### the commission shall set up a union level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , capacity building and networking , as well as dissemination of relevant outcomes in the area of non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons . ### the commission shall set up a union level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , know - how , capacity building , networking , the deployment of distribution networks throughout europe , particularly in those areas within each member state where levels of poverty and exclusion are highest , and the development of transnational and cross - border activities , as well as dissemination of relevant and innovative outcomes in the field of food and goods distribution to the most deprived persons . it shall integrate and link on the platform the organisations that represent the partner organisations at union level as well as the partner organisations and beneficiaries in each member state . it shall set up and manage a public website specifically for the platform . the site will include a presentation of the various partner organisations , their activities and where they operate europe - wide , including in the outermost regions . it will also present all documents and information relevant to the running of the platform and to its work .


### the costs of social inclusion activities undertaken and declared by the partner organisations delivering directly the material assistance to the most deprived persons at a flat rate of 5% of the costs referred to in point ; ### the costs of social inclusion activities undertaken and declared by the partner organisations delivering the food and / or material assistance directly or indirectly to the final beneficiaries at a flat rate of 5% of the costs referred to in point ;


### the number of persons suffering from material or even severe material deprivation in the union is increasing and those persons are often too excluded to benefit from the activation measures of regulation no [ …cpr ] , and , in particular of regulation no [ …esf ] . ### the number of persons suffering from food and material deprivation , or even severe deprivation , in the union is increasing and those persons are often too excluded to benefit from the activation measures of regulation no [ …cpr ] , and , in particular of regulation no [ …esf ] .


### ' partner organisations ' means public bodies or non - for - profit organisations that deliver the food or goods directly or through other partner organisations to the most deprived persons , and whose operations have been selected by the managing authority in accordance with article 29 ; ### ‘ partner organisations’ means public bodies or not - for - profit organisations that deliver the food directly or through other partner organisations to the most deprived persons , and whose operations have been selected by the managing authority in accordance with article 29 ;


### the costs of purchasing food and basic consumer goods for personal use of homeless persons or of children ; ### the costs of purchasing food and basic consumer goods for the personal use of the final beneficiaries ;


### the managing authority shall inform beneficiaries of publication of the list of operations in accordance with paragraph 2 . the managing authority shall provide information and publicity kits , including templates in electronic format , to help beneficiaries and partner organisations to meet their obligations as set out in paragraph 3 . ### the competent authority shall inform beneficiaries of publication of the list of operations in accordance with paragraph 2 . it shall provide information and publicity kits , including templates in electronic format , to help beneficiaries and partner organisations to meet their obligations as set out in paragraph 3 .


### in order to set out an appropriate financial framework , the commission should establish , by means of implementing acts , an annual breakdown of global resources by member state using an objective and transparent method reflecting disparities in terms of poverty and material deprivation . ### in order to set out an appropriate financial framework , the commission should establish , by means of implementing acts , an annual breakdown of global resources by member state using an objective and transparent method reflecting disparities in terms of poverty and material deprivation within each member state , taking account of the number of people classifiable in each member state as ‘ most deprived’ and also of the amounts that were allocated from the food distribution programme to those member states participating in it .


### the certifying authority shall submit on a regular basis an application for interim payment covering amounts entered in its accounts as public support paid to beneficiaries in the accounting year ending 30 june . ### the competent authority shall submit on a regular basis an application for interim payment covering amounts entered in its accounts as public support paid to beneficiaries in the accounting year ending 30 june .


### an identification of and a justification for selecting the type of material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description for each type of material deprivation addressed of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of food or goods and the accompanying measures to be provided , having regard to the results of the ex ante evaluation carried out in accordance with article 14 ; ### an identification of the type of food and / or material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description of them , as well as a description of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of food , particularly fresh agricultural products such as meat , fish , fruit , vegetables , grain and milk products , or goods , and the accompanying measures to be provided ;


### a description of the mechanism setting the eligibility criteria for the most deprived persons , differentiated if necessary by type of material deprivation addressed ; ### a description of the criteria for selecting partner organisations , taking into account the imperative requirement that the partner organisations should distribute food products to the most deprived , either directly or via other partner organisations ;


### uniform and equitable rules on the eligibility period , operations and expenditures for the fund should be applied across the union . the conditions of eligibility should reflect the specific nature of the fund’s objectives and target populations , notably through adequate conditions of eligibility of the operations as well as forms of support and rules and conditions of reimbursement . ### uniform , simple and equitable rules on the eligibility period , operations and expenditures for the fund should be applied across the union . the conditions of eligibility should reflect the specific nature of the fund’s objectives and target populations , notably through adequate and simplified conditions of eligibility of the operations as well as forms of support and rules and conditions of reimbursement .


### this regulation establishes the fund for european aid to the most deprived for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the fund . ### this regulation establishes the fund for european aid to the most deprived for the period from 1&#160 ; january 2014 to 31&#160 ; december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure the effectiveness and straightforwardness of the fund .


### those provisions also ensure that the operations supported shall comply with applicable union and national laws , notably in regard to the safety of the goods that are distributed to the most deprived persons . ### those provisions also ensure that the operations supported shall comply with applicable union and national laws , notably in regard to the safety of the goods and the quality of the food products that are distributed to the most deprived persons .


### member states should designate a managing authority , a certifying authority and a functionally independent auditing authority for their operational programme . to provide flexibility for member states in the set - up of control systems , it is appropriate to provide the option for the functions of the certifying authority to be carried out by the managing authority . the member states should also be allowed to designate intermediate bodies to carry out certain tasks of the managing authority or the certifying authority . the member states should in that case lay down clearly their respective responsibilities and functions . ### member states should designate for their operational programme the authorities responsible for the sound management of the fund . member states should undertake adequate administrative and physical controls and provide for penalties in case of irregularities in order to ensure that the operational programmes are implemented in accordance with the applicable rules .


### the co - financing rate at the level of the operational programme shall not be higher than 85% of the public eligible expenditure . ### the financing rate at the level of the operational programme shall be 100% of the public eligible expenditure .


### co - financing ### financing


### the fund for european aid to the most deprived should strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children . ### the fund for european aid to the most deprived aims to strengthen social cohesion by contributing to the reduction of poverty in the union by supporting national schemes that provide non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons to alleviate food deprivation , homelessness and material deprivation of children .


### where a public body purchases the food or basic consumer goods for personal use of homeless persons or of children and provide them to partner organisations , the costs of transporting of food or goods to the storage depots of the partner organisations at a flat rate of 1 % of the costs referred to in point ; ### where a public body purchases the food or basic consumer goods for the personal use of the final beneficiaries and provides them to partner organisations , the costs of transporting of food or goods to the storage depots of the partner organisations at a flat rate of 1 % of the costs referred to in point ;


### member states shall provide the resources necessary for carrying out evaluations , and shall ensure that procedures are in place to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations , including data related to the common indicators referred to in article 11 . ### member states shall provide the resources necessary for carrying out evaluations , and shall ensure that procedures are in place to produce and collect the data necessary for evaluations .


### a description of the measures taken to involve the competent regional , local and other public authorities as well as bodies representing civil society and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non - discrimination in the preparation of the operational programme ; ### a description of the measures taken to involve the competent regional , local and other public authorities , the former beneficiary organisations of the european food distribution programme and the main national , regional , local and other organisations involved in distributing food products and / or material goods for the most deprived , as well as bodies representing civil society and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non - discrimination in the preparation of the operational programme ;


### the commission shall assess the consistency of the operational programme with this regulation and its contribution to the objectives of the fund , taking into account the ex ante evaluation carried out in accordance with article 14 . ### the commission shall assess the consistency of the operational programme with this regulation and its contribution to the objectives of the fund .


### the certifying authority shall submit the final application for interim payment by 31 july following the end of the previous accounting year and , in any event , before the first application for interim payment for the next accounting year . ### the competent authority shall submit the final application for interim payment by 31 july following the end of the previous accounting year and , in any event , before the first application for interim payment for the next accounting year .


### managing authority shall ensure that , in the case of grants to partner organisations , beneficiaries are provided with a flow sufficient to ensure proper implementation of the operations . ### the competent authority shall ensure that , in the case of grants to partner organisations , beneficiaries are provided with a flow sufficient to ensure proper implementation of the operations .


### in addition , the commission shall consult , at least once a year , the organisations which represent the partner organisations at union level on the implementation of support from the fund . ### in addition , within the framework of the platform , the commission shall consult , at least once a year , the organisations which represent the partner organisations at union level and the main partner organisations in each member state on the implementation , and ease of implementation , of support from the fund . it shall publish reports on such consultation , and its results , on the platform website .


### the total amount of eligible expenditure entered into the accounts of the certifying authority as having been incurred and paid by beneficiaries in implementing operations , the total amount of public eligible expenditure incurred in implementing operations and the corresponding eligible public contribution which has been paid to beneficiaries ; ### the total amount of eligible expenditure entered into the accounts of the competent authority as having been incurred and paid by beneficiaries in implementing operations , the total amount of public eligible expenditure incurred in implementing operations and the corresponding eligible public contribution which has been paid to beneficiaries ;


### union budget commitments should be effected annually . in order to ensure effective programme management , it is necessary to lay down common rules for interim payment requests , the payment of the annual balance and the final balance . ### union budget commitments should be effected annually . in order to ensure effective programme management , it is necessary to lay down simple common rules for interim payment requests , the payment of the annual balance and the final balance .


### each member state shall submit to the commission one operational programme covering the period between 1 january 2014 and 31 december 2020 within three months of the entry into force of this regulation , containing the following items : ### each member state shall , within three months of the entry into force of this regulation , submit to the commission one operational programme – drawn up in close cooperation with the competent regional , local and other authorities , with the former beneficiary organisations of the european food distribution programme , with the main national , regional , local and other organisations involved in distributing food products for the most deprived and with bodies representing civil society and promoting non - discrimination – covering the period between 1 january 2014 and 31 december 2020 and containing the following items :


### the commission shall assess the information provided in accordance with paragraph 1 , taking account of the justification provided by the member state . the commission may make observations and the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information . ### the commission shall assess the information provided in accordance with paragraph 1 , taking account of the justification provided by the member state . the commission may , within a period of two months , make observations and the member state shall provide to the commission all necessary additional information .


### the fund shall support national schemes whereby food products and basic consumer goods for the personal use of homeless persons or of children are distributed to the most deprived persons through partner organisations selected by member states . ### the fund shall support national systems for distributing healthy food products to the most deprived as well as basic consumer goods for their personal use . the distribution shall be carried out by partner organisations which are selected by member states and the work of whose members and / or volunteers is at least in part concerned with the distribution of food products and / or agricultural products to the most deprived .


### an identification of and a justification for selecting the type of material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description for each type of material deprivation addressed of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of food or goods and the accompanying measures to be provided , having regard to the results of the ex ante evaluation carried out in accordance with article 14 ; ### an identification of the type of food and / or material deprivation to be addressed under the operational programme and a description of them , as well as a description of the main characteristics and the objectives of the distribution of food , particularly fresh agricultural products such as meat , fish , fruit , vegetables , grain and milk products , or goods , and the accompanying measures to be provided ;


### the managing authority shall , in order to ensure transparency in the support of the fund , maintain a list of operations supported by the fund in csv or xml format which shall be accessible through a website . the list shall include at least information on the beneficiary name , its address and allocated amount of union funding as well as the type of material deprivation addressed . ### the competent authority shall , in order to ensure transparency in the support of the fund , maintain a list of operations supported by the fund in csv or xml format which shall be accessible through a website .


### exchanges of experience and best practices have a significant added value and the commission should facilitate such dissemination . ### exchanges of experience and best practices have a significant added value and the commission should facilitate their development .


### the certifying authority may specify in the accounts a provision , which shall not exceed 5 % of the total expenditure in payment applications presented for a given accounting year , where the assessment of the legality and regularity of the expenditure is subject to an on - going procedure with the audit authority . the amount covered shall be excluded from the total amount of eligible expenditure referred to in paragraph 1 . these amounts shall be definitively included in , or excluded from , the annual accounts of the following year . ### the competent authority may specify in the accounts a provision , which shall not exceed 5 % of the total expenditure in payment applications presented for a given accounting year , where the assessment of the legality and regularity of the expenditure is subject to an on - going procedure with the audit authority . the amount covered shall be excluded from the total amount of eligible expenditure referred to in paragraph 1 . these amounts shall be definitively included in , or excluded from , the annual accounts of the following year .


### member states should designate a managing authority , a certifying authority and a functionally independent auditing authority for their operational programme . to provide flexibility for member states in the set - up of control systems , it is appropriate to provide the option for the functions of the certifying authority to be carried out by the managing authority . the member states should also be allowed to designate intermediate bodies to carry out certain tasks of the managing authority or the certifying authority . the member states should in that case lay down clearly their respective responsibilities and functions . ### member states should designate for their operational programme the authorities responsible for the sound management of the fund . member states should undertake adequate administrative and physical controls and provide for penalties in case of irregularities in order to ensure that the operational programmes are implemented in accordance with the applicable rules .


### the economies of scale and critical mass which union support fosters creating a leverage effect for additional funds ; ### the economies of scale and critical mass which union support fosters creating a leverage effect for additional funds , bearing in mind the specific conditions in the free profit - making area ;


### ' cultural and creative sectors ' means all sectors whose activities are based on cultural values and / or artistic and creative expressions , whether these activities are market or non - market oriented and whatever the type of structure that carries them out . these activities include the creation , the production , the dissemination and the preservation of goods and services which embody cultural , artistic or creative expressions , as well as related functions such as education , management or regulation . the cultural and creative sectors include in particular architecture , archives and libraries , artistic crafts , audiovisual , cultural heritage , design , festivals , music , performing arts , publishing , radio and visual arts ; ### ' cultural and creative sectors ' means all sectors whose activities are based on cultural values and / or artistic and creative expressions , whether these activities are market or non - market oriented and whatever the type of structure that carries them out . these activities include the creation , the production , the dissemination and the preservation of goods and services which embody cultural , artistic or creative expressions , as well as related functions such as education , management or regulation . the cultural and creative sectors include in particular : – architecture , archives , libraries and museums , artistic crafts , cultural heritage , fashion , design , festivals , music , performing arts , publishing , radio and visual arts ; – the audiovisual sector ;


### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training . ### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect and promote cultural and linguistic diversity , in accordance with the 2005 unesco convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training .


### to foster the safeguarding and promotion of european cultural and linguistic diversity ; ### to promote a common and diverse culture and put across the idea of culture , and cultural knowledge in general , as an expression of cultural diversity and as a means of fostering european integration and a sense of european identity , combating prejudice and creating a european public space ;


### the strands shall be open to the participation of the following countries provided that the conditions are met , including those contained within directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 10 march 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law , regulation or administrative action in member states concerning the provision of audiovisual media services for the media strand , and additional appropriations are paid : ### the strands shall be open to the participation of the following countries provided that the conditions set out below are met : – commitment to the values of diversity of cultural expression , evinced by signature and ratification of the 2005 unesco convention ; – in respect of the media strand , the conditions contained within directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 10 march 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law , regulation or administrative action in member states concerning the provision of audiovisual media services ; – payment of additional appropriations , the amounts of which shall be commensurate with the countries’ participation , on the basis of the payments made during previous programmes .


### supporting actions providing operators with skills and knowhow encouraging the adaption to digital technologies , including testing new approaches to audience building and business models ; ### supporting free profit - making actions which contribute to reinforcing the cultural and creative sector , such as support for adaption to digital technologies , including testing innovative approaches to new cultural projects and audience building , together with support for cultural education ;


### to promote the transnational circulation of cultural and creative works and operators and reach new audiences in europe and beyond ; ### to promote and enhance the transnational circulation of european cultural and creative works and the mobility of cultural and creative operators , in particular artists and creative professionals , as well as to reach new audiences and improve access to cultural and creative works in the union and beyond , in particular for children , young persons , disabled persons and under - represented groups ;


### this regulation shall apply and be implemented respecting international commitments of the union . ### this regulation shall apply and be implemented respecting international commitments of the union , notably the 2005 unesco convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions .


### testing of new and cross - sectoral business approaches to funding , distributing , and monetising creation ; ### testing of new and cross - sectoral business approaches to the funding and distribution of , and the demand for , creation , also with regard to the free profit - making area ;


### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training . ### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity and to safeguard and enhance europe ' s tangible and intangible cultural heritage . it should also foster culture as an element of the expression of freedom , inclusion , social cohesion , intercultural dialogue and attention to minorities .


### to strengthen the competitiveness of the cultural and creative sectors with a view to promoting smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . ### to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors , their competitiveness and also their social integration dimensions , in order to enable them to participate in european social and economic development and promote smart , sustainable and inclusive growth .


### the strands shall be open to the participation of the following countries provided that the conditions are met , including those contained within directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 10 march 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law , regulation or administrative action in member states concerning the provision of audiovisual media services for the media strand , and additional appropriations are paid : ### the strands shall be open to the participation of the following countries provided that the conditions set out below are met , including : – commitment to the values of diversity of cultural expression , evinced by signature and ratification of the 2005 unesco convention ; – in respect of the media strand , the conditions contained within directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 10 march 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law , regulation or administrative action in member states concerning the provision of audiovisual media services ; and that : – additional appropriations are paid , the amounts of which shall be commensurate with the countries’ participation , on the basis of the payments made during previous programmes .


### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ensuring that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the union ' s industry exist . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity , strengthen the competitiveness of the european cultural and creative sectors and facilitate adaptation to industrial changes , in particular through vocational training . ### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and confers on the union the task , inter alia , of contributing to the flowering of cultures of member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity . in this respect , the union , where necessary , supports and supplements member states ' actions to respect cultural and linguistic diversity and promote a cultural europe as part of the expression of freedom , inclusion , social cohesion , intercultural dialogue , promoting awareness of minorities and underlining the role of culture as a source of sustainable development .


### all offences , including tax crimes related to direct taxes and indirect taxes , which are punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a maximum of more than one year or , as regards those states which have a minimum threshold for offences in their legal system , all offences punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a minimum of more than six months ; ### all offences , including tax crimes related to direct taxes and indirect taxes , which are punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a maximum of one year or more , as regards those states which have a minimum threshold for offences in their legal system , all offences punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a minimum of six months or more ;


### the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity through direct or indirect ownership or control over a sufficient percentage of the shares or voting rights in that legal entity , including through bearer share holdings , other than a company listed on a regulated market that is subject to disclosure requirements consistent with european union legislation or subject to equivalent international standards . a percentage of 25% plus one share shall be evidence of ownership or control through shareholding and applies to every level of direct and indirect ownership ; ### the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity through direct or indirect ownership or control over a sufficient percentage of the shares or voting rights in that legal entity , including through bearer share holdings , other than a company listed on a regulated market that is subject to disclosure requirements consistent with european union legislation or subject to equivalent international standards .


### the development of internal policies , procedures and controls , including customer due diligence , reporting , record keeping , internal control , compliance management and employee screening ; ### the development of internal policies , procedures and controls , including customer due diligence , reporting , record keeping , internal control , compliance management and employee screening . in any case , these measures shall not allow these obliged entities to ask consumers to provide more personal data than necessary or deny access to financial services to some categories of consumers both at national and cross - border level . ;


### all offences , including tax crimes related to direct taxes and indirect taxes , which are punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a maximum of more than one year or , as regards those states which have a minimum threshold for offences in their legal system , all offences punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a minimum of more than six months ; ### all offences , including tax crimes related to direct taxes and indirect taxes , which are punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a maximum of one year or more or , as regards those states which have a minimum threshold for offences in their legal system , all offences punishable by deprivation of liberty or a detention order for a minimum of six months ;


### the need for accurate and up - to - date information on the beneficial owner is a key factor in tracing criminals who might otherwise hide their identity behind a corporate structure . member states should therefore ensure that companies retain information on their beneficial ownership and make this information available to competent authorities and obliged entities . in addition , trustees should declare their status to obliged entities . ### the need for accurate and up - to - date information on the beneficial owner is a key factor in tracing criminals who might otherwise hide their identity behind a corporate structure . member states should therefore ensure that companies disclose information on their beneficial ownership and make them available to eu and third country authorities , international organizations , business partners and consumers via public centralized registers . in addition , trustees should declare their status to obliged entities .


### all member states have , or should , set up financial intelligence units to collect and analyse the information which they receive with the aim of establishing links between suspicious transactions and underlying criminal activity in order to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing . suspicious transactions should be reported to the fius , which should serve as a national centre for receiving , analysing and disseminating to the competent authorities suspicious transaction reports and other information regarding potential money laundering or terrorist financing . this should not compel member states to change their existing reporting systems where the reporting is done through a public prosecutor or other law enforcement authorities , as long as the information is forwarded promptly and unfiltered to fius , allowing them to perform their tasks properly , including international cooperation with other fius . ### all member states have , or should , set up financial intelligence units to collect and analyse the information which they receive with the aim of establishing links between suspicious transactions and underlying criminal activity in order to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing . suspicious transactions should be reported to the fius , which should serve as a national centre for receiving , analysing and disseminating to the competent authorities suspicious transaction reports and other information regarding potential money laundering or terrorist financing . this should not compel member states to change their existing reporting systems where the reporting is done through a public prosecutor or other law enforcement authorities , as long as the information is forwarded promptly and unfiltered to fius , allowing them to perform their tasks properly , including international cooperation with other fius . it is important that member states provide fius with the necessary resources to ensure their full operational capacity to deal with the current challenges posed by money laundering and terrorist financing , while respecting fundamental rights , including the right to privacy and data protection .


### for member states that have achieved the medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures ; ### for member states that have achieved the medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed the estimate of efficient and sustainable medium - term rate of gdp growth , whereas growth in tax revenue does not stay behind the growth in government revenue unless the excesses or gaps are matched by discretionary measures in revenue and / or expenditure ;


### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed a rate below a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures . the size of the shortfall of the growth rate of government expenditure compared to a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth is set in such a way as to ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective ; ### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , annual growth in tax revenue should exceed the medium term rate of growth of gdp , whereas annual medium term expenditure growth should not exceed a rate below a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth . the impact of unemployment benefits and other social expenditure related to the business cycle is not to be taken into account when in the calculation and assessment of the growth path of government expenditure . deviations from these indicative expenditure and growth paths shall not be seen as a problem in case these deviations are matched by discretionary measures , either on the expenditure side or the revenue side or both . the size of the shortfall of the growth rate of government expenditure compared to a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , and the size of the excess of growth rate of tax revenue compared to medium term gdp growth are both set in such a way as to ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective .


### special attention shall be paid to pension reforms introducing a multi - pillar system that includes a mandatory , fully funded pillar . member states implementing such reforms shall be allowed to deviate from the adjustment path to their medium - term budgetary objective or from the objective itself , with the deviation reflecting the net cost of the reform to the publicly managed pillar , under the condition that the deviation remains temporary and that an appropriate safety margin with respect to the deficit reference value is preserved . ### special attention shall be paid to those reforms that maintain existing jobs and create new and better jobs as well as reforms based on public investments . member states implementing such reforms shall be allowed to deviate from the adjustment path to their medium - term budgetary objective or from the objective itself .


### in the event that the significant deviation from prudent fiscal - policy making persists or is particularly serious , the council , on a recommendation from the commission , shall address a recommendation to the member state concerned to take the necessary adjustment measures . the council , on a proposal from the commission , shall make the recommendation public . ### in the event that the significant deviation from prudent fiscal - policy making persists or is particularly serious , the council , on a recommendation from the commission , shall address a fresh recommendation to the member state concerned to take the necessary measures . the council , on a proposal from the commission , shall make the recommendation public and the european parliament may ask the member state concerned to appear before the appropriate parliamentary committee to explain the decisions and policies adopted .


### a temporary departure from prudent fiscal policy - making should be allowed in case of severe economic downturn of a general nature in order to facilitate economic recovery . ### a temporary departure from efficient and sustainable fiscal policy - making should be exceptionally allowed in case of a severe economic downturn or a severe rise in unemployment , including the period in which the economy is operating below its normal potential , in order to facilitate economic recovery .


### for member states that have achieved the medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures ; ### for member states that have achieved the medium - term budgetary objective , the rate of annual primary balance growth does not exceed a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures ;


### when defining the adjustment path to the medium - term budgetary objective for member states that have not yet reached this objective and in allowing a temporary deviation from this objective for member states that have already reached it , under the condition that an appropriate safety margin with respect to the deficit reference value is preserved and that the budgetary position is expected to return to the medium - term budgetary objective within the programme period , the council shall take into account the implementation of major structural reforms which have direct long - term cost - saving effects , including by raising potential growth , and therefore a verifiable impact on the long - term sustainability of public finances . ### when defining the adjustment path to the medium - term budgetary objective for member states that have not yet reached this objective and in allowing a temporary deviation from this objective for member states that have already reached it , under the condition that an appropriate safety margin with respect to the deficit reference value is preserved and that the budgetary position is expected to return to the medium - term budgetary objective within the programme period , the council shall take into account the implementation of structural reforms which are targeted at ensuring a more effective use of public funds resulting in the reduction of unnecessary expenses and which are conducive to the achievement of the union’s growth and jobs objectives , and social and regional cohesion .


### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed a rate below a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures . the size of the shortfall of the growth rate of government expenditure compared to a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth is set in such a way as to ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective ; ### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , annual growth in tax revenue should exceed the medium term rate of growth of gdp , whereas annual medium term expenditure growth should not exceed a rate below a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth . the impact of unemployment benefits and other social expenditure related to the business cycle is not to be taken into account when in the calculation and assessment of the growth path of government expenditure . deviations from these indicative expenditure and growth paths shall not be seen as a problem in case these deviations are matched by discretionary measures , either on the expenditure side or the revenue side or both . the size of the shortfall of the growth rate of government expenditure compared to a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , and the size of the excess of growth rate of tax revenue compared to medium term gdp growth are both set in such a way as to ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective ;


### in periods of severe economic downturn of a general nature member states may be allowed to temporarily depart from the adjustment path implied by prudent fiscal - policy making referred to in the fourth subparagraph . ### only in periods of a severe economic downturn or a severe rise in unemployment , including its aftermath and the period in which the economy is still operating below potential member states shall be allowed to temporarily depart from the adjustment path implied by efficient and sustainable fiscal - policy making referred to in the fourth subparagraph in order to facilitate economic recovery .


### the council shall carry out the examination of the stability programme within at most three months of the submission of the programme . the council , on a recommendation from the commission and after consulting the economic and financial committee , shall , if necessary , deliver an opinion on the programme . where the council , in accordance with article 121 of the treaty , considers that the objectives and the content of the programme should be strengthened with particular reference to prudent fiscal - policy making , the council shall , in its opinion , invite the member state concerned to adjust its programme . ### the commission shall examine the economic and social convergence programme within at most three months of the submission of the programme . after consulting the economic and financial committee , the commission shall inform the council . should the latter consider that the objectives and the content of the programme should be strengthened with particular reference to prudent fiscal - policy making , it shall , in its opinion , invite the member state concerned to act accordingly .


### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , annual expenditure growth does not exceed a rate below a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth , unless the excess is matched by discretionary revenue measures . the size of the shortfall of the growth rate of government expenditure compared to a prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth is set in such a way as to ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective ; ### for member states that have not yet reached their medium - term budgetary objective , the annual growth rate of their primary balance should be lower than the prudent medium - term rate of gdp growth . this difference between rates should ensure an appropriate adjustment towards the medium - term budgetary objective , without prejudice to the implementation of an active budgetary policy when necessary ;


### the council shall carry out the examination of the stability programme within at most three months of the submission of the programme . the council , on a recommendation from the commission and after consulting the economic and financial committee , shall , if necessary , deliver an opinion on the programme . where the council , in accordance with article 121 of the treaty , considers that the objectives and the content of the programme should be strengthened with particular reference to prudent fiscal policy - making , the council shall , in its opinion , invite the member state concerned to adjust its programme . ### the commission shall examine the stability programme within three months of the submission of the programme . after consulting the economic and financial committee , the commission shall , if necessary , deliver an opinion on the programme . if the commission considers that the objectives and the content of the programme should be strengthened with particular reference to prudent fiscal policy - making , the commission shall , in its opinion , invite the member state concerned to adjust such programme . the council may reject such a commission opinion by qualified majority . the commission opinion shall be made public .


### when defining the adjustment path to the medium - term budgetary objective for member states that have not yet reached this objective and in allowing a temporary deviation from this objective for member states that have already reached it , under the condition that an appropriate safety margin with respect to the deficit reference value is preserved and that the budgetary position is expected to return to the medium - term budgetary objective within the programme period , the council shall take into account the implementation of major structural reforms which have direct long - term cost - saving effects , including by raising potential growth , and therefore a verifiable impact on the long - term sustainability of public finances . ### delete


### adherence to the medium - term budgetary objective of budgetary positions should allow member states to have a safety margin with respect to the 3% of gdp reference value in order to ensure rapid progress towards sustainability and to have room for budgetary manoeuvre , in particular taking into account the needs of public investment . ### adherence to the medium - term budgetary objective of budgetary positions should allow member states to ensure sustainable public finances or clear progress in this direction . this objective should ensure room for budgetary manoeuvre to take into account the needs of public investment . the setting of prudent medium - term budgetary objectives should not prevent the adoption of an active budgetary policy where this may be necessary to combat a recession .


### on the basis of a report of the commission accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal , the european parliament and the council shall , by …* , re - examine the collection rate of 45 % and the related deadline referred to in paragraph 1 with a view inter alia to possibly setting individual collection rates for one or more categories set out in annex iii , particularly for temperature exchange equipment and for lamps containing mercury . _______ *note to oj : please insert the date - 3 years from the date of entry into force of this directive . ### on the basis of a report of the commission accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal , the european parliament and the council shall , by 31 december 2012 , re - examine the collection rate and the deadlines referred to in paragraph 1 with a view inter alia to setting individual collection rates for one or more categories set out in annex iii , particularly for temperature exchange equipment , lamps , including light bulbs , and small appliances , including small it and telecommunications devices .


### regarding all weee separately collected in accordance with article 5 and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the minimum targets set out in annex v . ### regarding all weee separately collected and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the following minimum targets as from . . . * : for weee falling under categories 1 and 4 of annex iii , – 85 % shall be recovered and – 75 % shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 2 of annex iii , – 80 % shall be recovered and – 65 % shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 3 of annex iii , – 75 % shall be recovered and – 50 % shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 5 of annex iii , – 75 % shall be recovered and – 50 % shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 6 of annex iii , – 85 % shall be recovered and – 75 % shall be recycled ; for gas discharge lamps , 80% shall be recycled . _______ * the date of entry into force of this directive .


### regarding all weee separately collected in accordance with article 5 and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the minimum targets set out in annex v . ### regarding all weee separately collected and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the following minimum targets as from &#8230 ; * : for weee falling under categories 1 and 4 of annex iii , – 85 % shall be recovered , – 75 % shall be recycled and – 5 % shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 2 of annex iii , – 80 % shall be recovered , – 65 % shall be recycled and – 5 % shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 3 of annex iii , – 75 % shall be recovered and – 50 % shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 5 of annex iii , – 75 % shall be recovered , – 50 % shall be recycled and – 5 % shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 6 of annex iii , – 85 % shall be recovered , – 75 % shall be recycled and – 5 % shall be prepared for reuse ; for gas discharge lamps , 80 % shall be recycled ; for photovoltaic panels , 80 % shall be recycled . _______ * the date of entry into force of this directive .


### regarding all weee separately collected in accordance with article 5 and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the minimum&#160 ; targets set out in annex v . ### regarding all weee separately collected and sent for treatment in accordance with articles 8 , 9 and 10 , member states shall ensure that producers meet the following minimum targets as from &#8230 ; * : for weee falling under categories 1 and 4 of annex iii , – 85% shall be recovered , – 75% shall be recycled and – 5% shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 2 of annex iii , – 80% shall be recovered , – 65% shall be recycled and – 5% shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 3 of annex iii , –75% shall be recovered and –50% shall be recycled ; for weee falling under category 5 of annex iii , –75% shall be recovered , –50% shall be recycled and –5% shall be prepared for reuse ; for weee falling under category 6 of annex iii , – 85% shall be recovered , – 75% shall be recycled and – 5% shall be prepared for reuse ; for gas discharge lamps , 80% shall be recycled . _______ * the date of entry into force of this directive .


### regulation no 1717 / 2006 was adopted with the objective of enabling the union to provide a consistent and integrated response to situations of crisis and emerging crisis , to address specific trans - regional security threats and to enhance crisis preparedness . this regulation aims at introducing a revised instrument , building on the experience of the previous one , in order to increase the efficiency and coherence of the union ' s actions in the areas of conflict prevention and crisis response , crisis preparedness and peace - building and in addressing security threats , including climate security . ### regulation no 1717 / 2006 was adopted with the objective of enabling the union to provide a consistent and integrated response to critical situations and emerging conflicts and to enhance crisis preparedness . this regulation aims at introducing a revised instrument , building on the experience of the previous one , in order to henceforth focus on purely civilian conflict prevention and response to an emerging or existing critical situation , consolidating peace and peace - building , including socio - economic consequences of climate change and on climate protection .


### to address specific global and trans - regional threats having a destabilising effect , including climate change . ### to address specific global and trans - regional problems which have a conflict - fueling effect and to assist with civil , peacebuilding measures .


### preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international security and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters are among the prime objectives of the union ' s external action as defined in article 21 of the treaty on european union . crises and conflicts affecting countries world - wide and other factors such as terrorism , organised crime , climate change , cyber security challenges and threats and natural disasters pose a risk to world stability and security . in order to address these issues in an effective and timely manner , specific financial resources and financing instruments are required that can work in a manner complementary to humanitarian aid and long - term cooperation instruments . ### preserving peace , preventing conflicts , promoting multilateral solutions to common problems , in particular in the framework of the united nations , strengthening international security , civil assistance for populations , countries and regions confronting natural catastrophes , the principles of equality , solidarity and respect for the principles of the united nations charter and international law , the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the respect for human dignity , the principle for democracy and the rule of law are among the prime objectives of the union ' s external action as defined in article 21 of the treaty on european union . in order to address these objectives in an effective and timely manner , specific financial resources and financing instruments are required that can work in a manner complementary to humanitarian aid and long - term cooperation instruments , guided by the principle of the strict commitment to a purely civilian and peaceful approach in particular regarding conflict resolution .


### thematic strategy papers shall constitute the general basis for the implementation of assistance under article 4 and 5 . thematic strategy papers shall provide a framework for cooperation between the union and the partner country or regions concerned , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives , principles and policy of the union . ### thematic strategy papers define the objectives , priorities , expected results and financial allocations in broad terms and shall constitute the general basis for the programming and implementation of assistance under article 4 and 5 . thematic strategy papers shall provide a framework for cooperation between the union and the partner country or regions concerned , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives , principles and policy of the union . for the purposes of full democratic control , transparency and participation in the process of development , adoption and revision of those documents , co - decision in form of ordinary legislative procedure shall be introduced according to article 9 . in order guarantee quick and swift response and to avoid any delay of necessary measures in exceptional circumstances or emergency situations , an urgency procedure provided for in article 10 shall apply .


### after having obtained the certificates provided for in article 9 , and provided that all relevant procedures and conditions set out in this regulation have been complied with , the organiser may submit the citizens’ initiative to the commission . ### after having obtained the certificates provided for in article 9 , and provided that all relevant procedures and conditions set out in this regulation have been complied with , the organisers may submit the citizens’ initiative to the commission , accompanied by information regarding any support and funding received for the initiative . the amount of support and funding received from natural persons in excess of which information is to be provided shall be determined by the commission by means of delegated acts .


### the commission may adopt , by means of delegated acts in accordance with articles 16 , 17 and 18 , amendments to the annexes of this regulation . ### the commission may adopt , by means of delegated acts in accordance with articles 16 , 17 and 18 , amendments to the annexes to this regulation , with the exception of annexes i , ii and iii .


### . promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , enhanced respect for minority rights , promotion of gender equality , non - discrimination and freedom of the press , and promotion of good neighbourly relations ; ### . promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , trade union rights , enhanced respect for minority rights , promotion of gender equality , non - discrimination and freedom of the press , and promotion of good neighbourly relations and fostering stability and security ;


### projects of common interest in the fields of electricity , gas and carbon dioxide should be eligible to receive union financial assistance for studies and , under certain conditions , for works under the proposed regulation for a connecting europe facility , either in the form of grants or in the form of innovative financial instruments . this will ensure tailor - made support can be provided to those projects of common interest which are not viable under the existing regulatory framework and market conditions . such financial assistance should ensure the necessary synergies with funding from instruments under other union policies . in particular , the connecting europe facility will finance energy infrastructure of european relevance , while structural funds will finance smart energy distribution networks of local or regional importance . the two sources of funding will thereby complement each other . ### projects of common interest in the fields of electricity and gas should be eligible to receive union financial assistance for studies and , under certain conditions , for works under the proposed regulation for a connecting europe facility , either in the form of grants or in the form of innovative financial instruments . this will ensure that tailor - made support can be provided to those projects of common interest which are not viable under the existing regulatory framework and market conditions . such financial assistance should ensure the necessary synergies with funding from instruments under other union policies . in particular , the connecting europe facility will finance energy infrastructure of european relevance , while structural funds will finance smart energy distribution networks of local or regional importance . the two sources of funding will thereby complement each other .


### without prejudice to specific community legislation applicable to particular foods a regards to the requirements referred to in article 9 to , when appearing on the package or on the label attached thereto , the mandatory particulars listed in article 9 shall be printed on the package or on the label in characters of a font size of at least 3mm and shall be presented in a way so as to ensure significant contrast between the print and the background . ### without prejudice to specific community legislation applicable to particular foods a regards to the requirements referred to in article 9 to , when appearing on the package or on the label attached thereto , the mandatory particulars listed in article 9 shall be printed on the package in a clearly legible format , which shall leave no possibility for misleading of the consumer . elements that shall be taken into account to ensure the legibility of food information are the lay - out of the text , the style , the size and colour of the text font , the colour of the background , the packaging and printing and the viewing distance and angle . the commission shall , in cooperation with european consumer organisations and stakeholders , lay down rules specifying how each of those elements needs to be applied to ensure the legibility of food information for consumers . those measures , designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it , shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 .


### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ‘ front of pack’ is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods such information should be in the principal field of view of the label . ### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ' front of pack ' is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that the consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods , ' the energy value ' should be indicated in the principal field of vision on the front of the packaging , preferably through a multiple colour coding system . however , all nutrition information should be placed together in one place in the same field of vision on the packaging .


### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ‘ front of pack’ is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods such information should be in the principal field of view of the label . ### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ' front of pack ' is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that the consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods , ' the energy value ' should be indicated in the principal field of vision on the front of the packaging .


### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ' front of pack ' is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that the consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods such information should be in the principal field of view of the label . ### to appeal to the average consumer and to serve the informative purpose for which it is introduced , and given the current level of knowledge on the subject of nutrition , the information provided should be simple and easily understood . research has indicated that consumers find the information in the principal field of view or ' front of pack ' is useful when making purchasing decisions . therefore , to ensure that the consumers can readily see the essential nutrition information when purchasing foods , ' the energy value ' should be indicated in the principal field of vision on the front of the pack , through a multiple colour coding system . however , all nutrition information should be placed together in one place in the same field of vision on the package .


### in the case of packaging or containers the largest surface of which has an area of less than 10 cm2 only the particulars listed in article 9 , , and shall be mandatory on the package or on the label . the particulars referred to in article 9 shall be provided through other means or shall be available at the request of the consumer . ### in the case of packaging or containers the largest printable surface of which has an area of less than 100 cm2 only the particulars listed in article 9 , , and and article 29 shall be mandatory on the package or on the label . the particulars referred to in article 9 shall be provided through other means or shall be available at the request of the consumer .


### sme growth in terms of added - value and number of employees , ### msme growth in terms of added - value , number of employees and permanent employment contracts ,


### measures to improve the design , implementation and evaluation of policies affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises , including disaster resilience , and to secure the development of appropriate infrastructures , world class clusters and business networks , framework conditions and development of sustainable products , services and processes ; ### measures to redress the design , implementation and evaluation of policies affecting the growth and sustainable development of msmes , as well as their difficult access to markets , competitiveness , and unfair competition owing to the weight in the market held by large economic groups , jeopardising the sustainability and survival of msmes , including disaster resilience , and to secure the development of appropriate infrastructures , world class clusters and business networks , framework conditions and development of sustainable products , services and processes ;


### encouraging an entrepreneurial culture and promoting the creation and growth of smes . ### guaranteeing full access and financing for msmes to set up and upgrade .


### the commission may support initiatives accelerating the emergence of competitive industries based on cross - sectoral activities in areas characterised by a high proportion of smes and with a high contribution to the union ' s gdp . such initiatives shall stimulate development of new markets and the supply of goods and services based on the most competitive business models or on modified value - chains . they shall include initiatives to enhance productivity , resource efficiency , sustainability and corporate social responsibility . ### the commission may support initiatives accelerating the emergence of competitive industries based on cross - sectoral activities in areas characterised by a high proportion of msmes and with a high contribution to the member states ' and the union ' s gdp . such initiatives shall stimulate development of national production and enhance productivity , resource efficiency , sustainability and corporate social responsibility , allowing the economic growth that is of crucial importance in order to deal with the social problems arising from the systemic crisis , particularly for countries with weaker economies .


### the commission adopted the communication &#8220 ; europe 2020 - a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth&#8221 ; in march 2010 . the communication was endorsed by the european council of june 2010 . the europe 2020 strategy responds to the economic crisis and is intended to prepare europe for the next decade . it sets five ambitious objectives on climate and energy , employment , innovation , education and social inclusion to be reached by 2020 and identifies key drivers for growth , which aim at making europe more dynamic and competitive . it also emphasises the importance of reinforcing the growth of the european economy while delivering high levels of employment , a low carbon , resource and energy - efficient economy and social cohesion . ### the europe 2020 strategy adopted by the commission in march 2010 through the communication ' a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ' , with clear support from the main european business confederations , has been the european union ' s main tool for promoting the liberalisation and privatisation of public services , more flexible and adaptable labour markets , wage restraint and the opening - up of the majority of social security systems , including pensions and national health systems , to private interests .


### support for sme policy development and cooperation between policy makers , particularly with a view to improving the ease - of - access to programmes and measures for smes . ### support for msme policy development and cooperation between policy makers , with a view to ensuring that community funds are demonstrably transferred to and absorbed by msmes , and particularly with a view to improving the ease - of - access to programmes and measures for msmes .


### union manufacturing output growth in eco - industries , ### growth in national output in each member state and union manufacturing output in eco - industries ,


### the commission may support actions intended to develop new competitiveness strategies . such actions may include the following : ### the commission may support actions intended to develop new competitiveness strategies , as part of measures to boost the financing conditions that are necessary for the robust growth and long - lasting development of msmes . such actions may include the following :


### strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the union ' s enterprises including in the tourism sector ; ### encouraging the creation of msmes and safeguarding the financing conditions , autonomy , competitiveness and sustainability that are necessary for their robust growth and long - lasting development , including in the tourism sector ;


### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ‘ a worker’ means owner - managers of small - sized enterprises of a size of up to five employees and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business .


### to facilitate the implementation of this regulation , expenditure should be eligible either from the date on which a member state incurs administrative expenditure for implementing the egf or from the date on which a member state starts to provide personalised services or , in the case of farmers , from the date set in a commission act in accordance with article 4 . ### to facilitate the implementation of this regulation , expenditure should be eligible either from the date on which a member state incurs administrative expenditure for implementing the egf or from the date on which a member state starts to provide personalised services .


### financial contributions from the egf should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating redundant workers rapidly into employment , either within or outside their initial sector of activity , including the agricultural sector . the inclusion of pecuniary allowances in a coordinated package of personalised services should therefore be restricted . ### financial contributions from the egf should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating redundant workers rapidly into employment , either within or outside their initial sector of activity . the inclusion of pecuniary allowances in a coordinated package of personalised services should therefore be restricted .


### in order to maintain the european nature of the egf , an application for support should be triggered when the number of redundancies reaches a minimum threshold . in small labour markets , such as small member states or remote regions , and in exceptional circumstances , applications may be submitted for a lower number of redundancies . as regards farmers , the necessary criteria should be determined by the commission in relation to the consequences of each trade agreement . ### in order to maintain the european nature of the egf , an application for support should be triggered when the number of redundancies reaches a minimum threshold . in small labour markets , such as small member states or remote regions , and in exceptional circumstances , applications may be submitted for a lower number of redundancies .


### in order to cover the needs arising during the final months of each year , it is necessary to ensure that at least one quarter of the annual maximum amount of the egf remains available on 1 september . financial contributions made during the remainder of the year should be allocated taking into account the overall ceiling laid down for support to farmers in the multiannual financial framework . ### in order to cover the needs arising during the final months of each year , it is necessary to ensure that at least one quarter of the annual maximum amount of the egf remains available on 1 september .


### a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and the major structural changes in world trade patterns , or the serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis , or the new market situation in the agricultural sector in the member state and resulting from the effects of a trade agreement initialled by the european union in accordance with article xxiv of the gatt or a multilateral agreement initialled within the world trade organisation as per article 2 . this analysis shall be based on statistical and other information at the most appropriate level to demonstrate the fulfilment of the intervention criteria set out in article 4 ; ### a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and the major structural changes in world trade patterns , or the serious disruption of the local , regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis . this analysis shall be based on statistical and other information at the most appropriate level to demonstrate the fulfilment of the intervention criteria set out in article 4 ;


### the commission ' s technical assistance shall include the provision of information and guidance to the member states for using , monitoring and evaluating the egf . the commission may also provide information on using the egf to the european and national social partners . ### the commission ' s technical assistance shall include the provision of information and guidance to the member states for using , monitoring and evaluating the egf . the commission shall also provide clear guidelines on using the egf to the european and national social partners and local and regional authorities .


### a financial contribution may be made for active labour market measures that form part of a coordinated package of personalised services , designed to facilitate the re - integration of the targeted redundant workers into employment or self - employment or , in the case of farmers , to change or adjust their previous activities . the coordinated package of personalised services may include in particular : ### a financial contribution may be made for active labour market measures that form part of a coordinated package of personalised services , designed to facilitate the re - integration of the targeted redundant workers into employment or self - employment . the coordinated package of personalised services may include in particular :


### the aim of the egf shall be to contribute to economic growth and employment in the union by enabling the union to show solidarity towards workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation , trade agreements affecting agriculture , or an unexpected crisis , and to provide financial support for their rapid reintegration into employment , or for changing or adjusting their agricultural activities . ### the aim of the egf shall be to contribute to economic growth and employment in the union by enabling the union to show solidarity towards workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation or an unexpected crisis , and to provide financial support for their rapid reintegration into employment .


### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers who cease their activities and farmers who change or adjust their activities to a new market situation following trade agreements , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation . ### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant and self - employed workers who cease their activities should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation .


### food business operators within the business under their control shall ensure that information relating to non - prepacked food shall be transmitted to the operator receiving the food in order to enable , where appropriate , the provision of the mandatory food information specified in article 9 points to and to the final consumer . ### food business operators within the business under their control shall ensure that information relating to non - prepacked food shall be transmitted to the operator receiving the food for further sale or further processing in order to enable , where appropriate , the provision of the mandatory food information specified in article 9 points to , and to the final consumer .


### the particulars referred to article&#160 ; 31 related to the mandatory nutrition declaration shall be included in the principal field of vision . they shall be presented , where appropriate , together in a clear format in the following order : energy , fat , saturates , carbohydrates with specific reference to sugars , and salt . ### the particulars referred to article&#160 ; 31 related to the mandatory nutrition declaration shall be included on the front of pack . they shall be presented , where appropriate , together in a clear format in the following order : energy , fat , saturates , sugars and salt .


### the declaration of polyols and / or starch and the declaration of type of fatty acids , other than the mandatory declaration of saturates referred to in article 29 , shall be presented in accordance with annex xiii part b . ### the declaration of polyols and / or starch and the declaration of type of fatty acids , other than the mandatory declaration of saturates and trans fats referred to in article 29 , shall be presented in accordance with annex xiii part b .


### the amount of energy and nutrients referred to in paragraph 1 shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml or , subject to article 32 and , per portion . ### the amount of energy and nutrients referred to in paragraph 1 shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml and per portion . if appropriate the amount per portion shall be expressed subject to article 32 and .


### the particulars referred to article 31 related to the mandatory nutrition declaration shall be included in the principal field of vision . they shall be presented , where appropriate , together in a clear format in the following order : energy , fat , saturates , carbohydrates with specific reference to sugars , and salt . ### the particulars referred to article 29 shall be included in the principal field of vision . they shall be presented together in a clear format in the following order : energy , fat , saturates , sugars and salt .


### without prejudice to specific community legislation applicable to particular foods a regards to the requirements referred to in article 9 to , when appearing on the package or on the label attached thereto , the mandatory particulars listed in article 9 shall be printed on the package or on the label in characters of a font size of at least 3mm and shall be presented in a way so as to ensure significant contrast between the print and the background . ### without prejudice to specific community legislation applicable to particular foods a regards to the requirements referred to in article 9 to , when appearing on the package or on the label attached thereto , the mandatory particulars listed in article 9 shall be printed on the package in a clearly legible format , which shall leave no possibility for misleading the consumer . elements that shall be taken into account to ensure the legibility of food information are the layout of the text , the style , the size and colour of the text font , the colour of the background , the packaging and printing and the viewing distance and angle . the commission shall draw up , in cooperation with european consumer organisations and stakeholders , rules specifying how each of these elements needs to be applied to ensure the legibility of food information for consumers . those measures , designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it , shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 .


### community rules should apply only to undertakings , the concept of which implies a certain continuity of activities and a certain degree of organisation . operations such as the occasional handling , serving and selling of food by private persons at events such as charities , or local community fairs and meetings are not covered by the scope of this regulation . ### community rules should apply only to undertakings , the concept of which implies a certain continuity of activities and a certain degree of organisation . operations such as the occasional delivery of food to third parties , serving and selling of food by private persons , for example at charity events or local community fairs and meetings , and the sale of food in the various forms of direct marketing by farmers , are not covered by the scope of this regulation . in order to avoid over - stretching , in particular , small and medium - sized enterprises in the traditional food production sector and the food retail trade , which also include providers of mass catering services , products which are not prepackaged should be excluded from the labelling requirements .


### in order to prevent a fragmentation of the rules concerning the responsibility of food business operators with respect to food information it is appropriate to clarify the responsibilities of food business operators in this area . ### in order to prevent a fragmentation of the rules concerning the responsibility of food business operators with respect to food information it is appropriate to clarify the responsibilities of food business operators in this area . without prejudice to article 19 of regulation no 178 / 2002 , food business operators responsible for retail or distribution activities which do not affect food information should act promptly when they learn that such information does not comply with the provisions of this regulation .


### the name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager , or of a seller established within the community ; ### the name or business name and address within the community of the manufacturer or packager , of the seller , of the importer or , where appropriate , of the food business operator under whose name or business name the food is marketed ;


### recent developments in the expression of the nutrition declaration , other than per 100g / 100ml / portion , by some member states and organisations in the food sector suggest that consumers like such schemes as they can help them make informed choices quickly . however , there is not evidence across all the community on how the average consumer understands and uses the alternative expression of the information . therefore , it is appropriate to allow for different schemes to be developed and to allow research on consumer understanding in different member states to continue so that , if appropriate , harmonised schemes may be introduced . ### recent developments in the expression of the nutrition declaration , other than per 100g / 100ml / portion , by some member states and organisations in the food sector suggest that consumers like schemes with an interpretative element as they can help them make informed healthy choices quickly . the available evidence has proven that a simplified labelling scheme which comprises multiple colour coding for easier and quicker interpretation of nutrition information is the best and preferred option for consumers .


### to avoid unnecessary burdens on the industry , it is appropriate to exempt certain categories of foods that are unprocessed or for which nutrition information is not a determining factor for consumer choice from the mandatory inclusion of nutrition declaration , unless the obligation to provide such information is provided under other community legislation . ### to avoid unnecessary burdens on food manufacturers and traders , it is appropriate to exempt certain categories of foods that are unprocessed or for which nutrition information is not a determining factor for consumers ' purchasing decisions , or whose outer packaging is too small to permit the mandatory labelling to be performed , from the mandatory inclusion of a nutrition declaration , unless the obligation to provide such information is provided under other community legislation .


### free movement within the area without internal border controls is a key union achievement . as free movement is affected by the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders , any decision to do so should be taken at the union level . in any case , reintroduction of border control at internal borders should only take place as a measure of last resort , for a strictly limited scope and period of time , based on specific objective criteria and on an assessment of its necessity which should be made at union level . in cases where the serious threat to public policy or internal security requires immediate action , a member state should be able to reintroduce border control at its internal borders for a period not exceeding five days , any prolongation of which needs to be decided at union level . ### free movement within the area without internal border controls is a key union achievement . as free movement is affected by the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders , any decision to do so should be taken at the union level and should be based on specific objective criteria and on a thorough assessment of its necessity .


### the situations can arise where a large numbers of third country nationals cross the external border of one or more member states . this might result in an unexpected and significant increase in secondary movements of third country nationals found to be irregularly staying in the territory of another member state or states . taking into account the number of member states affected by such an unexpected and significant increase in secondary movements , and the overall impact of this increase on the migratory situation in the union or in an individual member state , it may be considered necessary to temporarily reintroduce border control at internal borders where the circumstances would be such as to constitute a serious threat to public policy or to internal security at the union or national level . the crossing of the external border of a large number of third - country nationals might , in exceptional circumstances , justify the immediate reintroduction of some internal border controls , if such a measure is needed to safeguard public policy and internal security at the union or national level from a serious and urgent threat . ### the crossing of external borders by a large number of third - country nationals should not per se be considered to be a threat to public policy or internal security .


### where a member state considers that border control at internal borders should be reintroduced under article 23 , it shall submit a request to the commission at the latest six weeks before the planned reintroduction , or within a shorter period where the circumstances giving rise to the need to reintroduce border control at internal borders do not become known until less than six weeks before the planned reintroduction , and shall supply the following information : ### where a member state considers that border control at internal borders should be reintroduced under article 23 , it shall submit a request to the commission , at the latest six weeks before the planned reintroduction , and shall supply the following information :


### in cases where the commission finds that there are persistent serious deficiencies related to external border control or return procedures identified in accordance with article 15 of the regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the schengen acquis , and insofar as these deficiencies constitute a serious threat to public policy or internal security at the union or national level , border control at internal borders may be reintroduced for a period of no more than six months . this period can be prolonged by a further period of no more than six months if the serious deficiencies are not remedied . no more than three such prolongations will be possible . ### in cases where the commission finds that there are persistent serious deficiencies related to external border control , and insofar as these deficiencies constitute a serious threat to public policy or internal security at the union or national level , border control at internal borders may be reintroduced for a period of no more than six months . this period can be prolonged by a further period of no more than six months if the serious deficiencies are not remedied . no more than three such prolongations will be possible .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . these powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . except in cases of urgency , and in view of the terms of article 2 of that regulation , the examination procedure is applicable . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of article 26 of regulation no 562 / 2006 , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . in view of the terms of article 2 of that regulation , the examination procedure should be used for the adoption of those implementing acts .


### the likely impact of any threats to public policy or internal security at the union or national level , including following terrorist incidents or threats as well as threats posed by organised crime ; ### the likely impact of any tangible threats to public policy or internal security at the union or national level , including following terrorist incidents or threats as well as threats posed by organised crime ;


### the common fisheries policy shall ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities provide long - term sustainable environmental , economic and social conditions and contribute to the availability of food supplies . ### the common fisheries policy shall ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities provide long - term sustainable environmental , economic and social conditions and contribute to the security , social protection , employment and quality of life of fishermen and fishing communities in the various regions of the union , to the competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and to the quality of food supplies .


### strengthen the competitiveness of the union fishery and aquaculture industry , in particular producers ; ### improve the output of the union fishery and aquaculture industry , in particular that of producers ;