### the efsi agreement shall provide for the creation of a european investment advisory hub within the eib . the eiah shall have as its objective to build upon existing eib and commission advisory services in order to provide advisory support for investment project identification , preparation and development and act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union . this shall include support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , use of innovative financial instruments , use of public - private partnerships and advice , as appropriate , on relevant issues of eu legislation . ### the efsi agreement shall provide for the creation of a european investment advisory hub within the eib . the eiah shall have as its objective to build upon and complement existing eib and commission advisory services where possible in a decentralised manner in order to provide advisory support for investment project identification , preparation and development and act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing in the framework of efsi . this shall include support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , use of innovative financial instruments , use of public - private partnerships and advice , as appropriate and without prejudice to the competence of the commission to oversee the application of union law , on relevant issues of eu legislation .


### the investment committee shall be composed of six independent experts and the managing director . independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance and be appointed by the steering board for a renewable fixed term of three years . ### the investment committee shall be composed of twelve independent experts and the managing director , selected via an open and transparent selection procedure . independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance , extensive knowledge of the sectors and geographical markets of the union and be appointed by the steering board for a renewable fixed term of three years .


### endowments to the guarantee fund provided for in points and of paragraph 2 shall constitute internal assigned revenues in accordance with article 21 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### guarantee fund returns , any surpluses and amounts recovered from defaulting debtors in accordance with the recovery procedure laid down in the efsi agreement as provided for in article 2 shall constitute assigned revenues to fund rail infrastructure grants in accordance with regulations nos 1316 / 2013 and 1315 / 2013 .


### in accordance with its own transparency policies on access to documents and information , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 . ### in accordance with its own transparency policies on access to documents and information , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to all eib financing and investment operations and how they contribute to the general objectives referred to in article 5 . a regular exchange of information will be organised between the european parliament and the eib on the financing and investment operations conducted by the eib under this regulation .


### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay . ### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview . the remuneration policy should be designed in such a way as to ensure sufficient room for manoeuvre for company - specific aspects . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay .


### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay . ### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to an advisory or binding vote on the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with the remuneration policy that has been submitted to shareholders . the remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay after the shareholders have voted .


### to ensure that the implementation of the remuneration policy is in line with the approved policy , shareholders should be granted the right to vote on the company’s remuneration report . in order to ensure accountability of directors the remuneration report should be clear and understandable and should provide a comprehensive overview of the remuneration granted to individual directors in the last financial year . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report , the company should explain in the next remuneration report how the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account . ### to ensure that the implementation of the remuneration policy is in line with the policy following the vote taken by shareholders , member states should be able to provide that shareholders are granted the right to vote on the company’s remuneration report . in order to ensure accountability of directors the remuneration report should be clear and understandable and should provide a comprehensive overview of the remuneration granted to individual directors in the last financial year or still pending . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report , the company should ask the shareholders for an explanation in order to identify the reasons for this rejection . the company should explain in the next remuneration report how the vote of the shareholders and their explanation have been taken into account .


### transactions with related parties may cause prejudice to companies and their shareholders , as they may give the related party the opportunity to appropriate value belonging to the company . thus , adequate safeguards for the protection of shareholders’ interests are of importance . for this reason member states should ensure that related party transactions representing more than 5 % of the companies’ assets or transactions which can have a significant impact on profits or turnover should be submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder should be excluded from that vote . the company should not be allowed to conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . for transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets companies should publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether the transaction is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . member states should be allowed to exclude transactions entered into between the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries . member states should also be able to allow companies to request the advance approval by shareholders for certain clearly defined types of recurrent transactions above 5 percent of the assets , and to request from shareholders an advance exemption from the obligation to produce an independent third party report for recurrent transactions above 1 percent of the assets , under certain conditions , in order to facilitate the conclusion of such transactions by companies . ### transactions with related parties may cause prejudice to companies and their shareholders , as they may give the related party the opportunity to appropriate value belonging to the company . thus , adequate safeguards for the protection of shareholders’ interests are of importance . for this reason member states should ensure that related party transactions which are not on market terms , representing more than 5 % of the companies’ assets or transactions , should be submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting , if these transactions are significant . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder should be excluded from that vote . the company should not be allowed to conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . for transactions with related parties which are not on market terms that represent more than 1% of their assets companies should publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , where these transactions are significant . member states should be allowed to exclude transactions entered into between the company and its subsidiaries . member states should also be able to allow companies to request the advance approval by shareholders for certain clearly defined types of recurrent transactions above 5 percent of the assets , under certain conditions , in order to facilitate the conclusion of such transactions by companies .


### in paragraph 1 , the following sentence is added : ### paragraph 1 is amended as follows :


### it also establishes requirements for intermediaries used by shareholders to ensure that shareholders can be identified , creates transparency on the engagement policies of certain types of investors and creates additional rights for shareholders to oversee companies . ### this directive establishes requirements in relation to the exercise of certain shareholder and shareholder association rights attaching to voting shares in relation to general meetings of companies which have their registered office in a member state and whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market situated or operating within a member state . it also establishes requirements for intermediaries used by shareholders to ensure that shareholders can be identified , creates transparency on the engagement policies of certain types of investors and creates additional rights for shareholders to oversee companies .


### member states shall ensure that intermediaries offer to companies the possibility to have their shareholders identified . ### member states shall ensure that companies have the possibility to identify their shareholders . member states may provide that companies can apply only to have those shareholders identified who have not explicitly declined to be identified .


### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 24 months after receiving it . ### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 24 months after removal from the register .


### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 24 months after receiving it . ### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 5 years after receiving it .


### member states shall ensure that if a company chooses not to directly communicate with its shareholders , the information related to their shares shall be transmitted to them or , in accordance with the instructions given by the shareholder , to a third party , by the intermediary without undue delay in all of the following cases : ### member states shall ensure that if it is not possible to identify shareholders in accordance with article 3a and a company cannot directly communicate with its shareholders , the information related to their shares shall be made available online and transmitted to them or , in accordance with the instructions given by the shareholder , to a third party , by the intermediaries without undue delay in all of the following cases :


### member states shall ensure that companies confirm the votes cast in general meetings by or on behalf of shareholders . in case the intermediary casts the vote , it shall transmit the voting confirmation to the shareholder . where there is more than one intermediary in the holding chain the confirmation shall be transmitted between intermediaries without undue delay . ### member states shall ensure that companies , at the request of shareholders , confirm the votes cast in general meetings by or on behalf of shareholders . in case the intermediary casts the vote , it shall transmit the requested voting confirmation to the shareholder . where there is more than one intermediary in the holding chain the requested confirmation shall be transmitted between intermediaries without undue delay . member states may provide that confirmation of the votes cast may be published by companies on their websites after the general meeting .


### member states shall allow intermediaries to charge prices or fees for the service to be provided under this chapter . intermediaries shall publicly disclose prices , fees and any other charges separately for each service referred to in this chapter . ### member states shall ensure that intermediaries publicly disclose prices , fees and any other charges separately for each service referred to in this chapter .


### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager . ### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available , free of charge , on the institutional investor’s and asset manager ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager .


### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager . ### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website in real time and in a prominent position . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager .


### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them . ### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors make recommendations on the exercise of voting rights on individual items on the agenda available to shareholders in good time . advisors shall be guided by the interests of the shareholder and shall make organisational arrangements to ensure that they are not influenced by their own interests . proxy advisors shall point out that they will exercise their voting rights in accordance with their own proposals if shareholders do not issue different instructions in time . member states shall ensure that proxy advisors adopt adequate measures to guarantee accurate and reliable voting recommendations that are based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them .


### whether they have dialogues with the companies which are the object of their voting recommendations , and , if so , the extent and nature thereof ; ### the extent and nature of dialogues with the companies which are the object of their voting recommendations ;


### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration policy as regards directors . companies shall only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the policy shall be submitted for approval by the shareholders at least every three years . ### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration policy as regards directors . member states shall guarantee that an advisory or binding vote is held on the remuneration policy . companies shall pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with this remuneration policy . this remuneration policy shall be submitted to a vote by the shareholders in the event of a proposed change to the policy .


### the policy shall explain how it contributes to the long - term interests and sustainability of the company . it shall set clear criteria for the award of fixed and variable remuneration , including all benefits in whatever form . ### the policy shall explain how it contributes to the company strategy and the long - term interests and sustainability of the company . it shall set out the essential components of fixed and variable remuneration clearly and comprehensively , without thereby disclosing sensitive information .


### any remuneration received by directors of the company from any undertaking belonging to the same group ; ### any remuneration received by or still due to directors of the company from any undertaking belonging to the same group ;


### the number of shares and share options granted or offered , and the main conditions for the exercise of the rights including the exercise price and date and any change thereof ; ### the number of shares and share options granted , and the main conditions for the exercise of the rights including the exercise price and date and any change thereof ;


### information on how the remuneration of directors was established , including on the role of the remuneration committee . ### information on how the remuneration of directors was established , including on the role of the remuneration committee , where applicable .


### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration report of the past financial year during the annual general meeting . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report the company shall explain in the next remuneration report whether or not and , if so , how , the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account . ### member states may provide that shareholders are given the right to vote on the remuneration report of the past financial year during the annual general meeting . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report the company shall request the shareholders to issue a statement in order to identify the reasons for the rejection . the company shall explain in the next remuneration report whether or not and , if so , how , the vote and statement of the shareholders has been taken into account .


### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether or not it is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction . ### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions with related parties that represent more than 5% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether or not it is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction .


### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether or not it is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction . ### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions that are not conducted on market terms with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction where these transactions are material . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction .


### member states shall ensure that transactions with related parties representing more than 5% of the companies’ assets or transactions which can have a significant impact on profits or turnover are submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder shall be excluded from that vote . the company shall not conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . the company may however conclude the transaction under the condition of shareholder approval . ### member states shall ensure that transactions that are not conducted on market terms with related parties representing more than 5% of the companies’ assets , are submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting , where these transactions are material . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder shall be excluded from that vote . the company shall not conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . the company may however conclude the transaction under the condition of shareholder approval .


### granting a global authorisation would also be appropriate where a manufacturer needs to export medicinal products controlled by regulation no 1236 / 2005 to a distributor in a country that has not abolished capital punishment , provided the exporter and the distributor have concluded a legally binding agreement requiring the distributor to apply an appropriate set of measures ensuring that the medicinal products will not be used for capital punishment . ### granting a global authorisation would also be appropriate where a manufacturer needs to export medicinal products controlled by regulation no 1236 / 2005 to a distributor in a country that has not abolished capital punishment , provided the exporter and the distributor have concluded a legally binding agreement requiring the distributor to apply an appropriate set of measures ensuring that the medicinal products will not be used for capital punishment , for torture or for other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment .


### it is necessary to prohibit brokers in the union from providing brokering services in relation to goods whose export and import are prohibited as such goods have no practical use other than for capital punishment , torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . prohibiting the provision of such services serves the purpose of protecting public morals . ### it is necessary to prohibit brokers in the union from providing brokering services in relation to goods whose export and import are prohibited as such goods have no practical use other than for capital punishment , torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . prohibiting the provision of such services serves the purpose of protecting public morals and respecting the principles of human dignity which underpin european values , as embodied in the treaty on european union and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective . ### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , a small majority of the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective .


### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective . ### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind a union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective .


### the obligation on member states to establish long - term strategies for mobilising investment in the renovation of their national building stock and notify them to the commission should be removed from directive 2012 / 27 / eu and added to directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council10 where it fits with long term plans for nearly zero energy buildings and the decarbonisation of buildings . __________________ 10 directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings ( oj l 153 , 18 . 6 . 2010 , p . 13 . ### the obligation on member states to establish long - term strategies for facilitating the renovation of their national building stock and notify them to the commission should be removed from directive 2012 / 27 / eu and added to directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council10 where it fits with long term plans for nearly zero energy buildings and the decarbonisation of buildings . __________________ 10 directive 2010 / 31 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 19 may 2010 on the energy performance of buildings ( oj l 153 , 18 . 6 . 2010 , p . 13 .


### energy savings which result from the implementation of union legislation may not be claimed unless the measure in question goes beyond the minimum required by the union legislation in question , whether by setting more ambitious energy efficiency requirements at national level or increasing the take up of the measure . recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings can be claimed if they are additional to developments that would have happened in the absence of the policy measure and if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question . ### recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings can be claimed if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question .


### energy generated on or in buildings from renewable energy technologies reduces the supplied fossil energy . the reduction of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector are important measures to reduce the union’s energy dependency and greenhouse gas emissions , especially in view of ambitious climate and energy objectives set for 2030 as well as the global commitment made in the conference of the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change held in paris in december 2015 . member states should therefore be able to take into account a certain amount of renewable energy generated on or in buildings for own use into account to satisfy their energy savings requirements . for this purpose member states should be allowed to use calculation methodologies established under directive 2010 / 31 / eu . ### energy generated on or in buildings from renewable energy technologies reduces the supplied fossil energy . the reduction of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector are important measures to reduce the union’s energy dependency and greenhouse gas emissions , as well as containing global warming , especially in view of ambitious climate and energy objectives set for 2030 as well as the global commitment made in the conference of the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change held in paris in december 2015 . improving the energy efficiency of buildings will stimulate growth and job creation , while improving health and productivity , offering better services and cutting public spending . member states should therefore be able to take into account a certain amount of renewable energy generated on or in buildings for own use into account to satisfy their energy savings requirements . for this purpose member states should be allowed to use calculation methodologies established under directive 2010 / 31 / eu .


### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ; ### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and / or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ;


### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ; ### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ;


### other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level . ### other measures to promote energy efficiency within member states and at union level , including energy efficiency in the water and wastewater sector .


### gdp evolution and forecast ; ### gdp evolution and forecast and economic structural change ;


### development of all sources of renewable energies , nuclear energy , carbon capture and storage ; and ### development of all sources of renewable energies , nuclear energy , carbon capture and storage ; and energy efficient energy generation such as high - efficiency cogeneration ;


### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 . ### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy in 2020 .


### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 . ### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and / or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 .


### compare the results under points to with the quantity of energy consumption that would be needed to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 . ### compare the results under points to with the quantity of energy consumption that would be needed to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and / or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 .


### each member state shall set indicative national energy efficiency contributions towards the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 paragraph 1 in accordance with articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting those contributions , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . member states shall notify those contributions to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ; ### each member state shall set indicative national energy efficiency contributions towards the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 in accordance with the second and third subparagraphs of article 3 , taking into account articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting those contributions , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to aim to be no more than [ 1 321 ] mtoe of primary energy or no more than [ 987 ] mtoe of final energy as reference baseline values and the primary and final energy consumption levels must be adjusted to : economic development or structural adjustment according to the production index on the ground of eurostat data ; changes in demographic developments ; climate variations or extreme events such as heat waves or cold spells , according to ipcc assessment reports ; energy consumption patterns due to innovation processes and implementation of environmental , energy and climate policy measures , such as decarbonisation measures , recycling processes , sector coupling or demand - side - management ; technological developments and increasing economic activity to allow for economic growth . the recalculation of the baseline values shall be done bi - annually based on national energy and climate plans and eurostat data . member states shall notify those contributions to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ;


### “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 is replaced by the following : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . as from 1 january 2021 this paragraph shall apply to all heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 , and shall apply to buildings owned and occupied by public authorities as of 1 january 2021 with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of public authorities ' buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other building . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m2 ; and the energy performance of each building ; actual measured energy consumption ; 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2030 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference public authorities ' buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , within 6 months from the entry into force of this directive ] , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authority estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up to : adopt an energy efficiency plan and long - term renovation strategy for each building , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives as well as live cycle costs assessments and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . 7a . member states shall report on the annual energy savings resulting from the renovations , including on the share of deep renovations , and on the total floor area renovated , according to article 19 of the governance regulation [ ] .


### member states shall achieve cumulative end - use energy savings at least equivalent to : ### member states shall achieve cumulative end - use energy savings , calculated with bottom - up approach taking into account industrial production index at least equivalent to :


### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . ### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2025 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 ; from 1 january 2026 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 0 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . by 30 june 2024 , the commission shall assess progress achieved towards the headline targets set out in article 3 . if the assessment shows that the progress is not sufficient to achieve the 2030 target , the commission may increase the annual saving ratio for the period from 1 january 2026 to 31 december 2030 up to 1 . 5% . if appropriate , the commission shall submit a legislative proposal to this end .


### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . ### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , according to eurostat data , averaged over the most recent five - year period prior to the entry into force of this directive . this percentage may be modified by member states taking into account national circumstances such as energy intensity reached .


### allow energy savings achieved in the energy transformation , distribution and transmission sectors , including efficient district heating and cooling infrastructure , as a result of implementing the requirements set out in article 14 , point of article 14 and article 15 to and , to be counted towards the amount of energy savings required under paragraph 1 ; ### allow energy savings from both conventional and renewable energy sources achieved in the energy transformation , distribution and transmission sectors , including high efficiency cogeneration and efficient district heating and cooling infrastructure , as a result of implementing the requirements set out in article 14 , point of article 14 and article 15 to and , to be counted towards the amount of energy savings required under paragraph 1 ;


### member states shall achieve the required amount of savings under paragraph 1 either by establishing an energy efficiency obligation scheme referred to in article 7a or by adopting alternative measures referred to in article 7b . member states may combine an energy efficiency obligation scheme with alternative policy measures . ### member states shall achieve the required amount of savings under paragraph 1 either by establishing an energy efficiency obligation scheme referred to in article 7a or by adopting alternative measures referred to in article 7b . member states may combine an energy efficiency obligation scheme with alternative policy measures . member states shall ensure that the energy efficiency obligation scheme referred to in article 7a or alternative measures referred to in article 7b do not cause competitive disadvantage of the undertakings obliged to implement measures that improve energy efficiency .


### all the options chosen under paragraph 2 taken together must amount to no more than 25 % of the amount of energy savings referred to in paragraph 1 . member states shall apply and calculate the effect of the options chosen for the periods referred to in points and of paragraph 1 separately : for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 member states may make use of points , , , and of paragraph 2 ; for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 member states may make use of points , , and of paragraph 2 , provided individual actions in the meaning of point continue to have a verifiable and measurable impact after 31 december 2020 . ### all the options chosen under paragraph 2 taken together must amount to no more than 25 % of the amount of energy savings referred to in paragraph 1 . member states shall apply and calculate the effect of the options chosen for the periods referred to in points and of paragraph 1 separately : for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 member states may make use of points and of paragraph 2 ; for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in points , and of paragraph 1 member states may make use of point of paragraph 2 .


### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the amount of savings required under article 7 by way of an energy efficiency obligation scheme they shall ensure that obligated parties referred to in paragraph 2 operating in each member state ' s territory achieve , without prejudice to article 7 , the cumulative end - use energy savings requirement set out in article 7 . ### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the amount of savings required under article 7 by way of an energy efficiency obligation scheme they shall ensure that obligated parties referred to in paragraph 2 operating in each member state ' s territory achieve , without prejudice to article 7 , the cumulative end - use energy savings requirement set out in article 7 or by contributing annually to the energy efficiency national fund in line with article 20 .


### the commission shall evaluate this directive by 28 february 2024 at the latest , and every five years thereafter , and shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council . that report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals for further measures . ; ### the commission shall evaluate this directive by 28 february 2024 at the latest , and every five years thereafter , and shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council . as part of a comprehensive dedicated monitoring and steering process of the cross effects and interactions between energy and climate legislation , the commission shall reassess the impact of the directive on the share of emission reductions in the revision of the directive 2003 / 87 / eu establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading as laid down in article [ 10b paragraph 1a ] of this directive and the revision of the decision no 406 / 2009 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . if an increased energy efficiency target leads to an additional emission reduction , it shall be without prejudice to the share of free allowances necessary to protect the 10% most efficient installations in sectors at risk of carbon leakage . that report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals for further measures . ;


### as of [ please insert here … . the entry into force ] where remotely readable meters or cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information based on actual consumption shall be made available at least quarterly upon request or where final customers have opted to receive electronic billing , or else twice yearly . ### as of [ please insert here … . date of transposition ] where remotely readable meters or cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information based on actual consumption shall be made available at least upon request or where final customers have opted to receive electronic billing .


### it is necessary to set out rules on the transit through international areas of airports in order to combat irregular immigration . to this end a common list of third countries the nationals of which should be required to hold airport transit visas should be established . nevertheless , when a member state experiences a sudden and substantial influx of irregular immigrants , it should be be able to introduce temporarily the airport transit visa requirement for nationals of a given third country . the conditions and procedures for doing so should be laid down , in order to ensure that the application of this measure is limited in time and that in accordance with the principle of proportionality , it does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objective . the scope of the airport transit visa requirement should be limited to responding to the specific situation that prompted the introduction of the measure . ### it is necessary to set out rules on the transit through international areas of airports in order to combat irregular immigration . to this end a common list of third countries the nationals of which should be required to hold airport transit visas should be established . nevertheless , when a member state experiences a sudden and substantial influx of irregular immigrants , it should be be able to introduce temporarily the airport transit visa requirement for nationals of a given third country . the conditions and procedures for doing so should be laid down , in order to ensure that the application of this measure is limited in time and that in accordance with the principle of proportionality , it does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objective . the scope of the airport transit visa requirement should be limited to responding to the specific situation that prompted the introduction of the measure , not done by a single member state but in agreement with the rest of the union .


### the issuing of visas at the external border should , in principle , remain exceptional . however , to allow member states to promote short term tourism , they should be authorised to issue visas at the external border based on a temporary scheme and upon notification and publication of the organisational modalities of the scheme . such schemes should be temporary in nature and the validity of the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing member state . ### the issuing of visas at the external border should , in principle , remain exceptional . however , to allow member states to promote short term tourism , they should be authorised to issue visas at the external border based on a temporary scheme and upon notification , online pre - registration of the applicants and publication of the organisational modalities of the scheme . such schemes should be temporary in nature and the validity of the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing member state .


### that period may be extended up to a maximum of 20 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed . ### that period may be extended up to a maximum of 20 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or due to the workload of the consulate .


### applications of close relatives of the union citizens referred to in article 8 and of family members of union citizens as referred to in article 3 of directive 2004 / 38 / ec shall be decided on within 5 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application . that period may be extended up to a maximum of 10 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed . ### applications of close relatives of the union citizens referred to in article 8 and of family members of union citizens as referred to in article 3 of directive 2004 / 38 / ec shall be decided on within 5 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application . that period may be extended up to a maximum of 10 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed or due to the workload of the consulate .


### member states shall notify the envisaged schemes to the european parliament , the council and the commission at the latest three months before the start of their implementation . the notification shall define the categories of beneficiaries , the geographical scope , the organisational modalities of the scheme and the measures envisaged to ensure the verification of the visa issuing conditions . ### member states shall notify the envisaged schemes to the european parliament , the council and the commission at the latest three months before the start of their implementation . the notification shall define the categories of beneficiaries , the geographical scope , the organisational modalities of the scheme , the measures envisaged to ensure the verification of the visa issuing conditions and the online pre - registration system .


### the commission should , on the basis of an open , transparent and non - discriminatory selection procedure , designate a registry for the . eu tld . the commission should enter into a contract with the selected registry which should include the detailed principles and procedures applying to the registry for the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld . the contract should be limited in time and renewable . ### the commission should , on the basis of an open , transparent and non - discriminatory selection procedure , taking into considerations variables related to cost - efficiency and administrative simplicity , designate a registry for the . eu tld . the commission should enter into a contract with the selected registry which should include , where appropriate and in line with the provisions laid down in this regulation , the detailed principles and procedures applying to the registry for the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld . the contract should be limited in time and renewable .


### an undertaking established within the union ; or ### an undertaking established within the union or within the eea ; or


### an organisation established within the union without prejudice to the application of national law . ### an organisation established within the union or within the eea without prejudice to the application of national law .


### a domain name may also be revoked , and where necessary subsequently transferred to another party , subject to an appropriate alternative dispute resolution or judicial procedure , where that name is identical or confusingly similar to a name in respect of which a right is established by national or union law , and where it : ### a domain name may also be revoked , and where necessary subsequently transferred to another party , subject to an appropriate alternative dispute resolution or judicial procedure , where that name is identical or confusingly similar to a name in respect of which a right is established by national or union law . furthermore , a domain name shall be revoked where it :


### the registration of domain names shall be performed in all the alphabetic characters of the official languages of the union in accordance with the available international standards as allowed by the relevant internationalised domain names protocols . ### the registration of domain names shall be performed in all the characters of the official languages of the union and / or in accordance with the available international standards as allowed by the relevant internationalised domain names protocols .


### the commission shall enter into a contract with the designated registry . the contract shall specify the rules , policies and procedures for the provision of services by the registry and the conditions according to which the commission supervises the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld by the registry . the contract shall be limited in time and renewable and shall include the principles and procedures on the functioning of the . eu tld laid down on the basis of article 11 . ### the commission shall enter into a contract with the designated registry . the contract shall specify the rules , policies and procedures for the provision of services by the registry and , where relevant and to the extent necessary to ensure that the objectives of this regulation are met , the conditions according to which the commission supervises the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld by the registry . the contract shall be limited in time and renewable and shall include the principles and procedures on the functioning of the . eu tld laid down on the basis of article 11 . any change in the contract referred to in this paragraph shall be open and transparent and in accordance with relevant competition policy and guidelines .


### observe the rules , policies and procedures laid down in this regulation and the contract referred to in article 8 ; ### observe the rules , policies and procedures laid down in this regulation and the contract referred to in article 8 , as well as with relevant union data protection law .


### requirements and procedures for registration requests , policy on verification of registrants data and speculative registration of domain names ; ### requirements and procedures for registration requests , policy on verification of the identity of registrants , data and speculative registration of domain names ;


### a . eu multistakeholder council shall be established to advise the commission on the implementation of the present regulation . ### a . eu multistakeholder council shall be established to advise the commission on the implementation of the present regulation . the commission shall take due account of any&#160 ; advice and recommendations provided by the . eu multistakeholder council in implementing all aspects of this regulation .


### issue opinions on matters of management , organisation and administration of the . eu tld ; ### issue opinions on matters of management , organisation and administration of the . eu tld , including , but not limited to , issues related to cybersecurity and data protection ;


### advise the commission on matters of monitoring and supervision of the registry . ### advise the commission on matters of monitoring and supervision of the registry , in particular pursuant to article 10 .


### no later than five years after the date of application of this regulation , and each three years thereafter , the commission shall assess the implementation , effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld . ### no later than five years after the date of application of this regulation , and each three years thereafter , the commission shall assess the implementation , effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld , based notably on the information provided by the registry pursuant to article 10 .


### article 49 of the treaty on european union provides that any european state which respects the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , and commits to promote these values , may apply to become a member of the union . a european state which has applied to join the union can become a member only when it has been confirmed that it meets the membership criteria established at the copenhagen european council in june 1993 and provided that the union has the capacity to integrate the new member . the copenhagen criteria relate to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law , human rights and respect for and protection of minorities , the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the union , and the ability to assume not only the rights but also the obligations under the treaties , including adherence to the aims of political , economic and monetary union . ### article 49 teu provides that any european state which respects the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , and commits to promote these values , may apply to become a member of the union . those values are common to member states in a society in which pluralism , non - discrimination , tolerance , justice , solidarity and equality between women and men prevail .


### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change . ### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security , stability and prosperity in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership can have a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change . this potential should be tapped into to the highest possible degree .


### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change . ### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability and prosperity in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic , societal and environmental change .


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . ### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion , respect for internationally agreed labour standards on workers’ rights and non - discrimination . assistance should also support adherence by the beneficiaries to the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights , to the social market economy and convergence towards the social acquis . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption , money laundering and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , the independence of the judiciary , transparency , public procurement , competition , state aid , intellectual property and foreign investments remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex 1 and are essential in order for the beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform and bolstering administrative capacities , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible .


### in accordance with the principle of participatory democracy , parliamentary oversight in each beneficiary listed in annex i should be encouraged by the commission . ### in accordance with the principle of participatory democracy , the strengthening of parliamentary capacities and parliamentary oversight in each of the beneficiaries should be promoted by the commission .


### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of at least 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the mff 2021 - 2027 period , and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible , at the latest by 2027 . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 20 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . in the case of cross - border pollution , priority of ipa spending should be given to preparation and implementation of the projects which will eliminate cross - border pollution . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### the beneficiaries need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme should aim to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives , striving to achieve the goal that climate - related spending reaches 30 % of mff expenditure by 2027 . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and execution , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate and environmental objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development , environmental protection , climate change and adapting the eu’s circular economy model , and to align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### the beneficiaries listed in annex i need to be better prepared to address global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union ' s efforts to address those issues . reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals , this programme should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 16 % of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . in the case of cross - border pollution , priority in ipa spending should be given to preparing and implementing projects which will do away with that form of pollution . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and the overall contribution from this programme should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes .


### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of civil society should be enhanced both in programmes implemented through government bodies and as a direct beneficiary of union assistance . ### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , consistency and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of diverse independent civil society organisations and different types and levels of local authorities should be adequately enhanced both in programmes executed through government bodies and as a direct beneficiary of union assistance .


### the priorities for action towards meeting objectives in the relevant policy areas which will be supported under this regulation should be defined in a programming framework established by the commission for the duration of the union multiannual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027 in partnership with the beneficiaries listed in annex i , based on the enlargement agenda and their specific needs , in line with the general and specific objectives defined by this regulation and taking relevant national strategies into due account . the programming framework should identify the areas to be supported through assistance with an indicative allocation per area of support , including an estimate of climate - related expenditure . ### the priorities for action towards meeting objectives in the relevant policy areas which will be supported under this regulation should be defined in a programming framework established by the commission for the duration of the union multiannual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027 . those priorities should be defined in partnership with the beneficiaries , based on the enlargement agenda and their specific needs , in line with the general and specific objectives defined by this regulation and taking relevant national strategies and the pertaining resolutions of the european parliament into due account . that partnership should include , as appropriate , competent authorities , as well as civil society organisations . the commission should encourage cooperation among the relevant stakeholders and donor co - ordination . the programming framework should identify the areas to be supported through assistance with an indicative allocation per area of support , including an estimate of climate - and gender equality - related expenditure . the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of supplementing this regulation by adopting the ipa programming framework and its review by 30 june 2025 .


### it is in the union ' s interest to assist the beneficiaries listed in annex i in their efforts to reform with a view to union membership . assistance should be managed with a strong focus on results and with incentives for those who demonstrate their commitment to reform through efficient implementation of pre - accession assistance and progress towards meeting the membership criteria . ### it is in the union ' s interest to assist the beneficiaries listed in annex i in their efforts to reform with a view to union membership . assistance should be managed with a strong focus on results and with incentives for more effective and efficient use of funds for those who demonstrate their commitment to reform through efficient implementation of pre - accession assistance and progress towards meeting the membership criteria , achieving positive changes in their socio - economic environment and response to current challenges .


### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in annex i should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . ### the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries . the transition to indirect management by the beneficiaries should be suspended in specific policy or programme areas in case those capacities significantly decrease or if such management results in an inefficient use of the union funds , giving rise to significant shortcomings in respect of relevant obligations . such a decision should give due consideration to any possible negative economic and social consequences . assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process .


### the union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action . that should be achieved through coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and programmes . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance . ### the union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action , while avoiding double targeting and overlapping . that should be achieved through consistency , strong coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and external actions , funding resources and programmes . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance .


### the union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action . that should be achieved through coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and programmes . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance . ### the union should seek to use available resources efficiently in order to optimise the impact of its external action . that should be achieved through coherence and complementarity among the union ' s external financing instruments , as well as the creation of synergies with other union policies and programmes . this includes , where relevant , coherence and complementarity with macro - financial assistance and eu macro - regional strategies .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation . ### the types of financing and the methods of execution under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation .


### the union should continue to apply common rules for the implementation of the external actions . rules and procedures for the implementation of the union ' s instruments for financing external action are laid down in regulation no [ ndici ] of the european parliament and of the council . additional detailed provisions should be laid down for addressing the specific situations in particular for cross - border cooperation , agriculture and rural development policy area . ### the union should continue to apply common rules for the implementation of the external actions . rules and procedures for the application of the union ' s instruments for financing external action are laid down in regulation no [ ndici ] of the european parliament and of the council . additional detailed provisions should be laid down for addressing the specific situations in particular for cross - border cooperation , agriculture and rural development policy area .