### the applicant member state may provide personalised services co - financed by the egf to affected workers , who may include : all workers being made redundant in accordance with article 5 , within the period provided for in article 4 , or , workers being made redundant before or after the period provided for in article 4 or , in cases where an application under article 4 derogates from the criteria set out in article 4 , farmers changing or adjusting their previous agricultural activities following the initialling by the union of a trade agreement referred to in the delegated act taken in accordance with article 4 . ### the applicant member state may provide personalised services co - financed by the egf to affected workers , who may include : all workers being made redundant in accordance with article 5 , within the period provided for in article 4 or , workers being made redundant before or after the period provided for in article 4 or , in cases where an application under article 4 derogates from the criteria set out in article 4 .


### taking into account the provisional and preventive character of the measures adopted by the customs authorities in this field and the conflicting interests of the parties affected by the measures , some aspects of the procedures should be adapted to ensure a smooth application of the regulation , whilst respecting the rights of the concerned parties . thus , with respect to the various notifications envisaged by this regulation , the customs authorities should notify the most appropriate person , on the basis of the documents concerning the customs treatment or of the situation in which the goods are placed . the periods laid down in this regulation for the required notifications should be counted from the time those are sent by the customs authorities in order to align all periods of notifications sent to the concerned parties . the period allowing for a right to be heard before an adverse decision is taken should be three working days , given that the holders of decisions granting applications for action have voluntarily requested the customs authorities to take action and that the declarants or holders of the goods must be aware of the particular situation of their goods when placed under customs supervision . in the case of the specific procedure for small consignments , where consumers are likely to be directly concerned and cannot be expected to have the same level of diligence as other economic operators usually involved in the accomplishment of customs formalities , that period should be significantly extended . ### taking into account the provisional and preventive character of the measures adopted by the customs authorities in this field and the conflicting interests of the parties affected by the measures , some aspects of the procedures should be adapted to ensure a smooth application of the regulation , whilst respecting the rights of the concerned parties . thus , with respect to the various notifications envisaged by this regulation , the customs authorities should notify the most appropriate person , on the basis of the documents concerning the customs treatment or of the situation in which the goods are placed . the periods laid down in this regulation for the required notifications should be counted from the time those are sent by the customs authorities in order to align all periods of notifications sent to the concerned parties . the period allowing for a right to be heard before an adverse decision is taken should be three working days , given that the holders of decisions granting applications for action have voluntarily requested the customs authorities to take action and that the declarants or holders of the goods must be aware of the particular situation of their goods when placed under customs supervision . in the case of the specific procedure for small consignments , where consumers are likely to be directly concerned and cannot be expected to have the same level of diligence as other economic operators usually involved in the accomplishment of customs formalities , that period should be significantly extended . when considering the potential workload of the customs enforcement created by this regulation , the customs authorities should give preference to handling large consignments .


### the entry into force of the lisbon treaty strengthened the status of union citizenship and complemented the rights attached to it , including by introducing a new right , the citizens’ initiative , which enables one million citizens , from a significant number of member states , to ask the commission to present a proposal in any of the eu’s areas of responsibility . ### the entry into force of the lisbon treaty strengthened the status of union citizenship and complemented the rights attached to it , including by introducing a new right , the citizens’ initiative , which enables at least one million citizens , from at least a quarter of the member states , to ask the commission to present a proposal in any of the eu’s areas of responsibility .


### the rights inherent to citizenship of the union are incorporated in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . according to the charter’s preamble , the union ‘ places the individual at the heart of its activities , by establishing a citizenship of the union and by creating an area of freedom , security and justice’ . chapter v of the charter sets down ' citizens’ rights ' , including , in its article 45 , the right of every citizen of the union to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states . ### the rights inherent to citizenship of the union are incorporated in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . according to the charter’s preamble , the union ‘ places the individual at the heart of its activities , by establishing a citizenship of the union and by creating an area of freedom , security and justice’ . chapter v of the charter sets down ‘ citizens’ rights’ , including , in its article 45 , the right of every citizen of the union to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states , and this right must be guaranteed , in accordance with the treaties , to nationals of non - eu countries legally resident in the territory of a member state .


### in particular , free movement and workers’ mobility help addressing the consequences of demographic change on the labour market , while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of european industries . at the same time , free movement either enables , as an essential condition , or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights available to them under union law , such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services or their rights as passengers and tourists . facilitating free movement has therefore the potential to enhance citizens’ possibilities to fully benefit from the single market , whilst being a key driver for growth . ### in particular , free movement and workers’ mobility help address the consequences of demographic change on the labour market , while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of european industries . at the same time , free movement either enables , as an essential condition , or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights available to them under union law , such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services , or their right as workers to join a trade union , or their rights as passengers and tourists . facilitating free movement has therefore the potential to enhance citizens’ possibilities to fully benefit from the single market , whilst being a key driver for growth , although occupational mobility must go hand in hand with the safeguarding of workers’ social security and trade union rights , and must not be regarded by employers as an opportunity for wage and social dumping , cutting wages and welfare cover or downgrading working conditions .


### enhanced citizens’ awareness of the benefits of these rights for them individually and for society can also contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and adherence to the union . ### enhanced citizens’ awareness of the benefits of these rights for them individually and for society can also contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and adherence to the union . the commission ought also to ensure that local , regional and national authority representatives , civil society and the media are more closely involved in helping citizens improve their understanding of the impact that european policies have on national and local policies .


### a european year of citizens in 2013 will provide a very timely opportunity to raise the awareness of the general public about the rights attached to union citizenship and thus to contribute to the objective of facilitating the exercise of the right to free movement . ### a european year of citizens in 2013 will provide a very timely opportunity to raise the awareness of the general public about the rights attached to union citizenship , to identify and remove obstacles to the full enjoyment of those rights , and thus to contribute to the objective of facilitating the exercise of the right to free movement .


### – to stimulate a debate about the impact and potential of the right to free movement , as an inalienable aspect of union citizenship , in particular in terms of strengthening societal cohesion and mutual understanding between union citizens and the bond between citizens and the union . ### – to stimulate a debate about the impact and potential of the right to free movement , as an inalienable aspect of union citizenship , without discrimination on the grounds of nationality or ethnic origin , in particular in terms of strengthening societal cohesion and mutual understanding between union citizens and the bond between citizens and the union .


### the commission shall convene meetings of representatives of european organisations or bodies active in the field of defending citizens’ rights and stakeholders to assist the commission in implementing the european year at union level . ### the commission shall convene meetings of representatives of european civil society organisations or bodies active in the field of defending citizens’ rights and stakeholders to assist the commission in implementing the european year at union level .


### in order to pursue the objectives of this regulation and contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market , ensuring consumer confidence in it , non - compliances with union food chain legislation requiring enforcement action in more than one member state should be pursued efficiently and consistently . the rapid alert system for food and feed established by article 50 of regulation no 178 / 2002 already enables competent authorities to rapidly exchange and disseminate information on serious direct or indirect risks to human health in relation to food or feed , or serious risks to human or animal health or to the environment in relation to feed , for the purpose of enabling rapid measures to be taken to counter those risks . however , that instrument , while allowing for timely action across all member states concerned to counter certain serious risks along the food chain , cannot serve the purpose of enabling effective cross border assistance and cooperation between competent authorities to ensure that non - compliances with union agri - food chain legislation which have a cross - border dimension are effectively pursued not only in the member state where the non - compliance is first detected but also in the member state where the non - compliance originated . in particular , administrative assistance and cooperation should enable competent authorities to share information , detect , investigate and take effective and proportionate action to pursue cross - border violations of agri - food chain rules . ### in order to pursue the objectives of this regulation and contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market , ensuring consumer confidence in it , non - compliances with union food chain legislation requiring enforcement action in more than one member state should be pursued efficiently and consistently . the rapid alert system for food and feed established by article 50 of regulation no 178 / 2002 already enables competent authorities to rapidly exchange and disseminate information on serious direct or indirect risks to human health in relation to food or feed , or serious risks to human or animal health or to the environment in relation to feed , or in the case of food fraud , for the purpose of enabling rapid measures to be taken to counter those risks . however , that instrument , while allowing for timely action across all member states concerned to counter certain serious risks along the food chain , cannot serve the purpose of enabling effective cross border assistance and cooperation between competent authorities to ensure that non - compliances with union agri - food chain legislation which have a cross - border dimension are effectively pursued not only in the member state where the non - compliance is first detected but also in the member state where the non - compliance originated . in particular , administrative assistance and cooperation should enable competent authorities to share information , detect , investigate and take effective and proportionate action to pursue cross - border violations of agri - food chain rules .


### it is important for the performance of effective official controls and other official activities that the competent authorities in the member states , the commission and , where relevant , operators be able to exchange data and information related to official controls or results therefrom rapidly and efficiently . several information systems are established by union legislation and managed by the commission to allow such data and information to be handled and managed through union wide computerised and internet - based tools . a system dedicated to recording and tracing official control results is the trade control and expert system , established by commission decision 2003 / 24 / ec of 30 december 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system and currently used for the management of data and information on animals and products of animal origin and official controls thereon21 . that system should be upgraded so as to allow its use for all goods for which union agri - food chain legislation establishes specific requirements or official control modalities . dedicated computerised systems also exist for the rapid exchange of information between member states and with the commission on risks which might arise in the food chain or for animal and plant health . article 50 of regulation no 178 / 2002 establishes the rasff , article 20 of regulation xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number , date , title and , in a footnote , the oj reference for the regulation on animal health ] a system for the notification and reporting on the measures on listed diseases , and article 97 of regulation xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number , date , title and , in a footnote , the oj reference for the regulation on protective measures against pests of plants ] a system for the notification and reporting of the presence of pests and the notification of non - compliances . all such systems should work in a harmonious , consistent manner that makes use of synergies between the different systems , avoids duplications , simplifies their operation and makes them more efficient . __________________ 21 oj l 8 , 14 . 1 . 2003 , p . 44 . ### it is important for the performance of effective official controls and other official activities that the competent authorities in the member states , the commission and , where relevant , operators be able to exchange data and information related to official controls or results therefrom rapidly and efficiently . several information systems are established by union legislation and managed by the commission to allow such data and information to be handled and managed through union wide computerised and internet - based tools . a system dedicated to recording and tracing official control results is the trade control and expert system , established by commission decision 2003 / 24 / ec of 30 december 2002 concerning the development of an integrated computerised veterinary system and currently used for the management of data and information on animals and products of animal origin and official controls thereon21 . that system should be upgraded and adapted so as to allow its use for all goods for which union agri - food chain legislation establishes specific requirements or official control modalities . dedicated computerised systems also exist for the rapid exchange of information between member states and with the commission on risks which might arise in the food chain or for animal and plant health . article 50 of regulation no 178 / 2002 establishes the rasff , article 20 of regulation xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number , date , title and , in a footnote , the oj reference for the regulation on animal health ] a system for the notification and reporting on the measures on listed diseases and on food fraud , and article 97 of regulation xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number , date , title and , in a footnote , the oj reference for the regulation on protective measures against pests of plants ] a system for the notification and reporting of the presence of pests and the notification of non - compliances . all such systems should work in a harmonious , consistent manner that makes use of synergies between the different systems , avoids duplications , simplifies their operation and makes them more efficient . __________________ 21 oj l 8 , 14 . 1 . 2003 , p . 44 .


### governing feed and feed safety , at all stages of production , processing and distribution of feed and the use of feed , including rules aimed at guaranteeing fair practices in trade and protecting consumer interests and information ; ### governing feed and feed safety , at all stages of production , processing and distribution of feed and the use of feed , including rules aimed at guaranteeing fair practices in trade and protecting consumer health , interests and information ;


### the criteria and the procedures for determining and modifying the frequency rates of physical checks to be performed on consignments of the categories of animals and goods referred to in points , and of article 45 and to adjust them to the level of risk associated with those categories , having regard to : ### the criteria and the procedures for determining and modifying the minimum frequency rates of physical checks to be performed on consignments of the categories of animals and goods referred to in points , and of article 45 and to adjust them to the level of risk associated with those categories , having regard to :


### the procedures for ensuring that the frequency rates of physical checks established in accordance with point are applied in a timely and uniform manner . ### the procedures for ensuring that the minimum frequency rates of physical checks established in accordance with point are applied in a timely and uniform manner .


### the frequency of physical checks for the categories of goods referred to in point of article 45 ; ### the minimum frequency of physical checks for the categories of goods referred to in point of article 45 ;


### the frequency of physical checks for the categories of animals and goods referred to in points and of article 45 as long as this is not already provided for in the acts referred to therein . ### the minimum frequency of physical checks for the categories of animals and goods referred to in points and of article 45 as long as this is not already provided for in the acts referred to therein .


### be drawn up in one of the official languages of the institutions of the union ; ### be drawn up in one of the official languages of the institutions of the union ; or in any of the official languages of a member state


### the delegation of power referred to in articles 4 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 49 , 51 , 52 and , 56 , 60 , 62 , 69 , 75 and , 97 , 98 , 99 , 101 , 106 , 110 , 111 , 114 and 125 , the third subparagraph of article 132 , articles 133 , 138 and , 143 , 144 , 151 , 153 and 159 shall be conferred for an indeterminate period of time from the date of entry into force of this regulation . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 4 , 15 point a , c and d , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 point b , c and d , 20 point b , c and d , 21 point b , c and d , 22 point b , c and d , 23 , 24 point b , c and d , 25 , 26 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 49 , 51 , 52 and , 56 , 62 , 69 , 75 and , 97 , 98 , 99 , 101 , 106 , 110 , 111 , 114 and 125 , the third subparagraph of article 132 , articles 133 , 138 and , 143 , 144 , 151 , 153 and 159 shall be conferred for an indeterminate period of time from the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### the mandate of the agency should therefore be revised in order to strengthen in particular the operational capabilities of the agency while ensuring that all measures taken are proportionate to the objectives pursued and fully respect fundamental rights and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers , including in particular the prohibition of refoulement . ### the mandate of the agency should therefore be revised in order to strengthen in particular the operational capabilities of the agency while ensuring that all measures taken are proportionate to the objectives pursued and fully respect fundamental rights and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers , including in particular the prohibition of refoulement and collective expulsions .


### the agency should provide training , including on fundamental rights , at european level for national instructors of border guards and additional training and seminars related to control and surveillance at the external borders and removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states for officers of the competent national services . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency ' s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards . ### the agency , together with the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the european asylum support office , the international organization for migration and other relevant european and international organisations , should provide training , including on fundamental rights , at european level for national instructors of border guards . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency ' s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards .


### the agency shall establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to fundamental rights and access to international protection . ### the agency shall , in cooperation with competent bodies as provided for in article 13 , establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to fundamental rights and access to international protection .


### having regard to the treaty establishing the european community , and in particular article 95 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 114 and 168 thereof ,


### the operation of sst services should be based on a partnership between the union and the member states and use existing as well as future national expertise and assets , such as mathematical analysis and modelling know - how , ground - based radars or telescopes made available by participating member states . the member states retain ownership and control over their assets and remain responsible for their operations , maintenance and renewal . ### the operation of sst services should be based on a partnership between the union and the member states and use existing as well as future national expertise and assets , such as mathematical analysis and modelling know - how , ground - based radars or telescopes made available by participating member states and esa . the member states and esa retain ownership and control over their assets and remain responsible for their operations , maintenance and renewal .


### the proper functioning of the internal energy market requires that the energy imported into the union from third countries , is fully governed by the rules establishing an internal energy market . an internal energy market that is not functioning properly puts the eu in a vulnerable position with regard to security of energy supply . a high degree of transparency with regard to agreements between member states and third countries in the field of energy would allow the union to take coordinated action , in a spirit of solidarity , in order to ensure that such agreements are in accordance with union legislation and effectively secure the supply of energy . ### safeguarding consumer protection requires that the procedures of energy imported into the union from third countries be transparent and take into account the economic interest of consumers . an internal energy market that is not functioning properly puts the eu in a vulnerable position with regard to security of energy supply . a high degree of transparency with regard to agreements between member states and third countries in the field of energy would allow the union to take coordinated action , in a spirit of solidarity , in order to ensure that such agreements are in accordance with union legislation and effectively secure the supply of energy . however , it is critically important that member states should retain responsibility for the content of the intergovernmental agreements .


### member states should already notify the intention to open negotiations to the commission with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . it should have the right to participate as an observer in the negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries . ### member states should notify the intention to open negotiations to the commission with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements within a reasonable period of time . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries . however it is important not to jeopardise the ability of member states to negotiate the content of the agreements .


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 207 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 207 and article 349 ,


### safeguard measures should be considered only if the product in question is imported into the union in such increased quantities , in absolute terms or relative to union production , and under such conditions as to cause , or threaten to cause , serious injury to union producers of like or directly competitive products as laid down in article 104 of the agreement . ### safeguard measures should be considered only if the product in question is imported into the union in such increased quantities , in absolute terms or relative to union production , and under such conditions as to cause , or threaten to cause , serious injury to union producers of like or directly competitive products as laid down in article 104 of the agreement . pursuant to article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and with regard to the products and economic sectors of the outermost regions , safeguard measures should be introduced as soon as imports into the union of the product in question cause or threaten to cause injury to producers of like or directly competitive products in the outermost regions of the union .


### safeguard measures should take one of the forms referred to in article 104 of the agreement . ### safeguard measures should take one of the forms referred to in article 104 of the agreement . specific safeguard measures should be provided for when there is a threat to the products or economic sectors of the outermost regions , pursuant to article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union .


### safeguard measures should be applied only to the extent , and for such time , as may be necessary to prevent serious injury and to facilitate adjustment . the maximum duration of safeguard measures should be determined and specific provisions regarding extension and review of such measures should be laid down , as referred to in article 105 of the agreement . ### safeguard measures should be applied only to the extent , and for such time , as may be necessary to prevent serious injury and to facilitate adjustment . the maximum duration of safeguard measures should be determined and specific provisions regarding extension and review of such measures should be laid down , as referred to in article 105 of the agreement . specific provisions should apply in regard to safeguard measures triggered to protect produce and economic sectors in the outermost regions , in accordance with article 349 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union .


### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports from central american country for products mentioned in paragraph 1 as indicated in the table in the annex to this regulation . the importation of the products mentioned in paragraph 1 at the preferential customs duty rate shall , in addition to the proof of origin established under annex iii of the agreement with central america , be subject to the presentation of an export certificate issued by the competent authority of the republic of the central american country from which the products are exported . once the trigger volume is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission may , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 , temporarily suspend the preferential customs duty during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three months , and not going beyond the end of the calendar year . ### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports from central american country for products mentioned in paragraph 1 as indicated in the table in the annex to this regulation . the importation of the products mentioned in paragraph 1 at the preferential customs duty rate shall , in addition to the proof of origin established under annex iii of the agreement with central america , be subject to the presentation of an export certificate issued by the competent authority of the republic of the central american country from which the products are exported . once the trigger volume is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission shall suspend immediately the preferential customs duty applied to products with the corresponding origin during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three consecutive months and not going beyond the end of the calendar year .


### network and information systems and services play a vital role in the society . their reliability and security are essential to economic activities and social welfare , and in particular to the functioning of the internal market . ### network and information systems and services play a vital role in the society . their reliability and security are essential to economic activities , social welfare and communications and exchanges between people , civil - society organisations and undertakings , as well as protection of , and respect for , private life and personal data .


### the magnitude and frequency of deliberate or accidental security incidents is increasing and represents a major threat to the functioning of networks and information systems . such incidents can impede the pursuit of economic activities , generate substantial financial losses , undermine user confidence and cause major damage to the economy of the union . ### the magnitude and frequency of deliberate or accidental security incidents , whoever may be responsible for them , is increasing and represents a major threat to the functioning of networks and information systems . such incidents can impede the pursuit of economic activities , generate substantial financial losses , undermine user confidence and cause major damage to the economy of the union . they particularly harm members of the public and damage their confidence in it systems when their personal data are processed on a massive scale and are subjected to surveillance without any appropriate control .


### as a communication instrument without frontiers , digital information systems , and primarily the internet play an essential role in facilitating the cross - border movement of goods , services and people . due to that transnational nature , substantial disruption of those systems in one member state can also affect other member states and the union as a whole . the resilience and stability of network and information systems is therefore essential to the smooth functioning of the internal market . ### as a communication instrument without frontiers , digital information systems , and primarily the internet play an essential role in facilitating the cross - border movement of goods , services and people . due to that transnational nature , substantial disruption of those systems in one member state can also affect other member states and the union as a whole . the resilience and stability of network and information systems is therefore essential to the smooth functioning of the internal market and to communications and exchanges between people , civil - society organisations and undertakings .


### the provisions of this directive should be without prejudice to the possibility for each member state to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of its essential security interests , to safeguard public policy and public security , and to permit the investigation , detection and prosecution of criminal offences . in accordance with article 346 tfeu , no member state is to be obliged to supply information the disclosure of which it considers contrary to the essential interests of its security . ### the provisions of this directive should be without prejudice to the possibility for each member state to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of its essential security interests , to safeguard public policy and public security , and to permit the investigation , detection and prosecution of criminal offences , with the proviso that they should not take this as a pretext for failing to comply with their more general obligations with regard to respect for the protection of private life and personal data . in accordance with article 346 tfeu , no member state is to be obliged to supply information the disclosure of which it considers contrary to the essential interests of its security .


### to achieve and maintain a common high level of security of network and information systems , each member state should have a national nis strategy defining the strategic objectives and concrete policy actions to be implemented . nis cooperation plans complying with essential requirements need to be developed at national level in order to reach capacity response levels allowing for effective and efficient cooperation at national and union level in case of incidents . ### to achieve and maintain a common high level of security of network and information systems , each member state should have a national nis strategy defining the strategic objectives and concrete policy actions to be implemented . nis cooperation plans complying with essential requirements need to be developed at national level in order to reach capacity response levels allowing for effective and efficient cooperation at national and union level in case of incidents , respecting and protecting private life and personal data .


### as most network and information systems are privately operated , cooperation between the public and private sector is essential . market operators should be encouraged to pursue their own informal cooperation mechanisms to ensure nis . they should also cooperate with the public sector and share information and best practices in exchange of operational support in case of incidents . ### as most network and information systems are operated by private undertakings , cooperation between the public and private sector is essential . undertakings should be encouraged to pursue their own informal cooperation mechanisms to ensure nis . they should also cooperate with the public sector and share information and best practices in exchange of operational support in case of incidents .


### to ensure transparency and properly inform eu citizens and market operators , the competent authorities should set up a common website to publish non confidential information on the incidents and risks . ### to ensure transparency and properly inform eu citizens and undertakings , the competent authorities should set up a common website to publish non confidential information on the incidents and risks and on simple measures to protect information systems .


### given the global nature of nis problems , there is a need for closer international cooperation to improve security standards and information exchange , and promote a common global approach to nis issues . ### given the global nature of nis problems , there is a need for closer international cooperation to improve security standards and information exchange , and promote a common global approach to nis issues , with the proviso that the states with which this cooperation is planned have data control and protection instruments which ensure the same level of security as those of the eu .


### responsibilities in ensuring nis lie to a great extent on public administrations and market operators . a culture of risk management , involving risk assessment and the implementation of security measures appropriate to the risks faced should be promoted and developed through appropriate regulatory requirements and voluntary industry practices . establishing a level playing field is also essential to the effective functioning of the cooperation network to ensure effective cooperation from all member states . ### responsibilities in ensuring nis lie to a great extent on public administrations and undertakings . a culture of risk management , involving risk assessment and the implementation of security measures which seek to anticipate security incidents , whether deliberate or accidental , should be promoted and developed through appropriate regulatory requirements and industry practices . establishing a level playing field is also essential to the effective functioning of the cooperation network to ensure effective cooperation from all member states .


### competent authorities should pay due attention to preserving informal and trusted channels of information - sharing between market operators and between the public and the private sectors . publicity of incidents reported to the competent authorities should duly balance the interest of the public in being informed about threats with possible reputational and commercial damages for the public administrations and market operators reporting incidents . in the implementation of the notification obligations , competent authorities should pay particular attention to the need to maintain information about product vulnerabilities strictly confidential prior to the release of appropriate security fixes . ### competent authorities should pay due attention to preserving informal and trusted channels of information - sharing between undertakings and the public sector . in the implementation of the notification obligations , competent authorities should pay particular attention to the need to maintain information about product vulnerabilities strictly confidential prior to the release of appropriate security fixes .


### the commission should periodically review this directive , in particular with a view to determining the need for modification in the light of changing technological or market conditions . ### the commission should periodically review this directive , in particular with a view to determining the need for modification in the light of changing technological or market conditions and of obligations geared to the highest level of security and integrity of networks and information and protection of private life and personal data .


### the sharing of information on risks and incidents within the cooperation network and compliance with the requirements to notify incidents to the national competent authorities may require the processing of personal data . such a processing of personal data is necessary to meet the objectives of public interest pursued by this directive and is thus legitimate under article 7 of directive 95 / 46 / ec . it does not constitute , in relation to these legitimate aims , a disproportionate and intolerable interference impairing the very substance of the right to the protection of personal data guaranteed by article 8 of the charter of fundamental rights . in the application of this directive , regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents31 should apply as appropriate . when data are processed by union institutions and bodies , such processing for the purpose of implementing this directive should comply with regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data . __________________ 31 oj l 145 , 31 . 05 . 01 , p . 43 . ### the sharing of information on risks and incidents within the cooperation network and compliance with the requirements to notify incidents to the national competent authorities may require the processing of personal data . where such a processing of personal data is necessary to meet the objectives of public interest pursued by this directive , it may be legitimate under article 7 of directive 95 / 46 / ec . it does not , however , relieve the competent authorities of the obligation to act proportionately , in a way which is likely not to impair the right to the protection of personal data guaranteed by article 8 of the charter of fundamental rights . in the application of this directive , regulation no 1049 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents should apply as appropriate31 . when data are processed by union institutions and bodies , such processing for the purpose of implementing this directive should comply with regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data . __________________ 31 oj l 145 , 31 . 05 . 01 , p . 43 .


### this directive shall also be without prejudice to directive 95 / 46 / ce of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data33 , and to directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and to the regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data34 . __________________ 33 oj l 281 , 23 . 11 . 95 , p . 31 . 34 sec 72 final . ### this directive fully respects directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and to directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and to the regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . __________________ 33 oj l 281 , 23 . 11 . 95 , p . 31 . 34 sec 72 final .


### ' security ' means the ability of a network and information system to resist , at a given level of confidence , accident or malicious action that compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted data or the related services offered by or accessible via that network and information system ; ### ' security ' means the ability of a network and information system to resist accident or malicious action that compromise the availability , authenticity , integrity and confidentiality of stored or transmitted data or the related services offered by or accessible via that network and information system ;


### the competent authorities shall consult and cooperate , whenever appropriate , with the relevant law enforcement national authorities and data protection authorities . ### the competent authorities shall consult with the relevant law enforcement national authorities and data protection authorities in cases where this appears necessary , taking account of the principle of proportionality , and shall cooperate with them whenever appropriate .


### without prejudice to the possibility for the cooperation network to have informal international cooperation , the union may conclude international agreements with third countries or international organisations allowing and organizing their participation in some activities of the cooperation network . such agreement shall take into account the need to ensure adequate protection of the personal data circulating on the cooperation network . ### without prejudice to the possibility for the cooperation network to have informal international cooperation , the union may conclude international agreements with third countries or international organisations allowing and organizing their participation in some activities of the cooperation network . such agreement may be concluded only with member states which protect the data of their citizens to a level comparable to that of the union and which enables european citizens to defend their rights within their territory . otherwise they may only engage in informal cooperation .


### member states shall ensure that public administrations and market operators take appropriate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of the networks and information systems which they control and use in their operations . having regard to the state of the art , these measures shall guarantee a level of security appropriate to the risk presented . in particular , measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of incidents affecting their network and information system on the core services they provide and thus ensure the continuity of the services underpinned by those networks and information systems . ### member states shall ensure that public administrations and undertakings take appropriate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of the networks and information systems which they control and use in their operations . having regard to the state of the art , these measures shall guarantee a level of security appropriate to the risk presented . in particular , measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of incidents affecting their network and information system on the core services they provide and thus ensure the continuity of the services underpinned by those networks and information systems .


### member states shall ensure that the competent authorities have all the powers necessary to investigate cases of non - compliance of public administrations or market operators with their obligations under article 14 and the effects thereof on the security of networks and information systems . ### member states shall ensure that the competent authorities have all the powers necessary to investigate cases of non - compliance of public administrations or undertakings with their obligations under article 14 and the effects thereof on the security of networks and information systems .


### list of market operators ### list of undertakings to which this directive applies


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the economic , social and territorial cohesion , thus ensuring concentration of erdf support on a number of priorities . the cohesion policy contributes to a great extent to the achievement of the eu 2020 strategy objectives . as article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union points out the aim of the erdf is to help to overcome regional imbalances in the union , taking into account regional and local development needs .


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the prevention and correction of european macroeconomic imbalances


### there is a need to build upon the experience gained during the first decade of functioning of the economic and monetary union . ### there is an urgent need to draw lessons from the first decade after the establishment of the economic and monetary union , and , in particular , from the persistent economic crisis , continuing , intolerably high levels of unemployment and , increasing divergences between member states in the euro zone , and from vulnerability to speculatory attacks of the union .


### to help address such imbalances , a procedure laid down in detail in legislation is necessary . ### to address such imbalances , the disposition to review political and economic priorities and the adaption of european and national monetary , economic and social policies including better coordination between member states is necessary .


### this procedure should rely on an alert mechanism for early detection of emerging macroeconomic imbalances . it should be based on use of an indicative and transparent scoreboard combined with economic judgment . ### this procedure should establish an alert mechanism for early detection of emerging macroeconomic imbalances . it should be based on use of an indicative and transparent scoreboard combined with economic and social judgment .


### the scoreboard should consist of a limited set of economic and financial indicators relevant to detection of macroeconomic imbalances , with corresponding indicative thresholds . the composition of the scoreboard may evolve in time , inter alia due to evolving threats to macroeconomic stability or enhanced availability of relevant statistics . ### if the scoreboard is to function effectively as a basis for better macroeconomic surveillance , it should consist of a limited set of economic , financial and social indicators relevant to detection of macroeconomic imbalances , with corresponding indicative thresholds which should not be seen as economic policy imperatives . the composition of the scoreboard should evolve in time , so as to take account of the evolutionary character of macroeconomic imbalances , notably via the introduction of new indicators or thresholds or the modification of the existing ones .


### the crossing of one or more indicative thresholds need not necessarily imply that macroeconomic imbalances are emerging , as economic policy - making should take into account inter - linkages between macroeconomic variables . economic judgment should ensure that all pieces of information , whether from the scoreboard or not , are put in perspective and become part of a comprehensive analysis . ### the crossing of one or more indicative thresholds need not necessarily imply that macroeconomic imbalances are emerging , as analysis should take into account inter - linkages between macroeconomic variables . the scoreboard should not be used mechanically : the interpretation of imbalances should make use of all pieces of information , whether they are from the scoreboard or not , duly put in perspective and made part of a comprehensive analysis .


### based on the multilateral surveillance procedure and the alert mechanism , the commission should identify the member states to be subject to an in - depth review . the in - depth review should encompass a thorough analysis of sources of imbalances in the member state under review . it should be discussed within the council and the euro group for the member states whose currency is the euro . ### based on the multilateral surveillance procedure and the alert mechanism , the commission should , by means of a preliminary assessment , identify the member states to be subject to an in - depth review . the realisation of this review should not presume the existence of excessive macroeconomic imbalances or that their causes are purely internal to the member states concerned . the in - depth review should encompass a thorough analysis of sources of imbalances and the capacity of the member state under review to deal with them . the preliminary assessment should be considered as a normal procedure at the diagnostic stage .


### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential negative economic and financial spillovers to other member states . the economic adjustment capacity and the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with earlier recommendations issued under this regulation and other recommendations issued under article 121 of the treaty as part of multilateral surveillance , in particular the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union , should also be considered . ### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their causes , of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential economic , financial and social spillovers to other member states . it is necessary to determine whether the imbalances are structural or short - term in nature and whether their causes lie in national , community or external factors . it is also necessary to take account of the interrelations between member states ' political choices and their collateral effects . finally , also to be taken into account are the economic adjustment capacity and the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union and the consequences of those recommendations .


### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential negative economic and financial spillovers to other member states . the economic adjustment capacity and the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with earlier recommendations issued under this regulation and other recommendations issued under article 121 of the treaty as part of multilateral surveillance , in particular the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union , should also be considered . ### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential negative economic and financial spillovers to other member states . the economic adjustment capacity and the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with earlier recommendations issued under this regulation and other recommendations issued under article 121 of the treaty as part of multilateral surveillance , in particular the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union , should also be considered . due attention shall be paid to the symmetry of recommendations , addressing excessive savings in a similarly intense way as situations in which economies are excessively indebting themselves .


### if macroeconomic imbalances are identified , recommendations should be addressed to the member state concerned to provide guidance on appropriate policy responses . the policy response of the member state concerned to imbalances should be timely and should use all available policy instruments under the control of public authorities . it should be tailored to the specific environment and circumstances of the member state concerned and cover the main economic policy areas , potentially including fiscal and wage policies , labour markets , product and services markets and financial sector regulation . ### if macroeconomic imbalances are identified , recommendations should be addressed to the member state concerned , suggesting appropriate policy guidelines . the policy response of the member state concerned to those recommendations should be timely and should involve all the main interested parties at national level , notably the national parliament . in this dialogue , the parties should recognise the specific environment and circumstances of the member state concerned and should aim at the medium - and long - term convergence of its macroeconomic policy , establishing objectives falling under a union strategy for sustainable growth and employment .


### if macroeconomic imbalances are identified , recommendations should be addressed to the member state concerned to provide guidance on appropriate policy responses . the policy response of the member state concerned to imbalances should be timely and should use all available policy instruments under the control of public authorities . it should be tailored to the specific environment and circumstances of the member state concerned and cover the main economic policy areas , potentially including fiscal and wage policies , labour markets , product and services markets and financial sector regulation . ### if macroeconomic imbalances are identified , recommendations should be addressed to the member state concerned to provide guidance on appropriate policy responses . the policy response of the member state concerned to imbalances should be tailored to the specific environment and priorities of the member state concerned and cover the main economic policy areas , potentially including fiscal and wage policies , labour markets , product and services markets and financial sector regulation .


### this regulation sets out detailed rules for the detection , prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances within the union . ### this regulation sets out detailed rules for the definition , detection , prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances between member states and of the union as a whole .


### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means severe imbalances , including imbalances that jeopardise the proper functioning of economic and monetary union . ### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means persistently diverging developments between aggregate demand and aggregate supply leading to a systematic surplus or deficit in the overall savings position of an economy which are adversely affecting or jeopardising the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of the economic and monetary union as a whole .


### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means severe imbalances , including imbalances that jeopardise the proper functioning of economic and monetary union . ### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means severe imbalances , including imbalances that jeopardise the proper functioning of economic , social and monetary union .


### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing an economic and financial assessment putting the movement of the indicators into perspective , drawing if necessary on any other economic and financial indicator relevant to detection of imbalances . the report shall also indicate whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in one or more member states signifies the possible emergence of imbalances . ### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing a macroeconomic assessment and putting the indicators into perspective . the report shall also explore whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in a member state signifies the existence of macroeconomic imbalances in the member state assessed , or whether it may lead or has already lead to imbalances in other member states or in the union as a whole . all the available information shall be taken into account and conclusions shall not be drawn from the scoreboard based on the indicators alone .


### as part of the multilateral surveillance in accordance with article 121 of the treaty , the council shall discuss and adopt conclusions on the commission report . the euro group shall discuss the report as far as it relates , directly or indirectly , to member states whose currency is the euro . ### the competent committee of the european parliament and the social and economic committee shall be consulted . taking both opinions into account , the council shall discuss and adopt conclusions on the commission report . the euro group shall discuss the report as far as it relates , directly or indirectly , to member states whose currency is the euro .


### taking account of the discussions in the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , and of whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances . ### taking account the conclusions given by the council , the opinions given by european parliament and the social and economic committee and discussions within the euro group , the commission shall work out horizontal and vertical in - depth reviews . based on the indicators outlined in this regulation , horizontal reviews shall identify the most important types of imbalances affecting growth , employment and stability in the union . vertical reviews shall focus on member states that the commission considers responsible for macroeconomic imbalances in other member states or in the union as a whole , and on member states affected by , or at risk of , internally harmful macroeconomic imbalances . vertical in - depth review shall build on detailed and first - hand investigations of member - state - specific circumstances . in - depth reviews shall constitute a standard procedure and each time include those member states with the largest share of gdp in the union .


### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that a member state is experiencing imbalances , it shall inform the council accordingly . the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 of the treaty . ### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that growth , employment and stability in one or several member states or in the union as a whole is threatened , it shall inform the european parliament and the council accordingly . if the commission considers that one or several member states are contributing particularly to macroeconomic imbalances or that one or several member states are particularly affected or at risk of being affected by imbalances , it shall , additionally , inform those member states , including national parliaments . the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 of the treaty . due attention shall be paid to the symmetry of recommendations , addressing excessive savings in a similarly intense way as situations in which economies are excessively indebting themselves .


### if , on the basis of the in - depth review referred to in article 5 , the commission considers that the member state concerned is affected by excessive imbalances , it shall inform the council accordingly . ### if , on the basis of the in - depth review referred to in article 5 , the commission considers that the member state reviewed is strongly contributing to excessive imbalances in the union or that it is affected by excessive imbalances , it shall inform the european parliament , the council , the european systemic risk board and national parliaments of the concerned countries accordingly .


### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the member state concerned to take corrective action . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and specify the corrective action to be taken in detail and the deadline within which the member state concerned must take such corrective action . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public . ### the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the responsible member states to take corrective action . those recommendations explain the nature of the imbalances in detail and outline corrective action that shall be taken on european or national level . a deadline within which the member state responsible for excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the union shall take such corrective action or until the commission shall prepare helpful legislative proposals may be set . the council shall make its recommendations public after a social impact assessment undertaken by the dg employment has endorsed the recommendations .


### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall submit a corrective action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in the recommendations in accordance with article 7 . the corrective action plan shall set out the specific and concrete policy actions the member state concerned has implemented or intends to implement and shall include a timetable for implementation thereof . ### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall , after consulting its national parliament , submit an action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in accordance with article 7 . that plan shall set out the specific and concrete policy measures the member state concerned intends to implement and shall include a timetable for implementation thereof .


### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall submit a corrective action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in the recommendations in accordance with article 7 . the corrective action plan shall set out the specific and concrete policy actions the member state concerned has implemented or intends to implement and shall include a timetable for implementation thereof . ### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall submit a corrective action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in the recommendations in accordance with article 7 . the corrective action plan shall set out the concrete policy actions the member state responsible for excessive imbalances in the union intends to implement .


### if economic circumstances change , the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may amend the recommendations adopted under article 7 in accordance with the procedure laid down in the same article . the member state concerned shall submit a revised corrective action plan that shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 8 . ### if changing and , in particular , deteriorating economic circumstances require adequate reactions , the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , shall adopt its recommendations and prevent procyclical policies from aggravating the economic or social situation in the member state concerned , and in accordance with the procedure laid down in the same article . the member state concerned shall submit a revised corrective action plan that shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 8 .


### these recommendations would benefit from being further supported by an enhanced evidence - base , feedback on success of policy implementation and co - operation between the pes of member states . to this end , the pes network to be established under this decision should carry out concrete initiatives such as common evidence - based benchmarking systems , corresponding mutual learning activities , mutual assistance between the network members and the implementation of strategic actions for the modernisation of pes . . the specific knowledge of the network and its individual members should also be used to provide , upon request of the employment , social policy , health and consumer affairs council and the employment committee , evidence for the development of employment policies . ### the pes network to be established under this decision should carry out concrete initiatives such as common evidence - based benchmarking systems , corresponding mutual learning activities , mutual assistance between the network members and the implementation of strategic actions for the modernisation of pes . . the specific knowledge of the network and its individual members should also be used to provide , upon request of the employment , social policy , health and consumer affairs council and the employment committee , evidence for the development of employment policies .


### the pes network should reinforce co - operation between its members , develop joint initiatives aimed at exchanges of information and best practices in all areas covered by pes , comparative analysis and advice as well as promotion of innovative approaches in the delivery of employment services . by establishing this network an inclusive , evidence - based and performance - oriented comparison of all pes leading to the identification of best practices will be possible . with these results members of the network should be able to shape the design and delivery of employment services within their specific responsibilities . the initiatives carried out by the network should improve pes effectiveness and allow for more efficient public spending . ### the pes network should reinforce co - operation between its members , develop joint initiatives aimed at exchanges of information and best practices in all areas covered by pes , comparative analysis and advice as well as promotion of innovative approaches in the delivery of employment services . by establishing this network an inclusive , evidence - based and performance - oriented comparison of all pes leading to the identification of best practices will be possible . with these results members of the network should be able to shape the design and delivery of employment services within their specific responsibilities . the initiatives carried out by the network should help ensure a better response to the specific characteristics of public employment services in each member state , and adequate funding needs to be provided to this end .


### the network shall cooperate with labour market stakeholders including other providers of employment services by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the network and by exchanging information and data . ### the network shall cooperate with labour market stakeholders including trade unions and workers ' representatives and other providers of employment services by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the network and by exchanging information and data .


### to facilitate access to justice . the indicator to measure the achievement of this objective shall be , inter alia , the european perception of access to justice . ### to facilitate access to justice . the indicator to measure the achievement of this objective shall be , inter alia , the european perception of access to justice , and in particular the respect for fundamental rights , gender equality and non - discrimination , as well as equality in access to justice for all .


### support for main actors , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for key european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations , national , regional and local authorities at european level ; funding of experts ‘ networks ; funding of european level observatories . ### support for main actors , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for key european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations , national , regional and local authorities at european level ; support for developing victim support services , including women ' s shelters , funding of experts ‘ networks ; funding of european level observatories .


### the financial allocation of the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives ; in particular , studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the european union , as far as they are related to the general objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . ### the financial allocation of the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives ; in particular , studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the european union , as far as they are related to the general objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . in the interest of ensuring efficient and just spending of the resources , the programme budget should be subject to a gender audit .


### function group ast ### function group ast replace ‘ ast 10 - ast 11’ with ‘ ast8 - ast11’ ;


### in article 29 , the following subparagraph shall be added to paragraph 1 : ' while maintaining the principle that the vast majority of officials shall be recruited on the basis of open competitions , the appointing authority may decide , by way of derogation from point , to hold a competition internal to the institution which shall also be open to contract staff as defined in articles 3a and 3b of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union . ' ; ### article 29 , first subparagraph , point shall be replaced by the following : ‘ whether requests for transfer have been received from officials of the same grade in other institutions , and / or whether to hold a competition internal to the institution , which shall be open only to officials and temporary staff as defined in article 2 of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european communities and to contract staff as referred to in articles 3a and 3b of those conditions of employment ; ’ ;


### the appointing authority of each institution may introduce flexible working - time arrangements . officials to whom the provisions of the second paragraph of article 44 apply shall manage their working - time without resorting to such arrangements . ### the appointing authority of each institution may introduce flexible working - time arrangements , after consulting the staff committee . officials to whom the provisions of the second paragraph of article 44 apply shall manage their working time without resorting to such arrangements .


### in case of an external selection procedure , temporary staff referred to in article 2 shall be engaged only at grades sc1 , ast 1 to ast 4 or ad 5 to ad 8 . however , the agency may , where appropriate , authorise the engagement at grade ad 9 , ad 10 , ad 11 or , on an exceptional basis , at grade ad 12 . the total number of engagements at grades ad 9 to ad 12 in an agency shall not exceed 20 % of the total number of engagements of temporary staff to the function group ad , calculated over a five - year rolling period . ### in case of an external selection procedure , temporary staff referred to in article 2 shall be engaged only at grades sc1 to sc3 , ast 1 to ast 4 or ad 5 to ad 8 . however , the agency may , where appropriate , authorise the engagement at grade ad 9 , ad 10 , ad 11 or , on an exceptional basis , at grade ad 12 . the total number of engagements at grades ad 9 to ad 12 in an agency shall not exceed 20 % of the total number of engagements of temporary staff to the function group ad , calculated over a five - year rolling period .


### for vessels fitted with a vessel monitoring system , member states shall verify , based on a representative sampling , that the information received at the fisheries monitoring centres corresponds to activities recorded in the logbook by using vms data . such cross - checks shall be recorded in computer - readable form for a period of three years . particular emphasis shall be placed on the coherence of area data concerning activities observed in areas where horse mackerel stock boundaries meet , namely ices divisions viiic and ixa , iva and ivb , viie and viid . ### for vessels fitted with a vessel monitoring system , member states shall verify , on the basis of a representative sampling , that the information received at the fisheries monitoring centres corresponds to activities recorded in the logbook by using vms data . such cross - checks shall be recorded in computer - readable form for a period of three years . particular emphasis shall be placed on the coherence of area data concerning activities observed in areas where horse mackerel stock boundaries meet , namely ices divisions iva and ivb , viie and viid .


### within 14 days of the submission referred to in paragraph 2 , the commission shall designate a joint assessment team made up of at least two experts chosen from a list of experts who are qualified in the assessment of conformity assessment bodies . the list shall be drawn up by the commission in cooperation with the mdcg . at least one of these experts shall be a representative of the commission who shall lead the joint assessment team . ### within 14 days of the submission referred to in paragraph 2 , the commission shall designate a joint assessment team made up of at least two experts chosen from a list of experts who are qualified in the assessment of conformity assessment bodies and free of conflicts of interest with the applicant conformity assessment body . the list shall be drawn up by the commission in cooperation with the mdcg . at least one of these experts shall be a representative of the commission who shall lead the joint assessment team .


### where no objection is raised in accordance with paragraph 7 or where the mdcg or the commission , after having been consulted in accordance with paragraph 8 , is of the opinion that the notification may be accepted fully or partially , the commission shall publish the notification accordingly . ### where no objection is raised in accordance with paragraph 7 or where the mdcg or the commission , after having been consulted in accordance with paragraph 8 , is of the opinion that the notification may be accepted fully , the commission shall publish the notification accordingly , and shall also add the information relating to the notification of the notified body to the electronic system referred to in article 27 .


### the commission and the member states shall take all appropriate measures to encourage the establishment of registers for specific types of devices to gather post - market experience related to the use of such devices . such registers shall contribute to the independent evaluation of the long - term safety and performance of devices . ### the commission and the member states shall take all appropriate measures to encourage the establishment of medical devices to gather post - market experience related to the use of such devices . such registers shall contribute to the independent evaluation of the long - term safety and performance of devices and to the traceability of such devices .


### 4 . the devices shall be designed and manufactured in such a way as to reduce as far as possible and appropriate the risks posed by substances that may leach or leak from the device . special attention shall be given to substances which are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction , in accordance with part 3 of annex vi to regulation no 1272 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on classification , labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures , amending and repealing directives 67 / 548 / eec and 1999 / 45 / ec , and amending regulation no 1907 / 2006 , and to substances having endocrine disrupting properties for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and which are identified in accordance with the procedure set out in article 59 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals . ### 4 . the devices shall be designed and manufactured in such a way as to reduce as far as possible and appropriate the risks posed by hazardous substances . substances . which are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction , in accordance with part 3 of annex vi to regulation no 1272 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on classification , labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures , amending and repealing directives 67 / 548 / eec and 1999 / 45 / ec , and amending regulation no 1907 / 2006 , shall be phased out within 5 years from the entry into force of this regulation , unless no safer alternative substances are available . in the case that no safer alternatives exist , the medical device shall be labelled and the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , in particular of this paragraph , the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures . devices containing substances having endocrine disrupting properties that come into contact with the body of patients and for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and which are identified in accordance with the procedure set out in article 59 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals , or are known or presumed endocrine disruptors pursuant to commission recommendation on criteria for the identification of endocrine disrupters , shall be phased out within 5 years from the entry into force of this regulation , unless no safer alternative substances are available . in the case that no safer alternatives exist , the medical device shall be labelled and the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , in particular of this paragraph , the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures .


### in particular , it shall have the necessary personnel and shall possess or have access to all equipment and facilities needed to perform properly the technical and administrative tasks entailed in the conformity assessment activities in relation to which it has been notified . ### in particular , it shall have the necessary personnel and shall possess or have access to all equipment and facilities needed to perform properly the technical , scientific and administrative tasks entailed in the conformity assessment activities in relation to which it has been notified .


### 1 . 3 . the notified body shall clearly document the extent and the limits of the duties , responsibilities and authorities in relation of the personnel involved in conformity assessment activities and inform the personnel concerned about it . ### 1 . 3 . the notified body shall clearly document the extent and the limits of the duties , responsibilities and authorities in relation of the personnel , including any subcontractors and subsidiaries , involved in conformity assessment activities and inform the personnel concerned about it .


### specific qualification criteria shall be defined for the assessment of biocompatibility aspects , clinical evaluation and the different types of sterilisation processes . ### specific qualification criteria shall be defined for the assessment of biocompatibility aspects , safety , clinical evaluation and the different types of sterilisation processes .


### when an investigation is not initiated by a complaint , an obligation should be imposed on union producers to provide the necessary information in order for the investigation to proceed , in order to ensure that sufficient information is available for carrying out the investigation in case of such threats of retaliation . ### when an investigation is not initiated by a complaint , an obligation should be imposed on union producers to provide the necessary information in order for the investigation to proceed , in order to ensure that sufficient information is available for carrying out the investigation . small - sized and micro - sized enterprises shall be exempt from this obligation in order to spare them from unreasonable bureaucratic burden and costs .


### the communication from the commission on europe 2020 sets out a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . supporting and promoting the rights of persons within the union , tackling discrimination and inequalities and promoting citizenship contribute to the promotion of the specific objectives and flagship initiatives of the europe 2020 strategy . ### the communication from the commission on europe 2020 sets out a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . supporting and promoting human rights within the union , tackling all forms of discrimination and inequalities and promoting citizenship contribute to the promotion of the social objectives and flagship initiatives of the europe 2020 strategy .


### support for main actors , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for key european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations , national , regional and local authorities at european level ; funding of experts’ networks ; funding of european level observatories . ### support for actors whose activities contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the programme , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme and in particular specific support for those which carry out medium - and long - term actions and activities ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations and national , regional and local authorities ; funding of experts’ networks and european level observatories whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme .


### research on human stem cells , both adult and embryonic , may be financed , depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the member states involved . no funding shall be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the member states . no activity shall be funded in a member state where such activity is forbidden . ### research on human stem cells , both adult and embryonic , may be financed , depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the member states involved . research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement , including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer , may also be financed if the research cannot be accomplished using supernumerary embryos , depending on the legal framework of the member states involved . no funding shall be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the member states . no activity shall be funded in a member state where such activity is forbidden .


### horizon 2020 shall contribute to the strengthening of public - public partnerships where actions at regional , national or international level are jointly implemented within the union . ### horizon 2020 shall contribute to the strengthening of public - public partnerships where actions at local , regional , national or international level are coordinated , harmonised and jointly implemented within the union .


### the growing impacts from climate change and environmental problems , such as ocean acidification , ice melting in the arctic , land degradation and use , water shortages , chemical pollution and biodiversity loss , indicate that the planet is approaching its sustainability boundaries . for example , without improvements in efficiency , water demand is projected to overshoot supply by 40 % in 20 years time . forests are disappearing at an alarmingly high rate of 5 million hectares per year . interactions between resources can cause systemic risks – with the depletion of one resource generating an irreversible tipping point for other resources and ecosystems . based on current trends , the equivalent of more than two planet earths will be needed by 2050 to support the growing global population . ### the growing impacts from climate change and environmental problems , such as ocean acidification , ice melting in the arctic , land degradation and use , water shortages , chemical pollution and biodiversity loss , indicate that the planet is approaching its sustainability boundaries . for example , without improvements in efficiency , water demand is projected to overshoot supply by 40 % in 20 years time . forests are disappearing at an alarmingly high rate of 5 million hectares per year . interactions between resources can cause systemic risks – with the depletion of one resource generating an irreversible tipping point for other resources and ecosystems . based on current trends , the equivalent of more than two planet earths will be needed by 2050 to support the growing global population . societies face a major challenge to establish a sustainable balance between human needs and the environment . environmental resources , including water , air , biomass , fertile soils , biodiversity , ecosystems as well as man made resources , including cultural heritage and cultural landscapes , and the services they provide , underpin the functioning of the european and global economy and quality of life .


### sustainably managing natural resources and ecosystems ### sustainably managing natural and cultural heritage resources and ecosystems


### the aim is to provide knowledge for the management of natural resources that achieves a sustainable balance between limited resources and the needs of society and the economy . activities shall focus on : furthering our understanding of the functioning of ecosystems , their interactions with social systems and their role in sustaining the economy and human well - being ; and providing knowledge and tools for effective decision making and public engagement . ### the aim is to provide knowledge for the management of natural and cultural heritage resources that achieves a sustainable balance between limited resources and the needs of society and the economy . activities shall focus on : furthering our understanding of the functioning of ecosystems , their interactions with social systems and their role in sustaining the economy and human well - being ; and providing knowledge and tools for effective decision making and public engagement .


### chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease , cancer , diabetes , neurological and mental health disorders , overweight and obesity and various functional limitations are major causes of disability , ill - health and premature death , and present considerable social and economic costs . ### chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease , cancer , diabetes , rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases neurological and mental health disorders , overweight and obesity and various functional limitations are major causes of disability , ill - health and premature death , and present considerable social and economic costs .


### *including eur 8975 million for information and communication technologies of which eur 1795 million for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , eur 4293 million for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , eur 575 million for biotechnology and eur 1737 million for space . as a result , eur 6663 million will be available to support key enabling technologies . ### *including eur 8975 million for information and communication technologies of which eur 1795 million for photonics and micro - and nanoelectronics , eur 4293 million for nanotechnologies , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing , eur 575 million for biotechnology and eur 1737 million for space of which 17 - 20% for application development of european satellite navigation systems . as a result , eur 6663 million will be available to support key enabling technologies .


### to passengers departing from an airport located in a third country to an airport situated in the territory of a member state to which the treaty applies , unless they received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in that third country , if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a community carrier . ### to passengers departing from an airport located in a third country to an airport situated in the territory of a member state to which the treaty applies , unless they received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in that third country , if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a community carrier or the flight was a return flight booked together with a corresponding flight departing from an airport in the eu by a community carrier .


### if boarding is denied to passengers against their will , the operating air carrier shall immediately compensate them in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passenger opts for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 and where the departure time is at least two hours after the initial departure time , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 . ### if boarding is denied to passengers against their will on the outward or homeward flight , the operating air carrier shall immediately compensate them in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passenger opts for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 .