### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of investment as a consequence of market uncertainty regarding the economic future and the fiscal constraints on member states . this lack of investment slows economic recovery and negatively affects job creation , long - term growth prospects and competitiveness . ### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of investment as a consequence of market uncertainty regarding the economic future and the austerity policies of the&#160 ; member states . this lack of investment slows economic recovery and negatively affects job creation , long - term growth prospects and competitiveness .


### the efsi should support strategic investments with high economic value added contributing to achieving union policy objectives . ### the efsi should support strategic investments with high economic value added contributing to achieving member states’ policy objectives .


### the commission shall conclude an agreement with the european investment bank on the establishment of a european fund for strategic investments . ### the commission and the council shall conclude an agreement with the european investment bank on the establishment of a european fund for strategic investments .


### the union ' s ambitious external investment plan is needed to support investments starting in africa and the union ' s neighbourhood as a means to promote the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development as well as the commitments under the recently revised european neighbourhood policy thus addressing root causes of migration . it should also contribute to the implementation of the paris agreement on climate change . ### the union ' s ambitious external investment plan is needed to support investments starting in africa and the union ' s neighbourhood as a means to promote the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development , as well as the commitments under the recently revised european neighbourhood policy , thus addressing one of the main root causes of migration . it should also contribute to the implementation of the paris agreement on climate change .


### the eip should incorporate the union commitment under the addis ababa action agenda on financing for development . it should also allow european investors and private companies , including small and medium - sized enterprises , to participate more effectively to sustainable development in partner countries . ### the eip should incorporate the union commitment under the addis ababa action agenda on financing for development . it should also allow european investors and private companies , including small and medium - sized enterprises , to participate more effectively to sustainable development in partner countries , with the emphasis very much on ' sustainable ' .


### the eip should provide an integrated financial package to finance investments starting in regions of africa for countries that are signatories to the partnership agreement between the members of the african , caribbean and pacific group of states of the one part , and the european community and its member states , of the other part , signed in cotonou on 23 june 200022 and the neighbourhood countries , thereby creating growth and employment opportunities , maximising additionality , delivering innovative products , and crowding - in private sector funds . _________________ 22 oj l 317 , 15 . 12 . 2000 as last amended by oj l 287 , 4 . 11 . 2010 ### the eip should provide an integrated financial package to finance investments starting in regions of africa for countries that are signatories to the partnership agreement between the members of the african , caribbean and pacific group of states of the one part , and the european community and its member states of the other part , signed in cotonou on 23 june 200022 and the neighbourhood countries ; this should provide additional growth and employment opportunities , maximise additionality and help deliver innovative products , by encouraging the use of additional private - sector funds . _________________ 22 oj l 317 , 15 . 12 . 2000 as last amended by oj l 287 , 4 . 11 . 2010


### the commission should report annually to the european parliament and the council on the financing and investment operations covered by the efsd guarantee with a view to ensuring accountability to the european citizens . the report should be made public in order to allow relevant stakeholders , including civil society , to express their views . the commission should also report annually to the european parliament and the council on the management of the efsd guarantee fund so that accountability and transparency are ensured . ### the commission should report annually to the european parliament and the council on the financing and investment operations covered by the efsd guarantee with a view to ensuring accountability to eu citizens . the report should be made public in order to allow relevant stakeholders , including civil society , to express their views . the commission should also report annually to the european parliament and the council on the management of the efsd guarantee fund so that accountability and transparency are ensured .


### the efsd shall contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda with a particular focus on sustainable growth , job creation , socio - economic sectors and on the support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises , thus addressing root causes of migration and contributing to sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin while maximising additionality , delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector funds . ### the efsd shall contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 agenda with the major focus on sustainable growth , job creation , socio - economic sectors and on the support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises , thus addressing root causes of migration and contributing to sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin while maximising additionality , delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector funds .


### it shall provide strategic guidance and support the commission in setting overall investment goals as regards the use of the efsd guarantee . the strategic board shall also support overall coordination and coherence between the regional investment platforms and with the external lending mandate operations managed by the eib , including the eib resilience initiative . ### as its name implies , the strategic board shall provide strategic guidance and support the commission in setting overall investment goals as regards the use of the efsd guarantee . the strategic board shall also support overall coordination and coherence between the regional investment platforms and with the external lending mandate operations managed by the eib , including the eib resilience initiative .


### the union shall provide an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on first demand to the eligible counterpart for the financing and investment operations covered by this regulation starting in the african and neighbourhood partner countries . ### the union shall , after careful consideration of the viability of the project , provide an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on first demand to the eligible counterpart for the financing and investment operations covered by this regulation starting in the african and neighbourhood partner countries .


### the financing and investment operations eligible for support through the efsd guarantee shall be consistent and aligned with union policies , in particular development and neighbourhood policies of the union , the partner countries ' strategies and policies and aim at supporting the following general objectives : ### the financing and investment operations eligible for support through the efsd guarantee shall be consistent and aligned with union policies and with the partner countries ' strategies and policies , and shall aim at supporting the following general objectives :


### contribute to economic and social development , with particular focus on sustainability and job creation , thus addressing root causes of migration and contributing to sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin ; ### contribute to economic and social development , with particular focus on sustainability and job creation , thus addressing one of the root causes of migration while contributing to sustainable reintegration of returned migrants in their countries of origin ;


### target socio - economic sectors , in particular infrastructure including sustainable energy , water , transport , information and communications technologies , environment , sustainable use of natural resources and blue growth , social infrastructure , human capital , in order to improve the socio - economic environment ; ### target socio - economic sectors , in particular infrastructure , including : sustainable energy : water ; transport ; information and communications technologies ; the environment ; sustainable use of natural resources and blue growth ; social infrastructure ; human capital ; in order to improve the socio - economic environment ;


### the efsd guarantee shall support financing and investment operations which in particular : ### while guarding against profiteering and / or monopolisation of services , the efsd guarantee shall support financing and investment operations which in particular :


### from 1 january 2021 , if , as a result of calls on the efsd guarantee , the level of resources in the guarantee fund falls below 50% of the provisioning rate referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission shall submit a report on exceptional measures that may be required to replenish the efsd guarantee fund . ### from 1 january 2021 , if , as a result of calls on the efsd guarantee , the level of resources in the guarantee fund falls below 50% of the provisioning rate referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission shall submit a report on a ) the cause of the shortfall , with detailed explanations , and b ) should it be deemed necessary , any exceptional measures that may be required to replenish the efsd guarantee fund .


### the commission or the eligible counterparts shall notify the european anti - fraud office promptly and provide it with the necessary information when , at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of financing and investment operations covered by this regulation , they have grounds for suspecting fraud , corruption , money laundering or any other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the union . ### if at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of financing and investment operations covered by this regulation the commission has grounds for suspecting fraud , corruption , money laundering or any other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the union , they or their eligible counterparts shall immediately notify the european anti - fraud office and provide it with all necessary information to enable a full and thorough investigation ;


### where such illegal activities are proven , the eligible counterparts shall undertake recovery efforts with respect to its financing and investment operations covered by this regulation that are concerned by such activities . ### where such illegal activities are proven , the eligible counterparts shall undertake recovery efforts with respect to its financing and investment operations covered by this regulation that are concerned by such activities , and shall also provide to the relevant authorities all information needed for investigation and possible prosecution ;


### member states shall ensure that legislative , regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions they intend to introduce and amendments they intend to make to existing provisions are justified by public interest objectives . ### member states shall ensure that legislative , regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions they intend to introduce and amendments they intend to make to existing provisions are justified by public interest objectives , including the objective of public health and safety .


### for the purposes of article 13 and article 30 of this directive , the indication of ownership or control set out in the second paragraph is reduced to 10% whenever the legal entity is a passive non - financial entity as defined in directive 2011 / 16 / eu ; ### for the purposes of article 13 and article 30 of this directive , the indication of ownership or control set out in the second subparagraph is reduced to 10%” ;


### ' in the case of trusts : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector , if any ; the beneficiaries ; or where the individuals benefiting from the legal arrangement or entity have yet to be determined , the class of persons in whose main interest the legal arrangement or entity is set up or operates ; any other natural person exercising ultimate control over the trust by means of direct or indirect ownership or by other means ' ### in point , point is replaced by the following ' in the case of trusts : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector , if any ; the beneficiaries ; or where the individuals benefiting from the legal arrangement or entity have yet to be determined , the class of persons in whose main interest the legal arrangement or entity is set up or operates ; any other natural person exercising ultimate control over the trust by means of direct or indirect ownership or by other means . if any of the above categories - involves , instead of or in addition to natural persons , one or several legal entities , the beneficial owners of that entity , as defined in the paragraph above , shall in turn be considered as part of the beneficial owners of the trust . '


### ' 5 . member states shall require that the information held in the central register referred to in paragraph 4 is adequate , accurate and up - to - date . ' ### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ' 5 . member states shall require that the information held in the central register referred to in paragraph 1a is adequate , accurate and up - to - date . to the extent that there is doubt as to whether the information held in the central register is adequate , accurate and up - to - date and the person identified are the actual beneficial owner and the trust or trustee do not cooperate to clarify the information , or where the trust or trustee do not provide identity information of all natural persons meeting the criteria under paragraph 1 above , trusts should not be allowed to register in the central register . '


### in exceptional circumstances to be laid down in national law , where the access referred to in point of paragraph 5 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . ### in exceptional circumstances and other specific terms laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraph 5 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . member states shall ensure that these exemptions are granted upon a detailed evaluation of the exceptional nature of the circumstances . exemptions shall be reassessed at regular intervals to avoid abuse . when an exemption is granted , this has to be clearly indicated in the register . it shall further be possible to challenge exemptions before the national authority that granted the exemption .


### in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . ### in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . exemptions must be reassessed at regular intervals in order to avoid abuse . where an exemption is granted , this must be clearly indicated in the register and justified in writing .


### in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . ### in exceptional circumstances and under specific terms laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . member states shall ensure that these exemptions are granted upon a detailed evaluation of the exceptional nature of the circumstances . exemptions shall be reassessed at regular intervals to avoid abuse . when an exemption is granted , this has to be clearly indicated in the register . it shall further be possible to challenge exemptions before the national authority that granted the exemption .


### in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access to the information set out in paragraph 1 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from the compulsory disclosure of to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . ### in exceptional circumstances and other specific terms laid down in national law , where the access to the information set out in paragraph 1 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . member states shall ensure that these exemptions are granted upon a detailed evaluation of the exceptional nature of the circumstances . exemptions shall be reassessed at regular intervals to avoid abuse . when an exemption is granted , this has to be clearly indicated in the register . it shall further be possible to challenge exemptions before the national authority that granted the exemption .


### for the purposes of this article , a trust is considered to be administered in each member state where the trustees are established ; ### for the purpose of this article , a trust is considered to be created , administered or operated in a member state where one or more of the following conditions are fulfilled : it is created according to or governed by the law of the member state or has its ultimate court of appeal in the jurisdiction of the member state ; it is connected to the member state by : having one or more of the persons referred to in paragraph 1 or beneficial owners of the trust , as defined in article 3 , resident in that member state ; holding real estate or other tangible assets in the member state ; holding shares or voting rights or ownership interest in a legal entity incorporated in that member state ; holding a bank or payment account in a credit institution situated in that member state .


### the information shall consist of the name , the month and year of birth , the nationality and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as well as the nature and extent of the beneficial interest held . ### the information shall at least consist of the name , the date of birth , the nationality and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as well as the nature and extent of the beneficial interest held .


### the commission should facilitate and encourage coordination between member states with a view to enhancing the overall strategic role of the union through a strong and effective coordinated approach to producer , transit , and consumer countries . ### the commission should facilitate and encourage coordination between member states with a view to enhancing the overall usefulness for all concerned through an effective , sustainable and coordinated approach for producer , transit , and consumer countries .


### to strengthen the complementarity and to reinforce the consistency of maritime activities as well as to avoid duplication of efforts and to alleviate budgetary constraints in an area of costly activities such as the maritime domain , the instrument should support maritime operations of multipurpose character where the main objective is border surveillance but other objectives could additionally be pursued simultaneously . ### to strengthen the complementarity and to reinforce the consistency of maritime activities as well as to avoid duplication of efforts and to alleviate budgetary constraints in an area of costly activities such as the maritime domain , the instrument should support maritime operations of multi - purpose character where the main objective is border surveillance .


### the instrument should reflect the need for increased flexibility and simplification while respecting requirements in terms of predictability , and ensuring a fair and transparent distribution of resources to meet the objectives laid down in this regulation . ### the instrument should reflect the need for increased flexibility and simplification while respecting requirements in terms of predictability , and ensuring a fair and transparent distribution of resources to meet the objectives laid down in this regulation . in order to meet the requirements in terms of transparency of funding , the commission , with the cooperation of the member states , should publish information on the development of the annual and multiannual programmes under the thematic facility . member states should be obliged to share all information in their possession on the development of programmes under shared management . that information should be centralised by the commission and published on a single portal .


### part of the available resources under the instrument could also be allocated to member states’ programmes for the implementation of specific actions in addition to their initial allocation . these specific actions should be identified at union level and should concern actions which require cooperative effort or actions necessary to address developments in the union which require additional funding to be made available to one or more member states , such as the purchase through the national programmes of member states of technical equipment needed by the european border and coast guard agency to perform its operational activities , the modernisation of the processing of visa applications , the development of new large - scale it systems and the setting - up of interoperability between those systems . these specific actions will be defined by the commission in its work programmes . ### part of the available resources under the instrument could also be allocated to member states’ programmes for the implementation of specific actions in addition to their initial allocation . these specific actions should be identified at union level and should concern actions which require cooperative effort among member states or actions necessary to address developments in the union which require additional funding to be made available to one or more member states , such as the purchase through the national programmes of member states of technical equipment needed by the european border and coast guard agency to perform its operational activities , the modernisation of the processing of visa applications , the development of new large - scale it systems and the setting - up of interoperability between those systems . these specific actions will be defined by the commission in its work programmes .


### as part of the integrated border management fund , the policy objective of the instrument shall be ensuring strong and effective european integrated border management at the external borders while safeguarding the free movement of persons within it , in full compliance with the union ' s commitments on fundamental rights , thereby contributing to guaranteeing a high level of security in the union . ### as part of the integrated border management fund , the policy objective of the instrument shall be ensuring effective and fair european integrated border management at the external borders while safeguarding the security and free movement of persons within it , in full compliance with the union ' s obligations and the commitments incumbent upon the union and the member states under the international instruments to which they are signatories , in particular as regards fundamental rights .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that the support provided under this regulation and by the member states is consistent with the relevant activities , policies and priorities of the union and is complementary to other union instruments . ### the commission , the european parliament , and the member states shall ensure that the support provided under this regulation and by the member states is consistent with the relevant activities , policies and priorities of the union and is complementary to other union instruments .


### the commission shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility under the annual appropriations of the union budget . ### the commission , after consulting the european parliament , shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility under the annual appropriations of the union budget .


### the commission shall adopt financing decisions as referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation for the thematic facility , identifying the objectives and the actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components , as referred to in paragraph 1 . financing decisions shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the commission , after consulting the european parliament , shall adopt financing decisions as referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation for the thematic facility , identifying the objectives and the actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components , as referred to in paragraph 1 . financing decisions shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations .


### following the adoption of a financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly . ### following the adoption of a financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission , after consulting the european parliament , may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly .


### this section applies to the part of the financial envelope referred to in article&#160 ; 7 , and the additional resources to be implemented under shared management according to the commission decision for the thematic facility referred to in article 8 . ### this section applies to the part of the financial envelope referred to in article&#160 ; 7 , and the additional resources to be implemented under shared management according to the commission decision , adopted after consultation of the european parliament , for the thematic facility referred to in article 8 .


### the commission shall ensure that the european border and coast guard agency and where appropriate , eu - lisa , are associated with the process of developing the programmes of member states at an early stage , in so far as it falls within the agencies’ competencies . ### the commission and the european parliament shall ensure that the european border and coast guard agency and , where appropriate , eu - lisa are associated with the process of developing the programmes of member states at an early stage , in so far as it falls within the agencies’ competencies .


### the commission shall consult the european border and coast guard agency on the draft programmes with a specific emphasis on the activities included under operating support in line with article 3 to ensure consistency and complementarity of the actions of the agency and those of the member states regarding border management as well as to avoid double financing and to achieve cost efficiency . ### the commission and the european parliament shall consult the european border and coast guard agency on the draft programmes with a specific emphasis on the activities included under operating support in line with article 3 to ensure consistency and complementarity of the actions of the agency and those of the member states regarding border management as well as to avoid double financing and to achieve cost efficiency .


### the commission may associate the european border and coast guard agency , and where appropriate , eu - lisa , with monitoring and evaluation tasks as referred to in section 5 , in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the instrument are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . ### the commission and the european parliament may associate the european border and coast guard agency , and , where appropriate , eu - lisa , with monitoring and evaluation tasks as referred to in section 5 , in particular with a view to ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the instrument are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities .


### as regards operating equipment , including means of transport , and communication systems required for effective and secure border control purchased with the support of this instrument , the following shall apply : ### as regards operating equipment , including means of transport , and communication systems required for effective and secure border control , and for search and rescue operations , purchased with the support of this instrument , the following shall apply :


### in 2024 the commission shall allocate to the programmes of member states concerned the additional amount referred to in article&#160 ; 10 in accordance with the criteria referred to in paragraph 1 of and in paragraphs 2 to 11 of annex i . the allocation shall be based on the latest available statistical data for the criteria referred to in paragraph 1 and in paragraphs 2 to 11 of annex i . funding shall be effective for the period as of the calendar year 2025 . ### in 2024 the commission , after consulting the european parliament , shall allocate to the programmes of member states concerned the additional amount referred to in article&#160 ; 10 in accordance with the criteria referred to in paragraph 1 of and in paragraphs 2 to 11 of annex i . the allocation shall be based on the latest available statistical data for the criteria referred to in paragraph 1 and in paragraphs 2 to 11 of annex i . funding shall be effective for the period as of the calendar year 2025 .


### the allocation of the funds from the thematic facility as from 2025 shall , where appropriate , take into account the progress made in achieving the milestones of the performance framework as referred to in article 12 of regulation no … / … [ cpr ] and identified implementation shortcomings . ### the allocation of the funds from the thematic facility as from 2025 shall , where appropriate , take into account the progress made in achieving the milestones of the performance framework as referred to in article 12 of regulation no … / … [ cpr ] and identified implementation shortcomings . the programmes shall undergo a mid - term review in accordance with articles 14 and 40 of regulation no . . . / . . . [ cpr ] and article 26 of this regulation .


### member states shall justify in the programme and in the annual performance reports as referred to in article 27 the use of operating support to achieve the objectives of this regulation . before the approval of the programme , the commission shall , following a consultation of the european border and coast guard agency as regards the agency’s competencies in accordance with article 12 , assess the needs of baseline situation in the member states which have indicated their intention to use operating support , taking into account the information provided by those member states and , where relevant , the information available in the light of schengen evaluations and vulnerability assessments , including the recommendations following schengen evaluations and vulnerability assessments . ' ### member states shall justify in the programme and in the annual performance reports as referred to in article 27 the use of operating support to achieve the objectives of this regulation . before the approval of the programme , the commission shall , after consulting parliament and following a consultation of the european border and coast guard agency as regards the agency’s competencies in accordance with article 12 , assess the baseline situation in the member states which have indicated their intention to use operating support , taking into account the information provided by those member states and , where relevant , the information available in the light of schengen evaluations and vulnerability assessments , including the recommendations following schengen evaluations and vulnerability assessments .


### the instrument may support technical assistance measures implemented at the initiative of , or on behalf of , the commission . those measures may be financed at the rate of 100 % . ### the instrument may support technical assistance measures implemented at the initiative of , or on behalf of , the commission , following consultation of parliament . those measures may be financed at the rate of 100 % .


### the commission shall carry out a mid - term and a retrospective evaluation of this regulation , including the actions implemented under this instrument . ### the commission shall carry out a mid - term and a retrospective evaluation of this regulation , including the actions implemented under this instrument . the findings of the evaluation shall be forwarded to parliament without delay .


### by 15&#160 ; february 2023 and by the same date of each subsequent year up to and including 2031 , member states shall submit to the commission the annual performance report as referred to in article 36 of regulation no&#160 ; &#8230 ; / &#8230 ; [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2023 shall cover the implementation of the programme carried out until 30&#160 ; june 2022 . ### by 15 february 2023 and by the same date of each subsequent year up to and including 2031 , member states shall submit to the commission and parliament the annual performance report as referred to in article 36 of regulation no &#8230 ; / &#8230 ; [ cpr ] . the report submitted in 2023 shall cover the implementation of the programme carried out until 30&#160 ; june 2022 .


### where , based on the assessment carried out pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission considers that the conditions laid down in that paragraph are not fulfilled , it shall take a decision to refuse protection of the geographical indication by means of an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 . in respect of geographical indications covering products not falling within the competence of the committees provided in article 13 the decision will be adopted by the commission without application of the examination procedure referred to in article 13 . ### where , based on the assessment carried out pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission considers that the conditions laid down in that paragraph are not fulfilled , it shall take a sufficiently reasoned decision to refuse protection of the geographical indication by means of an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 13 . in respect of geographical indications covering products not falling within the competence of the committees provided in article 13 the decision will be adopted by the commission without application of the examination procedure referred to in article 13 .


### within two months from the date of publication of the name of the geographical indication in the official journal of the european union in accordance with article 4 , the authorities of a member state or of a third country other than the contracting party of origin , or a natural or legal person having a legitimate interest and established in the union or in a third country other than the contracting party of origin may lodge an opposition with the commission , in one of the official languages of the union . ### within six months from the date of publication of the name of the geographical indication in the official journal of the european union in accordance with article 4 , the authorities of a member state or of a third country other than the contracting party of origin , or a natural or legal person having a legitimate interest and established in the union or in a third country other than the contracting party of origin may lodge an opposition with the commission , in one of the official languages of the union .


### supply the european union institutions and bodies and the member states with the objective available technical , scientific , legal and economic information and qualified expertise they require to formulate and implement judicious and effective policies designed to protect the safety and health of workers ; to that end , provide the european commission in particular with the technical , scientific , legal and economic information and qualified expertise it requires to fulfil its tasks of identifying , preparing and evaluating legislation and measures in the area of the protection of the safety and health of workers , notably as regards the impact of legislation , the adaptation of legislation to technical , scientific or legislative progress as well as of practical implementation of legislation in enterprises , with particular reference to micro , small and medium - sized enterprises ; ### supply the european union institutions and bodies and the member states with the objective available technical , scientific , legal and economic information and qualified expertise they require to formulate and implement judicious and effective policies designed to protect the safety and health of workers , including the prevention and anticipation of potential hazards ; to that end , provide the european commission in particular with the technical , scientific , legal and economic information and qualified expertise it requires to fulfil its tasks of identifying , preparing and evaluating legislation and measures in the area of the protection of the safety and health of workers , notably as regards the impact of legislation , the adaptation of legislation to technical , scientific or legislative progress as well as of practical implementation of legislation in enterprises , with particular reference to micro , small and medium - sized enterprises ;


### adopt and regularly update the communication and dissemination plans based on an analysis of needs ; ### adopt and regularly update the communication and dissemination plans , as part of the agency ' s programming document , based on an analysis of needs ;


### the commission shall send the draft estimates to the budgetary authority together with the draft general budget of the union . ### the commission shall send the draft estimates to the budgetary authority and the agency together with the draft general budget of the union .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to growing challenges such as rising regional and social disparities and climate change and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , rural , local and farm levels , it is necessary to improve the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance with funding also geared towards productivity and quality , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap including rural development and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet common objectives and achieve common eu , national and regional targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . in order to ensure that a renationalisation of the cap is avoided , a set of strong european union provisions should be included which are designed to prevent the distortion of competition and ensure non - discriminatory treatment for all throughout the territory of the european union .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden , in particular to the final beneficiaries . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity , while ensuring the commonality of the cap is not undermined , makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should be given greater autonomy as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden in particular to the final beneficiaries . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity while ensuring that the commonality of the cap is not undermined should make it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### the use of common definitions entirely set at union level has caused certain difficulties for member states to cater their own specificities at national , regional , and local level . member states should therefore be given the flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a common level playing field , a certain framework has , however , to be set at union level constituting the necessary essential elements to be included in those definitions . ### member states should be given the flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a framework of objectives and requirements and a common level playing field , however , the necessary essential elements to be included in those framework definitions should be established at union level .


### in order to retain the essential union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include both areas actually used for production and not , as well as nurseries and short rotation coppice to be defined by member states . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and allows them to include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage that can be grazed or that may produce animal feed , whether used for actual production or not . ### in order to retain the essential union - wide elements to ensure comparability between member state decisions , without however limiting member states in reaching union objectives , a framework definition for ‘ agricultural area’ should be set out . the related framework definitions for ‘ arable land’ , ‘ permanent crops’ and ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set out in a broad way to allow member states to further specify definitions according to their local conditions . the framework definition for ‘ arable land’ should be laid down in a way that allows member states to cover different production forms , including system such as agroforestry and arable areas with shrubs and trees and that requires the inclusion of fallow land areas in order to ensure the decoupled nature of the interventions . the framework definition of ‘ permanent crops’ should include areas actually used for production , as well as nurseries . the framework definition of ‘ permanent grassland’ should be set in a way that allows member states to specify further criteria and include species other than grasses or other herbaceous forage , together with shrub and tree resources such as acorns and chestnuts , that can be grazed or that may produce animal feed .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the relevance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , working time on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas .


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , while protecting its commonality , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of balanced territorial , development , that is environmentally sustainable , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment .


### in the context of greater market - orientation of the cap , as outlined by the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , market exposure , climate change and associated frequency and severity of extreme weather events , as well as sanitary and phytosanitary crises , may lead to risks of price volatility and increasing pressures on incomes . thus , although farmers are ultimately responsible for designing their on - farm strategies , a robust framework should be set up to ensure appropriate risk management . to this aim , member states and farmers may be able to draw on a union - level platform on risk management for capacity - building in order to provide farmers with adequate financial instruments for investments and access to working capital , training , knowledge transfer and advice . ### market exposure , climate change and associated frequency and severity of extreme weather events , globalised agricultural commodity markets , free trade agreements , and sanitary and phytosanitary crises , have all lead to episodes of price volatility and increasing pressures on incomes . thus , although farmers are ultimately responsible for designing their on - farm strategies , a robust framework should be set up to ensure appropriate risk management and protection of farm incomes . to this aim , member states and farmers may be able to draw on a union - level platform on risk management for capacity - building in order to provide farmers with adequate tools for income savings in good years to cope with bad years , investments and access to working capital , training , knowledge transfer and advice .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can complement the economy and job potential for rural areas . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas , particularly peripheral areas , in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as , short supply chains , innovative food products , renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in broadband and connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , promoting public investment , social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . the cap currently contributes to the reduction of poverty and the creation of better jobs for farmers across the eu and should continue to do so . new rural value chains such as renewable energy , cooperative movements , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , eu funding can play a crucial role in providing access to finance and bolstering the sustainability of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for those coming from outside the locality , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### the cap should keep ensuring food security , which should be understood as meaning access to sufficient , safe and nutritious food at all times . moreover , it should help improving the response of union agriculture to new societal demands on food and health , including sustainable agricultural production , healthier nutrition , food waste and animal welfare . the cap should continue to promote production with specific and valuable characteristics , while at the same time helping farmers to proactively adjust their production according to market signals and consumers’ demands . ### the cap should keep ensuring food security , which should be understood as meaning access to sufficient , affordable safe and nutritious food at all times . moreover , it should help improving the response of union agriculture to new societal demands on food and health , including environmentally sustainable agricultural production , healthier nutrition , food waste and animal welfare . the cap should continue to promote production with specific and valuable characteristics , while at the same time helping farmers to proactively adjust their production according to market signals and consumers’ demands .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should designate farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should be offered free of charge as part of specific schemes , and help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental , animal welfare and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including animal welfare , environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on protection of farmed animals , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm public advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on cutting back on the use of pesticides , agro - ecological practices as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes that are mandatory for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be aligned with mandatory environment objectives already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes should be regarded as ‘ entry - level schemes’ which should be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments .


### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions should be based on forest management plans or equivalent instruments and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of forests , including the afforestation of land and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy and bio - economy . ### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions should be based on forest management plans or equivalent instruments and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of forests , including the afforestation of land and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; measures to encourage the plantation of native species ensuring biodiversity in forests ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy and bio - economy .


### in order to ensure a fair income and a resilient agricultural sector across the union territory , member states may grant support to farmers in areas facing natural and other area - specific constraints . as regards payments for anc , the designation of the 2014 - 2020 rural development policy should continue to apply . for the cap to deliver enhanced union added on the environment and reinforce its synergies with the financing of investments in nature and biodiversity , it is necessary to keep a separate measure aiming at compensating beneficiaries for disadvantages related to the implementation of natura 2000 and water framework directives . support should therefore continue to be granted to farmers and forest holders to help address specific disadvantages resulting from the implementation of directive 2009 / 147 / ec and directive 92 / 43 / eec and in order to contribute to the effective management of natura 2000 sites . support should also be made available to farmers to help address disadvantages in river basin areas resulting from the implementation of the water framework directive . support should be linked to specific requirements described in the cap strategic plans that go beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements . member states should also ensure that payments to farmers do not lead to double funding with eco schemes . furthermore , the specific needs of natura 2000 areas should be taken into account by member states in the overall design of their cap strategic plans . ### in order to ensure a fair income and a resilient agricultural sector across the union territory , member states may grant support to farmers in areas facing natural and other area - specific constraints . as regards payments for anc , the designation of the 2014 - 2020 rural development policy should continue to apply . support should also be made available to farmers to help address disadvantages in river basin areas resulting from the implementation of the water framework directive . support should be linked to specific requirements described in the cap strategic plans that are aligned to the relevant mandatory standards and requirements . member states should also ensure that payments to farmers do not lead to double funding with eco schemes .


### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for investments , productive as well as non - productive , on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the development , modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , agro - forestry practices and the supply and saving of energy and water . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation . ### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for productive and non - productive investments designed to improve resilience and diversification on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the adaptation to climate change of agriculture and agro - forestry , including access to farm land for small and medium - sized farmers , always preventing land grabbing , land consolidation and improvement , agro - forestry practices and the supply and saving of energy and water . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation . those investments should have a per - farm limit to prevent very large amounts being concentrated at small farms .


### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for investments , productive as well as non - productive , on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the development , modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , agro - forestry practices and the supply and saving of energy and water . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation . ### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for investments , productive as well as non - productive , on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the development , modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry , including land consolidation and improvement , establishment of agro - forestry practices and the installation of energy and water saving syatems . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding , restrictive criteria on the definition of a ' young farmer ' which excludes them from support schemes , low market returns , access to land , high input prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial programmes for young farmers and new entrants , incentives for farm partnership models , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 3% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established .


### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate risk management tools , insurance premia and mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eafrd . the category of mutual funds encompasses both those linked to production losses , and the general and sector - specific income stabilisation tools , linked to income losses . ### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate climate and health risk management tools , insurance premia and mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eafrd .


### to enhance the union added value and to preserve a functioning agricultural internal market , as well as to pursue the above - mentioned general and specific objectives , member states should not take decisions according to this regulation in isolation but in the framework of a structured process that should materialise in a cap strategic plan . union top - down rules should lay down the specific eu - wide objectives of the cap , the main types of interventions , the performance framework and the governance structure . such a distribution of tasks is aimed at ensuring full correspondence between financial resources invested and results achieved . ### to preserve equal opportunities and conditions between farmers operating in different parts of the agricultural internal market , as well as to pursue the above - mentioned general and specific objectives , member states should draw up cap strategic plan through a structured process . union - level framework rules should lay down the specific objectives of the cap , the main types of interventions , the performance framework and the governance structure . such a distribution of tasks is aimed at ensuring full correspondence between financial resources invested and results achieved .


### in order to ensure a clear strategic nature of these cap strategic plans , and to facilitate the links with other union policies , and notably with established long - term national targets deriving from union legislation or international agreements such as those related to climate change , forests , biodiversity , and water , it is appropriate that there should be one single cap strategic plan per member state . ### in order to ensure a clear strategic nature of these cap strategic plans , and to facilitate the links with other union policies , and notably with established long - term national targets deriving from union legislation or international agreements such as those related to the paris agreement , climate change , biodiversity , and water , it is appropriate that there should be one single cap strategic plan per member state .


### in order to ensure a clear strategic nature of these cap strategic plans , and to facilitate the links with other union policies , and notably with established long - term national targets deriving from union legislation or international agreements such as those related to climate change , forests , biodiversity , and water , it is appropriate that there should be one single cap strategic plan per member state . ### in order to ensure a clear strategic nature of these cap strategic plans , and to facilitate the links with other union policies , and notably with established long - term national targets deriving from union legislation or international agreements such as those related to climate change , forests , biodiversity , and water , it is appropriate that a member state ' s strategic plans should be coordinated internally .


### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans . ### in the process of development of their cap strategic plans , member states should analyse their specific situation and needs , set targets that are realistic , linked to the achievement of the objectives of the cap and design the interventions which will allow reaching these targets while providing certainty for the final beneficiaries , while being adapted to the national and specific regional contexts , including the outermost regions pursuant to article 349 tfeu . such process should promote more subsidiarity within a common union framework , while compliance with the general principles of union law and the objectives of the cap should be ensured . it is therefore appropriate to set rules on the structure and content of the cap strategic plans .


### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap . ### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , as well as to ensure schemes meet the needs of farmers , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior national analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap .


### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap . ### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate , achievable and realistic , and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap .


### a managing authority should be responsible for the management and implementation of each cap strategic plan . its duties should be specified in this regulation . the managing authority should be able to delegate part of its duties while retaining responsibility for the efficiency and correctness of management . member states should ensure that in the management and implementation of cap strategic plans , the financial interests of the union are protected , in accordance with [ regulation x ] of the european parliament and the council [ the new financial regulation ] and regulation x of the european parliament and the council [ the new horizontal regulation ] . ### a national managing authority should be responsible for the management and implementation of each cap strategic plan . its duties should be specified in this regulation . the managing authority should be able to delegate part of its duties while retaining responsibility for the efficiency and correctness of management . member states should ensure that in the management and implementation of cap strategic plans , the financial interests of the union are protected , in accordance with [ regulation x ] of the european parliament and the council [ the new financial regulation ] and regulation x of the european parliament and the council [ the new horizontal regulation ] .


### the result - orientation triggered by the delivery model requires a strong performance framework , particularly since cap strategic plans would contribute to broad general objectives for other shared managed policies . a performance - based policy implies annual and multi - annual assessment on the basis of selected outputs , result and impact indicators , as defined in the performance monitoring and evaluation framework . to this end , a limited and targeted set of indicators should be selected in a way which reflects as closely as possible whether the supported intervention contributes to achieving the envisaged objectives . result and output indicators relating to climate - and environment - related objectives may include interventions set out in national environmental and climate - planning instruments emanating from union legislation . ### the result - orientation triggered by the delivery model requires a strong performance framework , particularly since cap strategic plans would contribute to broad general objectives for other shared managed policies . a performance - based policy implies annual and multi - annual assessment on the basis of selected outputs , result and impact indicators , as defined in the performance monitoring and evaluation framework . to this end , a limited and targeted set of indicators should be selected in a way which reflects as closely as possible whether the supported intervention contributes to achieving the envisaged objectives while taking into account external factors beyond the influence of beneficiaries . result and output indicators relating to climate - and environment - related objectives may include interventions set out in national environmental and climate - planning instruments emanating from union legislation .


### member states shall ensure that interventions are set out on the basis of objective and non - discriminatory criteria , are compatible with the internal market and do not distort competition . ### member states shall ensure that interventions are set out on the basis of equality to final beneficiaries objective and non - discriminatory criteria , are compatible with the internal market and do not distort competition .


### member states shall establish the legal framework governing the granting of union support to beneficiaries on the basis of the cap strategic plan and in accordance with the principles and requirements set out in this regulation and regulation [ hzr ] . ### the legal framework governing the granting of union support to beneficiaries on the basis of the cap strategic plan and in accordance with the principles and requirements set out in this regulation and regulation [ hzr ] shall be set at union level


### member states shall ensure that the interventions based on the types of interventions which are listed in annex ii to this regulation , including the definitions set out in article 3 and the definitions to be formulated in the cap strategic plans set out in article 4 , respect the provisions of paragraph 1 of annex 2 to the wto agreement on agriculture . ### interventions based on the types of interventions which are listed in annex ii to this regulation , including the definitions set out in article 3 and the definitions to be formulated in the cap strategic plans set out in article 4 , shall respect the provisions of paragraph 1 of annex 2 to the wto agreement on agriculture .


### schemes for the climate and the environment ### schemes for climate mitigation and environmental sustainability actions


### schemes for the climate and the environment ### schemes for the climate , the environment and animal welfare