### the member state competent authorities are responsible to ensure the uniform compliance of the self - certification of responsible importers by carrying out appropriate ex - post checks so as to verify whether the self - certified responsible importers of the minerals and / or metals within the scope of the regulation comply with the supply chain due diligence obligations . records of such checks should be kept for at least 5 years . member states are responsible to lay down the rules applicable to infringements of the provisions of this regulation . ### a single union - wide competent authority should be established in order to ensure the uniform compliance of the self - certification of responsible importers by carrying out appropriate ex - post checks so as to verify whether the self - certified responsible importers of the minerals and / or metals within the scope of the regulation comply with the supply chain due diligence obligations . records of such checks should be kept for at least 5 years . member states are responsible to lay down the rules applicable to infringements of the provisions of this regulation .


### the commission should report regularly to the council and the european parliament on the effects of the scheme . no later than three years after entering into force and every six years thereafter , the commission should review the functioning and the effectiveness of this regulation , including as regards the promotion of responsible sourcing of the minerals within its scope from conflict - affected and high - risk areas . the reports may be accompanied , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals , which may include mandatory measures , ### the commission should report regularly to the council and the european parliament on the effects of the scheme . no later than three years after entering into force and every three years thereafter , the commission should review the functioning and the effectiveness of this regulation , including as regards the promotion of responsible sourcing of the minerals within its scope from conflict - affected and high - risk areas . the reports may be accompanied , if necessary , by appropriate legislative proposals , which may include mandatory measures , but only when all aspects of the scheme can be demonstrated to have been fully evaluated and are functioning in such a way as to not cause harm , within the affected regions , as well as to trade and competition ,


### on the basis of the information provided by the member states in their reports as referred to in article 15 , the commission shall adopt and make publicly available a decision listing the names and addresses of responsible smelters and refiners of minerals within the scope of this regulation . ### on the basis of the information provided by the member states in their reports as referred to in article 15 , the commission shall adopt and make publicly available a decision listing the names and addresses of responsible smelters and refiners of minerals within the scope of this regulation . furthermore , the commission will review annex i on an annual basis in order to adapt to changing circumstances of mineral production in conflict affected and high risk areas . the commission may adapt annex i following such a review .


### articles 101 and 102 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union are a matter of public policy and should be applied effectively throughout the union to ensure that competition in the internal market is not distorted . effective enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu is necessary to ensure more open competitive markets in europe , where companies compete more on their merits and without company erected barriers to market entry , enabling them to generate wealth and create jobs . it protects consumers from business practices that keep the prices of goods and services artificially high and enhances their choice of innovative goods and services . ### articles 101 and 102 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union are a matter of public policy and should be applied effectively throughout the union to ensure that competition in the internal market is not distorted . effective enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu is necessary to ensure more open and competitive markets in europe , without barriers to market entry , enabling companies to compete on their merits and to generate wealth and create jobs . it protects consumers from business practices that keep the prices of goods and services artificially high and enhances their choice of innovative goods and services .


### national law prevents many ncas from having the necessary guarantees of independence and enforcement and fining powers to be able to enforce these rules effectively . this undermines their ability to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions in parallel to articles 101 and 102 tfeu as appropriate . for example , under national law many ncas do not have effective tools to find evidence of infringements of articles 101 and 102 tfeu , to fine companies which break the law or do not have the resources they need to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu . this can prevent them from taking action at all or results in them limiting their enforcement action . the lack of operational tools and guarantees of many ncas to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu means that undertakings engaging in anti - competitive practices can face very different outcomes of proceedings depending on the member states in which they are active : they may be subject to no enforcement at all under articles 101 or 102 tfeu or to ineffective enforcement . for example , in some member states , undertakings can escape liability for fines simply by restructuring . uneven enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions applied in parallel to articles 101 and 102 tfeu results in missed opportunities to remove barriers to market entry and to create more open competitive markets throughout the european union where undertakings compete on their merits . undertakings and consumers particularly suffer in those member states where ncas are less - equipped to be effective enforcers . undertakings cannot compete on their merits where there are safe havens for anti - competitive practices , for example , because evidence of anti - competitive practices cannot be collected or because undertakings can escape liability for fines . they therefore have a disincentive to enter such markets and to exercise their rights of establishment and to provide goods and services there . consumers based in member states where there is less enforcement miss out on the benefits of effective competition enforcement . uneven enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions applied in parallel to articles 101 and 102 tfeu throughout europe thus distorts competition in the internal market and undermines its proper functioning . ### national law prevents many ncas from having the necessary guarantees of independence and enforcement and fining powers to be able to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions in parallel . for example , under national law many ncas do not have effective tools to find evidence of infringements of articles 101 and 102 tfeu , to fine companies which break the law or do not have the resources they need to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu . this can prevent them from taking action at all or results in them limiting their enforcement action . the lack of operational tools and guarantees of many ncas to effectively apply articles 101 and 102 tfeu means that undertakings engaging in anti - competitive practices can face very different outcomes of proceedings depending on the member states in which they are active or established : they may be subject to no enforcement at all under articles 101 or 102 tfeu or to ineffective enforcement . for example , in some member states , undertakings can escape liability for fines simply by restructuring . uneven enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions applied in parallel to articles 101 and 102 tfeu results in missed opportunities to remove barriers to market entry and to create more open competitive markets throughout the european union where undertakings compete on their merits . undertakings and consumers particularly suffer in those member states where ncas are less - equipped to be effective enforcers . undertakings cannot compete on their merits where there are safe havens for anti - competitive practices , for example , because evidence of anti - competitive practices cannot be collected or because undertakings can escape liability for fines . they therefore have a disincentive to enter such markets and to exercise their rights of establishment and to provide goods and services there . consumers based in member states where there is less enforcement miss out on the benefits of effective competition enforcement . uneven enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and national competition law provisions applied in parallel to articles 101 and 102 tfeu throughout europe thus distorts competition in the internal market and undermines its proper functioning .


### gaps and limitations in ncas ' tools and guarantees undermine the system of parallel powers for the enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu which is designed to work as a cohesive whole based on close cooperation within the european competition network . this system depends on authorities being able to rely on each other to carry out fact - finding measures on each other ' s behalf . however it does not work well when there are still ncas that do not have adequate fact - finding tools . in other key respects , ncas are not able to provide each other with mutual assistance . for example , in the majority of member states , undertakings operating cross - border are able to evade paying fines simply by not having a legal presence in some of the territories of member states in which they are active . this reduces incentives to comply with articles 101 and 102 tfeu . the resulting ineffective enforcement distorts competition for law - abiding undertakings and undermines consumer confidence in the internal market , particularly in the digital environment . ### gaps and limitations in ncas ' tools and guarantees undermine the system of parallel powers for the enforcement of articles 101 and 102 tfeu which is designed to work as a cohesive whole based on close cooperation within the european competition network . this system depends on authorities being able to rely on each other to carry out fact - finding measures at each other ' s request . however it does not work well when there are still ncas that do not have adequate fact - finding tools . in other key respects , ncas are not able to provide each other with mutual assistance . for example , in the majority of member states , undertakings operating cross - border are able to evade paying fines simply by not having a legal presence in some of the territories of member states in which they are active . this reduces incentives to comply with articles 101 and 102 tfeu . the resulting ineffective enforcement distorts competition for law - abiding undertakings and undermines consumer confidence in the internal market , particularly in the digital environment .


### conversely , detailed rules are necessary in the area of conditions for granting leniency for secret cartels . companies will only come clean about secret cartels in which they have participated if they have sufficient legal certainty about whether they will benefit from immunity from fines . the marked differences between the leniency programmes applicable in the member states lead to legal uncertainty for potential leniency applicants , which may weaken their incentives to apply for leniency . if member states could implement or apply either less or more restrictive rules for leniency in the area covered by this directive , this would not only go counter to the objective of maintaining incentives for applicants in order to render competition enforcement in the union as effective as possible , but would also risk jeopardising the level playing field for undertakings operating in the internal market . this does not prevent member states from applying leniency programmes that do not only cover secret cartels , but also other infringements of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and equivalent national provisions . ### conversely , detailed rules are necessary in the area of conditions for granting leniency for disclosing cartels . companies will only come clean about cartels in which they have participated if they have sufficient legal certainty about whether they will benefit from immunity from fines . the marked differences between the leniency programmes applicable in the member states lead to legal uncertainty for potential leniency applicants , which may weaken their incentives to apply for leniency . if member states could implement or apply either less or more restrictive rules for leniency in the area covered by this directive , this would not only go counter to the objective of maintaining incentives for applicants in order to render competition enforcement in the union as effective as possible , but would also risk jeopardising the level playing field for undertakings operating in the internal market . this does not prevent member states from applying leniency programmes that do not only cover cartels , but also other infringements of articles 101 and 102 tfeu and equivalent national provisions .


### the independence of ncas should be strengthened in order to ensure the effective and uniform application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu . to this end , express provision should be made in national law to ensure that when applying articles 101 and 102 tfeu ncas are protected against external intervention or political pressure liable to jeopardise their independent assessment of matters coming before them . for that purpose , rules should be laid down in advance regarding the grounds for the dismissal of the members of the decision - making body of the ncas in order to remove any reasonable doubt as to the impartiality of that body and its imperviousness to external factors . ### the independence of ncas should be strengthened in order to ensure the effective and uniform application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu . to this end , express provision should be made in national law to ensure that when applying articles 101 and 102 tfeu ncas are protected against external intervention or political pressure liable to jeopardise their independent assessment of matters coming before them . for that purpose , clear and transparent rules and procedures for the appointment and grounds for dismissal of the members of the decision - making body of the ncas should be laid down in advance in order to remove any reasonable doubt as to the impartiality of that body and its imperviousness to external factors .


### to ensure the independence of ncas , their staff and members of the decision - making body should act with integrity and refrain from any action which is incompatible with the performance of their duties . the need to prevent the independent assessment of staff or members of the decision - making body being jeopardised entails that during their employment and term of office and for a reasonable period thereafter , they should refrain from any incompatible occupation , whether gainful or not . furthermore , this also entails that during their employment and their term of office , they should not have an interest in any businesses or organisations which have dealings with a nca to the extent that this has the potential to compromise their independence . the staff and the members of the decision - making body should declare any interest or asset which might create a conflict of interests in the performance of their duties . they should be required to inform the decision - making body , the other members thereof or , in the case of ncas in which the decision - making power rests with only one person , their appointing authority , if , in the performance of their duties , they are called upon to decide on a matter in which they have an interest which might impair their impartiality . ### to ensure the independence of ncas , their staff , members of the decision - making body and management should act with integrity and refrain from any action which is incompatible with the performance of their duties . the need to prevent the independent assessment of staff or members of the decision - making body being jeopardised entails that during their employment and term of office and for a reasonable period thereafter , they should refrain from any incompatible occupation , whether gainful or not . furthermore , this also entails that during their employment and their term of office , they should not have an interest in any businesses or organisations which have dealings with a nca to the extent that this has the potential to compromise their independence . the staff , members of the decision - making body and managementshould declare any interest or asset which might create a conflict of interests in the performance of their duties . to this end the staff , members and management of the nca shall make an annual declaration of commitment and declaration of interests , indicating direct or indirect interests that might be considered prejudicial to their independence and might influence their performance . they should be required to inform the decision - making body , the other members thereof or , in the case of ncas in which the decision - making power rests with only one person , their appointing authority , if , in the performance of their duties , they are called upon to decide on a matter in which they have an interest which might impair their impartiality .


### the investigative powers of national administrative competition authorities need to be adequate to meet the enforcement challenges of the digital environment and should enable national competition authorities to obtain all information in digital form , including data obtained forensically , related to the undertaking or association of undertakings which is subject to the investigative measure , irrespective of the medium on which it is stored , such as on laptops , mobile phones and other mobile devices . ### the investigative powers of national administrative competition authorities need to be adequate to meet the enforcement challenges of the digital environment and should enable national competition authorities to obtain all information in digital form , including data obtained forensically , related to the undertaking or association of undertakings which is subject to the investigative measure , irrespective of the medium on which it is stored , such as on laptops , mobile phones , other mobile devices and cloud storage .


### ̔secret cartel’ means an agreement and / or concerted practice between two or more competitors aimed at coordinating their competitive behaviour on the market and / or influencing the relevant parameters of competition through practices such as the fixing of purchase or selling prices or other trading conditions , the allocation of production or sales quotas , the sharing of markets including bid - rigging , restrictions of imports or exports and / or anti - competitive actions against other competitors , which is not , partially or fully , known except to the participants ; ### ‘ cartel’ means an agreement or concerted practice between two or more competitors aimed at coordinating their competitive behaviour on the market or influencing the relevant parameters of competition through practices such as , but not limited to , the fixing or coordination of purchase or selling prices or other trading conditions , including in relation to intellectual property rights , the allocation of production or sales quotas , the sharing of markets and customers , including bid - rigging , restrictions of imports or exports or anti - competitive actions against other competitors ;


### the staff and the members of the decision - making body of national administrative competition authorities refrain from any action which is incompatible with the performance of their duties and exercise of their powers for the application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu ; ### the staff , members of the decision - making body and management of national administrative competition authorities refrain from any action which is incompatible with the performance of their duties and exercise of their powers for the application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu ; in particular , this entails that during their employment and their term of office , they do not have an interest in any businesses or organisations which have dealings with an nca , to the extent that this has the potential to compromise their independence ;


### member states shall ensure that national competition authorities have the human , financial and technical resources that are necessary for the effective performance of their duties and exercise of their powers when applying articles 101 and 102 tfeu as defined in paragraph 2 . ### member states shall ensure that national competition authorities have the human , financial and technical resources that are necessary for the effective performance of their duties and exercise of their powers when applying articles 101 and 102 tfeu as defined in paragraph 2 . member states shall ensure that the nca has separate annual budget allocations , and is granted autonomy in the implementation of the allocated budget . this budgetary autonomy shall be exercised without prejudice to national budgetary rules and procedures .


### to examine the books and other records related to the business irrespective of the medium on which they are stored , including the right to access information which is accessible to the entity subject to the inspection ; ### to examine the books and other records related to the business irrespective of the medium on which they are stored , such as on laptops , mobile devices and cloud storage , including the right to access information which is accessible to the entity subject to the inspection ;


### member states shall ensure that national administrative competition authorities may by decision require undertakings and associations of undertakings to provide all necessary information for the application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu within a specified time limit . this obligation shall cover information which is accessible to the undertaking and association of undertakings . ### member states shall ensure that national administrative competition authorities may require undertakings and associations of undertakings to provide all necessary information for the application of articles 101 and 102 tfeu within a specified time limit . this obligation shall cover information which is accessible to the undertaking and association of undertakings .


### they supply incorrect , incomplete or misleading information in response to a request made by a decision referred to by article 8 or do not supply information within the specified time - limit ; ### they supply incorrect , incomplete or misleading information in response to a request referred to in article 8 or do not supply information within the specified time - limit ;


### member states shall ensure that the maximum amount of the fine a national competition authority may impose on each undertaking or association of undertakings participating in an infringement of articles 101 or 102 tfeu should not be set at a level below 10% of its total worldwide turnover in the business year preceding the decision . ### member states shall ensure that the maximum amount of the fine a national competition authority may impose on each undertaking or association of undertakings participating in an infringement of articles 101 or 102 tfeu is set at a level of 10% of its total worldwide turnover in the business year preceding the decision .


### where an infringement by an association of undertakings relates to the activities of its members , the maximum amount of the fine shall not be set at a level below 10 % of the sum of the total worldwide turnover of each member active on the market affected by the infringement of the association . however , the financial liability of each undertaking in respect of the payment of the fine shall not exceed the maximum amount set in accordance with paragraph 1 . ### where an infringement by an association of undertakings relates to the activities of its members , the maximum amount of the fine shall be set at a level of 10 % of the sum of the total worldwide turnover of each member active on the market affected by the infringement of the association . however , the financial liability of each undertaking in respect of the payment of the fine shall not exceed the maximum amount set in accordance with paragraph 1 .


### member states shall ensure that applicants can apply for leniency in writing and that national competition authorities have a system in place that enables them to accept leniency statements either orally or by other means that do not result in the production of documents , information , or other materials in the applicant’s possession , custody , or control . ### member states shall ensure that applicants can apply for leniency in writing and that national competition authorities have a system in place that enables them to accept leniency statements either orally or by other means that do not result in the production of documents , information , or other materials in the applicant ' s possession , custody , or control . member states shall allow ncas to accept full leniency applications and summary applications in another eu language , in addition to the official language or languages of the member state of the nca .


### member states shall ensure that applicants that have applied for leniency , either by applying for a market or by submitting a full application , to the commission in relation to an alleged secret cartel can file summary applications in relation to the same cartel with the national competition authorities which the applicant considers well placed to deal with the case . ### member states shall ensure that applicants that have applied for leniency , either by applying for a marker or by submitting a full application , to the commission in relation to an alleged cartel can file summary applications in relation to the same cartel with the national competition authorities which the applicant considers well placed to deal with the case .


### globalisation and technological change is likely to further increase the interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies . labour reallocation is an integral and inevitable part of such economic change . if the benefits of change are to be distributed fairly , offering assistance to displaced workers and those threatened by displacement is of utmost importance . the ‘ eu quality framework for anticipation of change and restructuring’22 , is the union policy instrument that sets the framework of best practice for anticipating and dealing with corporate restructuring . it offers a comprehensive framework on how the challenges of economic adjustment and restructuring and their employment and social impact should be addressed by adequate policy means . it also calls upon member states to use eu and national funding in a way to ensure that the social impact of restructuring , especially the adverse effects on employment , can be cushioned more effectively . the main union instruments to assist workers affected are the european social fund plus , which is designed to offer assistance in an anticipatory way , and the egf , which is designed to offer assistance in the case of unexpected major restructuring events in a reactive manner . _________________ 22 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions eu quality framework for anticipation of change and restructuring , 882 final , 13 . 12 . 2013 ) . ### globalisation and technological change is likely to further increase the interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies . labour reallocation is an integral and inevitable part of such economic change . if the benefits of change are to be distributed fairly , offering assistance to displaced workers and those threatened by displacement or cessation of activity is of utmost importance . the ‘ eu quality framework for anticipation of change and restructuring’ , is the union policy instrument that sets the framework of best practice for anticipating and dealing with corporate restructuring . it offers a comprehensive framework on how the challenges of economic adjustment and restructuring and their employment and social impact should be addressed by adequate policy means . it also calls upon member states to use eu and national funding in a way to ensure that the social impact of restructuring , especially the adverse effects on employment , can be cushioned more effectively . the main union instruments to assist workers affected are the european social fund plus , which is designed to offer assistance in an anticipatory way , and the egf , which is designed to offer assistance in the case of unexpected major restructuring events in a reactive manner .


### the specific objective of the egf is to offer assistance in case of unexpected major restructuring events , particularly those caused by globalisation - related challenges , such as changes in world trade patterns , trade disputes , financial or economic crises , the transition to low - carbon economy or as a consequence of digitisation or automation . particular emphasis shall lie on measures that help the most disadvantaged groups . ### the specific objective of the egf is to offer assistance in case of unexpected major restructuring events , particularly those caused by globalisation - related challenges , such as changes in world trade patterns , trade disputes , financial or economic crises , the transition to low - carbon economy or as a consequence of technological change . particular emphasis shall lie on measures that help the most disadvantaged groups .


### ' displaced worker ' means a worker whose employment is ended prematurely by redundancy , or whose contract is not renewed , due to economic reasons ; ### ' displaced worker ' means a worker whose employment is ended prematurely by redundancy , or whose contract is not renewed , due to unexpected major restructuring event ;


### ' beneficiary means ' a person participating in egf co - funded measures . ### ' beneficiary ' means a person participating in egf co - funded measures .


### the cessation of activity of more than 250 displaced workers or self - employed persons , over a reference period of six months , particularly in smes , where all operate in the same economic sector defined at nace revision 2 division level and located in one region or two contiguous regions defined at nuts 2 level or in more than two contiguous regions defined at nuts 2 level provided that there are more than 250 workers or self - employed persons affected in two of the regions combined ; ### the cessation of activity of more than 250 displaced workers or self - employed persons , over a reference period of six months , particularly in smes , where all operate in the same economic sector defined at nace revision 2 division level and located in one region or two contiguous regions defined at nuts 2 level in the same or neighbouring member states or in more than two contiguous regions defined at nuts 2 level in the same or neighbouring member states provided that there are more than 250 workers or self - employed persons affected in two of the regions combined ;


### the design of the coordinated package of personalised services shall anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills . the coordinated package shall be compatible with the shift towards a resource - efficient and sustainable economy , and shall also focus on the dissemination of skills required in the digital industrial age and take into account the demand on the local labour market . ### the design of the coordinated package of personalised services shall anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills . the coordinated package shall be compatible with the shift towards a resource - efficient and sustainable economy , and shall also focus on the dissemination of skills required in the digital industrial age .


### the measures supported by the egf shall not substitute passive social protection measures . ### the measures supported by the egf shall not substitute passive social protection measures and active labour market measures .


### a statement of compliance of the requested egf support with the procedural and material union rules on state aid as well as a statement outlining why the coordinated package of personalised services does not replace measures that are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements ; ### a statement of compliance of the requested egf support with the procedural and material union rules on state aid as well as a statement outlining why the coordinated package of personalised services does not replace measures that are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements and measures to be provided by competent authorities for active labour market measures and passive social protection measures ;


### not later than at the end of the nineteenth month after the expiry of the period specified in article 15 , the member state concerned shall submit the simple dataset informing on the longer - term result indicator specified in point of the annex . ### not later than at the end of the nineteenth month after the expiry of the period specified in article 15 , the member state concerned shall submit the complete and duly verified simple dataset informing on the longer - term result indicator specified in point of the annex .


### the social partners ' participation in the eures network contributes in particular to the analysis of obstacles to mobility as well as the promotion of fair and voluntary labour mobility within the union , including in the cross - border regions . social partners representatives at union level should therefore be involved in the overall governance structure of the eures network , while national employers ' organisations and trade unions may apply to become a eures partner . ### the social partners ' participation in the eures network contributes in particular to the analysis of obstacles to mobility as well as the promotion of fair and voluntary labour mobility within the union , particularly in the cross - border regions . social partners representatives at union level should therefore be involved in the overall governance structure of the eures network , while national employers ' organisations and trade unions may apply to become a eures partner .


### the ' common it platform ' means the it infrastructure and related platforms set up at european level for the purpose of clearance ; ### the ' common it platform ' means the it infrastructure and related platforms set up at european level for the purpose of clearance , which are also to be readily usable by people with disabilities ;


### the eures partners which are the organisations authorised by member states to provide at national , regional and / or local level support with clearance and / or support services to workers and employers . ### de eures - partners : the eures partners which are the organisations , both public and private , authorised by member states to provide at national , regional and / or local level support with clearance and / or support services to workers and employers .


### the eures partners which are the organisations authorised by member states to provide at national , regional and / or local level support with clearance and / or support services to workers and employers . ### the eures partners , which are the organisations authorised by member states to provide , at national , regional and / or local level , including on a cross - border basis , support with clearance and / or support services to workers and employers and eures cross - border partnerships .


### the better functioning and integration of the labour markets in the union ; ### the better functioning , cohesion , and integration of the labour markets in the union ;


### increased voluntary geographical and occupational mobility in the union on a fair basis ; ### increased voluntary geographical and occupational mobility in the union , particularly in cross - border regions , on a fair basis ;


### for the purpose of publication , including on the eures portal , the collection and validation of information on eures partners operating from its national territory , their activities and the scope of the support services they provide to workers and employers ; ### for the purpose of publication , including on the eures portal , the collection and validation of up - to - date information on eures partners operating from its national territory , their activities and the scope of the support services they provide to workers and employers ;


### the national coordination office promotes the collaboration with stakeholders such as career guidance services , universities , chambers of commerce and organisations involved in apprenticeships and traineeships schemes . ### the national coordination office promotes the collaboration with stakeholders such as career guidance services , higher education institutions , chambers of commerce and organisations involved in apprenticeships and traineeships schemes .


### each member state ensures that its national coordination office gets the staff and other resources necessary to carry out its tasks as defined under this regulation . ### each member state ensures that its national coordination office gets the staff and all the resources necessary to carry out its tasks as defined under this regulation .


### authorisation of eures partners ### designation of eures members and authorisation of partners


### the minimum common criteria are without prejudice to the application by a member state of additional criteria or requirements deemed necessary by the member state for the purpose of a correct application of the rules applicable to the activities of employment services and the effective management of labour market policies on its national territory . to ensure transparency such criteria and requirements are an integral part of the system referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the minimum common criteria are without prejudice to the application by a member state of additional criteria or requirements deemed necessary by the member state for the purpose of a correct application of the rules applicable to the activities of employment services and the effective management of labour market policies on its national territory . to ensure transparency , the european coordination office shall be notified of such additional criteria and requirements , which are an integral part of the system referred to in paragraph 1 .


### eures partners designate one or more contact points , such as placement and recruitment offices , call centres , self - service tools and the like , where workers and employers can get support with clearance and / or access to support services in accordance with this regulation . the contact points may also be based on staff exchange programmes , the detachment of liaison officers or involve common placement agencies . ### eures partners designate one or more contact points , such as placement and recruitment offices , call centres , self - service tools and the like , where workers , including those with disabilities , and employers can get support with clearance and / or access to support services in accordance with this regulation . the contact points may also be based on staff exchange programmes , the detachment of liaison officers or involve common placement agencies .


### the national coordination offices collaborate with the services and networks referred to in paragraph 1 at union , national , regional and local level to achieve synergies and avoid overlaps , and , where appropriate , involve eures partners . ### the national coordination offices collaborate with the services and networks referred to in paragraph 1 at union , national , regional and local level to achieve synergies and avoid overlaps , and , where appropriate , involve eures members and eures partners .


### to bring offers of employment together with applications for employment each member state shall make available to the eures portal : ### to bring job offers together with job applications each member state with the financial support of the commission shall make available , barrier - free accessible , to the eures portal :


### member states shall seek to develop one - stop shop solutions for the communication towards frontier workers and employers in those cross border regions where the member states concerned together deem it necessary to set up specific co - operation and service structures . ### member states shall develop specific cooperation and service structures in cross - border regions and provide one - stop shop solutions for communication with frontier workers and employers .


### the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the technical standards and formats necessary for the operation of the classification referred to in paragraph 1 . those implementing acts shall be adopted by the commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 34 . ### the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the technical standards and formats necessary for the operation of the automated matching through the common it platform using the european classification and the interoperability between national systems and the european classification . those implementing acts shall be adopted by the commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 34 .


### member states cooperate with each other and the european commission regarding interoperability between national systems and the classification referred to in paragraph 1 . ### member states and , in particular , eures members cooperate with each other and the european commission regarding interoperability between national systems and the classification referred to in paragraph 1 .


### the public employment services shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cv ' s with them , can choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 . ### the public employment services shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cvs with them , are informed that they may choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 .


### the public employment services shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cv ' s with them , can choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 . ### the eures members shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cv ' s with them , can choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 .


### the public employment services shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cv ' s with them , can choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 . ### the public employment services shall ensure that workers using their services , by making available job applications and / or cv ' s with them , can choose to have those employment services assist those workers with their registration on the eures portal , using the national hub referred to in article 15 , and with any translations into the eu language of the country where the worker seeks employment .


### member states shall ensure that workers and employers can gain access to support services at national level ### member states shall ensure that workers and employers can gain access , whether online or offline , to support services at national level


### is easily accessible and is presented in a user friendly manner . ### is easily accessible and is presented in a user friendly manner , as well as being accessible to people with disabilities .


### the eures partners concerned proactively offer all workers seeking employment the opportunity to access the services defined in this article . where appropriate , this offer is repeated during the job search process . ### the eures members and eures partners concerned proactively offer all workers seeking employment the opportunity to access the services defined in this article . where appropriate , this offer is repeated during the job search process .


### if workers are interested in further assistance , the eures partners concerned provide information and guidance on individual employment opportunities and in particular offer them the following services : ### if workers are interested in further assistance , the eures members and eures partners concerned provide information and guidance on individual employment opportunities and in particular offer them the following services :


### where appropriate , to refer to another eures partner . ### where appropriate , to refer to another eures member or eures partner .


### upon recruitment of a worker from another member state as a result of the services provided in accordance with this article , the eures partners concerned provide the employer concerned with the contact details of organisations which can offer assistance with the integration of newly recruited workers from other member states . ### upon recruitment of a worker from another member state as a result of the services provided in accordance with this article , the eures members or the eures partners concerned provide the employer concerned with the contact details of organisations which can offer assistance with the integration of newly recruited workers from other member states .


### the eures partners concerned shall provide information and guidance to employers interested in recruiting workers from other member states and in particular offer them the following services : ### the eures members and eures partners concerned shall provide information and guidance to employers interested in recruiting workers from other member states and in particular offer them the following services :


### upon recruitment of a worker in another member state as a result of the services provided in accordance with this article , the eures partners concerned provide the person concerned with the contact details of organisations in the member state of destination which can offer post - recruitment assistance . ### upon recruitment of a worker in another member state as a result of the services provided in accordance with this article , the eures members and eures partners concerned provide the person concerned with the contact details of organisations in the member state of destination which can offer post - recruitment assistance .


### the eures partners concerned shall provide , upon request of workers and employers , general information on post - recruitment assistance and about where to obtain post - recruitment assistance such as training on intercultural communication , language courses and support with integration . ### the eures members or eures partners concerned shall provide , upon request of workers and employers , general information on post - recruitment assistance and about where to obtain post - recruitment assistance such as training on intercultural communication , language courses and support with integration .


### facilitated access to information and services on social security ### facilitated access to information and services on social security and taxation


### a member state shall not limit the access to national labour market measures merely for the reason that a worker seeks that assistance in order to find employment in the territory of another member state . ### a member state shall not limit the access to national labour market measures merely for the reason that a worker seeks that assistance in order to find employment in the territory of another member state . in that connection a member state may continue to apply the residence principle , however .


### the commission and the member states monitor labour mobility flows and patterns in the union on the basis of eurostat statistics and the available national data . ### the commission shall monitor labour mobility flows and patterns in the union on the basis of eurostat statistics and the available national data .


### the commission and the member states monitor labour mobility flows and patterns in the union on the basis of eurostat statistics and the available national data . ### the commission and the member states monitor labour mobility flows and patterns in the union on the basis of eurostat statistics and the available national and regional data .


### the delegation of power referred to in articles 8 and 29 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of powers referred to in article 8 , article 20 , article 21 and article 29 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament and by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 8 and 29 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 8 , article 20 , article 21 and article 29 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### waste management in the union should be improved , with a view to protecting , preserving and improving the quality of the environment , protecting human health , ensuring prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources and promoting a more circular economy . ### waste management in the union should be improved , with a view to protecting , preserving and improving the quality of the environment , protecting human health , ensuring prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources and promoting a truly circular economy .


### definitions of municipal waste , construction and demolition waste , the final recycling process , and backfilling need to be included in directive 2008 / 98 / ec so that the scope of these concepts is clarified . ### definitions of municipal waste , commercial and industrial waste , construction and demolition waste , the final recycling process , backfilling , littering and marine litter need to be included in directive 2008 / 98 / ec so that the scope of these concepts is clarified .


### member states should put in place adequate incentives for the application of the waste hierarchy , in particular , by means of financial incentives aimed at achieving the waste prevention and recycling objectives of this directive , such as landfill and incineration charges , pay as you throw schemes , extended producer responsibility schemes and incentives for local authorities . ### member states should put in place adequate incentives for the application of the waste hierarchy , in particular , by means of financial , fiscal or regulatory incentives aimed at achieving the waste prevention and recycling objectives of this directive , such as landfill and incineration charges , pay as you throw schemes , direct price support schemes , internalisation of positive and negative externalities linked to recycling and primary raw materials , policy of zero vat on the repair and sale of second - hand products , and extended producer responsibility schemes .


### in order to ensure better , timelier and more uniform implementation of this directive and anticipate implementation weaknesses , an early warning system should be established to detect shortcomings and allow taking action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets . ### in order to ensure better , timelier and more uniform implementation of this directive and anticipate implementation weaknesses , an early warning system should be established , with the support of the commission , to detect shortcomings and allow taking action ahead of the deadlines for meeting the targets .


### this directive sets long - term objectives for the union’s waste management and gives economic operators and member states a clear direction for the investments needed to attain the objectives of this directive . in developing their national waste management strategies and planning investments in waste management infrastructure , member states should make a sound use of the european structural and investment funds by promoting prevention , re - use and recycling , in line with the waste hierarchy . ### this directive sets long - term objectives for the union’s waste management and gives economic operators and member states a clear direction for the investments needed to attain the objectives of this directive . in developing their national waste management strategies and planning investments in waste management infrastructure , member states should make a sound use of the european structural and investment funds by promoting prevention , re - use and recycling , in line with the waste hierarchy , and should not support landfill and incineration of untreated waste .


### certain raw materials are of a high importance to the economy of the union and their supply is associated with a high risk . in order to ensure security of supply of those raw materials and in line with the raw materials initiative and the objectives and targets of the european innovation partnership on raw materials , member states should take measures to achieve the best possible management of waste containing significant amounts of those raw materials , taking economic and technological feasibility and environmental benefits into account . the commission has established a list of critical raw materials for the eu18 . this list is subject to regular review by the commission . __________________ 18 com 297 final . ### certain raw materials are of a high importance to the economy of the union and their supply is associated with a high risk . in order to ensure security of supply of those raw materials and in line with the raw materials initiative and the objectives and targets of the european innovation partnership on raw materials , member states should take measures to achieve the best possible management of waste containing significant amounts of those raw materials , by preventing the landfill and incineration of untreated waste , taking economic and technological feasibility and environmental and health benefits into account . the commission has established a list of critical raw materials for the eu18 . this list is subject to regular review by the commission . __________________ 18 com 297 final .


### ' construction and demolition waste ' means waste falling under the construction and demolition waste categories referred to in the list of waste adopted pursuant to article 7 ; ### ' construction and demolition waste ' means waste falling under the construction and demolition waste categories , including lightweight materials , referred to in the list of waste adopted pursuant to article 7 ; '


### - define in a clear way the roles and responsibilities of producers of products placing goods on the market of the union , organisations implementing extended producer responsibility on their behalf , private or public waste operators , local authorities and , where appropriate , recognised preparation for re - use operators ; ### - define in a clear way the roles and responsibilities of producers of products placing goods on the market of the union , organisations implementing extended producer responsibility on their behalf , distributors , retailers , private or public waste operators , local authorities and , where appropriate , recognised preparation for re - use operators , end - users and consumers ;


### measures to combat all forms of littering and to clean up all types of litter . ### measures to combat and prevent all forms of littering and to clean up all types of litter .


### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu . ### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education social inclusion and health , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change , an increasingly ageing society and workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the existing economic and social disparities among regions and the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving education and training policies and employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , with special emphasis on disadvantaged or vulnerable social groups , such as people with disabilities , older people , the roma , and people with a low level of educational attainment or basic skills , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to make them more effective , improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment with special regard to disadvantaged social groups and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to quality and affordable childcare and dependent care services . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , accessibility , inclusiveness , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , support for enterprises to employ people with disabilities , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , especially on working with students from disadvantaged backgrounds , roma and students with learning difficulties , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to reduce and prevent early school leaving , promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . the esf should also address rural poverty stemming from the specific disadvantages of rural areas , such as an unfavourable demographic situation , a weak labour market , limited access to or lower quality of education and training services , lack of healthcare and social services .


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . member states should allocate at least 4% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability . ### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to making them more active in providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability .


### efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the esf + depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio - economic actors , in particular the social partners and civil society . it is therefore essential that member states encourage the participation of social partners and civil society in the implementation of the esf + under shared management . ### efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the esf + depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio - economic actors , in particular the social partners and civil society . it is therefore essential that member states encourage the participation of social partners and civil society in the programming , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the esf + under shared management .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , equal access to the labour market and education , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , poverty eradication and a high level of human health protection .


### improving access to employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , and of inactive people , promoting self - employment and the social economy ; ### improving access to employment of all jobseekers , in particular youth and long - term unemployed , and of inactive people , with special measures for disadvantaged or vulnerable social groups , such as people with disabilities , older people , the roma and people with a low level of educational attainment or basic skills , promoting self - employment and the social economy ;


### modernising labour market institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs and ensure timely and tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ; ### modernising labour market institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs , strengthen cooperation with enterprises and ensure timely and inclusive tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ;


### improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including digital skills ; ### improving the quality , effectiveness , inclusiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including digital skills ;


### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ; ### reducing and preventing early school leaving , promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , including pupils from disadvantaged and / or isolated rural areas from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ;


### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ; ### promoting lifelong learning for all age groups , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all and in particular people with low educational attainment and basics kills , taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ;


### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ; ### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services , with special regard to poor and isolated rural areas ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ;


### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children ; ### promoting social integration of people experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children ;


### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . ### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . through the esf + , targeted support shall also be provided for the sustainable participation and progress of women in employment , thus combating poverty of women , combating gender stereotypes in the labour market and in education and training , and promoting the reconciliation of work and personal life for all as well as the equal sharing of care responsibilities between men and women .


### member states shall allocate at least 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives for the social inclusion policy area set out in points to of article 4 , including the promotion of the socio - economic integration of third country nationals . ### member states shall allocate at least 25% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objectives for the social inclusion and fight against material deprivation policy areas set out in points to of article 4 , including the promotion of the socio - economic integration of third country nationals .


### member states shall allocate at least 2% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objective of addressing material deprivation set out in point of article 4 . ### member states shall allocate at least 4% of their esf + resources under shared management to the specific objective of addressing material deprivation set out in point of article 4 .


### each member state shall ensure adequate participation of social partners and civil society organisations in the delivery of employment , education and social inclusion policies supported by the esf + strand under shared management . ### each member state shall ensure adequate participation of social partners and civil society organisations in the programming , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of all programmes supported by the esf + strand under shared management .


### the delivery of food and / or material assistance may be complemented with re - orientation towards competent services and other accompanying measures aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons . ### the delivery of food and / or material assistance shall be complemented with re - orientation towards competent services and other accompanying measures aiming at the social inclusion of the most deprived persons .


### to support the development of the market eco - system related to the provision of microfinance for micro - enterprises in start - up and development phases , in particular those that employ vulnerable people ; ### to support the development of the market eco - system related to the provision of microfinance for micro - enterprises in start - up and development phases , in particular those that employ vulnerable people or are set up by people in vulnerable situations ;


### each member state shall appoint one government representative , one representative of the workers ' organisations , one representative of the employers ' organisations and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years . in the absence of a member , the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings . ### each member state shall appoint one government representative , one representative of the workers ' organisations , one representative of the employers ' organisations , one representative of the civil society organisations involved in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of esf + programmes and one alternate for each member for a maximum period of seven years . in the absence of a member , the alternate shall be automatically entitled to take part in the proceedings .


### the internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation . a new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals , creates new products and business models but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement . ### the internal market has to continuously adapt to a rapidly changing environment of digital revolution and globalisation . a new era of digital innovation continues to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals , by ensuring access to finance for the latest generation of technologies , and creates new products and business models , but equally constitutes a challenge to regulation and enforcement .


### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . ### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field by combating unfair practices , which is essential for the functioning of the internal market .


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


### the general objective of union law in the food chain area is to contribute to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain , to support the improvement of the welfare of animals , to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment , including the preservation of biodiversity , while improving the sustainability of european food and feed productions , increasing quality standards across the union , enhancing the competitiveness of the union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs . ### the general objective of union law in the food chain area is to contribute to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain , to ensure the supply of food products at reasonable prices , to support the improvement of the welfare of animals , to contribute to a high level of protection and information for consumers and a high level of protection of the environment , including the preservation of biodiversity , while improving the sustainability of european food and feed productions , increasing quality standards across the union , enhancing the competitiveness of the union food and feed industry and favouring the creation of jobs .


### considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this regulation . in particular , by way of derogation from regulation of the european parliament and of the council61 , as an exception to the principle of non - retroactivity , the costs for the emergency measures , due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature , should be eligible and include also costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the commission . the corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the commission , after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the member states . costs should also be eligible for protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the union as a result of the occurrence or development , in the territory of a third country , a member state or overseas countries and territories , of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures , or other relevant activities , taken in support of the health status of plants in the union . _________________ 61 [ to add ] ### considering the specific nature of the actions concerning a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain special eligibility criteria concerning provision of grants and use of public procurement need to be provided in this regulation . in particular , by way of derogation from regulation of the european parliament and of the council61 , as an exception to the principle of non - retroactivity , the costs for the emergency measures , due to their urgent and unforeseeable nature , should be eligible and also include costs incurred as a result of a suspected occurrence of a disease or pest , provided that that occurrence is subsequently confirmed and notified to the commission . the corresponding budgetary commitments and the payment of eligible expenditure should be made by the commission , after signature of the legal commitments and after assessment of the payment applications submitted by the member states . costs should also be eligible for prevention and protection measures taken in the case of a direct threat to the status of health in the union as a result of the occurrence or development , in the territory of a third country , a member state or overseas countries and territories , of certain animal diseases and zoonoses as well as in respect of protection measures , or other relevant activities , taken in support of the health status of plants in the union .


### the list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication , control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in chapter 2 of part i of regulation 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council81 , regulation no 2160 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council82and regulation no 999 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council83 . _________________ 81 regulation 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health . 82 regulation no 2160 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 november 2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food - borne zoonotic agents . 83 regulation no 999 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 may 2001 laying down rules for the prevention , control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies . ### an open list of animal diseases and zoonosis which qualify for funding under emergency measures and for funding under the eradication , control and surveillance programmes should be established on the basis of animal diseases referred to in chapter 2 of part i of regulation 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council81 , regulation no 2160 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council82 and regulation no 999 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council83 . _________________ 81 regulation 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health . 82 regulation no 2160 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 november 2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food - borne zoonotic agents . 83 regulation no 999 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 may 2001 laying down rules for the prevention , control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies .


### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ; ### to improve the functioning of the internal market , and especially to protect and empower citizens , consumers and businesses , in particular micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , by enforcement of union law , facilitation of market access , standard setting , and by promoting human , animal and plant health and animal welfare and respect for the environment ; as well as to enhance cooperation between the competent authorities of member states and between the competent authorities of member states and the commission and the decentralised union agencies ;


### to provide high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe which underpin the design , monitoring and evaluation of all the union policies and help policy makers , businesses , academia , citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process . ### to provide the latest high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe which underpin the design , monitoring and evaluation of all the union policies and help policy makers , businesses , academia , citizens and media to make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process .


### contributing to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas , including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests , and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption ; ### contributing to a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and in related areas , including by preventing and eradicating diseases and pests , and to support the improvement of the welfare of animals as well as a sustainable food production and consumption at affordable prices ;


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 4 088 580 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 4 608 580 000 in current prices .


### eur 1 680 000 000 to the objective referred to in article 3 ; ### eur 2 200 000 000 to the objective referred to in article 3 ;


### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants , prizes and procurement . it may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations . ### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , in particular grants , prizes and procurement . it may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations by providing access to multiple financing programmes .


### measures to eradicate a union quarantine pest , taken by the competent authority of a member state pursuant to article 16 of regulation 2016 / 2031 of the european parliament and of the council105or pursuant to the union measures adopted in accordance with article 28 of that regulation ; _________________ 105 regulation 2016 / 2031 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants , amending regulations no 228 / 2013 , no 652 / 2014 and no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 69 / 464 / eec , 74 / 647 / eec , 93 / 85 / eec , 98 / 57 / ec , 2000 / 29 / ec , 2006 / 91 / ec and 2007 / 33 / ec . ### measures to prevent , contain and / or eradicate a union quarantine pest , taken by the competent authority of a member state pursuant to article&#160 ; 16 of regulation 2016 / 2031 of the european parliament and of the council105 or pursuant to the union measures adopted in accordance with article 28 of that regulation ;


### measures to eradicate a pest , not listed as union quarantine pests , taken by the competent authority of a member state pursuant to article 29 of regulation 2016 / 2031 and which may qualify as union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that article or article 30 of that regulation ; ### measures to prevent , contain and / or eradicate a pest , not listed as union quarantine pests , taken by the competent authority of a member state pursuant to article 29 of regulation 2016 / 2031 and which may qualify as union quarantine pests in accordance with the criteria referred to in that article or article 30 of that regulation ;


### additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest , against which union measures have been adopted pursuant to article 28 and article 30 of regulation 2016 / 2031 , other than the eradication measures referred to in point of this point and the containment measures referred to in point of this point , where those measures are essential to protect the union against further spread of that pest . ### additional protective measures taken against the spread of a pest , against which union measures have been adopted pursuant to article 28 and article 30 of regulation 2016 / 2031 , other than the measures referred to in points and of this point , where those measures are essential to protect the union against further spread of that pest .