### 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 and improvements thereto in terms of social equality and minimising the increasing divergence between countries . 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 , and the creation of quality jobs , 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 the union’s policy - making . furthermore , the programme should aim to respect and keep labour laws and 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 , which should contribute 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 .


### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key trading third country partners of the union where necessary . ### as consumer markets know no borders with the development of online trade and travel services , it is important to ensure that consumers residing in the union can benefit from adequate protection when importing goods and services from economic operators based in third countries . the programme should therefore allow supporting cooperation with relevant bodies located in key third - country trading partners of the union , and with any other country , where necessary .


### 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 , 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 . it is therefore absolutely essential that workers and workers’ organisations are involved in the process of redesigning public administration , making it more proactive and committed to meeting the needs of citizens . 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 .


### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme . ### the programme in particular needs to tackle the radical implications for competition and the functioning of the internal market resulting from the ongoing transformation of the economy and business environment , in particular through the exponential growth and use of data , taking account of the increasing recourse to artificial intelligence and other it tools and expertise by companies and their advisors . it is also essential , in view of the tax problems and other effects represented by this new situation , that the programme supports networks and cooperation with member state authorities and courts , considering that undistorted competition and the functioning of the internal market depend critically on action by those entities . in view of the particular role of competition policy in preventing harm to the internal market resulting from anticompetitive conduct beyond the union’s border , the programme should also support cooperation with third country authorities , as appropriate . finally , widening outreach activities is necessary in order to allow more citizens and businesses to reap the full benefits of fair competition in the internal market . given that a number of initiatives in the programme are new and that the competition part of the programme is particularly affected by dynamic developments in the conditions of competition in the internal market , notably relating to artificial intelligence , algorithms , big data , cybersecurity and forensic technology , the pace and magnitude of which are difficult to estimate , it is anticipated that flexibility will be required to face the evolving needs under this part of the programme .


### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the successful experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant . ### the programme should provide effective support for smes throughout their life - cycle . it should build on the unique knowledge and expertise developed with regard to smes and industrial sectors and on a long experience in working with european , national and regional stakeholders . this support should build on the experience of the enterprise europe network as a one - stop - shop to improve smes’ competitiveness and develop their business in the single market and beyond . the network plans to continue delivering services on behalf of other union programmes , notably for the horizon2020 programme , using the financial resources of these programmes . also the mentoring scheme for new entrepreneurs should remain the tool to enable new or aspiring entrepreneurs to gain business experience by matching with an experienced entrepreneur from another country and thus allow strengthening entrepreneurial talents . the programme should further strive to grow and extend its geographical coverage and thus offer wider range of matching possibilities to entrepreneurs in complementarity with other union initiatives where relevant .


### the union contributes to ensuring a high level of consumer protection , empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing member states’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that , in so doing , their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions . the union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market . moreover , it is necessary to empower , encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices , thus contributing to a sustainable , energy and resource efficient and circular economy . ### the union should contribute to ensuring a high level of consumer protection , empowering consumers and putting them at the heart of the internal market by supporting and complementing member states’ policies in seeking to ensure that citizens when acting as consumers can fully reap the benefits of the internal market and that , in so doing , their safety and legal and economic interests are properly protected by means of concrete actions . the empowerment of consumers and others involved in the process of establishing the single market should mean the establishment of a set of practices geared towards strategic and relevant involvement in the field concerned . the union should help to stimulate an economy that promotes less unequal societies on the basis of quality jobs and workers’ involvement in addressing the major challenges that the digital economy poses for businesses and society as a whole . the union has also to ensure that consumer and product safety laws are properly and equally enforced on the ground and that businesses enjoy a level playing field with fair competition in the internal market . moreover , it is necessary to empower , encourage and assist consumers in making sustainable choices , thus contributing to a sustainable , energy and resource efficient and circular economy . lastly , the union needs to see to it that states honour their commitments to combating climate change . the union also needs to stimulate sustainable economic development .


### this regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises , including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 . ### this regulation establishes the programme for improving the functioning of the internal market and the competitiveness of enterprises , social enterprises and social enterprise networks including micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and the framework for financing of development , production and dissemination of european statistics within the meaning of article 13 of regulation no 223 / 2009 .


### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ; ### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , workers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers . to this end , the commission , in accordance with recital&#160 ; 36 , shall establish a set of practices associated with the concept of empowerment , so that this criterion functions and becomes a determining factor in the allocation of resources from the programme .


### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ; ### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , especially micro - enterprises and small businesses , workers , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness - raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organisation of training ;


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing economic and social reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , the creation of stable quality employment , boosting the welfare state and stimulating public investment in the real economy .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , provision of non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ;


### “traineeship” means a period of work practice from two to twelve months , remunerated by the organisation hosting the european solidarity corps participant , based on a written traineeship agreement , which includes a learning and training component , and undertaken in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving employability and facilitating transition to regular employment ; ### “traineeship” means a period of work practice from two to twelve months , adequately remunerated by the organisation hosting the european solidarity corps participant , based on a written traineeship agreement , which includes a learning and training component , and undertaken in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving employability and facilitating transition to regular employment ;


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


### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity corps towards achieving its objectives . ### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries and with the involvement of youth organisations , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity corps towards achieving its objectives .


### in order to implement this regulation , the commission shall adopt work programmes by way of implementing acts . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable . ### in order to implement this regulation , the commission shall adopt work programmes by way of implementing acts . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable . moreover , such work programmes shall also include an analysis and justification guaranteeing that they will not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment .


### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , nationality , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to or stay in it , or , failing that , ### third - country nationals , who , owing to a well - founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race , religion , sex , gender identity , sexual orientation , religion , nationality , political opinion or membership of a particular social group , are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and are unable or , owing to such fear , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country , or stateless persons , who , being outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , for the same reasons as mentioned above , are unable or , owing to such fear , unwilling to return to or stay in it , or , failing that ,


### –children and adolescents at risk , including unaccompanied children ; ### –children and adolescents at risk , in particular unaccompanied children ;


### on the basis of a proposal from the commission , the council shall adopt an annual union resettlement plan in the year preceding that in which it is to be implemented . ### the commission may adopt delegated acts every two years , on the basis of consultations with the high - level resettlement committee and with regard to the annual resettlement needs predicted by the unhcr , establishing an eu resettlement plan in line with the conditions set out under article 14 .


### where necessary , local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements among member states , supported by the [ european union agency for asylum ] in accordance with article 12 , and with third countries , and unhcr or other partners ; ### where necessary , local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements among member states , supported by the unhcr and the [ european union agency for asylum ] in accordance with article 12 , and with third countries , or other partners ;


### a description of the specific group or groups of third - country nationals or stateless persons to whom the targeted union resettlement scheme shall apply ; ### a description of the specific group or groups of third - country nationals or stateless persons on the basis of the unhcr global resettlement needs document to whom the targeted union resettlement scheme shall apply ;


### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence , including , where applicable , information from unhcr on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees or on the basis of a personal interview or a combination of both . ### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence in particular , including , where applicable , information from unhcr on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees or on the basis of a personal interview or a combination of both .


### to facilitate the implementation of the targeted union resettlement schemes , member states shall appoint national contact points and may decide to appoint liaison officers in third countries . ### to facilitate the implementation of the targeted union resettlement schemes , member states shall appoint national contact points and may decide to appoint liaison officers in third countries . member states may be assisted by [ the european union agency for asylum ] , and , if need be , use existing structures for operational cooperation on resettlement .


### to implement targeted union resettlement schemes , and in particular to conduct pre - departure orientation programmes , fit - to - travel medical checks , travel arrangements and other practical arrangements , member states may be assisted by partners in accordance with local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements for targeted union resettlement schemes established in accordance with point of article 8 . ### to implement targeted union resettlement schemes , and in particular to conduct pre - departure orientation programmes , fit - to - travel medical checks , travel arrangements and other practical arrangements , member states may be assisted by partners , and in particular the unhcr and relevant international organisations , in accordance with local coordination and practical cooperation arrangements for targeted union resettlement schemes established in accordance with point of article 8 .


### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , and the member states . [ the european union agency for asylum , ] unhcr , and iom may be invited . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the annual union resettlement plan . ### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , and the member states . the unhcr , [ the european union agency for asylum ] and the iom and other relevant civil society organisations must be invited . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the annual union resettlement plan .


### the high - level resettlement committee shall be chaired by the commission . it shall meet whenever necessary at the invitation of the commission or at a request of a member state and shall meet at least once a year . ### the high - level resettlement committee shall be chaired by the commission . it shall meet whenever necessary at the invitation of the commission or at a request of a member state and shall meet at least once a year . the commission must also look out for any indications by the unhcr or other civil society organisations – in particular the relevant international organisations – that resettlement needs have changed .


### by 31 december 2018 the commission shall report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation in the member states . ### by 31 december 2018 , and every year thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this regulation in the member states . the commission shall report to the unhcr on the contribution of the eu and its member states towards meeting global resettlement needs .


### information on remuneration to be provided should include all elements of the remuneration , including contributions in cash or kind , directly or indirectly received by the worker in respect of his or her work . the provision of such information should be without prejudice to the freedom for employers to provide for additional elements of remuneration such as one - off payments . the fact that elements of remuneration due by law or collective agreement have not been included in that information should not constitute a reason for not providing them to the worker . ### information on remuneration to be provided should include all elements of the remuneration , including contributions in cash or kind , directly or indirectly received by the worker in respect of his or her work . the provision of such information should be without prejudice to the freedom for employers to provide for additional elements of remuneration such as one - off payments that must still be covered by the ongoing information provided on the work contract and that must not take the place of the worker ' s wages or salary . the fact that elements of remuneration due by law or collective agreement have not been included in that information should not constitute a reason for not providing them to the worker .


### probationary periods allow employers to verify that workers are suitable for the position for which they have been engaged while providing them with accompanying support and training . such periods may be accompanied by reduced protection against dismissal . any entry into the labour market or transition to a new position should not be subject to prolonged insecurity . as established in the european pillar of social rights , probationary periods should therefore be of reasonable duration . a substantial number of member states have established a general maximum duration of probation between three and six months , which should be considered reasonable . probationary periods may be longer than six months where this is justified by the nature of the employment such as for managerial positions and where this is in the interest of the worker , such as in the case of long illness or in the context of specific measures promoting permanent employment notably for young workers . ### probationary periods allow employers to verify that workers are suitable for the position for which they have been engaged while providing them with accompanying support and training . such periods may be accompanied by reduced protection against dismissal . any entry into the labour market or transition to a new position should not be subject to prolonged insecurity . probationary periods must not be made into mechanisms for exploiting workers in that they are guaranteed employment for prolonged periods on low wages and then dismissed at the end of the probationary period . this would be a way of replacing fixed - term contracts with more precarious contracts , with women once again bearing the brunt of this . probationary periods should not exceed three months and should ideally be shorter . probationary periods may exceed three months in duly justified cases , such as when the technical complexity of the work or the high degree of responsibility in the worker ' s post justifies this or where the worker is appointed to a managerial position . member states should pass legislation defining the cases in which exceptions may exceed the three - month probationary period and the corresponding appropriate periods .


### workers exercising rights provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal or equivalent detriment or any preparations for a possible dismissal , on the grounds that they sought to exercise such rights . where workers consider that they have been dismissed or have suffered equivalent detriment on those grounds , workers and competent authorities should be able to require the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal or equivalent measure . ### workers exercising rights provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal or equivalent detriment or any preparations for a possible dismissal , on the grounds that they sought to exercise such rights . where workers consider that they have been dismissed or have suffered equivalent detriment on those grounds , workers and competent authorities should require the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal or equivalent measure and to reinstate the worker in the event the alleged grounds are unfounded . the relevant authorities shall ensure that the worker is compensated for the harm caused and shall be empowered to impose penalties on companies guilty of such practices . particular attention shall be paid to situations that specifically affect women and situations resulting from discrimination on grounds of maternity ; the latter shall be viewed as aggravating circumstances .


### the initial basic amount , any other component elements , the frequency and method of payment of the remuneration to which the worker is entitled ; ### the initial basic amount , any other component elements , the frequency and method of payment of the remuneration to which the worker is entitled , as well as other regular and periodic benefits to which workers are entitled of equal value or for equal work ;


### where the commission makes use of union trust funds , it shall attach to the draft budget a working document on the activities supported by union trust funds , on their implementation and performance . ### where the commission makes use of union trust funds , it shall attach to the draft budget a detailed accompanying document on the activities supported by union trust funds , on their implementation and performance .


### for emergency , post - emergency or thematic actions , the commission may create , after informing the european parliament and the council , trust funds under an agreement concluded with other donors . the constitutive act of each trust fund shall define the objectives of the trust fund . the commission decision establishing the trust fund shall include a description of the fund ' s objectives , the justification for its creation in accordance with paragraph 3 , an indication of its duration and the preliminary agreements with other donors . ### for emergency , post - emergency or thematic actions , the commission may create , after extensively consulting the european parliament and the council , trust funds under an agreement concluded with other donors . the constitutive act of each trust fund shall define the objectives of the trust fund . the commission decision establishing the trust fund shall include a detailed description of the fund ' s objectives , the justification for its creation in accordance with paragraph 3 , an indication of its duration and the preliminary agreements with other donors .


### union trust funds shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of sound financial management , transparency , proportionality , non - discrimination and equal treatment , and in accordance with the specific objectives defined in each constitutive act . ### union trust funds shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of sound financial management , transparency , proportionality , non - discrimination and equal treatment , in full respect of the budgetary scrutiny and control mechanism of the european parliament , and in accordance with the specific objectives defined in each constitutive act .


### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies . ### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry , in society and to foster better exploitation of the potential of policies of innovation and research policies , as well as the full use of r&d results , technological development , european and international standards in industry , in cultural , educational , academic / scientific , audiovisual and media institutions and in public administration , for the benefit of citizens and businesses all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies .


### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final ) ### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open , transparent and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as preferential points of contact for accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final )


### the programme’s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the programme’s actions should also be used to reinforce and extend the union’s digital base , tackle major societal challenges , further raise the union’s digital industrial competences , as well as address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value .


### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health , environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably small and medium - sized enterprises . ### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by all beneficiaries of the programme and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards social inclusiveness , health , environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably small and medium - sized enterprises .


### the financial intervention by the union under specific objective 4 . advanced digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme , thus contributing to increase europe ' s talent pool , fostering greater professionalism , especially with regard to high performance computing , big data analytics , cybersecurity , distributed ledger technologies , robotics and artificial intelligence . the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives : ### the financial intervention by the union under specific objective 4 . advanced digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme , thus contributing to increase europe ' s talent pool , fostering greater professionalism , especially with regard to high performance computing , big data analytics , cybersecurity , distributed ledger technologies , robotics and artificial intelligence . the design and delivery of courses in whatever form shall be subject to the highest standards of quality and recognition , in order to ensure adequate training processes in line with the objectives pursued . in general , public training centres will be prioritised . the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives :


### ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests , such as health and care , education , judiciary , transport , energy , environment , cultural and creative sectors , can deploy and access state - of - the - art digital technologies , in particular high performance computing , artificial intelligence and cybersecurity ; ### ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests , such as health and care , education , judiciary , transport , energy , environment , cultural and creative sectors , can deploy and access state - of - the - art digital technologies , in particular high performance computing , artificial intelligence and cybersecurity ; ensure that workers in the sectors concerned together with their trade union organisations are involved from the start in the design and implementation of digital technologies ;


### the need to ensure by the initial network a coverage of the needs of industry and areas of public interest and a comprehensive and balanced geographical coverage . ### the need to ensure by the initial network a coverage of the needs of industry , ensuring the participation of workers , and areas of public interest and a comprehensive and balanced geographical coverage . this means taking particular care not to increase the digital divide in geographical terms .


### the receiving agency should , in all circumstances and with no margin of discretion in that regard , inform the addressee in writing using the standard form that he or she may refuse to accept the document to be served if it is not either in a language which he or she understands or in the official language or one of the official languages of the place of service . this rule should also apply to any subsequent service once the addressee has exercised his or her right of refusal . the right of refusal should also apply in respect of service by diplomatic or consular agents , service by postal services and direct service . it should be possible to remedy the service of the refused document by serving a translation of the document on the addressee . ### the receiving agency should , in all circumstances and with no margin of discretion in that regard , inform the addressee in writing using the standard form that he or she may refuse to accept the document to be served if it is not in a language which he or she understands . this rule should also apply to any subsequent service once the addressee has exercised his or her right of refusal . the right of refusal should also apply in respect of service by diplomatic or consular agents , service by postal services and direct service . it should be possible to remedy the service of the refused document by serving a translation of the document on the addressee .


### where the documents , requests , confirmations , receipts , certificates and other communication referred to in paragraph 1 require or feature a seal or handwritten signature , ‘ qualified electronic seals’ and ‘ qualified electronic signatures’ as defined in regulation no 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council may be used instead . ### where the documents , requests , confirmations , receipts , certificates and other communication referred to in paragraph 1 require or feature a seal or handwritten signature , ‘ qualified electronic seals’ and ‘ qualified electronic signatures’ as defined in regulation no 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council may be used instead , provided that it is fully ensured that the person to be served with the aforementioned documents has obtained knowledge of these documents in sufficient time and in lawful manner .


### detailed practical guidance on the mechanisms available for the determination of the addresses of persons within the framework of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters and with a view to making the information available to the public . ### detailed practical guidance online accessible on the mechanisms available for the determination of the addresses of persons within the framework of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters and with a view to making the information available to the public .


### a language which the addressee understands ; ### a language which is presumed that the addressee understands ;


### the addressee may refuse to accept the document at the time of service or within two weeks by returning the standard form set out in annex ii to the receiving agency . ### the addressee may , based on reasons , refuse to accept the document at the time of service or within two weeks by returning the standard form set out in annex ii to the receiving agency .


### each member state shall provide the commission with the information on the type of professions or competent persons who are permitted to carry out service under this article in their territory . ; ### each member state shall provide the commission with the information on the type of professions or competent persons who are permitted to carry out service under this article in their territory . this information shall be accessible online ;


### where a document instituting the proceedings has had to be transmitted to another member state for the purpose of service under the provisions of this regulation and the defendant has not appeared , judgment shall not be given until it is established that the service or the delivery was effected in sufficient time to enable the defendant to defend and that : ### where a document instituting the proceedings has had to be transmitted to another member state for the purpose of service under the provisions of this regulation and the defendant has not appeared , judgment shall not be given until it is established that the service or the delivery was effected in sufficient time and in a lawful manner to enable the defendant to defend and that :


### the defendant , without any fault on his part , did not have knowledge of the document in sufficient time to defend , or knowledge of the judgment in sufficient time to appeal ; ### the defendant , without any fault on his part , did not have knowledge of the document in sufficient time and / or in a lawful manner to defend , or knowledge of the judgment in sufficient time to appeal ;


### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , respect for human rights , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade . ### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should support moldova ' s commitment to values shared with the union , including democracy , the rule of law , good governance , respect for human rights , sustainable development and poverty reduction , as well as its commitment to the principles of open , rules - based and fair trade , and should at the same time be conditional on practical results in their implementation within moldova , inter alia with regard to the creation of transparency concerning decision - making processes in politics and administration , and immediate termination of protracted court cases against political opponents in the country .


### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law , and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service . ### a pre - condition for granting the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be that moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi - party parliamentary system – and the rule of law - including independent administration of justice and effective measures against the widespread corruption in the country - and guarantees respect for human rights . in addition , the specific objectives of the union ' s macro - financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems , the governance and supervision of the financial sector in moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth , employment creation and fiscal consolidation . both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the commission and the european external action service .


### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits . ### in order to ensure that the union’s financial interests linked to the union’s macro - financial assistance are protected efficiently , moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of , and fight against , fraud , corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance . in addition , provision should be made for the commission to carry out checks and for the court of auditors to carry out audits and , if the aims and principles of the association agreement are disregarded or no practical results are achieved in implementing agreed reforms , for the commission to make provision for temporary suspension of aid .


### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be subject to economic policy conditions , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding . in order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency , the commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the moldovan authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the member states in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 . under that regulation , the advisory procedure should , as a general rule , apply in all cases other than as provided for in that regulation . considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than eur 90 million , it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold . considering the amount of the union ' s macro - financial assistance to moldova , the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the memorandum of understanding , and to any reduction , suspension or cancellation of the assistance , ### the union ' s macro - financial assistance should be subject to political and economic policy conditions in accordance with articles 1 to 4 of the association agreement , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding . in order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency , the commission should be empowered to negotiate such implementation conditions with the moldovan authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the member states in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 . under that regulation , the advisory procedure should , as a general rule , apply in all cases other than as provided for in that regulation . considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than eur 90 million , it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold . considering the amount of the union ' s macro - financial assistance to moldova , the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the memorandum of understanding , and to any reduction , suspension or cancellation of the assistance ,


### the commission , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article&#160 ; 7 , shall agree with the moldovan authorities on clearly defined economic policy and financial conditions , focusing on structural reforms and sound public finances , to which the union ' s macro - financial assistance is to be subject , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding which shall include a timeframe for the fulfilment of those conditions . the economic policy and financial conditions set out in the memorandum of understanding shall be consistent with the agreements or understandings referred to in article&#160 ; 1 , including the macroeconomic adjustment and structural reform programmes implemented by moldova with the support of the imf . ### the commission , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 7 and with articles 1 to 4 of the association agreement , shall agree with the moldovan authorities on clearly defined conditions geared to political reforms and stabilisation of the public finances , to which the union ' s macro - financial assistance is to be subject , to be laid down in a memorandum of understanding which shall include a timeframe for the fulfilment of those conditions . the conditions set out in the memorandum of understanding shall be consistent with the agreements or understandings referred to in article 1 , including the macroeconomic adjustment and structural reform programmes implemented by moldova with the support of the imf .


### the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim , in particular , at enhancing the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in moldova , including for the use of the union ' s macro - financial assistance . progress in mutual market opening , the development of rules - based and fair trade , and other priorities in the context of the union ' s external policy shall also be duly taken into account when designing the policy measures . progress in attaining those objectives shall be regularly monitored by the commission . ### the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim , in particular , at enhancing the efficiency , transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in moldova , including for the use of the union ' s macro - financial assistance . not only progress in the development of rules - based and fair trade but above all also practical progress with the implementation of social reforms and practical measures to combat corruption , with transparency of decision - making processes in politics and administration and with ending protracted court cases against political opponents in the country shall also be taken into account when designing the policy measures . progress in attaining those objectives shall be regularly monitored by the commission .


### the satisfactory implementation of the economic policy and financial conditions agreed in the memorandum of understanding . ### the implementation of the political , economic policy and financial conditions agreed in the memorandum of understanding , as assessed using measurable criteria .


### as a type of feed , medicated feed falls within the scope of regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council6 , of regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council7 , of regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council8 and of directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 . specific provisions for medicated feed and intermediate products should be established concerning facilities and equipment , personnel , manufacture quality control , storage and transport , record - keeping , complaints and product recalls , the application of procedures based on the hazard analysis and critical control points principles and labelling . __________________ 6 regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 january 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene . 7 regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed . 8 regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition . 9 directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 7 may 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed . ### as a type of feed , medicated feed falls within the scope of regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council6 , of regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council7 , of regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council8 and of directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 . specific provisions for medicated feed and intermediate products should be established concerning facilities and equipment , personnel , manufacture quality control , animal welfare , storage and transport , record - keeping , complaints and product recalls , the application of procedures based on the hazard analysis and critical control points principles and labelling . __________________ 6 regulation no 183 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 january 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene . 7 regulation no 767 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed . 8 regulation no 1831 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition . 9 directive 2002 / 32 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 7 may 2002 on undesirable substances in animal feed .


### in order to ensure a particularly prudent use of medicated feed for food - producing animals and therefore provide the basis for the assurance of a high level of protection of public health , specific conditions concerning the use and the validity of the prescription , compliance with the withdrawal period and record - keeping by the animal holder should be provided for . ### in order to ensure a particularly prudent use of medicated feed for food - producing animals and therefore provide the basis for the assurance of a high level of protection of public health , including animal health , specific conditions concerning the use and the validity of the prescription , compliance with the withdrawal period and record - keeping by the animal holder should be provided for .


### feed business operators manufacturing , storing , transporting or placing on the market medicated feed or intermediate products shall ensure that establishments under their control are approved by the competent authority . ### feed business operators manufacturing , storing , transporting or placing on the market medicated feed or intermediate products shall ensure that establishments under their control are approved by the competent public authority .


### medicated feed containing antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products shall not be used to prevent diseases in food - producing animals or to enhance their performance . ### since there is a direct link between good animal husbandry and a responsible use of veterinary medicines , medicated feed containing antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products shall never be used to prevent diseases in food - producing animals or to enhance their performance


### the products used for the manufacture and unprocessed feed shall be stored separately from medicated feed and intermediate products in order to avoid any cross - contamination . ### the products used for the manufacture and unprocessed feed shall be stored separately from medicated feed and intermediate products in order to prevent any cross - contamination .


### sickness , maternity and equivalent paternity benefits ### in title iii , the title of chapter 1 is replaced by the following : “sickness , long - term care , maternity and equivalent paternity benefits”


### the administrative commission for the coordination of social security systems attached to the european commission shall be made up of a government representative from each of the member states , assisted , where necessary , by expert advisers . a representative of the european commission shall attend the meetings of the administrative commission in an advisory capacity . ### in article 71 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : “the administrative commission for the coordination of social security systems attached to the european commission shall be made up of a government representative from each of the member states , assisted , where necessary , by expert advisers . a representative of the commission , a representative of the european parliament and , where appropriate , representatives of the social partners , beneficiaries and professional bodies concerned shall attend meetings of the administrative commission in an advisory capacity . ”


### for the purposes of the application of article 12 of the basic regulation , a ' person who pursues an activity as an employed person in a member state on behalf of an employer which normally carries out its activities there and who is posted within the meaning of the directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services52 or sent by that employer to another member state ' shall include a person who is recruited with a view to being posted or sent to another member state , provided that immediately before the start of his employment , the person concerned is already subject to the legislation of the sending member state in accordance with title ii of the basic regulation . . __________________ 52 oj l 018 , 21 . 01 . 1997 p . 1 . ### for the purposes of the application of article 12 of the basic regulation , a ' person who pursues an activity as an employed person in a member state on behalf of an employer which normally carries out its activities there and who is posted by that employer to another member state ' shall include a person who is recruited with a view to being posted to another member state , provided that , immediately before the start of his employment , the person concerned has already been subject , for a period of at least six months , to the legislation of the member state where the employer is established , in accordance with this title .


### the conception and design of the programme should respond to the need for establishing a critical mass of supported activities , throughout the eu union and through international cooperation , in line with the un sustainable development goals . programme implementation should reinforce the pursuit of this aim . ### the conception and design of the programme should respond to the need for establishing a critical mass of supported activities , throughout the eu union and through international cooperation , in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the un sustainable development goals . programme implementation should reinforce the pursuit of this aim .


### the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' should be established through clusters of research and innovation activities , in order to maximise integration across the respective work areas while securing high and sustainable levels of impact in relation to the resources that are expended . it will encourage cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral , cross - policy and cross - border collaboration in pursuit of the un sdgs and the competitiveness of the union ' s industries therein . ### the pillar ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' should determine research priorities based on societal needs , and should be established through clusters of research and innovation activities , in order to maximise integration across the respective work areas while securing high and sustainable levels of impact in relation to the resources that are expended . it will encourage cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral , cross - policy and cross - border collaboration in pursuit of the un sdgs and the competitiveness of the union ' s industries therein . suitable , safe , effective and affordable innovative technologies should be prioritised in all six areas of intervention identified in the framework of this pillar .


### ' research infrastructures ' mean facilities that provide resources and services for the research communities to conduct research and foster innovation in their fields . this definition includes the associated human resources , and it covers major equipment or sets of instruments ; knowledge - related facilities such as collections , archives or scientific data infrastructures ; computing systems , communication networks , and any other infrastructure , of a unique nature and open to external users , essential to achieve excellence in research and innovation . where relevant , they may be used beyond research , for example for education or public services and they may be ' single sited ' , ' virtual ' or ' distributed ' ; ### ' research infrastructures ' mean facilities that provide resources and services for the research communities to conduct research and foster innovation in their fields . this definition includes the associated human resources , and it covers major equipment or sets of instruments ; knowledge - related facilities such as museums , collections , archives or scientific data infrastructures ; computing systems , communication networks , and any other infrastructure , of a unique nature and open to external users , essential to achieve excellence in research and innovation . where relevant , they may be used beyond research , for example for education or public services and they may be ' single sited ' , ' virtual ' or ' distributed ' ;


### to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new knowledge , skills , technologies and solutions to global challenges ; ### to support the creation and diffusion of high - quality new knowledge , skills and&#160 ; technologies and&#160 ; contribute to addressing&#160 ; global challenges ;


### to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , and support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges ; ### to strengthen the role of research and innovation in developing , supporting and implementing union policies , in particular the sustainable development goals and the paris climate agreement , and support the equitable access to and uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges ;


### to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions ; ### to foster all forms of innovation , including breakthrough innovation , and strengthen deployment of knowledge and innovative solutions ;


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 and , in addition , the amount for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the framework programme for the period 2021 &#8211 ; 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices for the specific programme referred to in article 1 ; in line with a fundamental aim of the european union , that of the promotion of peace , no funding should be assigned for the specific programme referred to in article 1 , as laid down in regulation&#8230 ; . establishing the european defence fund .


### proposals shall be systematically screened to identify those actions raising complex or serious ethics issues and submit them to an ethics assessment . the ethics assessment shall be carried out by the commission unless it is delegated to the funding body . for actions involving the use of human embryonic stem cells or human embryos , an ethics assessment shall be mandatory . ethics screenings and assessments shall be carried out with the support of ethics experts . the commission and the funding bodies shall ensure the transparency of the ethics procedures as much as possible . ### proposals shall be systematically screened to identify those actions raising complex or serious ethics issues and submit them to an ethics assessment . the ethics assessment shall be carried out by the commission unless it is delegated to the funding body . for actions involving the use of human embryonic stem cells or human embryos , an ethics assessment shall be mandatory . ethics screenings and assessments shall be carried out with the support of ethics experts . the commission and the funding bodies shall ensure the transparency of the ethics procedures .


### impact ; ### societal , scientific and / or economic impact ;


### unless the work programme provides otherwise , proposals shall include a plan for the exploitation and dissemination of the results . if the expected exploitation entails developing , creating , manufacturing and marketing a product or process , or in creating and providing a service , the plan shall include a strategy for such exploitation . if the plan provides for exploitation primarily in non - associated third countries , the legal entities shall explain how that exploitation is still in the union interest . ### unless the work programme provides otherwise , proposals shall include a plan for the exploitation and dissemination of the results . if the expected exploitation entails developing , creating , manufacturing and marketing a product or process , or in creating and providing a service , the plan shall include a strategy for such exploitation and outline how such product would be made accessible and affordable . if the plan provides for exploitation primarily in non - associated third countries , the legal entities shall explain how that exploitation is still in the union interest .


### areas of intervention : manufacturing technologies ; digital technologies ; advanced materials ; artificial intelligence and robotics ; next generation internet ; high performance computing and big data ; circular industries ; low carbon and clean industry ; space ### areas of intervention : manufacturing technologies ; digital technologies ; advanced materials ; artificial intelligence and robotics ; next generation internet ; high performance computing and big data ; circular industries ; low carbon and clean industry ; space ; maritime industry


### through the following activities , this part will , in line with article 4 , optimise the programme ' s delivery for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . it will also support the programme ' s other specific objectives as described in article 3 . while underpinning the entire programme , this part will support activities that contribute to a more knowledge - based and innovative and gender - equal europe , at the front edge of global competition , thereby optimising national strengths and potential across europe in a well - performing european research area , where knowledge and a highly skilled workforce circulate freely , where the outcomes of r&i are understood and trusted by informed citizens and benefit society as a whole , and where eu policy , notably r&i policy , is based on high quality scientific evidence . ### through the following activities , this part will , in line with article 4 , optimise the programme ' s delivery for increased impact within a strengthened european research area . it will also support the programme ' s other specific objectives as described in article 3 . while underpinning the entire programme , this part will support activities that engage civil society and contribute to a more knowledge - based and innovative and gender - equal europe , at the front edge of global competition , thereby optimising national strengths and potential across europe in a well - performing european research area , where knowledge and a highly skilled workforce circulate freely , and where citizens and civil society are engaged in setting the research and innovation agenda so that the programme delivers benefit to society as a whole and the outcomes of r&i are understood and trusted by informed citizens , and where eu policy , notably r&i policy , is based on high quality scientific evidence .


### transparency and openness of the european partnership as regards the identification of priorities and objectives , and the involvement of partners and stakeholders from different sectors , including international ones when relevant ; ### transparency and openness of the european partnership as regards the identification of priorities and objectives , and the involvement of partners and stakeholders from different sectors , including civil society and international ones when relevant ;


### –identification of measurable expected outcomes , deliverables and impacts within specific timeframes , including key economic value for europe ; ### –identification of measurable expected outcomes , deliverables and impacts within specific timeframes , including key societal impact and economic value for europe ;


### requirement to use take - back schemes for veterinary medicinal products for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal products or waste materials derived from the use of such products and , if appropriate , additional precautions as regarding hazardous waste disposal of unused veterinary medicinal products or waste materials derived from the use of such products ; ### requirement to use take - back schemes for veterinary medicinal products for the disposal of veterinary medicinal products in accordance with the law in force ;


### centralised marketing authorisations shall be granted by the commission in accordance with this section . they shall be valid throughout the union . ### centralised marketing authorisations shall be granted by the commission in accordance with this section . they shall be valid throughout the union and considered the priority procedure .


### within 90 days of receipt of a valid application , the reference member state shall prepare an updated assessment report for the veterinary medicinal product . the updated assessment report together with the approved summary of the product characteristics and the text to appear in the labelling and package leaflet shall be forwarded to all member states and the applicant , together with the list of member states where the applicant seeks to obtain recognition of the marketing authorisation . ### within 45 days of receipt of a valid application , the reference member state shall prepare an updated assessment report for the veterinary medicinal product . the updated assessment report together with the approved summary of the product characteristics and the text to appear in the labelling and package leaflet shall be forwarded to all member states and the applicant , together with the list of member states where the applicant seeks to obtain recognition of the marketing authorisation .


### the shortest withdrawal period of those stated in the summaries of the product characteristics . ### the withdrawal period deemed appropriate in the light of the most recent scientific studies , out of those stated in the summaries of the product characteristics .


### a competent authority may delegate any of the tasks entrusted to it as referred to in article 79 to a competent authority in another member state subject to the written agreement of the latter . ### a competent authority may delegate any of the tasks entrusted to it as referred to in article 79 to a competent public authority in another member state subject to the written agreement of the latter .


### by way of derogation from article 111 , where there is no authorised veterinary medicinal product in a member state for a condition affecting a non - food producing animal , the veterinarian responsible may , under his / her direct personal responsibility and in particular to avoid causing unacceptable suffering , exceptionally treat the animal concerned with the following : ### by way of derogation from article 111 , the veterinarian responsible , or the equivalent professional as defined in the laws of member states , may , under his / her direct personal responsibility and in particular to avoid causing unacceptable suffering , exceptionally treat the animal concerned with the following :


### systems to replace the driver ' s control of the vehicle , including steering , accelerating and braking ; ### systems to replace the driver ' s control of the vehicle , including steering , accelerating and braking , all of which must be independently tested and proven ;


### tyres are characterised by a number of interrelated parameters that are interrelated . improving one parameter such as rolling resistance may have an adverse impact on others such as wet grip , while improving wet grip may have an adverse impact on external rolling noise . tyre manufacturers should be encouraged to optimise all parameters beyond the standards already achieved . ### tyres are characterised by a number of parameters that are interrelated . improving one parameter such as rolling resistance may have an adverse impact on others such as wet grip , while improving wet grip may have an adverse impact on external rolling noise . tyre manufacturers should be encouraged to optimise all parameters beyond the standards already achieved .


### public - public partnerships should aim to develop closer synergies , increase coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication with union , international , national and regional research programmes , and should fully respect the horizon 2020 general principles , in particular those relating to openness and transparency . ### public - public partnerships must aim to develop closer synergies , increase coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication and fragmentation with union , international , national and regional research programmes , and should fully respect the horizon 2020 general principles , in particular those relating to openness and transparency . a good , timely dissemination of comprehensive information together with the transparency of results and of the financial management are crucial for the success of prima .


### for ensuring participation of the third countries not associated to horizon 2020 in prima , namely egypt , lebanon and morocco , international agreements between the union and these third countries should be required in order to extend to them the legal regime established by this decision . ### for ensuring participation of the third countries not associated to horizon 2020 in prima , namely egypt , jordan , lebanon and morocco , science and technology international agreements between the union and these third countries should be required in order to extend to them the legal regime established by this decision .


### in order to achieve the objectives of prima , participation of any other third country not associated to horizon 2020 , in particular southern mediterranean countries , should be possible if it commits to contribute to the financing of prima and if the prima - is approves its participation . its participation should also be provided for by the relevant international agreement between such third country and the union . ### in order to achieve the objectives of prima , participation of any other third country not associated to horizon 2020 , in particular southern mediterranean countries , should be possible if it commits to contribute to the financing of prima and if the prima - is approves its participation . its participation should also be provided for by the relevant science and technology international agreement between such third country and the union .


### calls for proposals managed by the prima - is should also be published on the single portal for participants , as well as through other horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission . ### calls for proposals managed by the prima - is should also be published on the single prima portal for participants , on the participants portal of horizon 2020 , as well as through other horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission .


### participation in indirect actions funded by the prima - is is subject to regulation no 1290 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council7 . however , due to the specific operating needs of prima , it is necessary to provide for derogations in accordance with article 1 of that regulation . __________________ 7 regulation no 1290 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 laying down the rules for participation and dissemination in ' horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation ' and repealing regulation no 1906 / 2006 . ### with a view to the overall aim of horizon 2020 of achieving greater simplification and harmonisation of the european research and innovation funding landscape , public - public partnerships should establish simple governance models and avoid where possible different sets of rules from those of horizon 2020 . therefore participation in indirect actions funded by the prima - is is subject to regulation no 1290 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council . however , due to the specific operating needs of prima , it is necessary to provide limited derogations in accordance with article 1 of that regulation . __________________ 7 regulation no 1290 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 laying down the rules for participation and dissemination in ' horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation ' and repealing regulation no 1906 / 2006 .


### derogations from point of article 9 and from article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 are necessary in order to account for the specificities resulting from the geographical scope of prima , by further adjusting the minimum eligibility conditions for participation in indirect actions . in order to ensure balanced core participation in indirect actions under a north - south configuration , as a derogation from point of article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 , the minimum number of participants should be three legal entities established in three different participating states of which one is established in a member state or in a country associated to horizon 2020 , and one is established in a third country , associated or not to horizon 2020 . derogation from article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 is necessary in order to ensure that the minimum eligibility conditions for participation in indirect actions are not discriminatory for entities established in third countries participating in prima as participating states . in order to ensure that funding conditions are not discriminatory for entities established in third countries participating in prima as participating states , it should be provided for that legal entities established in the participating states are eligible for funding in addition to entities referred to in article 10 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 . derogations from article 12 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 are necessary in order to allow broadening cooperation through joint calls launched by the prima - is with legal entities other than third countries and international organisations . ### derogations from point of article 9 and from article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 are necessary in order to account for the specificities resulting from the geographical scope of prima , by further adjusting the minimum eligibility conditions for participation in indirect actions . in order to ensure balanced core participation in indirect actions for all shores of the mediterranean sea , as a derogation from point of article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 , the minimum number of participants should be three legal entities established in three different participating states of which one is established in a member state or in a country associated to horizon 2020 , and one is established in a third country considered as a participating state . derogation from article 9 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 is necessary in order to ensure that the minimum eligibility conditions for participation in indirect actions are not discriminatory for entities established in third countries participating in prima as participating states . in order to ensure that funding conditions are not discriminatory for entities established in third countries participating in prima as participating states , it should be provided for that legal entities established in the participating states are eligible for funding in addition to entities referred to in article 10 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 . it should be possible to fund , under prima , by way of derogation from article 10 and of regulation no 1290 / 2013 , international organisations and entities established in a non - participating state which are not eligible for funding under prima , provided that the specific conditions set out in this regulation are fulfilled . derogations from article 12 of regulation no 1290 / 2013 are necessary in order to allow broadening cooperation through joint calls launched by the prima - is with legal entities other than third countries and international organisations .


### egypt , lebanon and morocco shall become participating states subject to the conclusion of international agreements with the union setting out the terms and conditions of their participation in prima . ### egypt , jordan , lebanon and morocco shall become participating states subject to the conclusion of science and technology international agreements with the union setting out the terms and conditions of their participation in prima .


### any member state and any country associated to horizon 2020 other than those listed in paragraph 1 may participate in prima provided it fulfils the condition laid down in point of article 4 of this decision . if it fulfils that condition , it shall be regarded as a participating state for the purposes of this decision . ### any member state and any third - country associated to horizon 2020 other than those listed in paragraph 1 may participate in prima provided it fulfils the condition laid down in point of article 4 of this decision and complies in particular with article 11 . if it fulfils that condition , it shall be regarded as a participating state for the purposes of this decision .


### it fulfils the condition laid down in point of article 4 of this decision ; ### it fulfils the condition laid down in point of article 4 of this decision and complies in particular with article 11 ;


### the maximum union ' s financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to prima shall be eur&#160 ; 200&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 to equal the contributions of the participating states . ### the maximum union ' s financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to prima shall be eur&#160 ; 400&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 .


### the maximum union ' s financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to prima shall be eur 200 000 000 to equal the contributions of the participating states . ### the union ' s financial contribution , including efta appropriations , to prima shall be eur 200 000 000 and shall equal the contributions of the participating states .


### the union ' s financial contribution shall be paid from the appropriations in the general budget of the union allocated to the relevant parts of the specific programme implementing horizon 2020 , established by council decision 2013 / 743 / eu8 , and in particular from part ii ' industrial leadership ' and part iii ' societal challenges ' , in accordance with point of article 58 and articles 60 and 61 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . __________________ 8 council decision 2013 / 743 / eu of 3 december 2013 establishing the specific programme implementing horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and repealing decisions 2006 / 971 / ec , 2006 / 972 / ec , 2006 / 973 / ec , 2006 / 974 / ec and 2006 / 975 / ec . ### the union ' s financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1 shall be paid from the appropriations in the general budget of the union allocated to the relevant parts of the specific programme implementing horizon 2020 , established by council decision 2013 / 743 / eu8 , and in particular from part ii ' industrial leadership ' and part iii ' societal challenges ' , in accordance with point of article 58 and articles 60 and 61 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . __________________ 8 council decision 2013 / 743 / eu of 3 december 2013 establishing the specific programme implementing horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation and repealing decisions 2006 / 971 / ec , 2006 / 972 / ec , 2006 / 973 / ec , 2006 / 974 / ec and 2006 / 975 / ec .


### the union ' s financial contribution shall be used by the implementation structure of prima : ### the union ' s financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1 shall be used by the implementation structure of prima :


### to cover the prima - is administrative costs , up to a maximum of 5% of the union ' s financial contribution . ### to cover the prima - is administrative costs , up to a maximum of 6% of the union ' s financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1 .


### the union ' s financial contribution shall be conditional upon the following : ### the union ' s financial contribution referred to in article 3 shall be conditional upon the following :


### the designation by the participating states or organisations designated by the participating states of an entity with legal personality , as referred to in article 58 of regulation no 966 / 2012 , as the prima - is . the prima - is shall be responsible for efficiently implementing prima , for receiving , allocating and monitoring the union’s financial contribution , as well as the participating states ' contribution , where appropriate , and for ensuring that all necessary actions are undertaken to achieve the objectives of prima ; ### the designation by the participating states or organisations designated by the participating states of an entity with legal personality , as referred to in article 58 of regulation no 966 / 2012 , as the prima - is . the prima - is shall be responsible for efficiently implementing prima , for receiving , allocating and monitoring the union’s financial contribution referred to in article 3 , as well as the participating states ' contribution , where appropriate , and for ensuring that all necessary actions are undertaken to achieve the objectives of prima ;


### the demonstration by the prima - is of its capacity to implement prima , including receiving , allocating and monitoring the union’s contribution in the framework of indirect management of the union budget in accordance with articles 58 , 60 and 61 of regulation no 966 / 2012 ; ### the demonstration by the prima - is of its capacity to implement prima , including receiving , allocating and monitoring the union’s financial contribution referred to in article 3 in the framework of indirect management of the union budget in accordance with articles 58 , 60 and 61 of regulation no 966 / 2012 ;


### during the implementation of prima , the union ' s financial contribution shall also be conditional upon the following : ### during the implementation of prima , the union ' s financial contribution referred to in article 3 shall also be conditional upon the following :


### the commission shall assess the fulfilment of commitments undertaken by the participating states , in particular through the first two prima annual work plans . following that assessment the maximum union contribution referred to in article 3 shall be reviewed in accordance with article 9 . ### the commission shall assess the fulfilment of commitments undertaken by the participating states , in particular through the first two prima annual work plans . following that assessment the maximum union financial contribution referred to in article 3 shall be reviewed in accordance with article 9 .