### eur [ 408 . 705 . 000 ] for the specific objectives referred to in article 2 and 2 ; ### eur [ 484 . 000 . 000 in constant prices ] for the specific objectives referred to in article 2 , 2 and 2 of which at least 20% would be reserved for the implementation of 2 and at least 50% would be reserved for the implementation of 2 ;


### the evaluation committee may be composed of external experts . ### the evaluation committee may be composed of external experts , with the proviso that its composition shall be based on parity .


### –a member state or an overseas country or territory linked to it ; ### –a member state or an overseas country or territory linked to a member state ;


### –a third country associated to the programme ; ### –a third country associated to the programme in accordance with article 7 of this regulation ;


### any legal entity created under union law or any international organisation ; ### any non - profit legal entity created under union law or any international organisation ;


### an operating grant may be awarded without a call for proposals to the european network of equality bodies to cover expenditure associated to its permanent work programme . ### an operating grant may be awarded without a call for proposals to the european network of equality bodies to cover expenditure associated to its permanent work programme provided that a gender impact assessment has been completed of their work programme .


### indicators to report on progress of the programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 2 are set out in annex ii . ### indicators disaggregated by gender to report on progress of the programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives , including those related to gender equality , set out in article 2 are set out in annex ii .


### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### evaluations shall be gender sensitive , providing gender - disaggregated figures , include a specific chapter for each strand and taking into account the number of people reached , their feedback and their geographical coverage and carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . the mid - term evaluation shall take into account the results of the evaluations of the long - term impact of the predecessor programmes . ### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . the mid - term evaluation shall take into account the results of the evaluations of the long - term impact of the predecessor programmes . the interim evaluation shall include a gender impact assessment to assess the extent to which gender equality goals of the programme are being achieved , to ensure no component of the programme is having unintended negative impacts on gender equality and to identify recommendations for how future calls for proposals and operating grant decisions can be developed to actively promote gender equality considerations .


### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . ### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information &#8211 ; in a form which is also accessible for people with disabilities &#8211 ; to multiple audiences , including the media and the public .


### the committee may meet in specific configurations to deal with the individual strands of the programme . ### the committee may meet in specific configurations to deal with the individual strands of the programme . where appropriate , in accordance with its rules of procedure , external experts , including representatives of the social partners , civil society organisations and representatives of beneficiaries shall be regularly invited to participate in its meetings as observers .


### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding and civic and democratic engagement ; ### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding , including through intercultural and interreligious dialogue , and civic and democratic engagement ;


### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . __________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 ### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend all the rights and values set out in the founding treaties of the european union : this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . __________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020


### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the eu budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . __________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 ### those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the eu project . therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the eu budget . at a time where european societies , beside the still persisting challenges of intolerance and discrimination are also confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , the rights of minorities , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as part of the new fund , the justice programme will continue to support the further development of union area of justice and cross - border cooperation . the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 programme rights , equality and citizenship established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council8 and the europe for citizens programme established by council regulation no 390 / 20149 , . __________________ 8 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 9 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020


### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . people with disabilities are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order . ### attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society , on an equal basis with others . people with disabilities are faced with barriers to , among other things , access the labour market , benefit from an inclusive and quality education , avoid poverty and social exclusion , enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media , or use their political rights . as a party to the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the union and all its member states have committed to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities . the provisions of the uncrpd have become an integral part of the union legal order . in this regard the programme should fund awareness raising activities to the challenges people with disability face in participating fully in society and enjoying their rights as equal citizens .


### independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting , safeguarding and raising awareness of the union’s common values under article 2 teu , and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under union law , including the charter of fundamental rights of the eu . as reflected in the european parliament resolution of 18 april 2018 , adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively . complementing efforts at national level , eu funding should therefore contribute to support , empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under eu law and the charter of fundamental rights of the eu , including through advocacy and watchdog activities , as well as to promote , safeguard and raise awareness of the union’s common values at national level . ### independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting , safeguarding and raising awareness of the union’s common values under article 2 teu , and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under union law , including the charter of fundamental rights of the eu . as reflected in the european parliament resolution of 18 april 2018 , adequate financial support – which may not take the form of support for political action – is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively . complementing efforts at national level , eu funding should therefore contribute to support , empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under eu law and the charter of fundamental rights of the eu , including through advocacy and watchdog activities , as well as to promote , safeguard and raise awareness of the union’s common values at national level ; the eu may not , however , finance political objectives .


### the general objective of the programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties , including by supporting civil society organisations , in order to sustain open , democratic and inclusive societies . ### the general objective of the programme is to protect the rights and values as enshrined in the eu treaties


### preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti - discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance ; ### preventing and combating discrimination as set out in article&#160 ; 21 and of the charter of fundamental rights , in particular discrimination on the grounds of sex , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation , also preventing and combating any discrimination based on nationality , and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti - discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance ;


### in order to bring the european union closer to its citizens , a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary . bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the union . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , diversity , dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a european identity , based on a shared understanding of european values , culture , history and heritage . the promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the union and of union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the eu outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental europe . ### in order to bring the european union closer to its citizens and increase their confidence in it , a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary . bringing together citizens in town - twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens ' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the union . at the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding , diversity , dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a european identity , based on a shared understanding of european values , culture , history and heritage . the promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the union and of union values is particularly important amongst citizens , and especially those of the eu outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental europe .


### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together . ### remembrance activities and critical reflection on europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history , as the foundation for a common future , moral purpose and shared values based on eliminating stereotypes and divisions among europeans . the relevance of historical , cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account , as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a european identity and sense of belonging together and having a shared cultural heritage .


### gender - based violence and violence against children and young people constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights . violence persists throughout the union , in all social and economic contexts , and has serious repercussions on victims’ physical and psychological health and on society as a whole . children , young people and women are particularly vulnerable to violence , in particular in close relationships . action should be taken to promote the rights of the child and to contribute to the protection of children from harm and violence , which pose a danger to their physical and mental health and constitute a breach of their rights to development , protection and dignity . combating all forms of violence , promoting prevention and protecting and supporting victims are priorities of the union which help fulfil individuals’ fundamental rights and contribute to equality between women and men . those priorities should be supported by the programme . ### gender - based violence and violence against children and young people and other persons exposed to that risk constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights . violence persists throughout the union , in all social and economic contexts , and has serious repercussions on victims’ physical and psychological health , for human dignity , for the right to freedom and security , and on society as a whole . children , young people and women are particularly vulnerable to violence , in particular in close relationships . action should be taken to promote the rights of the child and to contribute to the protection of children from harm and violence , which pose a danger to their physical and mental health and constitute a breach of their rights to development , protection and dignity . combating all forms of violence , promoting prevention and protecting and supporting victims are priorities of the union which help fulfil individuals’ fundamental rights and contribute to equality between women and men . those priorities should be supported by the programme .


### article 24 tfeu obliges the european parliament and the council to adopt provisions for the procedures and conditions required for a citizen ' s initiative within the meaning of article 11 of the treaty on european union . this has been done by adopting regulation [ no 211 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council14 ] . the programme should support the financing of technical and organisational support to implement regulation [ no 211 / 2011 ] , thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support european citizens’ initiatives . _________________ 14 regulation no 211 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 on the citizens’ initiative . ### article 24 tfeu obliges the european parliament and the council to adopt provisions for the procedures and conditions required for a citizen ' s initiative within the meaning of article 11 of the treaty on european union . this has been done by adopting regulation [ no 211 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council14 ] . the programme should support the financing of technical and organisational support to implement regulation [ no 211 / 2011 ] , thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support european citizens’ initiatives and encouraging more citizens to participate in such initiatives . _________________ 14 regulation no 211 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 on the citizens’ initiative .


### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , and erasmus + to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . it is necessary to create synergies with other european funding programmes , in particular in the fields of employment , internal market , enterprise , youth , health , citizenship , justice , migration , security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , external relations , trade and development . ### in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions carried out , their complementarity to member states’ actions , while consistency , complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund — and thus with the justice programme — as well as with creative europe programme , and erasmus + to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture , media , arts , education and creativity . synergies need to be created with other european funding programmes , in particular in the areas of social and employment policies , the internal market , enterprise , youth , health , the environment and mainstreaming of climate issues , citizenship , justice , migration , border management and security , research , innovation , technology , industry , cohesion , tourism , foreign policy , including external relations , development cooperation and enlargement , trade and development .


### to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the union , ### to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the union , as well as citizens ' awareness of the rights and obligations , derived from the european citizenship ,


### to fight violence . ### combating of all forms of violence .


### preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti - discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance ; ### preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti - discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance , while also respecting the constitutional provisions of the member states ;


### increasing citizens ' understanding of the union , its history , cultural heritage and diversity ; ### increasing awareness of the european union ' s values insofar as this promotes and improves greater understanding among citizens of the union and of its history , cultural heritage and its diversity ;


### promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different countries ; to promote citizens’ civic and democratic participation allowing citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action ; ### promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different countries ; promoting citizens’ civic and democratic participation by enabling citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action , with the aim of fostering pluralist and participatory democracy ;


### supporting and protecting victims of such violence . ### supporting and ensuring , at a pan - eu level , an equal level of protection to victims of such violence ;


### the use of pesticides should be significantly restricted . preference should be given to the application of measures that prevent any damage by pests and weeds through techniques which do not involve the use of plant protection products such as crop rotation . presence of pests and weeds should be monitored to decide whether any intervention is economically and ecologically justified . the use of certain plant protection products should be allowed if such techniques do not provide adequate protection and only if those plant protection products have been authorised in accordance with regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council28 , after having been assessed to be compatible with objectives and principles of organic production , including with restrictive conditions of use , and consequently authorised in accordance with this regulation . __________________ 28 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec . ### the use of pesticides should be significantly restricted . preference should be given to the application of measures that prevent any damage by pests and weeds through techniques which do not involve the use of plant protection products such as crop alternation and rotation . presence of pests and weeds should be monitored to decide whether any intervention is economically and ecologically justified . the use of certain plant protection products should be allowed if such techniques do not provide adequate protection and only if those plant protection products have been authorised in accordance with regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council28 , after having been assessed to be compatible with objectives and principles of organic production , including with restrictive conditions of use , and consequently authorised in accordance with this regulation . __________________ 28 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec .


### as livestock production naturally involves the management of agricultural land , where the manure is used to nourish crop production , landless livestock production should be prohibited . the choice of breeds should take account of their capacity to adapt to local conditions , their vitality and their resistance to disease , and a wide biological diversity should be encouraged . ### as livestock production naturally involves the management of agricultural land , where the manure is used to nourish crop production , landless livestock production should be penalised . it would be advisable to encourage the use of native species so as to ensure optimum capacity to adapt while seeking at the same time to encourage wide biological diversity .


### mutilations which lead to stress , harm , disease or suffering of animals should be prohibited . ### mutilations and all practices which lead to stress , harm , disease or suffering of animals should be prohibited .


### organic production is only credible if accompanied by effective verification and controls at all stages of production , processing and distribution . organic production should be subject to official controls or other official activities carried out in accordance with regulation no of the european parliament and of the council33 to verify compliance with the rules on organic production and labelling of organic products . __________________ 33 regulation no xx / xxx of the european parliament and of the council of [ … ] on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law , rules on animal health and welfare , plant health , plant reproductive material , plant protection products and amending regulations no 999 / 2001 , 1829 / 2003 , 1831 / 2003 , 1 / 2005 , 396 / 2005 , 834 / 2007 , 1099 / 2009 , 1069 / 2009 , 1107 / 2009 , regulations no 1151 / 2012 , [ … . ] / 2013 [ office of publications , please insert number of regulation laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain , animal health and animal welfare , and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material ] , and directives 98 / 58 / ec , 1999 / 74 / ec , 2007 / 43 / ec , 2008 / 119 / ec , 2008 / 120 / ec and 2009 / 128 / ec . ### organic production is only credible if accompanied by effective verification and controls at all stages of the production process . organic production should be subject to official controls or other official activities carried out in accordance with regulation no of the european parliament and of the council33 to verify compliance with the rules on organic production and labelling of organic products . __________________ 33 regulation no xx / xxx of the european parliament and of the council of [ … ] on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law , rules on animal health and welfare , plant health , plant reproductive material , plant protection products and amending regulations no 999 / 2001 , 1829 / 2003 , 1831 / 2003 , 1 / 2005 , 396 / 2005 , 834 / 2007 , 1099 / 2009 , 1069 / 2009 , 1107 / 2009 , regulations no 1151 / 2012 , [ … . ] / 2013 [ office of publications , please insert number of regulation laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain , animal health and animal welfare , and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material ] , and directives 98 / 58 / ec , 1999 / 74 / ec , 2007 / 43 / ec , 2008 / 119 / ec , 2008 / 120 / ec and 2009 / 128 / ec .


### ‘ group of operators’ means a group in which each operator is a farmer who has a holding of up to 5 hectares of utilised agricultural area and who may , in addition to producing food or feed , be engaged in processing of food or feed ; ### ‘ group of operators’ means a group of farmers , established in a member state or in a third country , with a joint marketing system for the organic product produced and an internal control system , in which each farmer produces the same product categories as referred to in article 25 , is located in geographical proximity to the other members of the group and whose turnover is less than 15 000 eur per year for the organic product ;


### exclusion of genetic engineering , animal cloning , artificially induced polyploidy and ionising radiation from the whole organic food chain ; ### exclusion of genetic engineering , including genetically modified organisms and products derived from them , animal cloning , including the use of descendants derived from it , artificially induced polyploidy and ionising radiation from the whole organic food chain ;


### the terms referred to in paragraph 1 and the indication of the percentage referred to in point of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall appear in the same colour , identical size and style of lettering as the other indications in the list of ingredients . ### without prejudice to article 21 of regulation no 1169 / 20111a , the terms referred to in paragraph 1 and the indication of the percentage referred to in point of the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall appear in brackets after the organic ingredient in the same colour , identical size and style of lettering as the other indications in the list of ingredients . ______________________ 1a regulation no 1830 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending directive 2001 / 18 / ec .


### the indications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article and in article 23 shall be marked in a conspicuous place in such a way as to be easily visible , clearly legible and indelible . ### the indications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article and in article 23 shall be printed in a conspicuous place in such a way as to be easily visible and clearly legible and they shall not obscure the mandatory indications laid down in article 9 of regulation no 1169 / 20111a . _________________________ regulation no 1169 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers , amending regulations no 1924 / 2006 and no 1925 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council , and repealing commission directive 87 / 250 / eec , council directive 90 / 496 / eec , commission directive 1999 / 10 / ec , directive 2000 / 13 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , commission directives 2002 / 67 / ec and 2008 / 5 / ec and commission regulation no 608 / 2004 .


### by 31 december 2021 , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the availability of organic plant reproductive material and animals for breeding purposes . ### by 31 december 2024 , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the availability of organic plant reproductive material , animals for breeding purposes and young stock of aquaculture animals . this report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal .


### 4 . 1 . for the production of plants and plant products only organically produced plant reproductive material shall be used . to this end , the plant intended for plant reproductive material production and , where relevant , the mother plant shall have been produced in accordance with this regulation for at least one generation , or , in the case of perennial crops , for at least one generation during two growing seasons . ### 4 . 1 . for the production of plants and plant products organically produced plant reproductive material shall be used .


### 3 . 4 . in the choice of breeds or strains , account shall be taken of the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions , without impairment of their welfare , their vitality and their resistance to disease . in addition , breeds or strains of animals shall be selected to avoid specific diseases or health problems associated with some breeds or strains used in intensive production , such as porcine stress syndrome , pale - soft - exudative syndrome , sudden death , spontaneous abortion and difficult births requiring caesarean operations . preference shall be given to indigenous breeds and strains . ### 3 . 4 . in the choice of breeds or strains , account shall be taken of the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions , without impairment of their welfare , their vitality and their resistance to disease . in addition , breeds or strains of animals shall be selected to avoid specific diseases or health problems associated with some breeds or strains used in intensive production , such as porcine stress syndrome , pale - soft - exudative syndrome , sudden death , spontaneous abortion and difficult births requiring caesarean operations . preference shall be given to indigenous breeds and strains . average growth and production rates shall be determined by the commission in accordance with article 11 for all fattening animals , including broilers and turkeys . indicators shall be used where appropriate to assess and affirm the robustness and suitability of breeds in organic farming . such indicators shall include average growth rates for all breeds and average production rates for all egg and milk - producing breeds that are compatible with farming duration rules for each species .


### 3 . 5 . for breeding purposes , non organically raised animals may be brought onto an agricultural holding when breeds are in danger of being lost to farming in accordance with annex iv to commission regulation no 1974 / 20062 and in that case animals of those breeds must not necessarily be nulliparous . ### 3 . 5 . in addition to the general farm production rules laid down in article 7 , for breeding purposes , non - organically raised animals may be brought onto a holding under specific conditions . such animals and their products may be deemed organic after completion of the conversion period referred to in point 1 . 2 . for breeding purposes , non - organically raised animals may also be brought onto an agricultural holding when breeds are in danger of being lost to farming in accordance with annex iv to commission regulation no 1974 / 20062 and in that case animals of those breeds must not necessarily be nulliparous .


### livestock shall be fed with organic feed that meets the animal ' s nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development . restricted feeding shall not be permitted in livestock production ; ### livestock shall be fed with organic or in - conversion feed as referred to in point 1 . 4 . 3 , feed that meets the animal ' s nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development . restricted feeding shall not be permitted in livestock production ;


### the common land is fully managed in accordance with this regulation ; ### the common land has not been treated with products not authorised for organic production for at least three years and is fully managed in accordance with this regulation ;


### 4 . 3 . 1 . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , up to 15 % of the total average amount of feed fed to livestock may originate from the grazing or harvesting of permanent pastures , perennial forage parcels or protein crops , sown under organic management on lands in their first year of conversion , provided that they are part of the holding itself . feed in their first year of conversion may not be used for the production of organic processed feed . when both in - conversion feed and feed from parcels in their first year of conversion are being used , the total combined percentage of such feed shall not exceed the maximum percentages fixed in point 1 . 4 . 3 . 2 . ### 4 . 3 . 1 . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , up to 20 % of the total average amount of feed fed to livestock may originate from the grazing or harvesting of permanent pastures , perennial forage parcels or protein crops , sown under organic management on lands in their first year of conversion , provided that they are part of the holding itself . feed in their first year of conversion may not be used for the production of organic processed feed . when both in - conversion feed and feed from parcels both in their first and second year of conversion are being used for feeding , the total combined percentage of such feed shall not exceed the maximum percentages fixed in point 1 . 4 . 3 . 2 . feed in their first year of conversion may not be used for the production of organic processed feed .


### 4 . 3 . 2 . for organic agricultural holdings , up to 20 % on average of the feed formula of rations may comprise in - conversion feed , namely feed from the second year of conversion . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , when the in - conversion feed come from the holding itself , this percentage may be increased to 100 . ### 4 . 3 . 2 . for organic agricultural holdings , up to 30 % on average of the feed formula of rations may comprise in - conversion feed , namely feed from the second year of conversion . for in - conversion agricultural holdings , when the in - conversion feed from the second year of conversion comes from the holding itself , this percentage may be increased to 100 .


### 6 . 2 . housing for livestock shall not be mandatory in areas with appropriate climatic conditions to enable animals to live outdoors . livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas , preferably pasture , whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this , unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . animals shall have access to shelters or shady areas to protect them from adverse weather conditions . ### 6 . 2 . housing for livestock shall not be mandatory in areas with appropriate climatic conditions to enable animals to live outdoors . livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas , including pasture , whenever weather and seasonal conditions , animal welfare and the state of the ground allow this , unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . animals shall have access to shelters or shady areas to protect them from adverse weather conditions . closed confinement systems shall not be permitted in organic farming .


### 7 . 3 . the livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas , whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . ### 7 . 3 . the livestock shall have permanent access to pasture , whenever weather conditions and the state of the ground allow this unless restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . whenever weather and seasonal conditions and the state of the ground do not allow access to pasture , livestock shall have permanent access to open - air areas allowing the animals to exercise , save where this is not conducive to the welfare of the animal or where temporary restrictions and obligations related to the protection of human and animal health are imposed on the basis of union legislation . in cases where existing organic farming installations need to be adapted in order to meet these criteria , such adaptation shall take place within a transitional period of 15 years from the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### 7 . 8 . any suffering shall be kept to a minimum during the entire life of the animal , including at the time of slaughter . ### 7 . 8 . any avoidable suffering shall be prevented during the entire life of the animal , including at the time of transport and slaughter . appropriate and humane pre - stunning at the time of slaughter shall be compulsory for all animals . inappropriate stunning and / or slaughter methods , such as the use of live shackling and electrical waterbaths for broiler chickens and turkeys , asphyxia , and exsanguination without stunning , shall be prohibited .


### 1 . 6 . 7 . any suffering shall be kept to a minimum during the entire life of the animal , including at the time of slaughter . ### 1 . 6 . 7 . any suffering shall be avoided during the entire life of the animal , including at the time of transport and slaughter .


### 7 . 10 . any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by applying adequate anaesthesia and / or analgesia and by carrying out the operation only at the most appropriate age by qualified personnel . ### 7 . 10 . any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by applying sound veterinary practices and medicinal products designed for this purpose and by carrying out any operations only at the most appropriate age by qualified personnel .


### 7 . 10 . any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by applying adequate anaesthesia and / or analgesia and by carrying out the operation only at the most appropriate age by qualified personnel . ### 7 . 10 . dehorning shall not be carried out routinely in organic farming . however , that operation may , on a case - by - case basis , be authorised by the competent authority on safety grounds . whenever a surgical intervention is deemed necessary for veterinary reasons , any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by applying adequate anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia and by carrying out the operation only at the most appropriate age by authorised and qualified personnel .


### bovine , ovine and caprine animals shall have access to pasturage for grazing whenever conditions allow ; ### bovine , ovine and caprine animals shall have permanent access to pasturage for grazing whenever conditions allow ;


### notwithstanding point , male bovine animals over one year old shall have access to pasturage or an open air area ; ### notwithstanding point , male bovine animals over one year old shall have access to pasturage or an open air area . in cases where existing organic farming installations need to be adapted to meet the criteria mentioned in point and in this point , the adaptation shall be carried out within a transitional period of 15 years from the date of entry into force of this regulation ;


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 90 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ; ### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance referred to in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 60 % of the feed shall be obtained primarily from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ;


### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as mentioned in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 90 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ; ### except during the period each year when the animals are under transhumance as mentioned in point 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . , at least 60 % of the feed shall be obtained primarily from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the same region ;


### notwithstanding point of the first subparagraph of article 3 and the second subparagraph of article 3 of council directive 2008 / 119 / ec4 , the housing of calves in individual boxes shall be forbidden after the age of one week , unless for individual animals for a limited period of time , and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons . _______________ 4council directive 2008 / 119 / ec of 18 december 2008 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves ### notwithstanding point of the first subparagraph of article 3 and the second subparagraph of article 3 of council directive 2008 / 119 / ec4 , any form of single housing , including the housing of calves in individual boxes shall be forbidden , save for individual animals for a limited period of time and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons . _______________ 4council directive 2008 / 119 / ec of 18 december 2008 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves


### at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ; ### at least 20 % of the feed shall be obtained primarily from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ;


### at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ; ### at least 20 % of the feed shall be obtained primarily&#160 ; from the farm itself or in case this is not feasible , be produced in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or feed operators ;


### sows shall be kept in groups , except in the last stages of pregnancy and during the suckling period ; ### sows shall be kept in groups , except in the last stages of pregnancy and during the suckling period , during which time the sow shall be able to move freely in her pen and shall only be tethered for short times when absolutely necessary . notwithstanding additional requirements for straw , a few days before expected farrowing , sows must be provided with a quantity of straw or other suitable natural material sufficient to enable them to build nests .


### 4 . 2 . origin of poultry poultry shall either be reared until they reach a minimum age or else shall come from slow - growing poultry strains as defined by the competent authority . where slow - growing poultry strains are not used by the farmer the minimum age at slaughter shall be as follows : 81 days for chickens ; 150 days for capons ; 49 days for peking ducks ; 70 days for female muscovy ducks ; 84 days for male muscovy ducks ; 92 days for mallard ducks ; 94 days for guinea fowl ; 140 days for male turkeys and roasting geese ; and 100 days for female turkeys . ### 4 . 2 . origin of poultry fast - growing poultry lines shall be prohibited . poultry shall come from slow - growing poultry strains which meet set limited daily growth rates that are compatible with the minimum rearing ages for each species . the commission shall establish those growth rates in accordance with article 11 . where slow - growing poultry strains are not used by the farmer the minimum age at slaughter shall be as follows : 81 days for chickens ; 150 days for capons ; 49 days for peking ducks ; 70 days for female muscovy ducks ; 84 days for male muscovy ducks ; 92 days for mallard ducks ; 94 days for guinea fowl ; 140 days for male turkeys and roasting geese ; and 100 days for female turkeys .


### poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one third of their life . open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation and be provided with protective facilities and permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs ; ### poultry shall have access to an open air area , including pasture and / or woodland , for at least half of their life . open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation and shall be provided with protective facilities allowing animals to hide and to scratch around , and shall permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs ;


### poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one third of their life . in particular , continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as early an age as practically possible , whenever physiological and physical conditions allow , except in the case of temporary restrictions imposed on the basis of union legislation ; ### poultry shall have access to an open air area , including pasture and / or woodland , for at least half of their life . in particular , continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as early an age as practically possible , whenever physiological and physical conditions allow , except in the case of temporary restrictions imposed on the basis of union legislation ;


### open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation composed of a diverse range of plants and be provided with protective facilities and permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs . the vegetation on the open - air area must be harvested and removed at regular intervals to reduce the potential for nutrient surpluses . the open air areas shall not extend beyond a radius of 150 m from the nearest pop - hole of the poultry house . however an extension of up to 350 m from the nearest pop - hole of the poultry house is permissible provided that a sufficient number of shelters and drinking troughs are evenly distributed throughout the whole open - air area with at least four shelters per hectare ; ### open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation composed of a diverse range of plants and shall be provided with protective facilities and permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs . protective facilities shall also be provided , allowing animals to hide . the vegetation on the open - air area must be harvested and removed at regular intervals to reduce the potential for nutrient surpluses . the open air areas shall not extend beyond a radius of 150 m from the nearest pop - hole of the poultry house . however an extension of up to 350 m from the nearest pop - hole of the poultry house is permissible provided that a sufficient number of shelters and drinking troughs are evenly distributed throughout the whole open - air area with at least four shelters per hectare ;


### 4 . 7 . animal welfare live plucking of poultry shall be prohibited . ### 4 . 7 . animal welfare forced feeding and live plucking of poultry shall be prohibited .


### production rules for seaweed and aquaculture animals ### production rules for algae and aquaculture animals


### 1 . 6 . 6 . appropriate measures shall be taken to keep the duration of transport of aquaculture animals to a minimum . ### 1 . 6 . 6 . appropriate measures shall be taken to keep the duration of transport of live aquaculture animals to a minimum and to ensure in any event that such duration does not exceed six hours .


### 1 . 6 . 8 . slaughter techniques shall render fish immediately unconscious and insensible to pain . handling prior to slaughter shall be performed in a way that avoids injuries while keeping suffering and stress at a minimum . differences in harvesting sizes , species , and production sites must be taken into account when considering optimal slaughtering methods . ### 1 . 6 . 8 . slaughter techniques shall render fish immediately unconscious and insensible to pain . handling prior to slaughter shall be performed in a way that avoids injuries while keeping suffering and stress at a minimum . differences in harvesting sizes , species , and production sites must be taken into account when considering optimal slaughtering methods . slaughter through bleeding of fish and exposure to carbon dioxide shall be prohibited . crustaceans shall only be killed by methods which use electrical stunning / killing equipment .


### taking into account that negotiations with affected wto members will be taking place simultaneously with the ordinary legislative procedure for the adoption of this regulation 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 annex to this regulation and annex i to regulation no 32 / 2000 with respect to the quantities of the apportioned tariff rate quotas listed therein , in order to take account of any agreements concluded or of pertinent information that it may receive in the context of these negotiations which would indicate that specific factors that were not previously known require an adjustment to the apportionment of the tariff quotas between the union and the united kingdom . the same possibility should also be provided where such information becomes available outside such negotiations . ### taking into account that negotiations with affected wto members will be taking place simultaneously with the ordinary legislative procedure for the adoption of this regulation 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 annex to this regulation and annex i to regulation no 32 / 2000 with respect to the quantities of the apportioned tariff rate quotas listed therein . this should only be in order to take account of any international agreements concluded or of pertinent information that it may receive , either in the context of these negotiations or outside them , which would indicate that specific factors that were not previously known require an adjustment to the apportionment of the tariff quotas between the union and the united kingdom .


### the use of network and information systems by citizens , businesses and governments across the union is now pervasive . digitisation and connectivity are becoming core features in an ever growing number of products and services and with the advent of the internet of things millions , if not billions , of connected digital devices are expected to be deployed across the eu during the next decade . while an increasing number of devices are connected to the internet , security and resilience are not sufficiently built in by design , leading to insufficient cybersecurity . in this context , the limited use of certification leads to insufficient information for organisational and individual users about the cybersecurity features of ict products and services , undermining trust in digital solutions . ### the use of network and information systems by citizens , businesses and governments across the union is now pervasive . digitisation and connectivity are becoming core features in an ever growing number of products and services and with the advent of the internet of things millions , if not billions , of connected digital devices are expected to be deployed across the eu during the next decade . while an increasing number of devices are connected to the internet , security and resilience are not sufficiently built in by design , leading to insufficient cybersecurity . in this context , the limited use of certification leads to insufficient information for organisational and individual users about the cybersecurity features of ict products , processes and services , undermining trust in digital solutions . this ambition is at the heart of the european commission’s reform agenda to achieve a digital single market as ict networks provide the backbone for digital products and services which have the potential to support all aspects of our lives and drive europe’s economic growth . to ensure that the objectives of the digital single market are fully achieved the essential technology building blocks on which important areas such as ehealth , iot , artificial intelligence , quantum technology as well as intelligent transport system and advanced manufacturing rely must be in place .


### in light of the increased cybersecurity challenges faced by the union , there is a need for a comprehensive set of measures that would build on previous union action and foster mutually reinforcing objectives . these include the need to further increase capabilities and preparedness of member states and businesses , as well as to improve cooperation and coordination across member states and eu institutions , agencies and bodies . furthermore , given the borderless nature of cyber threats , there is a need to increase capabilities at union level that could complement the action of member states , in particular in the case of large scale cross - border cyber incidents and crises . additional efforts are also needed to increase awareness of citizens and businesses on cybersecurity issues . moreover , the trust in the digital single market should be further improved by offering transparent information on the level of security of ict products and services . this can be facilitated by eu - wide certification providing common cybersecurity requirements and evaluation criteria across national markets and sectors . ### in light of the increased cybersecurity challenges faced by the union , there is a need for a comprehensive set of measures that would build on previous union action and foster mutually reinforcing objectives . these include the need to further increase capabilities and preparedness of member states and businesses , as well as to improve cooperation and coordination across member states and eu institutions , agencies and bodies . furthermore , given the borderless nature of cyber threats , there is a need to increase capabilities at union level that could complement the action of member states , in particular in the case of large scale cross - border cyber incidents and crises . additional efforts are also needed to increase awareness of citizens and businesses on cybersecurity issues . moreover , given that cyber incidents undermine trust in digital service providers and in the digital single market itself , especially among consumers , trust should be further improved by offering transparent information on the level of security of ict products , services and processes . this can be facilitated by eu - wide certification providing common cybersecurity requirements and evaluation criteria across national markets and sectors . alongside eu - wide certification and given the growing availability of iot devices , there are a range of voluntary measures that the private sector should take to reinforce trust in the security of ict products , services and processes , such as encryption and blockchain technologies .


### in light of the increased cybersecurity challenges faced by the union , there is a need for a comprehensive set of measures that would build on previous union action and foster mutually reinforcing objectives . these include the need to further increase capabilities and preparedness of member states and businesses , as well as to improve cooperation and coordination across member states and eu institutions , agencies and bodies . furthermore , given the borderless nature of cyber threats , there is a need to increase capabilities at union level that could complement the action of member states , in particular in the case of large scale cross - border cyber incidents and crises . additional efforts are also needed to increase awareness of citizens and businesses on cybersecurity issues . moreover , the trust in the digital single market should be further improved by offering transparent information on the level of security of ict products and services . this can be facilitated by eu - wide certification providing common cybersecurity requirements and evaluation criteria across national markets and sectors . ### in light of the increased cybersecurity challenges faced by the union , there is a need for a comprehensive set of measures that would build on previous union action and foster mutually reinforcing objectives . these include the need to further increase capabilities and preparedness of member states and businesses , as well as to improve cooperation and coordination across member states and eu institutions , agencies and bodies . furthermore , given the borderless nature of cyber threats , and the increased scale and precision of the targeted attacks , there is a need to increase capabilities at union level that could complement the action of member states , in particular in the case of large scale cross - border cyber incidents and crises , while underlining the importance of maintaining and further enhancing the national capabilities to respond to cyber threats of all scales . additional efforts are also needed to increase awareness of citizens and businesses on cybersecurity issues . moreover , the trust in the digital single market should be further improved by offering transparent information on the level of security of ict products and services . this can be facilitated by eu - wide certification providing common cybersecurity requirements and evaluation criteria across national markets and sectors .


### the agency should develop and maintain a high level of expertise and operate as a point of reference establishing trust and confidence in the single market by virtue of its independence , the quality of the advice it delivers and the information it disseminates , the transparency of its procedures and methods of operation , and its diligence in carrying out its tasks . the agency should proactively contribute to national and union efforts while carrying out its tasks in full cooperation with the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and the member states . in addition , the agency should build on input from and cooperation with the private sector as well as other relevant stakeholders . a set of tasks should establish how the agency is to accomplish its objectives while allowing flexibility in its operations . ### the agency should develop and maintain a high level of expertise and operate as a point of reference establishing trust and confidence in the single market by virtue of its independence , the quality of the advice it delivers and the information it disseminates , the transparency of its procedures and methods of operation , and its diligence in carrying out its tasks . the agency should proactively contribute to national and union efforts while carrying out its tasks in full cooperation with the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and the member states , avoiding any duplication of work , promoting synergy and complementarity and thus achieving coordination and fiscal savings . in addition , the agency should build on input from and cooperation with the private sector as well as other relevant stakeholders . a set of tasks should establish how the agency is to accomplish its objectives while allowing flexibility in its operations .


### the underlying task of the agency is to promote the consistent implementation of the relevant legal framework , in particular the effective implementation of the nis directive , which is essential in order to increase cyber resilience . in view of the fast evolving cybersecurity threat landscape , it is clear that member states must be supported by more comprehensive , cross - policy approach to building cyber resilience . ### the underlying task of the agency is to promote the consistent implementation of the relevant legal framework , in particular the effective implementation of the nis directive , the directive establishing the european electronic communications code , regulation 2016 / 679 and directive 2002 / 58 / ec , which is essential in order to increase cyber resilience . in view of the fast evolving cybersecurity threat landscape , it is clear that member states must be supported by more comprehensive , cross - policy approach to building cyber resilience .


### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to cybersecurity and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . the agency should also contribute to promote best practices and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing publicly available information regarding significant incidents , and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses and citizens and improving the overall level of preparedness and resilience . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users , aiming at promoting safer individual online behaviour and raising awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , as well as promoting basic authentication and data protection advice . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices . ### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to cybersecurity and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . the agency should also contribute to promote cyber hygiene best practices and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing publicly available information regarding significant incidents , and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses and citizens and improving the overall level of preparedness and resilience . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users , aiming at promoting safer individual online behaviour and raising awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , as well as promoting basic multi - factor authentication , patching , encryption , micro - segmentation , least privilege principles , and data protection advice . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices . least privilege refers to the case when users are allowed only the minimum necessary access to perform their job and nothing more , and system components are allowed only the minimum necessary function needed to perform their purpose and nothing more . the principle of micro - segmentation requires that the whole it or network environment is divided into smaller subsystems and sub - networks to make it more manageable to protect and contain the damage if one subsystem or sub - network gets compromised .


### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to cybersecurity and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . the agency should also contribute to promote best practices and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing publicly available information regarding significant incidents , and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses and citizens and improving the overall level of preparedness and resilience . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users , aiming at promoting safer individual online behaviour and raising awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , as well as promoting basic authentication and data protection advice . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices . ### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to cybersecurity and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . the agency should also contribute to promote best practices , cyber hygiene and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing publicly available information regarding significant incidents , and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses and citizens and improving the overall level of preparedness and resilience . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users , aiming at promoting safer individual online behaviour and raising awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , as well as promoting basic authentication and data protection advice . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices .


### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to cybersecurity and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . the agency should also contribute to promote best practices and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing publicly available information regarding significant incidents , and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses and citizens and improving the overall level of preparedness and resilience . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users , aiming at promoting safer individual online behaviour and raising awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , as well as promoting basic authentication and data protection advice . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices . ### the agency should contribute towards raising the awareness of the public about risks related to it security and provide guidance on good practices for individual users aimed at citizens and organisations . to improve the overall level of preparedness and resilience , the agency should also contribute to promote best practices and solutions at the level of individuals and organisations by collecting and analysing available information regarding significant incidents and by compiling reports with a view to providing guidance to businesses , citizens and relevant authorities at union and national level . the agency should furthermore organise , in cooperation with the member states and the union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies regular outreach and public education campaigns directed to end - users . these campaigns should promote it security education and safer individual online behaviour and raise awareness of potential threats in cyberspace , including cybercrimes such as phishing attacks , botnets , financial and banking fraud , forgery and illegal content , as well as advocating data protection and basic authentication to prevent data and identity theft . the agency should play a central role in accelerating end - user awareness on security of devices .


### the management board , composed of the member states and the commission , should define the general direction of the agency’s operations and ensure that it carries out its tasks in accordance with this regulation . the management board should be entrusted with the powers necessary to establish the budget , verify its execution , adopt the appropriate financial rules , establish transparent working procedures for decision making by the agency , adopt the agency’s single programming document , adopt its own rules of procedure , appoint the executive director and decide on the extension of the executive director’s term of office and on the termination thereof . ### the management board , representing the member states and the commission as well as stakeholders relevant for the agency ' s objectives , should define the general direction of the agency’s operations and ensure that it carries out its tasks in accordance with this regulation . the management board should be entrusted with the powers necessary to establish the budget , verify its execution , adopt the appropriate financial rules , establish transparent working procedures for decision making by the agency , adopt the agency’s single programming document , adopt its own rules of procedure , appoint the executive director and decide on the extension of the executive director’s term of office and on the termination thereof .


### in order to guarantee the full autonomy and independence of the agency and to enable it to perform additional and new tasks , including unforeseen emergency tasks , the agency should be granted a sufficient and autonomous budget whose revenue comes primarily from a contribution from the union and contributions from third countries participating in the agency’s work . the majority of the agency staff should be directly engaged in the operational implementation of the agency’s mandate . the host member state , or any other member state , should be allowed to make voluntary contributions to the revenue of the agency . the union’s budgetary procedure should remain applicable as far as any subsidies chargeable to the general budget of the union are concerned . moreover , the court of auditors should audit the agency’s accounts to ensure transparency and accountability . ### in order to guarantee the full autonomy and independence of the agency and to enable it to perform additional and new tasks , including unforeseen emergency tasks , the agency should be granted a sufficient and autonomous budget whose revenue comes primarily from a contribution from the union and contributions from third countries participating in the agency’s work . the appropriate budget is paramount to ensure that the agency has sufficient capacities to fulfill all its growing tasks and objectives . the majority of the agency staff should be directly engaged in the operational implementation of the agency’s mandate . the host member state , or any other member state , should be allowed to make voluntary contributions to the revenue of the agency . the union’s budgetary procedure should remain applicable as far as any subsidies chargeable to the general budget of the union are concerned . moreover , the court of auditors should audit the agency’s accounts to ensure transparency and accountability .


### conformity assessment is the process demonstrating whether specified requirements relating to a product , process , service , system , person or body have been fulfilled . for the purposes of this regulation , certification should be considered as a type of conformity assessment regarding the cybersecurity features of a product , process , service , system , or a combination of those by an independent third party , other than the product manufacturer or service provider . certification cannot guarantee per se that certified ict products and services are cyber secure . it is rather a procedure and technical methodology to attest that ict products and services have been tested and that they comply with certain cybersecurity requirements laid down elsewhere , for example as specified in technical standards . ### conformity assessment is the process demonstrating whether specified requirements relating to a product , process , service , system , person or body have been fulfilled . for the purposes of this regulation , certification should be considered as a type of conformity assessment regarding the cybersecurity features and practices comprised in a product , process , service , system , or a combination of those by an independent third party , other than the product manufacturer or service provider . certification cannot guarantee per se that certified ict processes and systems result in ict products and services that are cyber secure . it is rather a procedure and technical methodology to attest that ict products and services as well as processes and systems have been tested and that they comply with certain cybersecurity requirements laid down elsewhere , for example as specified in relevant standards .


### the commission should be empowered to adopt european cybersecurity certification schemes concerning specific groups of ict products and services . these schemes should be implemented and supervised by national certification supervisory authorities and certificates issued within these schemes should be valid and recognised throughout the union . certification schemes operated by the industry or other private organisations should fall outside the scope of the regulation . however , the bodies operating such schemes may propose to the commission to consider such schemes as a basis for approving them as a european scheme . ### the commission should be empowered to adopt european cybersecurity certification schemes concerning specific groups of ict products and services . these schemes should be implemented and supervised by national certification supervisory authorities and certificates issued within these schemes should be valid and recognised throughout the union . certification schemes operated by the industry or other private organisations should fall outside the scope of the regulation . however , the bodies operating such schemes may propose to the commission to consider such schemes as a basis for approving them as a european scheme . industry actors can operate a self - assessment of their products or services prior to certification , thereby indicating their product or service is ready to begin the certification process if required or needed .


### the purpose of european cybersecurity certification schemes should be to ensure that ict products and services certified under such a scheme comply with specified requirements . such requirements concern the ability to resist , at a given level of assurance , actions that aim to compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted or processed data or the related functions of or services offered by , or accessible via those products , processes , services and systems within the meaning of this regulation . it is not possible to set out in detail in this regulation the cybersecurity requirements relating to all ict products and services . ict products and services and related cybersecurity needs are so diverse that it is very difficult to come up with general cybersecurity requirements valid across the board . it is , therefore necessary to adopt a broad and general notion of cybersecurity for the purpose of certification , complemented by a set of specific cybersecurity objectives that need to be taken into account when designing european cybersecurity certification schemes . the modalities with which such objectives will be achieved in specific ict products and services should then be further specified in detail at the level of the individual certification scheme adopted by the commission , for example by reference to standards or technical specifications . ### the purpose of european cybersecurity certification schemes should be to ensure that ict products , services and processes certified under such a scheme comply with specified requirements . such requirements concern the ability to resist , at a given level of risk , actions that aim to compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted or processed data or the related functions of or services offered by , or accessible via those products , processes , services and systems within the meaning of this regulation . it is not possible to set out in detail in this regulation the cybersecurity requirements relating to all ict products , services and processes . ict products , services and processes and related cybersecurity needs are so diverse that it is very difficult to come up with general cybersecurity requirements valid across the board . it is , therefore necessary to adopt a broad and general notion of cybersecurity for the purpose of certification , complemented by a set of specific cybersecurity objectives that need to be taken into account when designing european cybersecurity certification schemes . the modalities with which such objectives will be achieved in specific ict products , services and processes should then be further specified in detail at the level of the individual certification scheme adopted by the commission , for example by reference to standards or technical specifications . all actors involved in a given supply chain should be encouraged in order to develop and adopt security standards , technical norms and security by design principles , at all stages of the product , service or process lifecycle ; each european cybersecurity certification scheme should be designed to reach this scope .


### the purpose of european cybersecurity certification schemes should be to ensure that ict products and services certified under such a scheme comply with specified requirements . such requirements concern the ability to resist , at a given level of assurance , actions that aim to compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted or processed data or the related functions of or services offered by , or accessible via those products , processes , services and systems within the meaning of this regulation . it is not possible to set out in detail in this regulation the cybersecurity requirements relating to all ict products and services . ict products and services and related cybersecurity needs are so diverse that it is very difficult to come up with general cybersecurity requirements valid across the board . it is , therefore necessary to adopt a broad and general notion of cybersecurity for the purpose of certification , complemented by a set of specific cybersecurity objectives that need to be taken into account when designing european cybersecurity certification schemes . the modalities with which such objectives will be achieved in specific ict products and services should then be further specified in detail at the level of the individual certification scheme adopted by the commission , for example by reference to standards or technical specifications . ### the purpose of european it security certification schemes should be to ensure that ict products and services certified under such a scheme comply with specified requirements . such requirements concern the ability to resist , at a given level of assurance , actions that aim to compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted or processed data or the related functions of or services offered by , or accessible via those products , processes , services and systems within the meaning of this regulation . it is not possible to set out in detail in this regulation the it security requirements relating to all ict products and services . ict products and services and related it security needs are so diverse , as is their lifecycle , that it is very difficult to come up with general it security requirements valid across the board . it is , therefore necessary to adopt a broad and general notion of it security for the purpose of certification , complemented by a set of specific it security objectives that need to be taken into account when designing european it security certification schemes . the modalities with which such objectives will be achieved in specific ict products and services should then be further specified in detail at the level of the individual certification scheme adopted by the commission in close consultation with the member states and industrial stakeholders , for example by reference to standards or technical specifications . the individual certification schemes should be designed in such a way that all actors involved in the development of relevant it products and services are encouraged to develop and adopt standards , norms and principles which ensure the highest possible level of security throughout the lifecycle .


### lays down a framework for the establishment of european cybersecurity certification schemes for the purpose of ensuring an adequate level of cybersecurity of ict products and services in the union . such framework shall apply without prejudice to specific provisions regarding voluntary or mandatory certification in other union acts . ### lays down a framework for the establishment of european cybersecurity certification schemes for the purpose of ensuring an adequate level of cybersecurity of ict products , processes and services in the union . such framework shall apply without prejudice to specific provisions regarding voluntary certification in other union acts .


### providing , at their request , technical assistance in case of incidents having a significant or substantial impact ; ### supporting , at their request , member states in case of incidents having a significant or substantial impact ;


### upon a request by two or more member states concerned , and with the sole purpose of providing advice for the prevention of future incidents , the agency shall provide support to or carry out an ex - post technical enquiry following notifications by affected undertakings of incidents having a significant or substantial impact pursuant to directive 2016 / 1148 . the agency shall also carry out such an enquiry upon a duly justified request from the commission in agreement with the concerned member states in case of such incidents affecting more than two member states . ### upon a request by two or more member states concerned , and with the sole purpose of providing advice for the prevention of future incidents , the agency shall provide support for the analysis of incidents having a significant or substantial impact pursuant to directive 2016 / 1148 . the agency shall also carry out this analysis upon a duly justified request from the commission in agreement with the concerned member states in case of such incidents affecting more than two member states .


### support and promote the development and implementation of the union policy on cybersecurity certification of ict products and services , as established in title iii of this regulation , by : ### support and promote the development and implementation of the union policy on cybersecurity certification of ict development procedures , products and services , as established in title iii of this regulation , by :


### compiling and publishing guidelines and developing good practices concerning the cybersecurity requirements of ict products and services , in cooperation with national certification supervisory authorities and the industry ; ### compiling and publishing guidelines and developing good practices concerning the cybersecurity requirements of ict development procedures , products and services , in cooperation with national certification supervisory authorities and the industry ;


### facilitate the establishment and take - up of european and international standards for risk management and for the security of ict products and services , as well as draw up , in collaboration with member states , advice and guidelines regarding the technical areas related to the security requirements for operators of essential services and digital service providers , as well as regarding already existing standards , including member states ' national standards , pursuant to article 19 of directive 2016 / 1148 ; ### facilitate the establishment and take - up of european and international standards for risk management and for the security of ict development procedures , products and services , as well as draw up , in collaboration with member states , advice and guidelines regarding the technical areas related to the security requirements for operators of essential services and digital service providers , as well as regarding already existing standards , international standards and informal international agreements , including member states ' national standards , pursuant to article 19 of directive 2016 / 1148 ;


### the management board , acting on a proposal by the executive director , shall set up a permanent stakeholders ' group composed of recognised experts representing the relevant stakeholders , such as the ict industry , providers of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , consumer groups , academic experts in the cybersecurity , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities . ### the management board shall set up a permanent stakeholders group per scheme that is composed of recognised experts representing relevant stakeholders . such as the ict users and providers , associations of small and medium - sized enterprises , providers and users&#160 ; of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , consumer groups and associations , academic experts in the cybersecurity , the european standardisation organisations , as defined in point of article 2 of regulation no 1025 / 2012 , the relevant sectoral union agencies and bodies , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities .


### the management board , acting on a proposal by the executive director , shall set up a permanent stakeholders ' group composed of recognised experts representing the relevant stakeholders , such as the ict industry , providers of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , consumer groups , academic experts in the cybersecurity , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities . ### the management board , acting on a proposal by the executive director , shall , in a transparent manner , &#160 ; set up a permanent stakeholders ' group composed of recognised experts representing the relevant stakeholders , such as the ict industry , providers of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , consumer groups , standardisation organisations , academic experts in the cybersecurity , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities .


### the management board , acting on a proposal by the executive director , shall set up a permanent stakeholders ' group composed of recognised experts representing the relevant stakeholders , such as the ict industry , providers of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , consumer groups , academic experts in the cybersecurity , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities . ### the management board , acting on a proposal by the executive director , shall set up a permanent stakeholders ' group composed of recognised experts representing the relevant stakeholders , such as&#160 ; european and international ict industries , &#160 ; providers of electronic communications networks or services available to the public , and corresponding associations , consumer groups , academic experts in the cybersecurity , and representatives of competent authorities notified under [ directive establishing the european electronic communications code ] as well as of law enforcement and data protection supervisory authorities .


### the court of auditors shall have the power of audit , on the basis of documents and on the spot , over all grant beneficiaries , contractors and subcontractors who have received union funds from the agency . ### the court of auditors shall have the power of audit , on the basis of documents and on the spot inspections , over all grant beneficiaries , contractors and subcontractors who have received union funds from the agency .


### the personal liability of its servants towards the agency shall be governed by the relevant conditions applying to the staff of the agency . ### the personal liability of its servants towards the agency shall be governed by the relevant conditions applying to the staff of the agency . effective recruitment of staff shall be ensured .


### the agency’s host member state shall provide the best possible conditions to ensure the proper functioning of the agency , including the accessibility of the location , the existence of adequate education facilities for the children of staff members , appropriate access to the labour market , social security and medical care for both children and spouses . ### the agency’s host member state shall provide the best possible conditions to ensure the proper functioning of the agency , including a single location for the entire agency , the accessibility of the location , the existence of adequate education facilities for the children of staff members , appropriate access to the labour market , social security and medical care for both children and spouses .