### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young women and men to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund . ### europe is a scientific powerhouse with around 1 . 8 million researchers working in thousands of universities , research centres and world - leading companies . however , it is estimated that the eu will need to train and employ at least one million new researchers by 2027 in order to achieve the targets beings set for increased investment in research and innovation . this need is particularly acute in the non - academic sector . the eu must reinforce its efforts to entice more young people across all genders and backgrounds to a career in research , to attract researchers from third countries , retain its own researchers and reintegrate european researchers working elsewhere back to europe . in addition , in order to more widely spread excellence , the conditions under which researchers perform must be further improved throughout the european research area . in this respect , stronger links are needed notably with the european education area , the european regional development fund , and european social fund .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible and inclusive opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which will enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social and civic development . such activities should also support the mobility of young volunteers and trainees .


### the european solidarity corps provides a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union and beyond . consistency and complementarity should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps is built on the strengths and synergies of predecessor and existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service19 and the eu aid volunteers20 . it also complements the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , are also ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec . 20 regulation no 375 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 establishing the european voluntary humanitarian aid corps . ### the european solidarity corps provides a valuable opportunity free of discrimination based on gender or social background for solidarity activities throughout the union and beyond . consistency and complementarity should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national , regional and local solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , as well as other opportunities offered by civil society , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices .


### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship – , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity . ### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic development , which take the form of volunteering and traineeships , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as formal and non - formal education and informal learning , intercultural dialogue , social inclusion , and training , gender equality , social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , social farming and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , in particular migrants and asylum seekers , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid education and learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening local communities and social cohesion , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe , inclusive and healthy conditions .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any non - profit public or private participating organisation willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled .


### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , including those with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad while improving and properly validating their competences as well as facilitating their employability and transition into the labour market . ### the specific objective of the programme is to provide young people , in particular young people with fewer opportunities , with easily accessible , adequately funded and inclusive opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities in europe and abroad ;


### in view of the fact that the access of third country goods and services to the public procurement market of the union falls within the scope of the common commercial policy , member states and their contracting authorities and contracting entities should not be able to restrict the access of third country goods or services to their tendering procedures by any other measure than those provided for in this regulation . ### in view of the fact that the access of third country goods and services to the public procurement market of the union falls within the scope of the common commercial policy , member states and their contracting authorities and contracting entities should not be able to restrict the access of third country goods or services to their tendering procedures by any other measure than those provided in directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council1a and related directives , or other respective provisions established in accordance with the treaties . ____________________ 1a directive 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec .


### member states should issue certificates of qualification only to persons that have the minimum levels of competence , the minimum age , the minimum medical fitness and the navigation time required for obtaining a specific qualification . ### member states should issue certificates of qualification only to persons that have the minimum levels of competence resulting from successful participation in an approved training programme and proven by an assessment or examination , as well as the minimum age , the minimum medical fitness and the navigation time required for obtaining a specific qualification .


### training programmes leading to diplomas or certificates demonstrating compliance with the standards of competence referred to in article 15 shall be approved by the competent authorities of the member states in whose territory the relevant education or training institute is established . ### training programmes leading to diplomas or certificates demonstrating compliance with the standards of competence referred to in article 15 shall be approved by the competent authorities of the member states with navigable waterways in whose territory the relevant education or training institute is carried out . member states may approve training programmes on at national level on condition that such programmes meet the common criteria defined by cesnsi in the quality assessment and assurance system .


### - have a minimum of five years ' work experience prior to the enrolment of an approved training programme ; ### - have a minimum of five years ' work experience prior to the enrolment of an approved training programme of at least 2 years ;


### due to the responsibility with respect to safety when exercising the profession of boatmaster , sailing with the aid of radar and bunkering liquefied natural gas - fuelled vessels or sailing liquefied natural gas - fuelled vessels , verification through practical examinations on whether the required level of competence has effectively been reached is required . such practical examinations may be carried out using approved simulators , with a view to further facilitating the evaluation of competence . ### in view of the need to respect safety when exercising the profession of deck crew member , boatmaster and safety expert for passenger vessels , sailing with the aid of radar and bunkering liquefied natural gas - fuelled vessels or sailing liquefied natural gas - fuelled vessels , verification through practical examinations on whether the required level of competence has effectively been reached is required . such practical examinations may be carried out using approved simulators , with a view to further facilitating the evaluation of competence .


### as part of a training programme approved in accordance with article 17 . ### as part of a training system , established by a member state , approved in accordance with article 17 .


### training programmes leading to diplomas or certificates demonstrating compliance with the standards of competence referred to in article 15 shall be approved by the competent authorities of the member states in whose territory the relevant education or training institute is established . ### training programmes leading to diplomas or certificates demonstrating compliance with the standards of competence referred to in article 15 shall be approved by the competent authorities of the member states with navigable waterways in whose territory the relevant education or training institute is carried out . member states may approve training programmes at national level on condition that such programmes meet the common criteria defined by cesni in the quality assessment and assurance system which may be adopted through a delegated act by the commission .


### approval of training programmes is necessary to verify that the programmes comply with common minimum requirements regarding content and organisation . such compliance allows for eliminating unnecessary barriers to entering the profession by preventing those who already acquired the necessary skills during their vocational training from passing unnecessary additional examination . the existence of approved training programmes may also facilitate the entry of workers with prior experience from other sectors into the profession of inland navigation as they may benefit from dedicated training programmes that take account of their already acquired competences . ### approval of training programmes is necessary to verify that the programmes comply with common necessary requirements regarding content and organisation . such compliance allows for the elimination of unnecessary barriers to entering the profession by preventing those who have already acquired necessary skills in a maritime working environment , or skills which are related to the maritime professions , during their vocational training , from passing unnecessary additional examination . the existence of approved training programmes may also facilitate the entry of workers with prior experience from other sectors into the profession of inland navigation as they may benefit from dedicated training programmes that take account of their already acquired competences .


### ‘ passenger navigation expert’ means a person competent to take measures in emergency situations on board passenger vessels ; ### ' passenger navigation expert ' means a person on board of the vessel who is competent to take measures in emergency situations on board passenger vessels ;


### - have a minimum of five years ' work experience prior to the enrolment in the training programme ; ### - have a minimum of four years ' work experience prior to the enrolment in the training programme ;


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 29 to lay down the standards for competences and corresponding knowledge and skills in compliance with the essential requirements set out in annex ii . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 29 laying down on the basis of cesni standards the standards for competences and corresponding knowledge and skills in compliance with the essential requirements set out in annex ii .


### “flexible working arrangements” means the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours . ### “working arrangements with suitable hours” means the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns or reduce their working hours .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request adaptable to their needs working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , adaptable working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of adaptable working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for adaptable to their needs working arrangements should lie with the employer , who in case of refusal shall in writing adequately justify the refusal and its grounds and furthermore provide alternative options for working arrangements . specific circumstances underlying the need for adaptable working arrangements can change . workers should not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have an individual right to parental leave of at least four months to be taken before the child reaches a given age which shall be at least twelve . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have an individual right to paid , non - transferable parental leave of at least four months to be taken before the child reaches a given age which shall be at least twelve .


### where member states allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent , they shall ensure that at least four months of parental leave cannot be transferred . ### where member states’ national laws foresee parental leave of more than 4 months , which is the minimum duration set by this directive , the member states may allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent or to a designated third party , but shall ensure that at least four months of paid parental leave cannot be transferred .


### carers ' leave ### family assistance leave


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to carers ' leave of at least five working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the medical condition of the worker ' s relative . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to family assistance leave of at least fifteen working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the medical condition of the worker ' s relative .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take obligatory paternity leave on the occasion of the birth of a child of at least 30 working days at the same time as the mother ' s obligatory maternity leave , with at least 15 consecutive and obligatory days immediately after birth . member states should also consider establishing an additional , optional 30 - day paternity leave period which may be taken during the parental leave period or immediately after that period ends .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit less favourable treatment of workers on the ground that they have applied for , or have taken , leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 , or on the ground that they have exercised their right to flexible working arrangements referred to in article 9 . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit less favourable treatment of workers on the ground that they have applied for , or have taken , leave referred to in article 4 , 5 or 6 , or on the ground that they have exercised their right to the working arrangements referred to in article 9 .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave during the period when they most need it and it will be most beneficial for raising their children in a harmonious manner , the right to parental leave should be granted for a consecutive , uninterrupted period following the birth of the child of no less than six months , in line with the who’s recommendation . member states may provide for the establishment of supplementary parental leave to enable parents to care for their children beyond the period of parental leave and until the child is twelve years old . the supplementary leave may be taken consecutively , in staggered periods or in combination with part - time work . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have an individual right to parental leave of at least four months to be taken before the child reaches a given age which shall be at least twelve . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to parental leave of at least 180 working days to be taken immediately after the birth , leave which the couple may freely decide to share between themselves , but both the mother ' s and the father ' s obligatory periods must remain in place .


### to increase the incentives for workers with children and caring responsibilities , men in particular , to take the periods of leave provided for in this directive , they should have the right to an adequate allowance while on leave . the level of the allowance should be at least equivalent to what the worker concerned would receive in case of sick leave . member states should take into account the importance of the continuity of the entitlements to social security , including healthcare . ### to increase the incentives for workers with children and caring responsibilities , men in particular , to take the periods of leave provided for in this directive , they should have the right to fully paid leave . member states should take into account the importance of the continuity of the entitlements to social security , including healthcare and pension schemes .


### this directive lays down minimum requirements , thus giving the member states the option of introducing or maintaining more favourable provisions . rights acquired under the existing legal framework should continue to apply , unless more favourable provisions are introduced by this directive . the implementation of this directive cannot be used to reduce existing rights set out in existing union legislation in this field nor can it constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection afforded to workers in the field covered by this directive . ### this directive lays down minimum requirements , thus allowing the member states to introduce or maintain more favourable provisions . rights acquired under the existing legal framework should continue to apply , unless more favourable provisions are introduced by this directive . the implementation of this directive cannot be used to reduce existing rights set out in existing union legislation , national legislation and collective agreements in this field nor can it constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection afforded to workers in the field covered by this directive .


### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents having a disability and parents with children with a disability or long - term illness . ### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents through surrogacy , parents having a disability and / or mental health problems and parents with children with a disability , long - term illness and / or mental health problems .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children up to a given age , which shall be at least twelve , and carers , have the right to request flexible working arrangements for caring purposes . the duration of such flexible working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children up to a given age , which shall be at least twelve , and workers who informally provide care to relatives and / or dependent persons , have the right to request adaptable working arrangements for caring purposes . the adaptable working arrangements shall be reversible , worker friendly and applicable to all forms of contracts . the duration of such adaptable to the worker ' s needs working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation .


### with a view to further improving the level of protection of rights provided for in this directive , national equality bodies should also be competent in the areas covered in this directive . ### with a view to further improving the level of protection of rights provided for in this directive , national equality bodies , workers’ bodies , social care and children’s rights and care bodies should also be competent in the areas covered in this directive .


### &#8220 ; paternity leave ' means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means paid leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child ;


### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . ### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or adaptable working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . furthermore , researches 1a shows that take - up rates among parents depend on many inter twined factors . such factors include : information about the type of leave available ; leave compensation and pay disparities ; availability of childcare facilities ; prevailing family organisation models ; and the extent to which workers fear isolation from the labour market when taking leave ; __________________ 1a eurofound promoting uptake of parental and paternity leave among fathers in the european union and the gender employment gap : challenges and solutions .


### “carer ' means a worker providing personal care or support in case of a serious illness or dependency of a relative ; ### “family assistance” means a worker providing personal assistance or support in case of an urgent or unexpected situation , an illness or dependency of a relative ;


### workers exercising their rights to leave or to request flexible working arrangements should be protected against discrimination or any less favourable treatment on that ground . ### workers exercising their rights to leave or to request adaptable to their needs working arrangements should be protected against discrimination or any less favourable treatment on that ground .


### “relative” means a worker ' s son , daughter , mother , father , spouse or partner in civil partnership , where such partnerships are envisaged by national law ; ### “relative” means first - degree relatives , and second - degree relatives , as well as spouse or partner in civil partnership , where such partnerships are envisaged by national law , step - and foster children , both in the own and in the spouse’s or partner’s family .


### where member states allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent , they shall ensure that at least four months of parental leave cannot be transferred . ### where member states allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent , they shall provide at least two additional months of paid parental leave to couples that share at least half of the respective entitlements granted to them by national law .


### member states may define the circumstances in which an employer , following consultation in accordance with national law , collective agreements and / or practice , may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave by a reasonable period of time on the grounds that it would seriously disrupt the good functioning of the establishment . employers shall justify any postponement of parental leave in writing . ### member states may define the circumstances in which an employer , following consultation in accordance with national law , collective agreements and / or practice , may be allowed to once postpone the granting of parental leave by a period of three months maximum time on the grounds that it would seriously disrupt the good functioning of the establishment . employers shall justify any postponement of parental leave in writing .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children up to a given age , which shall be at least twelve , and carers , have the right to request flexible working arrangements for caring purposes . the duration of such flexible working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers with children up to a given age have the right to working arrangements with suitable hours which enable them to breastfeed or bottle - feed or fulfil their responsibilities to their families . the duration of such working arrangements may be subject to a reasonable limitation .


### in order to provide greater opportunities to remain in the work force for men and women carrying of elderly family member and / or other relatives in need of care , workers with a seriously ill or dependant relative should have the right to take time off from work in the form of carers ' leave to take care of that relative . to prevent abuse of that right , proof of the serious illness or dependency may be required prior to granting of the leave . ### in order to establish a proper legal framework and the necessary assistance for close family – whether older or younger generations – in force majeure , emergency or unforeseen situations without causing the worker’s employment relationship and status to suffer , member states should provide in labour law for family - related leave with a number of days that can be taken every year and which enables workers to justify work absence on the basis of provision of direct assistance to family members , whether children or elderly and / or other relatives in need of care . proof of the nature of the assistance may be required .


### “parental leave” means leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ; ### “parental leave” means paid leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ;


### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means fully paid and mandatory to take leave from work to be taken on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child or having a child through a surrogacy arrangement . this right shall be enjoyed by fathers or a second parent , spouse or partner as defined by national family law ;


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request adaptable to their needs working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , adaptable working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of adaptable working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for adaptable to their needs working arrangements should lie with the employer , who in case of refusal shall in writing adequately justify the refusal and its grounds and furthermore provide alternative options for working arrangements . specific circumstances underlying the need for adaptable working arrangements can change . workers should not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to carers ' leave of at least five working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the medical condition of the worker ' s relative . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to leave of at least twelve working days per year , per worker who informally provides care to relatives and / or other dependent persons . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the needs for care of the worker ' s relative and / or other dependent persons . the information on the medical or mental condition or situation of loss of autonomy should be kept confidential and be shared only with a restricted number of involved services to safeguard the right to data protection of both the worker and the person in need of care .


### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship . ### this directive applies to all natural persons , irrespective of gender , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation and nationality , who - in accordance with objective criteria defining the status of a worker , and as showcased in several cjeu cases , performs services of some economic value for and under the direction of another person , services in return for which remuneration is received .


### when flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond to such requests , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . ### when adaptable working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond to such requests in writing , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers .


### at the latest , by five years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive . ### at the latest , by three years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive .


### member states may introduce or maintain provisions that are more favourable to workers than those laid down in this directive . they shall however ensure that at least four months of parental leave remain non - transferable in accordance with article 5 . ### member states may introduce or maintain provisions that are more favourable to workers than those laid down in this directive . the provisions adopted in this directive do not make it possible for workers to be stripped of more favourable rights enshrined in national law . the definition of minimum rights levels in this directive may not justify workers being stripped of protection or rights in any member state under the pretext that the eu is imposing new rules .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be entitled to employee - oriented flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , employee - oriented flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , still a large percentage of female part - time work remains involuntary , partly due to caring responsibilities which leads to lower social security contributions and reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer who should justify the grounds of refusal in writing while providing options for alternative arrangements . specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request working arrangements with suitable hours , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through a reduction in working hours to enable them to breastfeed or bottle - feed or make it easier for them to fulfil their responsibilities to their families . workers should have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period .


### the budgetary authority shall authorise the available annual appropriations within the limits of the multiannual financial framework established by regulation no 1311 / 2013 . ### the budgetary authority shall authorise the available annual appropriations within the limits of the multiannual financial framework established by regulation no 1311 / 2013 , with the exception of the transfer of resources already allocated or committed to the sectors of education , training and culture to other union funds .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , subsidiarity , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , the social partners concerned and civil society , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , subject to the involvement of the social partners and civil society , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes .


### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with other member states , or international organisations . ### the commission may define the support envisaged for beneficiary member states in cooperation with other member states , the social partners concerned , civil society or international organisations .


### in order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the programme , in the light of experience during the implementation of the programme , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the amendment of the list . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to ensure the effectiveness of this regulation , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission with regard to the adoption of the multi - annual and annual work programmes and in order to adapt the list of indicators measuring the achievement of the objectives of the programme , in the light of experience during the implementation of the programme . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016¸on better law - making . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 and the second subparagraph of article 15 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of four years from 1 january 2017 .


### the agency shall establish a monitoring and risk analysis centre with the capacity to monitor migratory flows towards and within the union . for this purpose , the agency shall develop a common integrated risk analysis model , which shall be applied by the agency and the member states . ### the agency shall make intelligence - driven use if available union resources to monitor migratory flows towards and within the union . for this purpose , the agency shall , by a decision of the management board develop a common integrated risk analysis model , which shall be applied by the agency and the member states .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return . member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in interest of all member states which have abolished internal border control , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency . ### the european border agency shall support the application of union measures relating to the management of eu external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return .


### the results of the vulnerability assessment shall be submitted to the supervisory board , which shall advise the executive director on the measures to be taken by the member states based on the results of the vulnerability assessment , and taking into account the agency’s risk analysis and the results of the schengen evaluation mechanism . ### the results of the vulnerability assessment shall be submitted to the member states concerned . the member state concerned may comment on the assessment . the executive director shall base the measures to be recommended to the the member states concerned on the results of the vulnerability assessment , taking into account the agency’s risk analysis , the comments of the member concerned and the results of the schengen evaluation mechanism .


### in matters covered by its activities and to the extent required for the fulfilment of its tasks , the agency shall facilitate and encourage operational cooperation between member states and third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , including with regard to the protection of fundamental rights . the agency and the member states shall comply with norms and standards at least equivalent to those set by union legislation also when cooperation with third countries takes place on the territory of those countries . the establishment of cooperation with third countries shall serve to promote european border management and return standards . ### in matters covered by its activities and to the extent required for the fulfilment of its tasks , the agency shall facilitate operational cooperation between member states and democratic third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , always with regard to migration and asylum obligations and commitments and under the condition of the protection of fundamental rights . the agency and the member states shall comply with norms and standards at least equivalent to those set by union legislation also when cooperation with third countries takes place on the territory of those countries .


### in circumstances requiring increased technical and operational assistance , the agency may coordinate operational cooperation between member states and third countries in the field of management of external borders , and it shall have the possibility of carrying out joint operations at the external borders involving one or more member states and a third country neighbouring at least one of those member states , subject to the agreement of that neighbouring third country , including on the territory of that third country . the commission shall be informed of such activities . ### in circumstances requiring increased technical and operational assistance , the agency , may coordinate operational cooperation between member states and third countries in the field of management of eu external borders , in the spirit of search and rescue operations where necessary , and it may have the possibility of carrying out joint operations at the eu external borders involving one or more member states and a third country neighbouring at least one of those member states , subject to the operational plan agreed by the host member state bordering the operational area . the participation of member states in joint operations on the territory of third countries , shall be on voluntary basis . the commission and the european parliament shall be informed of such activities .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall establish an operational and technical strategy for the european integrated border management . it shall promote and ensure the implementation of european integrated border management in all member states . ### the european border and coast guard agency shall establish an annual operational and technical strategy for the european integrated border management . it shall promote and ensure the implementation of european integrated border management in all member states .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return , member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in interest of all member states which have abolished internal border control , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency . ### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of eu external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return , member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in interest of all member states which have abolished internal border control , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency .


### initiating joint operations and rapid border interventions at the external borders ### initiating joint operations and rapid border interventions at the eu external borders


### the european border and coast guard agency shall facilitate the application of union measures relating to the management of external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures , and in return . member states shall ensure the management of their section of the external borders , in their interests and in interest of all member states which have abolished internal border control , in full compliance with union law and in accordance with the technical and operational strategy referred to in article 3 , and in close cooperation with the agency . ### the european border and coast guard agency shall support the application of union measures relating to the management of eu external borders by reinforcing , assessing and coordinating the actions of member states in the implementation of those measures .


### the european border and coast guard agency shall establish an operational and technical strategy for the european integrated border management . it shall promote and ensure the implementation of european integrated border management in all member states . ### the european border agency , by decision of the management board shall establish an annual operational and technical strategy for the european integrated border management in full compliance with fundamental rights , taking into account , where justified , the specific situation of the member states , in particular their geographical location . this strategy shall be in line with article 4 of this regulation . it shall promote and ensure the implementation of european integrated border management in all member states .


### this regulation establishes a complaint mechanism for the european border and coast guard agency , in cooperation with the fundamental rights officer , to monitor and ensure the respect for fundamental rights in all the activities of the agency . this should be an administrative mechanism whereby the fundamental rights officer should be responsible for handling complaints received by the agency in accordance with the right to good administration . the fundamental rights officer should review the admissibility of a complaint , register admissible complaints , forward all registered complaints to the executive director , forward complaints concerning border guards to the home member state and register the follow - up by the agency or that member state . criminal investigations should be conducted by the member states . ### this regulation establishes an independent complaint mechanism for the european border and coast guard agency , in cooperation with the fundamental rights officer , to monitor and ensure the respect for fundamental rights in all the activities of the agency and its staff . this should be an full , independent , effective and accessible individual mechanism whereby the agency ' s fundamental rights officer participates . the independent complaint mechanism should review the admissibility of a complaint , register and deal accordingly with all admissible complaints , forward all registered complaints to the agency ' s executive director , forward complaints concerning border and coast guards to the home member state and register the follow - up by the agency or that member state . criminal investigations should be conducted by the member states .


### the agency may also , with the agreement of the member states concerned invite observers from third countries to participate in its activities at the external borders referred to in article 13 , return operations referred to in article 27 , return interventions referred to in article 32 and training referred to in article 35 , to the extent that their presence is in accordance with the objectives of those activities , may contribute to improving cooperation and the exchange of best practices , and does not affect the overall safety of those activities . the participation of those observers may take place only with the agreement of the member states concerned regarding the activities referred to in articles 13 , 27 and 35 and only with the agreement of the host member state regarding those referred to in article 13 and 32 . detailed rules on the participation of observers shall be included in the operational plan . those observers shall receive the appropriate training from the agency prior to their participation . ### the agency may also , with the agreement of the member states concerned invite non military observers from democratic third countries to participate in its activities , to the extent that their presence is in accordance with the objectives of those activities , may contribute to improving cooperation and the exchange of best practices , and does not affect the overall safety of those activities . the participation of those observers may take place only with the agreement of the member states concerned and the host member state . detailed rules on the participation of observers shall be included in the operational plan . those observers shall receive the appropriate training from the agency prior to their participation .


### the strategic planning will promote strong engagement with citizens and civil society organisations at all stages of research and innovation , the co - creation of knowledge , effective promotion of gender equality , including the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content , and will ensure and promote the adherence to the highest ethics and integrity standards . ### the strategic planning will promote strong engagement with citizens and civil society both within the strategic planning process itself and at all other stages of research and innovation , including agenda - setting , in particular defining the research priorities of pillar ii ‘ global challenges and industrial competitiveness’ . to facilitate this , a structured dialogue shall be established with civil society . the process shall also promote the co - creation of knowledge , effective promotion of gender equality , including the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content , and will ensure and promote responsible research and innovation and adherence to the highest ethics and integrity standards .


### cluster food and natural resources ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 5 ; ### cluster food , natural resources , seas and oceans ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 5 ;


### involving citizens and end - users in co - design and co - creation processes ; ### involving citizens , civil society organisations and end - users in r&i agenda - setting , including in co - design and co - creation processes ;


### 2 . 4 . sea and oceans ### 2 . 4 . sea , oceans and blue economy


### in accordance with article 9of regulation &#8230 ; fp / rfp regulation , the financial envelope for the implementation of the specific programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices . ### in accordance with article 9of regulation &#8230 ; fp / rfp regulation , the financial envelope for the implementation of the specific programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 120 000 000 000 in constant prices .


### –promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators may be associated . such demand - driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , academia - enterprise cooperation , support to high - tech smes ' collaborative research , technology and knowledge transfer , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low - tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators . ### –promote and co - fund joint innovation programmes managed by authorities in charge of public national , regional or local innovation policies and programmes , to which private entities supporting innovation and innovators should be associated . such supply and demand - driven joint programmes may target , among others , early stage and feasibility study support , cooperation between academia , research organisations and enterprises , internationalisation of smes , market analysis and development , digitalisation of low - tech smes , financial instruments for close to market innovations activities or market deployment , social innovation . they may also include joint public procurement initiatives , enabling innovations to be commercialised in the public sector , in particular in support of the development of new policy . when managed at the local level , those programmes should allow transnational partnerships and should be coherent with the smart specialisation strategies of the involved regions . this could be particularly effective to stimulate innovation in public service areas and to provide market opportunities to european innovators .


### –treatments or cures , including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments ### –suitable , safe , effective and affordable treatments or cures , including both pharmacological and non - pharmacological treatments ;


### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees . ### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , affordable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital tools and technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees .


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ### cluster ' food , natural resources , seas and oceans '


### –drivers for the emergence or re - emergence of infectious diseases and their spread , including transmission from animals to humans , or from other parts of the environment to humans ; ### –drivers for the emergence or re - emergence of infectious diseases and their spread , including transmission mechanisms from animals to humans , or from other parts of the environment to humans and the implementation of empirical preventative solutions that minimise transmission ;


### the scientific council shall be composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , of both women and men in different age groups , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests . ### the scientific council shall be composed of scientists , engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise , ensuring a diversity of research areas and acting in their personal capacity , independent of extraneous interests . the composition of the scientific council shall have into account gender balance , different age groups and geographical distribution and representation .


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , fisheries and aquaculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy and common fisheries policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 16 billion for the cluster ‘ food , natural resources , seas and oceans’ for the period 2021 - 2027 .


### –maternal , paternal , infant and child health as well as the role of parents ; ### –maternal , paternal , infant and child health as well as the role of parents and child and maternal survival ;


### –trans - border aspects of infectious diseases and specific challenges in low - and middle - income countries , such as tropical diseases . ### –trans - border aspects of infectious diseases and specific challenges in low - and middle - income countries , such as tropical diseases , aids , tuberculosis and malaria . poverty - related and neglected diseases need to be tackled in a comprehensive approach based on partnership with member states and affected regions .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### acknowledging climate change as one of the biggest and most important global and societal challenges , and reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 50 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the specific programme should contribute at least 50 % of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to the climate objective , in order to support actions or parts of actions that will help to deliver a net - zero greenhouse gas emission economy by 2050 at the latest . relevant actions will be identified ex - ante and fully reflected during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation in form of the strategic plan and work programmes , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes , thereby ensuring that the objective of investing at least 50 % of the programme ' s overall financial envelope in climate - related research and innovations is achieved efficiently and in a timely manner .


### list of configurations of the programme committee in accordance with article 12 : ### list of configurations of the programme committee in accordance with article 12 and their areas of intervention :


### open and excellent science is inextricably linked to the achievement of world leading innovation . scientific and technological paradigm shifts have been identified as key drivers for productivity growth , competitiveness , wealth , sustainable development and social progress . such paradigm shifts have historically tended to originate from the public - sector science base before going on to lay the foundations for whole new industries and sectors . ### open and excellent science is inextricably linked to the achievement of world leading innovation . scientific and technological paradigm shifts have been identified as key drivers for productivity growth , cooperation , wealth , sustainable and ecological development and social progress and inclusion . such paradigm shifts have historically tended to originate from the public - sector science base before going on to lay the foundations for whole new industries and sectors .


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable renewable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to save energy , ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of renewable energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . significant improvements need to be made on system integration . the energy transformation will challenge the eu to lead in developing solutions for an upgraded market design including the provision of grid and system services by renewables . the heating and cooling sector is still one of the most polluting sectors . the energy performance of buildings directive 2018 / 844 leads the way for accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels as source of energy supply to heating and cooling towards renewable energy technologies and solutions . to achieve the necessary deployment levels of renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further and performance must improve which requires support for incremental research in advanced technologies . furthermore , new breakthrough technologies need to be developed , while established technologies need to be improved . the phase - out of fossil fuels will be indispensable to meet the climate objectives . there is a pressing need to find solutions that further reduce entry barriers for renewables , including non - technical ones , in order to accelerate the market uptake of renewables .


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies to the benefit of its citizens and the environment . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed .


### increasing collaboration across sectors and disciplines ; ### increasing collaboration across sectors and disciplines , including social sciences and humanities ;


### for each mission , a mission board may be established . it shall be composed of around 15 high level individuals including relevant end - users ' representatives . the mission board shall advise upon the following : ### for each mission , a mission board shall be established , following an open call for nominations or expression of interest . . it shall be composed of around 15 independent , high level individuals including relevant end - users ' representatives and shall connect to a high - level panel tasked with ensuring a comprehensive research strategy in the broader field , such as in health . the mission board shall advise upon the following :


### for each mission , a mission board may be established . it shall be composed of around 15 high level individuals including relevant end - users ' representatives . the mission board shall advise upon the following : ### for each mission , a mission board shall be established with the task of co - designing and implementation . it shall be composed of around 15 independent high - level individuals , including research experts in various fields and relevant end - users ' representatives . each mission committee shall be selected through a call for nominations or a call for expressions of interest . the mission board shall recommend and advise upon the following :


### food and natural resources ### food , natural resources , seas and oceans


### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous open call for bottom - up proposals . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming . ### in order to be fully open to broad - sweeping explorations , opportunities of serendipity and unexpected ideas , concepts and discoveries , the pathfinder will be mainly implemented through a continuous open call for bottom - up proposals , with 4 cut - off per year for the proper management of the evaluation and competition . the pathfinder will also provide for competitive challenges to develop key strategic objectives24 calling for deep - tech and radical thinking . other types of innovation will be also covered by the pathfinder . regrouping of selected projects into thematic or objective driven portfolios will allow establishing critical mass of efforts and structuring new multidisciplinary research communities . _________________ 24 these could include topics such as artificial intelligence , quantum technologies , biocontrol or second generation digital twins , or any other topics identified in the context of the horizon europe strategic programming .


### –drivers for the emergence or re - emergence of infectious diseases and their spread , including transmission from animals to humans , or from other parts of the environment to humans ; ### –drivers for the emergence or re - emergence of infectious diseases and their spread , including transmission from animals to humans , or from other parts of the environment to humans and the implementation of empirical preventative solutions that minimize transmission ;


### activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the goals of the energy union , as well as to those of the digital single market , the jobs , growth and investment agenda , the strengthening of the eu as a global actor , the new eu industrial policy strategy , the circular economy , the raw materials initiative , the security union and the urban agenda , as well as the common agricultural policy of the eu as well as eu legal provisions to reduce noise and air pollution . ### activities under this cluster contribute in particular to the goals of the energy union , as well as to those of the digital single market , the jobs , growth and investment agenda , the strengthening of the eu as a global actor , the new eu industrial policy strategy , the circular economy , the raw materials initiative , the security union and the urban agenda , the maritime policy as well as the common agricultural policy of the eu as well as eu legal provisions to reduce noise and air pollution .


### –methods , technologies and tools for sustainable and resilient production in farming and forestry ; ### –methods , technologies and innovative tools for sustainable and resilient production in farming and forestry and for the most efficient use of water resources ;


### health research and innovation research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players . ### health research and innovation , including product development , research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; high prices of some innovative health tools and technologies , the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players . globally , deaths from preventable diseases remain unacceptably high , particularly for children . access to essential medicines remains out of reach for many in the developing world , due to prohibitively high costs , or because insufficient investment has been made into tackling neglected diseases . health research under horizon europe must be driven by the principles of the doha declaration on the trips agreement and public health to increase research into neglected diseases , ensure global access to essential medicines , recognise the right to healthcare as a human right , and stimulate new funding mechanisms to encourage greater collaborative efforts to tackle global health challenges in europe and the developing world .


### trans - border aspects of infectious diseases and specific challenges in low - and middle - income countries , such as tropical diseases . ### trans - border aspects of research and development of medicines in infectious diseases and specific challenges in low - and middle - income countries , in particular poverty - related diseases , such as neglected tropical diseases , aids , tuberculosis , and malaria . poverty - related and neglected diseases need to be tackled in a comprehensive approach based on partnership with member states , affected regions and research and expert institutions , building on the success of the second european and developing countries clinical trials partnership programme and including the development of new treatment methods for infectious diseases to counteract antibiotic resistance .


### research and innovation are key drivers of sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness , and they will contribute to finding solutions to today’s problems , to reverse as quickly as possible , the negative and dangerous trend that currently links economic development , the use of natural resources and social issues , and turn it into new business opportunities . ### research and innovation are key drivers of sustainable development , including sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness , and they will contribute to finding solutions to today’s problems , to reverse as quickly as possible , the negative and dangerous trend that currently links economic development , the use of natural resources and social issues , and also turn it into new business opportunities .


### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees . ### health technologies and tools are vital for public health and contributed to a large extent to the important improvements achieved in the quality of life , health and care of people , in the eu . it is thus a key strategic challenge to design , develop , deliver and implement suitable , accessible , trustable , safe , and cost - effective tools and technologies for health and care , taking due account of the needs of people with disabilities and the aging society . these include artificial intelligence and other digital tools and technologies , offering significant improvements over existing ones , as well as stimulating a competitive and sustainable health - related industry that creates high - value jobs . the european health - related industry is one of the critical economic sectors in the eu , accounting for 3% of gdp and 1 . 5 million employees .


### to make the digitised , circular , low - carbon and low - emission economy a reality , action is needed at eu level because of the complexity of value chains , the systemic and multi - disciplinary nature of the technologies and their high development costs , and the cross - sectoral nature of the problems to be addressed . the eu must ensure that all industrial players , and society at large , can benefit from advanced and clean technologies and digitisation . developing technologies alone will not suffice . industrially - oriented infrastructures , including pilot lines , will help set up eu businesses and in particular smes deploy these technologies and improve their innovation performance . ### to make the digitised , circular , sustainable low - emission economy a reality , action is needed at eu level because of the complexity of value chains , the systemic and multi - disciplinary nature of the technologies and their high development costs , and the cross - sectoral nature of the problems to be addressed . the eu must ensure that all industrial players , and society at large , can benefit from advanced and clean technologies and digitisation . developing technologies alone will not suffice . industrially - oriented infrastructures , including pilot lines , will help set up eu businesses and in particular smes deploy these technologies and improve their innovation performance .


### the eu needs a strong , resilient and creative human resource base , with the right combination of skills to match the future needs of the labour market , to innovate and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit . this can be achieved through training researchers to further develop their core research competences as well as enhance their transferable skills such as a creative and entrepreneurial mindset . this will allow them to face current and future global challenges , and improve their career prospects and innovation potential . ### the eu needs a strong , resilient and creative human resource base , with the right combination of skills to match the future needs of the labour market , to innovate and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for scientific , economic and social benefit . this can be achieved through training researchers to further develop their core research competences , enhance their transferable skills such as a creative and entrepreneurial mindset , including the understanding of the benefits that standards bring to market new products and services . this will allow them to face current and future global challenges , and improve their career prospects and innovation potential .