### a reasonable minimum advance notice , understood as the period of time between the moment a worker is informed about a new work assignment and the moment the assignment starts , constitutes another necessary element of predictability of work for employment relationships with work schedule which are variable or mostly determined by the employer . the length of the advance notice period may vary according to the needs of sectors , while ensuring adequate protection of workers . it applies without prejudice to directive 2002 / 15 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . 40 __________________ 40 directive 2002 / 15 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2002 on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities . ### a reasonable minimum advance notice of fifteen days , understood as the period of time between the moment a worker is informed about a new work assignment and the moment the assignment starts , constitutes another necessary element of predictability of work for employment relationships with work schedule which are variable or mostly determined by the employer . the length of the advance notice period may be longer according to the needs of sectors , while ensuring adequate protection of workers . it applies without prejudice to directive 2002 / 15 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . 40 __________________ 40 directive 2002 / 15 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 11 march 2002 on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities .


### social partners may consider that in specific sectors or situations different provisions are more appropriate , for the pursuit of the purpose of this directive , than the minimum standards set in chapter three of this directive . member states should therefore be able to allow social partners to conclude collective agreements modifying the provisions contained in that chapter , as long as the overall level of protection of workers is not lowered . ### social partners may consider that in specific sectors or situations different provisions are more appropriate , for the pursuit of the purpose of this directive , than the minimum standards set in chapter three of this directive . social partners can conclude collective agreements modifying the provisions contained in that chapter , as long as the overall level of protection of workers is not lowered or is improved .


### the consultation on the european pillar of social rights showed the need to strengthen enforcement of union labour law to ensure its effectiveness . as regards directive 91 / 533 / eec , the refit evaluation41 confirmed that strengthened enforcement mechanisms could improve its effectiveness . it showed that redress systems based solely on claims for damages are less effective than systems that also provide for sanctions for employers who fail to issue written statements . it also showed that employees rarely seek redress during the employment relationship , which jeopardises the goal of the provision of the written statement to ensure workers are informed about their essential features of their employment relationship . it is therefore necessary to introduce enforcement provisions which ensure the use either of favourable presumptions where information about the employment relationship is not provided , or of an administrative procedure under which the employer may be required to provide the missing information and subject to sanction if it does not . that redress should be subject to a procedure by which the employer is notified that information is missing and has 15 days in which to supply complete and correct information . __________________ 41 swd205 final , page 26 . ### the consultation on the european pillar of social rights showed the need to strengthen enforcement of union labour law to ensure its effectiveness . as regards directive 91 / 533 / eec , the refit evaluation41 confirmed that strengthened enforcement mechanisms could improve its effectiveness . it showed that redress systems based solely on claims for damages are less effective than systems that also provide for sanctions for employers who fail to issue written statements . it also showed that employees rarely seek redress during the employment relationship , which jeopardises the goal of the provision of the written statement to ensure workers are informed about their essential features of their employment relationship . it is therefore necessary to introduce enforcement provisions which ensure the use of favourable presumptions where information about the employment relationship is not provided , and of an administrative procedure under which the employer may be required to provide the missing information and subject to sanction if it does not . that redress should be subject to a procedure by which the employer is notified that information is missing and has 15 days in which to supply complete and correct information . __________________ 41 swd205 final , page 26 .


### member states shall ensure that employers are required to inform workers of the essential aspects of the employment relationship . ### member states shall ensure that employers are required to inform workers of the essential aspects of the employment relationship and that the workers have the right to demand such information .


### the information referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 may , where appropriate , be given in the form of a reference to the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing those particular points . ### the information referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall be clearly given in the form of a reference to the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing those particular points and made available in a language that the posted workers are able to understand .


### the information referred to in article 3 shall be provided individually to the worker in the form of a document at the latest on the first day of the employment relationship . that document may be provided and transmitted electronically as long as it is easily accessible by the worker and can be stored and printed . ### the information referred to in article 3 shall be provided individually to the worker in the form of a paper document at the latest on the first day of the employment relationship . at the request of the worker that document shall be provided and transmitted electronically with acknowledgments of receipt . this information shall represent a notice of the agreed employment conditions by the employer . the deadline for presenting a written declaration of acceptance of the agreed working conditions shall be at least one week before the start of employment .


### member states shall develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means . ### member states , after consultation with stakeholders and social partners , shall develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means .


### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses . ### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or generally binding collective agreements governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses .


### member states shall ensure that any change in the aspects of the employment relationship referred to in article 3 and to the additional information for workers posted or sent abroad in article 6 shall be provided in the form of a document by the employer to the worker at the earliest opportunity and at the latest on the day it takes effect . ### member states shall ensure that any change in the aspects of the employment relationship referred to in article 3 and to the additional information for workers posted or sent abroad in article 6 shall be handed in the form of a paper document by the employer to the worker at the earliest opportunity and at the latest on the day it takes effect . at the request of the worker , the document must be provided and transmitted electronically with acknowledgement of receipt .


### member states shall ensure that , if the worker sent abroad is a posted worker covered by directive 96 / 71 / ec , he or she shall in addition be notified of : ### member states shall ensure that , if the worker sent abroad is a posted worker covered by directive 96 / 71 / ec , he or she shall in addition be notified as stated in article 4 :


### the employer shall provide a written reply within one month of the request . with respect to natural persons acting as employers and micro , small , or medium enterprises , member states may provide for that deadline to be extended to no more than three months and allow for an oral reply to a subsequent similar request submitted by the same worker if the justification for the reply as regards the situation of the worker remains unchanged . ### the employer shall provide a written reply within one month of the application . with respect to natural persons acting as employers and micro , small , or medium enterprises , member states may provide for that deadline to be extended to no more than one month . in the absence of a reply the application is deemed to have been approved . if the application is rejected , the correctness of the grounds must be amenable to review .


### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . ### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training or education to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training or education shall be provided cost - free to the worker .


### member states shall ensure that , where a worker has not received in due time all or part of the documents referred to in article 4 , article 5 , or article 6 , and the employer has failed to rectify that omission within 15 days of its notification , one of the following systems shall apply : ### member states shall ensure that , where a worker has not received in due time all or part of the documents referred to in article 4 , article 5 , or article 6 the following systems shall apply :


### by [ entry into force date + 8 years ] , the commission shall , in consultation with the member states and social partners at union level and taking into account the impact on small and medium - sized enterprises , review the application of this directive with a view to proposing , where appropriate , the necessary amendments . ### by [ entry into force date + 5 years ] , the commission shall , in consultation with the member states and social partners at union level and taking into account the impact on small and medium - sized enterprises , review the application of this directive with a view to proposing , where appropriate , the necessary amendments .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice . ### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for human and fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal and administrative matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for human and fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice .


### financing should remain one of the important tools for the successful implementation of the ambitious goals set by the treaties . they should be attained inter alia by establishing a flexible and effective justice programme which should facilitate planning and implementation of those goals . ### financing is one of the most important tools for the successful implementation of the ambitious goals set by the treaties . they should be attained inter alia by establishing a flexible and effective justice programme which should facilitate planning and implementation of those goals , taking into account which activities bring the highest union added value , using key performance indicators , whenever possible .


### for the gradual establishment of an area of freedom , security and justice , the union is to adopt measures relating to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and judicial decisions , which is a cornerstone of judicial cooperation within the union since the tampere european council of 15 and 16 october 1999 . mutual recognition requires a high level of mutual trust among member states . measures to approximate the laws of the member states in several areas have been adopted to facilitate mutual recognition and foster mutual trust . a well - functioning area of justice , where obstacles in cross - border judicial proceedings and access to justice in cross - border situations are eliminated , is also key to ensure economic growth . ### for the gradual establishment of an area of freedom , security and justice for all , the union is to adopt measures relating to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and judicial decisions , which is a cornerstone of judicial cooperation within the union since the tampere european council of 15 and 16 october 1999 . mutual recognition requires a high level of mutual trust among member states . measures to approximate the laws of the member states in several areas have been adopted to facilitate mutual recognition and foster mutual trust . a well - functioning area of justice , where obstacles in cross - border judicial proceedings and access to justice in cross - border situations are eliminated , is also key to ensure economic growth and further integration .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil , criminal and administrative matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . harmonised training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust and understanding between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable .


### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , or networks of court coordinators of union law . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , the academy of european law , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union and the european institute of public administration , should continue to play their role in promoting training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation . ### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , or networks of court coordinators of union law . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , and the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union , should continue to play their role in coordinating and promoting quality national training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation . in addition , specialised academic institutions could also contribute to these training programmes and should receive adequate funding for their activities within this respect .


### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases and greater convergence in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec . ### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases and greater convergence , in particular in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec .


### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . ### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate equal and effective access to justice for all , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , including civil society organisations and academia , which contribute to these objectives .


### it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions and activities carried out within the programme , their complementarity to member states’ activities , and their consistency with other union activities . in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , consistency , complementarity and synergies should be sought between funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund – and thus with the rights and values programme - and between the programme and the single market programme , border management and security , in particular the asylum and migration and the internal security funds , strategic infrastructure in particular the digital europe programme , the erasmus + programme , the framework programme for research and innovation , the instrument for pre - accession assistance , and the life regulation13 . __________________ 13 regulation no 1293 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the establishment of a programme for the environment and climate action and repealing regulation no 614 / 2007 text with eea relevance ### it is necessary to ensure the viability , the visibility , the core principle of european added value and the sound financial management in the implementation of all actions and activities carried out within the justice programme , their complementarity to member states’ activities , and their consistency with other union activities . in order to ensure efficient and performance based allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , consistency , complementarity and synergies should be sought between funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund – and thus with the rights and values programme - and between the programme and the single market programme , border management and security , in particular the asylum and migration and the internal security funds , strategic infrastructure in particular the digital europe programme , the erasmus + programme , the framework programme for research and innovation , the instrument for pre - accession assistance , and the life regulation13 . the implementation of the justice programme should , whenever necessary , complement or be co - ordinated with the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in member states . __________________ 13 regulation no 1293 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the establishment of a programme for the environment and climate action and repealing regulation no 614 / 2007 text with eea relevance


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver the desired results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation .


### in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 , council regulation no 2988 / 9516 council regulation no 2185 / 9617 and council regulation 2017 / 193918 the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including the prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative sanctions . in particular , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 the european anti - fraud office may carry out administrative investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the european public prosecutor’s office may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union as provided for in directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council19 in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the union’s financial interests , to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf , the eppo and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . _________________ 15 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 , no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 17 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 18 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . 19 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law . ### in accordance with the financial regulation , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council15 , council regulation no 2988 / 9516 council regulation no 2185 / 9617 and council regulation 2017 / 193918 the financial interests of the union are to be protected through proportionate measures , including complete transparency of the programme financing and selection procedures , prevention , detection , correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud , the recovery of funds lost , wrongly paid or incorrectly used and , where appropriate , the imposition of administrative sanctions . in particular , in accordance with regulation no 883 / 2013 and regulation no 2185 / 96 the european anti - fraud office should carry out administrative investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . in accordance with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the european public prosecutor’s office should investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the union as provided for in directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council19 in accordance with the financial regulation , any person or entity receiving union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the union’s financial interests , to grant the necessary rights and access to the commission , olaf , the eppo and the european court of auditors and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of union funds grant equivalent rights . _________________ 15 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 , no 2988 / 95 of 18 december 1995 on the protection of the european communities financial interests . 17 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities . 18 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . 19 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law .


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . priority regarding the participation in union programmes in the relevant framework should be given to member states . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences .


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 2016 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 2016 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements should include measurable indicators , whenever possible , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground .


### ' judiciary and judicial staff ' means judges , prosecutors and court staff , as well as other justice professionals associated with the judiciary , such as lawyers , notaries , bailiffs or enforcement officers , insolvency practitioners , mediators , court interpreters and translators , court experts , prison staff and probation officers . ### ' judiciary and judicial staff ' means judges , prosecutors and court staff , as well as other justice professionals associated with the judiciary , such as lawyers , notaries , bailiffs or enforcement officers , insolvency practitioners , mediators , court interpreters and translators , court experts , property registry agents , prison staff and probation officers .


### the programme has the following specific objectives , as further detailed in annex i : ### the programme has the following specific objectives :


### to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters , and to promote the rule of law including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems and the enforcement of decision ; ### to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters , to strengthen access to justice to natural and legal persons and to promote the rule of law , the proper application and implementation of human and fundamental rights , including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems and the adequate enforcement of judicial decisions ;


### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings . ### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil , criminal and administrative procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings .


### an action that has received a contribution under the programme may also receive a contribution from any other union programme , including funds under shared management , provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs . [ the cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis ] . ### an action that has received a contribution under the programme may also receive a contribution from any other union programme , including funds under shared management , provided that the contributions are effectively managed in order to avoid any double funding and do not cover the same costs and the objectives of the&#160 ; financed&#160 ; actions are complementary . [ the cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different union programmes may be calculated on a pro - rata basis ] .


### they have been assessed in a call for proposals under the programme ; ### they have been properly assessed in a call for proposals under the programme ;


### the work programme shall be adopted by the commission by means of an implementing act . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 17 . ### the work programme shall be adopted by the commission by means of a delegated act . that delegated act shall be adopted in accordance with article 14 .


### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states . ### the performance reporting system shall ensure that correct data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in an accurate and timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states .


### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely and well documented manner to feed into the decision - making process .


### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences , including the media and the public . ### the recipients of union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the union funding by providing coherent , effective and proportionate targeted information on the european added value of the programme to multiple audiences , including the media and the public .


### developing capacity of key european level networks and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme . ### developing capacity of key european level networks , women´s rights organisation and networks , lgbtiq - rights organisations , and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme .


### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs . to that end , data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators : ### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of adequate indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs and to maximising the effectiveness of justice systems . to that end , data will be collected , with respect for fundamental rights , as regards the following set of key indicators :


### several member states have been undergoing and continue to undergo adjustment processes to correct macroeconomic imbalances accumulated in the past and many are facing the challenge of low potential growth . the union has identified the implementation of structural reforms among its policy priorities to set the recovery on a sustainable path , unlock the growth potential to strengthen the adjustment capacity , and support the process of convergence . ### several member states have been required by the troika of the commission , the european central bank and the international monetary fund to undergo structural adjustment processes in order to reduce their public deficits caused by the financial crisis and public bailouts of financial institutions , with devastating social consequences in those member states .


### support under the programme should be provided by the commission upon request by a member state , in areas such as budget and taxation , public function , institutional and administrative reforms , the justice system , anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , business environment , private sector development , investment , competition , public procurement , privatization processes , access to finance , investment , trade , sustainable development , innovation , education and training , labour policies , public health , asylum , migration policies , agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies . ### support under the programme should be provided by the commission upon request by a member state , in areas such as budget and taxation , public function , institutional and administrative reforms , the justice system , anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering , public investment , development of quality , accessible public services including through renationalisation and remunicipalisation processes , access to finance , public investment , trade , sustainable development , innovation , reception of asylum seekers , agriculture and rural development and financial sector policies . while a member state should request such support , the process of initiating the request should take place in consultation with the social partners , civil society , and local and regional authorities .


### ' beneficiary member state ' means a member state that receives support from the union under this programme ; ### ' beneficiary member state ' means a member state that requests and receives support from the union under this programme ;


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national , regional and local authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ;


### business environment , private sector development , investment , privatization processes , trade and foreign direct investment , competition and public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation ; ### business environment , private sector development , public investment , development of quality , accessible public services including through renationalisation and remunicipalisation processes , trade and foreign direct investment , public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for innovation ;


### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , digital rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry . ### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , digital rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations .


### 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 and in society and to foster better exploitation of the potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development in industry , in cultural , educational , academic / scientific and media institutions and in public administration , 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 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 , artificial intelligence and computer linguistics . the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives :


### education and culture : provide creators and creative industry in europe with access to latest digital technologies from ai to advanced computing . exploit the european cultural heritage as a vector to promote cultural diversity , social cohesion and european citizenship . support the uptake of digital technologies in education . ### education and culture : provide creators and creative industry in europe with access to latest digital technologies from ai to advanced computing . exploit the european cultural heritage as a vector to promote cultural and linguistic diversity , social cohesion and european citizenship . support the uptake of digital technologies and digital communication rules in education .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' , the european education area and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals , the youth guarantee and other relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed .


### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of labour markets and promote access to quality employment , to improve the access to and the quality of education and training as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to reduce poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level . ### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of inclusive and gender - equal labour markets and promote access to quality employment with better pay and open - ended contracts , to improve the access to and the quality of education , training and care , as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to eradicate poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work and reintegration to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal and affordable access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context .


### the esf + should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change , facilitating career transitions , mobility and supporting in particular low - skilled and / or poorly qualified adults , in line with the skills agenda for europe . ### the esf + should promote affordable , flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change , facilitating career transitions , mobility and supporting in particular low - skilled and / or poorly qualified adults , in line with the skills agenda for europe .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to eradicate poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and achieve social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health and education inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of pro - active and reactive policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age or nationality , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , people with disabilities , people experiencing homelessness , third - country nationals , people living in rural areas and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to free or affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . the esf + should also address rural poverty stemming from the specific disadvantages of rural areas , such as an unfavourable demographic situation , a weak labour market , limited access to or lower quality of education and training services , and lack of healthcare and social services .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable - for - all , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility .


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food , shelter and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities with regard inter alia to education , work , employment and universal accessibility . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between genders in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between genders in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . ### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers with high - quality social conditions and on a non - discriminatory basis . the public employment services of member states , the social partners and the commission should work closely together . the european network of employment services , together with social partners , should promote high - quality social conditions and easy access to information for mobile workers . the esf + scope includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling high - quality vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . furthermore , the scope of the esf + covers cross - border partnerships between regional public employment services and social partners and their activities to promote voluntary and fair mobility , as well as transparency and integration of cross - border labour markets through information , advice and placement . in many border regions they play an important role in the development of a genuine european labour market .


### keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages ' . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final ### continued effort is required in order to meet the requirements set out in article 168 tfeu . keeping all people healthy and active in a non - discriminatory way and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . support for , and recognition of , innovation , including social innovation , which has an impact on health , helps in order to take up the challenge of sustainability in the health sector in the context of addressing the challenges of demographic change . moreover , action to reduce inequalities in health is important for the purposes of achieving ' inclusive growth ' . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final


### evidence and the common values and principles in european union health systems as set out in the council conclusions of 2 june 2006 should support the decision - making processes for planning and managing innovative , efficient and resilient health systems , promoting tools for ensuring universal access to quality healthcare , and the voluntary wider scale implementation of best practices . ### evidence and the common values and principles in european union health systems as set out in the council conclusions of 2 june 2006 should support the decision - making processes for planning and managing innovative , efficient and resilient health systems , promoting tools for ensuring universal access to quality person - centred healthcare and related care , and the voluntary wider scale implementation of best practices . this includes health promotion and disease prevention services as part of primary healthcare services .


### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens . ### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention , early diagnosis throughout the lifetime of the people living in the union and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use , smoking and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , environmental health risk factors , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , obesity and unhealthy dietary habits , also related to poverty and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles , greater public awareness of risk factors , well - designed public health interventions for reducing the burden and impact of infections and preventable infectious diseases , including through vaccinations , in the overall health throughout life in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . in this context , special attention should be given to health education as it helps individuals and communities improve their health , increase their knowledge and influence their attitudes . current health challenges can only be effectively addressed through collaboration at union level and continued union action in the field of health . the health strand of the esf + should support implementation of the relevant union legislation , mainstream effective prevention and awareness raising models reaching out to all , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , accessible , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for people living in the union in both urban and rural areas . with a view to fully tapping into the potential of cross - sectorial cooperation and to improving synergies and coherence with other policy fields to achieve the general objectives of the esf + , sport and physical activity should be used as a tool in esf + actions aimed , in particular , at health promotion , and disease prevention .


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### subject to complying with all the relevant rules and regulations , third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences .


### ' social innovations ' mean activities that are social both as to their ends and their means and in particular those which relate to the development and implementation of new ideas that simultaneously meet social needs and create new social relationships or collaborations , thereby benefiting society and boosting its capacity to act ; ### ' social innovations ' mean collective activities that are social both as to their ends and their means and in particular those which relate to the development testing , validation , implementation and scaling of new products , services , models or practices , or a combination of these , that meet social needs and resolve societal challenges , and simultaneously create new social relationships or collaborations between public , third sector organisations like voluntary and community organisations , social enterprises , mutuals and cooperatives , and private organisations , thereby empowering civil society actors and boosting their capacity to act ;


### ' social experimentations ' mean policy interventions that offer an innovative response to social needs , implemented on a small scale and in conditions that enable their impact to be measured , prior to being implemented in other contexts or on a larger scale , if the results prove convincing ; ### ' social experimentations ' mean the testing and comparative evaluation of well - designed innovative responses to social needs , implemented on a small scale and in conditions that enable their impact to be measured , prior to being implemented in other geographical or sectoral contexts or on a larger scale , if the results prove advantages over current practices ;


### ' accompanying measures ' means activities provided in addition to the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance with the aim of addressing social exclusion such as referring to and providing social services or advice on managing a household budget ; ### ' accompanying measures ' means activities provided in addition to the distribution of food and basic material assistance with the aim of addressing social exclusion and eradicating poverty such as providing information on relevant public and support services , household costs , etc . , referring to and providing social services and psychological support ;


### improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including digital skills ; ### improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key abilities and competences including digital skills ; promote e - inclusion and facilitate the transition from education to work ;


### modernising labour market institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs and ensure timely and tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ; ### modernising labour market institutions and services to end discrimination and assess and anticipate skills needs , strengthen cooperation with enterprises and ensure timely , non - discriminatory , inclusive and tailor - made assistance and support to labour market matching , transitions and mobility ;


### improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including digital skills ; ### improving , in a non - discriminatory manner , the accessibility , inclusiveness , quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems , to support acquisition of key competences including social , digital and language skills by all ;


### fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities and active participation , and improving employability ; ### fostering active inclusion with a view to achieving equal opportunities , non - discrimination and active participation , and improving employability ;


### promoting social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion , including the most deprived and children ; ### promoting social integration of people experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion , in particular the most deprived , such as homeless individuals and families , and children ;


### addressing material deprivation through food and / or basic material assistance to the most deprived , including accompanying measures . ### addressing material deprivation through food and basic material assistance to the most deprived , including accompanying measures , with an emphasis on children in vulnerable situations .


### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . ### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure gender equality throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they support specific targeted actions aimed at increasing the long - term participation of women in working life , and being paid a living wage , and at improving their professional development , combating the feminisation of poverty , reducing gender segregation and gender stereotypes in the labour market , education and training , and to promote a work - life balance for all and equal sharing of caring responsibilities between men and women . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , nationality , residence status , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also aim to improve accessibility for people with disabilities , as set out in article 9 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , including access to the labour market .


### the food and / or basic material assistance may be provided directly to the most deprived persons or indirectly through electronic vouchers or cards , provided that they can only be redeemed against food and / or basic material assistance as set out in article 2 . ### the food and / or basic material assistance shall be provided directly to the most deprived persons or indirectly through electronic vouchers or cards , provided that they can only be redeemed against food and / or basic material assistance as set out in article 2 and are not replacing any existing social benefit or affecting the eligibility to receive social benefits in the future .


### the costs of accompanying measures undertaken by or on behalf of beneficiaries and declared by the beneficiaries delivering the food and / or basic material assistance to the most deprived persons at a flat - rate of 5% of the costs referred to in point . ### the costs of accompanying measures undertaken by or on behalf of beneficiaries and declared by the beneficiaries delivering the food and / or basic material assistance to the most deprived persons at a minimum of 5% of the costs referred to in point .


### by 30 june 2025 and 30 june 2028 , managing authorities shall report to the commission the results of a structured survey of the end recipients carried out during the previous year . this survey shall be based on the model which shall be established by the commission by means of an implementing act . ### by 30 june 2025 and 30 june 2028 , managing authorities shall report to the commission the results of a structured survey of the end recipients carried out during the previous year , focusing especially on their living conditions and the nature of their material deprivation . this survey shall be based on the model which shall be established by the commission by means of an implementing act .


### by 30 june 2025 and 30 june 2028 , managing authorities shall report to the commission the results of a structured survey of the end recipients carried out during the previous year . this survey shall be based on the model which shall be established by the commission by means of an implementing act . ### by 30 june 2025 and 30 june 2028 , managing authorities shall report to the commission the results of a structured anonymous survey of the end recipients carried out during the previous year , focusing on their living conditions and the nature of their material deprivation . this survey shall be based on the model which shall be established by the commission by means of an implementing act .


### to support social experimentations in the fields referred to in article 4 and build up the stakeholders ' capacity to implement , transfer or upscale the tested social policy innovations ; ### to support social experimentations in the fields referred to in article 4 and build up the stakeholders ' capacity to prepare and design , implement , transfer or upscale the tested social innovations ;


### to support networking at union level and dialogue with and among relevant stakeholders in the fields referred to in article 4 and contribute to build up the institutional capacity of these stakeholders , including the public employment services , social security institutions , microfinance institutions and institutions providing finance to social enterprises and social economy ; ### to support networking and transnational cooperation at union level and strengthen dialogue with and among relevant stakeholders in the fields referred to in article 4 and contribute to build up the institutional capacity of these stakeholders , including the public employment services , social security institutions , key stakeholders involved in community - led local development strategies , microfinance institutions and institutions providing finance to social enterprises and social economy ;


### to support transnational cooperation to accelerate the transfer of , and to facilitate the scaling of , innovative solutions , in particular for the areas of employment , skills and social inclusion , across europe . ### to identify and validate social innovations , to scale models and approaches across borders which have proven to generate high impact , and to support transnational cooperation and facilitate mutual policy learning between member states to accelerate the transfer of , and to facilitate the scaling of , innovative solutions , in particular for the areas of employment , skills and social inclusion , across europe .


### –participants in employment , including self - employment , six months after leaving* , ### –participants in high quality employment , including self - employment , six months after leaving* ,


### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . in particular , this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for private and family life referred to in article 7 , protection of personal data referred to in article 8 and the rights of the child referred to in article 24 of the charter . ### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . in particular , this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for protection of personal data referred to in article 16 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , the right to private and family life referred to in article 7 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , protection of personal data referred to in article 8 of the charter and the rights of the child referred to in article 24 of the charter . member states shall also respect the council of europe convention for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data in gathering and processing data .


### this regulation establishes a union resettlement framework for the admission of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states with a view to granting them international protection . ### this regulation establishes a union resettlement framework for the selection , admission and transfer of third - country nationals and stateless persons to the territory of the member states with a view to granting them international protection .


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


### –the minor children of couples referred to in the first indent or of third - country nationals or stateless persons to be resettled , on the condition that they are unmarried , regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law ; ### –the children of couples referred to in the first indent or of third - country nationals or stateless persons to be resettled regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined or recognised under national law , as well as the children for whom they hold parental responsibility ;


### 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 .


### directive 98 / 83 / ec set the legal framework to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean . this directive should pursue the same objective . to that end , it is necessary to lay down at union level the minimum requirements with which water intended for that purpose must comply . member states should take the necessary measures to ensure that water intended for human consumption is free from any micro - organisms and parasites and from substances which , in certain cases , constitute a potential danger to human health , and that it meets those minimum requirements . ### directive 98 / 83 / ec set the legal framework to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean . this directive should pursue the same objective , with the added aim that such uncontaminated potable water should be available to all and should not be dependent on affordability . to that end , it is necessary to lay down at union level the minimum requirements with which water intended for that purpose must comply . member states should take the necessary measures to ensure that water intended for human consumption is free from any micro - organisms and parasites and from substances which , in certain cases , constitute a potential danger to human health , and that it meets those minimum requirements .