### where the seller is liable to the consumer because of a lack of conformity with the contract resulting from an act or omission by a person in earlier links of the chain of transactions , the seller shall be entitled to pursue remedies against the person or persons liable in the chain of transactions . the person against whom the seller may pursue remedies and the relevant actions and conditions of exercise , shall be determined by national law . ### where the seller is liable to the consumer because of a lack of conformity with the contract resulting from an act or omission by a person in earlier links of the chain of transactions , or for any other reason , the seller shall be entitled to pursue remedies against the person or persons liable in the chain of transactions . the person against whom the seller may pursue remedies , and the relevant actions and conditions of exercise , shall be determined by national law . member states shall ensure that their national laws adequately protect the seller when determining the person against whom the seller may pursue remedies , the time periods and the relevant actions and conditions of exercise of the right of redress .


### the return of third - country nationals who do not fulfil or no longer fulfil the conditions for entry , stay or residence in the member states , in full respect of fundamental rights , in particular of the principle of non - refoulement , and in compliance with the provisions of directive 2008 / 115 / ec9 , is an essential part of the comprehensive efforts to ensure the credibility and proper functioning of the union migration policies and to reduce and deter irregular migration . _________________ 9directive 2008 / 115 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on common standards and procedures in member states for returning illegally staying third - country nationals . ### any procedure for the return of third - country nationals should be carried out on a voluntary basis , in full respect of fundamental rights , and such nationals should on no account be returned to countries where they face death or inhuman and degrading treatment .


### the european travel document for return should help reduce the administrative and bureaucratic burden on member states ' and third countries ' administrations , including consular services , and it should contribute to reducing the length of the administrative procedures necessary for ensuring return and readmission of illegally staying third - country nationals . ### the reduction in the administrative and bureaucratic burden on member states ' and third countries ' administrations , including consular services , could be taken into account , provided that the speeding - up of procedures does not serve to undermine the fundamental rights of the persons concerned .


### 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 public and private investment projects , and ensure the environmental viability of the projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives and the policies of the european union . the steering board of the efsi should be accountable for its decisions to the european parliament . 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 .


### the eib should regularly evaluate activities supported by the efsi with a view to assessing their relevance , performance and impact and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities . such evaluations should contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability . ### the eib should regularly evaluate activities supported by the efsi with a view to assessing their relevance , performance and socio - economic and environmental impact of the projects , and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities . such evaluations should contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability .


### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . ### the purpose of the efsi shall be to support investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees , with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises , through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the eib . the investments supported by the efsi shall be targeted , as a matter of priority , at sources of new and innovative growth and enable the eu economy to make the transition towards a real sustainable economy .


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall have an investment committee , which shall be responsible for examining potential operations in line with the efsi investment policies and approving the support of the eu guarantee for operations in line with article 5 , irrespective of their geographic location . ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall have an investment committee , which shall be responsible for examining potential operations in line with the efsi investment policies and approving the support of the eu guarantee for operations in line with article 5 , irrespective of their geographic location . the investment committee shall also ensure that the projects are environmentally viable .


### an assessment of the added value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ; ### an assessment of the added value , the mobilisation of private sector resources , the estimated and actual outputs , outcomes and socio - economic and environmental impact of eib financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis ;


### documents access to which is excluded or restricted by virtue of the access regimes on the grounds of protection of personal data , and parts of documents accessible by virtue of those regimes which contain personal data the re - use of which has been defined by law as being incompatible with the law concerning the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data ; ### documents or parts of documents access to which is excluded or restricted by access regimes on the grounds of protection of personal data , or which contain personal data the re - use of which could undermine the protection of privacy and integrity of the individual , in particular in accordance with union legislation regarding the protection of personal data ;


### article&#160 ; 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . under that article and the second and third paragraphs of article&#160 ; 174 of the tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions , among which particular attention is to be paid to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions . ### article&#160 ; 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . under that article and the second and third paragraphs of article&#160 ; 174 of the tfeu , the erdf is to contribute to reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions , paying particular attention to rural areas , areas affected by an industrial transition and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island , cross - border and mountain regions .


### in order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the erdf and the cohesion fund , specific policy objectives for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to one or more of common policy objectives set out in article 4 of regulation 2018 / xxx [ new cpr ] . ### in order to identify the type of activities which can be supported by the erdf and the cohesion fund , specific policy objectives adapted to different situations for providing support from those funds should be laid down to ensure that they contribute to increasing added value in each region and to creating jobs . these objectives should in no way detract from the crucial overall objective of reducing disparities between levels of development in the eu’s various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions .


### the erdf should help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments . erdf support under the investment for jobs and growth goal should therefore be concentrated on key union priorities in line with policy objectives laid down in regulation 2018 / xxx [ new cpr ] . therefore support from the erdf should be concentrated on the policy objectives of ' a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' and ' a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition , green and blue investment , the circular economy , climate adaptation and risk prevention and management ' . that thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of member states formed according to respective gross national income . in addition , the methodology to classify member states should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions . ### the erdf should help to promote true convergence , to redress the main regional imbalances in the union and to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions including those facing challenges due to the decarbonisation commitments , taking into account the legitimate choices , priorities and needs of each member state , depending on their particular situation . erdf support under the investment for jobs and growth goal should also take into account collectively defined priorities , in line with policy objectives laid down in regulation 2018 / xxx [ new cpr ] . therefore , support from the erdf should take particular account of the policy objectives of ' a more cohesive and solidarity - based europe helping reduce economic , social and territorial asymmetries and achieve a smart and innovative economic transformation ' and ' a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition , the reduction of the impact of industry on the environment , green and blue investment , the circular economy , combating and adapting to climate change and risk prevention and management ' . that thematic concentration should be attained at national level while allowing for flexibility at the level of individual programmes and between the three groups of member states formed according to respective gross national income . in addition , the methodology to classify member states should be set out in detail taking into account the specific situation of the outermost regions .


### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban areas , including functional urban areas , while taking into account the need to promote urban - rural linkages . the principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented , and the indicative amounts for those actions , should be set out in the programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the erdf resources allocated at national level for that purpose . it should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes , including at the mid - term review . ### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated territorial development in order to more effectively tackle the economic , environmental , climate , demographic and social challenges affecting urban and rural areas , while taking into account the need to promote urban - rural linkages . the principles for selecting the urban areas where integrated actions for sustainable urban development are to be implemented , and the indicative amounts for those actions , should be set out in the programmes under the investment for jobs and growth goal with a minimum target of 6% of the erdf resources allocated at national level for that purpose . it should also be established that this percentage should be respected throughout the programming period in the case of transfer between priorities within a programme or between programmes , including at the mid - term review .


### ' a smarter europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' by : ### ' a more cohesive and solidarity - based europe by helping reduce economic , social and territorial asymmetries and promoting innovative and smart economic transformation ' by :


### reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens , companies and governments ; ### reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens , companies , public services and governments ;


### enhancing growth and competitiveness of smes ; ### enhancing growth and competitiveness of smes in rural areas ;


### developing skills for smart specialisation , industrial transition and entrepreneurship ; ### developing skills and infrastructures for smart specialisation , the re - establishment of industries in regions affected by waning industrial capacity and entrepreneurship ;


### ‘ a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition , green and blue investment , the circular economy , climate adaptation and risk prevention and management by : ### ‘ a greener , low - carbon europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition on the basis of a reduction in consumption , the circular economy , climate adaptation and risk prevention and management by :


### developing smart energy systems , grids and storage at local level ; ### developing smart energy systems , smart grids and storage at local level ;


### developing a sustainable , climate resilient , intelligent , secure and intermodal ten - t ; ### developing a sustainable , climate resilient , intelligent , secure and intermodal ten - t , with a particular emphasis on creating an eu transport network that creates links between rural hubs rather than merely routes to capitals or large urban centres ;


### enhancing the effectiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social innovation and infrastructure ; ### enhancing access to quality employment ;


### ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure , including primary care ; ### ensuring equal access to health care through developing infrastructure , including primary care and maternity care particularly so in peripheral rural areas ;


### ' a europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban , rural and coastal areas and local initiatives ' by : ### ' a europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of urban , rural , island and coastal areas and local initiatives ' by :


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


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


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


### the etias central unit should be part of the european border and coast guard agency . the etias central unit should be responsible for verifying travel authorisations ' applications rejected from the automated process in order to determine whether the applicant personal data corresponds to the personal data of the person having triggered a hit , for the screening rules , and for carrying out regular audits on the processing of applications . the etias central unit should work in 24 / 7 regime . ### the development , functioning and security of the etias central unit and the data present there should come under the responsibility of the european agency for the οperational management of large - scale it systems in the area of freedom , security and justice . the authorities responsible for verifying travel authorisations ' applications rejected from the automated process should have access to the etias central unit in order to determine whether the applicant personal data corresponds to the personal data of the person having triggered a hit . screening rules , and regular , independent audits on the processing of applications shall be established . the etias central unit should work in 24 / 7 regime .


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


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


### prior to boarding , air and sea carriers , as well as carriers transporting groups overland by coach should have the obligation to verify if travellers have all the travel documents required for entering the territory of the member states pursuant to the schengen convention25 . this should include verifying that travellers are in possession of a valid travel authorisation . the etias file itself should not be accessible to carriers . a secure internet access , including the possibility using mobile technical solutions , should allow carriers to proceed with this consultation using travel document data . _________________ 25 convention implementing the schengen agreement of 14 june 1985 between the governments of the states of the benelux economic union , the federal republic of germany and the french republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders . ### prior to boarding , air and sea carriers , as well as carriers transporting groups overland by coach should have the obligation to verify that travellers are in possession of travel authorisation . the etias file itself shall not be accessible to carriers . a secure internet access , including the possibility using mobile technical solutions , should allow carriers to verify the validity of the travel authorisation using travel document data . lack of travel authorisation should not constitute a sufficient reason for refusing boarding , especially when the individual concerned needs to travel unexpectedly and / or in an emergency and it should be possible to apply on arrival at the border of the member state of entry .


### in order to comply with the revised conditions for entry , border guards should check whether the traveller is in possession of a valid travel authorisation . therefore , during the standard border control process , the border guard should electronically read the travel document data . this operation should trigger a query to different databases as provided under the schengen border code including a query to etias which should provide the up - to - date travel authorisation status . the etias file itself should not be accessible to the border guard for border controls . if there is no valid travel authorisation , the border guard should refuse entry and should complete the border control process accordingly . if there is a valid travel authorisation , the decision to authorise or refuse entry should be taken by the border guard . ### in order to comply with the revised conditions for entry , border guards should check whether the traveller is in possession of a valid travel authorisation . therefore , during the standard border control process , the border guard should electronically read the travel document data . this operation should trigger a query to different databases as provided under the schengen border code including a query to etias which should provide the up - to - date travel authorisation status . the etias file itself should not be accessible to the border guard for border controls . if there is no valid travel authorisation , the border guard should make sure that the traveller is travelling to the designated location in order to apply or investigate whether he / she may enter the territory on the basis of an entry with limited territorial validity or for other reasons . if there is a valid travel authorisation , the decision to authorise or refuse entry should be taken by the border guard .


### contribute to a high level of security by providing for a thorough security risk assessment of applicants , prior to their arrival at the external borders crossing points , in order to determine whether there are factual indications or reasonable grounds to conclude that the presence of the person on the territory of the member states poses a security risk ; ### contribute to a high level of security by providing for a thorough assessment of possible security risks posed by applicants , prior to their arrival at the external borders crossing points , in order to determine whether there is evidence to conclude that the presence of the person on the territory of the member states poses a security risk ;


### interoperability between the etias information system and other information systems consulted by etias such as [ the entry / exit system ] , the visa information system , the europol data , the schengen information system , [ the eurodac ] and [ the european criminal records information system ] shall be established to enable carrying out the risk assessment referred to in article 18 . ### interoperability between the etias information system and the schengen information system shall be established to enable carrying out of the risk assessment referred to in article 18 .


### each applicant shall submit a completed application form including a declaration of authenticity , completeness and reliability of the data submitted and a declaration of veracity and reliability of the statements made . minors shall submit an application form electronically signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship . ### each applicant shall submit a completed application form including a declaration of authenticity , completeness and reliability of the data submitted and a declaration of veracity and reliability of the statements made . in full compliance with the best interests of the child , minors shall submit a specific application form , electronically signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship , only where they have particular reasons for doing so . failing that , their application shall be annexed to that of the person with whom they are entering the schengen area .


### the applicant shall provide answers to those questions . where the applicant answers affirmatively to any of the questions , he or she shall be required to provide answers to additional questions on the application form aimed at collecting further information via providing answers to a predetermined list of questions . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 78 to lay down the content and format of those additional questions and the predetermined list of answers to those questions . ### the applicant shall provide answers to those questions . where the applicant answers affirmatively to any of the questions , he or she shall be required to provide answers to additional questions on the application form aimed at collecting further information via providing answers to a predetermined list of questions .


### the ground for refusal of the travel authorisation , as laid down in article 31 ; ### the ground for refusal of the travel authorisation ;


### the competent authorities shall submit a reasoned electronic request for consultation of a specific set of data stored in the etias central system to the central access points referred to in article 8 . where consultation of data referred to in article 15 and to is sought , the reasoned electronic request shall include a justification of the necessity to consult those specific data . ### the competent authorities shall submit a reasoned electronic request for information about a specific set of data stored in the etias central system to the central access points referred to in article 8 . where consultation of data referred to in article 15 and to is sought , the reasoned electronic request shall include a justification of the necessity to consult those specific data .


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


### if the conditions referred to in article 45 are fulfilled , the central access point shall process the requests . the data stored in the etias central system accessed by the central access point shall be transmitted to the contact points referred to in article 43 in such a way as to not compromise the security of the data . ### if the conditions referred to in article 45 are fulfilled , the central access point shall process the requests .


### where an ex post independent verification determines that the consultation of and access to the data recorded in the etias central system were not justified , all the authorities that accessed and / or consulted such data shall erase the data originating from the etias central system and shall inform the central access point of the erasure . ### where an ex post independent verification determines that the access to the data recorded in the etias central system is not justified , all the authorities that accessed such data shall erase the data originating from the etias central system and shall inform the central access point of the erasure .


### the consultation is necessary for the purpose of the prevention , detection or investigation of a terrorist offences or another serious criminal offence ; ### access to the stored data is necessary for the purpose of the prevention , detection or investigation of a terrorist offences or another serious criminal offence ;


### access for consultation is necessary in a specific case ; ### access to information on the stored data is necessary in a specific case ;


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


### where a third country national has acquired the nationality of a member state or has fallen under the scope of article 2 to , the authorities of that member state shall verify whether that person has a valid travel authorisation and , where relevant , shall delete the application file without delay from the etias central system . the authority responsible for deleting the application file shall be the : ### where a third country national with a travel authorisation has acquired the nationality of a member state , the authorities of that member state shall immediately delete the application file from the etias central system . the authority responsible for deleting the application file may be the :


### the european border and coast guard agency is to be considered a data controller in accordance with article 2 of regulation no 45 / 2001 in relation to the processing of personal data in the etias central system . ### eu - lisa is to be considered a data controller in accordance with article 2 of regulation no 45 / 2001 in relation to the processing of personal data in the etias central system . .


### in order to exercise their rights under articles 13 , 14 , 15 and 16 of regulation 45 / 2001 and article 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 of [ regulation 2016 / 679 ] any applicant shall have the right to address him or herself to the etias central unit or to the etias national unit responsible for the application , who shall examine and reply to the request . ### in order to exercise their rights under articles 13 , 14 , 15 and 16 of regulation 45 / 2001 and article 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 of [ regulation 2016 / 679 ] any applicant shall have the right to address him or herself to the etias central unit or to the etias national unit responsible for the application , who shall examine and reply to the request . the person concerned must have the opportunity to appeal before the courts , with suspensive effect , as soon as possible .


### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of eu - lisa ' s and the etias central unit personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the member states . eu - lisa and the european border and coast guard agency shall be given an opportunity to make comments before their reports are adopted . ### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of the european border and coast guard agency’s , eu - lisa’s and the etias central unit’s personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the member states . eu - lisa and the european border and coast guard agency shall be given an opportunity to make comments before the audit report is adopted .


### the infrastructures supporting the public website , the mobile app and the carrier gateway shall be hosted in eu - lisa ' sites or in commission sites . these infrastructures shall be geographically distributed to provide the functionalities laid down in this regulation in accordance with the conditions of security , availability , quality and speed laid down in paragraph 3 . ### the infrastructures supporting the public website , the mobile app and the carrier gateway shall be hosted in eu - lisa ' sites . these infrastructures shall be geographically distributed to provide the functionalities laid down in this regulation in accordance with the conditions of security , availability , quality and speed laid down in paragraph 3 .


### during the designing and development phase , a programme management board composed of a maximum of 10 members shall be established . it shall be composed of six members appointed by eu - lisa’s management board from among its members or its alternates , the chair of the etias - ees advisory group referred to in article 80 , a member representing eu - lisa appointed by its executive director , a member representing the european border and coast guard agency appointed by its executive director and one member appointed by the commission . the members appointed by eu - lisa ' s management board shall be elected only from those member states which are fully bound under union law by the legislative instruments governing the development , establishment operation and use of all the large - scale it systems managed by eu - lisa and which will participate in the etias . the programme management board will meet once a month . it shall ensure the adequate management of the design and development phase of the etias . the programme management board shall submit written reports every month to the management board on progress of the project . it shall have no decision - making power nor any mandate to represent the members of the management board . ### during the designing and development phase , a programme management board composed of a maximum of 10 members shall be established . it shall be composed of six members appointed by eu - lisa’s management board from among its members or its alternates , the chair of the etias - ees advisory group referred to in article 80 , a member representing eu - lisa appointed by its executive director , a member representing the european border and coast guard agency appointed by its executive director , a member of the edps and one member appointed by the commission . the members appointed by eu - lisa ' s management board shall be elected only from those member states which are fully bound under union law by the legislative instruments governing the development , establishment operation and use of all the large - scale it systems managed by eu - lisa and which will participate in the etias . the programme management board will meet once a month . it shall ensure the adequate management of the design and development phase of the etias . the programme management board shall submit written reports every month to the management board on progress of the project . it shall have no decision - making power nor any mandate to represent the members of the management board .


### every quarter , eu - lisa shall publish statistics on the etias information system showing in particular the number and nationality of applicants whose travel authorisation was refused , including the grounds for refusal , and of third country nationals whose travel authorisation were annulled or revoked . ### every quarter , eu - lisa shall publish statistics on the etias information system showing in particular the number and nationality of applicants whose travel authorisation was granted or refused , including the grounds for refusal , and of third country nationals whose travel authorisation were annulled or revoked .


### at the request of the commission , eu - lisa shall provide it with statistics on specific aspects related to the implementation of this regulation as well as the statistics pursuant to paragraph 3 . ### eu - lisa shall provide the commission and the european parliament with statistics on specific aspects related to the implementation of this regulation as well as the statistics pursuant to paragraph 3 .


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


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


### appropriate measures shall be taken where a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law in a member state affects or risks affecting the principles of sound financial management or the protection of the financial interests of the union , in particular : ### appropriate measures shall be taken where a generalised deficiency as regards the rule of law , human rights and democracy in a member state affects or risks affecting the proper implementation of the union ' s budget , in particular the management and control activities , in accordance with the principles of sound and socially responsible financial management and the protection of the financial interests of the union , and if at least one of the following conditions is met :


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


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point , free of discrimination based on gender or social background , for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , including schemes operating at regional or local level , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity of general interest within the structures of non - profit organisations aimed at addressing societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention preparedness and recovery , social farming and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , in particular migrants and asylum seekers , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; this activity is characterized by : fixed period , clear objectives , contents , tasks , structure and framework ; appropriate financial support shall be provided ; legal and social rights of volunteers must be guaranteed ;


### “participant” means a young person who has registered in the european solidarity corps portal and takes part in a solidarity activity under the european solidarity corps offered by a participating organisation ; ### “volunteer” means a young person who has registered in the european solidarity corps portal and takes part in a solidarity activity under the european solidarity corps offered by a participating organization certified by means of the quality label ;


### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ; ### “disadvantaged young people volunteers” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ;


### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ; ### “participating organisation” means any public or private non - profit entity which carries out activities of general interest , that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers or supports participation in solidarity activities or training to a volunteer in the european solidarity corps ;


### “volunteering teams’ placements” means placements allowing teams of european solidarity corps participants from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project for a period between two weeks and two months ; ### “volunteering teams’ projects” means projects allowing teams of european solidarity corps volunteers from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project for a period between two weeks and two months ;


### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ; ### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps volunteers or by a participating organisation , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ;


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


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps volunteers and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering volunteers , searching for volunteers for projects , advertising and searching for projects , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps .


### to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps participants contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal needs and strengthening communities , are of high quality and properly validated . ### to ensure that the solidarity activities that are offered to the european solidarity corps volunteers contribute to addressing concrete , unmet societal needs of general interest , such as social integration , environmental protection , counteracting and mitigating effects of climate change and natural disasters ; and strengthening local and regional communities ;


### solidarity placements in the form of volunteering , traineeships or jobs , including individual cross - border and in - country placements as well as volunteering teams ' placements ; ### solidarity projects in the form of volunteering or traineeships , including individual cross - border and in - country projects as well as volunteering teams ' projects ;


### networking activities for individuals and organisations participating in the european solidarity corps . ### networking activities for individuals and organisations participating in the european solidarity corps which must be entirely consistent with , and complement proven experience on the ground , in particular good volunteering and civil protection practice .


### measures aimed at ensuring the quality of solidarity placements , including training , language support , administrative support for participants and participating organisations , insurance , post - placement support as well as the development of a certificate that identifies and documents the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the placement ; ### measures aimed at ensuring the quality of solidarity projects , including training , language support , administrative support for volunteers and participating organisations , insurance , post - project support as well as the development of a certificate that identifies and documents the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the project ;


### the development and maintenance of a quality label for entities willing to provide placements for the european solidarity corps in order to ensure compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### the development and maintenance of a quality label for entities willing to provide projects for the european solidarity corps in order to ensure compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps guidelines ;


### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private entities , or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label . ### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private non - profit entities , or international organisations referred to in article 2 . 1 , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label .


### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . ### as a result of the assessment the entity may be attributed the european solidarity corps quality label . the obtained label shall be re - assessed periodically and may be revoked . the results of the re - assessments of entities shall be part of the evaluation and monitoring referred to in article 15 and in particular of the progress report that the commission shall publish in 2020 .


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


### number of participants in volunteering placements ; ### number of volunteers in volunteering projects ;


### number of participants in solidarity projects ; ### number of volunteers in solidarity projects ;


### in order to implement this regulation , the commission shall adopt work programmes by way of implementing acts . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 25 in order to supplement this regulation by adopting work programmes . each work programme shall ensure that the general and specific objectives set out in articles 3 and 4 are implemented in a consistent manner and shall outline the expected results , the method of implementation and its total amount . the work programmes shall also contain a description of the actions to be financed , an indication of the amount allocated to each action , an indication of the distribution of funds between the participating countries for the actions to be managed through the national agencies and an indicative implementation timetable .


### the electricity sector in the union is undergoing a profound transformation , characterised by more decentralised markets with more players , better interlinked systems and a higher proportion of renewable energy . in response , directive xxx / regulation xxx [ reference to the proposed electricity directive and electricity regulation ] aim to upgrade the legal framework governing the union ' s internal electricity market , so as to ensure that markets and networks function in an optimal manner , to the benefit of businesses and consumers . ### the electricity sector in the union is undergoing a profound transformation , characterised by more decentralised markets with more players , better interlinked systems and a higher proportion of renewable energy . in response , directive xxx / regulation xxx [ reference to the proposed electricity directive and electricity regulation ] aim to upgrade the legal framework governing the union ' s internal electricity market , so as to ensure that markets and networks function in an optimal manner , to the benefit of eu citizens .


### to ensure the coherence of risk assessments that builds trust between member states in a crisis situation a common approach to identifying risk scenarios is needed . therefore , entso - e should develop a common methodology for risk identification in cooperation with the agency , with entso - e proposing the methodology and the agency approving it . ### to ensure the coherence of risk assessments that builds trust between member states in a crisis situation a common approach to identifying risk scenarios is needed . therefore , the agency should develop a common methodology for risk identification in cooperation with entso - e .


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


### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , entso - e shall submit to the agency a proposal for a methodology for identifying the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios in a regional context . ### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , the agency shall establish a methodology for identifying the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios in a regional context .


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


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


### entso - e shall update and improve the methodology regularly in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 5 . the agency or the commission may request such updates and improvements with due justification . within six months from the request , entso - e shall submit to the agency a draft of the proposed changes . within a period of two months of receiving the draft , the agency shall amend or approve the changes and publish it on its website . ### the agency shall update and improve the methodology regularly in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 5 . the commission may request such updates and improvements with due justification . within six months from the request , the agency shall submit a draft of the proposed changes . within a period of two months , the agency shall publish the changes on its website .


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


### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , entso - e shall submit to the agency a proposal for a methodology for assessing short - term adequacy , namely seasonal adequacy as well as week - ahead to intraday adequacy , which shall cover at least the following : ### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , the agency shall establish a methodology for assessing short - term adequacy , namely seasonal adequacy as well as week - ahead to intraday adequacy , which shall cover at least the following :


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


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


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


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


### the financial crisis has revealed that shareholders in many cases supported managers ' excessive short - term risk taking . moreover , there is clear evidence that the current level of “monitoring” of investee companies and engagement by institutional investors and asset managers is inadequate , which may lead to suboptimal corporate governance and performance of listed companies . ### the financial crisis has revealed that shareholders in many cases supported managers ' excessive short - term risk taking . moreover , there is clear evidence that the current level of “monitoring” of investee companies and engagement by institutional investors and asset managers is inadequate , which may lead to suboptimal corporate governance and performance of listed companies . a further important aspect concerns the lack of engagement by workers and the local community in companies’ major strategic choices .


### effective and sustainable shareholder engagement is one of the cornerstones of listed companies’ corporate governance model , which depends on checks and balances between the different organs and different stakeholders . ### effective and sustainable shareholder engagement is one of the cornerstones of listed companies’ corporate governance model , which depends on checks and balances between the different organs and different stakeholders , alongside engagement by the various stakeholders : clients , suppliers , workers and the local community .


### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration policy as regards directors . companies shall only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the policy shall be submitted for approval by the shareholders at least every three years . ### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration policy as regards directors . companies shall only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the policy shall be submitted for approval by the shareholders at least every three years . member states shall ensure that the ratio between the remuneration of employees and the remuneration of directors shall on no account exceed 1 to 30 .


### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings . ### in view of the climate goals of the paris agreement and the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 or even beyond 2030 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings .


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


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


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


### member states shall designate , on the basis of objective and non - discriminatory criteria , obligated parties among energy distributors and / or retail energy sales companies operating in its territory and may include transport fuel distributors or transport fuel retailers operating in its territory . the amount of energy savings needed to fulfil the obligation shall be achieved by the obligated parties among final customers , designated by the member state , independently of the calculation made pursuant to article 7 , or , if member states so decide , through certified savings stemming from other parties as described in point of paragraph 5 . ### member states shall designate , on the basis of objective and non - discriminatory criteria , obligated parties among energy distributors and / or retail energy sales companies operating in its territory and may exclude transport fuel distributors or transport fuel retailers or fuel distributors active in small energy sectors operating in its territory . the amount of energy savings needed to fulfil the obligation shall be achieved by the obligated parties among final customers , designated by the member state , independently of the calculation made pursuant to article 7 , or , if member states so decide , through certified savings stemming from other parties as described in point of paragraph 5 .


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


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


### minimum requirements for billing and consumption information based on actual consumption of heating , cooling and hot water ### minimum requirements for billing and consumption information for heating , cooling and hot water


### billing based on actual consumption in order to enable final users to regulate their own energy consumption , billing shall take place on the basis of actual consumption at least once per year . ### billing based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings in order to enable final users to regulate their own energy consumption , billing shall take place on the basis of actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings at least once per year .


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


### as of 1 january 2022 , where remotely readable meters or cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information shall be made available at least monthly . heating and cooling may be exempted from this outside the heating / cooling seasons . ### as of 1 january 2022 , where remotely readable meters or heat cost allocators have been installed , billing or consumption information based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings shall be made available at least monthly . heating and cooling may be exempted from this outside the heating / cooling seasons .


### minimum information contained in the bill based on actual consumption ### minimum information contained in the bill based on actual consumption or heat cost allocator readings


### current actual prices and actual consumption of energy ; ### current actual prices and actual consumption or total heat cost and heat cost allocator readings ;


### during the period referred to in paragraph 1 , the eu blue card holder shall be allowed to seek and take up employment in accordance with the conditions set out in article 13 . ### during the period referred to in paragraph 1 , the eu blue card holder shall be allowed to seek and take up employment or request another kind of visa enabling them to stay in the eu .


### member states may hold the employer of the eu blue card holder responsible for failure to comply with the conditions of mobility laid down in this chapter or for repetitively making use of the mobility provisions of this chapter in an abusive manner . ### member states may hold the employer of the eu blue card holder responsible for failure to comply with the conditions laid down in this chapter .


### the . eu tld should provide a clearly identified link with the union and the european market place . it should enable undertakings , organisations and natural persons within the union to register a domain name under the . eu tld . union citizens should be allowed to register a . eu domain name , regardless of their place of residence . ### the . eu tld should provide a clearly identified link with the union and the european market place . it should enable undertakings , organisations and natural persons within the union to register a domain name under the . eu tld . union citizens should be allowed to register a . eu domain name , regardless of their place of residence . it should ensure that companies , organisations and natural persons with a . eu domain adhere to the union ' s principles , particularly those concerning human rights , gender equality , non - discrimination as regards ethnicity , culture and religion , and peaceful coexistence . the existence of a domain of that kind , under a common identifiable label , is an important part of european identity and implies that users are responsible for using it properly .


### the commission should carry out an evaluation on the effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld . the evaluation should have regard to the designated registry working practices and the relevance of its tasks . ### the commission should carry out an evaluation on the effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld . the evaluation should have regard to the designated registry working practices and the relevance of its tasks . the commission shall present a biannual report on the functioning of the . eu tld .


### the registration of domain names shall be performed in all the alphabetic characters of the official languages of the union in accordance with the available international standards as allowed by the relevant internationalised domain names protocols . ### the registration of domain names shall be performed in all the alphabetic characters of the official languages of the union in accordance with the available international standards as allowed by the relevant internationalised domain names protocols . that practice will guarantee the application of the principle of multilingualism , which is important to european identity .


### undertake an audit by an independent body at its own expense and at least every two years to certify compliance with the present regulation and send the outcome to the commission ; ### undertake an audit by an independent body at its own expense and at least every two years to certify compliance with the present regulation and send the outcome to the commission ; the commission shall be informed in advance which independent body the registry has chosen to carry out the audit and may express its opposition , in which case its opinion should be respected .


### no later than five years after the date of application of this regulation , and each three years thereafter , the commission shall assess the implementation , effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld . ### no later than five years after the date of application of this regulation , and each two years thereafter , the commission shall assess the implementation , effectiveness and functioning of the . eu tld .


### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights16 . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . _________________ 16 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 . ### assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the union with the beneficiaries listed in annex i . assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in annex i to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality , tolerance , social inclusion and non - discrimination . assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the european pillar of social rights16 . assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional , macro - regional and cross - border cooperation as well as territorial development , including through implementation of union macro - regional strategies . it should also promote good neighbourly relations , reconciliation and regional cooperation . it should enhance their economic and social development and economic governance , foster economic integration with the eu single market , including customs cooperation , promote an open and fair trade , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda , including through implementation of regional development , agriculture and rural development , social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society , also in line with the flagship initiative digital agenda for the western balkans . _________________ 16 european pillar of social rights solemnly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission at the gothenburg social summit for fair jobs and growth , gothenburg 17 november 2017 .


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


### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective , efficient , and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life , fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : integrating marginalised communities such as the roma ; combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; enhancing access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services , such as early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems . ### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective , efficient , and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life , fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : integrating marginalised communities such as the roma ; combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; enhancing access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services , such as early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems . actions that contribute to any form of segregation , institutionalisation or social exclusion shall not be supported .


### commercial regular service operations should not compromise the economic equilibrium of existing public service contracts . for this reason , the regulatory body should be able to carry out an objective economic analysis to ensure that this is the case . ### commercial regular service operations may not compromise the public transport service already in existence or decided by the member states .