### the necessary arrangements concerning the accommodation to be provided for cepol in hungary and the facilities to be made available by that member state together with the specific rules applicable in the host member state to the executive director , members of the management board , cepol staff and members of their families shall be laid down in a headquarters agreement between cepol and hungary , concluded after obtaining the approval of the management board and no later than 2 years after the entry into force of this regulation . ### the necessary arrangements concerning the accommodation to be provided for cepol in the netherlands and the facilities to be made available by that member state together with the specific rules applicable in the host member state to the executive director , members of the management board , cepol staff and members of their families shall be laid down in a headquarters agreement between cepol and the netherlands , concluded after obtaining the approval of the management board and no later than 2 years after the entry into force of this regulation .


### many member states have not yet completely developed the necessary waste management infrastructure . the setting of landfill reduction targets will further facilitate separate collection , sorting and recycling of waste and avoid locking potentially recyclable materials at the bottom of the waste hierarchy . ### many member states have not yet completely developed the necessary waste management infrastructure . the setting of landfill reduction targets will further facilitate separate collection , sorting and recycling of waste and avoid locking potentially recyclable materials at the lowest level of the waste hierarchy .


### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive . ### a progressive phasing - out of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should be compatible with the development of adequate capacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste and should not contribute to increased waste incineration capacity or an over - use of landfills . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive .


### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as through energy recovery or low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive . ### a progressive reduction of landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy . this reduction should avoid the development of excessive capacity for the treatment of residual waste facilities , such as low grade mechanical biological treatment of untreated municipal waste , as this could result in undermining the achievement of the union ' s long - term preparation for reuse and recycling targets for municipal waste as laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec . similarly , and to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment , while member states should take all necessary measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled , compliance with such obligation should not lead to the creation of overcapacities for the treatment of residual municipal waste . in addition , in order to ensure consistency between the targets laid down in article 11 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec and the landfill reduction target defined in article 5 of this directive and to ensure a coordinated planning of the infrastructures and investments needed to meet those targets , member states which may obtain additional time for the attainment of the municipal waste recycling targets should also be given additional time to attain the landfill reduction target for 2030 as laid down in this directive .


### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use the most recent methodology developed by the commission and the national statistical offices of the member states . ### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management and waste landfill capacity is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use a harmonized methodology for data collection and processing developed by the commission in cooperation with the national statistical offices of the member states .


### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use the most recent methodology developed by the commission and the national statistical offices of the member states . ### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use the most recent methodology developed by the commission and the national statistical offices of the member states and national authorities responsible for waste management .


### in order to supplement or amend directive 1999 / 31 / ec , in particular with the view to adapting its annexes to scientific and technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of article 16 . it is particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . any amendments to the annexes should only be made in line with the principles laid down in this directive . to this end , as regards annex ii , the commission should take into account the general principles and general procedures for testing and acceptance criteria as set out in annex ii . moreover , specific criteria and test methods and associated limit values should be set for each class of landfill , including if necessary specific types of landfill within each class , including underground storage . proposals for the standardisation of control , sampling and analysis methods in relation to the annexes should be considered for adoption by the commission where appropriate within two years after the entry into force of this directive . ### in order to supplement or amend directive 1999 / 31 / ec , in particular with the view to adapting its annexes to scientific and technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of article 16 . it is particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . any amendments to the annexes should only be made in line with the principles laid down in this directive . to this end , as regards annex ii , the commission should take into account the general principles and general procedures for testing and acceptance criteria as set out in annex ii . moreover , specific criteria and test methods and associated limit values should be set for each class of landfill , including if necessary specific types of landfill within each class , including underground storage , and specific data on its maximum capacity . proposals for the standardisation of control , sampling and analysis methods in relation to the annexes should be considered for adoption by the commission where appropriate within two years after the entry into force of this directive .


### member states shall set up a national strategy for the implementation of the reduction of biodegradable waste going to landfills , not later than two years after the date laid down in article 18 and notify the commission of this strategy . this strategy should include measures to achieve the targets set out in paragraph 2 by means of in particular , recycling , composting , biogas production or materials / energy recovery . within 30 months of the date laid down in article 18 the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with a report drawing together the national strategies . ### in article 5 paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : member states shall set up a national strategy in collaboration with regional and local authorities responsible for waste management for the implementation of the phasing - out of biodegradable waste going to landfills , not later than two years after the date laid down in article 18 and notify the commission of this strategy . this strategy should include measures to achieve the targets set out in paragraph 2 by means of in particular , recycling , composting , biogas production , materials recovery or when the already mentioned are not possible energy recovery . within 30 months of the date laid down in article 18 the commission shall provide the european parliament and the council with a report drawing together the national strategies .


### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of investment as a consequence of market uncertainty regarding the economic future and the fiscal constraints on member states . this lack of investment slows economic recovery and negatively affects job creation , long - term growth prospects and competitiveness . ### the economic and financial crisis has led to a lowering of the level of investments within the union . investment has fallen by approximately 15% since its peak in 2007 . the union suffers in particular from a lack of investment as a consequence of austerity policies , including lower wages and public spending , which have depressed aggregate demand and increased market uncertainty regarding the economic future ; and the fiscal constraints placed on member states by sgp rules and the unwillingness of the ecb to intervene decisively in public bond markets . this lack of investment slows economic recovery and negatively affects job creation and&#160 ; long - term growth prospects .


### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion . ### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing viable projects to create high - quality jobs with rights and supporting enterprises in the areas most affected by the crisis , and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion .


### many small and medium enterprises , as well as mid - cap companies , across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk . the efsi should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi . ### many small and medium enterprises across the union require assistance to attract market financing , especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk . the efsi should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the eib and the european investment fund to provide direct and indirect equity injections , as well as to provide guarantees for high - quality securitisation of loans , and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the efsi .


### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies . ### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects and have experience of social issues . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises .


### in order to allow for further increase in its resources , participation in the efsi should be open to third parties , including member states , national promotional banks or public agencies owned or controlled by member states , private sector entities and entities outside the union subject to the consent of existing contributors . third parties may contribute directly to the efsi and take part in the efsi governance structure . ### in order to allow for further increase in its resources , participation in the efsi should be open to member states , national promotional banks or public agencies owned or controlled by member states . these third parties may contribute directly to the efsi and take part in the efsi governance structure .


### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , member states may use european structural investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects that are supported by the eu guarantee . the flexibility of this approach should maximise the potential to attract investors to the areas of investment targeted by the efsi . ### provided that all relevant eligibility criteria are fulfilled , member states may use european structural investment funds to contribute to the financing of eligible projects that are supported by the eu guarantee , prior consultation with social partners and public authorities at the local and regional levels .


### within the union , there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects . often , this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks . the commission and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment . this ' project pipeline ' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions . ### the commission , the european parliament and the eib , with support from the member states , should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the union suitable for investment .


### to meet that objective , the eiah shall use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ### to meet that objective , the eiah shall use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds , as well as social policy and employment experts .


### to meet that objective , the eiah shall use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ### to meet that objective , the eiah shall use the expertise of the eib , the commission , social partners , national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds .


### investment in education and training , health , research and development , information and communications technology and innovation ; ### investment in the social field including social protection , social and care services , and the social economy , in education and training , health , research and development , information and communications technology and innovation ;


### the documents of persons enjoying the right of free movement under union law should therefore be checked systematically against relevant databases related to stolen , misappropriated , lost and invalidated travel documents in order to avoid that persons hide their real identity . ### the documents of persons enjoying the right of free movement under union law may be checked against relevant databases related to stolen , misappropriated , lost and invalidated travel documents in order to avoid persons hiding their real identity , to the extent permitted by the principles of necessity and proportionality .


### border guards should for the same reason also systematically check persons enjoying the right of free movement under union law against relevant national and european databases in order to ensure that they do not represent a threat to internal security or public policy . ### border guards may for the same reason also check persons enjoying the right of free movement under union law against relevant national and european databases in order to ensure that they do not represent a threat to internal security or public policy on the basis of objective information and avoiding , in particular , checks which are based on ethnicity or might be regarded as such .


### since the objective of this regulation , namely reinforcing the checks against databases at external borders in reply in particular to the increase of the terrorist threat concerns one of the safeguards of the area without internal border control and as such concerns the proper functioning of the schengen area , it cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can rather be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives . ### since the objective of this regulation is to improve proportionate and necessary checks against databases at external borders , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the subsidiarity principle set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in order for these checks to produce the best result as regards the sound functioning of the external borders of the union , while respecting the principles of necessity and proportionality in fundamental rights , an impact assessment is necessary .


### the harvesting of red coral shall be prohibited at depth less than 50 m . ### the harvesting , retaining on board , transhipment , landing , transfer , storage , selling or displaying of red coral shall be prohibited .


### the commission should report on the implementation of this regulation after three years after its date of application , including on the appropriateness of the level of security . in accordance with paragraphs 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making41 the commission should carry out an evaluation of this regulation on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring arrangements in order to assess the actual effects of the regulation and the need for any further action . _________________ 41 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### the commission should report on the implementation of this regulation after two years after its date of application , including on the possible impact on fundamental rights , the appropriateness of the level of security and whether the implementation is compliant with data collection purposes of this regulation . in accordance with paragraphs 22 and 23 of the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making41 the commission should carry out an evaluation of this regulation on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring arrangements in order to assess the actual effects of the regulation . these evaluations should particularly focus on the impact of this regulation on fundamental rights , on the efficiency and improvement of the mobility of the union citizens and on levels of security . _________________ 41 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 .


### by 12 months after the entry into force at the latest , the commission shall establish a detailed programme for monitoring the outputs , results and impacts of this regulation . ### by 12 months after the entry into force at the latest , the commission shall establish , by means of delegated act , a detailed programme for monitoring the outputs , results and impacts of this regulation .


### with the adoption of directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council3 and council regulation 2017 / 19394 , the union has substantially strengthened the means available to protect the financial interests of the union by means of criminal law . the european public prosecutor ' s office will have the power to carry out criminal investigations and bring indictments related to criminal offences affecting the union budget , as defined in directive 2017 / 1371 , in the participating member states . _________________ 3 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union ' s financial interests by means of criminal law . 4 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office . ### notes the adoption of directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council3 and council regulation 2017 / 19394 , which has substantially altered the means available to protect the financial interests of the union by means of criminal law . the european public prosecutor ' s office will have the power to carry out criminal investigations and bring indictments related to criminal offences affecting the union budget , as defined in directive 2017 / 1371 , in the participating member states . _________________ 3 directive 2017 / 1371 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 july 2017 on the fight against fraud to the union ' s financial interests by means of criminal law . 4 council regulation 2017 / 1939 of 12 october 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the european public prosecutor’s office .


### therefore , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council5 should be amended following the adoption of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the provisions governing the relationship between the eppo and the office in regulation 2017 / 1939 should be reflected and complemented by the rules in regulation no 883 / 2013 to ensure the highest level of protection of the financial interests of the union through synergies between the two bodies . _________________ 5 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 . ### to faciliate this new arrangement , regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council5 should be amended following the adoption of regulation 2017 / 1939 . the provisions governing the relationship between the eppo and the office in regulation 2017 / 1939 should be reflected and complemented by the rules in regulation no 883 / 2013 to ensure the highest level of protection of the financial interests of the union through synergies between the two bodies . _________________ 5 regulation no 883 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 september 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 .


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


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


### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and sustainability’ , leading to innovations in the farming sector and rural areas . ### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and sustainability’ , leading to innovations in the farming sector and rural areas , including businesses located in the rural areas .


### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and sustainability’ , leading to innovations in the farming sector and rural areas . ### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability’ , leading to innovations in the farming sector and rural areas .


### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the essential elements should be set out at union level . ### in order to ensure consistency between direct payment types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal which is of critical importance , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer ' with the essential broad elements should be set out at union level , which must not be restrictive in order to facilitate new entrants into agriculture and reflect the realities on the ground in the member states ;


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


### in order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments keep on constituting an essential part to guarantee a fair income support to farmers . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , modernisation , innovation , diversification and uptake of new technologies are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward . ### in order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments that are credible , equitable , and fair keep constituting an essential part to guarantee income support to farmers . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , strengthening the farmers’ position in the food chain , modernisation , innovation , diversification and uptake of new technologies are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward .


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


### building on the previous system of cross - compliance implemented until 2020 , the system of new conditionality links full receipt of cap support to the compliance by beneficiaries of basic standards concerning the environment , climate change , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare . the basic standards encompass in a streamlined form a list of statutory management requirements and standards of good agricultural and environmental conditions of land . these basic standards should better take into account the environmental and climate challenges and the new environmental architecture of the cap , thus delivering a higher level of environmental and climate ambition as the commission announced in its communications on the ‘ future of food and farming’ and the multiannual financial framework . conditionality aims to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture through better awareness on the part of beneficiaries of the need to respect those basic standards . it also aims to make the cap more compatible with the expectations of society through improving consistency of the policy with the environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare objectives . conditionality should form an integral part of the environmental architecture of the cap , as part of the baseline for more ambitious environmental and climate commitments , and should be comprehensively applied across the union . for those farmers who do not comply with those requirements , member states should ensure that proportionate , effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in accordance with [ the hzr regulation ] . ### building on the previous system of cross - compliance implemented until 2020 , the system of new conditionality links full receipt of cap support to the compliance by beneficiaries of basic standards concerning the environment , climate change , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare . the basic standards encompass in a streamlined form a list of statutory management requirements and standards of good agricultural and environmental conditions of land . these basic standards should better take into account the environmental and climate challenges and the new environmental architecture of the cap , thus delivering a higher level of environmental and climate ambition as the commission announced in its communications on the ‘ future of food and farming’ and the multiannual financial framework . conditionality aims to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture through better awareness on the part of beneficiaries of the need to respect those basic standards . beneficiaries should also be appropriately compensated to deliver these standards . it also aims to make the cap more compatible with the expectations of society through improving consistency of the policy with the environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare objectives . conditionality should form an integral part of the environmental architecture of the cap , as part of the baseline for more ambitious environmental and climate commitments , and should be comprehensively applied across the union . for those farmers who do not comply with those requirements , member states should ensure that proportionate , effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in accordance with [ the hzr regulation ] .


### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and quality of soil and the protection and quality of biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular the nutrients management . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , nutrient management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient management functionalities . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required . ### the framework of standards of gaecs aims to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change , the tackling of water challenges , the protection and improving the quality of soil and the protection and enhancing biodiversity . the framework needs to be enhanced to take into account in particular the practices set until 2020 under the greening of direct payments , the mitigation of climate change and the need to improve farms sustainability , and in particular chemical input reduction . it is acknowledged that each gaec contributes to multiple objectives . in order to implement the framework , member states should define a national environmentally ambitious standard for each of the standards set at union level taking into account climate change mitigation and adaptation , biodiversity , degradation of soil quality , water and input management as well as the specific characteristics of the area concerned , including soil and climatic conditions , existing farming conditions , land use , crop rotation , farming practices and farm structures . member states may also define in addition other national standards related to the main objectives laid down in annex iii in order to improve the environmental and climate delivery of the gaec framework . as part of gaec framework , in order to support both the agronomic and the environmental performance of farms , input management plans will be established with the help of a dedicated electronic farm sustainability tool made available by the member states to individual farmers . the tool should provide on - farm decision support starting from minimum nutrient and pesticides management functionalities and need to improve the quality of soil . a wide interoperability and modularity should also ensure the possibility to add other electronic on - farm and e - governance applications . in order to ensure a level playing field between farmers and across the union , the commission may provide support to the member states in the design of the tool as well as with the data storage and processing services required .


### smrs need to be fully implemented by member states in order to become operational at farm level and ensure equal treatment of farmers . to ensure the consistency of the rules on conditionality in enhancing the sustainability of the policy , smrs should encompass main union legislation on environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare which implementation at national level imply precise obligations on individual farmers , including obligations under council directive 92 / 43 / eec11 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council12 or council directive 91 / 676 / eec . 13 in order to follow up on the joint statement made by the european parliament and the council as annexed to regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council , 14 the relevant provisions of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council16 are included as smrs into the scope of conditionality and the list of gaec standards is adapted accordingly . __________________ 11 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 12 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 13 council directive 91 / 676 / eec of 12 december 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources . 14 regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on the financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulations no 352 / 78 , no 165 / 94 , no 2799 / 98 , no 814 / 2000 , no 1290 / 2005 and no 485 / 2008 . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing a framework for community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides . ### smrs need to be fully implemented by member states in order to become operational at farm level and ensure equal treatment of farmers . to ensure the consistency of the rules on conditionality in enhancing the sustainability of the policy , smrs should encompass all union legislation on environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare which implementation at national level imply precise obligations on individual farmers , including obligations under council directive 92 / 43 / eec11 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council12 or council directive 91 / 676 / eec . 13 in order to follow up on the joint statement made by the european parliament and the council as annexed to regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council , 14 the relevant provisions of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council16 are included as smrs into the scope of conditionality and the list of gaec standards is adapted accordingly . __________________ 11 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 12 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 13 council directive 91 / 676 / eec of 12 december 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources . 14 regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on the financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulations no 352 / 78 , no 165 / 94 , no 2799 / 98 , no 814 / 2000 , no 1290 / 2005 and no 485 / 2008 . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing a framework for community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides .


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


### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment and contribute to territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing the other direct payments by providing a round some payment for small farmers . ### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment , particularly so in disadvantaged and peripheral areas , and contribute to balanced territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing the other direct payments by providing a round sum payment for small farmers .


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


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


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


### considering the importance of the general objective of modernising the agricultural sector , and in view of its crosscutting nature , it is appropriate that member states include in their cap strategic plan a dedicated description of the contribution that such a plan will make to this objective . ### considering the importance of the general objectives , of increasing environmental resilience , improving the primary producers’ position in the food chain and modernising the agricultural sector , and in view of its crosscutting nature , it is appropriate that member states include in their cap strategic plan a dedicated description of the contribution that such a plan will make to these objectives .


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


### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , genuine farmer and young farmer : ### member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan at least the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , and young farmer on the following basis :


### ' agricultural activity ' shall be defined in a way that it includes both the production of agricultural products listed in annex i to the tfeu , including cotton and short rotation coppice , and maintenance of the agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation , without preparatory action going beyond usual agricultural methods and machineries ; ### ' agricultural activity ' shall be defined in a way that it includes both the production of agricultural goods listed in annex i to the tfeu in addition to the production of public goods and ecosystem services from the agricultural area , including cotton and short rotation coppice , and maintenance of the agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation , without preparatory action going beyond usual agricultural methods and machineries ;


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops , permanent grassland and agroforestry systems . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ‘ permanent grassland ' and ‘ agroforestry systems’ shall be further specified by member states within the following framework


### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including nurseries and short rotation coppice ; ### ' permanent crops ' shall be non - rotational crops other than permanent grassland and permanent pasture that occupy the land for five years or more , which yield repeated harvests , including agroforestry systems , nurseries and short rotation coppice ;


### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food and rural areas and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives : ### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food production and rural areas including businesses and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives :


### those objectives shall be complemented by the cross - cutting objective of modernising the sector by fostering and sharing of knowledge , innovation and digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas , and encouraging their uptake . ### those objectives shall be complemented by the cross - cutting objective of modernising the sector by fostering sustainable development and sharing of knowledge , innovation and digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas , and encouraging their uptake


### support viable farm income and resilience across the union to enhance food security ; ### support viable farm income and resilience , especially ecological , across the union to enhance short term and long term food security , avoiding overproduction ;


### contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as sustainable energy ; ### contribute to the ecological transition of agricultural production models , climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as encouraging the integration of sustainable energy ;


### when pursuing the specific objectives member states shall ensure simplification and performance of the cap support . ### when pursuing the specific objectives member states shall ensure equality to final beneficiaries , simplification and a reduction of the administrative burden in the delivery of the cap support .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 amending annex i to adapt the common output , result and impact indicators to take into account the experience with their application and , where needed , to add new indicators . ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 138 amending annex i to adapt the common output , result and impact indicators to improve the quality of the monitoring and assessment and to take into account the experience with their application and , where needed , to add new indicators .


### the rules on the administrative penalties to be included in the cap strategic plan shall respect the requirements set out in chapter iv of title iv of regulation [ hzr ] . ### the rules on the administrative penalties to be included in the cap strategic plan shall respect the requirements set out in chapter iv of title iv of regulation [ hzr ] . in recognition of ' new delivery model ' member states shall establish a functionally independent mediation and appeals body comprising the required expertise and stakeholder representation ;


### the legal acts referred to in annex iii concerning the statutory management requirements shall apply in the version that is applicable and , in the case of directives , as implemented by the member states . ### the legal acts referred to in annex iii concerning the statutory management requirements shall apply in the version that is applicable and , in the case of directives , as implemented by the member states , member states shall ensure that such implementations are in compliance wto agreements on agriculture , annex ii ;


### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisors , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems . ### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . in addition they shall they be cognisant of traditional farming practices and foster and incorporate these where appropriate . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisors , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems .


### member states shall ensure that the farm advice given is impartial and that advisors have no conflict of interest . ### member states shall ensure that the farm advice given is independent , impartial and that advisors have no conflict of interest or are linked with other actors in the food chain .


### member states shall reduce the amount of direct payments to be granted to a farmer pursuant to this chapter for a given calendar year exceeding eur 60 000 as follows : ### member states may reduce the amount of basic income support for sustainability to be granted to a farmer pursuant to this chapter for a given calendar year , if the amount exceeds a threshold set up by each member state , which may not be less than eur 150 000 . the reduction of the amount above the threshold set up by each member state must be at least 25 per cent of payments , and a maximum of 100 per cent .


### member states shall , by claim year 2026 at the latest , set a maximum level for the value of payment entitlements for the member state or for each group of territories defined in accordance with article 18 . ### member states shall , by claim year 2021 at the latest , set a maximum level for the value of payment entitlements for the member state .


### where the value of payment entitlements as determined in accordance with paragraph 1 is not uniform within a member state or within a group of territories as defined in accordance with article 18 , member states shall ensure a convergence of the value of payment entitlements towards a uniform unit value by claim year 2026 at the latest . ### member states shall ensure a convergence of the value of payment entitlements towards a uniform unit value by claim year 2023 at the latest .


### for the purposes of paragraph 4 , member states shall ensure that , for claim year 2026 at the latest , all payment entitlements have a value of at least 75% of the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2026 as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state or for the territories as defined in accordance with article 18 . ### for the purposes of paragraph 4 , member states shall ensure that , for claim year 2022 at the latest , all payment entitlements have a value of at least 75% of the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2023 as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state .


### member states shall finance the increases in the value of payment entitlements needed to comply with paragraphs 4 and 5 by using any possible product resulting from the application of paragraph 3 , and , where necessary , by reducing the difference between the unit value of payment entitlements determined in accordance with paragraph 1 and the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2026 as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state or for the territories as defined in accordance with article 18 . ### member states shall finance the increases in the value of payment entitlements needed to comply with paragraphs 4 and 5 by using any possible product resulting from the application of paragraph 3 , and , where necessary , by reducing the difference between the unit value of payment entitlements determined in accordance with paragraph 1 and the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2023 as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state .


### member states may decide to apply the reduction to all or part of the payment entitlements with a value determined in accordance with paragraph 1 exceeding the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2026 , as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state or for the territories as defined in accordance with article 18 . ### member states may decide to apply the reduction to all or part of the payment entitlements with a value determined in accordance with paragraph 1 exceeding the average planned unit amount for the basic income support for claim year 2021 , as laid down in the cap strategic plan transmitted in accordance with article 106 for the member state .


### the amount per hectare planned for a given claim year shall not exceed the national average amount of direct payments per hectare for that claim year . ### member states must ensure beneficiaries can claim the higher support rate , of the redistributive payment , for at least the first 15 hectares declared .


### coupled income support may only be granted to the following sectors and productions or specific types of farming therein where these are important for economic , social or environmental reasons : cereals , oilseeds , protein crops , grain legumes , flax , hemp , rice , nuts , starch potato , milk and milk products , seeds , sheepmeat and goatmeat , beef and veal , olive oil , silkworms , dried fodder , hops , sugar beet , cane and chicory , fruit and vegetables , short rotation coppice and other non - food crops , excluding trees , used for the production of products that have the potential to substitute fossil materials . ### coupled income support may only be granted to the following sectors and productions or specific types of farming therein where these are important for economic , social or environmental reasons : cereals , oilseeds , protein crops , grain legumes , flax , hemp , rice , nuts , starch potato , milk and milk products , seeds , sheepmeat and goatmeat , beef and veal , olive oil , silkworms , dried fodder , hops , sugar beet , cane and chicory , and fruit and vegetables . the coupled support outlined above may only be granted to target vulnerable regions within a member state ;


### research and experimental production , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction , pest resilience , reduction of risks and impacts of pesticides use , preventing damage caused by adverse climatic events and boosting the use of fruit and vegetable varieties adapted to changing climate conditions ; ### research and experimental production , in particular focused on water harvesting , energy generation and saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction , pest resilience , reduction of risks and impacts of pesticides use , promotion of integrated pest management , preventing damage caused by adverse climatic events and boosting the use of fruit and vegetable varieties adapted to changing climate conditions ;


### integrated production ; ### integrated production , promoting , developing and implementing sustainable production methods and practices , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources while reducing chemical dependency ;


### integrated production ; ### agroforestry and integrated production systems ;


### actions to conserve soil and enhance soil carbon ; ### actions to rebuild soil structure and enhance soil carbon ;


### actions to increase sustainability and efficiency of transport and of storage of products of the fruit and vegetables sector ; ### actions to increase sustainability and efficiency of transport by promoting short supply chains , and of storage of products of the fruit and vegetables sector ;


### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including contributing to improvement of sustainable production systems and reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and of article 6 ; ### improve competitiveness of union wine producers while reducing the environmental impact of the union wine sector through implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , environmentally sound cultivation practices and production techniques , restoration and sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources while reducing pesticide dependency ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to , and of article 6 ;


### promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , of animal welfare standards , pest resilient and environmentally sound cultivation practices , production techniques and production methods , environmentally sound use and management of by - products and waste , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ; ### promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , of animal welfare standards , pest resilient and environmentally sound cultivation practices including the incorporation of clovers and other nitrogen fixing crops , production techniques and production methods , environmentally sound use and management of by - products and waste while respecting the ' proximity principle ' , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ;


### promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , of animal welfare standards , pest resilient and environmentally sound cultivation practices , production techniques and production methods , environmentally sound use and management of by - products and waste , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ; ### promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , of animal welfare standards , pest resilient and environmentally sound cultivation practices , production techniques and production methods , environmentally sound use and management of by - products and waste , restoration and sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ;


### installation of young farmers and rural business start - up ; ### installation of young farmers , rural business start - up and business development ;


### risk management tools ; ### risk mitigation , prevention and risk management tools ;


### member states may make support under this type of interventions available throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs . ### member states shall make support under this type of interventions available throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs .


### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually . ### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant advance payments to incentivise uptake in innovative measures , support may be granted as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually .


### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually . ### member states shall compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made . they may lay down an incentive to also cover transaction costs towards more sustainable systems adapted to climate change . in duly justified cases , member states may grant support as a flat - rate or as a one - off payment per unit . payments shall be granted annually .


### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way . ### member states may promote and support actions and collective schemes and result - based payment systems to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way .


### these payments may be granted to farmers , forest holders and other land managers in respect of areas with disadvantages referred to in paragraph 1 . ### these payments shall be granted to farmers , forest holders and other land managers in respect of areas with disadvantages referred to in paragraph 1 .


### member states may only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone related to the area - specific disadvantages in the area concerned . ### member states shall only grant payments under this type of interventions in order to compensate beneficiaries for the additional costs and income foregone related to the area - specific disadvantages in the area concerned .


### in respect of constraints arising from directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from requirements that go beyond the relevant standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter 1 of this title of this regulation as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation ; ### in respect of constraints arising from directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from complying with requirements of the relevant standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter 1 of this title of this regulation as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation ;


### in respect of constraints arising from directive 2000 / 60 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from requirements that go beyond the relevant statutory management requirements , with the exception of smr 2 as referred to in annex iii , and standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter i of this title as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation . ### in respect of constraints arising from directive 2000 / 60 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from complying with requirements of the relevant statutory management requirements , as referred to in annex iii , and standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter i of this title as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation .


### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument . ### tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on forest management plans , targeting planting forests native to member states and the practice of continuous cover ;


### interest rate on debt , except in relation to grants given in the form of an interest rate subsidy or guarantee fee subsidy ; ### interest rate on debt ;


### investments in irrigation which are not consistent with the achievement of good status of water bodies , as laid down in article 4 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec , including expansion of irrigation affecting water bodies whose status has been defined as less than good in the relevant river basin management plan ; ### investments in irrigation which may not be consistent with the achievement of good status of water bodies , as laid down in article 4 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec , including expansion of irrigation affecting water bodies whose status has been defined as less than good in the relevant river basin management plan , unless said investments : enable a potential water saving of between 10&#160 ; % and 25&#160 ; % , provided that they feature in a plan for modernising irrigation and that public funding is conditional on the grant claim for the achieved water saving ; ii . enable agricultural production in areas with an annual rainfall less than 500 mm ; iii . only affect energy efficiency or the progress of actions prompting management of the available supply , the creation of a reservoir or the use of recycled water not affecting a body of ground or surface water .


### investments in large infrastructures not being part of local development strategies ; ### investments in large infrastructures not being part of local development strategies and contravening the fulfilment of obligations arising from the legislative instruments referred to in annex xi .


### investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles , as developed in the pan - european guidelines for afforestation and reforestation . ### investments in infrastructures which have the effect of increasing stocking densities of food - producing animals ; and which are not consistent with the recommendations to support good animal health and welfare to reduce antimicrobial use , and the principles laid down in the council directive 98 / 58 / ec concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes , in particular the provision of housing , food , water and care appropriate to the physiological and ethological needs of the animals , in accordance with established experience and scientific knowledge .


### afforestation and non - productive investments linked to the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ; ### establishment of agroforestry systems , afforestation and non - productive investments linked to the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ;


### member states shall grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk management tools , which help genuine farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states may grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk management tools , which help farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 , in addition risk mitigation strategies that increase farm resilience and reduce exposure to income instability should be supported and encouraged ;


### member states may grant support for agricultural , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may grant support for agricultural , agroforestry , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### the percentage referred to in the first subparagraph , may be increased by a maximum of 2% , provided that the amount corresponding to the percentage exceeding the 10% is allocated to the support for protein crops under subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii . ### the percentage referred to in the first subparagraph , may be increased by a maximum of 5% , provided that the amount corresponding to the percentage exceeding the 25% is allocated to the support for protein crops under subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii . .


### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 . ### member states shall aim to make , through their cap strategic plans and in particular through the elements of the intervention strategy referred to in point of article 97 , a greater overall contribution to the achievement of the specific environmental - , climate - and animal welfare - related objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 in comparison to the overall contribution made to the achievement of the objective laid down in point of the first subparagraph of article 110 of regulation no 1306 / 2013 through support under the eagf and the eafrd in the period 2014 to 2020 .


### interventions , based on the types of intervention set out in title iii , except the crop - specific payment for cotton laid down in subsection 2 of section 3 of chapter ii of that title shall be designed to address the specific situation in the area concerned , following a sound intervention logic , supported by the ex - ante evaluation referred to in article 125 , the swot analysis referred to in article 103 and the assessment of needs referred to in article 96 ; ### interventions , based on the types of intervention set out in title iii , shall be designed to address the specific situation in the area concerned , following a sound intervention logic , supported by the ex - ante evaluation referred to in article 125 , the swot analysis referred to in article 103 and the assessment of needs referred to in article 96 ;


### an overview of the coordination , demarcation and complementarities between the eafrd and other union funds active in rural areas ; ### an overview of the coordination , demarcation and complementarities between the eafrd , eagf and other union funds active in rural areas ;


### in order to avoid any incompliance with union law and enhance transparency , member states should inform the commission of their intent to enter into negotiations with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements as soon as possible . the commission should be kept informed regularly of the progress of the negotiations . member states should have the possibility to invite the commission to participate in the negotiations as an observer . ### in order to avoid any incompliance with union law and enhance transparency , member states could , on a voluntary basis , inform the commission of their intent to enter into negotiations with regard to new intergovernmental agreements . the commission could be kept informed regularly of the progress of the negotiations . member states should have the possibility , on a voluntary basis , to invite the commission to participate in the negotiations as an observer .