### the qualified entity shall provide sufficient information as required under national law to support the action , including a description of the consumers concerned by the action and the questions of fact and law to be resolved . ### the qualified entity shall provide sufficient evidence and facts as required under national law to support the action , including a list of the consumers mandating the action and the questions of fact and law to be resolved .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that procedural costs related to representative actions do not constitute financial obstacles for qualified entities to effectively exercise the right to seek the measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , such as limiting applicable court or administrative fees , granting them access to legal aid where necessary , or by providing them with public funding for this purpose . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that procedural costs related to representative actions do not constitute financial obstacles for qualified entities to effectively exercise the right to seek the measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , such as limiting applicable court or administrative fees , granting them access to legal aid where necessary .


### member states shall ensure that an infringement harming collective interests of consumers established in a final decision of an administrative authority or a court , including a final injunction order referred to in article 5 , is deemed as irrefutably establishing the existence of that infringement for the purposes of any other actions seeking redress before their national courts against the same trader for the same infringement . ### member states shall ensure that a final decision of an administrative authority or a court , including a final injunction order referred to in article 5 , is deemed as irrefutably establishing the existence or non - existence of that infringement for the purposes of any other actions seeking redress before their national courts against the same trader for the same facts .


### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality . ### member states shall ensure that , at the request of one of the parties that has presented reasonably available facts , sufficient evidence and a substantive explanation to support its views , and has indicated further specific and clear defined evidence which lies in the control of the other party , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by this party , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality .


### member states shall ensure that representative actions can be brought before national courts or administrative authorities by qualified entities provided that there is a direct relationship between the main objectives of the entity and the rights granted under union law that are claimed to have been violated in respect of which the action is brought . ### member states shall ensure that representative actions can be brought before national courts or administrative authorities only by qualified entities accredited in accordance with article 4 and provided that there is a direct relationship between the main objectives of the entity and the rights granted under union law that are claimed to have been violated in respect of which the action is brought .


### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded . ### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that protect the collective interests of consumers and where no other union or national means of protection of the consumers ' collective interests are available . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded .


### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality . ### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented a reasoned justification containing reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , through a specific , targeted , proportionate and reasoned information request , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality .


### qualified entities should be fully transparent about the source of funding of their activity in general and regarding the funds supporting a specific representative action for redress in order to enable courts or administrative authorities to assess whether there may be a conflict of interest between the third party funder and the qualified entity and to avoid risks of abusive litigation as well as to assess whether the funding third party has sufficient resources in order to meet its financial commitments to the qualified entity . the information provided by the qualified entity to the court or administrative authority overseeing the representative action should enable it to assess whether the third party may influence procedural decisions of the qualified entity in the context of the representative action , including on settlements and whether it provides financing for a representative action for redress against a defendant who is a competitor of the fund provider or against a defendant on whom the fund provider is dependant . if any of these circumstances is confirmed , the court or administrative authority should be empowered to require the qualified entity to refuse the relevant funding and , if necessary , reject standing of the qualified entity in a specific case . ### qualified entities should be fully transparent about the source of funding of their activity in general and regarding the funds supporting a specific representative action for redress in order to enable courts or administrative authorities to assess whether there may be a conflict of interest and to avoid risks of abusive litigation as well as to assess whether the qualified entity has sufficient resources in order to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to support all necessary legal costs should it lose the redress action . to ensure that the rights of the trader are fully respected , the financing of collective redress litigation against a trader by an individual contribution from one of its competitors should be avoided . the information provided by the qualified entity to the court or administrative authority overseeing the representative action should enable it to assess whether a third party may influence procedural decisions of the qualified entity in the context of the representative action , including on settlements and whether it provides financing for a representative action for redress against a defendant who is a competitor of the fund provider or against a defendant on whom the fund provider is dependant . if any of these circumstances is confirmed , the court or administrative authority should be empowered to require the qualified entity to refuse the relevant funding and , if necessary , reject standing of the qualified entity in a specific case .


### a representative action should offer an effective and efficient way of protecting the collective interests of consumers . it should allow qualified entities to act with the aim of ensuring compliance with relevant provisions of union law and to overcome the obstacles faced by consumers within individual actions , such as the uncertainty about their rights and available procedural mechanisms , psychological reluctance to take action and the negative balance of the expected costs and benefits of the individual action . ### a representative action should offer an effective and efficient way of protecting the collective interests of all consumers against both internal and cross - border infringements . it should allow qualified entities to act with the aim of ensuring compliance with relevant provisions of union law and to overcome the obstacles faced by consumers within individual actions , such as the uncertainty about their rights and available procedural mechanisms , previous experience of unsuccessful claims , excessively lengthy proceedings , psychological reluctance to take action and the negative balance of the expected costs and benefits of the individual action , thereby increasing legal certainty for both claimants and defendants , as well as for the legal system .


### member states shall ensure that qualified entities are entitled to bring representative actions seeking measures eliminating the continuing effects of the infringement . these measures shall be sought on the basis of any final decision establishing that a practice constitutes an infringement of union law listed in annex i harming collective interests of consumers , including a final injunction order referred to in paragraph . ### member states shall ensure that qualified entities are entitled to bring representative actions seeking a declaratory decision regarding the liability of the trader towards the consumers harmed by an infringement of union law listed in annex i of the infringement . these measures shall be sought on the basis of any final decision establishing that a practice constitutes an infringement of union law listed in annex i harming collective interests of consumers , after the adoption of a final injunction order referred to in paragraph .


### for the purposes of article 5 , member states shall ensure that qualified entities are entitled to bring representative actions seeking a redress order , which obligates the trader to provide for , inter alia , compensation , repair , replacement , price reduction , contract termination or reimbursement of the price paid , as appropriate . a member state may require the mandate of the individual consumers concerned before a declaratory decision is made or a redress order is issued . ### for the purposes of article 5 , member states shall ensure that certain qualified and supervised entities are entitled to bring representative actions seeking a redress order , which obligates the trader to provide for , inter alia , compensation , repair , replacement , price reduction , contract termination or reimbursement of the price paid , as appropriate . the cpc entity in each member state shall be entitled as the sole unit in each member state to initiate these actions , as well as the european commission in its role as cpc entity pursuant to art . 17 and of the cpc regulation for cases of widespread infringements with a union dimension .


### member states may provide that a qualified entity and a trader who have reached a settlement regarding redress for consumers affected by an allegedly illegal practice of that trader can jointly request a court or administrative authority to approve it . such request should be admitted by the court or administrative authority only if there is no other ongoing representative action regarding the same practice . a competent court or administrative authority approving such collective settlement must take into consideration the interests and rights of all parties concerned , including individual consumers . individual consumers concerned shall be given the possibility to accept or to refuse to be bound by such a settlement . ### member states may provide that a qualified entity and a trader who have reached a settlement regarding redress for consumers affected by an allegedly illegal practice of that trader can jointly request a court or administrative authority to approve it . such request should be admitted by the court or administrative authority only if there is no other ongoing representative action regarding the same practice . a competent court or administrative authority approving such collective settlement must take into consideration the interests and rights of all parties concerned , including individual consumers . settlements should be final and binding for all the concerned consumers .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that procedural costs related to representative actions do not constitute financial obstacles for qualified entities to effectively exercise the right to seek the measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , such as limiting applicable court or administrative fees , granting them access to legal aid where necessary , or by providing them with public funding for this purpose . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that procedural costs related to representative actions do not constitute financial obstacles for qualified entities to effectively exercise the right to seek the measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , such as limiting applicable court or administrative fees , or granting them access to legal aid where necessary .


### member states shall assess on a regular basis whether a qualified entity continues to comply with these criteria . member states shall ensure that the qualified entity loses its status under this directive if it no longer complies with one or more of the criteria listed in the first subparagraph . ### member states ' cpc entities shall assess on a regular basis whether a qualified entity continues to comply with these criteria . member states shall ensure that the qualified entity loses its status under this directive if it no longer complies with one or more of the criteria listed in the first subparagraph .


### the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall declare at an early stage of the action the source of the funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action . it shall demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail . ### the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall declare at an earliest possible stage of the proceeding the source of the funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action . it shall demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail .


### the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall declare at an early stage of the action the source of the funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action . it shall demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail . ### in accordance with article 4 , the qualified entity seeking a redress order as referred in article 6 shall submit to the court or administrative authority at the earliest stage of the action a complete financial overview , listing all sources of funds used for its activity in general and the funds that it uses to support the action . it shall demonstrate that it has sufficient financial resources to represent the best interests of the consumers concerned and to meet any adverse costs should the action fail .


### actions for redress based on the establishment of an infringement by a final injunction order or by a final declaratory decision regarding the liability of the trader towards the harmed consumers under this directive should not be hindered by national rules on limitation periods . the submission of a representative action shall have the effect of suspending or interrupting the limitation periods for any redress actions for the consumers concerned by this action . ### actions for redress based on the establishment of an infringement by a final injunction order or by a final declaratory decision regarding the liability of the trader towards the harmed consumers under this directive should not be hindered by national rules on limitation periods . the submission of a representative action shall have the effect of suspending or interrupting the limitation periods for any redress actions for the consumers , who have given their specific and exclusive mandate to a qualified entity to be represented in such an action .


### in order to seek injunction orders , qualified entities shall not have to obtain the mandate of the individual consumers concerned or provide proof of actual loss or damage on the part of the consumers concerned or of intention or negligence on the part of the trader . ### in order to seek injunction orders , qualified entities shall provide proof that a widespread infringement has occurred or of the intention to infringe or of negligence on the part of the trader .


### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality . ### member states shall ensure that , at the request of one of the parties , in order to obtain further evidence which lies in the control of the other party , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented , subject to applicable union law and national rules on confidentiality . the order must be adequate and proportionate in the respective case and must not create an imbalance between the two parties involved .


### member states may require qualified entities to provide sufficient information to support a representative action for redress , including a description of the group of consumers concerned by an infringement and the questions of fact and law to be resolved within the representative action . the qualified entity should not be required to individually identify all consumers concerned by an infringement in order to initiate the action . in representative actions for redress the court or administrative authority should verify at the earliest possible stage of the proceedings whether the case is suitable for being brought as a representative action , given the nature of the infringement and characteristics of the damages suffered by consumers concerned . ### member states may require qualified entities to provide sufficient information to support a representative action for redress , including a description of the group of consumers concerned by an infringement and the questions of fact and law to be resolved within the representative action . the qualified entity should be required to individually identify all consumers concerned by an infringement , and to obtain their prior consent to be involved in the representative action , in order to initiate the action . in representative actions for redress the court or administrative authority should verify at the earliest possible stage of the proceedings whether the case is suitable for being brought as a representative action , given the nature of the infringement and characteristics of the damages suffered by consumers concerned .


### member states shall assess on a regular basis whether a qualified entity continues to comply with these criteria . member states shall ensure that the qualified entity loses its status under this directive if it no longer complies with one or more of the criteria listed in the first subparagraph . ### member states shall assess on a regular basis whether a qualified entity continues to comply with these criteria . member states shall ensure that the qualified entity submit an annual activity report , and that the entity loses its status under this directive if it no longer complies with any of the criteria listed in the first subparagraph .


### the purpose of this directive is to enable qualified entities , which represent the collective interest of consumers , to seek remedy through representative actions against infringements of provisions of union law . the qualified entities should be able to ask for stopping or prohibiting an infringement , for confirming that an infringement took place and to seek redress , such as compensation , repair or price reduction as available under national laws . ### the purpose of this directive is to enable qualified entities , which represent the collective interest of consumers in the cross - border cases , to seek remedy through representative actions against widespread cross - border infringements of provisions of union law , which are common to at least 100 consumers in at least 2 member states . the qualified entities that have received specific and exclusive mandates from consumers should be able to ask for stopping or prohibiting an infringement , for confirming that an infringement took place and to seek redress , such as compensation , repair or price reduction as available under national laws .


### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality . ### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , provided such information is precisely circumscribed and narrowly limited to what is proportionate , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality .


### member states may require qualified entities to provide sufficient information to support a representative action for redress , including a description of the group of consumers concerned by an infringement and the questions of fact and law to be resolved within the representative action . the qualified entity should not be required to individually identify all consumers concerned by an infringement in order to initiate the action . in representative actions for redress the court or administrative authority should verify at the earliest possible stage of the proceedings whether the case is suitable for being brought as a representative action , given the nature of the infringement and characteristics of the damages suffered by consumers concerned . ### member states should require qualified entities to provide sufficient information to support a representative action for redress , including a description of the group of consumers concerned by an infringement and the questions of fact and law to be resolved within the representative action . the qualified entity should be required to individually identify all consumers concerned by an infringement in order to initiate the action . in representative actions for redress the court or administrative authority should verify at the earliest possible stage of the proceedings whether the case is suitable for being brought as a representative action , given the nature of the infringement and characteristics of the damages suffered by consumers concerned . in particular , the claims should be ascertainable and uniform and there should be a commonality in the measures sought , the action should represent at least 100 individual consumers from at least two member states , a representative action should be the most suitable way to bring forward the claims in the interest of multiple consumers , in particular if seeking redress measures by the individual consumers would create a risk of inconsistent decisions , individual consumers should be able to be identified and informed of the representation action in an adequate way , any third - party funding arrangement of the qualified entity should be suitable and fair , in particular the remuneration for the funder should be clearly stated and based on the redress effectively paid to consumers and not on the amount claimed or awarded by the court or settlement . member states should also ensure that the court or administrative authority has the authority to dismiss manifestly unfounded cases at the earliest possible stage of litigation .


### individual consumers concerned shall be given the possibility to accept or to refuse to be bound by settlements referred to in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 . the redress obtained through an approved settlement in accordance with paragraph 4 shall be without prejudice to any additional rights to redress that the consumers concerned may have under union or national law . ### individual consumers concerned shall be given the possibility to accept or to refuse to be bound by settlements referred to in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 . the redress obtained through an approved settlement in accordance with paragraph 4 shall be final with respect to any additional rights to redress that the consumers concerned might otherwise have been able to claim under union or national law .


### member states shall ensure that the court or administrative authority shall require the infringing trader to inform affected consumers at its expense about the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits , including , where appropriate , through notifying all consumers concerned individually . ### where a settlement or final decision may benefit consumers who may be unaware of it , member states shall ensure that the court or administrative authority may require the defeated party or both parties in case of a settlement , to publish at its expense the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits .


### to be effective , the information should be adequate and proportional to the circumstances of the case . the infringing trader should adequately inform all consumers concerned of a final injunction and redress orders issued within the representative action as well as of a settlement approved by a court or administrative authority . such information may be provided for instance on the trader ' s website , social media , online market places , or in popular newspapers , including those distributed exclusively by electronic means of communication . if possible , consumers should be informed individually through electronic or paper letters . this information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities upon request . ### to be effective , the information should be adequate and proportional to the circumstances of the case . member states should ensure that the court or the administrative authority may require the defeated party to adequately inform all consumers concerned of a final decision concerning injunction and redress issued within the representative action , and both parties in cases of a settlement approved by a court or administrative authority . such information may be provided for instance on the website , social media , online market places , or in popular newspapers , including those distributed exclusively by electronic means of communication . this information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities upon request .


### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded . ### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that protect the collective interests of consumers and where no other union or national means of protection of the consumers ' collective interests are available . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded .


### member states shall ensure that , at the request of a qualified entity that has presented reasonably available facts and evidence sufficient to support the representative action , and has indicated further evidence which lies in the control of the defendant , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by the defendant , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality . ### member states shall ensure that , at the request of one of the parties that has presented reasonably available facts , sufficient evidence and a substantive explanation to support its views , and has indicated further specific and clear defined evidence which lies in the control of the other party , the court or administrative authority may order , in accordance with national procedural rules , that such evidence be presented by this party , subject to the applicable union and national rules on confidentiality .


### qualified entities should be fully transparent about the source of funding of their activity in general and regarding the funds supporting a specific representative action for redress in order to enable courts or administrative authorities to assess whether there may be a conflict of interest between the third party funder and the qualified entity and to avoid risks of abusive litigation as well as to assess whether the funding third party has sufficient resources in order to meet its financial commitments to the qualified entity . the information provided by the qualified entity to the court or administrative authority overseeing the representative action should enable it to assess whether the third party may influence procedural decisions of the qualified entity in the context of the representative action , including on settlements and whether it provides financing for a representative action for redress against a defendant who is a competitor of the fund provider or against a defendant on whom the fund provider is dependant . if any of these circumstances is confirmed , the court or administrative authority should be empowered to require the qualified entity to refuse the relevant funding and , if necessary , reject standing of the qualified entity in a specific case . ### qualified entities should be fully transparent about the source of funding of their activity in general and regarding the funds supporting a specific representative action for redress in order to enable courts or administrative authorities to assess whether there may be a conflict of interest and the qualified entity and to avoid risks of abusive litigation as well as to assess whether the qualified entity has sufficient resources in order to meet its financial obligations should the action fail . the information provided by the qualified entity at the earliest stage of the proceeding to the court or administrative authority overseeing the representative action should enable it to assess whether any third party may influence procedural decisions of the qualified entity in general and in the context of the representative action , including on settlements and whether it provides financing for a representative action for redress against a defendant who is a competitor of the fund provider or against a defendant on whom the fund provider is dependant . if any of these circumstances is confirmed , the court or administrative authority must be empowered to require the qualified entity to refuse the relevant funding and , if necessary , reject standing of the qualified entity in a specific case or stay proceedings . member states should provide that where third party funding is permitted and in order to avoid the risks of abusive litigation member states should be able to implement a licencing system through a public authority by which third party funders are licensed and subject to strict professional obligations and registered in a public registry for funders . where such systems exist , member states should ensure that third party funders have a legal obligation to act in the best interest of the qualified entity and the consumers it represents . furthermore , member states should prohibit third party funders and law firms from establishing qualified entities , law firms from owning third party funders and vice versa , and third party funders from basing remuneration on the settled or awarded compensation .


### member states shall ensure that the court or administrative authority shall require the infringing trader to inform affected consumers at its expense about the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits , including , where appropriate , through notifying all consumers concerned individually . ### member states shall ensure that the cpc entity will ensure early information of consumers potentially concerned as per paragraph 2a of this article . the cpc entity shall require the infringing trader to inform affected consumers at its expense about the final decisions providing for measures referred to in articles 5 and 6 , and the approved settlements referred to in article 8 , by means appropriate to the circumstance of the case and within specified time limits , including , where appropriate , through notifying all consumers concerned individually .


### ‘ collective interests of consumers’ means the interests of a number of consumers ; ### ‘ collective interest of consumers’ means the interests of at least 25 consumers ;


### it is important to ensure the necessary balance between access to justice and procedural safeguards against abusive litigation which could unjustifiably hinder the ability of businesses to operate in the single market . to prevent the misuse of representative actions , elements such as punitive damages and the absence of limitations as regards the entitlement to bring an action on behalf of the harmed consumers should be avoided and clear rules on various procedural aspects , such as the designation of qualified entities , the origin of their funds and nature of the information required to support the representative action , should be laid down . this directive should not affect national rules concerning the allocation of procedural costs . ### it is important to ensure the necessary balance between access to justice and procedural safeguards against abusive litigation which could unjustifiably hinder the ability of businesses to operate in the single market . to prevent the misuse of representative actions , elements such as punitive damages and the absence of limitations as regards the entitlement to bring an action on behalf of the harmed consumers should be avoided and clear rules on various procedural aspects , such as the designation of qualified entities , the origin of their funds and nature of the information required to support the representative action , should be laid down .


### member states may provide that a qualified entity and a trader who have reached a settlement regarding redress for consumers affected by an allegedly illegal practice of that trader can jointly request a court or administrative authority to approve it . such a request should be admitted by the court or administrative authority only if there is no other ongoing representative action in front of the court or administrative authority of the same member state regarding the same trader and regarding the same practice . ### member states may provide that a qualified entity and a trader who have reached a settlement regarding redress for consumers who have chosen to be represented in the action and who have been affected by an allegedly illegal practice of that trader can jointly request a court or administrative authority to approve it . once approved , the settlement reached shall be binding and preclude any additional individual or collective rights for redress of consumers that have specifically and exclusively mandated the collective action regarding the same trader and regarding the same practice .


### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded . ### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that does or is likely to do mass harm or may harm to the collective interests&#160 ; of consumers . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded .


### ‘ collective interests of consumers’ means the interests of a number of consumers ; ### ‘ collective interests of consumers’ means the common interests of at least 100 consumers in at least two member states ;


### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers . it shall apply to domestic and cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded . ### this directive shall apply to representative actions brought against widespread infringements by traders of provisions of the union law listed in annex i that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers . it shall apply to cross - border infringements , including where those infringements have ceased before the representative action has started or before the representative action has been concluded .


### in order to seek injunction orders , qualified entities shall not have to obtain the mandate of the individual consumers concerned or provide proof of actual loss or damage on the part of the consumers concerned or of intention or negligence on the part of the trader . ### in order to seek injunction orders , qualified entities shall demonstrate that they have the mandate of at least 10 of the individual consumers concerned , but shall not be required to provide proof of actual loss or damage on the part of the consumers concerned . the identity of consumers having given a mandate to the qualified entity shall not be shared by the court with the defendant .


### member states shall ensure that a final decision referred to in paragraph 1 , taken in another member state is considered by their national courts or administrative authorities as a rebuttable presumption that an infringement has occurred . ### member states shall ensure that a final decision referred to in paragraph 1 , taken in another member state should be included in the file for relevant cases by their national courts or administrative authorities . it may be considered as evidence in related cases .


### member states may maintain , amend or adopt mechanisms to screen foreign direct investments on the grounds of security or public order , under the conditions and in accordance with the terms set out in this regulation . ### member states shall maintain , amend or adopt mechanisms to screen foreign direct investments on the grounds of security or public order , under the conditions and in accordance with the terms set out in this regulation .


### –critical technologies , including artificial intelligence , robotics , semiconductors , technologies with potential dual use applications , cybersecurity , space or nuclear technology ; ### –critical and strategic technologies , including artificial intelligence , robotics , semiconductors , technologies with potential dual use applications , cybersecurity , space or nuclear technology ;


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission may issue an opinion addressed to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . ### where the commission or more than one member state consider that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , to threaten the security or public order of more than one member state of the european union or the union as a whole or the mid - and long - term economic security of the union , as defined as key know - how and technologies and listed in annex ii , it shall screen the investment .


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission may issue an opinion addressed to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . ### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission shall issue an opinion addressed to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed .


### the communication and cooperation at member state and union level should be enhanced through the establishment of contact points for the screening of foreign direct investments in each member state . ### the communication and cooperation at member state and union level should be enhanced through the establishment of contact points for the screening of foreign direct investments in each member state and through the establishment of a coordination group , run by the european commission and composed of representatives of the member states .


### –critical infrastructure , including energy , transport , communications , data storage , space or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ; ### –critical infrastructure , e . g . energy , water , transport , communications and the media , health services , data storage , space , defence , research or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ;


### –access to sensitive information or the ability to control sensitive information . ### –access to sensitive data and information or the ability to control sensitive data and information .


### the commission shall address its opinion to the member state concerned within a reasonable period of time , and in any case no later than 25 working days following receipt of the information requested by the commission pursuant to paragraph 2 . where a member state has a screening mechanism in place as referred to in article 3 and the information on foreign direct investment undergoing screening has been received by the commission pursuant to article 8 , the opinion shall be delivered no later than 25 working days following receipt of such information . where additional information is needed to issue an opinion , the 25 - day period shall run from the date of receipt of the additional information . ### the commission shall address its opinion to the member state concerned within a reasonable period of time , in order to not hamper neither the foreign direct investment nor the national screening . where a member state has a screening mechanism in place as referred to in article 3 and the information on foreign direct investment undergoing screening has been received by the commission pursuant to article 8 , within a reasonable period of time , in order to not hamper neither the foreign direct investment nor the national screening .


### where a member state considers that a foreign direct investment planned or completed in another member state is likely to affect its security or public order , it may provide comments to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the comments shall be forwarded to the commission in parallel . ### where a member state considers that a foreign direct investment planned or completed in another member state is likely to affect its security or public order , it may provide comments to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has already been completed . the comments shall be forwarded to the commission in parallel .


### the commission may screen foreign direct investments that are likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on the grounds of security or public order . ### the commission shall screen foreign direct investments that are likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on the grounds of security or public order .


### it is important to provide legal certainty and to ensure eu wide coordination and cooperation by establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investment in the union on grounds of security or public order . this is without prejudice to the sole responsibility of the member states for the maintenance of national security . ### it is important to provide legal certainty and to ensure eu wide coordination and cooperation by establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investment in the union on grounds of security or public order including , among others , strategic interests , enabling key technologies , strategic assets , strategic and sensitive data etc . . this is without prejudice to the sole responsibility of the member states for the maintenance of national security .


### the framework for the screening of foreign direct investment should provide the member states and the commission with the means to address risks to security or public order in a comprehensive manner , and to adapt to changing circumstances , whilst maintaining the necessary flexibility for member states to screen foreign direct investments on grounds of security and public order taking into account their individual situations and national circumstances . ### the framework for the screening of foreign direct investment should provide the member states and the commission with the means to address risks to security or public order in a comprehensive manner , and to adapt to changing circumstances , whilst maintaining the necessary flexibility for member states to screen foreign direct investments on grounds of security and public order , including , among others , strategic interests , enabling key technologies , strategic assets , strategic and sensitive data , etc . , and taking into account their individual situations and national circumstances . the framework should also facilitate the member states without a screening mechanism adopting one .


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission should have the possibility to address an opinion to the member states in which such investment is planned or completed within a reasonable timeframe . the member states should take utmost account of the opinion and provide an explanation to the commission if they do not follow this opinion , in compliance with their duty of sincere cooperation under article 4 teu . the commission should also have the possibility to request from those member states the information necessary for its screening of such investment . ### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission should have the possibility to address a non - binding opinion to the member states in which such investment is planned or completed within a reasonable timeframe . the member states should take account of the opinion and provide an explanation to the commission if they do not follow this opinion , in compliance with their duty of sincere cooperation under article 4 teu . the commission should also have the possibility to request from those member states the information necessary for its screening of such investment .


### the commission shall address its opinion to the member state concerned within a reasonable period of time , and in any case no later than 25 working days following receipt of the information requested by the commission pursuant to paragraph 2 . where a member state has a screening mechanism in place as referred to in article 3 and the information on foreign direct investment undergoing screening has been received by the commission pursuant to article 8 , the opinion shall be delivered no later than 25 working days following receipt of such information . where additional information is needed to issue an opinion , the 25 - day period shall run from the date of receipt of the additional information . ### the commission shall take a decision within a reasonable period of time , and in any case no later than 25 working days following receipt of the information requested by the commission pursuant to paragraph 2 . this decision can be : a general authorisation of the investment ; an authorisation under certain conditions necessary to eliminate the threat ; no authorisation ; an in - depth investigation in case that there are reasons to assume that more time and information is necessary to take an informed decision , which shall not take longer than 50 days . where a member state has a screening mechanism in place as referred to in article 3 and the information on foreign direct investment undergoing screening has been received by the commission pursuant to article 8 , the opinion shall be delivered no later than 25 working days following receipt of such information . where additional information is needed to issue an opinion , the 25 - day period shall run from the date of receipt of the additional information . the opinion of the commission shall be communicated to the other member states .


### –critical infrastructure , including energy , transport , communications , data storage , space or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ; ### –critical infrastructure , energy security , transport , communications , data storage , space or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ;


### member states shall inform the commission and the other member states of any foreign direct investments that are undergoing screening within the framework of their screening mechanisms , within 5 working days from the start of the screening . as part of the information , and when applicable , the screening member states shall endeavour to indicate whether it considers that the foreign direct investment undergoing screening is likely to fall within the scope of regulation no 139 / 2004 . ### member states shall inform the commission and all other member states of any foreign direct investments that are undergoing screening within the framework of their screening mechanisms , within 5 working days from the start of the screening . as part of the information , and when applicable , the screening member states shall endeavour to indicate whether it considers that the foreign direct investment undergoing screening is likely to fall within the scope of regulation no 139 / 2004 .


### where a member state considers that a foreign direct investment planned or completed in another member state is likely to affect its security or public order , it may provide comments to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the comments shall be forwarded to the commission in parallel . ### where a member state considers that a foreign direct investment planned or completed in another member state is likely to affect its national or the union’s security or public order , it shall indicate this to the commission and to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission shall take adequate action as outlined in article 9 .


### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed shall take utmost account of the commission ' s opinion and provide an explanation to the commission in case its opinion is not followed . ### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed shall take account of the commission ' s opinion and provide an explanation to the commission in case its opinion is not followed .


### in determining whether a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order , member states and the commission may take into account whether the foreign investor is controlled by the government of a third country , including through significant funding . ### in determining whether a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order , member states and the commission may take into account whether the foreign investor is controlled by the government of a third country , including through significant funding and subsidies , extended credit and lending by the government of a third country or a state - owned financial institution .


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , the commission may issue an opinion addressed to the member state where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . ### where the commission or more than one member state consider that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect projects or programmes of union interest on grounds of security or public order , to threaten the security or public order of more than one member state of the european union or the union as a whole or the mid - and long - term economic security of the union , as defined as key know - how and technologies and listed in annex ii , it shall screen the investment .


### this regulation establishes a framework for the screening by the member states and the commission of foreign direct investments in the union on the grounds of security or public order . ### this regulation establishes a framework for the screening by the member states and the commission of foreign direct investments in the union on the grounds of national security or public order . it furthermore establishes a mechanism under which the european commission can screen and take a decision on conditioning or restricting foreign direct investment threatening the security or public order of more than one member state or the european union as a whole , as well as foreign direct investment threatening the mid - and long term economic security in certain circumstances .


### the commission shall evaluate and present to the european parliament and the council a report on the application of this regulation no later than 3 years after its entry into force . member states shall be involved in this exercise and shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report . ### the commission shall evaluate and present to the european parliament and the council a report on the application of this regulation no later than 2 years after its entry into force . member states shall be involved in this exercise and shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report .


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in one or more member states , it may issue an opinion addressed to the member state in which the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission may issue an opinion irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments . ### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in one or more member states , it may issue an opinion addressed to the member state maintaining a screening mechanism in which the foreign direct investment is planned . the commission may issue an opinion irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments .


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in one or more member states , it may issue an opinion addressed to the member state in which the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission may issue an opinion irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments . ### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in one or more member states , it shall issue an opinion addressed to the member state in which the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission shall issue an opinion irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments .


### –critical infrastructure , including energy , transport , communications , data storage , space or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ; ### –critical and strategic infrastructure , including energy , transport , communications , data storage , space or financial infrastructure , as well as sensitive facilities ;


### in screening a foreign direct investment on the grounds of security or public order , member states and the commission may consider the potential effects on , inter alia : ### in screening a foreign direct investment on the grounds of security or public order of one or more than one member state or the security and public order of the union as a whole , member states and the commission may consider the potential effects on , inter alia :


### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in one or more member states , it may issue an opinion addressed to the member state in which the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission may issue an opinion irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments . ### where the commission considers that a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order in more than one member state or the union as a whole , it shall indicate this to the member state in which the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed . the commission shall take adequate action as outlined in article 9 , irrespective of whether other member states have provided comments .


### –access to sensitive information or the ability to control sensitive information . ### –access to sensitive data and information or the ability to control sensitive data and information .


### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed shall take utmost account of the commission ' s opinion and provide an explanation to the commission in case its opinion is not followed . ### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned shall give due consideration to the commission ' s opinion and provide an explanation to the commission in case its opinion is not followed .


### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed shall give due consideration to the comments of the other member states referred to in paragraph 2 and to the opinion of the commission referred to in paragraph 3 . ### the member states where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed shall give due consideration to the comments of the other member states referred to in paragraph 1 .


### notification by member states of screening mechanisms and annual reporting ### notification by member states of screening mechanisms and reporting


### the framework for the screening of foreign direct investment should provide the member states and the commission with the means to address risks to security or public order in a comprehensive manner , and to adapt to changing circumstances , whilst maintaining the necessary flexibility for member states to screen foreign direct investments on grounds of security and public order taking into account their individual situations and national circumstances . ### the framework for the screening of foreign direct investment should provide the member states and the commission with the means to address risks to security or public order in a comprehensive manner , and to adapt to changing circumstances , whilst maintaining the necessary flexibility for member states to screen foreign direct investments on grounds of security and public order , including , among others , strategic interests , enabling key technologies , strategic assets , strategic and sensitive data , etc . , and taking into account their individual situations and national circumstances . the framework should also facilitate the member states without a screening mechanism adopting one .


### ensuring the connection between ireland and the other member states on the north sea – mediterranean core network corridor is crucial for ongoing and future infrastructure investments and for providing legal clarity and certainty for infrastructure planning . ### ensuring the connection between ireland and the other member states on the atlantic and north sea – mediterranean core network corridors is crucial for ongoing and future infrastructure investments and for providing legal clarity and certainty for infrastructure planning .


### ‘ baile átha cliath / dublin / corcaigh / cork – zeebrugge / antwerpen / rotterdam . ### “baile átha cliath / dublin / corcaigh / cork – le havre / calais / dunkerque - zeebrugge / antwerpen / rotterdam . shannon foynes - dublin - rosslare - waterford - cork - brest - roscoff - cherbourg - caen - le havre - rouen - paris ' .


### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination , but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reclaimed water . ### reuse of appropriately treated waste water , for example from urban waste water treatment plants or industrial installations , is considered to have a lower environmental impact than other alternative water supply methods , such as water transfers or desalination , but such reuse only occurs to a limited extent in the union . this appears to be partly due to the significant cost of waste water reuse systems and the lack of common union environmental or health standards for water reuse , and , as regards in particular agricultural products , the potential obstacles to the free movement of such products irrigated with reclaimed water .


### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health . ### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health in particular concerning the use treated waste water on agricultural land used for food production .


### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec . ### in order to effectively protect the environment , human health and soil quality , reclamation plant operators and the competent authorities shall be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . in order to guarantee users , and in particular farmers , water of a quality consistent with the parameters set , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water in accordance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions set by the competent authority . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec .


### it is necessary to ensure the safe use of reclaimed water , thereby encouraging water reuse at union level and enhancing public confidence in it . supply of reclaimed water for particular uses should therefore only be permitted on the basis of a permit , granted by competent authorities of member states . in order to ensure harmonised approach at union level , traceability and transparency , the substantive rules for that permit should be laid down at the union level . however , the details of the procedures for granting permits should be determined by member states . member states should be able to apply existing procedures for granting permits which should be adapted to take account of the requirements introduced by this regulation . ### it is necessary to ensure the safe use of reclaimed water , thereby encouraging the development of water reuse at union level , encouraging eu farmers to adopt this practice and enhancing public confidence in it . supply of reclaimed water for particular uses should therefore only be permitted on the basis of a permit , granted by competent authorities of member states . in order to ensure harmonised approach at union level , traceability and transparency , the substantive rules for that permit should be laid down at the union level . however , the details of the procedures for granting permits should be determined by member states , whose competent authorities are themselves responsible for assessing the risks linked to water reuse . member states should be able to apply existing procedures for granting permits which should be adapted to take account of the requirements introduced by this regulation .


### regulation 852 / 2004 lays down general rules for food business operators and covers the production , processing , distribution and placing on the market of food intended for human consumption . that regulation addresses the health quality of food and one of its main principles is that the primary responsibility for food safety is borne by the food business operator . that regulation is also subject to detailed guidance , of particular relevance being the commission notice on guidance document on addressing microbiological risks in fresh fruits and vegetables at primary production through good hygiene . the performance targets for reclaimed water laid down in this regulation do not preclude food business operators from obtaining the water quality required to comply with regulation 852 / 2004 using at a subsequent stage several water treatment options alone or in combination with other non - treatment options . ### regulation 852 / 2004 lays down general rules for food business operators and covers the production , processing , distribution and placing on the market of food intended for human consumption . that regulation addresses the health quality of food and one of its main principles is that the primary responsibility for food safety is borne by the food business operator . that regulation is also subject to detailed guidance , of particular relevance being the commission notice on guidance document on addressing microbiological risks in fresh fruits and vegetables at primary production through good hygiene . the performance targets for reclaimed water laid down in this regulation do not preclude food business operators from obtaining the water quality required to comply with regulation 852 / 2004 . farmers ' responsibility for the quality of their products notwithstanding , the competent authorities should be given the task of assessing the risks and dangers linked to the use of reclaimed water .


### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications . ### if the union ' s targets for the sparing use of resources are to be met , making consumers aware of their responsibilities is also important . it would be necessary , first of all , to review practices involving the use of natural resources , with the aim of achieving savings . in order to encourage confidence in water reuse and secure consumer acceptance of this sustainable practice , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications .


### in order to adapt the existing minimum requirements and the key risk management tasks to scientific and technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission to amend the minimum requirements and the key risk management tasks . moreover , in order to ensure a high level of protection of the environment and human health , the commission should also be able to adopt delegated acts supplementing the key risk management tasks by laying down technical specifications . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law - making37 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . _________________ 37 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 . ### in order to adapt the existing minimum requirements and the key risk management tasks to scientific and technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission to amend the minimum requirements and the key risk management tasks , without compromising the scope for reusing properly treated waste water . moreover , in order to ensure a high level of protection of the environment and human health , the commission should also be able to adopt delegated acts supplementing the key risk management tasks by laying down technical specifications . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law - making37 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . _________________ 37 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 .


### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . ### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . the competent authorities should work closely with farmers in order to facilitate the reuse of reclaimed water .


### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . ### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . to reduce these risks use of treated waste water on agricultural land for food production should be of a high standard standard .


### the reclamation plant operator shall draw - up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii . the water reuse risk management plan shall propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and shall , inter alia , identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures . ### the reclamation plant operator shall draw - up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii . the water reuse risk management plan shall propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and shall , inter alia , identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures . it shall inform the final user as soon as sufficient information has been collected .


### - pigs must not be exposed to fodder irrigated with reclaimed water unless there is sufficient data to indicate that the risks for a specific case can be managed . ### - food producing animals must not be exposed to fodder irrigated with reclaimed water unless there is sufficient data to indicate that the risks for a specific case can be managed .


### - exclude lactating dairy cattle from pasture until pasture is dry . ### - exclude lactating dairy cattle from pasture for five days after last irrigation .


### a wide range of policy approaches and measures to tackle undeclared work have been introduced across the member states . member states have also concluded bilateral agreements and carried out multilateral projects on certain aspects of undeclared work . the platform will not prevent the application of bilateral agreements or arrangements concerning administrative cooperation . ### undeclared work has negative effects also on the functioning of the single market . a wide range of policy approaches and measures to tackle undeclared work have been introduced across the member states . member states have also concluded bilateral agreements and carried out multilateral projects on certain aspects of undeclared work . the platform will not prevent the application of bilateral agreements or arrangements concerning administrative cooperation . the main responsibility for tackling undeclared work will remain with the member states .


### the platform should involve the social partners at eu level , both cross - industry and in those sectors more severely affected by undeclared work , and cooperate with relevant international organisations , such as the international labour organisation , and union decentralised agencies , in particular eurofound and european agency for safety and health at work . the involvement of eurofound and european agency for safety and health at work in the work of the platform as observers will not extend their existing mandates . ### the platform should involve the european parliament , the social partners at eu level , both cross - industry and in those sectors more severely affected by undeclared work , and cooperate with relevant international organisations , such as the international labour organisation , and union decentralised agencies , in particular eurofound and european agency for safety and health at work . the involvement of eurofound and european agency for safety and health at work in the work of the platform as observers will not extend their existing mandates . the representative from the european parliament should have an observer status in the platform .


### the platform and its tasks should be funded through the progress axis of the programme for employment and social innovation within the appropriations set by the budgetary authority . ### the platform and its tasks should be funded through the progress axis of the programme for employment and social innovation within the appropriations set by the budgetary authority . the commission will make sure that the financial resources are used in a transparent and efficient way for the work of the platform .


### the global resources for the implementation of this decision shall be established within the framework of the programme for employment and social innovation , the annual appropriations of which shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework . ### the global resources for the implementation of this decision shall be established within the framework of the programme for employment and social innovation , the annual appropriations of which shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework . the commission shall make sure that all financial resources are used in a transparent and efficient way .


### strenghtening economic cohesion amongst member states whose currency is the euro would contribute to the stability of the monetary union and to the harmonious development of the union as a whole . ### strengthening economic cohesion amongst the member states would contribute to the stability of the monetary union and to the harmonious development of the union as a whole .


### in order to facilitate macroeconomic adjustment and cushion large asymmetric shocks in the current institutional set - up , member states whose currency is the euro and other member states that participate in the exchange rate mechanism have to rely more heavily on remaining instruments of economic policy , such as automatic fiscal stabilisers and other discretionary fiscal measures , making the adjustment more difficult overall . the sequence of the crisis in euro area also suggests strong reliance on the single monetary policy to provide for macro - economic stabilisation in severe macro - economic circumstances . ### in order to facilitate macroeconomic adjustment and cushion large asymmetric shocks in the current institutional set - up , member states have to rely more heavily on remaining instruments of economic policy , such as automatic fiscal stabilisers and other discretionary fiscal measures , making the adjustment more difficult overall . the sequence of the crisis in euro area also suggests strong reliance on the single monetary policy to provide for macro - economic stabilisation in severe macro - economic circumstances .


### in particular , in order to support member states whose currency is the euro to respond better to rapidly changing economic circumstances and stabilise their economy by preserving public investment in the event of large asymmetric shocks , a european investment stabilisation function should be established . ### in particular , in order to support member states to respond better to rapidly changing economic circumstances and stabilise their economy by preserving public investment in the event of large asymmetric shocks , a european investment stabilisation function should be established .


### the commission , including the european anti - fraud office , shall in particular have the right to send its officials or duly authorised representatives to carry out in the member state concerned any technical or financial controls or audits that it considers necessary in relation to eisf support . ### the commission , including the european anti - fraud office and the european parliament , shall in particular have the right to send officials or duly authorised representatives , for example independent experts , to carry out in the member state concerned any technical or financial controls or audits that they consider necessary in relation to eisf support .


### the proliferation of specifications imposed by the member states and neighbouring countries for their electronic toll systems may compromise both the smooth operation of the internal market and transport policy objectives . such a situation is liable to lead to the proliferation of incompatible and expensive electronic boxes in the driving cabs of heavy duty vehicles , and to drivers making mistakes when using them with the result , for example , of unintentionally avoiding payment . such a proliferation is unacceptable to users and to manufacturers of vehicles for cost , safety and legal reasons . ### the proliferation of specifications imposed by the member states and neighbouring countries for their electronic toll systems may compromise both the smooth operation of the internal market , the principle of free movement and transport policy objectives . such a situation is liable to lead to the proliferation of incompatible and expensive electronic boxes in the driving cabs of heavy duty vehicles , and to drivers making mistakes when using them with the result , for example , of unintentionally avoiding payment . such a proliferation is unacceptable to users and to manufacturers of vehicles for cost , safety and legal reasons .


### this directive lays down the conditions necessary to ensure the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and to facilitate the cross - border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the union . it applies to the electronic collection of all types of road fees , on the entire union road network , urban and interurban , motorways , major and minor roads , and various structures such as tunnels , bridges and ferries . ### this directive lays down the conditions necessary to ensure the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and to facilitate the cross - border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the union . it applies to the electronic collection and missing payments of all types of road fees , including those collected manually , on the entire union road network , urban and interurban , motorways , major and minor roads , and various structures such as tunnels , bridges and ferries .


### ' european electronic toll service ' means the services provided , under a contract , by an eets provider to an eets user . those services shall include making available and guaranteeing the correct parametrisation and functioning of on - board equipment necessary to pay road fees in all electronic toll domains agreed upon in the contract , processing the payment of road fees due by the user to the toll charger on behalf of the user , and providing other services and assistance required for the user in order to comply with the obligations imposed by the toll chargers in the toll domains agreed upon in the contract ; ### ' european electronic toll service ' means the toll service provided , under a contract , by an eets provider to an eets user ;


### ' electronic toll domain ' means a road , a road network , a structure such as a bridge or a tunnel , or ferry , where road fees are collected using , exclusively or partially , automatic detection mechanisms such as communication with on - board equipment inside the vehicle or automatic number plate recognition ; ### ' electronic toll domain ' means a road , a road network , a structure such as a bridge or a tunnel , or a ferry , where road fees are collected using , either exclusively or partially , automatic detection mechanisms such as communication with on - board equipment inside the vehicle or automatic number plate recognition ;


### ' member state of registration ' means the member state of registration of the vehicle with which the offence of failing to pay a road fee was committed ; ### ' member state of registration ' means the member state where the vehicle with which the offence of failing to pay a road fee was committed is registered ;


### until 31 december 2027 , eets providers may provide users of light - duty vehicles with on - board equipment suitable for use only with the 5 . 8 ghz microwave technology . ### eets providers may provide users of light - duty vehicles with on - board equipment suitable for use only with the 5 . 8 ghz microwave technology .


### member states shall ensure that processing of personal data necessary for the operation of the eets is carried out in accordance with the union rules protecting the freedoms and fundamental rights of individuals , including their privacy , and that , in particular , the provisions of regulation 2016 / 679 , directive 2016 / 680 and of directive 2002 / 58 / ec are complied with . ### member states shall ensure that processing of personal data necessary for the operation of the eets is carried out in accordance with the union rules protecting the freedoms and fundamental rights of individuals , including their privacy , and that , in particular , the provisions of regulation 2016 / 679 , directive 2016 / 680 and of directive 2002 / 58 / ec are complied with , while at the same time they shall allow the exchange of information with the other member states in duly justified cases , such as failure to pay a road fee .


### the eets shall allow for contracts to be concluded irrespective of the place of registration of the vehicle , the nationality of the parties to the contract , and the zone or section on the road network in respect of which the road fee is due . ### the eets shall allow for contracts to be concluded irrespective of the place of registration of the vehicle , the nationality of the parties to the contract , and the zone or section on the road network in respect of which the road fee is due , taking into account the means of payment valid in that member state .


### for the purposes of the exchange of data referred to in paragraph 1 , each member state shall designate a national contact point . the powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable law of the member state concerned . ### for the purposes of the exchange of data referred to in paragraph 1 , each member state shall designate a national contact point . the powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable law of the member state concerned . in this process , particular attention should be paid to the proper protection of personal data necessary for the operation of the eets .


### the member state in whose territory there was a failure to pay a road fee shall decide whether or not to initiate follow - up proceedings in relation to the failure to pay a road fee . ### the competent domestic authority in the member state in whose territory there was a failure to pay a road fee shall initiate proceedings for the offence of failing to pay tolls when it establishes that there has been a failure to pay a toll , in accordance with the tools provided for in directive 2015 / 413 .


### the commission shall , by [ 5 years after the entry into force of this directive ] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council on the application of articles 6 and 7 of this directive by the member states . in its report , the commission shall focus in particular on , and shall , as appropriate , make proposals to cover , the following aspects : ### by [ 4 years after the entry into force of this directive ] , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and to the council on the implementation and effects of this directive , in particular as regards the advancement and deployment of the eets and the effectiveness and efficiency of the mechanism for the exchange of data in the framework of the investigation of events of failure to pay road fees . the report shall analyse in particular the following : the effect of the provisions of article 4b on the deployment of eets , with a particular focus on the availability of the service in small or peripheral eets domains ; the effectiveness of articles 6 and 7 on the reduction in the number of failures to pay road fees in the union . 2 . the report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by a proposal to the european parliament and the council for further revision of this directive , regarding notably the following elements : additional measures to ensure that the eets is available in all eets domains , including small and peripheral ones ; a mechanism of assistance by the member state of registration to the member state in whose territory there was a failure to pay a road fee in the recovery of road fees , to further facilitate the cross - border enforcement of the payment of road fees in the union .


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


### the managing authority of the cap strategic plan or other designated intermediate bodies shall define selection criteria for interventions relating to the following types of interventions : investments , installation of young farmers and rural business start - up , cooperation , knowledge exchange and information , after consultation of the monitoring committee referred to in article 111 . selection criteria shall aim to ensure equal treatment of applicants , better use of financial resources and targeting of the support in accordance with the purpose of the interventions . ### the managing authority of the cap strategic plan or other designated intermediate bodies shall define selection criteria for interventions relating to the following types of interventions : investments , installation of young farmers and rural business start - up , measures aimed at empowering women in rural areas , cooperation , knowledge exchange and information , after consultation of the monitoring committee referred to in article 111 . selection criteria shall aim to ensure equal treatment of applicants , better use of financial resources and targeting of the support in accordance with the purpose of the interventions .


### member states may decide in their cap strategic plan to use a certain share of the eafrd allocation to leverage support and upscale integrated strategic nature projects as defined under the [ life regulation ] and to finance actions in respect of transnational learning mobility of people in the field agricultural and rural development with a focus on young farmers , in accordance with the [ erasmus regulation ] . ### member states may decide in their cap strategic plan to use a certain share of the eafrd allocation to leverage support and upscale integrated strategic nature projects as defined under the [ life regulation ] and to finance actions in respect of transnational learning mobility of people in the field agricultural and rural development with a focus on young farmers , in accordance with the [ erasmus regulation ] , and women in rural areas .


### the purpose of this directive is to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market by approximating laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the member states , by eliminating barriers to the free movement of certain accessible products and services this will increase the availibility of accessible products and services on the internal market . ### the purpose of this directive is to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market by approximating laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the member states and by eliminating barriers to the free movement of certain accessible products and services . this will increase the availability of , and improve the accessibility and practicality of information on , accessible products and services in the internal market .