them , whilst avoiding double funding for the same eligible cost . in particular , the commission and the member state concerned , in accordance with their respective responsibilities should ensure at union and member state levels , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to ensure consistency , complementarity and synergy between sources of funding supporting actions in the relevant member states with close links to this programme , specifically with measures being financed from the union funds in the member states .


### in order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the programme , in the light of experience during the implementation of the programme , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the amendment of the list . it is of particular importance that the commission carries 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 adopt multi - annual work programmes and to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the programme , in the light of experience during the implementation of the programme , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adoption of multi - annual work programmes and the amendment of the list . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts .


### since the objective of this regulation , namely to contribute to the institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states alone , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective , since the scope of the support would be mutually agreed with the member state concerned . ### since the objective of this regulation , namely to contribute to sustainable institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing technical assistance , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states alone , but can rather , by reason of their scale and effects , be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective .


### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . ### the programme shall finance actions and activities with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions and activities selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is achieved .


### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , union and international level ; ### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , regional and union level as set out in the common strategic framework established under regulation no 1303 / 2013 , as well as at international level where appropriate ;


### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . ### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding can be expected to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved .


### actions and activities of the programme shall ensure european added value in particular through : ### actions of the programme shall ensure european added value in particular through :


### their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of union law ; ### their contribution to the implementation of union law ;


### their contribution to the sharing of good practices and to building a union - wide platform and network of expertise ; ### their contribution to the sharing of good practices and / or to building a union - wide platform and network of expertise ;


### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results with european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved . ### the programme shall finance actions with european added value . to that effect , the commission shall ensure that actions selected for funding are likely to produce results which , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , have european added value and shall monitor whether european added value is actually achieved .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing economic , social and territorial cohesion , competitiveness , sustainable growth , jobs , and investment , in the context of economic governance processes , or through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds , in particular the esi funds .


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic as well as territorial impacts ;


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design reforms according to their priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts and the objectives to contribute to delivering the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and promote social cohesion ;


### expertise related to policy advice , policy change , and legislative , institutional , structural and administrative reforms ; ### expertise related to policy advice , policy change , and legislative , institutional , structural and administrative reforms at national and regional level ;


### institutional , administrative or sectoral capacity building and related supporting actions , notably : ### institutional , administrative or sectoral capacity building and related supporting actions , at all governance levels , notably :


### any other activity in support of the general and specific objectives set out in articles 4 and 5 . ### any other relevant activity in support of the general and specific objectives set out in articles 4 and 5 .


### it capacity building : development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms ; ### it capacity building for the development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms ;


### communication projects : learning , cooperation , awareness raising , dissemination activities , and exchange of good practices ; organisation of awareness - raising and information campaigns , media campaigns and events , including corporate communication ; ### communication projects in the context of the reforms pursued : learning , cooperation , awareness raising , dissemination activities , and exchange of good practices ; organisation of awareness - raising and information campaigns , media campaigns and events ;


### compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the programme : development , operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies ; ### compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the programme , including through the development , operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies ;


### it capacity building : development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms ; ### it capacity building : development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms , and the implementation of programmes geared to the digitalisation of public services ;


### a member state wishing to receive support under the programme shall submit a request for support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 october of each calendar year . ### a member state wishing to receive support under the programme shall submit a request for support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted by 31 october of each calendar year at the latest . the commission shall prepare guidance on the main elements to be featured in a request for support to be submitted by the member state .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 of this article based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . based on this analysis and taking into account the existing actions and activities financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission shall come to an agreement with the member state concerned on the priority areas for support , the objectives , an indicative timeline , the scope of the support to be provided and the estimated global financial contribution for such support in a cooperation and support plan .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of subsidiarity , transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , the justification for the reform , including the results of relevant stakeholder and partner consultations , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , the general administrative capacity of the member state , while also taking into account existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes and instruments . the decision to providing support under the programme shall take the form of a technical assistance agreement in which , based on the specific needs identified by the member state concerned , the commission and the member state shall agree on the priority areas , the scope and the indicative timeline of the support measures to be provided as well as the global financial contribution for such support .


### organisation of support ### organisation of support and reform partners


### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . ### the beneficiary member state , in coordination with the commission , may enter into partnership with one or more other member states which shall act as reform partners in respect of specific areas of reform . a reform partner shall , in coordination with the commission and on the basis of a mutual understanding with the beneficiary member state and the commission , help formulate strategy , reform roadmaps , design high - quality assistance or oversee implementation of strategy and projects . the commission shall keep the european parliament fully informed about the participation of a reform partner and its role in the cooperation and support plan .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme shall be up to eur 142 800 000 . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme shall be up to eur 142 800 000 in current prices .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme shall be up to eur 142 800 000 . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme is set at eur 142 800 000 .


### reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts ; ### reimbursement of costs incurred by external experts , including experts of the national , regional or local authorities of member states providing support ;


### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . ### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state wishing to receive support , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures are interim in nature , may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . the special measures shall end within six months and may be replaced by support in accordance with the conditions set out in article 7 . the commission shall keep the european parliament fully informed on special measures adopted on the basis of this article .


### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 . ### individual experts may also be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 .


### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . ### to ensure flexibility and timely availability of resources in unforeseen circumstances , the annual work programme shall also allow the possibility for special measures initially not included in the annual work programme . therefore , in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 .


### ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at union and national levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation ; ### ensure complementarity and synergy between different instruments at union and national levels , in particular in relation to measures financed by union funds , both in the planning phase and during implementation , in particular in relation to the esi funds ;


### ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union and national level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . ### ensure close cooperation between those responsible for implementation at union , national and regional level to deliver coherent and streamlined support actions . the commission shall make its best effort to ensure complementarity and synergies with support provided by other relevant international organisations .


### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with indicators set out in the annex . ### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the general objective in article 4 and the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with indicators set out in the annex .


### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with indicators set out in the annex . ### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with the indicators set out in the annex and additional specific indicators agreed upon by the commission and the beneficiary member state for each request for support .


### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 . ### on an annual basis , the commission shall publish information on the implementation of the annual work programmes , including information on the beneficiaries of the technical assistance , the technical assistance providers , and the objectives and priorities of the reforms pursued through the assistance and allocated funds . the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an external interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 .


### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an interim evaluation report , by mid of 2019 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 . ### the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with an annual monitoring report on the implementation of the programme , including an analysis of the application of the criteria referred to in article 7 for assessing the requests for support submitted by member states , an interim evaluation report , by end of 2018 , at the latest , and an ex - post evaluation report by end of december 2021 .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 and the second subparagraph of 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 and in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 or to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### 0 , 35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the cef referred to in article 92 , and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in article 92 shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission , of which up to eur 112 233 000 shall be allocated to the structural reform support programme for use within the scope and purpose of that programme . ### 0 , 35% of the global resources after the deduction of the support to the cef referred to in article 92 , and to the aid for the most deprived referred to in article 92 shall be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission , of which up to eur 112 233 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the structural reform support programme for use within the scope and purpose of that programme


### in accordance with article 6 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 the eafrd may use up to 0 , 25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in article 58 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 , including the costs for setting up and operating the european network for rural development referred to in article 52 of this regulation and the eip network referred to in article 53 of this regulation at the commission ' s initiative and / or on its behalf , of which up to eur 30 567 000 shall be allocated to the structural reform support programme for use within the scope and purpose of that programme . ### in accordance with article 6 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 the eafrd may use up to 0 , 25 % of its annual allocation to finance the tasks referred to in article 58 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 , including the costs for setting up and operating the european network for rural development referred to in article 52 of this regulation and the eip network referred to in article 53 of this regulation at the commission ' s initiative and / or on its behalf , of which up to eur 30 567 000 in current prices shall be allocated to the structural reform support programme for use within the scope and purpose of that programme .


### grounds for exclusion ### ineligibility


### the following third - country nationals or stateless persons shall be excluded from targeted union resettlement schemes established in accordance with article 8 : ### the following third - country nationals or stateless persons shall be ineligible for targeted union resettlement schemes established in accordance with article 8 :


### persons for whom there are reasonable grounds for considering that : ### persons for whom there are serious reasons for considering that :


### in addition to their allocation calculated in accordance with point of article 15 , member states shall receive for each resettled person in accordance with a targeted union resettlement scheme a lump sum of eur 10 , 000 . ### in addition to their allocation calculated in accordance with point of article 15 , member states shall receive for each resettled person a lump sum of eur 10 , 000 .


### as the programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry , only entities established in the union and effectively controlled by member states or their nationals should be eligible for support . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities , assets and resources used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , shall not be located on the territory of non - member states . ### as the programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of the union ' s defence industry and consolidating the union’s strategic defence autonomy quite independently of third countries , only entities established in the union and effectively controlled by member states or their nationals should be eligible for support . additionally , in order to ensure the protection of essential defence and security interests of the union and its member states , the infrastructure , facilities and assets used by the beneficiaries and subcontractors in actions funded under the programme , shall not be located on the territory of non - member states .


### the promotion of innovation and technological development in the union defence industry should take place in a manner coherent with the security interests of the union . accordingly , the action ' s contribution to those interests and to the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states should serve as an award criterion . within the union , common defence capability priorities are identified notably through the capability development plan . other union processes such as the coordinated annual review on defence and the permanent structured cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through enhanced cooperation . where appropriate regional or international cooperative initiatives , such as in the nato context , and serving the union security and defence interest , may also be taken into account . ### the promotion of innovation and technological development in the union defence industry should take place in a manner coherent with the security interests of the union . accordingly , the action ' s contribution to those interests and to the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states should serve as an award criterion . within the union , common defence capability priorities are identified notably through the capability development plan . the european defence action plan published by the commission on 30 november 2016 highlighted the need to maximise synergies between the civil and military spheres , including in areas such as space policy , cyber security , cyber defence and maritime security . other union processes such as the coordinated annual review on defence and the permanent structured cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through enhanced cooperation . where appropriate regional or international cooperative initiatives , such as in the nato context , and serving the union security and defence interest , may also be taken into account .


### the commission should establish a multiannual work programme in line with the objectives of the programme . the commission should be assisted in the establishment of the work programme by a committee of member states . in light of the union policy on small and medium enterprises as key to ensuring economic growth , innovation , job creation , and social integration in the union and the fact that the supported actions will typically require trans - national collaboration , it is of importance that the work programme will reflect and enable such cross - border participation of smes and that therefore a proportion of the overall budget will benefit such action . ### the commission should establish a multiannual work programme in line with the objectives of the programme , and especially that of competitiveness . the commission should be assisted in the establishment of the work programme by a committee of member states . in light of the union policy on small and medium enterprises as key to ensuring economic growth , innovation , job creation , and social integration in the union and the fact that the supported actions will typically require trans - national collaboration , it is of importance that the work programme will reflect and enable such cross - border participation of smes and that therefore a proportion of the overall budget will benefit such action .


### to support and leverage the cooperation between undertakings , including small and medium - sized enterprises , in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union ; ### to support and leverage the cooperation between member states and between undertakings , including small and medium - sized enterprises , in the development of technologies or products in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by member states within the union , in order to avoid duplication and promote interoperability and standardisation ; where appropriate , regional and international actions , initiatives and priorities , including those in the nato context , where they serve the union security and defence interest and take account of the need to avoid unnecessary duplication , may also be taken into account on condition that they do not exclude the possibility for any eu member state to participate ;


### the programme shall provide support for actions by beneficiaries in the development phase covering both new and the upgrade of existing products and technologies , in relation to : ### the programme shall provide support for actions by beneficiaries in the development phase covering both new and the upgrade of existing products and technologies , which must themselves meet the same independence criteria as those laid down in article 7 of this regulation , as well as those listed in its recital 13 , in relation to :


### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three undertakings which are established in at least two different member states . the undertakings which are beneficiaries shall not effectively be controlled , directly or indirectly , by the same entity or shall not control each other . ### the action shall be undertaken in a cooperation of at least three undertakings which are established in at least two different member states . the undertakings which are beneficiaries shall not effectively be controlled directly by the same entity or shall not control each other .


### when it relates to actions defined under point to of the first paragraph , the action must be based on common technical specifications . ### when it relates to actions defined under point to of the paragraph , the action must be based on common technical specifications . by derogation from paragraph 3 , an undertaking controlled by third countries or by entities established in third countries shall be eligible if the member state where the undertaking is located provides sufficient assurances , in accordance with effective national procedures or contractual arrangements , that this would not contravene the security and defence interests of the union and its member states as established in the framework of common foreign and security policy in accordance with title v of the teu .


### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . ### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . compliance with union rules on the competition is not only a legal requirement in member states but essential for the very functioning of the internal market .


### the development , production and dissemination of european statistics are subject to a separate european statistical programme established by regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council47 . in order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating european statistics , the new programme should also include activities covered by the european statistical programme by providing a framework for the development , production and dissemination of european statistics . the new programme should establish the financial framework for european statistics to provide high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe in order to underpin the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of all union policies . _________________ 47 regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2013 on the european statistical programme 2013 - 17 . ### the development , production and dissemination of european statistics are subject to a separate european statistical programme established by regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council47 . in order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating european statistics , the new programme should also include activities covered by the european statistical programme by providing a framework for the development , production , application and dissemination of european statistics . the new programme should establish the financial framework for european statistics to provide high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe in order to underpin the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of all union policies . _________________ 47 regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2013 on the european statistical programme 2013 - 17 .


### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary . ### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services and with the development of the digital market , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary .


### considering that the internal market as set out in article 3 of the treaty on european union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted , the programme should support the union’s competition policy , networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts , as well as outreach to a wider group of stakeholders in communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy . ### considering that the internal market as set out in article 3 of the treaty on european union includes a system ensuring that competition is not distorted , the programme should support the union’s competition policy , networks and cooperation with national authorities and courts , including by way of strengthening international cooperation as well as communicating and explaining the rights , benefits and obligations of union competition policy . this should contribute to ensuring fair competition and a level playing field , also at international level , and empowering businesses , in particular smes , and consumers in order to reap the benefits of the single market ;


### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme . ### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating development of the digital market to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme .


### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant . ### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and knowledge and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant .


### citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets . these are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy , but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users , including retail investors , savers , insurance policyholders , pension fund members and beneficiaries , individual shareholders , borrowers and smes . it is important to enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector . ### citizens are particularly affected by the functioning of financial services markets . these are a key component of the internal market and require a solid framework for regulation and supervision which ensures not only financial stability and a sustainable economy , but also provides a high level of protection to consumers and other financial services end users , including retail investors , savers , insurance policyholders , pension fund members and beneficiaries , individual shareholders , borrowers and smes . the programme should enhance their capacity to participate in policy making for the financial sector .


### the commission communications ‘ the eu budget review’13 and ‘ a budget for europe 2020’14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy with other programmes and policies at national , union and international level . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges which have impact on cross - border or union - wide challenges and achieve a consistent and coherent implementation of union law . in addition , they should contribute to further develop trust and promote cooperation with the commission and among member states . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise . __________________ 13 com700 of 19 october 2010 . 14 com500 final of 29 june 2011 . ### the commission communications ' the eu budget review ' 13 and ' a budget for europe 2020 ' 14 underline the importance of focusing funding on activities with clear european added value , i . e . where the union intervention can bring additional value compared to action of member states alone as laid down in regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council 14a and its rules of application . against this background , the support actions carried out under the programme should ensure complementarity and synergy , at national , union and international level , with other programmes and policies . the actions under the programme should allow elaborating and implementing solutions that address national challenges with a cross - border or union - wide impact and improve implementation of union law . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to provide a platform for the provision and sharing of good practices from peers as well as to mobilise expertise . __________________ 13 com700 of 19 october 2010 . 14 com500 final of 29 june 2011 . 14a regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 .


### actions and activities of the programme shall ensure european added value in particular through : ### actions of the programme shall ensure european added value in particular through :


### their complementarity and synergy with other union programmes and policies at national , union and international level ; ### their complementarity and synergy , at national , union and international level , with other union programmes and policies ;


### their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of union law ; ### their contribution to the implementation of union law ;


### their contribution to the sharing of good practices and to building a union - wide platform and network of expertise ; ### their contribution to the sharing of good practices and / or to building a union - wide platform and network of expertise .


### collection of data and statistics ; development of common methodologies and , where appropriate , indicators or benchmarks ; ### collection of data and statistics ; development of methodologies and , where appropriate , indicators or benchmarks ;


### it capacity building : development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms ; ### it capacity building for the development , maintenance , operation and quality control of the it infrastructure and applications needed to implement the relevant reforms ;


### compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the programme : development , operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies ; ### compilation and publication of materials to disseminate information as well as results of the programme , including through the development , operation and maintenance of systems and tools using information and communication technologies ;


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , the justification for the reform , including the results of relevant stakeholder and partner consultations , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , the general administrative capacity of the member state , as well as on the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . in agreement with the member state concerned , the commission shall also set out the priority areas , the scope and the indicative timeline of the support measures to be provided as well as the global financial contribution for such support , in a technical assistance agreement .


### the financial allocation of the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives , in particular studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the general objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . ### the financial allocation of the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives , in particular studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , as far as they are related to the general objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme .


### these additional contributions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used to support actions which contribute to delivering the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . a contribution made by a beneficiary member state in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be used exclusively in that member state . ### these additional contributions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used to support actions which contribute to delivering the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . a contribution made by a beneficiary member state in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be used exclusively for technical assistance provided for that member state .


### support may also be provided by individual experts who may be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 . ### individual experts may also be invited to contribute to selected activities organised under the programme wherever that is necessary for the achievement of the specific objectives set out in articles 5 .


### in order to implement the programme , the commission shall adopt , by way of implementing acts , multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 16 concerning the adoption of multi - annual work programmes . multi - annual work programmes shall set out the policy objectives pursued through the envisaged support and the expected results , as well as funding priorities in the relevant policy areas . the multi - annual work programmes shall be further specified in annual work programmes , adopted by way of implementing acts , identifying the measures needed for their implementation , together with all the elements required by regulation no 966 / 2012 .


### to ensure timely availability of resources , the annual work programme may indicate that in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 . ### to ensure flexibility and timely availability of resources in unforeseen circumstances , the annual work programme shall also allow the possibility for special measures initially not included in the annual work programme . hence , in the event of unforeseen and duly justified grounds of urgency requiring an immediate response , including a serious disturbance in the economy or significant circumstances seriously affecting the economic or social conditions in a member state going beyond its control , the commission may , on request by a member state , adopt special measures in accordance with the objectives and actions defined in this regulation to support the national authorities in addressing urgent needs . such special measures may account only for a limited proportion of the annual work programme and shall not be subject to the conditions set out in article 7 .


### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with indicators set out in the annex . ### the commission shall monitor the implementation of the actions financed by the programme and measure the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 in accordance with the indicators set out in the annex and additional specific indicators agreed upon by the commission and the beneficiary member state for each request for support .


### the interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the programme ' s objectives , the efficiency of the use of resources and the programme’s european added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the programme needs to be adapted or extended after 2020 . it shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions . the ex - post evaluation report shall include information on the longer - term impact of the programme . ### the interim evaluation report shall include information on the achievement of the programme ' s objectives , the efficiency of the use of resources and the programme’s european added value and assessment on whether funding in areas covered by the programme needs to be extended after 2020 , if necessary with the appropriate adaptations . it shall also address the continued relevance of all objectives and actions . the ex - post evaluation report shall include information on the longer - term impact of the programme .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 and in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 .


### the delegation of power referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following publication in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 12 and in the second subparagraph of article 15 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following publication in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 or to the second subparagraph of article 15 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or by the council within a period of two months of the notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### “1 . on the request of a member state pursuant to article 10 of regulation 2015 / xxx of the european parliament and the council , a part of the resources provided for under article 59 of this regulation and programmed in accordance with fund - specific rules may , in agreement with the commission , be transferred to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission for implementation of measures in relation to the member state concerned in accordance with point of the third subparagraph of article 58 of this regulation through direct or indirect management . ' ### “1 . on the request of a member state pursuant to article 10 of regulation 2015 / xxx of the european parliament and the council , a part of the resources provided for under article 59 of this regulation and programmed in accordance with fund - specific rules may , in agreement with the commission , be transferred to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission for implementation of measures in relation to the member state concerned in accordance with point of the third subparagraph of article 58 of this regulation through direct or indirect management . the resources transferred in accordance with these provisions shall be utilized to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the specific funds concerned . '


### “a member state shall request the transfer referred to in paragraph 1 for a calendar year by 31 january of the year in which a transfer is to be made . the request shall be accompanied by a proposal to amend the programme or programmes from which the transfer will be made . corresponding amendments shall be made to the partnership agreement in accordance with article 30 which shall set out the total amount transferred each year to the commission . ” ### “a member state shall request the transfer referred to in paragraph 1 for a calendar year by 31 january of the year in which a transfer is to be made . the request shall be accompanied by a proposal to amend the programme or programmes from which the transfer will be made . corresponding amendments shall be made to the partnership agreement in accordance with article 30 which shall set out the total amount transferred each year to the commission . in assessing the request , the commission shall verify that the provisions of article 92 of regulation no 1303 / 2013 are complied with . ”


### the achievement of the specific objectives referred to in article 5 shall be measured on the basis of the following indicators : ### the implementation of the actions financed by the programme shall be monitored on the basis of the following indicators :


### these indicators shall be used according to data and information available . ### these indicators shall be used according to data and information available . theyshall be complemented by additional specific indicators agreed upon by the commission and the beneficiary member state for each request for support .


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


### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . ### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . the engagement of youth organisations and other civil society organisations is paramount when designing placements and other opportunities under the european solidarity corps .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , the sustainable exploitation of natural resources , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ;


### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes . ### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes and should be designed in collaboration with youth organisations and other civil society organisations .


### the european solidarity corps shall pursue its objectives through the following types of actions : ### the european solidarity corps shall pursue its objectives through the following types of actions , which should reflect the objectives of the sources of funds used to finance the corps :


### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and should therefore be applied in a manner consistent with these rights and principles , including as regards the rights of the child , the right to respect for family life and the general principle of non - discrimination . ### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and should therefore be applied in a manner consistent with these rights and principles , including as regards the rights of the child , the right to respect for family life and the principle of non - discrimination .


### where necessary , local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements among member states , supported by the [ european union agency for asylum ] in accordance with article 12 , and with third countries , and unhcr or other partners ; ### where necessary , local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements among member states , supported by the [ european union agency for asylum ] in accordance with article 12 and the union delegations , and with third countries , and unhcr or other partners ;


### the identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualitative assessment by the commission . that assessment could be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions , including judgments of the court of justice of the european union , reports of the court of auditors , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks , such as the bodies of the council of europe and the european networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary . ### the identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualitative assessment by the commission . that assessment could be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions , including judgments of the court of justice of the european union , reports of the court of auditors , expert opinions of the relevant european union agencies , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks , such as the bodies of the council of europe and the european networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary . in order to secure transparency through meaningful and effective democratic debate , the commission should allow the participation of interested eu citizens and stakeholders ' groups , whose opinions and arguments should be taken into account in the decision - making process .


### the possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determined . those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments , a reduction of funding under existing commitments , and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients . ### the possible measures to be adopted in the event of generalised deficiencies and the procedure to be followed to adopt them should be determined . those measures should include the suspension of payments and of commitments , a reduction of funding under existing commitments , and a prohibition to conclude new commitments with recipients . any decision to enforce conditionality should provide serious guarantees , based on impact assessments , to ensure that final beneficiaries of eu funds are not adversely affected .


### the principle of proportionality should apply when determining the measures to be adopted , in particular taking into account the seriousness of the situation , the time which has elapsed since the relevant conduct started , its duration and its recurrence , the intention , and the degree of cooperation of the member state concerned in putting an end to the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law , and the effects of that deficiency on the respective union funds . ### the principle of proportionality should apply when determining the measures to be adopted , in particular taking into account the seriousness of the situation , the time which has elapsed since the relevant conduct started , its duration and its recurrence , the intention , and the degree of cooperation of the member state concerned in putting an end to the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law , and the effects of that deficiency on the respective union funds . the scope and level of the suspension of commitments to be imposed should be proportionate , should respect the equality of treatment between member states , and should take into account the economic and social circumstances of the member state concerned and the impact of the suspension on the economy of the member state concerned . the impact of suspensions on programmes of critical importance to address rule - of - law conditions should be a specific factor to be taken into account .


### measures ### generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law


### appropriate measures shall be taken where a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law in a member state affects or risks affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of the union , in particular : ### generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in a member state that affects or risks affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of the union are , in particular :


### limiting the availability and effectiveness of legal remedies , including through restrictive procedural rules , lack of implementation of judgments , or limiting the effective investigation , prosecution or sanctioning of breaches of law . ### limiting the availability and effectiveness of legal remedies , including through restrictive procedural rules , lack of implementation of judgments with a particular focus on decisions of the court of justice of the european union deriving from infringement procedures , or limiting the effective investigation , prosecution or sanctioning of breaches of law .


### content of measures ### measures


### where the commission implements the union’s budget in shared management pursuant to [ point of article 62 ] of the financial regulation : ### where the commission implements the union’s budget in shared management pursuant to [ point of article 62 ] of the financial regulation , in the case of a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law , save where point ba applies :


### where the commission considers that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law is established , it shall submit a proposal for an implementing act on the appropriate measures to the council . ### where the commission considers that the generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law as defined in article 3 is established , it shall submit a proposal for an implementing act on the appropriate measures to the european parliament for opinion and to the council for decision . after taking into account the european parliament’s opinion , the decision shall be deemed to have been adopted by the council , unless it decides , by qualified majority , to reject the commission proposal within one month of its adoption by the commission . the council , acting by a qualified majority , may amend the commission’s proposal and adopt the amended text as a council decision .


### where measures concerning the suspension of the approval of one or more programmes or amendments thereof referred to in point of article 4 or the suspension of commitments referred to in point of article 4 are lifted , amounts corresponding to the suspended commitments shall be entered in the budget subject to article 7 of council regulation no xxxx . suspended commitments of year n may not be entered in the budget beyond year n + 2 . ### where measures concerning the suspension of the approval of one or more programmes or amendments thereof referred to in point of article 4 or the suspension of commitments referred to in point of article 4 are lifted , amounts corresponding to the suspended commitments shall be entered in the budget subject to article 7 of council regulation no xxxx .


### the programme should be equipped to become an even greater contributor to the implementation of the union ' s policy objectives and priorities in the field of education , training , youth and sport . a coherent lifelong learning approach is central to managing the different transitions that people will face over the course of their life cycle . in taking this approach forward , the next programme should maintain a close relationship with the overall strategic framework for union policy cooperation in the field of education , training and youth , including the policy agendas for schools , higher education , vocational education and training and adult learning , while reinforcing and developing new synergies with other related union programmes and policy areas . ### the programme should be equipped to become an even greater contributor to the implementation of the union ' s policy objectives and priorities in the field of education , training , youth and sport . a coherent lifelong learning approach is central to managing the different transitions that people will face over the course of their life cycle , especially for those over 50 who lack skills required for a swift transition in the labour market . in taking this approach forward , the next programme should maintain a close relationship with the overall strategic framework for union policy cooperation in the field of education , training and youth , including the policy agendas for schools , higher education , vocational education and training and adult learning , while reinforcing and developing new synergies with other related union programmes and policy areas .


### the programme should take into account the union work plan for sport which is the cooperation framework at union level in the field of sport for the years [ … ] 32 . coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the union work plan and actions supported under the programme in the field of sport . there is a need to focus in particular on grassroots sports , taking into account the important role that sports play in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle , social inclusion and equality . the programme should contribute to promote european common values through sport , good governance and integrity in sport , as well as education , training and skills in and through sport . _________________ 32 [ reference ] . ### the programme should take into account the union work plan for sport which is the cooperation framework at union level in the field of sport for the years [ … ] 32 . coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the union work plan and actions supported under the programme in the field of sport . there is a need to focus in particular on grassroots sports , taking into account the important role that sports play in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle , social inclusion and equality . the programme should contribute to promote european common values through sport , good governance and integrity in sport , as well as education , training and skills in and through sport . in this regards , there is a need to promote sport coaches mobility , especially among those who coach women ' s sports teams and need support in combating sexism and misogyny . _________________ 32 [ reference ] .


### the programme should offer young people more opportunities to discover europe through learning experiences abroad . eighteen year olds , in particular those with fewer opportunities , should be given the chance to have a first - time , short - term individual or group experience travelling throughout europe in the frame of an informal educational activity aimed at fostering their sense of belonging to the european union and discovering its cultural diversity . the programme should identify bodies in charge of reaching out and selecting the participants and support activities to foster the learning dimension of the experience . ### the programme should offer young people more opportunities to discover europe through learning experiences abroad . it should be able to show that it enables young people to familiarise themselves with and think critically about the european institutions . eighteen year olds , in particular those with fewer opportunities , should be given the chance to have a first - time , short - term individual or group experience travelling throughout europe in the frame of an informal educational activity aimed at fostering their sense of belonging to the european union and discovering its cultural diversity . places on the discovereu programme should be allocated to young people throughout europe in a geographically balanced way . the programme should identify bodies in charge of reaching out and selecting the participants and support activities to foster the learning dimension of the experience .


### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility . ### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular neighbouring languages , in order to improve learners ' position and employability on the cross - border labour market . in doing so , greater use can be made of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility .


### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility . ### the programme should have a clear educational objective . it should offer young people access to the european institutions and also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility .


### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility . ### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages in order to overcome one of the students ' mobility barriers , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility .


### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility . ### the programme should also enhance the learning of languages , including sign languages , in particular through widened use of online tools , as e - learning offers additional advantages for language learning in terms of access and flexibility .


### to increase the use of virtual cooperation activities , the programme should support a more systematic use of the online platforms such as etwinning , the school education gateway , the electronic platform for adult learning in europe , the european youth portal and the online platform for higher education . ### to increase the use of virtual cooperation activities , the programme should support a more systematic use of the online platforms such as etwinning , the school education gateway , the electronic platform for adult learning in europe , the european youth portal , the online platform for higher education and blended learning , the technological platform for distance learning .


### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should take into account the living and subsistence costs of the host country . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should also be encouraged to exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned . ### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should take into account the living and subsistence costs of the host country and the host city . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants annually on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should also be encouraged to exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned .


### ' virtual cooperation ' means any form of cooperation using information technology and communications tools ; ### ' virtual cooperation ' means any form of cooperation using information and communication tools and systems which are barrier - free , i . e . equally accessible to everyone ;


### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 and developing the european dimension in sport . ### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 and developing the european dimension in sport . the programme must conform to the principles of universal design .


### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 and developing the european dimension in sport . ### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , understanding of democracy and artistic and cultural activities , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 and developing the european dimension in sport .


### policy dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders , including union - wide networks , european non - governmental organisations and international organisations in the field of education and training ; ### promotion of democracy , policy dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders , including union - wide networks , european non - governmental organisations and international organisations in the field of education and training ;


### dissemination and awareness - raising activities about european policy outcomes and priorities and about the programme , including sport prizes and awards . ### dissemination and awareness - raising activities about european policy outcomes and priorities and about the programme , including sport prizes and awards , which are also accessible to people with disabilities .


### when implementing the programme , inter alia in the selection of participants and the award of grants , the commission and the member states shall ensure that efforts are made to promote social inclusion and improve outreach to people with fewer opportunities . ### when implementing the programme , inter alia in the selection of participants and the award of grants , the commission and the member states shall ensure that efforts are made to promote social inclusion and improve outreach to people with fewer opportunities , by exploring the possibilities for extending regional erasmus + cooperation to further stimulate mobility between the outermost regions and neighbouring third countries .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results , in a way which is also accessible to people with disabilities . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### the first sub - paragraph shall not apply to operations that contribute to the fulfilment of the corresponding enabling condition . ### the first sub - paragraph shall not apply to operations that contribute to the fulfilment of the corresponding enabling condition or if the fulfilment is very advanced in the process and the reasons for non - fulfilment do not affect the eligibility of the projects .


### challenges identified in relevant country - specific recommendations and other relevant union recommendations addressed to the member state ; ### challenges identified in relevant country - specific recommendations addressed to the member state ;