### the number of persons working for the provider and involved in the provision of parcel delivery services in the member state in which the provider is established in the previous calendar year ### the number of persons working both directly and indirectly for the parcel delivery services provider and involved in the provision of parcel delivery services in the member state in which the provider is established over the previous calendar year ; this information shall include quarterly breakdowns by reference to employment status , including whether full - time , part - time , temporary , on a non - guaranteed hours basis or self - employed and shall also cover persons working for subcontractors or companies to which the parcel delivery services provider outsources clearance , sorting , transport or distribution of parcels .


### before xx / xx / 2019 , and thereafter every four years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a proposal for its review . ### by . . . [ two years after the entry into force of this regulation ] , and thereafter every three years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a legislative proposal for its review . the report shall be produced following consultation with all appropriate stakeholders , including the european social dialogue committee for the postal sector .


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas and for smes and micro - enterprises , it is necessary to improve the transparency of tariffs and terminal rates for cross - border parcel delivery services , which are mostly used by smes and individuals . transparency is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between domestic and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### significant differences between domestic and cross - border tariffs for parcel delivery services should be justified by objective criteria , such as additional costs for transport and a reasonable profit margin . universal service providers providing parcel delivery services should be required to provide such justification without delay . ### significant differences between domestic and cross - border tariffs for parcel delivery services should be justified by objective criteria , such as , for example , additional costs for transport and a reasonable profit margin . parcel delivery service providers providing cross - border parcel delivery services should be required to provide such justification without delay .


### where the national regulatory authority concludes that cross - border tariffs referred to in paragraph 1 are not affordable , it shall request further necessary information and / or justification in relation to the level of those tariffs from the universal service provider . ### in carrying out its initial assessment referred to in paragraph 1 , the national regulatory authority shall in particular take into account the likely impact of the applicable cross - border tariffs on the following : individual users who are people with disabilities or those with reduced mobility ; individual and small and medium - sized enterprise users living or situated in remote or sparsely populated areas ; and


### the national regulatory authority shall assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information . in that assessment , in particular the following elements shall be taken into account : ### the national regulatory authority shall make an initial assessment of the affordability of cross - border tariffs included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within three months of receipt of that information . the purpose of that assessment shall be to assess whether the cost to individuals and small and medium sized enterprises is affordable and to what extent the uptake of cross - border parcel delivery services is affected by the applicable cross - border tariffs .


### uniform tariffs for cross - border deliveries to two or more member states may be important in the interest of protecting regional and social cohesion . in this context it should be considered that e - commerce offers new opportunities for sparsely populated areas to participate in the economic life . it is therefore necessary to take any uniform tariffs fully into account when assessing the affordability of parcel delivery services . ### uniform tariffs for cross - border deliveries to two or more member states may be important in the interest of protecting regional and social cohesion . in this context , consideration should be given to the need to promote e - commerce in sparsely populated areas so as to enable consumers in such areas to participate in online trade and to boost their regional economies . it is therefore necessary to take any uniform tariffs fully into account when assessing the affordability of parcel delivery services .


### the tariffs applicable to low volume senders of cross - border parcels and other postal items , particularly small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals , are still relatively high . this has a direct negative impact on users seeking cross - border parcel delivery services , especially in the context of e - commerce . ### the tariffs applicable to low volume senders of cross - border parcels and other postal items , particularly small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals , are still relatively high . this has a direct negative impact on consumers and users of cross - border parcel delivery services and on online trade in the eu single market


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services shall provide the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established with the public list of tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 31 january of each calendar year at the latest . ### all cross - border parcel service delivery providers falling within the scope of article 3 shall provide the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established with the public list of tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 28 february of each calendar year at the latest .


### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between universal service providers and ensure that the destination universal service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating universal service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that it includes both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels . ### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between parcel delivery service providers and ensure that the destination parcel delivery service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating parcel delivery service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that they include both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels .


### an estimated 80 % of addressed postal items generated by e - commerce today weigh less than two kilograms , and are often processed in the letter - post mail stream . it is important that those postal items are subject to this regulation , notably to the requirements on transparency of tariffs and the assessment of their affordability . ### an estimated 80 % of addressed postal items generated by e - commerce today weigh less than two kilograms , and are often processed in the letter - post mail stream . in order to prevent unfair competitive practices , those postal items must be subject to this regulation .


### it is necessary that national regulatory authorities have knowledge and information for statistical purposes about parcel delivery service providers active on the market . however , in order to limit the administrative burden for small parcel delivery service providers who are only active on a national or regional market , a threshold should be applied , based on the number of persons working for the service provider and involved in the provision of parcel delivery services . ### it is necessary that national regulatory authorities have knowledge and information for statistical purposes about parcel delivery service providers active on the market . data collected in respect of terminal dues should be processed under conditions of strict secrecy because they include trade secrets , in accordance with free - market principles . the administrative burden on parcel delivery services should not be unduly increased . a threshold should be applied so as not to impose an undue administrative burden on smaller parcel delivery service providers active only on a national or regional market .


### where the national regulatory authority concludes that cross - border tariffs referred to in paragraph 1 are not affordable , it shall request further necessary information and / or justification in relation to the level of those tariffs from the universal service provider . ### in carrying out its initial assessment referred to in paragraph 1 , the national regulatory authority shall in particular take into account the likely impact of the applicable cross - border tariffs on the following : individual users with little disposable income ; individual users who are disabled or those with reduced mobility ; individual and small and medium - sized enterprise users living or situated in remote or sparsely populated areas ; and individual and small and medium - sized enterprise users that regularly use parcel delivery services .


### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between universal service providers and ensure that the destination universal service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating universal service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that it includes both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels . ### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between universal service providers and ensure that the destination universal service provider is remunerated proportionately and reasonably for the costs of the service provided to the originating universal service provider . compliance with competition rules is monitored by the commission . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that it includes both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels .


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . for reasons of non - discrimination , competing parcel delivery service providers shall be granted equal access to the terminal rates applicable between parties under multilateral agreements . it may be justified that terminal rates payable by third - party parcel delivery service providers , in some cases , exceed those payable by universal service providers that are parties to such agreements . this may be the case where the parties to a multilateral agreement on terminal rates are able to demonstrate that the cost of setting up , operating and administering the agreement , the extra cost incurred by accepting and handling items from non - designated parcel delivery service providers and other such costs are not covered by the terminal rates payable by the third - party service provider in the originating member state . ### parcel delivery service providers providing parcel delivery services may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . it is important that any practices in this respect that might be in breach of principles of union competition law and of the provisions of directive 97 / 67 / ec are properly investigated and addressed by member states , national regulatory authorities and by the european commission in a timely and effective manner .


### a parcel delivery service provider which employs fewer than 50 persons shall not be subject to the obligations under paragraph 1 and 2 , unless that provider is established in more than one member state . ### this article shall not apply to parcel delivery service providers which , together with any subsidiaries and linked undertakings , engaged on average fewer than 25 persons over the course of the previous calendar year , unless that provider is established in more than one member state . the number of persons shall be calculated on the basis of the average annual number of full - time , part - time , and temporary employees , those working on non - guaranteed hours contracts and the self - employed , as well as persons working for subcontractors . a breakdown of the calculations shall be made available upon request .


### &#8220 ; parcel delivery services&#8221 ; means services involving the clearance , sorting , transport or distribution of postal items other than items of correspondence ; transport alone shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ; delivery of such items exceeding 31 , 5 kg shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ; ### &#8220 ; parcel delivery services&#8221 ; means services involving the clearance , sorting , transport and distribution of postal items other than items of correspondence ; transport alone shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ; delivery of such items exceeding 31 , 5 kg shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ;


### the market for cross - border parcel delivery services is diverse and complex , with different providers offering different services and prices depending on weight , size and format of the items sent as well as destination , added value features , such as traceability solutions , and the number of items sent . that diversity makes parcel delivery services hard to compare between different providers , both in terms of quality and price . furthermore , low volume senders , such as small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals are often not aware of the existence of different parcel delivery services offered . ### the market for cross - border parcel delivery services is diverse and complex , with different providers offering different services and prices depending on weight , size and format of the items sent as well as destination , added value features , such as traceability solutions , and the number of items sent . that diversity makes it hard for consumers and users to compare parcel delivery services as between different providers , in terms of quality and price , because they are often not aware of the existence of different parcel delivery options for similar services in cross - border online trade . it should be made easier , in particular , for small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals to access the relevant information .


### the provider’s general conditions of sale , including a detailed description of the complaints procedure . ### the parcel delivery service’s general conditions of sale , including a detailed description of the complaints procedure .


### the national regulatory authority shall assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information . in that assessment , in particular the following elements shall be taken into account : ### the national regulatory authority may , if deemed necessary , assess the affordability of cross - border tariffs applied by universal service providers included in the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with article 4 within 3 months of receipt of that information in accordance with article 12 of directive 97 / 67ec .


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for consumers and users in remote or sparsely populated areas , parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers must comply with the universal service obligation affordability criteria , so as to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### the national regulatory authorities shall without delay and by 28 february of each calendar year at the latest submit the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with paragraph 1 to the commission . the commission shall publish them on a dedicated website by 30 april of each calendar year at the latest . ### the national regulatory authorities shall without delay and by 28 february of each calendar year at the latest submit the public lists of tariffs obtained in accordance with paragraph 1 to the commission . the commission shall publish them on a dedicated website by 30 april of each calendar year at the latest . that website shall be neutral and shall not carry on any form of commercial activity .


### where appropriate , the advisory scientific committee shall organise consultations with stakeholders at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner , while taking into account the requirement of confidentiality . ### where appropriate , the advisory scientific committee shall organise consultations with stakeholders , such as market participants , consumer bodies and academic experts , at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner , while taking into account the requirement of confidentiality . the consultations shall be conducted as widely as possible to ensure an inclusive approach towards all interested parties and relevant financial sectors and shall allow reasonable time for stakeholders to respond .


### warnings or recommendations issued by the esrb in accordance with points and of article 3 may be of either a general or a specific nature and shall be addressed in particular to the union , to one or more member states , to one or more of the esas or to one or more of the national competent authorities , or to the ecb for the tasks conferred to the ecb in accordance with articles 4 , 4 and 5 of regulation no 1024 / 2013 . ; ### warnings or recommendations issued by the esrb in accordance with points and of article 3 may be of either a general or a specific nature and shall be addressed in particular to the union , to one or more member states , to one or more of the esas or to one or more of the national competent authorities or national resolution authorities , to the ecb for the tasks conferred to the ecb in accordance with articles 4 , 4 and 5 of regulation no 1024 / 2013 or to the single resolution board .


### article 16 of regulation no 1092 / 2010 requires that the esrb warnings and recommendations are transmitted to the council and the commission and , where addressed to one or more national supervisory authorities , to the esas . to strengthen democratic control and transparency , those warnings and recommendations should also be transmitted to the european parliament and to the esas . ### article 16 of regulation no 1092 / 2010 requires that the esrb warnings and recommendations are transmitted to the council and the commission and , where addressed to one or more national supervisory authorities , to the esas . to strengthen democratic control and transparency , those warnings and recommendations should also be transmitted without delay to the european parliament and to the esas .


### warnings or recommendations issued by the esrb in accordance with points and of article 3 may be of either a general or a specific nature and shall be addressed in particular to the union , to one or more member states , to one or more of the esas or to one or more of the national competent authorities , or to the ecb for the tasks conferred to the ecb in accordance with articles 4 , 4 and 5 of regulation no 1024 / 2013 . ### warnings or recommendations issued by the esrb in accordance with points and of article 3 may be of either a general or a specific nature and shall be addressed in particular to the union , to one or more member states , to one or more of the esas or to one or more of the national competent authorities or national resolution authorities , to the ecb for the tasks conferred to the ecb in accordance with articles 4 , 4 and 5 of regulation no 1024 / 2013 , or to the single resolution board .


### if a recommendation referred to in article 3 is addressed to the commission , to one or more member states , to one or more esas , or to one or more national competent authorities , the addressees shall communicate to the european parliament , the council and to the esrb the actions undertaken in response to the recommendation and shall substantiate any inaction . where relevant , the esrb shall , subject to strict rules of confidentiality , inform the esas of the answers received without delay . ### if a recommendation referred to in article 3 is addressed to the commission , to one or more member states , to one or more esas , or to one or more national competent authorities , the addressees shall communicate to the european parliament , the council , the commission and to the esrb the actions undertaken in response to the recommendation and shall substantiate any inaction . where relevant , the esrb shall , subject to strict rules of confidentiality , inform the esas of the answers received without delay .


### where appropriate , the advisory technical committee shall organise consultations with stakeholders at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner , while taking into account the requirement of confidentiality . ### where appropriate , the advisory technical committee shall organise consultations with stakeholders at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner , while taking into account the requirement of confidentiality . the consultations shall be conducted as widely as possible to ensure an inclusive approach of all interested parties and relevant financial sectors and shall allow reasonable time for stakeholders to respond .


### depending on the nature of the pension scheme established , member states shall ensure that every institution located in their territories provides &#160 ; prospective members , members and beneficiaries&#160 ; at least the information set out in &#160 ; articles 39 to 53 and articles 55 to 58 . ### depending on the nature of the pension scheme established , each member state shall ensure that every institution located in their territories provides prospective members , members and beneficiaries with the relevant information , taking into consideration the different information needs of prospective members , member and beneficiaries , as set out in this chapter .


### four years after the entry into force of this directive , the commission shall review this directive and report on its implementation and effectiveness to the european parliament and the council . ### six years after the entry into force of this directive , the commission shall review this directive and report on its implementation and effectiveness to the european parliament and the council .


### four years after the entry into force of this directive , the commission shall review this directive and report on its implementation and effectiveness to the european parliament and the council . ### six years after the entry into force of this directive , the commission shall review this directive and report on its implementation and effectiveness to the european parliament and the council . in order to create legal certainty and predictability for planning purposes in relation to institutions for occupational retirement provision , the possibility is excluded for the long term that solvency ii might be applied to the capital requirements of institutions for occupational retirement provision .


### the internal market should allow institutions to operate in other member states and ensure a high level of protection for members and beneficiaries of occupational retirement schemes . ### in the internal market , institutions should have the possibility to operate in other member states and ensure a high level of protection for members and beneficiaries of occupational retirement schemes .


### if the institution does not work on a cross - border basis , member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 ___________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 . ### member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 ___________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 .


### institutions for occupational retirement provision are financial service providers which bear a heavy responsibility for the provision of occupational retirement benefits and therefore should meet certain minimum prudential standards with respect to their activities and conditions of operation . ### institutions for occupational retirement provision are pension institutions that serve - first and foremost - a social purpose and which bear a heavy responsibility for the provision of occupational retirement benefits and therefore should meet certain minimum prudential standards with respect to their activities and conditions of operation . their social function and the triangular relationship between the employee , the employer and the institutions for occupational retirement provision should be adequately acknowledged and supported as a guiding principle of this directive .


### their professional qualifications , knowledge and experience are adequate to enable them to ensure a sound and prudent management of the institution and to properly carry out their key functions ; and ### their professional qualifications , knowledge and experience are collectively adequate to enable them to ensure a sound and prudent management of the institution and to properly carry out their key functions ; and


### without prejudice to the main objective of prudential supervision as set out in paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that , in the exercise of their general duties , the competent authorities shall duly consider the potential impact of their decisions on the stability of the financial systems concerned in the union , in particular in emergency situations , taking into account the information available at the relevant time . ### without prejudice to the main objective of prudential supervision as set out in paragraph 1 , this directive supports the establishment and operation of iorps , encourages their efficient management and administration , and enhances their attractiveness for employees and employers .


### action is needed to further develop complementary private retirement savings such as occupational pensions . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that citizens will increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social model . ### an important objective of this directive is to promote funded occupational pension schemes . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that citizens will increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social models .


### in the event of cross - border activity as referred to in article 12 , the technical provisions shall at all times be fully funded in respect of the total range of pension schemes operated . if these conditions are not met , the competent authorities of the home member state shall intervene in accordance with article 62 . to comply with this requirement the home member state may require ring - fencing of the assets and liabilities . ### the conditions laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall also apply in the event of cross - border activity as referred to in article 12 .


### in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market for occupational retirement provision organised on a european scale , the commission should , after consulting eiopa , review and report on the application of this directive and should submit that report to the european parliament and to the council four years after the entry into force of this directive . that review should assess in particular the application of the rules regarding the calculation of the technical provisions , the funding of technical provisions , regulatory own funds , solvency margins , investment rules and any other aspect relating to the financial solvency situation of the insitution . ### in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market for occupational retirement provision organised on a european scale , the commission should , after consulting eiopa , review and report on the application of this directive and should submit that report to the european parliament and to the council six years after the entry into force of this directive .


### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of agreed general guidelines . these two domains should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely and relevant , and produced more efficiently . in the meantime , the member states’ current approaches should not be changed . ### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of agreed general guidelines . research based on the time use survey has shown its utmost importance in assessing among others gender equality in sharing work and care responsibilities . the gender dimension is also of high importance in the field of household consumption . therefore , among others , gender equality as fundamental principle of the union , provides for another reason to integrate those two surveys fully into the set of european social statistics . these two domains should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely and relevant , and produced more efficiently .


### where a derogation is still justified at the end of the period for which it was granted , the commission may grant a subsequent derogation for a maximum period of three years , by means of implementing acts . ### where a derogation is still justified at the end of the period for which it was granted , the commission may grant a subsequent derogation for a maximum period of four years , by means of implementing acts .


### information directly provided by the respondents ; ### information directly provided by the respondents on a voluntary basis , on the basis of the consent of the data subjects providing the data , unless the provision of information is specifically required under eu law or member state law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subjects ' rights and freedoms and legitimate interest ;


### the possibility to use administrative sources for statistical purposes has widened significantly , thanks to technological advances . the use of administrative sources should be actively promoted in the area of social statistics , while always ensuring the quality , accuracy , timeliness and comparability of those statistics . ### the possibility to use administrative sources for statistical purposes has widened significantly , thanks to technological advances . the use of administrative sources should be actively promoted in the area of social statistics , while always ensuring the quality , accuracy , timeliness and comparability of those statistics , as well as safeguarding the right to the protection of personal data .


### in order to improve the data sets , the commission shall , where necessary , institute and member states shall cooperate in several feasibility and pilot studies , in particular , to improve quality including comparability , to contribute to modernising the consumption and time use domains , to explore and implement new ways of improving responsiveness to users ' needs , to better integrate the collection of data and the use of other data sources , and to make data collection in member states more efficient , taking into account technological developments . ### in order to improve the data sets , the commission shall , where necessary , institute and member states shall cooperate in several feasibility and pilot studies , in particular , to improve quality including comparability , develop , assess and implement techniques allowing better coverage of the territorial diversity at nuts2 level and at local level ; develop and test new detailed topics for data collection ; contribute to modernising the consumption and time use domains ; explore and implement new ways of improving responsiveness to users ' needs , better integrate the collection of data and the use of other data sources ; to improve the data collection instruments so that people with disabilities can fully participate . in case of a mandatory feasibility or pilot study , the commission shall provide the appropriate financing according to the rules set out in article 14 .


### member states shall provide the commission with detailed information on the sources and methods used . ### member states shall provide the commission with detailed information on the sources and methods used in accordance with the implementing acts referred to in article 7 .


### regulation no 223 / 2009 provides a reference framework for european statistics and requires member states to comply with the statistical principles and quality criteria specified in the regulation . quality reports are essential for assessing , improving and communicating on the quality of european statistics . the european statistical system committee has endorsed an ess standard for quality reports structure , in accordance with article 12 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . this should contribute to the harmonisation of quality reporting under this regulation . ### regulation no 223 / 2009 provides a reference framework for european statistics and requires member states to comply with the statistical principles and quality criteria specified in the regulation . quality reports are essential for assessing , improving and communicating on the quality of european statistics . the european statistical system committee has endorsed an ess standard for quality reports structure , in accordance with article 12 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . this should contribute to the harmonisation of quality reporting under this regulation . to guarantee the quality of results , european social statistics should be developed , produced and disseminated on the basis of uniform standards and of harmonised methods , based also on ess beyond 20201a . _______________ 1a https : / / ec . europa . eu / eurostat / cros / content / item - 6 - big - data - beyond - 2020_en


### given their importance , the plan provided for in this regulation should cover recreational fisheries catching western mediterranean demersal stocks . where such fisheries have a significant impact on stocks , the multi - annual plan provided for by this regulation should provide for the possibility of specific management measures . ### as recreational fisheries can have a significant impact on fish resources , the multiannual plan should provide a framework to ensure that they are conducted in a manner compatible with the objectives of that plan . member states should collect catch data of recreational fisheries . where such fisheries have a significant impact on those resources , the plan should provide for the possibility to decide on specific management measures .


### where the scientific advice shows that recreational fisheries have a significant impact on the fishing mortality of a particular stock , the council may limit recreational fisheries when setting fishing opportunities in order to avoid exceeding the total target of fishing mortality . ### where the best available scientific advice shows that recreational fisheries have a significant impact on the fishing mortality of a particular stock , the council may limit recreational fisheries when setting fishing opportunities in order to avoid exceeding the total target of fishing mortality .


### each year , in accordance with the scientific advice , the council shall set a maximum allowable fishing effort for each effort group by member state . ### each year , in accordance with the best available scientific advice , the council shall set a maximum allowable fishing effort for each effort group by member state .


### the objective of the plan provided for in this regulation should be to contribute to the achievement of the cfp , and in particular , reaching and maintaining msy for the target stocks , implementing the landing obligation for demersal stocks subject to minimum conservation reference size , and promoting a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities , bearing in mind coastal fisheries and socio - economic aspects . it should also implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management in order to minimise negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . it should be coherent with the union’s environmental legislation , in particular the objective of achieving good environmental status by 2020 and the objectives of directive 2009 / 147 / ec29 and council directive 92 / 43 / eec30 . _________________ 28 directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy 29 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 30 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . ### the objective of the plan provided for in this regulation should be to contribute to the achievement of the cfp , and in particular , restoring and maintaining fish stocks above levels of biomass capable of producing msy for the target stocks , implementing the landing obligation for demersal stocks subject to minimum conservation reference size , and promoting a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities , bearing in mind coastal fisheries and socio - economic aspects . it should also implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management by reducing , and when possible eliminating , the negative effects of fishing activities in the marine environment . that plan should also contribute to the achievement of good environmental status , as laid down in directive 2008 / 56 / ec28 , and to the achievement of favourable conservation status for habitats and species as required by directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council29 and the council directive 92 / 43 / ec30 respectively . _________________ 28 directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy 29 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 30 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora .


### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the limit reference point , further remedial measures shall be taken to ensure the rapid return of the stock to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , those measures may include suspending the targeted fishery for the stock concerned and the adequate reduction of the fishing opportunities . ### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the limit reference point , further remedial measures shall be taken to ensure the rapid return of the stock to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , those measures may include suspending the targeted fishery for the stock concerned and the adequate reduction of the fishing effort measures .


### where scientific advice shows that the fishing effort regime is not sufficient to meet the objectives or targets of the plan provided for in this regulation , management measures based on total allowable catches should be introduced in order to complement the effort regime . ### where scientific advice shows that the fishing effort regime is not sufficient to meet the objectives or targets of the plan provided for in this regulation , where appropriate , technical measures that allow for the improvement of the stock status by reducing the fishing mortality of the target species should be introduced in order to complement the effort regime .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 18 supplementing this regulation by establishing the following technical conservation measures : ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 18 of this regulation and article 18 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 supplementing this regulation by establishing technical conservation measures :


### in order to limit variations in fishing opportunities between consecutive years to a maximum of 20 % . ### in order to limit variations in fishing measures between consecutive years to a maximum of 10 % and up to 30 % of the cumulative effort in the first five years of the plan .


### the target fishing mortality in line with the ranges of fmsy defined in article 2 shall be achieved as soon as possible , and on a progressive , incremental basis by 2020 for the stocks concerned , and shall be maintained thereafter within the ranges of fmsy . ### the target fishing mortality in line with the ranges of fmsy defined in article 2 shall be achieved as soon as possible , and on a progressive , incremental basis in five years from the entry into force of this regulation for the stocks concerned , and shall be maintained thereafter within the ranges of fmsy . in the pursuit of this objective , account shall be taken of the economic and social impact of the calendar proposed as established in article 9 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 .


### in order to protect nursery areas and sensitive habitats , and safeguard small - scale fisheries , the coastal zone should be regularly reserved for more selective fisheries . therefore , the plan provided for in this regulation should establish a closure for trawls operating within the 100 m isobath for three months each year . ### in order to protect nursery areas and sensitive habitats , and safeguard small - scale fisheries , the coastal zone should be regularly reserved for more selective fisheries . therefore , the plan provided for in this regulation should establish a closure for trawls operating within the 100 m isobath for three months each year on a case - by - case basis , when necessary and justified by science , through regionalisation .


### for the first year of implementation of the plan , the maximum allowable fishing effort shall be substantially reduced from the baseline provided for in paragraph 4 , in accordance with the scientific advice . ### for the first year of implementation of the plan , the maximum allowable fishing effort shall be substantially reduced from the baseline provided for in paragraph 4 , in accordance with the best available scientific advice .


### the plan shall contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the common fisheries policy , as listed in article 2 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , in particular by applying the precautionary approach to fisheries management , and shall aim to ensure that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce msy . ### the plan shall contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the common fisheries policy , as listed in article 2 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , in particular by applying the precautionary approach to fisheries management , and shall aim to ensure that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce msy . the maximum sustainable yield exploitation rates shall be achieved as soon as possible and on a progressive , incremental basis by 2020 at the latest , for all stocks to which this regulation applies , and maintained thereafter .


### in addition to what is provided for by article 13 of council regulation no 1967 / 2006 , the use of trawls in the western mediterranean sea shall be prohibited within the 100 m isobath from 1 may to 31 july each year . ### in addition to what is provided for by article13 of council regulation no 1967 / 2006 , the use of trawls in the western mediterranean sea shall be prohibited within the 100 m isobath from 1 july to 31 september each year , when necessary and justified by science , in accordance with article 18 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 .


### where a member state allows vessels flying its flag to fish with trawls , it shall ensure that such fishing is limited to a maximum of 12 hours per fishing day , five fishing days per week or equivalent . ### where a member state allows vessels flying its flag to fish with trawls , it shall ensure that such fishing is limited to a maximum of 18 hours per fishing day , five fishing days per week or equivalent .


### by way of derogation from paragraphs 3 and 4 , fishing opportunities may be set above the range of fmsy available at that time for the most vulnerable stock , provided that all stocks concerned are above the bpa : ### by way of derogation from paragraphs 3 and 4 , fishing effort measures may be set above the range of fmsy available at that time for the most vulnerable stock , provided that all stocks concerned are above the bpa :


### within two years of the adoption of this regulation and on the basis of the scientific advice , the member states concerned shall establish other closure areas where there is evidence of a high concentration of juvenile fish and of spawning grounds of demersal stocks , in particular for the stocks concerned . ### within two years of the adoption of this regulation and on the basis of the scientific advice , the member states concerned shall establish other closure areas where there is evidence of a high heavy concentrations of juvenile fish , fish below minimum conservation reference size and of spawning grounds of demersal stocks , in particular for the stocks


### where the scientific advice shows significant catches of a particular stock with fishing gears other than trawls , fishing effort levels shall be set for such particular gear or gears on the basis of such scientific advice . ### where the best available scientific advice shows significant catches of a particular stock with fishing gears other than trawls , fishing effort levels shall be set for such particular gear or gears on the basis of such scientific advice .


### given their importance , the plan provided for in this regulation should cover recreational fisheries catching western mediterranean demersal stocks . where such fisheries have a significant impact on stocks , the multi - annual plan provided for by this regulation should provide for the possibility of specific management measures . ### as recreational fisheries can have a significant impact on fish resources , the multiannual plan should provide a framework to ensure that they are conducted in a manner compatible with the objectives of that plan . member states should collect catch data of recreational fisheries . where such fisheries have a significant impact on those resources , the plan should provide for the possibility to decide on specific management measures .


### five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every five years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 . ### two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every three years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 .


### where the scientific advice shows that recreational fisheries have a significant impact on the fishing mortality of a particular stock , the council may limit recreational fisheries when setting fishing opportunities in order to avoid exceeding the total target of fishing mortality . ### where the scientific advice shows that recreational fisheries have a significant impact on the fishing mortality of a particular stock , the council may limit recreational fisheries when setting fishing effort measures in order to avoid exceeding the total target of fishing mortality .


### the stecf has shown that exploitation of most demersal stocks in the western mediterranean exceeds by far the levels required to achieve msy . ### the stecf has shown that exploitation of most demersal stocks in the western mediterranean exceeds by far the levels required to achieve msy , and that over - exploitation poses a high biological risk that those stocks will collapse .


### the plan shall implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management in order to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are minimised . it shall be coherent with union environmental legislation , in particular with the objective of achieving good environmental status by 2020 as set out in article 1 of directive 2008 / 56 / ec and the objectives set out in articles 4 and 5 of directive 2009 / 147 / ec and articles 6 and 12 of council directive 92 / 43 / eec . ### the plan shall implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management in order to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem , and in particular on vulnerable habitats and protected species , including marine mammals , reptiles and seabirds , are minimised . it shall be coherent with union environmental legislation , in particular with the objective of achieving good environmental status by 2020 as set out in article 1 of directive 2008 / 56 / ec and the objectives set out in articles 4 and 5 of directive 2009 / 147 / ec and articles 6 and 12 of council directive 92 / 43 / eec .


### this regulation also specifies details for the implementation of the landing obligation in union waters of the western mediterranean sea for all stocks of species to which the landing obligation applies under article 15 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . ### this regulation also specifies details for the implementation of the landing obligation in union waters of the western mediterranean sea for stocks of species to which the landing obligation applies under article 15 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 which are caught in demersal fisheries .


### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the precautionary reference point , remedial measures shall be adopted to ensure the rapid return of the stocks concerned to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , fishing opportunities shall be set at levels consistent with a fishing mortality that is reduced within the range of fmsy for the most vulnerable stock , taking into account the decrease in biomass . ### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the precautionary reference point , remedial measures shall be adopted to ensure the rapid return of the stocks concerned to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , fishing opportunities shall be set at levels not exceeding the exploitation rate consistent with maximum sustainable yield and consistent with a fishing mortality that is reduced within the range of fmsy for the most vulnerable stock , taking into account the decrease in biomass .


### the number of the person’s identification document ; ### the number of the person’s current and / or past identification documents ;


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### the european solidarity corps would provide main entry point , free from any form of discrimination based on background , for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states regions , cities and local communities to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures the eurodesk network and the youth on the move programme , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , including schemes operating at regional or local level , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee .


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### “european solidarity corps portal” means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations . complementing the activities of the participating organisations , the portal provides information about the european solidarity corps such as registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . the portal shall also provide a mechanism for young people to evaluate their experience after the placement .


### young people aged 17 to 30 years willing to participate in the european solidarity corps shall register in the european solidarity corps portal . however , at the moment of commencing a placement or a project a registered young person shall be at least 18 years of age and not older than 30 . ### amendement young people aged 17 to 30 years , irrespective of&#160 ; their sex , gender or physical and mental abilities , willing to participate in the european solidarity corps shall register in the european solidarity corps portal . however , at the moment of commencing a placement or a project a registered young person shall be at least 18 years of age and not older than 30 .


### the financial support to solidarity placements and projects referred to in paragraphs and of article 7 shall indicatively be 80% for volunteering placements and solidarity projects ; and 20% for traineeship and job placements . ### the financial support to solidarity placements and projects referred to in paragraphs and of article 7 shall indicatively be 70 % for volunteering placements and solidarity projects ; and 30 % for traineeship and job placements .


### “volunteering” means a full - time32 unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; __________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day . ### “volunteering” means an unpaid voluntary placement for a period of two to twelve months , either on a full - time basis or on a flexible basis of at least 20 hours per week , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of non - for - profit organisations , such as youth organisations , active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and orientation dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ;


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


### to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps participants contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal needs and strengthening communities , are of high quality and properly validated . ### amendement to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps participants contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal and environmental needs and strengthening communities , are of high quality and properly validated .


### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . ### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 16 - 30 . it should target young people from 16 for part - time and free - time in - country volunteer placements , solidarity projects and volunteer teams’ placements and from 18 for cross - border volunteer placements , jobs and traineeships . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal .


### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ; ### providing young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers ;


### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . ### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering online and offline training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . this support should be created and provided in collaboration with youth organisations and other civil society organisations in order to tap into their expertise on the field . post - placement support should also prioritise the continuous civic engagement of the participants in their community , guiding them towards local organisations or projects to engage with after the placement .


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow participating countries to make additional national funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps . ### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , participating countries should be able to make additional national , regional or local funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked but it may then be re - attributed following a further assessment . the results of the re - assessments of entities shall be part of the evaluation and monitoring referred to in article 15 and in particular of the progress report that the commission shall publish in 2020 .


### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private entity or an international organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### “quality label” means the certification attributed to any sending or receiving organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ;


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the concerned programmes . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the beneficiaries should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered . ### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the concerned programmes . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the participating organisations should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered .


### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 includes a financial envelope of eur 294 200 00033 in current prices supplemented by contributions from : _________________ 33 this financial envelope constitutes the prime reference amount within the meaning of point 17 of the interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management . ### the amount referred to in paragraph 1 includes a financial envelope of eur 197 700 000 in current prices , which corresponds to the amount originally earmarked to finance the intra - union european voluntary service activities under the erasmus + programme . the remaining amount of eur 143 800 000 for the financing of the european solidarity corps shall be drawn exclusively from unallocated margins under the multiannual financial framework ceilings .


### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ; ### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective and with existing local solidarity initiatives ;


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . __________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european voluntary and solidarity service should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european voluntary and solidarity service should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . __________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee .


### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private entities , or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label . ### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private non - profit entities , or international organisations , referred to in point 4 of article 2 , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label in line with the objectives of this regulation , making access to the european solidarity corps more flexible , with clear and simple rules .


### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants . ### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . grant requests for placements organised by europe - wide or international organisations should be submitted to and managed by the education , audiovisual and culture executive agency of the european commission . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants .


### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ; ### “receiving organisation” means any not - for - profit entity including youth organisations , churches and religious associations or communities that have been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , and offer a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps ;


### this regulation lays down a financial envelope for the period 2018 - 2020 which is to constitute the prime reference amount , within the meaning of point 17 of the interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management23 , for the european parliament and the council during the annual budgetary procedure . the prime reference amount includes redeployments from the erasmus + programme and from the employment and social innovation programme for the financial years 2018 , 2019 and 2020 , and it is complemented by contributions from several union programmes under different headings , such as the european social fund , the union civil protection mechanism , the life programme and the european agricultural fund for rural development . _________________ 23 interinstitutional agreement of 2 december 2013 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , oj c 373 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 1 . ### this regulation lays down a financial envelope of eur 341 , 5 million in current prices for the period 2018 - 2020 which is to constitute the prime reference amount , within the meaning of point 17 of the interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management23 , for the european parliament and the council during the annual budgetary procedure . the financial envelope should include the amount of eur 197 , 7 million that was originally earmarked to finance the intra - union european voluntary service activities under the erasmus + programme for the financial years 2018 , 2019 and 2020 , given that those activities are to be transferred to the european solidarity corps programme . considering the need to avoid any negative impact on the financing of existing multiannual programmes , the remaining amount for the financing of the european solidarity corps should be drawn exclusively from unallocated margins under the multiannual financial framework ceilings . _________________ 23 interinstitutional agreement of 2 december 2013 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , oj c 373 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 1 .


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### “european solidarity corps portal” means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations . complementing the activities of the participating organisations , the portal provides information about the european solidarity corps such as registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . the portal shall also provide a mechanism for young people to evaluate their experience after the placement .


### in compliance with regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the european union26 , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the european solidarity corps , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure . __________________ 26 regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 , oj l 298 , 26 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 . ### in compliance with regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the european union26 , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the european solidarity corps , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure and on the basis of the needs and demands of beneficiaries . __________________ 26 regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 , oj l 298 , 26 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 .


### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ; ### “solidarity project” means a local , regional or cross - border initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of european solidarity corps participants or by a participating organisation , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ;


### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ; ### “disadvantaged young volunteer” means individuals who require additional , targeted support due to discrimination and a heightened risk of social exclusion as a result of various factors , either individually or in combination with each other . such factors may include , disability , sexual orientation , gender identity , sex characteristics , race , ethnicity , socioeconomic background , health status , geographical obstacles ;


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and could be a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , ngos or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities either as volunteers or as employees in associations , ngos , youth organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors and set up their own associations .


### the financial envelope of the european solidarity corps under heading 1a of the multiannual financial framework also builds on funds redeployed from the erasmus + programme . these funds should mainly come from appropriations aimed at financing european voluntary service activities that would fall under the scope of the volunteering placements supported under this regulation . in addition , some appropriations of the student loan guarantee facility , which are unlikely to be absorbed under erasmus + , should be redeployed with a view to providing adequate co - financing to the operating costs of national agencies and be brought more in line with the absorption capacity of this action . ### the financial envelope of the european solidarity corps under heading 1a of the multiannual financial framework builds on funds redeployed from the erasmus + programme . these funds should exclusively come from appropriations aimed at financing european voluntary service activities that would fall under the scope of the volunteering placements supported under this regulation .


### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . ### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european voluntary and solidarity service , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and pre - and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european voluntary and solidarity service experience .


### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ; ### amendement to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their knowledge , skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers , while ensuring that the substitution of paid work for unpaid labour is avoided ;


### an entity willing to apply for funding to offer placements under the european solidarity corps should have first received a quality label as a precondition . this requirement should not apply to natural persons seeking financial support on behalf of an informal group of european solidarity corps participants for their solidarity projects . ### an entity willing to apply for funding to offer placements under the european solidarity corps should have first received a quality label as a precondition . this requirement should not apply to natural persons seeking financial support on behalf of an informal group of european solidarity corps participants for their solidarity projects and should be accompanied by simplified application procedures and open deadlines .


### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . ### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . where necessary , other complementary tools should be provided for the purposes of registration , in order to facilitate the participation of all young people , especially those in the most vulnerable situations and those who are not digitally literate . to that end , existing application processes provided by coordinating and sending organisations could be used .


### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - placement support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organizations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and pre and post - placement support , and direct feedback and evaluation mechanisms as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . the european solidarity corps portal and its use should be explained in detail in the programme guide .


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### amendement the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states , regions and cities to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , including schemes operating at regional or local level , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee .


### the member states shall participate in the european solidarity corps . ### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of the following countries : the member states ; the acceding countries , candidate countries and potential candidates benefiting from a pre - accession strategy , in accordance with the general principles and general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in union programmes established in the respective framework agreements , association council decisions or similar agreements ; those efta countries that are part of the eaa agreement , in accordance with the provisions of that agreement ; those countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy that have concluded agreements with the union providing for the possibility of their participation in the union’s programmes , subject to the conclusion of a bilateral agreement with the union on conditions of their participation in the european solidarity corps . the member states shall participate in the european solidarity corps to strengthen social cohesion though solidarity and union intervention .


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the concerned programmes . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the beneficiaries should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered . ### amendement in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow other union programmes such as the asylum , migration and integration fund , the europe for citizens programme , the european social fund , the european regional development fund and the health programme to contribute to the objectives of the european solidarity corps by supporting activities within its scope . this contribution should be financed in accordance with the respective basic acts of the programmes concerned and as a complement to cohesion policy , with a view to securing greater involvement of young people , civil society and existing volunteering schemes in member states . once they have obtained a valid european solidarity corps quality label , the beneficiaries should be given access to the european solidarity corps portal and receive the quality and support measures provided according to the type of activity offered .


### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes . ### amendement 2 . the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national , regional and local programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes and shall be designed in collaboration with youth organisations and other civil society organisations .


### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . ### the european voluntary and solidarity service should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european voluntary and solidarity service should require prior registration in the european voluntary and solidarity service portal . the online platform should benefit from prior erasmus + experience and knowledge and include them in the registration process of participants and organisations .