### the member state concerned shall ensure , in accordance with regulation no 2185 / 96 , that the staff of the office are allowed access to all information and documents relating to the matter under investigation which prove necessary in order for the on - the - spot checks and inspections to be carried out effectively and efficiently , and that they are able to assume custody of documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance . ### the member state concerned shall ensure , in accordance with regulation no 2185 / 96 , that the staff of the office are allowed access to all information , documents and data relating to the matter under investigation which prove necessary in order for the on - the - spot checks and inspections to be carried out effectively and efficiently , and that they are able to assume custody of documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance . where privately owned devices are used for work purposes , those devices shall be subject to investigations by the office if their content may be relevant for the investigation .


### in the areas referred to in article 1 , the office shall carry out administrative investigations within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies . those internal investigations shall be conducted in accordance with the conditions set out in this regulation and in the decisions adopted by the respective institution , body , office or agency . ### in article 4 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : administrative investigations within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies in the areas referred to in article 1 shall be conducted in accordance with the conditions set out in this regulation and in the decisions adopted by the respective institution , body , office or agency .


### in the course of internal investigations : ### in the course of investigations :


### the office shall have the right of immediate and unannounced access to any relevant information and data , irrespective of the medium on which it is stored , held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , and to their premises . the office shall be empowered to inspect the accounts of the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies . the office may take a copy of , and obtain extracts from , any document or the contents of any data medium held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , if necessary , assume custody of such documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance ; ### the office shall have the right of immediate and unannounced access , where necessary in order to establish whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union , to any relevant information and data relating to the matter under investigation , irrespective of the type of medium on which it is stored , held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , and to their premises . where privately owned devices are used for work purposes , those devices shall be subject to investigations by the office if their content may be relevant for the investigation . the office shall be empowered to inspect the accounts of the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies . the office may take a copy of , and obtain extracts from , any document or the contents of any data medium held by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , if necessary , assume custody of such documents or data to ensure that there is no danger of their disappearance ;


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


### paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : ### paragraph 3 is deleted ;


### where an investigation combines external and internal elements , articles 3 and 4 shall apply respectively . ### paragraph 4 is deleted


### reports and recommendations drawn up following an internal investigation and any relevant related documents shall be sent to the institution , body , office or agency concerned . that institution , body , office or agency shall take such action , in particular of a disciplinary or legal nature , as the results of the internal investigation warrant , and shall report thereon to the office , within a time - limit laid down in the recommendations accompanying the report , and , in addition , at the request of the office . ### paragraph 4 is deleted .


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall be informed whenever the staff of the office conduct an internal investigation on their premises or consult a document or request information held by them . without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 , the office may at any time forward to the institution , body , office or agency concerned the information obtained in the course of internal investigations . ### in article 4 , paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : 4the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall be informed whenever the staff of the office conduct an investigation on their premises or consult a document or data , or request information held by them . without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 , the office may at any time forward to the institution , body , office or agency concerned the information obtained in the course of investigations .


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall put in place appropriate procedures and take necessary measures to ensure at all stages the confidentiality of internal investigations . ### in article 4 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : 5 . the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall put in place appropriate procedures and take necessary measures to ensure at all stages the confidentiality of investigations .


### where internal investigations reveal that an official , other servant , member of an institution or body , head of office or agency , or staff member may be a person concerned , the institution , body , office or agency to which that person belongs shall be informed . ### in article 4 , paragraph 6 , the subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : where investigations reveal that an official , other servant , member of an institution or body , head of office or agency , or staff member may be a person concerned , the institution , body , office or agency to which that person belongs shall be informed .


### in cases where the confidentiality of the internal investigation cannot be ensured using the usual channels of communication , the office shall use appropriate alternative channels for transmitting information . ### in article 4 , paragraph 6 , the subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : in cases where the confidentiality of the investigation cannot be ensured using the usual channels of communication , the office shall use appropriate alternative channels for transmitting information .


### the decision to be adopted by each institution , body , office or agency as provided for in paragraph 1 shall include , in particular , a rule concerning a duty on the part of officials , other servants , members of institutions or bodies , heads of offices or agencies , or staff members to cooperate with and supply information to the office , while ensuring the confidentiality of the internal investigation . ### in article 4 , paragraph 7 is replaced by the following : 7 . the decision to be adopted by each institution , body , office or agency as provided for in paragraph 1 shall include , in particular , a rule concerning a duty on the part of officials , other servants , members of institutions or bodies , heads of offices or agencies , or staff members to cooperate with and supply information to the office , while ensuring the confidentiality of the investigation .


### without prejudice to article 12c , where , before a decision has been taken whether or not to open an internal investigation , the office handles information which suggests that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union , it may inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned . upon request , the institution , body , office or agency concerned shall inform the office of any action taken and of its findings on the basis of such information . ### without prejudice to article 12c , where , before a decision has been taken whether or not to open an investigation , the office handles information which suggests that there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union , it may inform , as appropriate , the competent authorities of the member states concerned or the institutions , bodies , offices or agencies concerned . upon request , the institution , body , office or agency concerned shall inform the office of any action taken and of its findings on the basis of such information .


### where necessary , the office shall also inform the competent authorities of the member state concerned . in this case , the procedural requirements laid down in the second and third subparagraphs of article 9 shall apply . if the competent authorities decide to take any action on the basis of the information transmitted to them , in accordance with national law , they shall , upon request , inform the office thereof . ### in paragraph 8 , the subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : as regards investigations within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , where the office informs the competent authorities of the member states concerned , the procedural requirements laid down in the second and third subparagraphs of article 9 shall apply . if the competent authorities decide to take any action on the basis of the information transmitted to them , in accordance with national law , they shall , upon request , inform the office thereof .


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


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


### the decision to open an external investigation shall be taken by the director - general , acting on his own initiative or following a request from a member state concerned or any institution , body , office or agency of the union . ### in paragraph 2 , the subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : the decision to open an investigation shall be taken by the director - general , acting on his own initiative or following a request from an institution , body , office or agency of the union or from a member state .


### while the director - general is considering whether or not to open an internal investigation following a request as referred to in paragraph 2 , and / or while the office is conducting an internal investigation , the institutions , bodies , offices or agencies concerned shall not open a parallel investigation into the same facts , unless agreed otherwise with the office . ### paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : 3 . while the director - general is considering whether or not to open an investigation following a request as referred to in paragraph 2 , and / or while the office is conducting such an investigation , the institutions , bodies , offices or agencies concerned shall not open a parallel investigation into the same facts , unless agreed otherwise with the office . this paragraph shall not apply to investigations by the eppo pursuant to regulation 2017 / 1939 .


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


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


### the director - general shall direct the conduct of investigations on the basis , where appropriate , of written instructions . investigations shall be conducted under his direction by the staff of the office designated by him . ### in article 7 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : the director - general shall direct the conduct of investigations on the basis , where appropriate , of written instructions . investigations shall be conducted under his direction by the staff of the office designated by him . the director - general shall not conduct investigations personally .


### where investigations show that it might be appropriate to take precautionary administrative measures to protect the financial interests of the union , the office shall without delay inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned of the investigation in progress . the information supplied shall include the following : ### in paragraph 6 the introductory part is replaced by the following : 6 . where investigations show that it might be appropriate to take precautionary administrative measures to protect the financial interests of the union , the office shall without delay inform the institution , body , office or agency concerned of the investigation in progress and suggest measures to be taken . the information supplied shall include the following :


### any information that could assist the institution , body , office or agency concerned in deciding whether it is appropriate to take precautionary administrative measures in order to protect the financial interests of the union ; ### in paragraph 6 , subparagraph 1 point b is replaced by the following : any information that could assist the institution , body , office or agency concerned in deciding on the appropriate precautionary administrative measures to be taken in order to protect the financial interests of the union ;


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


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


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall transmit to the office without delay any information relating to possible cases of fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall transmit to the office without delay any information relating to possible cases of fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union .


### where the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies report to the eppo in accordance with article 24 of regulation 2017 / 1939 , they may instead transmit to the office a copy of the report sent to the eppo . ### where the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies report to the eppo in accordance with article 24 of regulation 2017 / 1939 , they may instead transmit to the office a copy of the report sent to the eppo and provide notice to the eppo of such a transmission ;


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit to the office any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . ; ### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit without delay to the office , at the request of the office or on their own initiative , any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union ;


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit to the office any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . ### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and , unless prevented by national law , the competent authorities of the member states shall transmit to the office any other document or information considered pertinent which they hold relating to the fight against fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union .


### this article shall not apply to the eppo as regards the criminal offences in respect of which it could exercise its competence in accordance with articles 22 and 25 of regulation 2017 / 1939 . ### this article shall not apply to the eppo as regards the criminal offences in respect of which it could exercise its competence in accordance with chapter iv of regulation 2017 / 1939 .


### the requirements referred to in the second and third subparagraphs shall not apply to the taking of statements in the context of on - the - spot checks and inspections . ### in paragraph 2 , subparagraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' the requirements referred to in the second and third subparagraphs shall not apply to the taking of statements in the context of on - the - spot checks and inspections . the person concerned shall however be informed of his or her rights before a statement is taken , in particular of the right to be assisted by a person of his or her choice . '


### to that end , the office shall send the person concerned an invitation to comment either in writing or at an interview with staff designated by the office . that invitation shall include a summary of the facts concerning the person concerned and the information required by articles 11 and 12 of regulation no 45 / 2001 , and shall indicate the time - limit for submitting comments , which shall not be less than 10 working days from receipt of the invitation to comment . that notice period may be shortened with the express consent of the person concerned or on duly reasoned grounds of urgency of the investigation . the final investigation report shall make reference to any such comments . ### in paragraph 4 , subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : ' to that end , the office shall send the person concerned an invitation to comment either in writing or at an interview with staff designated by the office . that invitation shall include a summary of the facts concerning the person concerned and the information required by articles 15 and 16 of regulation 2018 / 1725 , and shall indicate the time - limit for submitting comments , which shall not be less than 10 working days from receipt of the invitation to comment . that notice period may be shortened with the express consent of the person concerned or on duly reasoned grounds of urgency of the investigation . the final investigation report shall make reference to any such comments . '


### information transmitted or obtained in the course of internal investigations , in whatever form , shall be subject to professional secrecy and shall enjoy the protection afforded by the rules applicable to the union institutions . ### paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : 2 . information transmitted or obtained in the course of investigations within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , in whatever form , shall be subject to professional secrecy and shall enjoy the protection afforded by the rules applicable to the union institutions .


### the report may be accompanied by recommendations of the director - general on action to be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established . ; ### the report shall be accompanied by well documented recommendations of the director - general on whether or not action should be taken . those recommendations shall , where appropriate , indicate any disciplinary , administrative , financial and / or judicial action by the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and by the competent authorities of the member states concerned , and shall specify in particular the estimated amounts to be recovered , as well as the preliminary classification in law of the facts established ;


### upon simple verification of their authenticity , reports drawn up on that basis shall constitute admissible evidence in judicial proceedings of a non - criminal nature before national courts and in administrative proceedings in the member states . ### upon simple verification of their authenticity , reports drawn up on that basis shall constitute admissible evidence in judicial proceedings of before national courts and in administrative proceedings in the member states . the power of the national courts to freely assess the evidence shall not be affected by this regulation .


### member states shall notify to the office any rules of national law relevant for the purposes of the third subparagraph . ### member states shall notify to the office any rules of national law relevant for the purposes of the first subparagraph .


### where the report drawn up following an internal investigation reveals the existence of facts which could give rise to criminal proceedings , that information shall be transmitted to the judicial authorities of the member state concerned . ### in article 11 , paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : 5 . where the report drawn up following an investigation reveals the existence of facts which could give rise to criminal proceedings , that information shall be transmitted without delay to the judicial authorities of the member state concerned , without prejudice to articles 12c and 12d .


### where an informant who has provided the office with information leading or relating to an investigation so requests , the office may notify that informant that the investigation has been closed . the office may , however , refuse any such request if it considers that it is such as to prejudice the legitimate interests of the person concerned , the effectiveness of the investigation and of the action to be taken subsequent thereto , or any confidentiality requirements . ### in article 11 , paragraph 8 is modified as follows : 8 . where an informant has provided the office with information which has led to an investigation , the office shall notify that informant that the investigation has been closed . the office may , however , refuse any such request if it considers that it is such as to prejudice the legitimate interests of the person concerned , the effectiveness of the investigation and of the action to be taken subsequent thereto , or any confidentiality requirements .


### without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 of this regulation and to the provisions of regulation no 2185 / 96 , the office may transmit to the competent authorities of the member states concerned information obtained in the course of external investigations in due time to enable them to take appropriate action in accordance with their national law . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 of this regulation and to the provisions of regulation no 2185 / 96 , the office may transmit to the competent authorities of the member states concerned information obtained in the course of on - the - spot checks or inspections pursuant to article 3 in due time to enable them to take appropriate action in accordance with their national law . it may also transmit information to the institution , body , office or agency concerned .


### without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 , the director - general shall transmit to the judicial authorities of the member state concerned information obtained by the office , in the course of internal investigations , concerning facts which fall within the jurisdiction of a national judicial authority . ### in paragraph 2 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to articles 10 and 11 , the director - general shall transmit to the judicial authorities of the member state concerned information obtained by the office , in the course of investigations within the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , concerning facts which fall within the jurisdiction of a national judicial authority .


### the competent authorities of the member state concerned shall , unless prevented by national law , inform the office in due time , on their own initiative or at the request of the office , of the action taken on the basis of the information transmitted to them under this article . ### the competent authorities of the member state concerned shall , unless prevented by national law , inform the office within one month of the action taken on the basis of the information transmitted to them under this article .


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


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


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


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


### pursuant to paragraph 1 , a request shall be transmitted in writing and shall specify the measure or measures which the eppo requests the office to perform and , where appropriate , the envisaged timeline for their performance . it shall contain information about the eppo investigation in so far as relevant for the purpose of the request . where necessary , the office may request additional information . ### a request pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be transmitted in writing and shall specify at least : information about the eppo investigation in so far as relevant for the purpose of the request ; the measure or measures which the eppo requests the office to perform ; where appropriate , the envisaged timeline for their performance ; any instructions pursuant to paragraph 2a . where necessary , the office may request additional information .


### in the event that the eppo does not object within the time period of the previous subparagraph , the office may open an investigation , and it shall conduct it in close consultation with the eppo . ### if the eppo agrees with the request , the office shall take such action in close consultation with the eppo .


### where necessary to facilitate the cooperation with the eppo as set out in article 1 , the office shall agree with the eppo on administrative arrangements . such working arrangements may establish practical details for the exchange of information , including personal data , operational , strategic or technical information and classified information . they shall include detailed arrangements on the continuous exchange of information during the receipt and verification of allegations by both offices . ### where necessary to facilitate the cooperation with the eppo as set out in article 1 , the office shall agree with the eppo on administrative arrangements . such working arrangements may establish practical details for the exchange of information , including personal data , operational , strategic or technical information and classified information , as well as the setting up of information technology platforms , including a common approach to upgrades and compatibility of software . they shall include detailed arrangements on the continuous exchange of information during the receipt and verification of allegations for the purpose of determinating competences over investigations conducted by both offices . they shall also include arrangements on the transfer of evidence between the office and the eppo , as well as arrangements on the division of expenses . prior to the adoption of the working arrangements with the eppo , the director - general shall send the draft to the supervisory committee and to the european parliament for information . the supervisory committee shall deliver its opinion without delay .


### the supervisory committee shall in particular monitor developments concerning the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations in the light of the information supplied by the director - general in accordance with article 7 . ### article 15 is amended as follows : in paragraph 1 , subparagraph 2 is replaced by the following : “the supervisory committee shall in particular monitor developments concerning the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations . ”


### in duly justified situations , the supervisory committee may ask the office for additional information on investigations , including reports and recommendations on closed investigations , without however interfering with the conduct of investigations in progress . ### in paragraph 1 , subparagraph 5 is replaced by the following : the supervisory committee shall be granted access to all the information and documents it considers necessary for the performance of its tasks , including reports and recommendations on closed investigations , cases dismissed and , where its role as controller is concerned , information and documents on ongoing investigations , without however interfering with the conduct of investigations in progress , and with due regard to the requirements of confidentiality and data protection .


### the supervisory committee shall appoint its chair . it shall adopt its own rules of procedure , which shall , before adoption , be submitted to the european parliament , the council , the commission and the european data protection supervisor for information . meetings of the supervisory committee shall be convened on the initiative of its chair or the director - general . it shall hold at least 10 meetings per year . the supervisory committee shall take its decisions by a majority of its component members . its secretariat shall be provided by the commission , independently from the office , and in close cooperation with the supervisory committee . before the appointment of any staff to the secretariat , the supervisory committee shall be consulted and its views shall be taken into account . the secretariat shall act on the instructions of the supervisory committee and independently from the commission . without prejudice to its control over the budget of the supervisory committee and its secretariat , the commission shall not interfere with the monitoring functions of the supervisory committee . ### in paragraph 8 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : the supervisory committee shall appoint its chair . it shall adopt its own rules of procedure , which shall , before adoption , be submitted to the european parliament , the council , the commission and the european data protection supervisor for information . meetings of the supervisory committee shall be convened on the initiative of its chair or the director - general . it shall hold at least 10 meetings per year . the supervisory committee shall take its decisions by a majority of its component members . its secretariat shall be provided by the commission and in close cooperation with the supervisory committee . before the appointment of any staff to the secretariat , the supervisory committee shall be consulted and its views shall be taken into account . the secretariat shall act on the instructions of the supervisory committee and independently from the commission . without prejudice to its control over the budget of the supervisory committee and its secretariat , the commission shall not interfere with the monitoring functions of the supervisory committee .


### the european parliament , the council and the commission shall once a year meet the director - general for an exchange of views at political level to discuss the office ' s policy relating to methods of preventing and combating fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . the supervisory committee shall participate in the exchange of views . representatives of the court of auditors , eurojust and / or europol may be invited to attend on an ad hoc basis upon request of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the director - general or the supervisory committee . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : the european parliament , the council and the commission shall once a year meet the director - general for an exchange of views at political level to discuss the office ' s policy relating to methods of preventing and combating fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity or irregularity affecting the financial interests of the union . the supervisory committee shall participate in the exchange of views . representatives of the court of auditors , the eppo , eurojust and / or europol may be invited to attend on an ad hoc basis upon request of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the director - general or the supervisory committee .


### present text 2 . the exchange of views may relate to : ### in paragraph 2 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : 2 . the exchange of views may relate to any subject the european parliament , the council and the commission agree on . more particularly , the exchange of views may relate to :


### the office shall be headed by a director - general . the director - general shall be appointed by the commission , in accordance with the procedure specified in paragraph 2 . the term of office of the director - general shall be seven years and shall not be renewable . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : the office shall be headed by a director - general . the director - general shall be appointed by the commission , in accordance with the procedure specified in paragraph 2 . the term of office of the director - general shall be seven years and shall not be renewable . the director - general shall be recruited as a temporary agent under the staff regulations .


### in order to appoint a new director - general , the commission shall publish a call for applications in the official journal of the european union . such publication shall take place at the latest six months before the end of the term of office of the director - general in office . after a favourable opinion has been given by the supervisory committee on the selection procedure applied by the commission , the commission shall draw up a list of suitably qualified candidates . after consultation with the european parliament and the council , the commission shall appoint the director - general . ### paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : 2 . in order to appoint a new director - general , the commission shall publish a call for applications in the official journal of the european union . such publication shall take place at the latest six months before the end of the term of office of the director - general in office . after a favourable opinion has been given by the supervisory committee on the selection procedure applied by the commission , the commission shall draw up a list of suitably qualified candidates . the director - general shall be nominated by common accord between the european parliament , the council and the commission , and shall , subsequently , be appointed by the latter .


### the director - general shall neither seek nor take instructions from any government or any institution , body , office or agency in the performance of his duties with regard to the opening and carrying - out of external and internal investigations or coordination activities , or to the drafting of reports following such investigations or coordination activities . if the director - general considers that a measure taken by the commission calls his independence into question , he shall immediately inform the supervisory committee , and shall decide whether to bring an action against the commission before the court of justice . ### the director - general shall neither seek nor take instructions from any government or any institution , body , office or agency in the performance of his duties with regard to the opening and carrying - out of investigations or coordination activities , or to the drafting of reports following such investigations or coordination activities . if the director - general considers that a measure taken by the commission calls his independence into question , he shall immediately inform the supervisory committee , and shall decide whether to bring an action against the commission before the court of justice .


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


### the director - general shall each year determine , within the context of the annual management plan , the investigation policy priorities of the office and shall , prior to their publication , forward them to the supervisory committee . ### in paragraph 5 , subparagraph 1 is deleted :


### of cases in which information has been transmitted to judicial authorities of the member states and to the eppo ; ### of cases in which information has been transmitted to judicial authorities of the member states or to the eppo ;


### the director - general shall put in place an internal advisory and control procedure , including a legality check , relating , inter alia , to the respect of procedural guarantees and fundamental rights of the persons concerned and of the national law of the member states concerned , with particular reference to article 11 . ### paragraph 7 is replaced by the following : 7 . the director - general shall put in place an internal advisory and control procedure , including a legality check , relating , inter alia , to the respect of the procedural guarantees and fundamental rights of the persons concerned and of witnesses , and of the national law of the member states concerned , with particular reference to article 11 . the legality check shall be carried out by office experts in law and investigative procedures who are qualified to hold judicial office in a member state . their opinion shall be annexed to the final investigation report .


### the director - general shall adopt guidelines on investigation procedures for the staff of the office . those guidelines shall be in accordance with this regulation and shall cover , inter alia : the conduct of investigations ; the procedural guarantees ; details on the internal advisory and control procedures , including the legality check ; data protection ; those guidelines , and any modification thereto , shall be adopted after the supervisory committee has been given the opportunity to submit its observations thereon and shall then be transmitted for information to the european parliament , the council and the commission , and published for information purposes on the office’s website in the official languages of the institutions of the union . ### paragraph 8 is replaced by the following : 8 . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 19a concerning the establishment of a procedural code for investigations to be followed by the staff of the office . those delegated acts shall cover , in particular : the practices to be observed in implementing the mandate and statute of the office ; detailed rules governing investigation procedures as well as the investigation acts permitted ; the legitimate rights of the persons concerned ; procedural guarantees ; provisions relating to data protection and policies on communication and access to documents ; provisions on the legality check and the means of redress open to the persons concerned ; relations with the eppo . during its preparatory work , the commission shall consult the supervisory committee and the european data protection supervisor . any delegated act adopted in accordance with this paragraph shall be published for information purposes on the office’s website in all official languages of the union .


### before imposing any disciplinary penalty on the director - general , the commission shall consult the supervisory committee . ### in paragraph 9 , subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following : before imposing any disciplinary penalty on the director - general or waiving his or her immunity , the commission shall consult the supervisory committee .


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


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 sets out the challenges , objectives and orientations for the future common agricultural policy after 2020 . these objectives include , inter alia , the need for the cap to be more result - driven , to boost modernisation and sustainability , including the economic , social , environmental and climate sustainability of the agricultural , forestry and rural areas , and to help reducing the union legislation - related administrative burden for beneficiaries . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 sets out the challenges , objectives and orientations for the future common agricultural policy after 2020 . these objectives include , inter alia , the need for the cap to be more result - driven , market - oriented , to boost modernisation and sustainability , including the economic , social , environmental and climate sustainability of the agricultural , forestry and rural areas , and to help reducing the union legislation - related administrative burden for beneficiaries .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 sets out the challenges , objectives and orientations for the future common agricultural policy after 2020 . these objectives include , inter alia , the need for the cap to be more result - driven , to boost modernisation and sustainability , including the economic , social , environmental and climate sustainability of the agricultural , forestry and rural areas , and to help reducing the union legislation - related administrative burden for beneficiaries . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 sets out the challenges , objectives and orientations for the future common agricultural policy after 2020 . these objectives include , inter alia , the need for the cap to be more result - driven , to boost modernisation and sustainability , including the economic , social , environmental and climate performance of the agricultural , forestry and rural areas , and to help reducing the union legislation - related administrative burden for beneficiaries .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as cap objectives and common requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives , implement the cap interventions and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### the use of common definitions entirely set at union level has caused certain difficulties for member states to cater their own specificities at national , regional , and local level . member states should therefore be given the flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a common level playing field , a certain framework has , however , to be set at union level constituting the necessary essential elements to be included in those definitions . ### the use of common definitions entirely set at union level has caused certain difficulties for member states to cater their own specificities at national , regional , and local level . member states should therefore be given a certain level of flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a common level playing field , a certain framework has , however , to be set at union level constituting the necessary essential elements to be included in those definitions .


### in order to retain the essential union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include both areas actually used for production and not , as well as nurseries and short rotation coppice to be defined by member states . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and allows them to include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage that can be grazed or that may produce animal feed , whether used for actual production or not . ### in order to retain the common union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , equal treatment between european farmers , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include both areas actually used for production and not , as well as nurseries and short rotation coppice to be defined by member states . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and allows them to include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage that can be grazed or that may produce animal feed , whether used for actual production or not .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support must be targeted to eligible farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition of ‘ eligible farmer’ setting out broad criteria would allow member states define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered eligible farmers based on set criteria . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas .


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans , while always preserving the principles of equality and equity , without discriminating against any type of agricultural or livestock production provided that beneficiaries comply with the mandatory legal and conditionality requirements . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment .


### in order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments keep on constituting an essential part to guarantee a fair income support to farmers . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , modernisation , innovation , diversification and uptake of new technologies are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward . ### in order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments keep on constituting an essential part to guarantee a fair income support to farmers . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , modernisation , innovation , diversification and uptake of new technologies are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward . there should be attention for societal challenges and themes such as climate change , both mitigation as adaptation , in a way that benefits farmers .


### bolstering environmental care and climate action and contributing to the achievement of union environmental - and climate - related objectives is a very high priority in the future of union agriculture and forestry . the architecture of the cap should therefore reflect greater ambition with respect to these objectives . by virtue of the delivery model , action taken to tackle environmental degradation and climate change should be result - driven and article 11 tfeu should , for this purpose , be considered as an obligation of result . ### supporting and improving environmental protection and climate action and contributing to the achievement of union environmental and climate - related objectives is a very high priority in the future of union agriculture and forestry . the architecture of the cap should therefore reflect greater ambition with respect to these objectives . by virtue of the delivery model , action taken to tackle environmental degradation and climate change should be result - driven and article 11 tfeu should , for this purpose , be considered as an obligation of result .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas while conserving natural resources . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### the cap should keep ensuring food security , which should be understood as meaning access to sufficient , safe and nutritious food at all times . moreover , it should help improving the response of union agriculture to new societal demands on food and health , including sustainable agricultural production , healthier nutrition , food waste and animal welfare . the cap should continue to promote production with specific and valuable characteristics , while at the same time helping farmers to proactively adjust their production according to market signals and consumers’ demands . ### the cap should keep ensuring food security , which should be understood as meaning access to sufficient , safe and nutritious food at all times . moreover , it should help improving the response of union agriculture to new societal demands on food and health , including sustainable agricultural production , healthier nutrition , food waste and animal welfare . the cap should continue to promote sustainable production with specific and valuable characteristics , such as high nature value farming systems , while at the same time helping farmers to proactively adjust their production according to market signals and consumers’ demands .


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


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


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states shall ensure that farmers have access to advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance , the management of risks and safety on farms . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including animal welfare , environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes to promote production models that are beneficial for the environment , particularly extensive livestock rearing , and to promote all kinds of agricultural practices such as , among other measures , the enhanced management of permanent pastures , landscape features , and environmental certification schemes , such as organic farming , integrated production or conservation agriculture . these schemes may include measures of a type other than rural development environmental and climate commitments , as well as measures of the same type that may be classified as ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . member states must recognise , through eco - schemes , the important role played by indigenous livestock breeds as part of the european union’s animal and environmental genetic heritage , supporting its growth and development in accordance with principles of equality and equity , without discriminating against them as compared with other types of breed , provided that mandatory legal and conditionality requirements are complied with .


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


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


### for interventions for rural development , principles are defined at union level , particularly with regard to the basic requirements for the member states to apply selection criteria . however , member states should have ample discretion to define specific conditions according to their needs . types of interventions for rural development include payments for environmental , climate and other management commitments that member states should support throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs . member states should grant payments to farmers and other land managers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to the protection and improvement of the environment including water quality and quantity , air quality , soil , biodiversity and ecosystem services including voluntary commitments in natura 2000 and support for genetic diversity . support under payments for management commitments may also be granted in the form of locally - led , integrated or cooperative approaches and result - based interventions . ### for interventions for rural development , principles are defined at union level , particularly with regard to the basic requirements for the member states to apply selection criteria . however , member states should have ample discretion to define specific conditions according to their needs . types of interventions for rural development include payments for environmental , climate and other management commitments that member states should support throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs . member states should grant payments to farmers and other land managers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to the protection and improvement of the environment including water quality and quantity , air quality , soil , biodiversity and ecosystem services including voluntary commitments in natura 2000 , high nature value areas and support for genetic diversity . support under payments for management commitments may also be granted in the form of locally - led , integrated or cooperative approaches and result - based interventions .


### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified . ### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare and animal health , including prevention of antimicrobial resistance and decreasing vaccination rates ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified .


### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified . ### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production and digital and precision farming ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified .


### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified . ### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as high nature value farming , agro - ecology , conservation agriculture , integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified .