### certain chromium compounds meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic category 1a or 1b in accordance with regulation no 1272 / 2008 and therefore are carcinogens within the meaning of directive 2004 / 37 / ec . it is possible , on the basis of the available information , including scientific and technical data , to set out a limit value for these chromium vi compounds . it is therefore appropriate to establish a limit value for chromium compounds that are carcinogens within the meaning of directive 2004 / 37 / ec . ### certain chromium compounds meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic category 1a or 1b in accordance with regulation no 1272 / 2008 and therefore are carcinogens within the meaning of directive 2004 / 37 / ec . it is therefore possible and necessary to establish a limit value for the chromium vi compounds , which are carcinogens within the meaning of directive 2004 / 37 / ec , on the basis of the most recent available information , including scientific and technical data .


### the exception or limitation should cover digital uses of works and other subject - matter such as the use of parts or extracts of works to support , enrich or complement the teaching , including the related learning activities . the use of the works or other subject - matter under the exception or limitation should be only in the context of teaching and learning activities carried out under the responsibility of educational establishments , including during examinations , and be limited to what is necessary for the purpose of such activities . the exception or limitation should cover both uses through digital means in the classroom and online uses through the educational establishment ' s secure electronic network , the access to which should be protected , notably by authentication procedures . the exception or limitation should be understood as covering the specific accessibility needs of persons with a disability in the context of illustration for teaching . ### the exception or limitation should cover digital uses of works and other subject - matter such as the use of parts or extracts of works to support , enrich or complement the teaching , including the related learning activities . the use of the works or other subject - matter under the exception or limitation should be only in the context of teaching and learning activities carried out under the responsibility of educational establishments , including during examinations , and be limited to what is necessary for the purpose of such activities . the exception or limitation should cover both uses through digital means in the classroom and online uses through the educational establishment ' s secure electronic network , the access to which should be protected , notably by authentication procedures . the exception or limitation should be understood as covering the specific accessibility needs of persons with an impairment in the context of illustration for teaching .


### due to the limited reach of any single local wireless access point and the small value of individual projects covered , access points benefitting from financial assistance under this regulation are not expected to challenge commercial offers . in order to further ensure that such financial assistance does not unduly distort competition , crowd out private investments or create disincentives for private operators to invest , the intervention should be limited to projects that do not duplicate already existing private or public offers of similar characteristics in the same area . this should not exclude additional support to deployments under this initiative from public or private sources of funding . ### due to the limited reach of any single local wireless access point , it is not expected that access points benefitting from financial assistance under this regulation will challenge commercial offers .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a regionally balanced distribution .


### this directive does not affect the application to radio equipment of directive 2014 / 53 / eu , but does cover consumer equipment used for digital television . ### this directive does not affect the application to radio equipment of directive 2014 / 53 / eu , but does cover consumer equipment used for radio and digital television .


### in order to allow national regulatory authorities to meet the objectives set out in this directive , in particular concerning end - to - end interoperability , the scope of the directive should cover certain aspects of radio equipment as defined in directive 2014 / 53 / eu of the european parliament and of the council22 and consumer equipment used for digital television , in order to facilitate access for disabled users . it is important for regulators to encourage network operators and equipment manufacturers to cooperate in order to facilitate access by disabled users to electronic communications services . the non - exclusive use of spectrum for the self - use of radio terminal equipment , although not related to an economic activity , should also be subject to this directive in order to guarantee a coordinated approach with regard to their authorisation regime . __________________ 22 directive 2014 / 53 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 16 april 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the member states relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing directive 1999 / 5 / ec . ### in order to allow national regulatory authorities to meet the objectives set out in this directive , in particular concerning end - to - end interoperability , the scope of the directive should cover certain aspects of radio equipment as defined in directive 2014 / 53 / eu of the european parliament and of the council22 and consumer equipment used for digital television , in order to facilitate access for disabled users . it is important for regulators to encourage network operators and equipment manufacturers to cooperate in order to enable access by users with disabilities to electronic communications services . the non - exclusive use of spectrum for the self - use of radio terminal equipment , although not related to an economic activity , should also be subject to this directive in order to guarantee a coordinated approach with regard to their authorisation regime . __________________ 22 directive 2014 / 53 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 16 april 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the member states relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing directive 1999 / 5 / ec .


### national regulatory and other competent authorities should have a harmonised set of objectives and principles to underpin their work , and should , where necessary , coordinate their actions with the authorities of other member states and with berec in carrying out their tasks under this regulatory framework . ### national regulatory and other competent authorities should have a harmonised set of objectives and principles to underpin their work , and should , where necessary , coordinate their actions with the regulatory authorities of other member states and with berec in carrying out their tasks under this regulatory framework .


### in order to translate the political aims of the digital single market strategy into regulatory terms , the framework should , in addition to the existing three primary objectives of promoting competition , internal market and end - user interests , pursue an additional connectivity objective , articulated in terms of outcomes : widespread access to and take - up of very high capacity fixed and mobile connectivity for all union citizens and businesses on the basis of reasonable price and choice , enabled by effective and fair competition , by efficient investment and open innovation , by efficient use of spectrum , by common rules and predictable regulatory approaches in the internal market and by the necessary sector - specific rules to safeguard the interests of citizens . for the member states , the national regulatory authorities and other competent authorities and the stakeholders , that connectivity objective translates on the one hand into aiming for the highest capacity networks and services economically sustainable in a given area , and on the other hand into pursuing territorial cohesion , in the sense of convergence in capacity available in different areas . ### in order to translate the political aims of the digital single market strategy into regulatory terms , the framework should , in addition to the existing three primary objectives of promoting sustainable competition , internal market and end - user interests , pursue an additional connectivity objective , articulated in terms of outcomes : widespread access to and take - up of very high capacity fixed and mobile connectivity for all union citizens and businesses on the basis of reasonable price and choice , enabled by effective and fair competition , by efficient investment and open innovation , by efficient use of spectrum , by common rules and predictable regulatory approaches in the internal market and by the necessary sector - specific rules to safeguard the interests of citizens , in particular media pluralism and cultural diversity . for the member states , the national regulatory authorities and other competent authorities and the stakeholders , that connectivity objective translates on the one hand into aiming for the highest capacity networks and services economically sustainable in a given area , and on the other hand into pursuing territorial cohesion , in the sense of convergence in capacity available in different areas .


### both efficient investment and competition should be encouraged in tandem , in order to increase economic growth , innovation and consumer choice . ### both efficient investment and sustainable competition should be encouraged in tandem , in order to increase economic growth , innovation and consumer choice , in order to guarantee the accessibility of consumers to services of high quality and at an affordable price .


### networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcasts to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting networks . they might also include other networks to the extent that a significant number of end - users use such networks as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcasts . must carry obligations can include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable appropriate access by disabled users . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling , audio description and sign language . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides for user choice the transmission of programme - related data supporting those functionalities can be included in must carry obligations . ### must - carry obligations should be applied in the respect of the principle of technological neutrality taking due account of the rapid evolution of distribution systems and business models affecting the media sector . electronic communications networks and services used for the distribution of radio or audiovisual media services to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting . they might also include other networks and services used by a significant number of end - users to receive radio and audiovisual media services . must carry obligations can include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable appropriate access by disabled users . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling , audio description and sign language . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides and other navigation facilities for user choice the transmission of programme - related data supporting those functionalities can be included in must carry obligations to enable end - users to access connect tv services .


### in the event of a dispute arising in connection with existing obligations under this directive between undertakings providing electronic communications networks or services in a member state , or between such undertakings and other undertakings in the member state benefiting from obligations of access and / or interconnection or between undertakings providing electronic communications networks or services in a member state and providers of associated facilities , the national regulatory authority concerned shall , at the request of either party , and without prejudice to paragraph 2 , issue a binding decision to resolve the dispute in the shortest possible time frame and in any case within four months , except in exceptional circumstances . the member state concerned shall require that all parties cooperate fully with the national regulatory authority . ### in the event of a dispute arising in connection with existing obligations under this directive between undertakings providing electronic communications networks or services in a member state , or between such undertakings and other undertakings in the member state benefiting from obligations of access and / or interconnection or between undertakings providing electronic communications networks or services in a member state and providers of associated facilities , the national regulatory authority concerned shall , at the request of either party , and without prejudice to paragraph 2 , issue a binding decision to resolve the dispute in the shortest possible time frame on the basis of clear and efficient procedures and guidelines and in any case within four months , except in exceptional circumstances . the member state concerned shall require that all parties cooperate fully with the national regulatory authority .


### member states shall cooperate with each other , through the radio spectrum policy group , in the cross - border coordination of the use of radio spectrum in order to : ### member states shall cooperate with each other , in particular through the radio spectrum policy group , in the cross - border coordination of the use of radio spectrum in order to :


### orders to cease or delay provision of a service or bundle of services which , if continued , would result in significant harm to competition , pending compliance with access obligations imposed following a market analysis carried out in accordance with article 65 . ### orders to cease or delay provision of a service or bundle of services which , if continued , would result in significant harm to fair competition , pending compliance with access obligations imposed following a market analysis carried out in accordance with article 65 .


### in particular , without prejudice to measures that may be taken regarding undertakings with significant market power in accordance with article 66 , national regulatory authorities shall be able to impose : ### in particular , without prejudice to measures that may be taken regarding undertakings with significant market power in accordance with article 66 , national regulatory authorities shall be able to impose inter alia :


### member states shall ensure that national regulatory authorities have the power to impose on undertakings providing or authorised to provide electronic communications networks obligations in relation to the sharing of passive or active infrastructure , obligations to conclude localised roaming access agreements , or the joint roll - out of infrastructures directly necessary for the local provision of services which rely on the use of spectrum , in compliance with union law , where it is justified on the grounds that , ### member states shall ensure that national regulatory authorities have the power to impose on undertakings providing or authorised to provide electronic communications networks obligations in relation to the sharing of passive or active infrastructure , obligations to conclude localised roaming access agreements in remote areas without network or the joint roll - out of infrastructures directly necessary for the local provision of services which rely on the use of spectrum , in compliance with union law , where it is justified on the grounds that ,


### national regulatory authorities shall , taking the utmost account of the recommendation and the smp guidelines , define relevant markets appropriate to national circumstances , in particular relevant geographic markets within their territory , in accordance with the principles of competition law . national regulatory authorities shall take into account the results of the geographical survey conducted in accordance with article 22 . they shall follow the procedures referred to in articles 23 and 32 before defining the markets that differ from those identified in the recommendation . ### national regulatory authorities shall , taking the utmost account of , inter alia , the recommendation and the smp guidelines , define relevant markets appropriate to national circumstances , in particular relevant geographic markets within their territory , in accordance with the principles of competition law . national regulatory authorities shall take into account the results of the geographical survey conducted in accordance with article 22 . they shall follow the procedures referred to in articles 23 and 32 before defining the markets that differ from those identified in the recommendation .


### national regulatory authorities shall specify , taking utmost account of berec guidelines , the quality of service parameters to be measured and the applicable measurement methods , and the content , form and manner of the information to be published , including possible quality certification mechanisms . where appropriate , the parameters , definitions and measurement methods set out in annex ix shall be used . ### national regulatory authorities shall specify , taking utmost account of berec guidelines , the quality of service parameters to be measured and the applicable measurement methods , and the content , form and manner of the information to be published , including possible quality certification mechanisms , in order to ensure that end - users , including end - users with disabilities , have access to comprehensive , comparable , reliable and user - friendly information . where appropriate , the parameters , definitions and measurement methods set out in annex ix shall be used .


### interoperability of consumer digital television equipment ### interoperability of consumer radio and digital television equipment


### interoperability of consumer digital television equipment ### interoperability of consumer digital television and radio equipment


### in accordance with the provisions of annex x , member states shall ensure the interoperability of the consumer digital television equipment referred to therein . ### in accordance with the provisions of annex x , member states shall ensure the interoperability of the consumer radio and digital television equipment referred to therein .


### in accordance with the provisions of annex x , member states shall ensure the interoperability of the consumer digital television equipment referred to therein . ### in accordance with the provisions of annex x , member states shall ensure the interoperability of the consumer digital television and radio equipment referred to therein .


### member states may impose reasonable ' must carry ' obligations , for the transmission of specified radio and television broadcast channels and related complementary services , particularly accessibility services to enable appropriate access for disabled end - users and data supporting connected tv services and electronic programme guides , on undertakings under their jurisdiction providing electronic communications networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcast channels to the public where a significant number of end - users of such networks use them as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcast channels . such obligations shall only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives as clearly defined by each member state and shall be proportionate and transparent . ### member states shall impose reasonable ' must carry ' obligations , for the transmission of specified radio and audiovisual media services and related complementary services , particularly accessibility services to enable access for end - users with disabilities and data supporting and enabling end - user access to connected tv services and electronic programme guides , on undertakings under their jurisdiction providing electronic communications networks and services used for the distribution of radio or audiovisual media services to the public where a significant number of end - users and services use such networks to receive radio and audiovisual media services . such obligations shall be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives as clearly defined by each member state and shall be proportionate and transparent .


### for the purposes of article 17 , the greenhouse gas emission saving from the use of biofuel and bioliquids shall be calculated as follows : where a default value for greenhouse gas emission saving for the production pathway is laid down in part a or b of annex v and where the el value for those biofuels or bioliquids calculated in accordance with point 7 of part c of annex v is equal to or less than zero , by using that default value ; by using an actual value calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex v ; or by using a value calculated as the sum of the factors of the formula referred to in point 1 of part c of annex v , where disaggregated default values in part d or e of annex v may be used for some factors , and actual values , calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex v , for all other factors . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : “ 1 . for the purposes of article 17 , the greenhouse gas emission saving from the use of biofuels and bioliquids shall be calculated as follows : where a default value for greenhouse gas emission saving for the production pathway is laid down in part a or b of annex v and where the el&#160 ; value for those biofuels or bioliquids calculated in accordance with point 7 of part c of annex v is equal to or less than zero , &#160 ; and where the estimated indirect land - use change emissions are zero in accordance with part b of annex viii , by using that default value ; by using an actual value calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex v adding the estimates for indirect land - use change emissions set out in annex viii ; by using a value calculated as the sum of the factors of the formula referred to in point 1 of part c of annex v , where disaggregated default values in part d or e of annex v may be used for some factors , and actual values , calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex v , for all other factors , adding the estimates for indirect land - use change emissions set out in annex viii . '


### for the purposes of article 7a and article 7b , life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels shall be calculated as follows : where a default value for greenhouse gas emission savings for the biofuel production pathway is laid down in part a or b of annex iv and where the el value for those biofuels calculated in accordance with point 7 of part c of annex iv is equal to or less than zero , by using that default value ; by using an actual value calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex iv ; or by using a value calculated as the sum of the factors of the formula referred to in point 1 of part c of annex iv , where disaggregated default values in part d or e of annex iv may be used for some factors , and actual values , calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex iv , for all other factors . ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . for the purposes of article 7a and article 7b , life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels shall be calculated as follows : where a default value for greenhouse gas emission savings for the biofuel production pathway is laid down in part a or b of annex iv and where the el value for those biofuels calculated in accordance with point 7 of part c of annex iv is equal to or less than zero , &#160 ; and where the estimated indirect land - use change emissions are zero in accordance with part b of annex v , &#160 ; by using that default value ; by using an actual value calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex iv adding the estimates for indirect land - use change emissions set out in annex v ; by using a value calculated as the sum of the factors of the formula referred to in point 1 of part c of annex iv , where disaggregated default values in part d or e of annex iv may be used for some factors , and actual values , calculated in accordance with the methodology laid down in part c of annex iv , for all other factors , adding the estimates for indirect land - use change emissions set out in annex v . ' for the purposes of article 7a , from 2017 onwards the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels shall be calculated by adding the respective value in annex v to the result obtained pursuant to the first subparagraph . '


### for the calculation of biofuels in the numerator , the share of energy from biofuels produced from cereal and other starch - rich crops , sugars and oil crops shall be no more than 7 % of the final consumption of energy in transport in the member states in 2020 ; ### for the calculation of biofuels in the numerator , the share of energy from biofuels produced from cereal and other starch - rich crops and other energy crops grown on land , sugars and oil crops shall be no more than 4 % of the final consumption of energy in transport in the member states in 2020 ;


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights . 17 assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . _________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 . ### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights . 17 assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation including across maritime borders , as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also promote good neighbourly relations , reconciliation and regional cooperation . it should enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . _________________ 17 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 .


### in accordance with the principle of participatory democracy , parliamentary oversight in each beneficiary listed in annex i should be encouraged by the commission . ### in accordance with the principle of participatory democracy , parliamentary oversight and the proactive role of national parliaments in the eu accession process and compliance with the accession criteria in each beneficiary listed in annex i should be encouraged by the commission .


### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels ; ### to reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels ; better implementation of legislation guaranteeing freedom of expression is needed , including the implementation of the labour code and social rights of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and demonstrate a positive track record on these matters .


### the following list of key performance indicators shall be used to help measure the union’s contribution to the achievement of its specific objectives : ### the following list of key performance indicators shall be used to help measure the union’s contribution to the achievement of its specific objectives and the progress made by the beneficiaries :


### the common european asylum system is based on common standards for asylum procedures , recognition and protection offered at union level , reception conditions and a system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers . notwithstanding progress achieved so far in the progressive development of the common european asylum system , there are still significant disparities between the member states in the types of procedures used , the recognition rates , the type of protection granted , the level of material reception conditions and benefits given to applicants and beneficiaries of international protection . these divergences are important drivers of secondary movements and undermine the objective of ensuring that in a common european asylum system all applicants are equally treated wherever they apply in the union . ### the common european asylum system is based on common standards for asylum procedures , recognition and protection offered at union level , reception conditions and a system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers . notwithstanding progress achieved so far in the progressive development of the common european asylum system , there are still significant disparities between the member states in the types of procedures used , the recognition rates , the type of protection granted , the level of material reception conditions and benefits given to applicants and beneficiaries of international protection . these divergences undermine the objective of ensuring that in a common european asylum system all applicants are treated with the highest standards and in full compliance with fundamental rights and the geneva convention on the status of refugees wherever they apply in the union .


### the applicant should be provided with an effective opportunity to present all relevant elements at his or her disposal to the determining authority . for this reason , the applicant should , subject to limited exceptions , enjoy the right to be heard through a personal interview on the admissibility or on merits of his or her application , as appropriate . for the right to a personal interview to be effective , the applicant should be assisted by an interpreter and be given the opportunity to provide his or explanations concerning the grounds for his or her application in a comprehensive manner . the applicant should be given sufficient time to prepare and consult with his or her legal adviser or counsellor , and he or she may be assisted by the legal adviser or counsellor during the interview . the personal interview should be conducted under conditions which ensure appropriate confidentiality and by adequately trained and competent personnel , including where necessary , personnel from authorities of other member states or experts deployed by the european union agency for asylum . the personal interview may only be omitted when the determining authority is to take a positive decision on the application or is of the opinion that the applicant is unfit or unable to be interviewed owing to enduring circumstance beyond his or her control . given that the personal interview is an essential part of the examination of the application , the interview should be recorded and the applicants and their legal advisers should be given access to the recording , as well as to the report or transcript of the interview before the determining authority takes a decision , or in the case of an accelerated examination procedure , at the same time as the decision is made . ### the applicant should be provided with an effective opportunity to present all relevant elements at his or her disposal to the determining authority . for this reason , the applicant should , subject to limited exceptions , enjoy the right to be heard through a personal interview . for the right to a personal interview to be effective , the applicant should be assisted by an interpreter , and a cultural mediator , and be given the opportunity to provide his or explanations concerning the grounds for his or her application in a comprehensive manner . the applicant should be given sufficient time to prepare and consult with his or her legal adviser or counsellor , and he or she may be assisted by the legal adviser or counsellor during the interview . the applicant must have the opportunity to be effectively assisted by ngos providing legal aid before , during , and after the interview . the personal interview should be conducted under conditions which ensure appropriate confidentiality and by adequately trained and competent personnel from the relevant member state . the personal interview may only be omitted when the determining authority is to take a positive decision on the application or is of the opinion that the applicant is unfit or unable to be interviewed owing to enduring circumstance beyond his or her control . given that the personal interview is an essential part of the examination of the application , the audio of the interview should be recorded and the applicants and their legal advisers should be given access to the recording , as well as to the report or transcript of the interview before the determining authority takes a decision , or in the case of an accelerated examination procedure , at the same time as the decision is made . if the applicant is in need of special guarantees in accordance with article 19 to 22 , that applicant must have the opportunity to provide specifications within a reasonable time after a personal interview .


### to ensure that the identification of applicants in need of special procedural guarantees takes place as early as possible , the personnel of the authorities responsible for receiving and registering applications should be adequately trained to detect signs of vulnerability signs and they should receive appropriate instructions for that purpose . further measures dealing with identification and documentation of symptoms and signs of torture or other serious acts of physical or psychological violence , including acts of sexual violence , in procedures covered by this regulation should , inter alia , be based on the manual on effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . ### to ensure that the identification of applicants in need of special procedural guarantees takes place as early as possible , ngos must have full access to detention centres , reception centres , border posts , or any other place where potential asylum - seekers are present ; and the personnel of the authorities responsible for receiving and registering applications should be adequately trained to detect signs of vulnerability signs and they should receive appropriate instructions for that purpose . further measures dealing with identification and documentation of symptoms and signs of torture or other serious acts of physical or psychological violence , including acts of sexual violence , in procedures covered by this directive should , inter alia , be based on the manual on effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment .


### with a view to ensuring substantive equality between female and male applicants , examination procedures should be gender - sensitive . in particular , personal interviews should be organised in a way which makes it possible for both female and male applicants to speak about their past experiences in cases involving gender - based persecution . for this purpose , women should be given an effective opportunity to be interviewed separately from their spouse , partner or other family members . where possible , women and girls should be provided with female interpreters and interviewers . medical examinations on women and girls should be carried out by female medical practitioners , in particular having regard to the fact that the applicant may have been a victim of gender - based violence . the complexity of gender - related claims should be properly taken into account in procedures based on the concept of first country of asylum , the concept of safe third country , the concept of safe country of origin and in the notion of subsequent applications . ### with a view to ensuring substantive equality between female and male applicants , examination procedures should be gender - sensitive . in particular , personal interviews should be organised in a way which makes it possible for both female and male applicants to speak about their past experiences in cases involving sexual orientation or gender - based persecution . for this purpose , women should be given an effective opportunity to be interviewed separately from their spouse , partner or other family members . women and girls should be provided with female interpreters and interviewers . medical examinations on women and girls should be carried out by female medical practitioners , in particular having regard to the fact that the applicant may have been a victim of gender - based violence . where an applicant ' s gender identity differs from their legal gender , member states shall ensure in examination and interviews respect for the gender identity of the applicant by using the corresponding name , title , and gender marker . the complexity of gender - related claims , including claims related to sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression , and sex characteristics , should be properly taken into account in procedures based on the concept of first country of asylum , the concept of safe third country , the concept of safe country of origin and in the notion of subsequent applications .


### the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration of member states when applying this regulation , in accordance with article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child . in assessing the best interests of the child , member states should in particular take due account of the minor’s well - being and social development , including his or her background . in view of article 12 of the united nations convention on the rights of the child concerning the child ' s right to be heard , the determining authority shall provide a minor the opportunity of a personal interview unless this is manifestly not in the minor ' s best interests . ### the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration of member states when applying this directive , in accordance with article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child . in assessing the best interests of the child , member states should in particular take due account of the minor’s well - being and social development , including his or her background . in view of article 12 of the united nations convention on the rights of the child concerning the child ' s right to be heard , the determining authority shall provide a minor the opportunity of a personal interview unless this is manifestly not in the minor ' s best interests .


### to be able to fulfil their obligations under this regulation , the personnel of the authorities responsible for receiving and registering applications should have appropriate knowledge and should receive the necessary training in the field of international protection , including with the support of the european union agency for asylum . they should also be given the appropriate means and instructions to effectively perform their tasks . ### to be able to fulfil their obligations under this directive , the ngo or individual providing legal aid will have the right to be present throughout the procedure , and the personnel of the authorities responsible for receiving and registering applications should be recruited based on qualifications and experience through open procedures , have adequate knowledge and should receive the necessary training in the field of international protection , including with the support of the european union agency for asylum . they should also be given the appropriate means and instructions to effectively perform their tasks in line with fundamental rights .


### in order to facilitate access to the procedure at border crossing points and in detention facilities , information should be made available on the possibility to apply for international protection . basic communication necessary to enable the competent authorities to understand if persons declare their wish to receive international protection should be ensured through interpretation arrangements . ### in order to facilitate access to the procedure at border crossing points and in detention facilities , ngos providing legal aid should be given access and information should be made available on the possibility to apply for international protection . basic communication necessary to enable the competent authorities to understand if persons declare their wish to receive international protection should be ensured through interpretation arrangements . staff who provide interpretation services should have appropriate knowledge and should have received the necessary training on international protection and human rights guarantees .


### to ensure that unaccompanied minors have effective access to the procedure , they should always be appointed a guardian . the guardian should be a person or a representative of an organisation appointed to assist and guide the minor through the procedure with a view to safeguard the best interests of the child as well his or her general well - being . where necessary , the guardian should exercise legal capacity for the minor . in order to provide effective support to the unaccompanied minors , guardians should not be placed in charge of a disproportionate number of unaccompanied minors at the same time . member states should appoint entities or persons responsible for the support , supervision and monitoring of the guardians in the performance of their tasks . an unaccompanied minor should lodge an application in his or her own name or through the guardian . in order to safeguard the rights and procedural guarantees of an unaccompanied minor , the time - limit for him or her to lodge an application should start to run from when his or her guardian is appointed and they meet . where the guardian does not lodge the application within the set time limit , the unaccompanied minor should be given an opportunity to lodge the application on his or her name with the assistance of the determining authority . the fact that an unaccompanied minor chooses to lodge an application in his or her own name should not preclude him or her from being assigned a guardian . ### to ensure that unaccompanied minors have effective access to the procedure , they should always be appointed a guardian . the guardian should be a person or a representative of an organisation appointed to assist and guide the minor through the procedure with a view to safeguard the best interests of the child as well his or her general well - being . where necessary , the guardian should exercise legal capacity for the minor . in order to provide effective support to the unaccompanied minors , guardians should not be placed in charge of a disproportionate number of unaccompanied minors at the same time , and in any event that number should not be more than 10 . member states should appoint entities or persons responsible for the support , supervision and monitoring at regular intervals of the guardians in the performance of their tasks in a satisfactory manner . the supervision and monitoring of the guardians by ngos shall be granted and facilitated . those entities or persons shall also have the competence to review complaints lodged by unaccompanied minors against their guardians . to this end , unaccompanied minors shall be given information in a concise , transparent , intelligible and easily accessible form , using clear and plain language both orally and in a visual form , in a child - friendly manner and in a language they understand , about who these entities or persons are and how to file complaints against their guardians in confidence and safety . an unaccompanied minor should lodge an application in his or her own name or through the guardian . in order to safeguard the rights and procedural guarantees of an unaccompanied minor , the time - limit for him or her to lodge an application should start to run from when his or her guardian is appointed and they meet . where the guardian does not lodge the application within the set time limit , the unaccompanied minor should be given an opportunity to lodge the application on his or her name with the assistance of the determining authority . the fact that an unaccompanied minor chooses to lodge an application in his or her own name should not preclude him or her from being assigned a guardian .


### in order to guarantee the rights of the applicants , decisions on all applications for international protection should be taken on the basis of the facts , objectively , impartially and on an individual basis after a thorough examination which takes into account all the elements provided by the applicant and the individual circumstances of the applicant . to ensure a rigorous examination of an application , the determining authority should take into account relevant , accurate and up - to - date information relating to the situation in the country of origin of the applicant obtained from the european union agency for asylum and other sources such as the united nations high commissioner for refugees . the determining authority should also take into account any relevant common analysis of country of origin information developed by the european union agency for asylum . any postponement of concluding the procedure should fully comply with the obligations of the member states under regulation no xxx / xxx and with the right to good administration , without prejudice to the efficiency and fairness of the procedure under this regulation . ### in order to guarantee the rights of the applicants , decisions on all applications for international protection should be taken on the basis of the facts , objectively , impartially and on an individual basis after a thorough examination which takes into account all the elements provided by the applicant and the individual circumstances of the applicant . to ensure a rigorous examination of an application , the determining authority should take into account relevant , accurate and up - to - date information relating to the situation in the country of origin of the applicant obtained from the united nations high commissioner for refugees and other governmental and non - governmental organizations . any postponement of concluding the procedure should fully comply with the obligations of the member states under regulation no xxx / xxx and with the right to good administration , without prejudice to the fairness of the procedure under this directive .


### where an applicant either explicitly withdraws his or her application of his or her own motion , or does not comply with the obligations arising from this regulation , regulation no xxx / xxx or directive xxx / xxx / eu thereby implicitly withdraws his or her application , the application should not be further examined and it should be rejected as explicitly withdrawn or abandoned , and any application in the member states by the same applicant further after that decision should be considered to be a subsequent application . however , the implicit withdrawal should not be automatic but the applicant should be allowed the opportunity to report to the determining authority and demonstrate that the failure to comply with those obligations was due to circumstances beyond his control . ### where an applicant either explicitly withdraws his or her application of his or her own motion the application should not be further examined and it should be rejected as explicitly withdrawn .


### the application of this regulation should be evaluated at regular intervals . ### the application of this directive should be evaluated at regular intervals by relevant institutions , including the european parliament .


### ' determining authority ' means any quasi - judicial or administrative body in a member state responsible for examining applications for international protection competent to take decisions at first instance ; ### ' determining authority ' means any judicial or administrative body in a member state responsible for examining applications for international protection ;


### ' subsequent application ' means a further application for international protection made in any member state after a final decision has been taken on a previous application including cases where the application has been rejected as explicitly withdrawn or as abandoned following its implicit withdrawal ; ### ' subsequent application ' means a further application for international protection made in the member state concerned after a final decision has been taken and based on the same elements that have already been evaluated in the previous application including cases where the application has been rejected as explicitly withdrawn ;


### hand over documents in his or her possession relevant to the examination of the application . ### hand over documents , or their copies , in his or her possession relevant to the examination of the application .


### the applicant shall inform the determining authority of the member state in which he or she is required to be present of his or her place of residence or address or a telephone number where he or she may be reached by the determining authority or other responsible authorities . he or she shall notify that determining authority of any changes . the applicant shall accept any communication at the most recent place of residence or address which he or she indicated accordingly , in particular when he or she lodges an application in accordance with article 28 . ### the applicant shall inform the relevant authority of the member state in which he or she is required to be present of his or her telephone number or e - mail address where he or she may be reached by the relevant authority or other responsible authorities . he or she shall notify that determining authority of any changes .


### where it is necessary for the examination of an application , the applicant may be required by the responsible authorities to be searched or have his or her items searched . without prejudice to any search carried out for security reasons , a search of the applicant ' s person under this regulation shall be carried out by a person of the same sex with full respect for the principles of human dignity and of physical and psychological integrity . ### where it is necessary for the examination of an application , the applicant may be required by the responsible authorities to be searched or have his or her items searched . the responsible authorities must use search as a final resource and give the applicant a specific reason for the search in writing . a search of the applicant ' s person under this directive shall be carried out by a person of the same sex with full respect for the principles of human dignity and of physical and psychological integrity .


### the information referred to in the first paragraph shall be given in good time to enable the applicants to exercise the rights guaranteed in this regulation and for them to adequately comply with the obligations set out in article 7 . ### the information referred to in the first paragraph shall be given at the point at which the application for international protection is registered , and in any event prior to the personal interview , to enable the applicants to exercise the rights guaranteed in this directive and for them to adequately comply with the obligations set out in article 7 .


### the determining authority shall provide applicants with the opportunity to communicate with united nations high commissioner for refugees or with any other organisation providing legal advice or other counselling to applicants in accordance with national law . ### the determining authority shall provide applicants with the opportunity to communicate with united nations high commissioner for refugees or with any other organisation providing legal advice or other counselling to applicants , informing them about the different governmental and non - governmental organizations and ensuring they can be contacted by them .


### the applicant shall be given an opportunity of a personal interview on his or her application in accordance with the conditions established in this regulation . ### the applicant shall be given an opportunity of a personal interview on his or her application in accordance with the conditions established in this directive .


### the person conducting the interview shall be competent to take account of the personal and general circumstances surrounding the application , including the applicant’s cultural origin , age , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity and vulnerability . personnel interviewing applicants shall also have acquired general knowledge of problems which could adversely affect the applicant ' s ability to be interviewed , such as indications that the person may have been tortured in the past . ### the person conducting the interview shall be competent to take account of the personal and general circumstances surrounding the application , including the applicant’s cultural origin , age , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression , sex characteristics , and vulnerability , as well as the situation in his or her country of origin . personnel interviewing applicants shall also have acquired general knowledge of problems which could adversely affect the applicant ' s ability to be interviewed , such as being the survivor of a shipwreck or indications that the person may have been tortured in the past or be a victim of trafficking or of any other form of sexual orientation and gender - based violence .


### the determining authority or any other authority or experts assisting it or conducting the personal interview shall make a thorough and factual report containing all substantive elements or a transcript of every personal interview . ### the determining authority or any other authority or experts assisting it or conducting the personal interview shall make a thorough and factual report containing all substantive elements or a transcript of every personal interview . a copy of the report will be given to the applicant .


### the personal interview shall be recorded using audio or audio - visual means of recording . the applicant shall be informed in advance of such recording . ### the personal interview shall be recorded using audio means of recording . the applicant shall be informed in advance of such recording and the use that will be made of it .


### the applicant shall be given the opportunity to make comments or provide clarification orally or in writing with regard to any incorrect translations or misunderstandings appearing in the report or in the transcript , at the end of the personal interview or within a specified time limit before the determining authority takes a decision . to that end , the applicant shall be informed of the entire content of the report or of the substantive elements of the transcript , with the assistance of an interpreter , where necessary . the applicant shall then be requested to confirm that the content of the report or the transcript correctly reflects the personal interview . ### the applicant shall be given the opportunity to make comments or provide clarification orally or in writing with regard to any incorrect translations or misunderstandings appearing in the report or in the transcript , within a specified time limit before the determining authority takes a decision and after having received a copy of the report , translated into a language he or she understands , and having received legal counsel . the applicant shall then be requested to confirm that the content of the report or the transcript correctly reflects the personal interview , and shall be given the opportunity to add elements or correct it , and to check that the additions and / or corrections have been made to the report of the interview .


### without prejudice to the applicant ' s right to choose his or her own legal adviser or other counsellor at his or her own cost , an applicant may request free legal assistance and representation at all stages of the procedure in accordance with articles 15 to 17 . the applicant shall be informed of his or her right to request free legal assistance and representation at all stages of the procedure . ### without prejudice to the applicant ' s right to choose his or her own legal adviser or other counsellor at his or her own cost , an applicant may request free legal assistance and representation at all stages of the procedure in accordance with articles 15 to 17 . the applicant shall be informed of his or her right to request free legal assistance and representation at all stages of the procedure , and as soon as the wish to receive international protection has been declared .


### without prejudice to article 22 , the absence of a legal adviser or other counsellor shall not prevent the determining authority from conducting a personal interview with the applicant . ### the absence of a legal adviser or other counsellor shall prevent the determining authority from conducting a personal interview with the applicant , unless the applicant is informed of his or her right to receive legal counsel and rejects it .


### member states shall lay down specific procedural rules concerning the modalities for filing and processing requests for the provision of free legal assistance and representation in relation to applications for international protection or they shall apply the existing rules for domestic claims of a similar nature , provided that those rules do not render access to free legal assistance and representation impossible or excessively difficult . ### member states shall lay down specific procedural rules concerning the modalities for filing and processing requests for the provision of free legal assistance and representation in relation to applications for international protection or they shall apply the existing rules for domestic claims of a similar nature , provided that those rules do not render access to free legal assistance and representation impossible or excessively difficult . the applicant shall always be informed about these rules .


### where applicants have been identified as applicants in need of special procedural guarantees , they shall be provided with adequate support allowing them to benefit from the rights and comply with the obligations under this regulation throughout the duration of the procedure for international protection . ### where applicants have been identified as applicants in need of special procedural guarantees , they shall be provided with adequate support allowing them to benefit from the rights and comply with the obligations under this directive throughout the duration of the procedure for international protection , including making an interpreter , a cultural mediator , and a legal adviser available to them .


### the determining authority shall inform the guardian of all relevant facts , procedural steps and time - limits pertaining to the unaccompanied minor . ### the determining authority shall inform the guardian and the minor of all relevant facts , procedural steps and time - limits pertaining to the unaccompanied minor .


### medical examination ### medical and psychological examination


### the medical examination shall be carried out by qualified medical professionals . member states may designate the medical professionals who may carry out such medical examinations . those medical examinations shall be paid for from public funds . ### the medical and psychological examination shall be carried out by qualified professionals . member states may designate the professionals who may carry out such examinations . those examinations shall be paid for from public funds .


### the results of the medical examination shall be submitted to the determining authority as soon as possible and shall be assessed by the determining authority along with the other elements of the application . ### the results of the medical examination shall be submitted to the determining authority and to the applicant as soon as possible and shall be assessed by the determining authority along with the other elements of the application .


### any medical examination shall be performed with full respect for the individual’s dignity , shall be the least invasive examination and shall be carried out by qualified medical professionals allowing for the most reliable result possible . ### any medical examination shall be performed with full respect for the individual’s dignity , shall be the least invasive examination and shall be carried out by qualified medical professionals allowing for the most reliable result possible , specifying in writing the margin of error of the method used . medical examination shall always be used as a last resource , and the determining authority shall explain in writing the reasons for it . if a medical examination has been performed , all documents relating to the medical examination shall be included in the applicant ' s file .


### inform the applicants of their rights and obligations set out , in particular , in articles 27 , 28 and 31 as regards the registration and lodging of applications , article 7 as regards the obligations of applicants and consequences of non - compliance with such obligations , article 9 as regards the right of applicants to remain on the territory of the member state responsible , and article 8 as regards the general guarantees for applicants ; ### inform the applicants in a language they can understand of their rights and obligations set out , in particular , in articles 27 , 28 and 31 as regards the registration and lodging of applications , article 7 as regards the obligations of applicants and consequences of non - compliance with such obligations , article 9 as regards the right of applicants to remain on the territory of the member state responsible , and article 8 as regards the general guarantees for applicants ;


### the applications for international protection shall be lodged in person and at a designated place . for that purpose , when the application is registered , the applicant shall be given an appointment with the authorities competent for the lodging of the application . ### the applications for international protection shall be lodged in person and at a designated place . the applicant will be able to lodge the application accompanied by an interpreter and / or a legal advisor . for that purpose , when the application is registered , the applicant shall be given an appointment with the authorities competent for the lodging of the application .


### stating that the applicant has the right to remain on the territory of that member state and indicating whether the applicant is free to move within all or part of the territory of that member state ; ### stating that the applicant has the right to remain on the territory of that member state and indicating the applicant is free to move within all the territory of that member state ;


### where there are indications that third - country nationals or stateless persons held in detention facilities or present at border crossing points , including transit zones , at external borders , may need international protection , the responsible authorities shall inform them of the possibility to apply for international protection , in particular , where : ### where there are indications , including information from ngos , &#160 ; that third - country nationals or stateless persons held in detention facilities or present at border crossing points , including transit zones , at external borders , may need international protection , the responsible authorities shall inform them and provide possibility to apply for international protection , in particular , where :


### relevant new elements or findings as referred to in paragraph 2 have arisen or have been presented by the applicant ; ### relevant new elements or findings have arisen or have been presented by the applicant ;


### without prejudice to the principle of non - refoulement , member states may provide an exception from the right to remain on their territory and derogate from article 54 , where : ### taking into account the principle of non - refoulement , member states must guarantee the right to remain on their territory during subsequent applications .


### the time - limits provided for in this paragraph shall start to run from the date when the decision of the determining authority is notified to the applicant or from the moment the legal adviser or counsellor is appointed if the applicant has introduced a request for free legal assistance and representation . ### the time - limit provided for in this paragraph shall start to run from the date when the decision of the determining authority is notified to the applicant or from the moment the legal adviser or counsellor is appointed if the applicant has introduced a request for free legal assistance and representation . if the applicant has requested free legal assistance and representation in accordance with article 15 , the time - limits shall start to run from the date on which the legal adviser or counsellor is appointed .


### with a view to improve the management of the external borders , to contribute to preventing and combating irregular migration and to contribute to a high level of security within the area of freedom , security and justice of the union , including the maintenance of public security and public policy and safeguarding the security in the territories of the member states , interoperability between eu information systems , namely [ the entry / exit system ] , the visa information system , [ the european travel information and authorisation system ] , eurodac , the schengen information system , and the [ european criminal records information system for third - country nationals ] should be established in order for these eu information systems and their data to supplement each other . to achieve this , a european search portal , a shared biometric matching service , a common identity repository and a multiple - identity detector should be established as interoperability components . ### with a view to the management of the external borders , interaction between eu information systems , namely [ the entry / exit system ] , the visa information system , [ the european travel information and authorisation system ] , the schengen information system , should be established in order for these eu information systems and their data to supplement each other . to achieve this , a european search portal should be established maintaining all the requirements of the existing legal instruments , namely access rights and purpose limitation .


### the interoperability between the eu information systems should allow said systems to supplement each other in order to facilitate the correct identification of persons , contribute to fighting identity fraud , improve and harmonise data quality requirements of the respective eu information systems , facilitate the technical and operational implementation by member states of existing and future eu information systems , strengthen and simplify the data security and data protection safeguards that govern the respective eu information systems , streamline the law enforcement access to the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] and eurodac , and support the purposes of the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] , eurodac , the sis and the [ ecris - tcn system ] . ### the interconnectivity between the eu information systems should allow said systems to crosscheck each other in order to contribute to fighting identity fraud , improve and harmonise data quality requirements of the respective eu information systems , facilitate the technical and operational implementation by member states of existing and future eu information systems , strengthen the data security and data protection safeguards that govern the respective eu information systems .


### the interoperability components should cover the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] , eurodac , the sis , and the [ ecris - tcn system ] . they should also cover the europol data to the extent of enabling it to be queried simultaneously with these eu information systems . ### the interconnectivity components should cover the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] and the sis .


### the european search portal should be established to facilitate technically the ability of member state authorities and eu bodies to have fast , seamless , efficient , systematic and controlled access to the eu information systems , the europol data and the interpol databases needed to perform their tasks , in accordance with their access rights , and to support the objectives of the ees , the vis , the [ etias ] , eurodac , the sis , the [ ecris - tcn system ] and the europol data . enabling the simultaneous querying of all relevant eu information systems in parallel , as well as of the europol data and the interpol databases , the esp should act as a single window or ‘ message broker’ to search various central systems and retrieve the necessary information seamlessly and in full respect of the access control and data protection requirements of the underlying systems . ### the european search portal should be established to facilitate technically the ability of member state authorities and eu bodies to have fast , seamless , efficient , systematic and controlled access to the relevant eu information systems , always in accordance with their access rights and purpose limitations . enabling the simultaneous querying of all relevant eu information systems in parallel , in full respect of the access control and data protection requirements of the underlying systems , the esp should act as a single window or ‘ message broker’ to search various central systems and retrieve the necessary information seamlessly .


### the systems established by regulation 2017 / 2226 of the european parliament and of the council57 , regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council58 , [ the etias regulation ] for the management of the borders of the union , the system established by [ the eurodac regulation ] to identify the applicants for international protection and combat irregular migration , and the system established by [ the ecris - tcn system regulation ] require in order to be effective to rely on the accurate identification of the third - country nationals whose personal data are stored therein . _________________ 57 regulation 2017 / 2226 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2017 establishing an entry / exit system to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third - country nationals crossing the external borders of the member states and determining the conditions for access to the ees for law enforcement purposes , and amending the convention implementing the schengen agreement and regulations no 767 / 2008 and no 1077 / 2011 . 58 regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 concerning the visa information system and the exchange of data between member states on short - stay visas . ### the systems established by regulation 2017 / 2226 of the european parliament and of the council57 and regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council58 require in order to be effective to rely on the accurate identification of the third - country nationals whose personal data are stored therein . _________________ 57 regulation 2017 / 2226 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2017 establishing an entry / exit system to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third - country nationals crossing the external borders of the member states and determining the conditions for access to the ees for law enforcement purposes , and amending the convention implementing the schengen agreement and regulations no 767 / 2008 and no 1077 / 2011 . 58 regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 concerning the visa information system and the exchange of data between member states on short - stay visas .


### eu - lisa should establish automated data quality control mechanisms and common data quality indicators . eu - lisa should be responsible to develop a central monitoring capacity for data quality and to produce regular data analysis reports to improve the control of implementation and application by member states of eu information systems . the common quality indicators should include the minimum quality standards to store data in the eu information systems or the interoperability components . the goal of such a data quality standards should be for the eu information systems and interoperability components to automatically identify apparently incorrect or inconsistent data submissions so that the originating member state is able to verify the data and carry out any necessary remedial actions . ### eu - lisa should establish automated data quality control mechanisms and common data quality indicators . eu - lisa should be responsible to develop a central monitoring capacity for data quality and to produce regular data analysis reports to improve the control of implementation and application by member states of eu information systems . the common quality indicators should include the minimum quality standards to store data in the eu information systems . the goal of such a data quality standards should be for the eu information systems to automatically identify apparently incorrect or inconsistent data submissions so that the originating member state is able to verify the data and carry out any necessary remedial actions .


### the national supervisory authorities established in accordance with [ regulation 2016 / 679 ] should monitor the lawfulness of the processing of personal data by the member states , whilst the european data protection supervisor as established by regulation no 45 / 2001 should monitor the activities of the union institutions and bodies in relation to the processing of personal data . the european data protection supervisor and the supervisory authorities should cooperate with each other in the monitoring of the processing of personal data by interoperability components . ### the national supervisory authorities established in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 or directive 2016 / 680 should monitor the lawfulness of the processing of personal data by the member states , whilst the european data protection supervisor as established by regulation no 45 / 2001 should monitor the activities of the union institutions and bodies in relation to the processing of personal data . the european data protection supervisor and the supervisory authorities should cooperate with each other in the monitoring of the processing of personal data .


### processing of personal data for the purposes of this regulation shall not result in discrimination against persons on any grounds such as sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . it shall fully respect human dignity and integrity . particular attention shall be paid to children , the elderly and persons with a disability . ### processing of personal data for the purposes of this regulation shall not result in discrimination against persons on any grounds such as sex , social , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . it shall fully respect human dignity and integrity . particular attention shall be paid to children , the elderly and persons with a disability .


### without prejudice to [ article 46 of the ees regulation ] , article 34 of regulation no 767 / 2008 , [ article 59 of the etias proposal ] and articles 12 and 18 of the regulation on sis in the field of border checks , eu - lisa shall keep logs of all data processing operations within the esp . those logs shall include , in particular , the following : ### without prejudice to [ article 46 of the ees regulation ] , &#160 ; article 34 of regulation no 767 / 2008 , [ article 59 of the etias&#160 ; proposal ] and articles&#160 ; 12 and 18 of the regulation on sis in the field of border checks , &#160 ; eu - lisa shall keep logs of all data processing operations within the esp . &#160 ; those logs shall include in all cases and in particular , the following :


### the logs may be used only for data protection monitoring , including checking the admissibility of a query and the lawfulness of data processing , and for ensuring data security pursuant to article 42 . those logs shall be protected by appropriate measures against unauthorised access and erased one year after their creation , unless they are required for monitoring procedures that have already begun . the logs referred to in paragraph 1 shall be erased once the data is erased . ### the logs may be used only for data protection monitoring and monitoring the impact on fundamental rights , including checking the admissibility of a query and the lawfulness of data processing , and for ensuring data security pursuant to article 42 . those logs shall be protected by appropriate measures against unauthorised access and erased one year after their creation , unless they are required for monitoring procedures that have already begun . the logs referred to in paragraph 1 shall be erased once the data is erased .


### a central infrastructure , including a search engine and the storage of the data referred to in article 13 ; ### a search engine in order to query the relevant&#160 ; eu databases with the data referred to in article 13 ;


### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall have access to the related data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and to the identity data linked in the common identity repository and , where relevant , in the sis , and shall assess the different identities and shall update the link in accordance with articles 31 , 32 and 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay . ### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the authority responsible for verification of different identities shall have access to the related data contained in the relevant identity confirmation file and to the identity data linked in the common identity repository and , where relevant , in the sis , and shall assess the different identities and shall update the link in accordance with articles 31 , 32 and 33 and add it to the identity confirmation file without delay , in any case within 24 hours .


### the linked data shares the same biometric but different identity data and the authority responsible for the verification of different identities concluded it refers unlawfully to the same person ; ### the linked data shares the same&#160 ; biometric but different identity data and the authority responsible for the&#160 ; verification of different identities concluded it refers to the same person who has evidently provided false information with the intent of&#160 ; committing a serious criminal offence ;


### the identity confirmation files and its data , including the links , shall be stored in the multiple - identity detector only for as long as the linked data is stored in two or more eu information systems . ### the identity confirmation files and its data , including the links , shall be deleted after their use , except if there is a green link .


### eu - lisa shall provide regular reports on the automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures and the common data quality indicators to the member states . eu - lisa shall also provide a regular report to the commission covering the issues encountered and the member states concerned . ### eu - lisa shall provide regular reports on the automated data quality control mechanisms and procedures and the common data quality indicators to the member states and the european data protection board . eu - lisa shall also provide a regular report to the commission covering the issues encountered and the member states concerned .


### without prejudice to the notification and communication of a personal data breach pursuant to article 33 of regulation 2016 / 679 , article 30 of directive 2016 / 680 , or both , member states shall notify the commission , eu - lisa and the european data protection supervisor of security incidents . in the event of a security incident in relation to the central infrastructure of the interoperability components , eu - lisa shall notify the commission and the european data protection supervisor . ### without prejudice to the notification and communication of a personal data breach pursuant to article 33 of regulation 2016 / 679 , article 30 of directive 2016 / 680 , or both , member states shall notify the commission , eu - lisa and the european data protection supervisor of security incidents . in the event of a security incident in relation to the central infrastructure of the interoperability components , eu - lisa shall notify the commission and the european data protection supervisor as well as national supervisory authorities concerned .


### right of access , correction and erasure ### right of access to , rectification , completion and erasure of personal data , and of restriction of the processing thereof


### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for building a stronger , more balanced and fairer economy . it is one of the union ' s major achievements and its best asset in an increasingly global world . ### the internal market is a cornerstone of the union . since its inception , it has proved a major contributor to growth , competitiveness and employment . it has generated new opportunities and economies of scale for european businesses , notably micro , small and medium sized enterprises , and strengthened their industrial competitiveness . the internal market contributed to the creation of jobs and offered greater choice at lower prices for consumers . it continues to be an engine for building a stronger economy , even though its benefits should be spread more evenly as not all citizens , especially workers , benefitted similarly . it is one of the union ' s major achievements in an increasingly global world .


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


### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , citizens including consumers , civil society and public authorities . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals . ### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , citizens including consumers and employees , civil society and public authorities . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals .


### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , citizens including consumers , civil society and public authorities . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals . ### the programme should support the design , implementation and enforcement of union legislation underpinning the proper functioning and improvement of the internal market . the programme should support the creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market : businesses , employees , citizens including consumers , civil society and public authorities building on the success of the current programme for competitiveness for small and medium enterprises . to that end , the programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness of businesses , notably smes , but also by supporting the conditions for quality job creation , local economic development , the enforcement of a high level of consumer protection , safety rules as well as environmental standards and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right information , tools , training , knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to enhance regulatory and administrative cooperation , notably through exchange of best practices , building of knowledge and competence bases , including the use of strategic public procurement and the support to the digital knowledge centres . the programme should also aim to support the development of high - quality international standards that underpin the implementation of union legislation . this also includes standard setting in the field of financial reporting and audit , thereby contributing to the transparency and well - functioning of the union’s capital markets and to enhancing investor protection . the programme should support rulemaking and standard setting also by ensuring the broadest possible stakeholder involvement . the objective of the programme should also be to support the implementation and enforcement of union legislation providing for a high level of health for humans , animals and plants along the food chain and the improvement of the welfare of animals .


### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models . ### a modern internal market promotes competition and benefits consumers , businesses and employees . making better use of the ever evolving internal market in services , while avoiding and combatting abuses , such as the setting up of letterbox companies , should help european businesses create jobs and grow across borders , offer wider choice of services at better prices , and maintain high standards for consumers and workers . to achieve this , the programme should contribute to the removal of remaining barriers , and to ensure a regulatory framework that can accommodate new innovative business models .


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , increase cooperation between the different parts of their administrations , and engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross - national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders , the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : * the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway ; * your europe advice ; * solvit ; * the internal market information system ; * the single market scoreboard .