### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of application set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , while maximising development additionality , delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic , environmental and social development and promote socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , in particular for women and young people economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , with a focus on social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty , inequalities , human rights and livelihoods , supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of forced migration in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention , and additional support for institutional capacity building , economic governance , and technical assistance , shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### the association agreements , partnership and cooperation agreements , multilateral agreements , and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries , as well as , european council conclusions and council conclusions , summit declarations or conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , relevant european parliament resolutions , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . ### the european consensus on development , the eu action plan for human rights and democracy , the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the united nations convention on the rights of the child and association agreements , partnership and cooperation agreements , multilateral agreements , and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries provided such association , partnership , cooperation , mulilateral and other agreements do not link development aid , security needs and migration management , as well as european council conclusions and council conclusions , summit declarations or conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , relevant european parliament resolutions , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation


### commitment to and progress in implementing jointly agreed political , economic and social reform objectives ; ### commitment to and progress in implementing jointly agreed political , economic , environmental and social reform objectives ;


### indicatively 10 % of the financial envelope set out in article 4 to supplement the country financial allocations referred to in article 12 shall be allocated to partner countries listed in annex i in order to implement the performance - based approach . the performance - based allocations shall be decided on the basis of their progress towards democracy , human rights , rule of law , cooperation on migration , economic governance and reforms . the progress of partner countries shall be assessed annually . ### at least 10 % of the financial envelope set out in article 4 , to supplement the country financial allocations referred to in article 12 , shall be allocated to partner countries listed in annex i in order to apply the performance - based approach . the performance - based allocations shall be decided on the basis of their progress towards democracy , human rights , rule of law , cooperation on migration , economic governance and implementing agreed reforms . the progress of partner countries shall be assessed annually , in particular by means of country progress reports which include trends as compared to previous years .


### the commission shall , to an appropriate extent , associate all relevant stakeholders in the evaluation process of the union ' s funding provided under this regulation , and may , where appropriate , seek to undertake joint evaluations with the member states and development partners with close involvement of the partner countries . ### the commission shall associate all relevant stakeholders in the evaluation process of the union ' s funding provided under this regulation , and may , where appropriate , seek to undertake joint evaluations with the member states and development partners with close involvement of the partner countries .


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201678 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . __________________ 78 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201678 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements should include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including with relevant stakeholders such as civil society and experts , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . __________________ 78 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 .


### in line with the international commitments of the union on development effectiveness as adopted in busan in 2011 and renewed at the nairobi high level forum in 2016 and recalled in the consensus , the union’s development cooperation should apply the development effectiveness principles , namely ownership of development priorities by developing countries , a focus on results , inclusive development partnerships as well as transparency and accountability . ### in line with the international commitments of the union on development effectiveness as adopted in busan in 2011 and renewed at the nairobi high level forum in 2016 and recalled in the consensus , the union’s development cooperation should apply the development effectiveness principles , namely ownership of development priorities by developing countries , a focus on results , inclusive development partnerships as well as mutual transparency and accountability .


### leading and supporting global efforts , partnerships and alliances to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; ### supporting local , national , regional initiatives and leading global efforts , partnerships and alliances for the rights of women as set out in the un convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the optional protocol thereto , as well as measures to combat and eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic , political and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; address the root causes of gender inequalities as a way to contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding ; promoting the empowerment of women , including in their roles as development actors and peace - builders ;


### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change57 and the addis ababa action agenda58 is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 . ### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change57 and the addis ababa action agenda58 is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . the eu supported the adoption of these international commitments and this regulation should , above all , seek to contribute to achieving them . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally and promote peaceful , just and inclusive societies for everyone , including all kind of gender identities . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the sustainable development goal 5 on gender equality is a cross - cutting one , seeking to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across all these dimensions . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind and goal 5 specifically aims to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls , seeking to adopt and strengthen enforceable legislation which promotes gender equality . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way , without undermining others . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 .


### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , the promotion of peaceful , just and inclusive societies , sustainable and inclusive progress , the creation of decent jobs and economic opportunities , in particular for most vulnerable people , such as women , girls and lgbti people , victims of conflict and people with disabilities , by supporting socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and cooperatives , in particular those owned by women , as well as addressing climate change , environmental degradation and specific socioeconomic root causes of migration and displacement which disproportionately affect women and girls , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### whilst democracy and human rights , including gender equality and women ' s empowerment should be reflected throughout the implementation of this regulation , union assistance under the thematic programmes for human rights and democracy and civil society organisations should have a specific complementary and additional role by virtue of its global nature and its independence of action from the consent of the governments and public authorities of the third countries concerned . ### whilst democracy and human rights , including gender equality and women ' s girls’ rights and empowerment should be reflected throughout the implementation of this regulation , union assistance under the thematic programmes for human rights and democracy and for civil society organisations should have a specific and complementary role by virtue of their global nature and their independence of action from the consent of the governments and public authorities of the third countries concerned .


### at global level , to consolidate and support democracy , rule of law and human rights , support civil society organisations , further stability and peace and address other global challenges including migration and mobility ; ### to consolidate and support democracy , human rights and social equality , support civil society organisations , further stability based on peace and address other global challenges , including climate change and root causes of forced migration and displacement , poverty and natural or man - made disasters ;


### progress with respect to expected results should be monitored on the basis of clear , transparent and , where appropriate , measurable indicators . indicators shall be kept at a limited number to facilitate timely reporting . ### progress with respect to expected results should be monitored on the basis of clear , transparent and measurable indicators . indicators shall be kept at a limited number to facilitate timely reporting .


### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 40 , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years . ### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 39 , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt , including on the impact of the measures on gender equality , and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years .


### the commission shall report on financial instruments , budgetary guarantees , financial assistance in accordance with article 241 and 250 of the financial regulation . to this purpose , the eligible counterparts shall provide annually the information necessary to allow the commission to comply with the reporting obligations . ### the commission shall submit an annual report to the european parliament and to the council on the financing and investment operations covered by the efsd + guarantee , and the functioning of the efsd + , its management and its effective contribution to its objectives . that report shall be made public and be accompanied by an opinion of the court of auditors .


### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s interests and values in all its aspects , including preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international security , fighting root causes of irregular migration and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 . ### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s values in all its aspects and thus contributing to the eradication of poverty , fighting inequality in all its forms , in particular gender inequalities , preserving peace , preventing conflicts by involving a range of experts and stakeholders in peace building negotiations , including women and civil society , strengthening international security and safety , fighting root causes of migration and displacement and assisting populations , countries and regions facing enhanced migratory pressure and confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting a fair , human rights compliant and gender - just trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies and promoting just and inclusive societies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 .


### no later than seven years after the date of transposition of this directive , an evaluation of this directive shall be carried out . the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluation accompanied by its observations to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee . ### no later than five years after the date of transposition of this directive , an evaluation and full review of this directive shall be carried out . this evaluation shall , in particular , assess the suitability of this directive in the light of technological developments related to autonomous vehicles and semi - autonomous vehicles and whether the liability system it provides is likely to satisfy future needs . the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluation accompanied by its observations and , where appropriate , by a legislative proposal , to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee .


### distributors shall ensure that any visual advertisement for a specific type of tyre , including on the internet , shows the label . ### distributors shall ensure that any technical promotional material for a specific type of tyre , including on the internet , shows the label .


### suppliers shall ensure that any visual advertisement for a specific type of tyre , including on the internet , shows the label . ### suppliers shall ensure that any technical promotional material for a specific type of tyre , including on the internet , shows the label . suppliers may make the label available for display in connection with online visual advertisement for a specific type of tyre . the label may be displayed using a nested display . in this case shall be displayed after a mouse click , mouse roll - over , tactile screen expansion or similar techniques .


### eur 10 000 000 000 for cluster ' food and natural resources ' ; ### eur 16 000 000 000 for cluster ‘ food , natural resources , seas and oceans’ ;


### to ensure their best use in building renovation , financial measures related to energy efficiency should be linked to the depth of the renovation , which should be assessed by comparing energy performance certificates issued before and after the renovation . ### to ensure their best use in building renovation , financial measures related to energy efficiency should be linked to the depth of the renovation , which should be assessed by comparing energy performance certificates issued before and after the renovation , or another transparent and proportionate method .


### in order to adapt this directive to the technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission to supplement it by defining the smartness indicator and enabling its implementation . the smartness indicator should be used to measure buildings’ capacity to use ict and electronic systems to optimise operation and interact with the grid . the smartness indicator will raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and will give confidence to the occupant about the actual savings of these new enhanced - functionalities . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this directive , implementing powers on the common european union scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be conferred on the commission . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council . the smartness indicator should be used to measure buildings’ capacity to use ict and electronic systems to optimise operation and interact with the grid . the smartness indicator will raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and will give confidence to the occupant about the actual savings of these new enhanced - functionalities . the use of the scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings should be voluntary for member states .


### member states shall ensure that in all new non - residential buildings and in all existing non - residential buildings undergoing major renovation with more than ten parking spaces , at least one of every ten is equipped with a recharging point within the meaning of directive 2014 / 94 / eu on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure17 , which is capable of starting and stopping charging in reaction to price signals . this requirement shall apply to all non - residential buildings , with more than ten parking spaces , as of 1 january 2025 . _________________ 17 oj l 307 , 28 . 10 . 2014 , p . 1 ### member states shall ensure that their national policy frameworks within the meaning of article 3 of directive 2014 / 94 / eu on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure contains national indicative target for the number of recharging points in all new non - residential buildings and in all existing non - residential buildings undergoing major renovation with more than ten parking spaces , at the latest as of 1 january 2020 .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 , 8 and 22 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ date of the entry into force… ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 , 8 and 22 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of 5 years from xxx [ date of entry into force of the directive ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the 5 - year period .


### member states shall ensure that , when a technical building system is installed , replaced or upgraded , the overall energy performance of the complete altered system is assessed , documented it and passed on to the building owner , so that it remains available for the verification of compliance with the minimum requirements set pursuant to paragraph 1 and the issue of energy performance certificates . member states shall ensure that this information is included in the national energy performance certificate database referred to in article 18 . ### member states shall ensure that , when a technical building system is installed , replaced or upgraded , the overall energy performance of the complete altered system is assessed , at full and part load conditions , documented and passed on to the building owner , so that the resulting information remains available for the verification of compliance with the minimum requirements set pursuant to paragraph 1 and the issue of energy performance certificates . member states shall ensure that this information is included as a separate entry in the national energy performance certificate database referred to in article 18 .


### member states shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a regular inspection of the accessible parts of systems used for heating buildings , such as the heat generator , control system and circulation pump for non - residential buildings with total primary energy use of over 250mwh and for residential buildings with a centralised technical building system of a cumulated effective rated output of over 100 kw . that inspection shall include an assessment of the boiler efficiency and the boiler sizing compared with the heating requirements of the building . the assessment of the boiler sizing does not have to be repeated as long as no changes were made to the heating system or as regards the heating requirements of the building in the meantime ; ### member states shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a regular inspection of the accessible parts of systems used for heating buildings , such as the heat generator , control system and circulation pump for non - residential buildings with total primary energy use of over 250mwh and for residential buildings with a centralised technical building system of a cumulated effective rated output of over 100 kw . that inspection shall include an assessment of the heat generator efficiency and the heat generator sizing compared with the heating requirements of the building , of the effectiveness of individually controlling the room temperature in each room and of hydronic balancing of the heating system . the assessment of the heat generator sizing and the hydronic balancing does not have to be repeated as long as no changes were made to the heating system or as regards the heating requirements of the building in the meantime ;


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 , 8 and 22 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ date of the entry into force… ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 5 , 8 and 22 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from [ date of entry into force . . . ] .


### member states shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a regular inspection of the accessible parts of systems used for heating buildings , such as the heat generator , control system and circulation pump for non - residential buildings with total primary energy use of over 250mwh and for residential buildings with a centralised technical building system of a cumulated effective rated output of over 100 kw . that inspection shall include an assessment of the boiler efficiency and the boiler sizing compared with the heating requirements of the building . the assessment of the boiler sizing does not have to be repeated as long as no changes were made to the heating system or as regards the heating requirements of the building in the meantime ; ### member states shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a regular inspection of the accessible parts of the heat generator for non - residential buildings with total primary energy use of over 250mwh and for residential buildings with heat generator of a cumulated effective rated output of over 70 kw . that inspection shall include an assessment of the heat generator efficiency and the heat generator sizing compared with the heating requirements of the building . the assessment of the heat generator sizing does not have to be repeated as long as no changes were made to the heating system or as regards the heating requirements of the building in the meantime ;


### capacity building of military actors in support of development and security for development ### capacity building of actors in support of development and safety for development


### to support and foster dialogue and cooperation with third countries and regions in the neighbourhood , in sub - saharan africa , in asia and the pacific , and in the americas and the caribbean ; ### to support and foster dialogue and cooperation with third countries and regions in the neighbourhood , in sub - saharan africa , in asia and the pacific , and in the americas and the caribbean with the objective of achieving sustainable development , eradicating poverty and combating all kind of inequalities , including gender inequalities ;


### –stability and peace eur 1 000 million , ### –peace - building , conflict prevention and stability eur 1 000 million ,


### the commission shall adopt annual or multiannual action plans or measures . the measures may take the form of individual measures , special measures , support measures or exceptional assistance measures . action plans and measures shall specify for each action the objectives pursued , the expected results and main activities , the methods of implementation , the budget and any associated support expenditures . ### the commission shall adopt annual or multiannual action plans or measures . the measures may take the form of individual measures , special measures , support measures or exceptional assistance measures . action plans and measures shall specify for each action the objectives pursued , the expected results and main activities , the methods of implementation , the budget and any associated support expenditures . they should also outline how each action contribute to human development , social inclusion , gender equality and women ' s and girls ' rights and empowerment , as well as climate change and environment as indicated in article 3 . 3 , including indicative allocations . their potential adverse effects on these targets should also be considered and plans should be adjusted accordingly .


### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s interests and values in all its aspects , including preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international security , fighting root causes of irregular migration and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 . ### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the policy framework for eu development cooperation as laid down in the lisbon treaty , the 2030 agenda on sustainable development , and the paris climate agreement . it should also be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy [ 1 ] , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s interests and values in all its aspects , including contributing to the eradication of poverty , fighting inequality in all its forms , in particular gender inequalities , preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international safety , fighting root causes of forced displacement and assisting populations , countries and regions confronted with enhanced migratory pressure and confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting a fair , human rights compliant and gender - just trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , high social and environmental standards , the rule of law , international law and human rights . finally , the role of women from feminist approach as peace - builders is crucial , because historically they have never constructed their political identity on nationalistic bases , but most frequently on international networking with women of different backgrounds , developing an attitude on intercultural dialogues . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 .


### at global level , to consolidate and support democracy , rule of law and human rights , support civil society organisations , further stability and peace and address other global challenges including migration and mobility ; ### to consolidate and support democracy , rule of law and human rights and gender equality , support civil society organisations , including women’s organisations , further stability and peace and address other global challenges ;


### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s interests and values in all its aspects , including preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international security , fighting root causes of irregular migration and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 . ### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s values in all its aspects and thus contributing to the eradication of poverty , fighting inequality in all its forms , in particular gender inequalities , preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international safety , fighting root causes of forced displacement and assisting populations , countries and regions facing enhanced migratory pressure and confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting a fair , human rights compliant and gender - just trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . from a feminist perspective , the union should acknowledge the crucial role of women as peace - builders : historically they have never constructed their political identity on nationalistic discourses , but rather on international solidarity , alliances and networking with other women of different backgrounds , developing an attitude of respecting diversity and nourishing intercultural dialogue . __________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 .


### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive progress , the creation of decent jobs and economic opportunities , in particular for most vulnerable people , such as women , girls and lgbti people , by supporting socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and cooperatives , in particular those owned by women , as well as addressing climate change , environmental degradation and specific socioeconomic root causes of forced displacement in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive progress , the creation of decent jobs and economic opportunities , in particular for women and girls , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , with a focus on social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty and inequalities , supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation specific socioeconomic root causes of unsafe migration and forced displacement , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . the efsd + guarantee should not be used to replace government responsibility for providing essential public services which remains a government responsibility .


### leading and supporting global efforts , partnerships and alliances to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; ### supporting local , national , regional initiatives and leading global efforts , partnerships and alliances for the rights of women as set out in the un convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the optional protocol thereto , as well as measures to combat and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; address the root causes of gender inequalities as a means of supporting conflict prevention and peacebuilding ; promoting the empowerment of women , including in their roles as development actors and peace - builders ;


### an external action guarantee should be established building on the existing efsd guarantee and the guarantee fund for external actions . the external action guarantee should support the efsd + operations covered by budgetary guarantees , macro - financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of council decision 77 / 270 / euratom71 . these operations should be supported by appropriations under this regulation , together with those under regulation no … / … and regulation no … / … , which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro - financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins , respectively . when funding efsd + operations , priority should be given to those which have a high impact on job creation and whose cost - benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment . the operations supported with the external action guarantee should be accompanied by an in - depth ex ante assessment of environmental , financial and social aspects , as appropriate and in line with the better regulation requirements . the external action guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services , which remains a government responsibility . __________________ 71 council decision 77 / 270 / euratom of 29 march 1977 empowering the commission to issue euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations . ### an external action guarantee should be established building on the existing efsd guarantee and the guarantee fund for external actions . the external action guarantee should support the efsd + operations covered by budgetary guarantees , macro - financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of council decision 77 / 270 / euratom [ 1 ] . these operations should be supported by appropriations under this regulation , together with those under regulation no … / … and regulation no … / … , which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro - financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins , respectively . when funding efsd + operations , priority should be given to those which have a high impact on decent job creation , especially for most vulnerable subjects , such as women and lgbti people , and whose cost - benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment and which provide the highest guarantees of sustainability and long - term and gender - sensitive development impact . the operations supported with the external action guarantee should be accompanied by an in - depth ex ante and ex - post assessment of environmental , financial , gender and social aspects , including the impact on rights and livelihoods of affected communities and the impact on inequalities , including gender inequalities , and identification of ways to address them in line with the better regulation requirements . the external action guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services , which remains a government responsibility . __________________ 71 council decision 77 / 270 / euratom of 29 march 1977 empowering the commission to issue euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations .


### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider security sector reform or to build the capacity of military actors in partner countries , under the exceptional circumstances set out in paragraph 4 , to deliver development activities and security for development activities . ### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful , gender - equal and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider safety sector reform or to build the capacity of peace builder actors in partner countries , under the exceptional circumstances set out in paragraph 4 , to deliver development activities and safety for development activities .


### stability and peace ; ### a ) peace - building , conflict prevention and stability ;


### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change57 and the addis ababa action agenda58 is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 . ### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change57 and the addis ababa action agenda58 is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally , and promote peaceful , just and inclusive societies for all kind of gender identities . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way , without undermining the others . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 .


### supporting a thriving civil society and its role in reform processes and democratic transformations , and promoting an enabling space for civil society and citizens ' engagement in political decision - making ; ### supporting gender equality , and a thriving civil society , strengthening its role in political transitions , and promoting an enabling space for civil society and citizens ' engagement in political decision - making ;


### whilst democracy and human rights , including gender equality and women ' s empowerment should be reflected throughout the implementation of this regulation , union assistance under the thematic programmes for human rights and democracy and civil society organisations should have a specific complementary and additional role by virtue of its global nature and its independence of action from the consent of the governments and public authorities of the third countries concerned . ### whilst democracy and human rights , including gender equality and women ' s girls’ rights and empowerment should be reflected throughout the implementation of this regulation , union assistance under the thematic programmes for human rights and democracy and for civil society organisations should have a specific and complementary role by virtue of their global nature and their independence of action from the consent of the governments and public authorities of the third countries concerned .


### good governance , democracy , rule of law and human rights ### good governance , democracy , rule of law and human rights and gender equality


### in line with the principle of inclusive partnership , where appropriate , the commission shall ensure that relevant stakeholders of partner countries , including civil society organisations and local authorities , are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information allowing them to play a meaningful role during the design , implementation and associated monitoring processes of programmes . ### in line with the principle of inclusive partnership the commission shall ensure that relevant stakeholders of partner countries , including civil society organisations , women’s organisations and local authorities , are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information and are enabled to play a meaningful role during the design , implementation and associated monitoring processes of programmes .


### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report . ### an annual estimate of the overall spending related to climate action and biodiversity , conflict prevention and peace - building , and gender equality shall be made on the basis of the indicative programming documents adopted . the funding allocated under this regulation shall be subject to an annual tracking system based on the methodology of the organisation for economic cooperation and development , without excluding the use of more precise methodologies where these are available , integrated into the existing methodology for performance management of union programmes , to quantify the expenditure related to climate action and biodiversity , conflict prevention , peace - building , and gender equality at the level of the action plans and measures referred to in article 19 and recorded within evaluations and the annual report .


### security , stability and peace ### safety , stability and peace


### a rights - based approach encompassing all human rights , whether civil and political or economic , social and cultural shall be applied in order to integrate human rights principles , to support the right holders in claiming their rights with a focus on poorer and more vulnerable groups and to assist partner countries in implementing their international human rights obligations . this regulation shall promote gender equality and women’s empowerment . ### a rights - based approach encompassing all human rights , whether civil and political or economic , social and cultural shall be applied in order to integrate human rights principles , to support the right holders in claiming their rights with a focus on poorer and more vulnerable groups , such as migrants , women and girls and lgbti people , and to assist partner countries in implementing their international human rights obligations .


### without prejudice to the limitations inherent to the nature and objectives of the action , participation in procurement , grant and prize award procedures for actions financed under the human rights and democracy and stability and peace programmes as well as rapid response actions , shall be open without limitations . ### without prejudice to the limitations inherent to the nature and objectives of the action , participation in procurement , grant and prize award procedures for actions financed under the human rights and democracy , civil society organizations , peace - building , stability and peace programmes as well as rapid response actions , shall be open without limitations .


### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider security sector reform or to build the capacity of military actors in partner countries , under the exceptional circumstances set out in paragraph 4 , to deliver development activities and security for development activities . ### in order to contribute to sustainable development , which requires the achievement of stable , peaceful , gender - equal and inclusive societies , union assistance under this regulation may be used in the context of a wider safety sector reform or to build the capacity of peace - builder actors in partner countries , to deliver development activities and security for development activities .


### needs , using indicators such as population and level of development ; ### needs , established on the basis of specific criteria and in - depth analysis , taking into account the population , poverty , inequality , human development , economic and environmental vulnerability , human rights , democracy and civic space , gender equality and state and societal resilience ;


### leading and supporting global efforts , partnerships and alliances to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; ### supporting local , national , regional initiatives and leading global efforts , partnerships and alliances for the rights of women as set out in the un convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the optional protocol thereto , as well as measures to combat and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls ; this includes physical , psychological , sexual , economic and other types of violence and discrimination , including exclusion that women suffer in the different areas of their private and public lives ; address the root causes of gender inequalities as a means of supporting conflict prevention and peace building ; promoting the empowerment of women , including in their roles as development actors and peace - builders ;


### this regulation should reflect the need to focus on strategic priorities , both geographically – the european neighbourhood and africa , as well as countries that are fragile and most in need , but also thematically – security , migration , climate change and human rights . ### this regulation should reflect the need to focus on strategic priorities , both geographically – the european neighbourhood and africa , as well as least developed countries and other countries that are fragile and most in need , but also thematically – achieving the sustainable development goals , human safety , also in migration , fighting climate change and contributing to realising human rights , including gender equality in all eu partner countries .


### capacity building of military actors in support of development and security for development ### capacity building of peace actors in support of development and safety for development


### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change57 and the addis ababa action agenda58 is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 . ### the global context for action is the pursuit of a rules - based global order , with multilateralism as its key principle and the united nations at its core . the 2030 agenda , together with the paris agreement on climate change [ 1 ] and the addis ababa action agenda [ 2 ] is the international community’s response to global challenges and trends in relation to sustainable development . the eu supported the adoption of these international commitments and this regulation should , above all , seek to contribute to achieving them . with the sustainable development goals at its core , the 2030 agenda is a transformative framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development globally . it is universal in scope , providing a comprehensive shared framework for action that applies to the union , to its member states and to its partners . it balances the economic , social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development , recognising the essential interlinkages between its goals and targets . the sustainable development goal 5 on gender equality is a cross - cutting one , seeking to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across all these dimensions . the 2030 agenda aims to leave no one behind . the implementation of the 2030 agenda will be closely coordinated with the union ' s other relevant international commitments . actions undertaken by this regulation should pay particular attention to interlinkages between sustainable development goals and to integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way , without undermining others . __________________ 57 signed in new york on 22 april 2016 . 58 ' addis ababa action agenda of the third international conference on financing for development ' , adopted on 16 june 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 27 july 2015 .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive progress , the creation of decent jobs and economic opportunities , in particular for women and girls , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , with a focus on social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty and inequalities , supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation specific socioeconomic root causes of unsafe migration and forced displacement , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . the efsd + guarantee should not be used to replace government responsibility for providing essential public services which remains a government responsibility .


### the european neighbourhood policy , as reviewed in 201562 , aims at the stabilisation of neighbouring countries and strengthening resilience , particularly by boosting economic development , as the union ' s main political priorities . in order to attain its objective , the reviewed european neighbourhood policy has been focusing on four priority areas : good governance , democracy , the rule of law and human rights , with a particular focus in engaging further with civil society ; economic development ; security ; migration and mobility , including tackling the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement . differentiation and enhanced mutual ownership are the hallmark of the european neighbourhood policy , recognising different levels of engagement , and reflecting the interests of each country concerning the nature and focus of its partnership with the union . __________________ 62 joint communication to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions , ' review of the european neighbourhood policy ' , 18 november 2015 . ### the european neighbourhood policy , as reviewed in 2015 [ 1 ] , aims at the stabilisation of neighbouring countries and strengthening resilience , particularly by boosting economic development , as the union ' s main political priorities . in order to attain its objective , the reviewed european neighbourhood policy has been focusing on four priority areas : good governance , democracy , the rule of law and human rights , with a particular focus in engaging further with civil society ; economic development ; human safety , migration and mobility , including tackling the root causes of forced displacement and assisting populations , countries and regions confronted with enhanced migratory pressure , using always a gender sensitive lens . differentiation and enhanced mutual ownership are the hallmark of the european neighbourhood policy , recognising different levels of engagement , and reflecting the interests of each country concerning the nature and focus of its partnership with the union . this regulation should help to implement the sustainable development goals in the european neighbourhood policy and ensure policy coherence for sustainable development throughout its objectives . __________________ 62 joint communication to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions , ' review of the european neighbourhood policy ' , 18 november 2015 .


### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream climate change , environmental protection and gender equality and shall address interlinkages between sustainable development goals , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . these programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities , integrate a resilience approach and be conflict sensitive . they shall be guided by the principle of leaving no one behind . ### programmes and actions under this regulation shall mainstream conflict prevention and peace - building , climate change , environmental protection and gender equality and women’s empowerment and conflict sensitivity and shall address interlinkages between sustainable development goals , to promote integrated actions that can create co - benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way . these programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities , integrate a resilience approach and be conflict sensitive . they shall be guided by the principle of leaving no one behind .


### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation ; ### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , where human safety is most at risk or where human and women ' s rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation ;


### the information to be submitted by the notifying member state should be sufficient to assess compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec and , in particular , the proportionality of a notified authorisation scheme or requirement . therefore , in accordance with the case - law of the court of justice of the european union , such information should clarify the public interest objective pursued , set out how the notified authorisation scheme or requirement is necessary and justified to meet this objective and explain how it is proportionate in doing so ; thus , it should include explanations on why it is suitable , why it does not go beyond what is necessary and why no alternative and less restrictive means would be available . the reasons which may be invoked by the member state concerned by way of justification should be accompanied by appropriate evidence and by an analysis of the proportionality of the notified measure . ### the information to be submitted by the notifying member state should be sufficient to assess compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec and , in particular , the proportionality of a notified authorisation scheme or requirement . therefore , in accordance with the case - law of the court of justice of the european union , such information should clarify the public interest objective pursued , set out how the notified authorisation scheme or requirement is necessary and justified to meet this objective and explain how it is proportionate in doing so ; thus , it should include explanations on why it is suitable , why it does not go beyond what is necessary and why no alternative and less restrictive means would be available .


### where following the consultation the commission still has concerns about the compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the notified draft measure , it may alert the notifying member state , giving it the opportunity to bring its draft measure into conformity with eu law . that alert should include an explanation of the legal concerns identified by the commission . reception of such an alert entails that the notifying member state shall not adopt the notified measure for three months . ### where the commission has issued comments during the consultation period raising concerns about the compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the notified draft measure , it may , before the closure of that period and where such concerns persist , issue a notice to the notifying member state , giving it the opportunity to provide further explanations or to bring its measure into conformity with eu law . that notice should include an explanation of the legal concerns identified by the commission . reception of such a notice entails that the notifying member state shall not adopt the notified measure for three months .


### where the commission has issued an alert in accordance with article 6 , it may , within a period of three months after the date of the closure of the consultation period referred to in article 5 , adopt a decision finding the draft measure to be incompatible with directive 2006 / 123 / ec and requiring the member state concerned to refrain from adopting the draft measure or , if such measure has been adopted in breach of article 3 or article 6 , to repeal it . ### where the commission has issued a notice in accordance with article 6 , it may , within a period of three months after the date of the closure of the consultation period referred to in article 5 , adopt a recommendation requesting the member state concerned to refrain from adopting the draft measure or , if such measure has been adopted in breach of article 3 or article 6 , to repeal it .


### where following the consultation the commission still has concerns about the compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the notified draft measure , it may alert the notifying member state , giving it the opportunity to bring its draft measure into conformity with eu law . that alert should include an explanation of the legal concerns identified by the commission . reception of such an alert entails that the notifying member state shall not adopt the notified measure for three months . ### where , during the consultation period , the commission has expressed its concerns about the compliance with directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the notified draft measure , it may , before the closure of that period issue a notice to the notifying member state , giving it the opportunity to provide further explanations or to bring its draft measure into conformity with eu law . that notice should include an explanation of the legal concerns identified by the commission . such notice should not prevent member states from adopting the notified measure .


### the rule of law requires that all public powers act within the constraints set out by law , in accordance with the values of democracy and fundamental rights , and under the control of independent and impartial courts . it requires , in particular , that the principles of legality7 , legal certainty8 , prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers9 , separation of powers10 , and effective judicial protection by independent courts11 are respected12 . _____________________________ 7 judgment of the court of justice of 29 april 2004 , cas succhi di frutta , c - 496 / 99 pecli : eu : c : 2004 : 236 , paragraph 63 . 8 judgment of the court of justice of 12 november 1981 , amministrazione delle finanze dello stato v srl meridionale industria salumi and others ditta italo orlandi & figlio and ditta vincenzo divella v amministrazione delle finanze dello stato . joined cases 212 to 217 / 80 , ecli : eu : c : 1981 : 270 , paragraph 10 . 9 judgment of the court of justice of 21 september 1989 , hoechst , joined cases 46 / 87 and 227 / 88 , ecli : eu : c : 1989 : 337 , paragraph 19 . 10 judgment of the court of justice of 10 november 2016 , kovalkovas , c - 477 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2016 : 861 , paragraph 36 ; judgment of the court of justice of 10 november 2016 , ppu poltorak , c - 452 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2016 : 858 , paragraph 35 ; and judgment of the court of justice of 22 december 2010 , deb , c - 279 / 09 , ecli : eu : c : 2010 : 811 , paragraph 58 . 11 judgment of the court of justice of 27 february 2018 , associação sindical dos juízes portugueses v tribunal de contas c - 64 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2018 : 117 , paragraphs 31 , 40 - 41 . 12 communication from the commission ' a new eu framework to strengthen the rule of law ' , com 158 final , annex i . ### the rule of law requires that all public powers act within the constraints set out by law , in accordance with the values of democracy and fundamental rights , and under the control of independent and impartial courts . it requires , in particular , that the principles of legality7 , legal certainty8 , prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers9 , separation of powers10 , and effective judicial protection by independent courts11 are respected12 . _____________________________ 7 judgment of the court of justice of 29 april 2004 , cas succhi di frutta , c - 496 / 99 pecli : eu : c : 2004 : 236 , paragraph 63 . 8 judgment of the court of justice of 12 november 1981 , amministrazione delle finanze dello stato v srl meridionale industria salumi and others ditta italo orlandi & figlio and ditta vincenzo divella v amministrazione delle finanze dello stato . joined cases 212 to 217 / 80 , ecli : eu : c : 1981 : 270 , paragraph 10 . 9 judgment of the court of justice of 21 september 1989 , hoechst , joined cases 46 / 87 and 227 / 88 , ecli : eu : c : 1989 : 337 , paragraph 19 . 10 judgment of the court of justice of 10 november 2016 , kovalkovas , c - 477 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2016 : 861 , paragraph 36 ; judgment of the court of justice of 10 november 2016 , ppu poltorak , c - 452 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2016 : 858 , paragraph 35 ; and judgment of the court of justice of 22 december 2010 , deb , c - 279 / 09 , ecli : eu : c : 2010 : 811 , paragraph 58 . 11 judgment of the court of justice of 27 february 2018 , associação sindical dos juízes portugueses v tribunal de contas c - 64 / 16 , ecli : eu : c : 2018 : 117 , paragraphs 31 , 40 - 41 ; judgment of the court of justice of 25 july 2018 , lm , c - 216 / 18 ppu , ecli : eu : c : 2018 : 586 , paragraphs 63 - 67 . 12 communication from the commission ' a new eu framework to strengthen the rule of law ' , com 158 final , annex i .


### the independence of the judiciary presupposes , in particular , that the body concerned is able to exercise its judicial functions wholly autonomously , without being subject to any hierarchical constraint or subordinated to any other body , and without taking orders or instructions from any source whatsoever , and that it is thus protected against external interventions or pressure liable to impair the independent judgment of its members and to influence their decisions . the guarantees of independence and impartiality require rules , particularly as regards the composition of the body and the appointment , length of service and the grounds for rejection and dismissal of its members , in order to dismiss any reasonable doubt in the minds of individuals as to the imperviousness of that body to external factors and its neutrality with respect to the interests before it . ### the independence of the judiciary presupposes , in particular , that the body concerned is able to exercise its judicial functions wholly autonomously , without being subject to any hierarchical constraint or subordinated to any other body , and without taking orders or instructions from any source whatsoever , and that it is thus protected against external interventions or pressure liable to impair the independent judgment of its members and to influence their decisions . the independence of the judiciary also presupposes that an equal distance is maintained from the parties to the proceedings and their respective interests with regard to the subject matter of those proceedings . that aspect requires objectivity and the absence of any interest in the outcome of the proceedings apart from the strict application of the rule of law . the guarantees of independence and impartiality require rules , particularly as regards the composition of the body and the appointment , length of service and the grounds for abstention , rejection and dismissal of its members , in order to dismiss any reasonable doubt in the minds of individuals as to the imperviousness of that body to external factors and its neutrality with respect to the interests before it .


### the commission may take into account all relevant information , including decisions of the court of justice of the european union , reports of the court of auditors , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations . ### before resorting to a written notification pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission shall take into account all relevant information , including conditions and timing of the member state’s adoption , implementation and enforcement of the relevant chapters of the acquis , decisions of the court of justice of the european union and reports of the court of auditors . it shall also take into account conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations , and in particular : the venice commission ' s rule of law checklist , the council of europe recommendation cm / rec 12 ‘ judges : independence , efficiency and responsibilities’ , the venice commission report on the independence of the judicial system part i : the independence of judges 004 ) , the venice commission report on part ii : the prosecution service 040 ) , and the relevant evaluation and compliance reports of the group of states against corruption .


### one or more of the following appropriate measures may be adopted ### where the conditions of article 3 are fulfilled , one or more of the following measures may be adopted


### unless the decision adopting the measures provides otherwise , the imposition of appropriate measures shall not affect the obligation of government entities referred to in point of paragraph 1 or of member states referred to in point of paragraph 1 to implement the programme or fund affected by the measure , and in particular the obligation to make payments to final recipients or beneficiaries . ### the imposition of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall not affect the obligation of government entities referred to in point of paragraph 1 or of member states referred to in point of paragraph 1 to implement the programme or fund affected by the measure , and in particular the obligation to make payments to final recipients or beneficiaries . article 68 , paragraph 1 , point b of regulation no xxxx shall not apply .


### ' the rule of law ' refers to the union value enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union which includes the principles of legality , implying a transparent , accountable , democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws ; legal certainty ; prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers ; effective judicial protection by independent courts , including of fundamental rights ; separation of powers and equality before the law ; ### ' the rule of law ' refers to the union value enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union which includes the principles of legality , implying a transparent , accountable , democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws ; legal certainty ; prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers ; effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts , including of fundamental rights ; separation of powers and equality before the law ;


### the commission shall assess the situation in the member state concerned . once the generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law which on the grounds of which the appropriate measures were adopted cease to exist in full or in part , the commission shall submit to the council a proposal for a decision lifting those measures in full or in part . the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 of article 5 shall apply . ### at the request of the member state concerned or on its own initiative , the commission shall assess the situation in that member state . once the generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law which on the grounds of which the measures in question were adopted cease to exist in full or in part , the commission shall submit to the council a proposal for a decision lifting those measures in full or in part . the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 6 a and 8 of article 5 shall apply .


### the effective and timely cooperation with the european anti - fraud office and with the european public prosecutor’s office in their investigations or prosecutions pursuant to their respective legal acts and to the principle of loyal cooperation . ### the effective and timely cooperation with the european anti - fraud office and , subject to the participation of the member state concerned , with the european public prosecutor’s office in their investigations or prosecutions pursuant to their respective legal acts and to the principle of loyal cooperation .


### the use of innovative fishing gears shall not be permitted where those assessments indicate that their use will lead to negative impacts on sensitive habitats and non - target species . ### the use of innovative fishing gears shall only be permitted when those assessments are finalised and indicate that their use will not lead to negative impacts on sensitive habitats and non - target species .


### the commission may require the stecf to assess the joint recommendations referred to in paragraph 5 . ### the commission shall require the stecf to assess the joint recommendations referred to in paragraph 5 .


### the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission to update the list of fish and shellfish for which directed fishing is prohibited ; to update the list of sensitive areas where fishing should be restricted ; to adopt technical measures as part of multiannual plans ; and to adopt technical measures as part of temporary discard plans . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission to update the list of fish and shellfish for which directed fishing is prohibited ; to update the list of sensitive areas where fishing should be restricted ; to adopt technical measures as part of multiannual plans ; and to adopt technical measures as part of temporary discard plans . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and based on stecf assessment . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### fostering the integrated social , economic and environmental development , cultural heritage and security in urban areas ; ### fostering the integrated and inclusive social , economic and environmental development , cultural heritage and security in urban areas ;


### fostering the integrated social , economic and environmental local development , cultural heritage and security , including for rural and coastal areas also through community - led local development . ### fostering the integrated and inclusive social , economic and environmental local development , cultural heritage and security , including for rural and coastal areas also through community - led local development .


### in an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics , it is clear that union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments . in order to ensure coherent , strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility - sharing efforts between member states in managing migration , the erdf should provide support to facilitate the long - term integration of migrants . ### in an increasingly interconnected world and in view of the demographic and migration dynamics , it is clear that union migration policy requires a common approach that relies on the synergies and complementarities of the different funding instruments . in order to ensure coherent , strong and consistent support for solidarity and responsibility - sharing efforts between member states in managing migration , the erdf should provide support to facilitate the long - term integration of third country nationals .


### increasing the socioeconomic integration of marginalised communities , migrants and disadvantaged groups , through integrated measures including housing and social services ; ### increasing the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalised communities , such as the roma , through integrated measures including housing and social services ;


### ' a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' by : ### ' a smarter europe by promoting inclusive , innovative and smart economic transformation ' by :


### . member states shall take appropriate measures to protect customers and shall , in particular , ensure that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers . in this context , each member state shall define the concept of vulnerable customers which may refer to energy poverty and , inter alia , to the prohibition of disconnection of electricity to such customers in critical times . member states shall ensure that rights and obligations linked to vulnerable customers are applied . in particular , they shall take measures to protect customers in remote areas . they shall ensure high levels of consumer protection , particularly with respect to transparency regarding contractual terms and conditions , general information and dispute settlement mechanisms . ### member states shall take appropriate measures to protect final customers and shall , in particular , ensure that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers . in this context , each member state shall define the concept of vulnerable customers which shall refer to energy poverty and ensure the prohibition of disconnection of electricity to such customers under any circumstances . member states shall ensure that rights and obligations linked to vulnerable customers are applied . in particular , they shall take measures to protect customers in remote areas . they shall ensure high levels of consumer protection , particularly with respect to transparency regarding contractual terms and conditions , general information and dispute settlement mechanisms .


### ‘ active customer’ means a customer or a group of jointly acting customers who consume , store or sell electricity generated on their premises , including through aggregators , or participate in demand response or energy efficiency schemes provided that these activities do not constitute their primary commercial or professional activity ; ### ‘ active customer’ means a final customer or a group of jointly acting final customers who consume , store or generated electricity on their premises and sell surplus electricity , including through aggregators or suppliers or traders , or participate in demand response or energy efficiency schemes provided that these activities do not constitute their primary commercial or professional activity ;


### in addition , comparisons with an average normalised or benchmarked customer in the same user category shall be made available to final customers in , with or signposted to within , their bills and periodical settlement bills . ### in addition , wherever possible and useful , comparisons with an average normalised or benchmarked customer in the same user category shall be made available to final customers .


### member states shall ensure that a final customer wishing to terminate the contract with an aggregator , while respecting contractual conditions , is entitled to such termination within three weeks . ### member states shall ensure that a final customer wishing to terminate the contract with an aggregator , while respecting contractual conditions , is entitled to such termination within three weeks . this period shall be reduced to 24 hours as soon as possible , based on a cost - benefit analysis , and no later than 2022 .