### in most member states , the operational aspects of return of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states fall within the competencies of the authorities responsible for controlling the external borders . as there is a clear added value in performing these tasks at union level , the agency should , in full compliance with the union ' s return policy , accordingly provide the necessary assistance and coordination for organising joint return operations of member states and identify best practices on the acquisition of travel documents and define a code of conduct to be followed during the removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the territories of the member states . no union financial means should be made available for activities and operations that are not carried out in conformity with the charter of fundamental rights . ### in most member states , the operational aspects of return of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states fall within the competencies of the authorities responsible for controlling the external borders . as there is a clear added value in performing these tasks at union level , the agency should , in full compliance with the union ' s return policy , accordingly provide the necessary assistance and coordination for organising joint return operations of member states and identify best practices on the acquisition of travel documents and define a code of conduct to be followed during the removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the territories of the member states . no activities or operations that are not in conformity with the charter of fundamental rights should be carried out or financed by the union . in the event of a violation of the charter of fundamental rights , return operations should be suspended and the violation investigated .


### the agency shall establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to fundamental rights and access to international protection . ### the agency shall establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to fundamental rights , access to international protection and maritime law .


### the agency should provide training , including on fundamental rights , at european level for national instructors of border guards and additional training and seminars related to control and surveillance at the external borders and removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states for officers of the competent national services . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency’s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards . ### the agency should provide training on fundamental rights , international law and the structure of national asylum authorities at european level for national instructors of border guards and additional training and seminars related to control and surveillance at the external borders and removal of third - country nationals irregularly present in the member states for officers of the competent national services . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency’s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards .


### the agency may cooperate with europol , the european asylum support office , the fundamental rights agency , other european union agencies and bodies , and the international organisations competent in matters covered by this regulation in the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the relevant provisions of the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . ### the agency may cooperate with europol , the european asylum support office , the european union agency for fundamental rights , other european union agencies and bodies , and the international organisations competent in matters covered by this regulation in the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the relevant provisions of the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . the exchanges of information to which such cooperation arrangements may give rise shall not include exchanges of personal information .


### the agency shall evaluate the results of the joint operations and pilot projects and transmit the detailed evaluation reports within 60 days following the end of the activity to the management board . the agency shall make a comprehensive comparative analysis of those results with a view to enhancing the quality , coherence and efficiency of future operations and projects to be included in its general report provided for in article 20 . ### the agency shall evaluate the results of the joint operations and pilot projects and transmit the detailed evaluation reports within 60 days following the end of the activity to the management board and the european parliament . the agency shall make a comprehensive comparative analysis of those results with a view to enhancing the quality , coherence and efficiency of future operations and projects to be included in its general report provided for in article 20 . the evaluation reports shall cover compliance with fundamental rights of the joint operations and pilot projects , including on the basis of the monitoring carried out by independent observers .


### the agency may cooperate with europol , the european asylum support office , the fundamental rights agency , other european union agencies and bodies , and the international organisations competent in matters covered by this regulation in the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the relevant provisions of the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . ### the agency may cooperate with europol , the european asylum support office , the european union agency for fundamental rights , other european union agencies and bodies , and the international and other organisations competent in matters covered by this regulation in the framework of working arrangements concluded with those bodies , in accordance with the relevant provisions of the treaty and the provisions on the competence of those bodies . in every case the agency shall inform the european parliament of any such arrangements without delay .


### the operation of sst services should be based on a partnership between the union and the member states and use existing as well as future national expertise and assets , such as mathematical analysis and modelling know - how , ground - based radars or telescopes made available by participating member states . the member states retain ownership and control over their assets and remain responsible for their operations , maintenance and renewal . ### the operation of sst services should be based on a partnership between the union and the member states and use existing as well as future national and european expertise and assets , such as mathematical analysis and modelling know - how , ground - based radars or telescopes made available by participating member states and esa . the member states retain ownership and control over their assets and remain responsible for their operations , maintenance and renewal .


### the sst services should be complementary to research activities related to the protection of space - based infrastructure carried out under the horizon 2020 programme established by [ reference to horizon 2020 regulation to be added once adopted ] , as well as to the european space agency ' s activities in this domain . ### the sst services should be complementary to research activities related to the protection of space - based infrastructure carried out under the horizon 2020 programme established by [ reference to horizon 2020 regulation to be added once adopted ] , as well as to the european space agency ' s existing and future activities in this domain .


### the new information exchange mechanism should only cover intergovernmental agreements which are likley to have an impact on the internal market for energy or on the security of energy supply as these two issues are intrinsically linked . it should comprise in particular all intergovernmental agreements which have an impact on the supply of gas , oil or electricity through fixed infrastructure or which have an impact on the amount of energy imported into the union from third countries . ### the new information exchange mechanism should only cover intergovernmental agreements relating to the import of energy which are likely to have an impact on the internal market for energy or on the security of energy supply as these two issues are intrinsically linked . it should comprise in particular all intergovernmental agreements which have an impact on the supply of gas , oil or electricity through fixed infrastructure or which have an impact on the amount of energy imported into the union from third countries . the export of gas , oil or electricity is excluded from the mechanism .


### member states shall submit all existing and provisionally applied intergovernmental agreements between them and third countries in their entirety , including their annexes and other texts they refer to explicitly and all amendments thereto to the commission at the latest three months after the entry into force of this decision . the commission shall make the received documents accessible in electronic form to all other member states . existing or provisionally applied intergovernmental agreements which have already been communicated in accordance with regulation no 994 / 2010 to the commission at the date of entry into force of this decision , which are fulfilling the requirements of this paragraph , shall be considered as communicated for the purposes of this decision . ### member states may submit all existing and provisionally applied intergovernmental agreements between them and third countries in their entirety , including their annexes and other texts they refer to explicitly and all amendments thereto to the commission at the latest three months after the entry into force of this decision . agreements between commercial entities are not subject to this obligation . the commission shall make the received documents accessible in electronic form to all other member states . existing or provisionally applied intergovernmental agreements which have already been communicated in accordance with regulation no 994 / 2010 to the commission at the date of entry into force of this decision , which are fulfilling the requirements of this paragraph , shall be considered as communicated for the purposes of this decision .


### when a member state intends to enter into negotiations with a third country in order to amend an existing intergovernmental agreement or to conclude a new intergovernmental agreement , the member state shall inform the commission in writing of its intention at the earliest possible moment before the envisaged opening of the negotiations . the information provided to the commission shall include the relevant documentation , an indication of the provisions to be addressed in the negotiations , the objectives of the negotiations and other relevant information . in case of amendments to an existing agreement , the provisions that are to be renegotiated shall be indicated in the information provided to the commission . the commission shall make the received information accessible to all member states in electronic form . the member state concerned shall keep the commission informed regularly of the ongoing negotiations . on request of the commission or the member state concerned , the commission may participate as an observer in the negotiations . ### when a member state enters into negotiations with a third country in order to amend an existing intergovernmental agreement or to conclude a new intergovernmental agreement , the member state shall inform the commission in writing of the objectives of the negotiations , the provisions to be addressed in the negotiations , and other relevant information . in case of amendments to an existing agreement , the provisions that are to be renegotiated shall be indicated in the information provided to the commission . the member state concerned shall keep the commission informed regularly of the ongoing negotiations . on request of the commission or the member state concerned , the commission may participate as an observer in the negotiations .


### member states should already notify the intention to open negotiations to the commission with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . it should have the right to participate as an observer in the negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries . ### member states should notify the commission when negotiations on a new intergovernmental agreement or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements have been started . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . at the request of the commission or the member state concerned , the commission may participate as an observer in the negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries , without jeopardising their ability to negotiate the content of the agreements .


### member states should already notify the intention to open negotiations to the commission with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . it should have the right to participate as an observer in the negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries . ### member states should notify the intention to open negotiations to the commission with regard to new intergovernmental agreements or amendments to existing intergovernmental agreements within a reasonable period of time . the commission should be kept informed regularly on the ongoing negotiations . member states may also request the commission to assist them during their negotiations with third countries . however it is important not to jeopardise the ability of member states to negotiate the content of the agreements .


### a risk assessment plan to identify risks and assess the impacts of potential incidents ; ### a risk management framework incorporating , at the minimum , regular assessment to identify risks and assess the impacts of potential incidents , and measures to preserve the security and integrity of information , including early warning ;


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the economic , social and territorial cohesion , thus ensuring concentration of erdf support on a number of priorities . the cohesion policy contributes to a great extent to the achievement of the eu 2020 strategy objectives . as article 176 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union points out the aim of the erdf is to help to overcome regional imbalances in the union , taking into account regional and local development needs .


### taking account of the discussions in the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , and of whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances . ### taking account the conclusions given by the council , the opinions given by european parliament and the social and economic committee and discussions within the euro group , the commission shall work out horizontal and vertical in - depth reviews . based on the indicators outlined in this regulation , horizontal reviews shall identify the most important types of imbalances affecting growth , employment and stability in the union . vertical reviews shall focus on member states that the commission considers responsible for macroeconomic imbalances in other member states or in the union as a whole , and on member states affected by , or at risk of , internally harmful macroeconomic imbalances . vertical in - depth review shall build on detailed and first - hand investigations of member - state - specific circumstances . in - depth reviews shall constitute a standard procedure and each time include those member states with the largest share of gdp in the union .


### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing an economic and financial assessment putting the movement of the indicators into perspective drawing if necessary on any other economic and financial indicator relevant to detection of imbalances . the report shall also indicate whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in one or more member states signifies the possible emergence of imbalances . ### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing a sound economic and financial assessment and putting the indicators into perspective . best practices shall be taken into account . the report shall also indicate whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in one or more member states signifies the possible emergence of imbalances inside the member state concerned , in another member state or across the union as a whole . all the available information shall be taken into account and conclusions shall not be drawn from the scoreboard based on the indicators alone .


### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall submit a corrective action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in the recommendations in accordance with article 7 . the corrective action plan shall set out the specific and concrete policy actions the member state concerned has implemented or intends to implement and shall include a timetable for implementation thereof . ### any member state for which an excessive imbalance procedure is opened shall submit a corrective action plan to the council and the commission within a deadline to be defined in the recommendations in accordance with article 7 . the corrective action plan shall set out the concrete policy actions the member state responsible for excessive imbalances in the union intends to implement .


### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential negative economic and financial spillovers to other member states . the economic adjustment capacity and the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with earlier recommendations issued under this regulation and other recommendations issued under article 121 of the treaty as part of multilateral surveillance , in particular the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union , should also be considered . ### when assessing imbalances , account should be taken of their causes , of their severity , of the degree to which they may be considered unsustainable and of the potential negative economic and financial spillovers to other member states . the structural or short - term nature of imbalances as well as the national , union or external character of their causes needs to be understood . inter - linkages between policy options by different member states as well as spill - over effects should be adequately taken into account . the track record of the member state concerned as regards compliance with earlier recommendations issued under this regulation and other recommendations issued under article 121 of the treaty as part of multilateral surveillance , in particular the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the member states and of the union and the consequences of such recommendations should also be considered .


### based on the multilateral surveillance procedure and the alert mechanism , the commission should identify the member states to be subject to an in - depth review . the in - depth review should encompass a thorough analysis of sources of imbalances in the member state under review . it should be discussed within the council and the euro group for the member states whose currency is the euro . ### based on the multilateral surveillance procedure and the alert mechanism , the commission should , by way of preliminary assessment , identify the member states to be subject to an in - depth review . conducting such an in - depth review should not imply a presumption of the existence of excessive macroeconomic imbalances . the in - depth review should encompass a thorough analysis of the causes of imbalances and the capacity of the member state under review to resolve them . an in - depth review should be seen as a standard procedure in the diagnosis phase .


### if economic circumstances change , the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may amend the recommendations adopted under article 7 in accordance with the procedure laid down in the same article . the member state concerned shall submit a revised corrective action plan that shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 8 . ### if changing and , in particular , deteriorating economic circumstances require adequate reactions , the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , shall adopt its recommendations and prevent procyclical policies from aggravating the economic or social situation in the member state concerned , and in accordance with the procedure laid down in the same article . the member state concerned shall submit a revised corrective action plan that shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 8 .


### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing an economic and financial assessment putting the movement of the indicators into perspective , drawing if necessary on any other economic and financial indicator relevant to detection of imbalances . the report shall also indicate whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in one or more member states signifies the possible emergence of imbalances . ### the release of the updated scoreboard shall be accompanied by a commission report containing an economic , financial and social assessment putting the indicators into perspective . the report shall also indicate whether the crossing of lower or upper thresholds in one or more member states signifies a possible emergence of imbalances in the member state in question , another member state or the union as a whole . all available information shall be taken into account and conclusions shall not be drawn from the scoreboard .


### taking account of the discussions in the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , and of whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances . ### taking account of the discussions in the european parliament , the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers may be affected by , or may be at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall constitute a standard procedure . it shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances and how severe they are . the in - depth review shall build on detailed investigations of member - state - specific circumstances and a broad range of economic variables . the review shall be undertaken in conjunction with surveillance missions to the member state concerned in accordance with article - 12 .


### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that a member state is experiencing imbalances , it shall inform the council accordingly . the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 of the treaty . ### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that growth , employment and stability in one or several member states or in the union as a whole is threatened , it shall inform the european parliament and the council accordingly . if the commission considers that one or several member states are contributing particularly to macroeconomic imbalances or that one or several member states are particularly affected or at risk of being affected by imbalances , it shall , additionally , inform those member states , including national parliaments . the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 of the treaty . due attention shall be paid to the symmetry of recommendations , addressing excessive savings in a similarly intense way as situations in which economies are excessively indebting themselves .


### the scoreboard should consist of a limited set of economic and financial indicators relevant to detection of macroeconomic imbalances , with corresponding indicative thresholds . the composition of the scoreboard may evolve in time , inter alia due to evolving threats to macroeconomic stability or enhanced availability of relevant statistics . ### if the scoreboard is to function effectively as a basis for better macroeconomic surveillance , it should consist of a limited set of economic , financial and social indicators relevant to detection of macroeconomic imbalances , with corresponding indicative thresholds which should not be seen as economic policy imperatives . the composition of the scoreboard should evolve in time , so as to take account of the evolutionary character of macroeconomic imbalances , notably via the introduction of new indicators or thresholds or the modification of the existing ones .


### as appropriate , whether the member state under review has taken appropriate action in response to council recommendations or invitations adopted in accordance with articles 121 and 126 of the treaty and under articles 6 , 7 , 8 and 10 of this regulation ; ### as appropriate , whether the member state under review has taken appropriate action in response to council recommendations or invitations adopted in accordance with articles 121 , 126 and 148 tfeu and under articles 6 , 7 , 8 and 10 of this regulation , and the economic , social and other important consequences of such recommendations ;


### ' imbalances ' means macroeconomic developments which are adversely affecting , or have the potential adversely to affect , the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of economic and monetary union , or of the union as a whole . ### ' imbalances ' means persistently diverging developments between aggregate demand and aggregate supply leading to a systematic surplus or deficit in the overall savings position of an economy that either - affect adversely the sustainable development of a member state or of the union as a whole or - that have the potential to affect adversely the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of the union as a whole .


### taking account of the discussions in the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , and of whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances . ### taking account of the discussions in the european parliament , the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers could be affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall constitute a standard procedure and shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , of whether these imbalances are excessive and of how serious they are . the in - depth assessment shall be based on detailed investigation of the specific circumstances of each member state and its links with the other member states , and in a very broad spread of economic and social variables . this assessment shall be undertaken in conjunction with the surveillance missions to the country concerned in accordance with article 12 and shall yield appropriate recommendations , taking due account of the principle of subsidiarity .


### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the member state concerned to take corrective action . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and specify the corrective action to be taken in detail and the deadline within which the member state concerned must take such corrective action . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public . ### the council , on a recommendation from the commission or from the european parliament , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the responsible member states to take corrective action . those recommendations explain the nature of the imbalances in detail and outline corrective action that shall be taken on european or national level . a deadline within which the member state responsible for excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the union shall take such corrective action or until the commission shall prepare helpful legislative proposals may be set . the council shall make its recommendations public after a social impact assessment undertaken by the dg employment has endorsed the recommendations .


### there is a need to build upon the experience gained during the first decade of functioning of the economic and monetary union . ### there is an urgent need to draw lessons from the first decade after the establishment of the economic and monetary union , and , in particular , from the persistent economic crisis , continuing , intolerably high levels of unemployment and , increasing divergences between member states in the euro zone , and from vulnerability to speculatory attacks of the union .


### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the member state concerned to take corrective action . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and specify the corrective action to be taken in detail and the deadline within which the member state concerned must take such corrective action . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public . ### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the member state concerned to take corrective action . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and outline the corrective action to be taken and the deadline within which the member state concerned must take such corrective action . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public .


### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and recommending the member state concerned to take corrective action . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and specify the corrective action to be taken in detail and the deadline within which the member state concerned must take such corrective action . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public . ### the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may adopt recommendations in accordance with article 121 of the treaty declaring the existence of an excessive imbalance and suggesting that the member state concerned adopt an action plan . those recommendations shall set out the nature of the imbalances and specify the corrective action that the council thinks needs to be taken and the deadline within which it should be implemented . the council may , as provided for in article 121 of the treaty , make its recommendations public .


### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means severe imbalances , including imbalances that jeopardise the proper functioning of economic and monetary union . ### ' excessive imbalances ‘ means persistently diverging developments between aggregate demand and aggregate supply leading to a systematic surplus or deficit in the overall savings position of an economy which are adversely affecting or jeopardising the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of the economic and monetary union as a whole .


### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that a member state is experiencing imbalances , it shall inform the council accordingly . the council , on a recommendation from the commission , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 of the treaty . ### if , on the basis of its in - depth review referred to in article 5 of this regulation , the commission considers that a member state is experiencing imbalances , it shall inform the european parliament and the council accordingly . the council , on a recommendation from the commission and after consulting the european parliament , may address the necessary recommendations to the member state concerned , in accordance with the procedure set out in article 121 tfeu .


### ' imbalances ' means macroeconomic developments which are adversely affecting , or have the potential adversely to affect , the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of economic and monetary union , or of the union as a whole . ### ' imbalances ' mean persistently diverging developments between aggregate demand and aggregate supply leading to a systematic surplus or deficit in the overall savings position of an economy , which is adversely affecting , or has the potential to adversely affect the proper functioning of the economy of a member state or of economic and monetary union , or of the union as a whole


### this regulation sets out detailed rules for the detection , prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances within the union . ### this regulation sets out detailed rules for the detection , prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances between member states and of the union as a whole .


### taking account of the discussions in the council and the euro group , as provided for in article 4 , the commission shall prepare an in - depth review for each member state it considers affected by , or at risk of , imbalances . this assessment shall include an evaluation of whether the member state in question is affected by imbalances , and of whether these imbalances constitute excessive imbalances . ### taking account the conclusions given by the council , the opinions given by european parliament and the social and economic committee and discussions within the euro group , the commission shall work out horizontal and vertical in - depth reviews . based on the indicators outlined in this regulation , horizontal reviews shall identify the most important types of imbalances affecting growth , employment and stability in the union . vertical reviews shall focus on member states that the commission considers responsible for macroeconomic imbalances in other member states or in the union as a whole , and on member states affected by , or at risk of , internally harmful macroeconomic imbalances . vertical in - depth review shall build on detailed and first - hand investigations of member - state - specific circumstances . in - depth reviews shall constitute a standard procedure and each time include those member states with the largest share of gdp in the union .


### if , on the basis of the in - depth review referred to in article 5 , the commission considers that the member state concerned is affected by excessive imbalances , it shall inform the council accordingly . ### if , on the basis of the in - depth review referred to in article 5 , the commission considers that the member state reviewed is strongly contributing to excessive imbalances in the union or that it is affected by excessive imbalances , it shall inform the european parliament , the council , the european systemic risk board and national parliaments of the concerned countries accordingly .


### the scoreboard shall be made up of an array of macroeconomic and macrofinancial indicators for member states . the commission may set indicative lower or upper thresholds for these indicators to serve as alert levels . the thresholds applicable to member states whose currency is the euro may be different from those applicable to the other member states . ### the scoreboard shall be made up of an array of macroeconomic , macrofinancial and social indicators for member states . these will allow to detect serious misalignments between aggregate demand and supply and between an economy’s income and consumption . social indicators will , amongst others , include indicators on inequalities , the incidence of low pay , the working poor , the share of labour income in overall gdp and unit profit rates .


### the scoreboard shall be made up of an array of macroeconomic and macrofinancial indicators for member states . the commission may set indicative lower or upper thresholds for these indicators to serve as alert levels . the thresholds applicable to member states whose currency is the euro may be different from those applicable to the other member states . ### the scoreboard , made up of an array of indicators for member states shall allow for comparisons between member states and reflect short - term , structural and medium - long term trends . the commission shall set indicative and symmetric lower or upper thresholds for these indicators to serve as alert levels .


### the better functioning of the labour markets in the eu ; ### the promotion of work with social and labour rights in each member state ;


### in article 29 , the following subparagraph shall be added to paragraph 1 : ' while maintaining the principle that the vast majority of officials shall be recruited on the basis of open competitions , the appointing authority may decide , by way of derogation from point , to hold a competition internal to the institution which shall also be open to contract staff as defined in articles 3a and 3b of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union . ' ; ### article 29 , first subparagraph , point shall be replaced by the following : ‘ whether requests for transfer have been received from officials of the same grade in other institutions , and / or whether to hold a competition internal to the institution , which shall be open only to officials and temporary staff as defined in article 2 of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european communities and to contract staff as referred to in articles 3a and 3b of those conditions of employment ; ’ ;


### in the second sentence of the first paragraph , the word ' institutions ' shall be replaced by ' appointing authority of each institution ' ; ### the first paragraph shall be replaced by the following : ‘ an official shall be entitled to up to eighteen months of parental leave without basic salary for every child , to be taken during the first twelve years after the birth or adoption of the child . the duration of the leave may be doubled for single parents recognised under general implementing provisions adopted by the appointing authority of each institution . the minimum leave taken at any one time shall not be less than one month . ’ ;


### in article 29 , the following subparagraph shall be added to paragraph 1 : while maintaining the principle that the vast majority of officials shall be recruited on the basis of open competitions , the appointing authority may decide , by way of derogation from point , to hold a competition internal to the institution which shall also be open to contract staff as defined in articles 3a and 3b of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union . ### in article 29 , point b should be replaced by the following : whether requests for transfer have been received from officials of the same grade in other institutions , and / or whether to hold a competition internal to the institution , which shall be open to officials and temporary staff as defined in article 2 of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union and to contract staff as defined in articles 3a and 3b of the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union ;


### however , an official may at his own request and where the appointing authority considers it justified in the interest of the service , carry on working until the age of 67 , in which case he shall be retired automatically on the last day of the month in which he reaches that age . ' ; ### however , an official may at his own request carry on working until the age of 67 , in which case he shall be retired automatically on the last day of the month in which he reaches that age . ' ;


### 4 . the devices shall be designed and manufactured in such a way as to reduce as far as possible and appropriate the risks posed by substances that may leach or leak from the device . special attention shall be given to substances which are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction , in accordance with part 3 of annex vi to regulation no 1272 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on classification , labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures , amending and repealing directives 67 / 548 / eec and 1999 / 45 / ec , and amending regulation no 1907 / 2006 , and to substances having endocrine disrupting properties for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and which are identified in accordance with the procedure set out in article 59 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals . ### 4 . the devices shall be designed and manufactured in such a way as to reduce as far as possible and appropriate the risks posed by substances that may leach or leak from the device . substances which are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction , in accordance with part 3 of annex vi to regulation no 1272 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2008 on classification , labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures , amending and repealing directives 67 / 548 / eec and 1999 / 45 / ec , and amending regulation no 1907 / 2006 , shall be phased out within 8 years from the entry into force of this regulation , unless no safer alternative substances are available . in the case that no safer alternatives exist , the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , within the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for these patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures . devices containing substances having endocrine disrupting properties that come into contact with the body of patients and for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects to human health and which are identified in accordance with the procedure set out in article 59 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2006 concerning the registration , evaluation , authorisation and restriction of chemicals and in accordance with the endocrine disrupting substances’ criteria set out in the report of the endocrine disrupters expert advisory group shall be phased out within 8 years from the entry into force of this regulation , unless no safer alternative substances are available . in the case that no safer alternatives exist , the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , within the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for these patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures .


### three years after notification of a notified body , and again every third year thereafter , the assessment to determine whether the notified body still satisfies the requirements set out in annex vi shall be conducted by the national authority responsible for notified bodies of the member state in which the body is established and a joint assessment team designated in accordance with the procedure described in article 32 and . at the request of the commission or of a member state , the mdcg may initiate the assessment process described in this paragraph at any time when there is reasonable concern about the ongoing compliance of a notified body with the requirements set out in annex vi . ### three years after notification of a notified body , and again every third year thereafter , the assessment to determine whether the notified body still satisfies the requirements set out in annex vi shall be conducted by the national authority responsible for notified bodies of the member state in which the body is established and a joint assessment team designated in accordance with the procedure described in article 32 and . at the request of the commission or of a member state , the mdcg may initiate the assessment process described in this paragraph at any time when there is reasonable concern about the ongoing compliance of a notified body , or a subsidiary or subcontractor of a notified body , with the requirements set out in annex vi .


### contain , in a concentration of 0 . 1% by mass of the plasticised material or above , phthalates which are classified as carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction of category 1a or 1b in accordance with part 3 of annex vi to regulation no 1272 / 2008 , these devices shall be labelled on the device itself and / or on the packaging for each unit or , where appropriate , on the sales packaging as devices containing phthalates . if the intended use of such devices includes treatment of children or treatment of pregnant or nursing women , the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , in particular of this paragraph , within the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for these patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures . ### contain , in a concentration of 0 . 1% by mass of the plasticised material or above , phthalates , these substances shall be phased out within 8 years from the entry into force of this regulation , unless no safer alternatives are available . in the case that no safer alternatives exist , the manufacturer shall provide a specific justification for the use of these substances with regard to compliance with the general safety and performance requirements , in particular of this paragraph , within the technical documentation and , within the instructions for use , information on residual risks for these patient groups and , if applicable , on appropriate precautionary measures . if the intended use of such devices includes treatment of children or treatment of pregnant or nursing women , phthalates should be banned as of 1st january 2020 , unless the manufacturer can show that there are no suitable safer substances or devices without these substances . where the manufacturer can show that there are no suitable safer substances or devices without these substances , these substances shall be labelled on the device itself and / or on the packaging for each unit as devices containing substances which are classified as cmrs 1a or 1b or as edcs .


### in order to ensure effective measures to fight against retaliation , union producers should be able to rely on the regulations without fear of retaliation by third parties . existing provisions , under special circumstances , provide for the initiation of an investigation without having received a complaint , where sufficient evidence of the existence of dumping , countervailable subsidies , injury and causal link exists . such special circumstances should include threat of retaliation . ### in order to ensure effective measures to fight against retaliation , union producers should be able to rely on the regulations without fear of retaliation by third countries . existing provisions of the regulations , under special circumstances , provide for the initiation of an investigation without having received a complaint , where sufficient evidence of the existence of dumping , countervailable subsidies , injury and causal link exists . such special circumstances should include threat of retaliation by third countries .


### in order to ensure effective measures to fight against retaliation , union producers should be able to rely on the regulations without fear of retaliation by third parties . existing provisions , under special circumstances , provide for the initiation of an investigation without having received a complaint , where sufficient evidence of the existence of dumping , countervailable subsidies , injury and causal link exists . such special circumstances should include threat of retaliation . ### in order to ensure effective measures to fight against retaliation , union producers should be able to rely on the regulations without fear of retaliation by third countries . existing provisions of the regulations , under special circumstances , provide for the initiation of an investigation without having received a complaint , where sufficient evidence of the existence of dumping , countervailable subsidies , injury and causal link exists . such special circumstances should include threat of retaliation by third countries . the launch of ex - officio investigations by the commission should , however , remain the exception .


### citizens should be able to exercise fully the rights deriving from the citizenship of the union . they should be able to exercise their right to move and reside freely in the union , their right to vote for and stand as a candidate in european parliament and municipal elections , their right to consular protection and their right to petition the european parliament . they should feel at ease about living , travelling and working in another member state , trusting that their rights are protected , no matter where in the union they happen to be . ### citizens should be able to exercise fully the rights recognised by the union treaties and by the charter of fundamental rights . this implies that they can exercise their right to move and reside freely in the union , their right to vote for and stand as a candidate in european parliament and municipal elections , their right to consular protection , their right to petition the european parliament and their right to participate in the democratic life of the eu and its member states , and that they feel at ease about living , travelling , studying and working in another member state , trusting that their rights can be enjoyed and are protected without discrimination , no matter where in the union they happen to be .


### support for main actors , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for key european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations , national , regional and local authorities at european level ; funding of experts’ networks ; funding of european level observatories . ### support for actors whose activities contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the programme , such as support for member states when implementing union law and policies ; support for european level networks whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme and in particular specific support for those which carry out medium - and long - term actions and activities ; networking among specialised bodies and organisations and national , regional and local authorities ; funding of experts’ networks and european level observatories whose activities are linked to the implementation of the objectives of the programme .


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing for the period 2014 to 2020 the rights and citizenship programme ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing for the period 2014 to 2020 the equality , rights and citizenship programme


### this regulation establishes the european union programme on rights and citizenship , hereinafter referred to as ' the programme ' . ### this regulation establishes the european union programme on equality , rights and citizenship , hereinafter referred to as ' the programme ' .


### to contribute to enhancing the exercise of rights deriving from the citizenship of the union ; ### to enhance and improve the exercise of human rights as recognised in the charter of fundamental rights and the echr ;


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that additional leave is granted in the case of premature childbirth , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities and multiple births . the duration of the additional leave should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fully paid additional maternity leave is granted in specific situations such as in the case of premature childbirth , stillbirth , caesarean section , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities , mothers with disabilities , teenage mothers , multiple births or births occurring within 18 months of the previous birth . the duration of the additional maternity leave after confinement should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated .


### the member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent . ### the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that employers cannot , for reasons of their own convenience , interrupt maternity or paternity leave or special leave to care for a child , and to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to one year after the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 . dismissal during that period shall be presumed to have arisen on grounds of discrimination and shall be duly specified in writing , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent .


### the member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent . ### the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that employers cannot , for reasons of their own convenience , interrupt maternity or paternity leave or leave to care for a child , and to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to at least six months following the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 . dismissal during that period shall be presumed to have arisen on grounds of discrimination and shall be duly specified in writing , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition , which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent .


### the member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent . ### the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that employers cannot , for reasons of their own convenience , interrupt maternity leave to care for a child , and to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to at least six months following the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 . dismissal during that period shall be formally justified and shall be duly specified in writing , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition , which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that additional leave is granted in the case of premature childbirth , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities and multiple births . the duration of the additional leave should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fully paid additional maternity leave is granted in the case of premature childbirth , stillbirth , caesarean section , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities , mothers with disabilities , teenage mothers , multiple births or births occurring within 18 months of the previous birth . the duration of the additional maternity leave after confinement should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . member states shall also ensure a period of leave of twelve weeks on full pay in cases of stillbirth .


### ensure societal engagement in research and innovation ; ### ensure societal engagement in research and innovation in order to achieve science with and for society ;


### for all the enabling and industrial technologies , including the kets , a major aim will be to foster interactions between the technologies , and with the applications under the societal challenges . this shall be fully taken into account in developing and implementing the agendas and priorities . it requires that stakeholders representing the different perspectives are fully involved in priority setting and implementation . in certain cases , it will also require actions that are jointly funded by the enabling and industrial technologies , and by the relevant societal challenges . this will include joint funding for public - private partnerships that aim to develop technologies and apply them to address societal challenges . ### for all the enabling and industrial technologies , including the kets , a major aim will be to foster interactions between the technologies , and with the applications under the societal challenges . this shall be fully taken into account in developing and implementing the agendas and priorities . it requires that stakeholders representing the different perspectives are fully involved in priority setting and implementation . in certain cases , it will also require actions that are jointly funded by the enabling and industrial technologies , and by the relevant societal challenges . this will include joint funding for public - private partnerships and for partnerships with civil society organisations that aim to develop technologies and methods and apply them to address societal challenges .


### activities to disseminate information and carry out communication activities shall be an integral task under all of the actions supported by horizon 2020 . ### activities to disseminate information and carry out communication activities shall be an integral task under all of the actions supported by horizon 2020 , taking particular care of providing this information in a way that facilitates easy access by all , namely persons with disabilities .


### horizon 2020 should promote cooperation with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit . international cooperation in science , technology and innovation should be targeted to contribute to achieving the europe 2020 objectives to strengthen competitiveness , contribute to tackling societal challenges and support union external and development policies , including by developing synergies with external programmes and contributing to the union ' s international commitments such as the achievement of millennium development goals . ### horizon 2020 should promote cooperation with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit . international cooperation in science , technology and innovation should be targeted to contribute to achieving the europe 2020 objectives to strengthen competitiveness , contribute to tackling societal challenges and support union external and development policies , including by developing synergies with external programmes and contributing to the union ' s international commitments such as the achievement of millennium development goals . however cooperation with third countries in the domain of research with possible dual use should be avoided with any country that does not respect human rights , un resolutions and international law .


### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , markets and society , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects . ### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , economies and society , where innovation includes business , organisational , social and environmental aspects .


### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , markets and society , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects . ### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are in keeping with the current teaching and research set - up and can also be adjusted in line with changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , labour markets and society , where science includes any field of academic research and innovation includes socio - economic , cultural and organisational aspects .


### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . ### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable , effective and accessible products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . consumers have to make conscious choices and be not only informed about safe foods , but also made aware of the environmental , socio - economic , and nutritional consequences entailed in their choices and in the fact of wasting food . these innovations should also aim to reduce food waste in production , the distribution chain and by consumers .


### fostering new modes of cooperation between countries within the union and worldwide , as well as across relevant research and innovation communities , will therefore be a central task under this challenge . engaging citizens and industry , supporting social and technological innovation processes , encouraging smart and participatory public administration , as well as promoting evidence based policymaking will be systematically pursued in order to enhance the relevance of all these activities for policymakers , social and economic actors and citizens . in this regard , research and innovation will be a precondition for the competitiveness of european industries and services , in particular in the areas of security , digital development and privacy protection . ### fostering new modes of cooperation between countries within the union and worldwide , as well as across relevant research and innovation communities , will therefore be a central task under this challenge . engaging citizens and industry , supporting social and technological innovation processes , encouraging smart and participatory public administration , as well as promoting evidence based policymaking will be systematically pursued in order to enhance the relevance of all these activities for policymakers , social and economic actors and citizens . in this regard , research and innovation will be a precondition for the competitiveness of european industries and services , in particular in the areas of security , digital development and privacy protection . the success of the implementation of necessary changes really depends of the public engagement with science and innovation and its benefits . in order to achieve that is essential to focus on the social aspects in the societal challenges involving not only industry players , but also researchers and universities , as well as civil society and its organizations and institutions .


### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , markets and society , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects . ### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported remain relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , economies and society in a globalised world , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects .


### horizon 2020 should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the union . adequate attention should be paid to the european charter for researchers and code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the european research area , while respecting their voluntary nature . ### horizon 2020 should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the union . full attention should be paid to the european charter for researchers and code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the european research area .


### climate action , resource efficiency and raw materials ; ### climate and water action , resource efficiency and sustainable use of raw materials ;


### horizon 2020 should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the union . adequate attention should be paid to the european charter for researchers and code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the european research area , while respecting their voluntary nature . ### horizon 2020 should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the union , promoting and implementing all the necessary measures to guarantee and improve decent working conditions for scientific workers in the union . adequate attention should be paid to the european charter for researchers and code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the european research area .


### for all the enabling and industrial technologies , including the kets , a major aim will be to foster interactions between the technologies , and with the applications under the societal challenges . this shall be fully taken into account in developing and implementing the agendas and priorities . it requires that stakeholders representing the different perspectives are fully involved in priority setting and implementation . in certain cases , it will also require actions that are jointly funded by the enabling and industrial technologies , and by the relevant societal challenges . this will include joint funding for public - private partnerships that aim to develop technologies and apply them to address societal challenges . ### for all the enabling and industrial technologies , including the kets , a major aim will be to foster interactions between the technologies , and with the applications under the societal challenges . this shall be fully taken into account in developing and implementing the agendas and priorities . it requires that stakeholders representing the different perspectives are fully involved in priority setting and implementation . in certain cases , it will also require actions that are jointly funded by the enabling and industrial technologies , and by the relevant societal challenges . this will include joint funding for public - private partnerships and for partnerships with civil society organisations that aim to develop technologies and methods , and apply them to address societal challenges .


### it is necessary that the monetary limits expressed in regulation no 2027 / 97 should be amended in order to take into account economic developments , as reviewed by the international civil aviation organization in 2009 pursuant to article 24 of the montreal convention . ### it is necessary that the monetary limits expressed in regulation no 2027 / 97 should be amended by means of implementing acts in order to take into account economic developments .


### in order to ensure a better enforcement of passenger rights , the role of the national enforcement bodies should be more precisely defined and clearly distinguished from the handling of individual passenger complaints . ### in order to ensure a better enforcement of passenger rights , the role of the national enforcement bodies should be more precisely defined and clearly distinguished from the handling of individual passenger complaints . it should also be made clear that , in the interest of european consumers , the maximum handling time of 90 days must not be exceeded . the responsibility for dealing with individual complaints should be clearly defined , in order to avoid the situation that national enforcement bodies refer passengers to each other instead of swiftly dealing with the complaint .


### where the passenger , or an intermediary acting on behalf of the passenger , reports a spelling mistake in the name of one or several passengers included in the same contract of carriage that may lead to a denial of boarding , the air carrier shall correct this at least once up until 48 hours before departure without any additional charge to the passenger or the intermediary , except where it is prevented from doing so by national or international law . ### where the passenger , or an intermediary acting on behalf of the passenger , reports a spelling mistake in the name , or an error in the title , of one or several passengers included in the same contract of carriage that may lead to a denial of boarding , the air carrier shall correct this at least once up until 48 hours before departure without any additional charge to the passenger or the intermediary , except where it is prevented from doing so by national or international law . '


### the following circumstances shall be considered as extraordinary : ### the following circumstances shall always , as a binding rule , be considered as extraordinary :


### ' 3 . if boarding is denied to passengers against their will , the operating air carrier shall immediately compensate them in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passenger opts for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 and where the departure time is at least two hours after the initial departure time , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 . ' ### ' 3 . if boarding is denied to passengers against their will on the outward or homeward flight , the operating air carrier shall compensate them as soon as possible in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passengers opt for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 . '


### for disabled persons , persons with reduced mobility and other persons with special needs such as unaccompanied children , pregnant women and persons in need of specific medical attention , it may be more difficult to arrange accommodation when flight disruptions occur . therefore , any limitations on the right for accommodation in cases of extraordinary circumstances or for regional operations should not apply to these categories of passenger . ### for disabled persons , persons with reduced mobility and other persons with special needs such as unaccompanied children , pregnant women and persons in need of specific medical attention , it may be more difficult to arrange accommodation when flight disruptions occur . therefore , any limitations on the right for accommodation in cases of extraordinary circumstances should on no account apply to these categories of passenger .


### passengers should be adequately informed about the relevant procedures for submitting claims and complaints to air carriers and should receive a reply within a reasonable time period . passengers should also have the option to complain about air carriers via out - of - court measures . however , since the right to an effective remedy before a tribunal is a fundamental right recognised in article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , those measures should neither prevent nor hinder passengers ' access to courts . ### passengers should be adequately informed about the relevant procedures for submitting claims and complaints to air carriers and should have their attention drawn to the time limits applicable in this connection , particularly those laid down in article 16a . they should receive a reply within two months of the lodging of the claim or complaint . passengers should also have the option to complain about air carriers via out - of - court measures . since the right to an effective remedy before a tribunal is a fundamental right recognised in article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , those measures should neither prevent nor hinder passengers ' access to courts . in order to process claims easily , quickly and cheaply in both judicial and extrajudicial procedures , reference should be made , in particular , to the online and alternative dispute resolution procedures and to the european small claims procedure .


### the contributions of the union and the donors shall be entered into a specific bank account . these contributions are not integrated in the budget and are managed by the commission under the responsibility of the authorising officer by delegation . the entities and persons referred to in point of article 55 may be entrusted with budget implementation tasks in accordance with the relevant rules for indirect management . ### the contributions of the union and the donors shall be entered into a specific bank account . these contributions are not integrated in the budget and are managed by the commission under the responsibility of the authorising officer by delegation . article 55 shall apply .


### member states shall prohibit the use of flavourings in the components of tobacco products such as filters , papers , packages , capsules or any technical features allowing modification of flavour or smoke intensity . filters and capsules shall not contain tobacco . ### the use of flavourings in the components of tobacco products such as filters , papers , packages , capsules or any technical features allowing modification of flavour or smoke intensity shall be prohibited . filters and capsules shall not contain tobacco .


### in order to ensure independence and transparency , manufacturers of tobacco products should conclude data storage contracts with independent third parties , under the auspices of an external auditor . the data related to the tracking and tracing system should be kept separate from other company related data and be under the control of and accessible at all times by the competent authorities from member states and the commission . ### in order to ensure independence and transparency , member states should conclude data storage contracts with independent third parties under the auspices of an external auditor , who should be appointed by the commission . the data related to the tracking and tracing system should be kept separate from other company related data and be under the control of and accessible at all times by the competent authorities from member states and the commission .


### in case the experience gained in the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 shows that a certain additive or a combination thereof typically impart a characterising flavour when it exceeds a certain level of presence or concentration the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 22 to set maximum levels for those additives or combination of additives that cause the characterising flavour . ### in case a certain additive or a combination thereof typically imparts a flavour or increases palatability only when it exceeds a certain level of presence or concentration the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 22 to set maximum levels for those additives or combination of additives by modifying annex - i accordingly .


### member states shall oblige retail outlets intending to engage in cross - border distance sales to consumers located in the union to register with the competent authorities in the member state where the retail outlet is established and in the member state where the actual or potential consumer is located . retail outlets established outside the union have to register with the competent authorities in the member state where the actual or potential consumer is located . all retail outlets intending to engage in cross - border distance sales shall submit at least the following information to the competent authorities : name or corporate name and permanent address of the place of activity from where the tobacco products are supplied ; the starting date of the activity of offering tobacco products for cross - border distance sales to the public by means of information society services ; the address of the website / - s used for that purpose and all relevant information necessary to identify the website . ### member states shall prohibit retail outlets established on their territory from engaging in cross border distance sales .


### member states shall oblige retail outlets intending to engage in cross - border distance sales to consumers located in the union to register with the competent authorities in the member state where the retail outlet is established and in the member state where the actual or potential consumer is located . retail outlets established outside the union have to register with the competent authorities in the member state where the actual or potential consumer is located . all retail outlets intending to engage in cross - border distance sales shall submit at least the following information to the competent authorities : ### member states shall prohibit retail outlets established on their territory from engaging in cross - border distance sales .


### the following nicotine - containing products may only be placed on the market if they were authorised pursuant to directive 2001 / 83 / ec : ### nicotine - containing products may only be placed on the market if they are authorised pursuant to directive 2001 / 83 / ec , taking into account the well - established use of nicotine .


### member states shall ensure that all economic operators involved in the trade of tobacco products from the manufacturer to the last economic operator before the first retail outlet , record the entry of all unit packets into their possession , as well as all intermediate movements and the final exit from their possession . this obligation can be fulfilled by recording in aggregated form , e . g . of outside packaging , provided that tracking and tracing of unit packets remains possible . ### member states shall ensure that all economic operators involved in the trade of tobacco products from the manufacturer to the last economic operator before the first retail outlet , record the entry of all unit packets and outside transport packaging into their possession , as well as all intermediate movements and the final exit from their possession . this obligation can be fulfilled by recording in aggregated form , e . g . of outside packaging , provided that tracking and tracing of unit packets remains possible .


### directive 2001 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use provides a legal framework to assess the quality , safety and efficacy of medicinal products including nicotine containing products . a significant number of nicotine - containing products were already authorised under this regulatory regime . the authorisation takes into account the nicotine content of the product in question . subjecting all nicotine - containing products , whose nicotine content equals or exceeds the content of a nicotine containing product previously authorised under directive 2001 / 83 / ec , to the same legal framework clarifies the legal situation , levels out differences between national legislations , ensures equal treatment of all nicotine containing products usable for smoking cessation purposes and creates incentives for research and innovation in smoking cessation . this should be without prejudice to the application of directive 2001 / 83 / ec to other products covered by this directive if the conditions set by directive 2001 / 83 / ec are fulfilled . ### directive 2001 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use provides a legal framework to assess the quality , safety and efficacy of medicinal products including nicotine containing products . a significant number of nicotine - containing products were already authorised under this regulatory regime . the authorisation takes into account the nicotine content of the product in question . however , measuring nicotine delivery has proven to be difficult , as it depends on the products and how they are being used . therefore , subjecting all nicotine - containing products regardless of their nicotine content to directive 2001 / 83 / ec clarifies the legal situation , levels out differences between national legislations , ensures equal treatment of all nicotine containing products usable for smoking cessation purposes and creates incentives for research and innovation in smoking cessation . this should be without prejudice to the application of directive 2001 / 83 / ec to other products covered by this directive if the conditions set by directive 2001 / 83 / ec are fulfilled .


### the size of the internal market in tobacco and related products , the increasing tendency of manufacturers of tobacco products to concentrate production for the whole of the union in only a small number of production plants within the member states and the resulting significant cross - border trade of tobacco and related products calls for legislative action at union rather than national level to achieve the smooth operation of the internal market . ### the size of the internal market in tobacco and related products , the increasing tendency of manufacturers of tobacco products to concentrate production for the whole of the union in only a small number of production plants within the member states and the resulting significant cross - border trade , including internet sales , of tobacco and related products calls for legislative action at union rather than national level to achieve the smooth operation of the internal market and to harmonize a union common safeguard of human health


### member states shall , based on scientific evidence , prohibit the placing on the market of tobacco products with additives in quantities that increase in an appreciable manner at the stage of consumption the toxic or addictive effect of a tobacco product . ### annex - i shall not contain , based on scientific evidence , additives in quantities that increase at the stage of consumption the toxic or addictive effect of a tobacco product .


### tobacco products for smoking , other than cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco products , which are mainly consumed by older consumers , should be granted an exemption from certain labelling requirements as long as there is no substantial change of circumstances in terms of sales volumes or consumption patterns in relation to young people . the labelling of these other tobacco products should follow specific rules . the visibility of the health warnings on smokeless tobacco products needs to be ensured . warnings should therefore be placed on the two main surfaces of smokeless tobacco product packaging . ### tobacco products for smoking , other than cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco products , should be subject to the same labelling requirements as cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco products . the visibility of the health warnings on smokeless tobacco products needs to be ensured . warnings should therefore be placed on the two main surfaces of smokeless tobacco product packaging .


### the labelling provisions also need to be adapted to new scientific evidence . for example the indication of the yields for tar , nicotine and carbon monoxide on cigarette packets have proven to be misleading as it makes consumers believe that certain cigarettes are less harmful than others . evidence also suggests that large combined health warnings are more effective than text - only warnings . in this light combined health warnings should become mandatory throughout the union and cover significant and visible parts of the packet surface . a minimum size should be set for all health warnings to ensure their visibility and effectiveness . ### the labelling provisions also need to be adapted to new scientific evidence . for example the indication of the yields for tar , nicotine and carbon monoxide on cigarette packets have proven to be misleading as it makes consumers believe that certain cigarettes are less harmful than others . evidence also suggests that large combined health warnings with both clear pictorial and text warnings are more effective than text - only warnings . in this light combined health warnings should become mandatory throughout the union and cover significant and visible parts of the packet surface . a minimum size should be set for all health warnings to ensure their visibility and effectiveness .


### the general warning referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover 30 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 32 % for member states with two official languages and 35 % for member states with three official languages . ### the general warning referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover at least 50 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 52 % for member states with two official languages and 55 % for member states with three official languages .


### tobacco products for smoking , other than cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco products , which are mainly consumed by older consumers , should be granted an exemption from certain labelling requirements as long as there is no substantial change of circumstances in terms of sales volumes or consumption patterns in relation to young people . the labelling of these other tobacco products should follow specific rules . the visibility of the health warnings on smokeless tobacco products needs to be ensured . warnings should therefore be placed on the two main surfaces of smokeless tobacco product packaging . ### the labelling of tobacco products for smoking , other than cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco products should follow specific rules . the visibility of the health warnings on smokeless tobacco products needs to be ensured . warnings should therefore be placed on the two main surfaces of smokeless tobacco product packaging .


### cross - border distance sales of tobacco facilitate access to tobacco products of young people and risk to undermine compliance with the requirements provided for by tobacco control legislation and in particular by this directive . common rules on a notification system are necessary to ensure that this directive achieves its full potential . the provision on notification of cross - border distance sales of tobacco in this directive should apply notwithstanding the notification procedure set out in directive 2000 / 31 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services . business to consumer distance sale of tobacco products is further regulated by directive 97 / 7 / ec of the european parliament and the council of 20 may 1997 on the protection of consumers in respect of distance contracts , which will be replaced by directive 2011 / 83 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 25 october 2011 on consumer rights , as of 13 june 2014 . ### cross - border distance sales and internet sales should be prohibited .


### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . these warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed . ### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . these warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed . for tobacco for smoking other than cigarettes and roll - your - own tobacco , the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed .


### in order to ensure independence and transparency , manufacturers of tobacco products should conclude data storage contracts with independent third parties , under the auspices of an external auditor . the data related to the tracking and tracing system should be kept separate from other company related data and be under the control of and accessible at all times by the competent authorities from member states and the commission . ### in order to ensure independence and transparency , member states should conclude data storage contracts with independent third parties , under the auspices of an external auditor , who should be appointed by the commission . the data related to the tracking and tracing system should be kept separate from other company related data and be under the control of and accessible at all times by the competent authorities from member states and the commission . member states should ensure full transparency and accessibility of the data storage facilities for the competent authorities of the member states , the commission and the independent third party on a permanent basis .


### each unit packet and any outside packaging of tobacco for smoking shall carry combined health warnings . the combined health warnings shall : ### each unit packet and any outside packaging of tobacco for smoking shall carry combined picture and text health warnings . the combined health warnings shall :