### access to the information contained in etias is necessary to prevent , detect and investigate terrorist offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha26 or other serious criminal offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha27 . in a specific investigation and in order to establish evidence and information related to a person suspected of having committed a crime or a victim of a crime , law enforcement authorities may need access to the data generated by etias . the data stored in etias may also be necessary to identify the perpetrator of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offences , especially when urgent action is needed . access to the etias for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences constitutes an interference with the fundamental rights to respect for the private life of individuals and to protection of personal data of persons whose personal data are processed in the etias . therefore , the data in etias should be retained and made available to the designated authorities of the member states and the european police office , subject to the strict conditions set out in this regulation in order for such access to be limited to what is strictly necessary for the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences and serious criminal offences in accordance with the requirements notably laid down in the jurisprudence of the court , in particular in the digital rights ireland case28 . _________________ 26 council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha of 13 june 2002 on combatting terrorism . 27 council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha of 13 june 2002 on the european arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member state . 28 judgment of the court of 8 april 2014 in joined cases c - 293 / 12 and c - 594 / 12 digital rights ireland ltd , ecli : eu : c : 2014 : 238 . ### access to the information contained in etias is necessary to prevent , detect and investigate terrorist offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha26 or other serious criminal offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha27 . in a specific investigation and in order to establish evidence and information related to a person suspected of having committed a crime or a victim of a crime , law enforcement authorities may need access to the data generated by etias . the data stored in etias may also be necessary to identify the perpetrator of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offences , especially when urgent action is needed . access to the etias for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences constitutes an interference with the fundamental rights to respect for the private life of individuals and to protection of personal data of persons whose personal data are processed in the etias . therefore , the data in etias should be retained and made available to the designated authorities of the member states and the european police office , subject to the principles of necessity , proportionality and specific purpose and to the strict conditions set out in this regulation in order for such access to be limited to what is strictly necessary for the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences and serious criminal offences in accordance with the requirements notably laid down in the jurisprudence of the court , in particular in the digital rights ireland case28 . _________________ 26 council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha of 13 june 2002 on combating terrorism . 27 council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha of 13 june 2002 on the european arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member states . 28 judgment of the court of 8 april 2014 in joined cases c - 293 / 12 and c - 594 / 12 digital rights ireland ltd , ecli : eu : c : 2014 : 238 .


### europol shall be responsible for providing an opinion following a consultation request pursuant to article 26 . ### europol shall be responsible for providing an opinion following a consultation request pursuant to article 25 .


### for the purpose of paragraph 1 , eu - lisa shall establish , implement and host a central repository containing the data referred to in paragraph 1 which would not allow for the identification of individuals and would allow the authorities listed in paragraph 1 to obtain customisable reports and statistics to improve the assessment of the irregular migration , security and health risks , to enhance the efficiency of border checks , to help the etias central unit processing the travel authorisation applications and to support evidence - based union migration policymaking . the repository shall also contain daily statistics on the data referred to in paragraph 4 . access to the central repository shall be granted by means of secured access through s - testa with control of access and specific user profiles solely for the purpose of reporting and statistics . ### for the purpose of paragraph 1 , eu - lisa shall establish , implement and host a central repository containing the data referred to in paragraph 1 which would not allow for the identification of individuals and would allow the authorities listed in paragraph 1 to obtain customisable reports and statistics to improve the assessment of the security risks , to enhance the efficiency of border checks , to help the etias central unit processing the travel authorisation applications . the repository shall also contain daily statistics on the data referred to in paragraph 4 . access to the central repository shall be granted by means of secured access through s - testa with control of access and specific user profiles solely for the purpose of reporting and statistics .


### ' travel authorisation ' means a decision issued in accordance with this regulation indicating that there are no factual indications or reasonable grounds to conclude that the presence of the person on the territory of the member states poses an irregular migration , security or public health risk and which is a requirement for third country nationals referred to in article 2 to fulfil the entry condition laid down in article 6 of regulation 2016 / 399 . ### ' travel authorisation ' means a decision issued in accordance with this regulation indicating that there are no factual indications or reasonable grounds to conclude that the presence of the person on the territory of the member states poses a security risk and which is a requirement for third country nationals referred to in article 2 to fulfil the entry condition laid down in article 6 of regulation 2016 / 399 ;


### whether he or she has ever been convicted of any criminal offence in any country ; ### whether he or she has ever been convicted of any serious criminal offence in any country ;


### reasonable grounds exist to consider that the consultation of data stored in the etias central system may substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of any of the criminal offences in question , in particular where there is a substantiated suspicion that the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under the category of third country nationals covered by this regulation ; ### detailed grounds exist based on the established facts to consider that the information on the data stored in the etias central system may substantially contribute to the prevention , detection or investigation of any of the criminal offences in question , in particular where the suspect , perpetrator or victim of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offence falls under the category of third country nationals covered by this regulation ;


### the etias should establish a travel authorisation for third country nationals exempt from the requirement to be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders enabling to determine whether their presence in the territory of the member states does not pose an irregular migration , security or public health risk . holding a valid travel authorisation should be a new entry condition for the territory of the member states , however mere possession of a travel authorisation should not confer an automatic right of entry . ### the etias should establish a travel authorisation for third country nationals exempt from the requirement to be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders enabling to determine whether their presence in the territory of the member states does not pose a security risk . holding a valid travel authorisation shall not be a new entry condition for the territory of the member states , and right of entry should not be denied because of the lack thereof . the conditions and information required should not exceed those required for a visa application .


### issued travel authorisations should be annulled or revoked as soon as it becomes evident that the conditions for issuing it were not or are no longer met . in particular , when a new sis alert is created for a refusal of entry or for a reported lost or stolen travel document , the sis should inform the etias which should verify whether this new alert corresponds to a valid travel authorisation . in such a case , the etias national unit of the member state having created the alert should be immediately informed and revoke the travel authorisation . following a similar approach , new elements introduced in the etias watchlist shall be compared with the application files stored in the etias in order to verify whether this new element corresponds to a valid travel authorisation . in such a case , the etias national unit of the member state of first entry should assess the hit and , where necessary , revoke the travel authorisation . a possibility to revoke the travel authorisation at the request of the applicant should also be provided . ### issued travel authorisations should be reviewed and where applicable annulled or revoked as soon as it may become evident that the conditions for issuing it were not or are no longer met . in particular , when a new sis alert is created for a refusal of entry or for a reported lost or stolen travel document , the sis should inform the etias which should verify whether this new alert corresponds to a valid travel authorisation . in such a case , the etias national unit of the member state having created the alert should be immediately informed and review the travel authorisation . a possibility to revoke the travel authorisation at the request of the applicant should also be provided .


### the personal data provided by the applicant should be processed by the etias for the sole purposes of verifying in advance the eligibility criteria laid down in regulation 2016 / 39924 and assessing whether the applicant is likely to irregularly migrate , whether the entry of the applicant in the union could pose a threat to security or to public health in the union . _________________ 24 regulation 2016 / 399 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on a union code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders . ### the personal data provided by the applicant should be processed by the etias for the sole purposes of verifying in advance the eligibility criteria laid down in regulation 2016 / 39924 and assessing whether the entry of the applicant in the union could pose a threat to security in the union . _________________ 24 regulation 2016 / 399 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on a union code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders .


### the etias should also support the objectives of the schengen information system related to the alerts in respect of persons wanted for arrest or for surrender or extradition purposes , on missing persons , on persons sought to assist with a judicial procedure and on persons for discreet checks or specific checks . for this purpose the etias should carry out an automated processing of the application files against the relevant alerts in the sis . this processing will be carried for the purpose of supporting the sis . accordingly , any hit resulting from this comparison should be stored in the sis . ### the etias should also support the objectives of the schengen information system related to the alerts in respect of persons wanted for arrest or for surrender or extradition purposes , on missing persons , on persons sought to assist with a judicial procedure and on persons for discreet checks or specific checks . for this purpose the etias should carry out an automated processing of the application files against the relevant alerts in the sis .


### the comparison should take place by automated means . whenever such comparison reveals that a correspondence exists with any of the personal data or combination thereof in the applications and a record , file or alert in the above information systems , or with personal data in the etias watchlist , or with risk indicators , the application should be processed manually by an operator in the etias national unit of the member state of declared first entry . the assessment performed by the etias national unit should lead to the decision to issue or not the travel authorisation . ### the comparison should take place by automated means . whenever such comparison reveals that a correspondence exists with any of the personal data or combination thereof in the applications and a record , file or alert in the above information systems , the application should be processed manually by an operator in the etias national unit of the member state of declared first entry . the assessment performed by the etias national unit should lead to the decision to issue or not the travel authorisation . under no circumstances should this additional procedure take longer than two weeks , nor shall it ever be completed on or after a date that would make travel impossible .


### the irregular migration , security or public health risks shall be determined on the basis of : ### security risks shall be determined on the basis of :


### the continuous emergence of new forms of security threats , new patterns of irregular migration and public health threats requires effective responses and needs to be countered with modern means . since these means entail the processing of important amounts of personal data , appropriate safeguards should be introduced to keep the interference with the right to protection of private life and to the right of protection of personal data limited to what is necessary in a democratic society . ### the continuous emergence of new forms of security threats requires effective responses and needs to be addressed with modern means . since these means entail the processing of important amounts of personal data , appropriate safeguards should be introduced to keep the interference with the right to protection of private life and to the right of protection of personal data limited to what is necessary in a democratic society . in no circumstances shall these new means adversely affect the rights laid down in international law of the individuals concerned .


### that decisions on applications must be notified to the applicant , that such decisions must state , where relevant , the reasons for refusal on which they are based and that applicants whose applications are refused have a right to appeal , with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , including the competent authority , as well as the time limit for lodging an appeal ; ### that decisions on applications must be notified to the applicant , that such decisions must state the reasons for refusal on which they are based and that applicants whose applications are refused have a right to appeal , with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , including the competent authority , as well as the time limit for lodging an appeal ;


### each member state shall ensure prior to accessing etias central system that according to its national law and procedural law a request for consultation undergoes an independent , efficient and timely verification whether the conditions referred to in article 45 are fulfilled , including whether any request for consultation of data referred to in article 15 and to is justified . ### each member state shall ensure prior to accessing etias central system that according to its national law and procedural law a request for information about the data undergoes an efficient and timely verification by an independent authority in full compliance with the conditions referred to in article 45 , including the justification of any request for information about data referred to in article 45 .


### a travel authorisation with limited territorial validity may be issued exceptionally , when the member state concerned considers it necessary on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations notwithstanding the fact that the manual assessment process pursuant to article 22 is not yet completed or that a travel authorisation has been refused , annulled or revoked . ### a travel authorisation with limited territorial validity shall be issued exceptionally , when it is necessary on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations notwithstanding the fact that the manual assessment process pursuant to article 22 is not yet completed or that a travel authorisation has been refused , annulled or revoked .


### [ whether the applicant is currently reported as overstayer , whether he has been reported as overstayer in the past through consultation of the ees ; ] ### [ whether the applicant is currently reported as having overstayed , in the last 12 months , through consultation of the ees ; ]


### the screening rules should be used to analyse the application file by enabling a comparison between the data recorded in an application file of the etias central system and specific risk indicators corresponding to previously identified security , irregular migration or public health risk . the criteria used for defining the specific risk indicators should in no circumstances be based on a applicant ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , sexual life or sexual orientation . ### the screening rules should be used to analyse the application file by enabling a comparison between the data recorded in an application file of the etias central system and the aforementioned databases and should in no circumstances be based on an applicant ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , sexual life or sexual orientation .


### the etias central unit shall verify whether the data recorded in the application file corresponds to the data present in one of the consulted information systems / databases , the etias watchlist referred to in article 29 or the specific risk indicators referred to in article 28 . ### the etias central unit shall verify whether the data recorded in the application file corresponds to the data present in the sis .


### where a travel authorisation is amended by the etias central unit or an etias national unit during its validity period , the etias central system shall carry out the automated processing laid down in article 18 to determine whether the amended application file triggers a hit pursuant to article 18 to . where the automated processing does not report any hit , the etias central system shall issue an amended travel authorisation with the same validity of the original and notify the applicant . where the automated processing reports one or several hit , the etias national unit of the member state of first entry as declared by the applicant in accordance with article 15 shall assess the irregular migration , security or public health risk and shall decide whether to issue an amended travel authorisation or , where it concludes that the conditions for granting the travel authorisation are no longer met , revoke the travel authorisation . ### where a travel authorisation is amended by the etias central unit or an etias national unit during its validity period , the etias central system shall carry out the automated processing laid down in article 18 to determine whether the amended application file triggers a hit pursuant to article 18 to . where the automated processing does not report any hit , the etias central system shall issue an amended travel authorisation with the same validity of the original and notify the applicant . where the automated processing reports one or several hit , the etias national unit of the member state of first entry as declared by the applicant in accordance with article 15 shall assess the security risk and shall decide whether to issue an amended travel authorisation or , where it concludes that the conditions for granting the travel authorisation are no longer met , revoke the travel authorisation .


### access to the information contained in etias is necessary to prevent , detect and investigate terrorist offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha26 or other serious criminal offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha27 . in a specific investigation and in order to establish evidence and information related to a person suspected of having committed a crime or a victim of a crime , law enforcement authorities may need access to the data generated by etias . the data stored in etias may also be necessary to identify the perpetrator of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offences , especially when urgent action is needed . access to the etias for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences constitutes an interference with the fundamental rights to respect for the private life of individuals and to protection of personal data of persons whose personal data are processed in the etias . therefore , the data in etias should be retained and made available to the designated authorities of the member states and the european police office , subject to the strict conditions set out in this regulation in order for such access to be limited to what is strictly necessary for the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences and serious criminal offences in accordance with the requirements notably laid down in the jurisprudence of the court , in particular in the digital rights ireland case28 . _________________ 26 council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha of 13 june 2002 on combatting terrorism . 27 council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha of 13 june 2002 on the european arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member state . 28 judgment of the court of 8 april 2014 in joined cases c - 293 / 12 and c - 594 / 12 digital rights ireland ltd , ecli : eu : c : 2014 : 238 . ### access to the information contained in etias is necessary to prevent , detect and investigate terrorist offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha26 or other serious criminal offences as referred to in council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha27 . in a specific investigation and in order to establish evidence and information related to a person suspected of having committed a crime or a victim of a crime , law enforcement authorities may need access to the data generated by etias . the data stored in etias may also be necessary to identify the perpetrator of a terrorist offence or other serious criminal offences , especially when urgent action is needed . access to the etias for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences constitutes an interference with the fundamental rights to respect for the private life of individuals and to protection of personal data of persons whose personal data are processed in the etias . therefore , the data in etias should be retained and made available to the designated authorities of the member states and the european police office , subject to the principles of necessity , proportionality and specific purpose and to the strict conditions set out in this regulation in order for such access to be limited to what is strictly necessary for the prevention , detection and investigation of terrorist offences and serious criminal offences in accordance with the requirements notably laid down in the jurisprudence of the court , in particular in the digital rights ireland case28 . _________________ 26 council framework decision 2002 / 475 / jha of 13 june 2002 on combating terrorism . 27 council framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha of 13 june 2002 on the european arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member states . 28 judgment of the court of 8 april 2014 in joined cases c - 293 / 12 and c - 594 / 12 digital rights ireland ltd , ecli : eu : c : 2014 : 238 .


### the etias screening rules shall be an algorithm enabling the comparison between the data recorded in an application file of the etias central system and specific risk indicators pointing to irregular migration , security or public health risks . the etias screening rules shall be registered in the etias central system . ### the etias screening rules shall be an algorithm enabling the comparison between the data recorded in an application file of the etias central system and specific risk indicators pointing to security risks . the etias screening rules shall be registered in the etias central system .


### in particular , access to etias data for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences should only be granted following a reasoned request by the competent authorities giving reasons for its necessity . member states should ensure that any such request for access to data stored in etias be the subject of a prior review by a court or by an authority providing guarantees of full independence and impartiality , and which is free from any direct or indirect external influence . however , in situations of extreme urgency , it can be crucial for the competent authorities to obtain immediately personal data necessary for preventing the commission of a serious crime or so that its perpetrators can be prosecuted . in such cases it should be accepted that the review of the personal data obtained from etias takes place as swiftly as possible after access to such data has been granted to the competent authorities . ### in particular , access to etias data for the purpose of preventing , detecting or investigating terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences shall only be granted following a reasoned request by the competent authorities giving reasons for its necessity . member states shall ensure that any such request for access to data stored in etias be the subject of a prior review by a court or by an authority providing guarantees of full independence and impartiality , and which is free from any direct or indirect external influence .


### five years from the last decision to refuse , revoke or annul the travel authorisation in accordance with articles 31 , 34 and 35 . ### two years from the last decision to refuse , revoke or annul the travel authorisation in accordance with articles 31 , 34 and 35 .


### consultation of the etias central system shall , in the event of a hit with data recorded in an application file , give access to the data referred to in article 15 to and to as recorded in that application file as well as to data entered in that application file in respect of the issuing , refusal , revocation or annulment of a travel authorisation in accordance with articles 33 and 37 . access to the data referred to in article 15 and in to as recorded in the application file shall only be given if consultation of that data was explicitly requested by the operating units in the reasoned electronic request submitted under article 44 and approved by the independent verification . consultation of the etias central system shall not give access to data concerning the education as referred to in article 15 or on whether or not the applicant may pose a public health risk as referred to in article 15 . ### consultation of the etias central system shall , in the event of a hit with data recorded in an application file , give access to the data referred to in article 15 to and to as recorded in that application file as well as to data entered in that application file in respect of the issuing , refusal , revocation or annulment of a travel authorisation in accordance with articles 33 and 37 . access to the data referred to in article 15 and in to as recorded in the application file shall only be given if consultation of that data was explicitly requested by the operating units in the reasoned electronic request submitted under article 44 and approved by the independent verification .


### providing applicants with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal in accordance with article 31 ; ### providing applicants with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal in accordance with article 31 and regarding the reasons why authorisation was refused ;


### applicants who have been refused a travel authorisation should have the right to appeal . appeals should be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that member state . ### applicants who have been refused a travel authorisation should have an effective right to appeal . appeals should be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that member state even if the applicant is not in the territory of the european union during this procedure . applicants shall benefit from the necessary safeguards with regard to the principles of protection of individuals and respect for fundamental rights , as defined by european union law and international law , notably the rights of access , correction , deletion and redress , and in particular the right to a judicial remedy and to processing operations being supervised by independent public authorities . this regulation shall therefore respect fundamental rights and abide by the principles recognised in the universal declaration of human rights , the 1951 geneva convention and the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , in particular the right to dignity , the prohibition of slavery and forced labour , the right to liberty and security , the right to asylum , respect for private and family life , the right to family reunification , the right to health , the protection of personal data , the right to non - discrimination , the rights of the child , the rights of the elderly , the rights of persons with disabilities and the right to an effective remedy .


### ' hit ' means the existence of a correspondence established by comparing the personal data recorded in an application file of the etias central system with the personal data stored in a record , file or alert registered in an information system queried by the etias central system , in the etias watchlist or with the specific risk indicators referred to in article 28 ; ### ' hit ' means the existence of a correspondence established by comparing the personal data recorded in an application file of the etias central system with the personal data stored in a record , file or alert registered in an information system queried by the etias central system ;


### a travel authorisation with limited territorial validity shall be valid for the territory of the issuing member state and for a maximum of 15 days . ### a travel authorisation with limited territorial validity shall be valid for the territory of the issuing member state for a period which may not be less than three months .


### where the information provided by the applicant in the application form does not allow the etias national unit of the responsible member state to decide whether to issue or refuse a travel authorisation , that etias national unit may request the applicant for additional information or documentation . ### where the information provided by the applicant in the application form does not allow the etias national unit of the responsible member state to decide whether to issue or refuse a travel authorisation , that etias national unit may request the applicant for additional information or documentation , albeit without broadening the scope of the information requested .


### both eu - lisa and the etias national units shall ensure the security of processing of personal data takes place pursuant to the application of this regulation . eu - lisa and the etias national units shall cooperate on security related tasks . ### eu - lisa , the etias national units and the european border and coast guard agency shall ensure the security of processing of personal data takes place pursuant to the application of this regulation . eu - lisa , the etias national units and the european border and coast guard agency shall cooperate on security related tasks .


### appropriate measures shall be taken where a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law in a member state affects or risks affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of the union , in particular : ### appropriate measures shall be taken where a generalised deficiency as regards the union values in a member state affects or risks affecting the proper implementation of the union ' s budget , in particular the management and control activities , in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and the protection of the financial interests of the union , and where :


### there is hence a clear relationship between respect for the rule of law and an efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management . ### there is a clear relationship between respect for the union values and an efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management .


### article 19 teu , which gives concrete expression to the value of the rule of law stated in article 2 teu , requires the member states to provide effective judicial protection in the fields covered by union law , including those relating to the implementation of the union’s budget . the very existence of effective judicial review designed to ensure compliance with union law is the essence of the rule of law and requires independent courts13 . maintaining the independence of the courts is essential , as confirmed by the second subparagraph of article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union14 . this is true , in particular , for the judicial review of the validity of the measures , contracts or other instruments giving rise to public expenditure or debts , inter alia in the context of public procurement procedures which may also be brought before the courts . __________________ 13 case c - 64 / 16 , para 32 - 36 . 14 case c - 64 / 16 , para 40 - 41 . ### article 19 teu requires the member states to provide effective judicial protection in the fields covered by union law , including those relating to the implementation of the union’s budget . the effectiveness of justice systems is a key aspect of the rule of law and it is essential for ensuring equal treatment , sanctioning government abuses and preventing arbitrariness . maintaining the independence of the courts is essential , as confirmed by the second subparagraph of article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union14 . __________________ 13 case c - 64 / 16 , para 32 - 36 . 14 case c - 64 / 16 , para 40 - 41 .


### respect for the rule of law is not only important for citizens of the union , but also for business initiatives , innovation , investment and the proper functioning of the internal market , which will flourish most where a solid legal and institutional framework is in place . ### respect for the rule of law , human rights and democracy is essential for allowing citizens to fully participate in the democratic life of the union . it is also important for business initiatives , innovation and investment and for the promotion of a social rights - based and well - functioning internal market compliant with the principles enshrined in article 3 teu .


### the rule of law is one of the essential values upon which the union is founded . as recalled by article 2 of the treaty on european union , these values are common to the member states . ### the union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities . as recalled by article 2 of the treaty on european union , these values are common to the member states .


### judicial bodies should act independently and impartially and investigation and prosecution services should be able to properly execute their function . they should be endowed with sufficient resources and procedures to act effectively and in full respect of the right to a fair trial . these conditions are required as a minimum guarantee against unlawful and arbitrary decisions by public authorities that could harm the financial interests of the union . ### independence and impartiality of the judiciary should always be guaranteed and investigation and prosecution services should be able to properly execute their function . they should be endowed with sufficient resources and procedures to act effectively and in full respect of the right to a fair trial . these conditions are required as a minimum guarantee against unlawful and arbitrary decisions by public authorities that could impair these fundamental principles .


### ' the rule of law ' refers to the union value enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union which includes the principles of legality , implying a transparent , accountable , democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws ; legal certainty ; prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers ; effective judicial protection by independent courts , including of fundamental rights ; separation of powers and equality before the law ; ### ' the rule of law , human rights and democracy ' refers to the provisions enshrined in articles 2 and 6 of the treaty on european union and in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , and includes also the principles of legality , implying a transparent , accountable , democratic and pluralistic process for enacting law ; legal certainty ; prohibition of arbitrariness ; access to justice and effective judicial protection before independent and impartial courts , including judicial review of administrative acts ; respect for human rights ; separation of powers ; non - discrimination and equality before the law ;


### generalised deficiencies in the member states as regards the rule of law which affect in particular the proper functioning of public authorities and effective judicial review , can seriously harm the financial interests of the union . ### generalised deficiencies in the member states as regards the rule of law , human rights and democracy can seriously harm the financial interests of the union as well as the rights and interests of the citizens as a whole .


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


### this regulation establishes the rules necessary for the protection of the union’s budget in the case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states . ### this regulation establishes the rules necessary for the protection of the union’s budget in the case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law , human rights and democracy in the member states .


### the identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualitative assessment by the commission . that assessment could be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions , including judgments of the court of justice of the european union , reports of the court of auditors , and conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks , such as the bodies of the council of europe and the european networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary . ### the identification of a generalised deficiency requires a qualitative , objective , transparent and impartial assessment carried out by the commission in cooperation with a representative panel of independent experts . that assessment should be based on the information from all available sources and recognized institutions , including , inter alia , judgments of the court of justice of the european union and of the european court of human rights , reports of the court of auditors , the european ombudsman and the european union agency for fundamental rights , conclusions and recommendations of relevant international organisations and networks , such as the bodies of the council of europe and the european networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary as well as reporting from non - governmental and civil society organisations working in the field of human rights protection and promotion .


### there is hence a clear relationship between respect for the rule of law and an efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management . ### there is a clear relationship between respect for the rule of law , human rights and democracy and an efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound and socially responsible financial management .


### the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of the other fundamental values on which the union is founded , such as freedom , democracy , equality and respect for human rights . respect for the rule of law is intrinsically linked to respect for democracy and for fundamental rights : there can be no democracy and respect for fundamental rights without respect for the rule of law and vice versa . ### rule of law , human rights and democracy are strictly interlinked and mutually reinforcing ; the interdependence between a functioning democracy , strong and accountable institutions , transparent and inclusive decision - making and effective rule of law is essential for an effective respect for human rights and vice versa .


### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants . ### any public or private non - profit entity which carries out activities of general interest established in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps volunteers .


### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private entity or an international organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private non - profit entity or an international organisation referred to in article 2 . 1 willing to provide projects under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps guidelines ;


### “traineeship” means a period of work practice from two to twelve months , remunerated by the organisation hosting the european solidarity corps participant , based on a written traineeship agreement , which includes a learning and training component , and undertaken in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving employability and facilitating transition to regular employment ; ### “traineeship” means a period of work practice for a fixed period from two to twelve months , remunerated by the organisation hosting the european solidarity corps volunteer , based on a written traineeship agreement , which includes a learning and training component , clear objectives , contents , tasks , structure and framework , reference to legal and social rights and undertaken in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to facilitating transition to regular employment ; ; traineeships shall not be used to substitute or replace paid employment ;


### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ; ### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ;


### solidarity placements , projects and networking activities ### solidarity projects and networking activities


### before submitting the proposed methodology , entso - e shall conduct a consultation involving at least the industry and consumer , distribution system operators , national regulatory authorities and other national authorities . entso - e shall duly take into account the results of the consultation . ### before establishing a methodology , the agency shall conduct a consultation involving at least the industry and consumer , environmental organisations , trade - unions , distribution system operators , national regulatory authorities and other national authorities . the agency shall duly take into account the results of the consultation .


### before submitting the proposed methodology , entso - e shall conduct a consultation exercise involving at least the industry and consumer organisations , distribution system operators , national regulatory authorities and other national authorities . entso - e shall duly take into account the results of the consultation . ### before submitting the proposed methodology , the agency shall conduct a consultation exercise involving at least the industry and consumer organisations , environmental organisations , trade - unions , distribution system operators , national regulatory authorities and other national authorities . the agency shall duly take into account the results of the consultation .


### member states shall ensure that all risks relating to security of electricity supply are assessed in accordance with the rules set out in this regulation and article 18 of the electricity regulation [ proposed electricity regulation ] . to this end , they shall cooperate with entso - e and the regional operational centres . ### member states shall ensure that all risks relating to security of electricity supply are assessed in accordance with the rules set out in this regulation and article 18 of the electricity regulation [ proposed electricity regulation ] . to this end , they shall cooperate with transmission system operators and distribution system operators .


### non - market measures may be activated in a crisis situation and only if all options provided by the market have been exhausted . they shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the electricity market . they shall be necessary , proportionate , non - discriminatory and temporary . ### non - market measures shall be activated in a crisis situation only if all options provided by the market have been exhausted , and when the continuation of market activities could lead to the further deterioration of a crisis situation . they shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the electricity market . they shall be necessary , proportionate , non - discriminatory and temporary .


### on the basis of the regional and national electricity crisis scenarios identified pursuant to articles 6 and 7 , the competent authority of each member state shall establish a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting the electricity and gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial electricity customers and the national regulatory authority . ### on the basis of the regional and national electricity crisis scenarios identified pursuant to articles 6 and 7 , the competent authority of each member state shall establish a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting the electricity and gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of industrial electricity customers and the national regulatory authority .


### this regulation sets out a common framework of rules on how to prevent , prepare for and manage electricity crisis situations , bringing more transparency in the preparation phase and during an electricity crisis and ensuring that , even in a crisis , electricity is delivered where it is needed most . it requires member states to cooperate at regional level , in a spirit of solidarity . it also sets out a framework for an effective monitoring of security of supply in europe via the electricity coordination group . this should result in better risk preparedness at a lower cost . it should also strengthen the internal energy market by enhancing trust and confidence across member states and ruling out inappropriate state interventions in crisis situations , in particular avoiding undue curtailment of cross - border flows . ### this regulation sets out a common framework of rules on how to prevent , prepare for and manage electricity crisis situations , bringing more transparency in the preparation phase and during an electricity crisis and ensuring that , even in a crisis , electricity is delivered where it is needed most . it requires member states to cooperate at regional level , in a spirit of solidarity . it also sets out a framework for an effective monitoring of security of supply in europe via the electricity coordination group . this should result in better risk preparedness at a lower cost .


### the [ proposed electricity regulation ] prescribes the use of a common methodology for the medium to long - term european resource adequacy assessment , with a view to ensuring that member states ' decisions as to possible investment needs are made on a transparent and commonly agreed basis . this assessment has a different purpose than the short - term adequacy assessments which are used to detect possible adequacy related problems in short time - frames , namely seasonal outlooks and week - ahead to intraday adequacy assessments . regarding short - term assessments , there is a need for a common approach to the way possible adequacy - related problems are detected . the entso - e is to issue winter and summer outlooks to alert member states and transmission system operators to security of supply related risks that might occur in the following six months . to improve these outlooks , they should be based on a common probabilistic methodology proposed by entso - e and approved by the agency . in order to reinforce the regional approach to assessing risks , entso - e should be able to delegate tasks related to seasonal outlooks to regional operational centres . ### the [ proposed electricity regulation ] prescribes the use of a common methodology for the medium to long - term european resource adequacy assessment , with a view to ensuring that member states ' decisions as to possible investment needs are made on a transparent and commonly agreed basis . this assessment has a different purpose than the short - term adequacy assessments which are used to detect possible adequacy related problems in short time - frames , namely seasonal outlooks and week - ahead to intraday adequacy assessments . regarding short - term assessments , there is a need for a common approach to the way possible adequacy - related problems are detected . the entso - e , under the supervision of the agency , is to issue , winter and summer outlooks to alert member states and transmission system operators to security of supply related risks that might occur in the following six months . to improve these outlooks , they should be based on a common probabilistic methodology proposed by the agency . in order to reinforce the regional approach to assessing risks , entso - e should be able to delegate tasks related to seasonal outlooks to regional operational centres .


### provide a detailed load shedding plan , stipulating when loads are to be shed , in what circumstances and what values of load are to be shed . the plan shall specify which categories of electricity users are to receive special protection against disconnection , and justify the need for such protection , notably with regard to public safety and personal security ; ### provide a detailed load shedding plan , stipulating when loads are to be shed , in what circumstances and what values of load are to be shed . the plan shall specify which categories of electricity users are to receive special protection against disconnection , and justify the need for such protection , notably with regard to public safety , personal security and the continuity of essential public services ;


### entso - e shall update and improve the methodology regularly in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 . the agency or the commission may request such updates and improvements with due justification . within six months from the request , entso - e shall submit to the agency a draft of the proposed changes . within a period of two months of receiving the draft , the agency shall amend or approve the changes and publish it on its website . ### the agency shall update and improve the methodology regularly in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 . the commission may request such updates and improvements with due justification . within six months from the request , the agency shall submit a draft of the proposed changes . within a period of two months , the agency shall publish the changes on its website .


### identify possible non - market measures to be implemented in electricity crisis situations , specifying the trigger , conditions and procedures for their implementation , and indicating how they comply with the requirements set out in article 15 ; ### identify the contribution of non - market measures to be implemented in electricity crisis situations , specifying the trigger , conditions and procedures for their implementation ;


### ' broker ' means any natural or legal person or partnership resident or established in a member state of the union that carries out services defined under point from the union into the territory of a third country ; ### ' broker ' means any natural or legal person or partnership resident or established in or national of a member state of the union that carries out services defined under point ;


### ‘ supplier of technical assistance’ means any natural or legal person or partnership resident or established in a member state of the union that supplies technical assistance defined under point from the union into the territory of a third country ; ### ‘ supplier of technical assistance’ means any natural or legal person or partnership resident or established in a member state of the union that supplies technical assistance defined under point ;


### for the purposes of this regulation the sole provision of ancillary services is excluded from this definition . ancillary services are transportation , financial services , insurance or re - insurance , or general advertising or promotion ; ### for the purposes of this regulation the provision of ancillary services is included in this definition . ancillary services are transportation , financial services , insurance or re - insurance , or general advertising or promotion ;


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union , in accordance with the ' energy efficiency first ' principle , in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 40 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates , in line with the climate commitments made under the paris agreement and union ' s long term energy and climate targets for 2050 . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of binding national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ;


### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should ensure that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec . ### directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council9 is an element to progress towards the energy union , under which energy efficiency should be treated as an energy source in its own right . the ' energy efficiency first ' principle should be taken into account when setting new rules for the supply side and other policy areas . the commission should prioritise energy efficiency and demand side response against generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken . energy efficiency improvements need to be realised whenever it is more cost - effective than equivalent supply - side solutions . this should help to exploit the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for europe ' s society , in particular for citizens and businesses . __________________ 9 directive 2012 / 27 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on energy efficiency , amending directives 2009 / 125 / ec and 2010 / 30 / eu and repealing directives 2004 / 8 / ec and 2006 / 32 / ec .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 40 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates , in line with the eu ' s long - term decarbonisation goals and the unfcc paris agreement of december 2015 . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of national energy efficiency targets for 2020 and 2030 . this directive contributes to the implementation of the ‘ energy efficiency first’ principle and ensures that energy efficiency and demand side response can compete on equal terms with generation capacity . energy efficiency needs to be considered whenever energy system relevant planning or financing decisions are taken .


### member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia for all final users where meters or cost allocators are installed . ### member states shall ensure that billing and consumption information is accurate and based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings , in accordance with points 1 and 2 of annex viia for all final consumers where meters or heat cost allocators are installed .


### each member state shall set indicative national energy efficiency contributions towards the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 paragraph 1 in accordance with articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting those contributions , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . member states shall notify those contributions to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ; ### each member state shall set binding national energy efficiency targets which shall cumulatively be in line with the union ' s 2030 target referred to in article 1 paragraph 1 in accordance with articles [ 4 ] and [ 6 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . when setting the level of their targets , member states shall take into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 129 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 825 mtoe of final energy . member states shall notify those targets to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with the procedure pursuant to articles [ 3 ] and [ 7 ] to [ 11 ] of regulation xx / 20xx [ governance of the energy union ] . ;


### member states shall continue to achieve new annual savings of 1 . 5% for ten year periods after 2030 , unless reviews by the commission by 2027 and every 10 years thereafter conclude that this is not necessary to achieve the union ' s long term energy and climate targets for 2050 . ### in case the amount of new savings referred to in point exceeds the amount of savings needed to achieve the indicative national energy efficiency contribution set in accordance with article 3* , the member state concerned may decide to decrease the amount of new savings referred to in point proportionally . member states shall continue to achieve new annual savings of 1 . 5% for ten year periods after 2030 , unless reviews by the commission by 2027 and every 10 years thereafter conclude that this is not necessary to achieve the union ' s long term energy and climate targets for 2050 . * defined as the difference between the projected consumption in the reference scenario and indicative national energy efficiency contribution .


### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers . ### 125 million europeans are affected by energy poverty , therefore improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit as a priority consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy low - income consumers .


### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 30 % target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 23 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 17 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance . ### there should be binding targets at both national and union level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out by a binding 40% energy efficiency target . in addition , member states shall develop national energy plans , including binding national targets , drafted in accordance with regulation xx [ governance of the energy union ] . the clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national targets based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity member states should set their national binding energy efficiency targets taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 132 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 849 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 34 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 31 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance .


### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption . it should also clarified that rights relating to billing and billing information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . therefore , for the purposes of these provisions , the term ' final user ' , should cover final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use as well as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information . the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . ### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should , with the aim to optimise the energy use of consumers , be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced information about and feedback on energy consumption when this is technically feasible and cost - efficient in view of the measurement devices in place . it should also be clarified that rights relating to billing and billing or consumption information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . the definition of the term ' final customer ' may be understood to include only natural or legal persons purchasing energy based on a direct , individual contract with an energy supplier . the term ' final user ' , should refer to a broader group of consumers . the term ' final user ' should in addition to final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use cover also as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source and where the occupants have no direct or individual contract with the energy supplier . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . the member states should have discretion to decide how best to design the detailed measures providing frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption for occupants living in individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings supplied with heating , cooling or hot water from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . the cost - efficiency of sub - metering depends on whether the related costs are proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings .


### article 9a metering , sub - metering and cost allocation for heating and cooling and domestic hot water member states shall ensure that final customers for district heating , district cooling and domestic hot water are provided with competitively priced meters that accurately reflect the final customer ' s actual energy consumption . where heating and cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating and cooling network , a heat or hot water meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . 2 . in multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings with a central heating or cooling source or supplied from district heating and cooling systems , individual meters shall be installed to measure the consumption of heat or cooling or hot water for each building unit . where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient to measure heating or cooling in each building unit , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless it is shown by the member state in question that the installation of such heat cost allocators would not be cost efficient . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state . in new buildings of the kind referred to in the first sub - paragraph or when such a building undergoes major renovation , as set out in directive 2010 / 31 / eu , individual meters shall always be provided . 3 . where multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings are supplied from district heating or cooling , or where own common heating or cooling systems for such buildings are prevalent , member states shall introduce transparent rules on the allocation of the cost of heating , cooling and hot water consumption in such buildings to ensure transparency and accuracy of accounting for individual consumption including : 4 . for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . meters and cost allocators that have already been installed but which are not remotely readable shall be provided with this capability or be replaced with remotely readable devices by 1 january 2027 , except where the member state in question shows that this is not cost - efficient . ; ### article 9a metering , sub - metering and cost allocation for heating and cooling and domestic hot water member states shall ensure that final customers for district heating , district cooling and domestic hot water are provided with competitively priced meters that accurately reflect the final customer ' s actual energy consumption . where heating , cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from a district heating or cooling network , a meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . 2 . in multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings with a central heating or cooling source or supplied from district heating and cooling systems , individual meters shall be installed to measure the consumption of heat or cooling or hot water for each building unit where technically feasible , cost effective and proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings . where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient or proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings to measure heating or cooling in each building unit , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless it is shown by the member state in question that the installation of such heat cost allocators would not be cost efficient . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state . in new buildings of the kind referred to in the first sub - paragraph or when such a building undergoes major renovation , as set out in directive 2010 / 31 / eu , hot - water meters shall be provided , where technically feasible , cost effective and proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings and while ensuring that this does not increase the risk of energy poverty . 3 . where multi - apartment and multi - purpose buildings are supplied from district heating or cooling , or where own common heating or cooling systems for such buildings are prevalent , member states shall introduce and make public transparent national rules on the allocation of the cost of heating , cooling and hot water consumption in such buildings to ensure transparency and accuracy of accounting for individual consumption including : 4 . for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and heat cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . the conditions regarding technical feasibility and cost effectiveness set out in the first and second subparagraphs of paragraph 2 shall continue to apply . meters and heat cost allocators that have already been installed but which are not remotely readable shall be provided with this capability or be replaced with remotely readable devices by 1 january 2027 , except where the member state in question shows that this is not cost - efficient . ;


### all the options chosen under paragraph 2 taken together must amount to no more than 25 % of the amount of energy savings referred to in paragraph 1 . member states shall apply and calculate the effect of the options chosen for the periods referred to in points and of paragraph 1 separately : ### all the options chosen under paragraph 2 shall be taken only for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 and the options taken together must amount to no more than 25 % of the amount of energy savings referred to in paragraph 1 . member states shall calculate the effect of the options chosen for the periods referred to in points of paragraph 1 :


### member states shall continue to achieve new annual savings of 1 . 5% for ten year periods after 2030 , unless reviews by the commission by 2027 and every 10 years thereafter conclude that this is not necessary to achieve the union ' s long term energy and climate targets for 2050 . ### member states shall continue to achieve new savings each year of at least 1 . 5% for ten year periods after 2030 , in line with the union ' s long term energy and climate targets for 2050 . members states shall ensure that all savings counted are new , additional and cumulative .


### energy generated on or in buildings from renewable energy technologies reduces the supplied fossil energy . the reduction of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector are important measures to reduce the union’s energy dependency and greenhouse gas emissions , especially in view of ambitious climate and energy objectives set for 2030 as well as the global commitment made in the conference of the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change held in paris in december 2015 . member states should therefore be able to take into account a certain amount of renewable energy generated on or in buildings for own use into account to satisfy their energy savings requirements . for this purpose member states should be allowed to use calculation methodologies established under directive 2010 / 31 / eu . ### energy generated on or in buildings from renewable energy technologies reduces the supplied fossil energy . the reduction of energy consumption and the use of energy from renewable sources in the buildings sector are important measures to reduce the union’s energy dependency and greenhouse gas emissions , especially in view of ambitious climate and energy objectives set for 2030 as well as the global commitment made in the conference of the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change held in paris in december 2015 . support for renewable energy generated on or in buildings for own use should be complementary and additional to member states ' energy savings requirements under article 7 . therefore , member states should not take into account the amount of renewable energy generated on or in buildings for own use into account to satisfy their energy savings requirements .


### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final users is available , it be made available , to an energy service provider designated by the final user ; ### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption or heat cost allocator readings of final consumers is available , it be made available upon request by the final user , to an energy service provider designated by the final consumer ;


### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 30 % target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 23 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 17 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance . ### the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 40 % target . member states should set their national binding energy efficiency contributions to underpin the union ' s 2030 energy target , which has to be no more than 1 132 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 846 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 34 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 29 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance .


### shall ensure that appropriate information is provided with the bill based on actual consumption to all final users in accordance with point 3 of annex vii ; ### shall ensure that appropriate information is provided with the bill based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings to all final consumers in accordance with point 3 of annex viia ;


### new savings each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 . ### new and additional savings , cumulative to savings achieved under point , each year from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 of 2 % of annual energy sales to final customers by volume , averaged over the most recent three - year period prior to 1 january 2019 .


### as of [ please insert here … . the entry into force ] where remotely readable meters or cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information based on actual consumption shall be made available at least quarterly upon request or where final customers have opted to receive electronic billing , or else twice yearly . ### as of [ please insert here … . date of transposition ] where remotely readable meters or heat cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings shall be made available at least quarterly upon request or where final customers have opted to receive electronic billing , or else twice yearly .


### the registry may revoke a domain name at its own initiative and without submitting the dispute to any extrajudicial settlement of conflicts , on the following grounds : ### the registry may revoke or suspend a domain name at its own initiative and without submitting the dispute to any extrajudicial settlement of conflicts , on the following grounds only :


### the commission should , on the basis of an open , transparent and non - discriminatory selection procedure , designate a registry for the . eu tld . the commission should enter into a contract with the selected registry which should include the detailed principles and procedures applying to the registry for the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld . the contract should be limited in time and renewable . ### the commission should , on the basis of an open , transparent and non - discriminatory selection procedure , designate a registry for the . eu tld . the commission should enter into a contract with the selected registry which should include the detailed principles and procedures applying to the registry for the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld . the contract should be limited in time and renewable . the reasons that the commission may give when terminating or not renewing a contract should include : management which goes against the eu ' s principles ; evidence of inadequate management with regard to the security and protection of data , or the failure to prevent any of the companies , organisations or persons authorised to use the . eu domain from sharing content which goes against the eu ' s principles . with a view to fulfilling that objective , it is important that the commission carries out consultations in the preparatory stage and that it provides parliament and the experts consulted with the same relevant information .


### the . eu multistakeholder council shall be composed of representatives drawn from the private sector , the technical community , member states and international organisations , civil society and academia and appointed by the commission on the basis of an open and transparent procedure . ### the . eu multistakeholder council shall be composed of representatives drawn from the private sector , the technical community , member states , the european parliament and international organisations , civil society and academia and appointed by the commission on the basis of an open and transparent procedure .


### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation and good neighbourly relations , as well as people to people contacts and communication ; ### to shape the rules , standards , policies and practices of the beneficiaries listed in annex i in alignment to those of the union and to reinforce reconciliation and good neighbourly relations , as well as peace - building and conflict prevention , including through people to people contacts , freedom of the media and communication ;


### the enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality . each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits . the assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in annex i to pursue the necessary far - reaching reforms . for the prospect of enlargement to become a reality , a firm commitment to the principle of the ' fundamentals first ' 15 remains essential . progression towards accession depends on each applicant ' s respect for the union ' s values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political , institutional , legal , administrative and economic systems with the rules , standards , policies and practices in the union . _________________ 15 the ' fundamentals first ' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process : economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform . each of the three fundamentals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizens . ### the enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality . each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits . the assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in annex i to pursue the necessary far - reaching reforms . for the prospect of enlargement to become a reality , a firm commitment to the principle of the ' fundamentals first ' 15 . remains essential . furthermore , good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are also essential elements of the enlargement process . progress towards accession depends on each applicant ' s respect for the union ' s values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political , institutional , legal , administrative and economic systems with the rules , standards , policies and practices in the union . _________________ 15 the ' fundamentals first ' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process : economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform . each of the three fundamentals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizens .


### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , fundamental rights and international law , civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border management ; ### to strengthen the rule of law , democracy , the respect of human rights , including children rights and persons belonging to minorities , fundamental rights and international law , civil society , peace and security as well as improve migration management including border management ;


### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of civil society should be enhanced both in programmes implemented through government bodies and as a direct beneficiary of union assistance . ### the commission and the member states should ensure compliance , coherence , and complementarity of their assistance , in particular through regular consultations and frequent exchanges of information during the different phases of the assistance cycle . the necessary steps should also be taken to ensure better coordination and complementarity , including through regular consultations , with other donors . the role of civil society should be enhanced and be part of the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation , of the both programmes implemented through , government bodies and direct beneficiary of union assistance .