### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions and transition regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 6% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . by derogation from point , in those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period but which are eligible under the category of transition or more developed regions as defined in article 82 and of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to each of the thematic objectives set in out in points 1 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### article 4 thematic concentration the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] and corresponding investment priorities set out in article 5 of this regulation to which the erdf may contribute under the investment for jobs and growth goal shall be concentrated as follows : in more developed regions : at least 80% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 20% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in transition regions : at least 60% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set out in points 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; and at least 15% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation eu no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] ; in less developed regions : at least 50% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to two or more of the thematic objectives set in out in point 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . at least 12% of the total erdf resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] by derogation from point , those regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period , and the regions designated with the phasing - out status in the 2007 - 2013 period but which are eligible under the category of more developed regions as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ ] / 2012 [ cpr ] in the 2014 - 2020 period , shall be considered as transition regions for the purpose of this article . by derogation from point and , all nuts 2 level regions consisting solely of an island or of several islands , shall be considered as less developed regions for the purpose of this article .


### common indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , shall be used where relevant and in accordance with article 24 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero and cumulative targets shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### common output indicators , as set out in the annex to this regulation , programme - specific result indicators and , where relevant , programme - specific output indicators shall be used in accordance with article 24 and article 87 and of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . for common and programme - specific output indicators , baselines shall be set at zero . cumulative quantified target values for these indicators shall be fixed for 2022 . for programme - specific result indicators , which relate to investment priorities , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 . targets may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 13 to amend the list of common output indicators in the annex to this regulation , in order to make adjustments , where justified to ensure effective assessment of progress in programme implementation .


### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors : promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; developing smart distribution systems at low voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon economy in all sectors through : promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable sources ; promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises ; supporting energy efficiency , smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructures , including in public buildings , and in the housing sector ; developing and implementing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels ; promoting low - carbon strategies for all types of territories , in particular for urban areas , including the promotion of sustainable multi - modal urban mobility and mitigation relevant adaptation measures ; promoting research in , innovation in and adoption of low - carbon technologies ; promoting the use of high - efficiency co - generation of heat and power based on useful heat demand ;


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . therefore , in accordance with that article and article 174 , second and third paragraphs , of tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention should be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic challenges and handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### equipment which is specifically designed as part of another type of equipment that does not fall within the scope of this directive and can fulfill its function only if it is part of that equipment ; ### the part of the installation , equipment , transport equipment , consumable or accessory that is not electric or electronic ;


### the substances covered by this directive are scientifically well researched and evaluated and have been subject to different measures both at community and at national level . ### the substances covered by this directive should be scientifically well researched and evaluated prior to establishing restrictions and becoming subject to different measures both at community and at national level .


### this directive shall apply to electrical and electronic equipment falling under the categories set out in annex i as specified in annex ii . ### this directive shall apply to electrical and electronic equipment , including cables , consumables and accessories , falling under the categories set out in annex i .


### this directive shall apply without prejudice to requirements of community legislation on safety and health , on chemicals , in particular regulation 1907 / 2006 as well as of specific community waste management legislation . ### this directive shall apply without prejudice to requirements of community legislation on safety and health , on chemicals , in particular regulation 1907 / 2006 and directive 2000 / 53 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 18 september 2000 on end - of - life vehicles1 , as well as of specific community waste management legislation . ____________ 1 oj l 269 , 21 . 10 . 2000 , p . 34 .


### this directive does not apply to : equipment which is necessary for the protection of the essential interests of the security of member states , including arms , munitions and war material intended for specifically military purposes ; equipment which is specifically designed as part of another type of equipment that does not fall within the scope of this directive and can fulfil its function only if it is part of that equipment ; equipment which is not intended to be placed on the market as a single functional or commercial unit . ### this directive does not apply to the applications listed in annex iiia .


### moreover , the eit brings a fully fledged education dimension to the eu ' s research and innovation policy . via innovative , entrepreneurial education it plays an important bridging role between the research and innovation framework and education policies and programmes and provides the long term commitment needed to deliver sustainable changes in higher education . notably through new , trans and interdisciplinary eit - labelled degrees the eit is leading a collaborative effort towards education for innovation with clear spill over effects on the broader european agenda for the modernisation of higher education institutions thereby promoting the european higher education area . ### moreover , the eit brings a fully fledged education dimension to the eu ' s research and innovation policy as the only instrument within horizon 2020 framework which has strong emphasis on the educational aspect . via innovative , entrepreneurial education it plays an important bridging role between the research and innovation framework and education policies and programmes and provides the long term commitment needed to deliver sustainable changes in higher education . notably through new , trans and interdisciplinary eit - labelled degrees the eit is leading a collaborative effort towards education for innovation with clear spill over effects on the broader european agenda for the modernisation of higher education institutions thereby promoting the european higher education area .


### joint programming initiatives , a key instrument for addressing fragmentation in research , should provide the nucleus of the pan - european kic research base . in turn , kics can speed up and foster the exploitation of excellent public research pooled together by the jpis , thereby addressing fragmentation in innovation . the joint technology initiatives and the newly established public and private partnerships provide platforms for promotion of large - scale industry - driven research and enhance the development of major technologies . kics can help catalysing these major research investments to boost technology transfer and commercialisation and to develop new ventures within existing business via entrepreneurial talent . through its knowledge triangle approach , the eit will complement investment of the european research council on world - class frontier research by addressing the whole innovation chain from ideas to application and exploitation and provide additional opportunities in innovation and exposure to entrepreneurship to ‘ marie curie’ researchers and ‘ erasmus for all’ students . ### joint programming initiatives , a key instrument for addressing fragmentation in research , should provide the nucleus of the pan - european kic research base . in turn , kics can speed up and foster the exploitation of excellent public research pooled together by the jpis , thereby addressing fragmentation in innovation . the joint technology initiatives and the newly established public and private partnerships provide platforms for promotion of large - scale industry - driven research and enhance the development of major technologies . kics can help catalyse these major research investments to boost technology transfer and commercialisation and to develop new ventures within existing business via entrepreneurial talent . through its knowledge triangle approach , the eit will complement investment of the european research council on world - class frontier research by addressing the whole innovation chain from ideas to application and exploitation and guarantee the development of the european research area , providing new opportunities for researchers in the context of maria skłodowska - curie activities . the eit will take advantage of europe’s intellectual capital with a view to acquiring new skills in innovation and exposure to entrepreneurship thanks to the correlation with the ‘ erasmus for all’ programme .


### regulation no 1383 / 2003 does not cover certain intellectual property rights and excludes certain infringements . in order to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property rights , customs control should therefore be extended to other types of infringements , such as infringements resulting from parallel trade , as well as other infringements of rights already enforced by customs authorities but not covered by regulation no 1383 / 2003 . for the same purpose it is appropriate to include in the scope of this regulation , in addition to the rights already covered by regulation no 1383 / 2003 , trade names in so far as they are protected as exclusive property rights under national law , topographies of semiconductor products , utility models and devices to circumvent technological measures , as well as any exclusive intellectual property right established by union legislation . ### regulation no 1383 / 2003 does not cover certain intellectual property rights and excludes certain infringements . in order to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property rights , customs control should therefore be extended to other types of infringements not covered by regulation no 1383 / 2003 . for this purpose it is appropriate to include in the scope of this regulation , in addition to the rights already covered by regulation no 1383 / 2003 , trade names in so far as they are protected as exclusive property rights under national law , topographies of semiconductor products , utility models and devices to circumvent technological measures .


### taking into account the provisional and preventive character of the measures adopted by the customs authorities in this field and the conflicting interests of the parties affected by the measures , some aspects of the procedures should be adapted to ensure a smooth application of the regulation , whilst respecting the rights of the concerned parties . thus , with respect to the various notifications envisaged by this regulation , the customs authorities should notify the most appropriate person , on the basis of the documents concerning the customs treatment or of the situation in which the goods are placed . the periods laid down in this regulation for the required notifications should be counted from the time those are sent by the customs authorities in order to align all periods of notifications sent to the concerned parties . the period allowing for a right to be heard before an adverse decision is taken should be three working days , given that the holders of decisions granting applications for action have voluntarily requested the customs authorities to take action and that the declarants or holders of the goods must be aware of the particular situation of their goods when placed under customs supervision . in the case of the specific procedure for small consignments , where consumers are likely to be directly concerned and cannot be expected to have the same level of diligence as other economic operators usually involved in the accomplishment of customs formalities , that period should be significantly extended . ### taking into account the provisional and preventive character of the measures adopted by the customs authorities in this field and the conflicting interests of the parties affected by the measures , some aspects of the procedures should be adapted to ensure a smooth application of the regulation , whilst respecting the rights of the concerned parties . thus , with respect to the various notifications envisaged by this regulation , the customs authorities should notify the most appropriate person , on the basis of the documents concerning the customs treatment or of the situation in which the goods are placed . the periods laid down in this regulation for the required notifications should be counted from the time those are sent by the customs authorities in order to align all periods of notifications sent to the concerned parties . in the case of the specific procedure for small consignments , where consumers are likely to be directly concerned and cannot be expected to have the same level of diligence as other economic operators usually involved in the accomplishment of customs formalities , the right to be heard before an adverse decision is taken by the customs authorities should be established .


### ‘ goods suspected of infringing an intellectual property right’ means goods with regard to which there is adequate evidence to satisfy customs authorities that , in the member state where these goods are found , are prima facie : ### ' goods infringing an intellectual property right ' means goods with regard to which there is adequate indication to satisfy customs authorities that , in the member state where these goods are found , are prima facie


### in order to ensure the swift enforcement of intellectual property rights , it should be provided that , where the customs authorities suspect , on the basis of adequate evidence , that goods under their supervision infringe intellectual property rights , those customs authorities may suspend the release or detain the goods whether at their own initiative or upon application , in order to enable the persons entitled to submit an application for action of the customs authorities to initiate proceedings for determining whether an intellectual property right has been infringed . ### in order to ensure the swift enforcement of intellectual property rights , it should be provided that , where the customs authorities suspect , on the basis of adequate indications , that goods under their supervision infringe intellectual property rights , those customs authorities may suspend the release or detain the goods whether at their own initiative or upon application , in order to enable the persons entitled to submit an application for action of the customs authorities to initiate proceedings for determining whether an intellectual property right has been infringed .


### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business .


### when drawing up the coordinated package of active labour market policy measures , member states should favour measures that will significantly contribute to the employability of the redundant workers . member states should strive towards the reintegration into employment or new activities of at least 50 % of the targeted workers within 12 months of the date of application . ### when drawing up the coordinated package of active labour market policy measures , member states should favour measures that will significantly contribute to the employability of the redundant workers . member states should strive towards the reintegration into employment or new activities of at least 50 % of the targeted workers within 6 months after the completion of the measures .


### the member state shall submit a complete application to the commission within a period of 12 weeks from the date on which the criteria set in article 4 or are met or , where applicable , before the deadline set by the commission in accordance with article 4 . in exceptional and duly justified circumstances the application may be supplemented with additional information by the applicant member state within six months from the date of application , following which the commission shall assess the application on the basis of the available information . the commission shall complete its assessment of the application within twelve weeks of the date of receipt of a complete application or six months after the date of the initial application , whichever is the earlier . ### the member state shall submit a complete application to the commission within a period of 12 weeks from the date on which the criteria set in article 4 or are met . in exceptional and duly justified circumstances the application may be supplemented with additional information by the applicant member state within three months from the date of application , following which the commission shall assess the application on the basis of the available information . the commission shall complete its assessment of the application within twelve weeks of the date of receipt of a complete application or four months after the date of the initial application , whichever is the earlier .


### job - search assistance , occupational guidance , advisory services , mentoring , outplacement assistance , entrepreneurship promotion , aid for self - employment and business start - up or for changing or adjusting activity , co - operation activities , tailor - made training and re - training , including information and communication technology skills and certification of acquired experience ; ### job - search assistance , occupational guidance , advisory services , mentoring , outplacement assistance , entrepreneurship promotion , aid for self - employment and business start - up or for changing or adjusting activity , aid with a view to the creation of micro - enterprises , co - operation activities , tailor - made training and re - training , including information and communication technology skills and certification of acquired experience ;


### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of small and medium - sized enterprises , self - employed workers and farmers and all members of the household active in the business , who gave up their current work .


### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers who cease their activities and farmers who change or adjust their activities to a new market situation following trade agreements , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation . ### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of small and medium - sized enterprises , farmers and self - employed workers who have to cease their current activities , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation .


### actions benefiting from financial contributions by the fund pursuant to article 2 and shall aim to ensure that a minimum of 50 % of workers participating in these actions find stable employment within a year from the date of application . ### actions benefiting from financial contributions by the fund pursuant to article 2 and shall aim to ensure that a minimum of 50 % of workers participating in these actions find long - term employment by the end of the transposition period . should this target not be met , assessments must be carried out and suggestions for improvements proposed for similar cases in the future .


### a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and the major structural changes in world trade patterns , or the serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis , or the new market situation in the agricultural sector in the member state and resulting from the effects of a trade agreement initialled by the european union in accordance with article xxiv of the gatt or a multilateral agreement initialled within the world trade organisation as per article 2 . this analysis shall be based on statistical and other information at the most appropriate level to demonstrate the fulfilment of the intervention criteria set out in article 4 ; ### a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and the major structural changes in world trade patterns , or the serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis . this analysis shall be based on statistical and other information at the most appropriate level to demonstrate the fulfilment of the intervention criteria set out in article 4 ;


### in order to cover the needs arising during the final months of each year , it is necessary to ensure that at least one quarter of the annual maximum amount of the egf remains available on 1 september . financial contributions made during the remainder of the year should be allocated taking into account the overall ceiling laid down for support to farmers in the multiannual financial framework . ### in order to cover the needs arising during the final months of each year , it is necessary to ensure that at least one quarter of the annual maximum amount of the egf remains available on 1 september .


### workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation , demonstrated , in particular , by a substantial increase in imports into the union , a rapid decline of the union market share in a given sector or a delocalisation of activities to non - member countries , where these redundancies have a significant adverse impact on the local , regional or national economy ; ### workers made redundant as a result of major changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation , demonstrated , in particular , by a serious shift in the export - import pattern of the union ' s trade in goods or services , a decline of the union market share in a given sector or a delocalisation of activities to non - member countries , where these redundancies have a significant adverse impact on the local , regional or national economy ;


### expenditure shall be eligible for a financial contribution from the dates set out in article 8 on which the member state starts the personalised services to the targeted workers or the administrative expenditure to implement the egf in accordance with article 7 and respectively . in the case of farmers , expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from the date set in the delegated act taken in accordance with article 4 . ### expenditure shall be eligible for a financial contribution from the dates set out in article 8 on which the member state starts the personalised services to the targeted workers or the administrative expenditure to implement the egf in accordance with article 7 and respectively .


### where owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers change or , in the case of farmers , adjust their previous activities , such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this regulation . ### where owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers change their activity , such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this regulation .


### the member state shall submit a complete application to the commission within a period of 12 weeks from the date on which the criteria set in article 4 or are met or , where applicable , before the deadline set by the commission in accordance with article 4 . in exceptional and duly justified circumstances the application may be supplemented with additional information by the applicant member state within six months from the date of application , following which the commission shall assess the application on the basis of the available information . the commission shall complete its assessment of the application within twelve weeks of the date of receipt of a complete application or six months after the date of the initial application , whichever is the earlier . ### the member state shall submit a complete application to the commission within a period of 12 weeks from the date on which the criteria set in article 4 or are met . in exceptional and duly justified circumstances the application may be supplemented with additional information by the applicant member state within five months from the date of application , following which the commission shall assess the application on the basis of the available information . the commission shall complete its assessment of the application within twelve weeks of the date of receipt of a complete application or five months after the date of the initial application , whichever is the earlier .


### workers made redundant as a result of a serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis , provided that a direct and demonstrable link can be established between the redundancies and that crisis ; ### workers made redundant as a result of a serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis , including a drastic change in the market situation , provided that a direct and demonstrable link can be established between the redundancies and that crisis ;


### the commission shall implement information and communication activities on egf cases and outcomes . ### the commission shall implement information and communication activities in order to ensure that all the countries , regions and sectors of employment of the union are aware of these possibilities and shall report on the use of the fund annually on a country - by - country and sector - by - sector basis .


### special time - limited measures , such as job - search allowances , employers ' recruitment incentives , mobility allowances , subsistence or training allowances , all of which limited to the duration of the documented active job search or life - long learning or training activities ; ### special time - limited measures , such as job - search allowances , employers ' recruitment incentives , mobility allowances , training allowances , all of which limited to the duration of the documented active job search or life - long learning or training activities ;


### for owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers , the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions , or from the date specified by the commission in the delegated act adopted in accordance with the article 4 . ### for owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers , the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation or change of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on ' a budget for europe 2020 ' recognises the role of the egf as a flexible fund to support workers who lose their jobs and help them to find another job as rapidly as possible . the union should continue to provide , for the duration of the multiannual financial framework from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 , specific , one - off support to facilitate the re - integration into employment of redundant workers in areas , sectors , territories or labour markets suffering the shock of serious economic disruption . given its purpose , which is to provide support in situations of urgency and unexpected circumstances , the egf should remain outside the multiannual financial framework . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on ' a budget for europe 2020 ' recognises the role of the egf as a flexible fund to support workers who lose their jobs and help them to find another job as rapidly as possible . the union should continue to provide , for the duration of the multiannual financial framework from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 , specific , one - off support to facilitate the re - integration into employment of redundant workers in areas , sectors , territories or labour markets suffering the shock of serious economic disruption . given its purpose , which is to provide support in situations of urgency and unexpected circumstances , the egf should remain outside the multiannual financial framework , thereby equipping the union with a rapid response mechanism to provide support during unemployment crises .


### in order to ensure that the union ' s expression of solidarity with workers is not hampered by a lack of member state co - funding resources , the co - funding rate should be modulated , with a maximum 50 % contribution to the cost of the package and its implementation as the norm , and the possibility to raise this rate to up to 65 % in the case of applications submitted by those member states on the territory of which at least one region at nuts ii level is eligible under the ‘ convergence’ objective of the structural funds . ### in order to ensure that the union ' s expression of solidarity with workers is not hampered by a lack of member state co - funding resources , the co - funding rate should be modulated , with a maximum 50 % contribution to the cost of the package and its implementation as the norm , and the possibility to raise this rate to up to 60 % in the case of applications submitted by those member states on the territory of which at least one region at nuts ii level is eligible under the ' convergence ' objective of the structural funds and if the workers concerned come from this region , as well as up to 85% in case of applications submitted by a member state which receive financial support from the european financial stability facility .


### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business .


### the commission shall , on the basis of the assessment carried out in accordance with article 8 , particularly taking into account the number of targeted workers , the proposed actions and the estimated costs , evaluate and propose as quickly as possible the amount of a financial contribution , if any , that may be made within the limits of the resources available . the amount may not exceed 50 % of the total of the estimated costs referred to in article 8 or 65 % of these costs in the case of applications submitted by a member state on the territory of which at least one region at nuts ii level is eligible under the ' convergence ' objective of the structural funds . the commission , in its assessment of such cases , will decide whether the 65 % co - funding rate is justified . ### the commission shall , on the basis of the assessment carried out in accordance with article 8 , particularly taking into account the number of targeted workers , the proposed actions and the estimated costs , evaluate and propose as quickly as possible the amount of a financial contribution , if any , that may be made within the limits of the resources available . the amount may not exceed 65 % of the total of the estimated costs referred to in article 8 .


### in small labour markets or in exceptional circumstances , where duly substantiated by the applicant member state , an application for a financial contribution under this article may be considered admissible even if the criteria laid down in points or of paragraph 1 are not entirely met , when redundancies have a serious impact on employment and the local economy . the member state shall specify which of the intervention criteria set out in points and of paragraph 1 is not entirely met . ### in small labour markets or in exceptional circumstances , in particular with regard to collective applications involving smes , where duly substantiated by the applicant member state , an application for a financial contribution under this article may be considered admissible even if the criteria laid down in points or of paragraph 1 are not entirely met , when redundancies have a serious impact on employment and the local economy . the member state shall specify which of the intervention criteria set out in points and of paragraph 1 is not entirely met .


### in order to maintain the european nature of the egf , an application for support should be triggered when the number of redundancies reaches a minimum threshold . in small labour markets , such as small member states or remote regions , and in exceptional circumstances , applications may be submitted for a lower number of redundancies . as regards farmers , the necessary criteria should be determined by the commission in relation to the consequences of each trade agreement . ### in order to maintain the european nature of the egf , an application for support should be triggered when the number of redundancies reaches a minimum threshold . in small labour markets , such as small member states or remote regions , and in exceptional circumstances , applications may be submitted for a lower number of redundancies .


### ' a worker ' means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business .


### ' a worker ' means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ' a worker ' means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all the members of the household that are declared to be active in the business , provided that they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented .


### in compliance with the principle of sound financial management , financial contributions from the egf should not replace support measures which are available for redundant workers within the union ' s structural funds or other union policies or programmes . ### in compliance with the principle of sound financial management , financial contributions from the egf should supplement support measures which are available for redundant workers within the union ' s structural funds or other union policies or programmes .


### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers who cease their activities and farmers who change or adjust their activities to a new market situation following trade agreements , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation . ### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of small and medium - sized enterprises , farmers and self - employed workers who have to cease their current activities , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation .


### for owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers , the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions , or from the date specified by the commission in the delegated act adopted in accordance with the article 4 . ### for owner - managers of small and medium - sized enterprises , self - employed workers and farmers , the redundancy shall be counted from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions .


### in order to ensure that the union’s expression of solidarity with workers is not hampered by a lack of member state co - funding resources , the co - funding rate should be modulated , with a maximum 50 % contribution to the cost of the package and its implementation as the norm , and the possibility to raise this rate to up to 65 % in the case of applications submitted by those member states on the territory of which at least one region at nuts ii level is eligible under the ' convergence ' objective of the structural funds . ### in order to ensure that the union’s expression of solidarity with workers is not hampered by a lack of member state co - funding resources , the co - funding rate should be up to 65 % .


### in order to support redundant workers effectively and rapidly , member states should do their utmost to submit complete applications . the provision of supplementary information should be exceptional and limited in time . ### in order to support redundant workers effectively and rapidly , member states should do their utmost to submit complete applications . this can be facilitated by bilateral proactive interaction and clear communication between the commission and the national managing authorities . the commission should decide quickly whether to accept or reject the applications in order to ensure the effectiveness of the fund . the provision of supplementary information should be exceptional and limited in time .


### special provisions should be included for information and communication activities on egf cases and outcomes . in addition , to bring about greater efficiency in communication to the public at large and stronger synergies between the communication activities undertaken at the initiative of the commission , the resources allocated to communication actions under this regulation should also contribute to covering the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union provided that these are related to the general objectives of this regulation . ### bearing in mind the low level of awareness of the egf in the member states , special provisions should be included for information and promotion activities on the programme , examples of best practices and egf outcomes . in addition , to bring about greater efficiency in communication to the public at large and stronger synergies between the communication activities undertaken at the initiative of the commission , the resources allocated to communication actions under this regulation should also contribute to covering the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union provided that these are related to the general objectives of this regulation .


### the european globalisation adjustment fund was established by regulation no 1927 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 december 2006 on establishing the european globalisation adjustment fund for the duration of the financial framework from 1 january 2007 to 31 december 2013 to enable the union to show solidarity towards workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and to provide support for their rapid reintegration into employment . this initial objective of the egf remains valid . ### the european globalisation adjustment fund was established by regulation no 1927 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 december 2006 on establishing the european globalisation adjustment fund for the duration of the financial framework from 1 january 2007 to 31 december 2013 to enable the union to show solidarity towards workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and to provide support for their rapid reintegration into employment . given the current state of uncertainty in which many member states still find themselves , this initial objective of the egf remains valid , as it enables , albeit on a modest scale , individually tailored services to be provided to workers who have lost their jobs as a result of collective redundancies caused by economic globalisation , which have a major impact at business , sectoral and regional levels .


### where owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers change or , in the case of farmers , adjust their previous activities , such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this regulation . ### where owner - managers of small and medium - sized enterprises , self - employed workers and farmers not performing their activities any longer .


### the commission may make use of the appropriations referred to paragraph 1 to finance technical and / or administrative assistance , in particular relating to auditing , outsourcing of translation , meetings of experts , and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the commission and the beneficiaries . ### the commission may , without exceeding 3% except in duly justified cases , make use of the appropriations referred to in paragraph 1 , to finance technical and / or administrative assistance , in particular relating to auditing , outsourcing of translation , meetings of experts , and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the commission and the beneficiaries .


### the commission may make use of the appropriations referred to paragraph 1 to finance technical and / or administrative assistance , in particular relating to auditing , outsourcing of translation , meetings of experts , and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the commission and the beneficiaries . ### the commission may use up to 3 % of the appropriations referred to in paragraph 1 to finance technical and / or administrative assistance , in particular relating to auditing , outsourcing of translation , meetings of experts , cooperation with third countries and information and communication activities for the mutual benefit of the commission and the beneficiaries .


### in order to ensure coherence between the different exemptions set out in article 13 of regulation no 561 / 2006 , and to reduce the administrative burden on transport undertakings whilst respecting the objectives of that regulation , the maximum permissible distances set out in its articles 13 , and should be revised . ### in order to ensure coherence between the different exemptions set out in article 13 of regulation no 561 / 2006 , to reduce the administrative burden on transport undertakings , to reduce bureaucracy and to ensure that recording equipment continues to develop in line with practice , whilst respecting the objectives of that regulation , the maximum permissible distances set out in its articles 13 , and should be revised .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 39 concerning the supplementing of annex ib with the detailed technical specifications necessary to enable the processing of the location data received from the gnss by the recording equipment . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 39 concerning the supplementing of annex ib with the detailed technical specifications necessary to enable the processing of the location data received from the gnss by the recording equipment . the commission shall also be authorised in this connection to amend the 24 - month time limit referred to in article 4 if it can show at the end of that period that no suitable equipment meeting the required specifications is yet available .


### ‘ daily work period’ means the period comprising the driving time , all other periods of work , the periods of availability , breaks in work and periods of rest not exceeding nine hours . ### ‘ daily working period’ means the period which commences at the time when the driver activates the tachograph following a weekly or daily rest period , or , if the daily rest is divided into separate periods , following a rest period of at least nine hours ' duration . it ends at the beginning of a daily rest period or , if the daily rest is divided into separate periods , at the beginning of a rest period extending over a minimum of nine consecutive hours .


### ‘ control card’ means a tachograph card issued by the authorities of a member state to a national competent control authority which identifies the control body and optionally the control officer and allows access to the data stored in the data memory or in the driver cards for reading , printing and / or downloading ; ### ‘ control card’ means a tachograph card issued by the authorities of a member state to a national competent control authority which identifies the control body and the control officer and allows access to the data stored in the data memory or in the driver cards , the company card and the workshop card for reading , printing and / or downloading ;


### the driver card shall be issued , at the request of the driver by the competent authority of the member state where the driver has his normal residence . it shall be issued within one month of the request being received by the competent authority . ### the driver card shall be issued , at the request of the driver by the competent authority of the member state where the driver has his normal residence . it shall be issued within 15 days of the request being received by the competent authority .


### member states shall take appropriate measures to prevent conflicts of interests between fitters or workshops and road transport undertakings . in particular , if a transport undertaking is also operating as an approved fitter or workshop , it shall not be allowed to install and calibrate recording equipment in its own vehicles . ### member states and their competent authorities shall take appropriate measures to prevent conflicts of interests between fitters or workshops and road transport undertakings . in particular , in case of serious risk of conflict of interest , additional specific measures shall be taken to ensure that the fitter or the workshop complies with this regulation .


### driver cards shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter until 18 january 2018 . with effect from 19 january 2018 , driver cards shall be incorporated into driving licences and issued , renewed , exchanged and replaced in accordance with the provisions of directive 2006 / 126 / ec . ### within 24 months from the entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall submit an impact assessment to determine the optimum provisions for merging the driver card with any other card it considers useful , including the driving licence , taking account of the administrative burden and cost of such a procedure for all interested parties , while ensuring the protection of the driver’s personal data . the commission shall forward the outcome of this assessment to the european parliament within 30 months from the entry into force of this regulation .


### the commission shall adopt decisions on the methodology for the initial and continuing training of control officers , including on techniques to target controls and to detect manipulation devices and fraud . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 40 . ### the commission shall adopt decisions on the methodology for the initial and continuing training of control officers , including on techniques to target controls and to detect manipulation devices and fraud with a view also to securing – on the basis of guidelines aimed at the uniform application of regulation 561 / 2006 / ec – the uniform eu - wide analysis of tachograph data . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 40 .


### for that purpose , vehicles put into service for the first time [ 48 months after the entry into force of this regulation ] shall be fitted with recording equipment connected to a global navigation satellite system . ### for that purpose , vehicles put into service for the first time 24 months after the entry into force of the specifications as referred to in this article and in article 3g shall be fitted with a tachograph connected to a global navigation satellite system .


### to ensure fair competition in the internal road transport market and to give a clear message to drivers and transport undertakings , the member states ' highest category of sanctions should be imposed for ‘ very serious’ infringements nos 3820 / 85 and 3821 / 85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities ) , without prejudice to the principle of subsidiarity . ### to ensure fair competition in the internal road transport market and to give a clear message to drivers and transport undertakings , the definition of very serious infringements against this regulation should be harmonised and binding in nature and the member states ' highest category of sanctions should be imposed for ‘ very serious’ infringements nos 3820 / 85 and 3821 / 85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities ) , without prejudice to the principle of subsidiarity . efforts should also be taken to ensure that the penalties awarded for any infringements are always ' effective , dissuasive and proportionate ' . in particular concrete steps should be taken to eliminate the practice of excessively high fines for minor infringements .


### the data exchanged during communication shall be limited to the data necessary for the purpose of targeted roadside checks . data concerning the identity of the driver , driver activities and speed shall not be communicated . ### the data exchanged during communication shall be limited to the data necessary for the purpose of targeted roadside checks and may include driver activities , sensor fault , errors in motion data , driving without a driving card , vehicle registration number , speed and weight of the vehicle . data concerning the identity of the driver shall not be communicated .


### manufacturers or their agents shall submit an application for eu approval of a type of vehicle unit , motion sensor , model record sheet or tachograph card to the type approval authorities designated to that effect by each member state . ### manufacturers or their agents shall submit an application for eu approval of a type of vehicle unit , motion sensor , model record sheet , tachograph card or software used by the competent control authorities to interpret data to the type approval authorities designated to that effect by each member state .


### the commission shall adopt decisions on the methodology for the initial and continuing training of control officers , including on techniques to target controls and to detect manipulation devices and fraud . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 40 . ### the commission shall adopt decisions on the methodology for the initial and continuing training of control officers , on the correct enforcement of regulations 561 / 2006 / ec and 3821 / 85 / ec based on commonly and previously agreed guidelines concerning the uniform application of these legislative acts by all member states as well as on including on techniques to target controls and to detect manipulation devices and fraud . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 40 .


### manufacturers or their agents shall submit an application for eu approval of a type of vehicle unit , motion sensor , model record sheet or tachograph card to the type approval authorities designated to that effect by each member state . ### manufacturers or their agents shall submit an application for eu approval of a type of vehicle unit , motion sensor , model record sheet , tachograph card or data interpretation software used by the competent control authorities , to the type approval authorities designated to that effect by each member state whose certification conditions are recognised by the management committee of the sog - is european mutual recognition agreement . the commission shall consult the management committee of the sog - is agreement before any decision is made to recognise a certification body from a third country .


### for control purposes , periods of time for which no activity has been recorded shall be regarded as rest or break . drivers are not obliged to record daily and weekly rest periods when having been away from the vehicle . ### for control purposes , periods of time for which no activity has been recorded shall be regarded as rest or break . member states shall not impose on drivers the presentation of forms attesting their activities while being away from the vehicle .


### 02935250ocation data shall be recorded to allow the identification of the starting and ending place of the daily work period . for that purpose , vehicles put into service for the first time [ 48 months after the entry into force of this regulation ] shall be fitted with recording equipment connected to a global navigation satellite system . ### location data shall be recorded to allow the identification of the starting and ending place of the daily work period . for that purpose , vehicles put into service for the first time [ 24 months after the entry into force of the specifications ] shall be fitted with recording equipment connected to a global navigation satellite system .


### the competent control authority , on the basis of the data exchanged , may decide to carry out a check on the vehicle and the recording equipment . ### the competent control authority , on the basis of the data exchanged , may decide to carry out a check on the vehicle and the recording equipment . this roadside filtering must also be complemented by random enforcement checks , regardless of the reading on the roadside unit , to combat possible manipulation of the signal by certain transport undertakings . this may be aided by the establishment of a european wide database , or national databases , which would track the compliance record of transport undertakings , on the basis of physical checks carried out by enforcement officers .


### &#8220 ; workshop card&#8221 ; means a tachograph card issued by the authorities of a member state to a recording equipment manufacturer , a fitter , a vehicle manufacturer or a workshop approved by that member state which identifies the cardholder and allows for the testing , calibration and / or downloading of the recording equipment ; ### &#8220 ; workshop card&#8221 ; means a tachograph card issued by the authorities of a member state to a designated member of staff of tachograph manufacturer , a fitter , a vehicle manufacturer or a workshop approved by that member state which identifies the cardholder and allows for the testing , calibration and / or downloading of the tachograph ; this also imposes&#160 ; the obligation of management of tachograph manufacturer , a fitter , a vehicle manufacturer or a workshop approved by that member state , &#160 ; to ensure that no fraudulent activity takes place at&#160 ; a tachograph manufacturer , a fitter , a vehicle manufacturer or a workshop approved by that member state ;


### in 2009 , independent experts adopted the report of the interim evaluation of edctp18 . the opinion of the expert panel was that edctp1 provided a unique platform for a genuine dialogue with african scientists and it has started to bridge the gap between north and south in building research capacities and in providing learning and working opportunities for young african researchers . following this report , there are fundamental issues to be taken into consideration for a second european and developing countries clinical trials partnership programme : the current scope of edctp1 needs to be changed and extended ; the integration of european national programmes should be further improved ; collaboration with other major public and private funders , including the pharmaceutical industry , needs to be strengthened and extended ; synergies with european external policy actions should be developed , in particular with eu development assistance ; co - funding rules should be clarified and simplified ; monitoring tools need to be strengthened . __________________ 8van velzen et al . , independent external evaluation report , december 2009 . ### in 2009 , independent experts adopted the report of the interim evaluation of edctp18 . the opinion of the expert panel was that edctp1 provided a unique platform for a genuine dialogue with african scientists and it has started to bridge the gap between north and south in building research capacities and in providing learning and working opportunities for young african researchers . following this report , there are fundamental issues to be taken into consideration for a second european and developing countries clinical trials partnership programme : - the current scope of edctp1 needs to be changed and extended ; - training needs to be promoted and developing countries ' capacities stepped up ; - the integration of european national programmes should be further improved ; collaboration with other major public and private funders , including the pharmaceutical industry , public - private partnerships such as product development partnerships , non - governmental organisations and foundations , needs to be strengthened and extended ; synergies with european external policy actions should be developed , specifically with eu development assistance ; - co - funding rules should be clarified and simplified ; - monitoring tools need to be strengthened . ____________________ 8van velzen et al . , independent external evaluation report , december 2009 .


### an increased number of new or improved medical interventions for hiv / aids , tuberculosis , malaria and other poverty - related diseases , and by the end of the programme to have delivered at least one new medical intervention ; to have issued at least 30 guidelines for improved or extended use of existing medical interventions ; and to have progressed the clinical development of at least 20 candidate medical intervention . ### an increased number of new or improved medical interventions for poverty - related diseases , in particular hiv / aids , tuberculosis and malaria , and neglected infectious diseases , and by the end of the programme to have delivered at least one new medical intervention ; to have issued at least 30 guidelines for improved or extended use of existing medical interventions ; and to have progressed the clinical development of at least 20 candidate medical intervention .


### the maximum union financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to the edctp2 programme shall be eur 683 million , as follows : eur 594 million to equal the contributions of participating states listed in article 1 . 1 ; eur 89 million to equal the contributions of any other member state or any other country associated to horizon 2020 framework programme participating in the edctp2 programme in accordance with article 1 . 2 . ### the maximum union financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to the edctp2 programme shall be eur 683 million , matching the contributions of the participating states listed in article 1 .


### since the objectives of this decision , namely to contribute to the reduction of the social and economic burden of poverty - related diseases in developing countries and in particular in sub - saharan africa by accelerating the clinical development of effective , safe and affordable medical interventions for poverty - related diseases , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states due to the lack of necessary critical mass to be achieved , both in human and financial terms , and can therefore , by reason of the scale of the action , 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 the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary for that purpose . ### since the objectives of this decision , namely to contribute to the reduction of the social and economic burden of poverty - related diseases and neglected infectious diseases in developing countries and in particular in sub - saharan africa by accelerating the clinical development of effective , safe , straightforward and affordable medical interventions which are tailored to developing countries ' specific circumstances , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states due to the lack of necessary critical mass to be achieved , both in human and financial terms , and can therefore , by reason of the scale of the action , 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 the european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary for that purpose .


### a ceiling should be established for the union ' s participation in edctp2 for the duration of horizon 2020 framework programme . within that ceiling , the union contribution should be equal to the initial contributions committed by the participating states in order to achieve a high leverage effect and ensure a stronger integration of participating states ' programmes . that ceiling should also provide for matching the contributions from any other member state or country associated to horizon 2020 framework programme joining the edctp2 programme during the horizon 2020 framework programme . ### a ceiling should be established for the union ' s participation in edctp2 for the duration of horizon 2020 framework programme . in that period , and within that ceiling , the union contribution should be equal to the contributions of the states referred to in article 1 of this decision in order to achieve a high leverage effect and ensure a stronger integration of those states ' programmes .


### general objective edctp2 shall contribute to the reduction of the social and economic burden of poverty - related diseases in developing countries , in particular in sub - saharan africa , by accelerating the clinical development of effective , safe and affordable medical interventions for poverty - related diseases , in partnership with sub - saharan africa . ### general objective edctp2 shall contribute to the reduction of the social and economic burden of poverty - related diseases , prioritising those with the greatest socioeconomic impact on the most vulnerable groups , and neglected infectious diseases in developing countries by accelerating the clinical development of effective , safe , straightforward and affordable medical interventions which are tailored to developing countries ' specific circumstances , in partnership with developing countries , in particular in sub - saharan africa .


### extended international cooperation with other public and private funders ; ### extended international cooperation with other public and private partners ;


### member states shall receive a fixed amount of eur 4000 for each resettled person falling into one of the categories defined by the common eu annual priorities established in accordance with article 13 with respect to geographic regions and nationalities as well as to specific categories of refugees to be resettled . ### member states shall receive a fixed amount of eur 4000 for each resettled person falling into one of the categories defined by the common eu annual priorities established in accordance with article 13 with respect to geographic regions and nationalities . the following categories of refugees shall be considered as common eu annual priorities : - unaccompanied minors , for whom resettlement is in their best interest , - children and women at risk , particularly from psychological , physical or sexual violence or exploitation , - persons having serious medical needs or disabilities that can be addressed only through resettlement , - persons in need of immediate resettlement for reasons of physical or legal protection , - survivors of violence and torture , - persons from countries or regions which have opted to implement regional protection programmes .


### for the purposes of this regulation , a ‘ regional natural disaster’ shall mean any natural disaster resulting , in a region of a member state or a country involved in accession negotiations with the union at nuts 2 level , in direct damage in excess of 1 , 5 % of the region ' s gross domestic product . where the disaster concerns several regions at nuts 2 level , the threshold shall be applied to the weighted average gdp of those regions . ### for the purposes of this regulation , a ‘ regional natural disaster’ shall mean any natural disaster resulting in direct damage in excess of 1 . 5 % of the region ' s gross domestic product in a region at nuts 2 level , or in several neighbouring nuts 3 level regions that together constitute a territory corresponding to the minimum criteria for nuts 2 level , of a member state or a country involved in accession negotiations with the union ; in certain cases the gdp criterion may be weighted by using an indicator that accurately reflects the actual socio - economic situation of the territory affected before and after the disaster occurred , as envisaged in the common provisions regulation . where the disaster concerns several regions that may request assistance from the fund at nuts 2 level , or at nuts 3 level when they constitute a territory equivalent to a nuts 2 unit , the threshold shall be applied to the weighted average gdp of those regions .


### the fund should contribute to the restoration of infrastructure to working order , to the cleaning up of disaster - stricken zones and to the costs of the rescue services and for temporary accommodation for the population concerned during the whole implementation period . the time - span during which the accommodation of people made homeless by the disaster may be considered temporary should also be defined . ### the fund should contribute to the restoration of infrastructure to working order , including ports and airports , particularly in the outermost regions , which depend on them for maintaining external contact , to the cleaning up of disaster - stricken zones and to the costs of the rescue services and for temporary accommodation for the population concerned during the whole implementation period , and to the prevention of further incidents and minimisation of human activity aggravating the impact of natural disasters . the time - span during which the accommodation of people made homeless by the disaster may be considered temporary should also be defined , taking into account the nature and extent of the disaster and each member state or region’s capacity for recovery .


### the amount of the advance shall not exceed 10 % of the amount of the contribution anticipated and shall in no case exceed eur 30 000 000 . once the definitive amount of the contribution has been determined , the commission shall take into account the sum of the advance prior to the balance of the contribution being paid . the commission shall recover unduly paid advances . ### the amount of the advance shall not exceed 15 % of the amount of the contribution anticipated and shall in no case exceed eur 40 000 000 . once the definitive amount of the contribution has been determined , the commission shall take into account the sum of the advance prior to the balance of the contribution being paid . the commission shall recover unduly paid advances .


### as soon as possible and no later than ten weeks after the first occurrence of damage as a consequence of a natural disaster , a state may submit an application for a contribution from the fund to the commission providing all available information on , at least : ### as soon as possible and no later than 15 weeks after the first occurrence of damage as a consequence of a natural disaster , a state may submit an application for a contribution from the fund to the commission providing all available information on , at least :


### in order to better take into account the specific nature of those disasters which , although important , do not reach the minimum scale required to benefit from a contribution from the fund , the criteria for regional disasters should be determined based on the damage calculable by reference to regional gross domestic product . those criteria should be determined in a clear and simple manner in order to reduce the possibility of applications being submitted which do not meet the requirements set out in regulation no 2012 / 2002 . ### in order to better take into account the specific nature of those disasters which , although important , do not reach the minimum scale required to benefit from a contribution from the fund , the criteria for regional disasters should be determined based on the damage calculable by reference to regional gross domestic product . specific criteria may be determined for regional disasters in the remotest regions , to take account of their vulnerability . those criteria should be determined in a clear and simple manner in order to reduce the possibility of applications being submitted which do not meet the requirements set out in regulation no 2012 / 2002 .


### the contribution from the fund shall be used within one year from the date on which the commission has disbursed the full amount of the assistance . any part of the contribution remaining unused by that deadline or found to be used for ineligible operations shall be recovered by the commission from the beneficiary state . ### the contribution from the fund shall be used within 18 months from the date on which the commission has disbursed the full amount of the assistance . any part of the contribution remaining unused by that deadline or found to be used for ineligible operations shall be recovered by the commission from the beneficiary state .


### for the purposes of this regulation , a ‘ regional natural disaster’ shall mean any natural disaster resulting , in a region of a member state or a country involved in accession negotiations with the union at nuts 2 level , in direct damage in excess of 1 , 5 % of the region ' s gross domestic product . where the disaster concerns several regions at nuts 2 level , the threshold shall be applied to the weighted average gdp of those regions . ### for the purposes of this regulation , a ‘ regional natural disaster’ shall mean any natural disaster resulting , in a region of a member state or a country involved in accession negotiations with the union at nuts 2 level , in direct damage in excess of 1 % of the region ' s gross domestic product . where the disaster concerns several regions at nuts 2 level , the threshold shall be applied to the weighted average gdp of those regions . however , under exceptional circumstances , even when the quantitative criteria laid down in the first subparagraph are not met , a region may also benefit from assistance from the fund where that region has been affected by an extraordinary disaster , particularly a natural disaster , affecting the major part of its population , with serious and lasting repercussions on living conditions and the economic stability of the region . total annual assistance under this subparagraph shall be limited to no more than 7 , 5 % of the annual amount available to the fund . particular focus will be on remote or isolated regions , such as the islands and outermost regions as defined in article 349 of the treaty . the commission shall examine with the utmost rigour any requests which are submitted to it under this subparagraph .


### certain types of natural disaster , such as droughts , are developing over a longer period of time before their disastrous effects are felt . provision should be made to allow the use of the fund also in such cases . ### it should also be possible to use the fund for certain types of natural disaster , such as floods and droughts , which are long - term disasters , and may develop slowly , evolving over a longer period of time before their disastrous effects are felt , with it only being possible to assess the damage and deal with the extent of the disaster after it has happened . tailored provision should be made to allow the use of the fund also in such cases of long - term disaster .


### in order to better take into account the specific nature of those disasters which , although important , do not reach the minimum scale required to benefit from a contribution from the fund , the criteria for regional disasters should be determined based on the damage calculable by reference to regional gross domestic product . those criteria should be determined in a clear and simple manner in order to reduce the possibility of applications being submitted which do not meet the requirements set out in regulation no 2012 / 2002 . ### in order to better take into account the specific nature of those disasters which , although important , do not reach the minimum scale required to benefit from a contribution from the fund , the criteria for regional disasters should be determined based on the damage calculable by reference to regional gross domestic product , weighted where appropriate by an indicator that accurately reflects the real situation on the territory affected . those criteria should be determined in a clear and simple manner in order to reduce the possibility of applications being submitted which do not meet the requirements set out in regulation no 2012 / 2002 .


### in the event of a progressively unfolding natural disaster , the ten - week application deadline referred to in paragraph 1 shall run from the date at which the public authorities of the eligible state take official action for the first time against the effects of the disaster . ### in the event of a progressively unfolding natural disaster , the 15 - week application deadline referred to in paragraph 1 shall run from the date at which the public authorities of the eligible state take official action for the first time against the effects of the disaster .


### technical assistance , including management , monitoring , information and communication , complaint resolution , and control and audit , is not eligible for a contribution from the fund . ### external technical assistance , including management , monitoring , information and communication , complaint resolution , and control and audit , may be eligible for a contribution from the fund provided it does not exceed 2 % of the total amount of the contribution .


### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training . ### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity . it further confers on the union the task of ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to both respect and promote cultural and linguistic diversity , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training .


### member states shall set a national energy efficiency target expressed as an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 . when setting these targets , they shall take into account the union ' s target of 20 % energy savings , the measures provided for in this directive , the measures adopted to reach the national energy saving targets adopted pursuant to article 4 of directive 2006 / 32 / ec and other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level . ### member states shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target on primary energy consumption in 2020 . when setting these targets , they shall take into account the union ' s 2020 20% headline target of energy efficiency , the measures provided for in this directive , the measures adopted to reach the national energy efficiency targets adopted pursuant to article 4 of directive 2006 / 32 / ec and other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level . when setting the national energy efficiency targets , member states may take account of national circumstances affecting primary energy consumption : changes of energy imports and exports , development of biomass utilisation as well as wind and solar energy , and carbon capture and storage .


### as an alternative to paragraph 1 , member states may opt to take other measures to achieve energy savings among final customers . the annual amount of energy savings achieved through this approach shall be equivalent to the amount of energy savings required in paragraph 1 . ### as an alternative to paragraph 1 , member states may opt to take other measures to achieve additional energy savings among final customers . the annual amount of additional energy savings achieved through this approach shall be equivalent to the amount of energy savings required in paragraph 1 .


### by 30 april 2014 , and every three years thereafter , member state shall submit supplementary reports with information on national energy efficiency policies , action plans , programmes and measures implemented or planned at national , regional and local level to improve energy efficiency in view of achieving the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 . the reports shall be complemented with updated estimates of expected overall primary energy consumption in 2020 , as well as estimated levels of primary energy consumption in the sectors indicated in annex xiv . ### by 31 december 2013 at the latest , the member states shall provide the commission with national energy efficiency plans which describe how the member states intend to achieve the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 . the commission shall assess those plans and may refuse them or propose amendments thereto . every two years , the member states shall provide the commission with a report on the implementation of their national energy efficiency plans . the reports shall be complemented with updated estimates of expected overall primary energy consumption in 2020 , as well as estimated levels of primary energy consumption in the sectors indicated in annex xiv . the commission shall , not later than 30 september 2013 , provide a template as guidance for the supplementary reports . this template shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 20 . the supplementary reports shall in any case include the information specified in annex xiv . when setting their national energy efficiency plans , the member states shall take into account cost - effective energy efficiency measures and the risk of carbon leakage . when setting their national energy efficiency action plans , member states shall ensure the promotion of a system approach , e . g . for lighting , at national level , to encourage the use of additional energy saving potentials existing beyond the single product approach .


### this directive establishes a common framework for the promotion of energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure the achievement of the union ' s target of 20% primary energy savings by 2020 and to pave the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond that date . ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures for the promotion of energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure the achievement of the union ' s 2020 20% headline target on energy efficiency and to pave the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond that date .


### member states may lay down conditions for exemption from the provisions in the first sub - paragraph when : ### member states shall lay down conditions for exemption from the provisions in the first sub - paragraph when :


### in case of heating and cooling , where a building is supplied from a district heating network , a heat meter shall be installed at the building entry . in multi - apartment buildings , individual heat consumption meters shall also be installed to measure the consumption of heat or cooling for each apartment . where the use of individual heat consumption meters is not technically feasible , individual heat cost allocators , in accordance with the specifications in annex vi , shall be used for measuring heat consumption at each radiator . ### member states shall ensure that in buildings with several units , whose units are supplied with heat and domestic hot water from central systems the consumption is measured for each unit ; member states shall introduce rules for the annual consumption - based cost allocation of heat and domestic hot water in these buildings . exceptions are allowed if the installation of measuring devices or the consumption based cost allocation turns out to be technically and / or economically not feasible , e . g . in high efficient buildings . the metering of cooling is optional .


### member states shall ensure that public bodies purchase only products , services and buildings with high energy efficiency performance , as referred to in annex iii . ### member states shall encourage that public bodies purchase only products , services and buildings with high energy efficiency performance .


### member states may allow their public bodies to count towards their annual renovation rate the excess of renovated building floor area in a given year as if it has instead been renovated in any of the two previous or following years . ### member states may allow their public bodies to count towards their annual renovation rate the excess of renovated building floor area in a given year as if it has instead been renovated in any of the three previous or following years .


### each member state shall set up an energy efficiency obligation scheme . this scheme shall ensure that either all energy distributors or all retail energy sales companies operating on the member state ' s territory achieve annual energy savings equal to 1 . 5% of their energy sales , by volume , in the previous year in that member state excluding energy used in transport . this amount of energy savings shall be achieved by the obligated parties among final customers . ### each member state shall set up an energy efficiency obligation scheme . this scheme shall ensure that either all energy distributors or all retail energy sales companies operating on the member state ' s territory achieve annual energy savings equal to 1 . 5% of their energy sales , by volume , in the previous year in that member state . this amount of energy savings shall be achieved by the obligated parties among final customers . the member states shall apply the scheme to all sectors .


### the rate of building renovation needs to be increased , as the existing building stock represents the single biggest potential sector for energy savings . moreover , buildings are crucial to achieving the eu objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 . buildings owned by public bodies account for a considerable share of the building stock and have high visibility in public life . it is therefore appropriate to set an annual rate of renovation of all buildings owned by public bodies to upgrade their energy performance . this renovation rate should be without prejudice to the obligations with regard to nearly - zero energy buildings set in directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings27 . the obligation to renovate public buildings complements the provisions of that directive , which requires member states to ensure that when existing buildings undergo major renovation their energy performance is upgraded so that they meet minimum energy performance requirements . ### the rate of building renovation needs to be increased , as the existing building stock represents the single biggest potential sector for energy savings . moreover , buildings are crucial to achieving the eu objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 . to ensure this , it is essential that this directive maintains a long - term view and establishes roadmaps for drastically reducing the energy use of both private and public buildings by 2050 . buildings owned or occupied by public bodies account for a considerable share of the building stock and have high visibility in public life . it is therefore appropriate to set a long - term target and an annual rate of energy performance improvement for buildings owned or occupied by public bodies . this measure would require an increased renovation rate and deep renovations , while it should be without prejudice to the obligations with regard to nearly - zero energy buildings set in directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings it will in fact serve to facilitate meeting these obligations . the obligation to renovate public buildings complements the provisions of that directive , which requires member states to ensure that when existing buildings undergo major renovation their energy performance is upgraded so that they meet minimum energy performance requirements .


### member states shall ensure that enterprises not included in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 are subject to an energy audit carried out in an independent and cost - effective manner by qualified or accredited experts at the latest by 30 june 2014 and every three years from the date of the previous energy audit . ### member states shall ensure that enterprises not included in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 are subject and encouraged to an energy audit carried out in cost effective manner by qualified or accredited experts at the latest by 30 june 2014 and every three years from the date of the previous energy audit .


### network regulation and tariffs shall allow network operators to offer system services and system tariffs for demand response measures , demand management and distributed generation on organised electricity markets , in particular : ### network regulation and tariffs shall encourage network operators to promote system services and system tariffs for demand response measures , demand management and distributed generation on organized electricity markets , subject to a cost - effectiveness impact per types of targeted customers . systems services include :


### by 30 april 2014 , and every three years thereafter , member state shall submit supplementary reports with information on national energy efficiency policies , action plans , programmes and measures implemented or planned at national , regional and local level to improve energy efficiency in view of achieving the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 . the reports shall be complemented with updated estimates of expected overall primary energy consumption in 2020 , as well as estimated levels of primary energy consumption in the sectors indicated in annex xiv . ### by 30 april 2014 , and every three years thereafter , member state shall submit supplementary reports with information on national energy efficiency policies , action plans , programmes and measures implemented or planned at national , regional and local level to improve energy efficiency in view of achieving the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 and of implementing the targets referred to in article 3a . the reports shall be complemented with updated estimates of expected overall primary energy consumption in 2020 , as well as estimated levels of primary energy consumption in the sectors indicated in annex xiv .


### permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties ; in this case they shall establish an accreditation process that is clear , transparent and open to all market actors , and that aims at minimising the costs of certification ; ### permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties ; in this case they shall ensure that an accreditation process is in place that is clear , transparent and open to all market actors , and that aims at minimising the costs of certification ;


### by 30 april 2014 , and every three years thereafter , member state shall submit supplementary reports with information on national energy efficiency policies , action plans , programmes and measures implemented or planned at national , regional and local level to improve energy efficiency in view of achieving the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 . the reports shall be complemented with updated estimates of expected overall primary energy consumption in 2020 , as well as estimated levels of primary energy consumption in the sectors indicated in annex xiv . ### by 30 april 2014 , the member states shall provide the commission with national energy efficiency plans which describe how the member states intend to achieve the national energy efficiency targets referred to in article 3 . these plans shall include measures implemented or planned at national , regional and local level to improve energy efficiency . the national energy efficiency plans shall be assessed by the commission and may be refused if the measures laid down in the plan are not sufficient to achieve the national energy efficiency target .