### the authority should contribute to facilitating the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should facilitate the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . it should also help the coordination of social security systems governed by regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and the council44 , regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council45 , regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and the council46 ; as well as council regulation no 1408 / 7147 and council regulation no 574 / 7248 . _________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . 44 regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 45 regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 september 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 46 regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 extending regulation no 883 / 2004 and regulation no 987 / 2009 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by these regulations solely on the ground of their nationality . 47 council regulation no 1408 / 71 of 14 june 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons and to members of their families moving within the community . 48 council regulation no 574 / 72 of 21 march 1972 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 1408 / 71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons , and to their families moving within the community . ### the authority should contribute to combatting social dumping and to facilitating the free movement of workers governed by regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council39 , directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council40 and regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council41 . it should facilitate the posting of workers governed by directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and the council42 and directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and the council43 , including by supporting the enforcement of those provisions implemented through universally applicable collective agreements in line with the practices of member states . it should also help the coordination of social security systems governed by regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and the council44 , regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council45 , regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and the council46 ; as well as council regulation no 1408 / 7147 and council regulation no 574 / 7248 . _________________ 39 regulation no 492 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 5 april 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the union . 40 directive 2014 / 54 / eu of the european parliament and the council of 16 april 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers . 41 regulation 2016 / 589 of the european parliament and the council of 13 april 2016 on a european network of employment services , workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets , and amending regulations no 492 / 2011 and no 1296 / 2013 . 42 directive 96 / 71 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services . 43 directive 2014 / 67 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on the enforcement of directive 96 / 71 / ec concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending regulation no 1024 / 2012 on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system . 44 regulation no 883 / 2004 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 45 regulation no 987 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 september 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems , . 46 regulation no 1231 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 24 november 2010 extending regulation no 883 / 2004 and regulation no 987 / 2009 to nationals of third countries who are not already covered by these regulations solely on the ground of their nationality . 47 council regulation no 1408 / 71 of 14 june 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons and to members of their families moving within the community . 48 council regulation no 574 / 72 of 21 march 1972 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 1408 / 71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons , to self - employed persons , and to their families moving within the community .


### the authority should provide a platform for resolving disputes between member states in relation to the application of union law that falls within its scope . it should build on dialogue and conciliation mechanisms that are currently in place in the area of social security coordination , which are valued by member states60 and their importance is recognised by the court of justice61 . member states should be able to refer cases to the authority for mediation according to standard procedures put in place for this purpose . the authority should only deal with disputes between member states , while individuals and employers facing difficulties with exercising their union rights should continue to have at their disposal the national and union services dedicated to dealing with such cases , such as the solvit network to which the authority should refer such cases . the solvit network should also be able to refer to the authority for its consideration cases in which the problem cannot be solved due to differences between national administrations . _________________ 60 council , partial general approach of 26 october 2017 on the proposal for a regulation amending regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems and regulation no 987 / 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 13645 / 1 / 17 . 61 case c - 236 / 88 eu : c : 1990 : 303 , paragraph 17 ; case c - 202 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 75 , paragraphs 57 - 58 ; case c - 178 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 169 , paragraphs 44 - 45 ; case c - 2 / 05 eu : c : 2006 : 69 , paragraphs 28 - 29 ; case c - 12 / 14 eu : c : 2016 : 135 , paragraphs 39 - 41 ; case c - 359 / 16 eu : c : 2018 : 63 , paragraphs 44 - 45 . ### the authority should provide a platform for resolving disputes between member states in relation to the application of union law that falls within its scope . it should build on democratic dialogue and conciliation mechanisms that are currently in place in the area of social security coordination , which are valued by member states60 and their importance is recognised by the court of justice61 . member states should be able to refer cases to the authority for mediation according to standard procedures put in place for this purpose . the authority should only deal with disputes between member states , while individuals and employers facing difficulties with exercising their union rights should continue to have at their disposal the national and union services dedicated to dealing with such cases , such as the solvit network to which the authority should refer such cases . the solvit network should also be able to refer to the authority for its consideration cases in which the problem cannot be solved due to differences between national administrations . _________________ 60 council , partial general approach of 26 october 2017 on the proposal for a regulation amending regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security systems and regulation no 987 / 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing regulation no 883 / 2004 13645 / 1 / 17 . 61 case c - 236 / 88 eu : c : 1990 : 303 , paragraph 17 ; case c - 202 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 75 , paragraphs 57 - 58 ; case c - 178 / 97 eu : c : 2000 : 169 , paragraphs 44 - 45 ; case c - 2 / 05 eu : c : 2006 : 69 , paragraphs 28 - 29 ; case c - 12 / 14 eu : c : 2016 : 135 , paragraphs 39 - 41 ; case c - 359 / 16 eu : c : 2018 : 63 , paragraphs 44 - 45 .


### the authority should directly rely on the expertise of relevant stakeholders in the areas under its scope through a dedicated stakeholder group . the members should be representatives of union - level social partners . in carrying out its activities , the stakeholder group will take due account of the opinions and draw on the expertise of the advisory committee for the coordination of social security systems established by regulation no 883 / 2004 and the advisory committee on the free movement of workers established pursuant to regulation no 492 / 2011 . ### the authority should directly rely on the expertise of relevant stakeholders in the areas under its scope through a dedicated stakeholder group . the members should be representatives of union - level and member state - level social partners . in carrying out its activities , the stakeholder group will take due account of the opinions and draw on the expertise of the advisory committee for the coordination of social security systems established by regulation no 883 / 2004 and the advisory committee on the free movement of workers established pursuant to regulation no 492 / 2011 .


### within the framework of their respective competences , the authority should cooperate with other agencies of the union , in particular those established in the area of employment and social policy , building on their expertise and maximising synergies : the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions , the european centre for the development of vocational training , the european agency for safety and health at work , and the european training foundation , as well as , as regards the fight against organised crime and trafficking in human beings , with the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and european union agency for criminal justice cooperation . ### within the framework of their respective competences , the authority should cooperate with other agencies of the union , in particular those established in the area of employment and social policy , building on their expertise and maximising synergies : the european foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions , the european centre for the development of vocational training , the european agency for safety and health at work , and the european training foundation , as well as , as regards the fight against organised crime , corruption and trafficking in human beings , with the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and european union agency for criminal justice cooperation , as well as with the other eu agencies active in the area of justice and home affairs , such as the european union agency for fundamental rights , the european asylum support office , the european agency for the operational management of large - scale it systems in the area of freedom , security and justice , the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction , the european institute for gender equality , the eu agency for law enforcement training ) and the eu anti - trafficking coordinator .


### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , as referred to in article 6 of the treaty on european union , ### this regulation respects the fundamental right sand observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , as referred to in article 6 of the treaty on european union . it also takes into account the european pillar of social rights ,


### facilitate cooperation and the exchange of information between national authorities with a view to the effective enforcement of relevant union law , in accordance with article 8 ; ### facilitate cooperation and the exchange of information between national authorities with a view to the effective enforcement of relevant union law , in accordance with article 8 , and the effective tackling of unemployment ;


### the authority shall support the work of the administrative commission for the coordination of social security systems with handling financial matters related to social security coordination , in accordance with article 74 of regulation no 883 / 2004 and articles 65 , 67 and 69 of regulation no 987 / 2009 . ### the authority shall support the work of the administrative commission for the efficient coordination of social security systems with handling financial matters related to social security coordination , in accordance with article 74 of regulation no 883 / 2004 and articles 65 , 67 and 69 of regulation no 987 / 2009 .


### the authority shall promote the use of electronic tools and procedures for message exchange between national authorities , including the internal market information system and the electronic exchange of social security information system . ### the authority shall promote the proper use of electronic tools and procedures for message exchange between national authorities , including the internal market information system and the electronic exchange of social security information system .


### the authority shall encourage the use of innovative approaches to effective and efficient cross - border cooperation , and explore the potential use of electronic exchange mechanisms between the member states to facilitate the detection of fraud , providing reports to the commission with a view to their further development . ### the authority shall encourage the use of innovative approaches to effective and efficient cross - border cooperation , and explore the potential use of electronic exchange mechanisms between the member states to facilitate the detection of fraud , providing reports to the commission with a view to their further development and with full respect of personal data .


### the authority may set up working groups or expert panels with representatives from member states and / or from the commission , or external experts following selection procedures , for the fulfilment of its specific tasks or for specific policy areas , including a mediation board in order to fulfil its tasks in accordance with article 13 of this regulation , and a dedicated group for the purpose of handling financial matters related to the application of regulations no 883 / 2004 and no 987 / 2009 , as referred to in article 8 of this regulation . ### the authority may set up working groups or expert panels with representatives from member states and / or from the commission , or external experts or social partners following selection procedures , for the fulfilment of its specific tasks or for specific policy areas , including a mediation board in order to fulfil its tasks in accordance with article 13 of this regulation , and a dedicated group for the purpose of handling financial matters related to the application of regulations no 883 / 2004 and no 987 / 2009 , as referred to in article 8 of this regulation .


### members of the management board representing their member states and their alternates shall be appointed by their respective member states in light of their knowledge in the fields referred to in article 1 , taking into account relevant managerial , administrative and budgetary skills . ### members of the management board representing their member states and their alternates shall be appointed by their respective member states in light of their knowledge in the fields referred to in article 1 and on the basis of merit , taking into account relevant experience , managerial , administrative and budgetary skills . members of the management board representing the social partners referred to in points and shall be appointed by their respective organisations in the member states .


### the management board shall convene meetings with the stakeholder group at least once a year . ### the management board shall convene meetings with the stakeholder group at least twice a year .


### without prejudice to paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 , cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations , contracts , grant agreements and grant decisions of the authority shall contain provisions expressly empowering the european court of auditors and olaf to conduct such audits and investigations , according to their respective competences . ### without prejudice to paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 , cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations , contracts , grant agreements and grant decisions of the authority shall contain provisions expressly empowering the eppo , european court of auditors and olaf to conduct such audits and investigations , according to their respective competences .


### the customs 2020 programme set up under regulation no 1294 / 201318 and its predecessors have significantly contributed to facilitating and enhancing customs cooperation . many of the activities in the customs area are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states , and therefore they cannot be effectively and efficiently delivered by individual member states . a customs programme at union level , implemented by the commission , offers member states a union framework to develop those cooperation activities , which is more cost - efficient than if each member state were to set up individual cooperation frameworks on a bilateral or multilateral basis . it is therefore appropriate to ensure the continuity of union financing of activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same area , the customs programme . _________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 . ### the customs 2020 programme set up under regulation no 1294 / 201318 and its predecessors have significantly contributed to facilitating and enhancing customs cooperation . many of the activities in the customs area are of a cross - border nature , involving and affecting all member states , and therefore they cannot always be effectively and efficiently delivered by individual member states . a customs programme at union level , implemented by the commission , offers member states a union framework to develop those cooperation activities , which is more cost - efficient than if each member state were to set up individual cooperation frameworks on a bilateral or multilateral basis . it is therefore appropriate to ensure the continuity of union financing of activities in the field of customs cooperation by establishing a new programme in the same area , the customs programme . _________________ 18 regulation no 1294 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing an action programme for customs in the european union for the period 2014 - 2020 and repealing decision no 624 / 2007 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 209 .


### the customs union has evolved considerably over the last fifty years and customs administrations now successfully perform a wide variety of tasks at borders . acting together , they work to facilitate trade and reduce red tape , collect revenues for national and union budgets and protect the public against terrorist , health , environmental and other threats . in particular , with the introduction of an eu - wide common risk management framework19 and customs control of movements of large amounts of cash to combat money laundering and terrorist financing , customs assume a front line position in the fight against terrorism and organised crime , . given that broad mandate , customs is now effectively the lead authority for the control of goods at the union’s external borders . against that backdrop , the customs programme should not only cover customs cooperation but extend its support to the mission of customs authorities at large , as set out in article 3 of regulation no 952 / 2013 , i . e . the supervision of the union ' s international trade , the implementation of the external aspects of the internal market , of the common trade policy and of the other common union policies having a bearing on trade , as well as the security of the supply chain . the legal basis will therefore cover customs cooperation , internal market and commercial policy . _________________ 19 https : / / ec . europa . eu / taxation_customs / general - information - customs / customs - risk - management / measures - customs - risk - management - framework - crmf_en ### the customs union has evolved considerably over the last fifty years and customs administrations now successfully perform a wide variety of tasks at borders . acting together , they work to facilitate trade and reduce red tape , collect revenues for national and union budgets and help to protect the public against terrorist , health , environmental and other threats . in particular , with the introduction of an eu - wide common risk management framework19 and customs control of movements of large amounts of cash to combat money laundering and terrorist financing , customs assume a front line position in the fight against terrorism and organised crime , . given that broad mandate , customs is now effectively the lead authority for the control of goods at the union’s external borders . against that backdrop , the customs programme should not only cover customs cooperation but extend its support to the mission of customs authorities at large , as set out in article 3 of regulation no 952 / 2013 , i . e . the supervision of the union ' s international trade , the implementation of the external aspects of the internal market , of the common trade policy and of the other common union policies having a bearing on trade , as well as the security of the supply chain . the legal basis will therefore cover customs cooperation , internal market and commercial policy . _________________ 19 https : / / ec . europa . eu / taxation_customs / general - information - customs / customs - risk - management / measures - customs - risk - management - framework - crmf_en


### in providing a framework for actions that has as objective to support the customs union and customs authorities , the programme should contribute to protecting the financial and economic interests of the union and its member states ; protecting the union from unfair and illegal trade while supporting legitimate business activity ; ensuring the security and safety of the union and its residents ; and facilitating legitimate trade , so that businesses and citizens can benefit from the full potential of the internal market and of global trade . ### in providing a framework for actions that has as objective to support the customs union and customs authorities , the programme should contribute to protecting the financial and economic interests of the union and its member states ; protecting the union from unfair and illegal trade while supporting legitimate business activity ; ensuring the security and safety of the union and its residents ; and facilitating legitimate trade , so that citizens and businesses can benefit from the full potential of the internal market and of global trade .


### the actions which applied under the customs 2020 programme have proven to be adequate and should therefore be maintained . in order to provide more simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the programme and thereby better deliver on its objectives , the actions should be defined only in terms of overall categories with a list of illustrative examples of concrete activities . through cooperation and capacity building , the customs programme should also promote and support the uptake and leverage of innovation to further improve the capabilities to deliver on the core priorities of customs . ### the actions which applied under the customs 2020 programme have proven to be adequate and should therefore be maintained . in order to provide greater simplicity and flexibility in the execution of the programme and thereby better deliver on its objectives , the actions should be defined only in terms of overall categories with a list of illustrative examples of concrete activities . through cooperation and capacity building , the customs programme should also promote and support the uptake and leverage of innovation to further improve the capabilities to deliver on the core priorities of customs .


### regulation [ 2018 / xxx ] establishes , as part of the integrated border management fund , a customs control equipment instrument22 . in order to preserve the coherence and horizontal coordination of all cooperation actions relating to customs and customs control equipment , it is appropriate to implement all of them under one single legal act and set of rules , being this regulation . therefore , the cce instrument should only support the purchase , maintenance and upgrade of the eligible equipment while this programme should support all other related actions , such as cooperation actions for the assessment of equipment needs or , where appropriate , training in relation to the equipment purchased . _________________ 22 proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing , as part of the integrated border management fund , the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment ### regulation [ 2018 / xxx ] establishes , as part of the integrated border management fund , a customs control equipment instrument22 . in order to preserve the coherence and horizontal coordination of all cooperation actions relating to customs and customs control equipment , it is appropriate to implement all of them under one single legal act and set of rules , that act and those rules being this regulation . therefore , the cce instrument should only support the purchase , maintenance and upgrade of the eligible equipment , while this programme should support all other related actions , such as cooperation actions for the assessment of equipment needs or , where appropriate , training in relation to the equipment purchased . _________________ 22 proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing , as part of the integrated border management fund , the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment


### considering the importance of globalisation , the programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts within the meaning of article 238 of the financial regulation . those external experts should mainly be representatives of governmental authorities , including from non - associated third countries , as well as representatives of international organisations , economic operators or civil society . ### considering the significance of globalisation , the programme should continue to provide the possibility of involving external experts within the meaning of article 238 of the financial regulation . those external experts should mainly be representatives of governmental authorities , including from non - associated third countries , as well as representatives of international organisations , economic operators or civil society .


### information technology capacity building actions are set to attract the greatest part of the budget under the programme . specific provisions should describe , respectively , the common and national components of the european electronic systems . moreover , the scope of actions and the responsibilities of the commission and the member states should be clearly defined . ### information technology capacity - building actions are set to attract the greater part of the budget under the programme . specific provisions should describe , respectively , the common and national components of the european electronic systems . moreover , the scope of actions and the responsibilities of the commission and the member states should be clearly defined .


### in order to respond appropriately to changes in policy priorities , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the list of indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives of the programme . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . ### in order to respond appropriately to changes in policy priorities , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the list of indicators to measure the achievement of the specific objectives of the programme . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council must receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure jointly the development and operation , including the design , specification , conformance testing , deployment , maintenance , evolution , security , quality assurance and quality control , of the european electronic systems listed in the multi - annual strategic plan for customs referred to in article 12 . ### the commission and the member states shall jointly&#160 ; ensure the development and operation of the european electronic systems listed in the multi - annual strategic plan for customs referred to in article 12 , including its design , specification , conformance testing , deployment , maintenance , evolution , security , quality assurance and quality control .


### this regulation shall not affect the continuation or modification of the actions concerned , until their closure , under regulation no 1294 / 2013 , which shall continue to apply to the actions concerned until their closure . ### this regulation shall not affect the continuation or modification of the actions concerned under regulation no 1294 / 2013 , which shall continue to apply to the actions concerned until their closure .


### whilst the european public prosecutor’s office should have exclusive competence to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the union’s financial interests , eurojust should be able to support national authorities when they are investigating and prosecuting these forms of crime in accordance with the regulation establishing the european public prosecutor’s office . ### as the european public prosecutor’s office is established by enhanced co - operation , the regulation implementing enhanced co - operation on the establishment of the european prosecutor’s office is binding only for those member states that participate in enhanced co - operation . therefore , for those member states not participating in the european public prosecutor’s office , eurojust remains fully competent for crimes affecting the union’s financial interests . for those member states participating in the european prosecutor’s office , eurojust should be able to support national authorities when they are investigating and prosecuting these forms of crime in accordance with the regulation establishing the european public prosecutor’s office .


### to guarantee the full autonomy and independence of eurojust , it should be granted an autonomous budget , with revenue coming essentially from a contribution from the budget of the union , except as regards the salaries and emoluments of the national members and assisting persons , which are borne by their member state of origin . the union budgetary procedure should be applicable as far as the union contribution and other subsidies chargeable to the general budget of the union are concerned . the auditing of accounts should be undertaken by the court of auditors . ### to guarantee the full autonomy and independence of eurojust , it should be granted an autonomous budget sufficient to properly carry out its work , with revenue coming essentially from a contribution from the budget of the union , except as regards the salaries and emoluments of the national members and assisting persons , which are borne by their member state of origin . the union budgetary procedure should be applicable as far as the union contribution and other subsidies chargeable to the general budget of the union are concerned . the auditing of accounts should be undertaken by the court of auditors .


### unless stated otherwise , the college shall take its decisions by a majority of its members . ### unless stated otherwise , and&#160 ; where a&#160 ; consensus cannot be reached , the college shall take its decisions by a majority of its members .


### adopt rules for the prevention and management of conflicts of interest in respect of its members ; ### adopt rules for the detection and prevention or management of conflicts of interest in respect of its members ;


### the administrative director shall be appointed by the college from a list of candidates proposed by the commission , following an open and transparent selection procedure . for the purpose of concluding the contract of the administrative director , eurojust shall be represented by the president of the college . ### the administrative director shall be appointed by the college on the grounds of merit and documented administrative and managerial skills , as well as relevant competence and experience , from a list of candidates proposed by the executive board , following an open and transparent selection procedure , in accordance with the rules of procedure of eurojust . for the purpose of concluding the contract of the administrative director , eurojust shall be represented by the president of the college . before being appointed , the candidate selected by the college shall answer questions from the members of the committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs and the committee on budgetary control of the european parliament .


### the term of office of the administrative director shall be five years . by the end of this period , the commission shall undertake an assessment which takes into account an evaluation of the performance of the administrative director . ### the term of office of the administrative director shall be four years . by the end of this period , the executive board shall undertake an assessment which takes into account an evaluation of the performance of the administrative director .


### the college , acting on a proposal from the commission which takes into account the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 , may extend once the term of office of the administrative director for no more than five years . ### the college , acting on a proposal from the executive board which takes into account the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 , may extend once the term of office of the administrative director for no more than four years .


### eurojust shall establish and maintain a special relationship with the european public prosecutor ' s office based on close cooperation and the development of operational , administrative and management links between them as defined below . to this end , the european public prosecutor and the president of eurojust shall meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common concern . ### eurojust shall establish and maintain a close relationship with the european public prosecutor ' s office based on mutual cooperation within their respective mandates and competences and on the development of operational and administrative links between them as defined in this article . to this end , the president of eurojust and the european chief prosecutor shall meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common interest .


### olaf may contribute to eurojust’s coordination work regarding the protection of the financial interests of the union , in accordance with its mandate under regulation of the european parliament and of the council no . . . / 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 . ### olaf shall contribute to eurojust’s coordination work regarding the protection of the financial interests of the union , in accordance with its mandate under regulation of the european parliament and of the council no 883 / 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office and repealing regulation no 1073 / 1999 of the european parliament and of the council and council regulation no 1074 / 1999 .


### for purposes of the receipt and transmission of information between eurojust and olaf , and without prejudice to article 8 , member states shall ensure that the national members of eurojust shall be regarded as competent authorities of the member states solely for the purposes of regulation no 1073 / 1999 and council regulation no 1074 / 199919 . the exchange of information between olaf and national members shall be without prejudice to the information which must be given to other competent authorities under those regulations . _________________ 19 oj l 136 , 31 . 5 . 1999 , p . 8 . ### for purposes of the receipt and transmission of information between eurojust and olaf , and without prejudice to article 8 , member states shall ensure that the national members of eurojust shall be regarded as competent authorities of the member states solely for the purposes of regulation of the european parliament and of the council no 883 / 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the european anti - fraud office . the exchange of information between olaf and national members shall be without prejudice to the information which must be given to other competent authorities under those regulations .


### by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , eurojust may authorise the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations or interpol on a case - by - case basis if : ### by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , eurojust may authorise the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations or interpol on a case - by - case basis only if one or more of the following conditions are met :


### the transfer is otherwise necessary or legally required on important public interest grounds of the union or its member states , as recognised by union law or by national law , or for the establishment , exercise or defence of legal claims ; or ### the transfer is otherwise necessary or legally required on important public interest grounds of the union or its member states , as recognised by union law or by national law , or for the establishment , exercise or defence of legal claims ;


### the budgetary authority shall authorise the appropriations for eurojust’s contribution . ### the budgetary authority shall authorise the appropriations for the contribution from the union to eurojust .


### by 1 march following each financial year , eurojust ' s accounting officer shall send the provisional accounts to the commission ' s accounting officer and the court of auditors . ### by 1 march following each financial year , eurojust ' s accounting officer shall send the provisional accounts to each of the commission ' s accounting officer and the court of auditors .


### eurojust shall send the report on the budgetary and financial management to the european parliament , the council and the court of auditors , by 31 march of the following financial year . ### eurojust shall send the report on the budgetary and financial management to each of the european parliament , the council and the court of auditors , by 31 march of the following financial year .


### in order to facilitate combating fraud , corruption and other unlawful activities under regulation no 1073 / 1999 , within six months from the entry into force of this regulation , it shall accede to the interinstitutional agreement of 25 may 1999 concerning internal investigations by the european anti - fraud office and adopt the appropriate provisions applicable to all the employees of eurojust using the template set out in the annex to that agreement . ### in order to facilitate combating fraud , corruption and other unlawful activities under regulation 883 / 2013 , within six months from the entry into force of this regulation , eurojust shall accede to the interinstitutional agreement of 25 may 1999 concerning internal investigations by the european anti - fraud office and adopt the appropriate provisions applicable to all the employees of eurojust using the template set out in the annex to that agreement .


### olaf may carry out investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down in regulation no 1073 / 1999 and council regulation no 2185 / 9622 with a view to establishing whether there have been any irregularities affecting the financial interests of the union in connection with expenditure funded by eurojust . _________________ 22 oj l 292 , 15 . 11 . 1996 , p . 2 . ### olaf may carry out investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down in regulation 883 / 2013 and council regulation no 2185 / 9622 with a view to establishing whether there have been any irregularities affecting the financial interests of the union in connection with expenditure funded by eurojust . _________________ 22 council regulation no 2185 / 96 of 11 november 1996 concerning on - the - spot checks and inspections carried out by the commission in order to protect the european communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities .


### sex ; ### gender ;


### open innovation is an important lever for the creation of new knowledge and underpins the emergence of new and innovative business models based on the use of co - created knowledge . trade secrets have an important role in protecting the exchange of knowledge between businesses within and across the borders of the internal market in the context of research and development and innovation . collaborative research , including cross - border cooperation , is particularly important to increase the levels of business research and development within the internal market . open innovation is a catalyst for new ideas to find their way to the market meeting the needs of consumers and tackling societal challenges . in an internal market where barriers to such cross - border collaboration are minimised and where cooperation is not distorted , intellectual creation and innovation should encourage investment in innovative processes , services and products . such an environment conducive to intellectual creation and innovation is also important for employment growth and improving competitiveness of the union economy . trade secrets are amongst the most used form of protection of intellectual creation and innovative know - how by businesses , yet they are at the same time the least protected by the existing union legal framework against their unlawful acquisition , use or disclosure by third parties . ### innovation is best promoted in an open environment . the role of open software for the development of additional , more targeted software applications , is a good example in this respect . trade secrets may , however , have a role to play in protecting the exchange of knowledge between businesses within and across the borders of the internal market in the context of research and development and innovation , if an open environment is not sustainable . collaborative research , including cross - border cooperation , is particularly important to increase the levels of business research and development within the internal market . open innovation is a catalyst for new ideas to find their way to the market meeting the needs of consumers and tackling societal challenges . in an internal market where barriers to such cross - border collaboration are minimised and where cooperation is not distorted , intellectual creation and innovation should encourage investment in innovative processes , services and products . such an environment conducive to intellectual creation and innovation is also important for employment growth and improving competitiveness of the union economy . trade secrets are amongst the most used form of protection of intellectual creation and innovative know - how by businesses , yet they are at the same time the least protected by the existing union legal framework against their unlawful acquisition , use or disclosure by third parties .


### the trade secret was disclosed by workers to their representatives as part of the legitimate exercise of their representative functions ; ### the trade secret was disclosed by workers when fulfilling the terms of the employment contract , or to their representatives as part of the legitimate exercise of their representative functions ;


### to restrict access to any document containing trade secrets submitted by the parties or third parties , in whole or in part ; ### to restrict access of third parties to any document containing trade secrets submitted by the parties or third parties , in whole or in part ; provided that both parties involved or their representatives have access to them ,


### to restrict access to hearings , when trade secrets may be disclosed , and their corresponding records or transcript . in exceptional circumstances , and subject to appropriate justification , the competent judicial authorities may restrict the parties’ access to those hearings and order them to be carried out only in the presence of the legal representatives of the parties and authorised experts subject to the confidentiality obligation referred to in paragraph 1 ; ### to restrict access of third parties to hearings , when trade secrets may be disclosed , and their corresponding records or transcript provided that both parties involved or their representatives have access to them .


### member states shall ensure that , in considering a request for the adoption of the injunctions and corrective measures provided for in article 11 and assessing their proportionality , the competent judicial authorities take into account the value of the trade secret , the measures taken to protect the trade secret , the conduct of the infringer in acquiring , disclosing or using of the trade secret , the impact of the unlawful disclosure or use of the trade secret , the legitimate interests of the parties and the impact which the granting or rejection of the measures could have on the parties , the legitimate interests of third parties , the public interest and the safeguard of fundamental rights , including freedom of expression and information . ### member states shall ensure that , in considering a request for the adoption of the injunctions and corrective measures provided for in article 11 and assessing their proportionality , the competent judicial authorities weigh all interests at stake , including the value of a trade secret , the impact of the disclosure for the businesses concerned on the one hand and the public interests calling for disclosure on the other hand , and in particular the legitimate interests of the parties and the impact which the granting or rejection of the measures could have on the parties , the legitimate interests of third parties and the safeguard of fundamental rights , including freedom of expression and information .


### the programme’s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the programme’s actions should be used to reinforce and extend the union’s digital base , tackle major societal challenges , further raise the union’s digital industrial competences , as well as address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value .


### the modernisation of european public administrations is one of the key priorities for successful implementation of the digital single market strategy . the mid - term evaluation of the strategy highlighted the need to strengthen the transformation of public administrations and to ensure citizens have easy , trusted , and seamless access to public services . ### the modernisation of european public administrations is one of the key priorities for successful implementation of the digital single market strategy . the mid - term evaluation of the strategy highlighted the need to strengthen the transformation of public administrations and to ensure citizens have easy , trusted , and inclusive access to public services .


### where applicable , the economic , social , climate and environmental impact , and accessibility ; ### the economic , climate , environmental and social impact , in particular promoting accessibility and equal gender educational and professional opportunities ;


### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market . ### the substantial body of union legislation underpins the functioning of the internal market . this concerns , in particular , competitiveness , standardisation , consumer protection , environmental protection , animal welfare protection , market surveillance and food chain regulation , economic sustainability , but also rules concerning business , trade and financial transactions and the promotion of fair competition providing for a level playing field essential for the functioning of the internal market .


### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market . ### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner while preserving the public interest , without harming the environment , and without attempting to go against eu rules in the fields of food waste and food fraud , animal welfare , official controls and the fight against human and animal diseases . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market and increase the level of protection of human and animal health , animals ' dignity as sentient beings and the environment .


### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market . ### several programmes for union action exist currently in the fields of competitiveness of enterprises including smes , consumer protection , customers and end - users in financial services , policy - making in financial services and food chain . some additional activities are financed directly under the internal market budget lines . it is necessary to streamline and exploit synergies between various actions and provide for a more flexible and agile framework to finance activities aiming to achieve a well - functioning internal market in the most cost - efficient manner . it is therefore necessary to establish a new programme bringing together activities financed previously under those other programmes and other relevant budget lines . the programme should also include new initiatives which aim to improve the functioning of the internal market .


### the development , production and dissemination of european statistics are subject to a separate european statistical programme established by regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council47 . in order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating european statistics , the new programme should also include activities covered by the european statistical programme by providing a framework for the development , production and dissemination of european statistics . the new programme should establish the financial framework for european statistics to provide high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe in order to underpin the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of all union policies . _________________ 47 regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2013 on the european statistical programme 2013 - 17 . ### the development , production and dissemination of european statistics are subject to a separate european statistical programme established by regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council47 . in order to provide continuity of producing and disseminating european statistics , the new programme should also include activities covered by the european statistical programme by providing a framework for the development , production and dissemination of european statistics . the new programme should establish the financial framework for european statistics to provide to the general public and to all economic and social stakeholders and to public administrations high - quality , comparable and reliable statistics on europe in order to underpin the design , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of all union policies . _________________ 47 regulation no 99 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2013 on the european statistical programme 2013 - 17 .


### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities . ### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers and the environment . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by intensifying compliance checks , reinforcing compliance rules , by strengthening sanctions for non - compliance and by promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities .


### placing on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or intentionally to gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities . ### placement on the market of products that are not compliant with union law puts those who comply at a disadvantage and may endanger consumers . many entrepreneurs disregard the rules either through lack of knowledge or to intentionally gain a competitive advantage . market surveillance authorities are often underfunded and constrained by national boundaries , while entrepreneurs trade at union or even global level . in particular , in the case of e - commerce , market surveillance authorities have great difficulties in tracing non - compliant products imported from third countries and identifying the responsible entity within their jurisdiction . the programme should therefore seek to strengthen product compliance by providing the right incentives to entrepreneurs , intensifying compliance checks and promoting closer cross - border cooperation among enforcement authorities . the programme should also contribute to the consolidation of the existing framework for market surveillance activities , encourage joint actions of market surveillance authorities from different member states , improve the exchange of information and promote convergence and closer integration of market surveillance activities .


### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , bring down silos between the different parts of their administrations , and to engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway , your europe advice , solvit , the internal market information system and the single market scoreboard in order to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders . ### in order to meet the objectives of the programme and to facilitate the lives of citizens and businesses , high - quality user - centric public services need to be put in place . this implies that public administrations will need to start working in new ways , increase cooperation between the different parts of their administrations , and engage in the co - creation of these public services with citizens and businesses . moreover , the continuous and steady increase of cross - border activities in the internal market requires provision of up - to - date information on the rights of businesses and citizens , but also information explaining the administrative formalities . in addition , provision of legal advice and helping to solve problems which occur at cross - national level becomes essential . furthermore , connecting national administrations in a simple and efficient manner as well as evaluating how the internal market works on the ground is necessary . to improve citizens ' daily lives and businesses ' ability to trade across borders , the programme should therefore support the following existing internal market governance tools : * the your europe portal which should be a backbone of the upcoming single digital gateway ; * your europe advice ; * solvit ; * the internal market information system ; * the single market scoreboard .


### the implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services , financial stability and the capital markets union including sustainable finance , highly depends on the evidence based policy measures taken by the union . in order to achieve this objective , the commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability , assessing the implementation of union legislation by member states , evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge , with a continuous involvement of stakeholders throughout the policy cycle . such activities rely on the production of analyses , studies , training materials , surveys , conformity assessments , evaluations and statistics and are supported by it systems and communication tools . ### the implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services , financial stability and the capital markets union including sustainable finance , highly depends on the evidence based policy measures taken by the union . in order to achieve this objective , the commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability , assessing the implementation of union legislation by member states , evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge , with a continuous involvement of stakeholders , citizens ' groups , ngos and the public in general throughout the policy cycle . such activities rely on the production of analyses , studies , training materials , surveys , conformity assessments , evaluations and statistics and are supported by it systems and communication tools .


### the implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services , financial stability and the capital markets union including sustainable finance , highly depends on the evidence based policy measures taken by the union . in order to achieve this objective , the commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability , assessing the implementation of union legislation by member states , evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge , with a continuous involvement of stakeholders throughout the policy cycle . such activities rely on the production of analyses , studies , training materials , surveys , conformity assessments , evaluations and statistics and are supported by it systems and communication tools . ### the implementation and development of the internal market in the area of financial services , financial stability and the capital markets union including sustainable finance , is heavily dependent on the evidence - based policy measures taken by the union . in order to achieve this objective , the commission should have an active role in constantly monitoring financial markets and financial stability , assessing the implementation of union legislation by member states , evaluating whether the existing legislation is fit for purpose and identifying potential areas of action where new risks emerge , with a continuous involvement of stakeholders throughout the policy cycle . such activities rely on the production of analyses , studies , training materials , surveys , conformity assessments , evaluations and statistics and are supported by it systems and communication tools .


### in accordance with regulation no 1606 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council55 , international financial reporting standards adopted by the international accounting standards board and related interpretations from the ifrs interpretations committee are to be incorporated into union law in order to be applied by companies with securities listed on a regulated market in the union , only if ifrs meet the criteria set out in that regulation , including the requirement that accounts give a ‘ true and fair view’ as laid down in article 4 of directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council56 and that they are conducive to the european public good . such international accounting standards need to be developed under a transparent and democratically accountable process . ifrs therefore plays a major role in the functioning of the internal market and thus the union has a direct interest in ensuring that the process through which ifrs are developed and approved delivers standards that are consistent with the requirements of the legal framework of the internal market . it is therefore important to establish appropriate funding arrangements for the ifrs foundation . _________________ 55 regulation no 1606 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council of 19 july 2002 on the application of international accounting standards . 56 directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec . ### in accordance with regulation no 1606 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council55 , international financial reporting standards adopted by the international accounting standards board and related interpretations from the ifrs interpretations committee are to be incorporated into union law in order to be applied by companies with securities listed on a regulated market in the union , only if ifrs meet the criteria set out in that regulation , including the requirement that accounts give a ‘ true and fair view’ as laid down in article 4 of directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council56 and that they are conducive to the european public good . in this context it is important to note that where there is a clash between an accounting ' standard ' and the law , the law always takes precedence . such international accounting standards need to be developed under a transparent and democratically accountable process . ifrs therefore plays a major role in the functioning of the internal market and thus the union has a direct interest in ensuring that the process through which ifrs are developed and approved delivers standards that are consistent with the requirements of the legal framework of the internal market . it is therefore important to establish appropriate funding arrangements for the ifrs foundation . _________________ 55 regulation no 1606 / 2002 of the european parliament and of the council of 19 july 2002 on the application of international accounting standards . 56 directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec .


### the fitness check of union consumer and marketing law carried out by the commission in may 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws . as a result the commission adopted a ' new deal for consumers ' in april 2018 to ensure , inter alia , the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to dual quality standards , stronger enforcement capacities of member states , enhanced product safety , increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities . the programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building , capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities , networking and development of market intelligence , strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers , it systems and communication tools , inter alia . ### the fitness check of union consumer and marketing law carried out by the commission in may 2017 exposed the need to better enforce rules and facilitate redress when consumers have been harmed by breaches to consumer laws . as a result the commission adopted a ' new deal for consumers ' in april 2018 to ensure , inter alia , the equal treatment of consumers across the internal market in relation to dual quality standards , stronger enforcement capacities of member states , enhanced product safety , increased international cooperation and new possibilities for redress notably through representative actions by qualified entities . the programme should aim to support consumer policy with awareness raising and knowledge building , capacity building and exchange of best practices of the consumer organisations and consumer protection authorities , networking and development of market intelligence , strengthening the evidence base on the functioning of the internal market for consumers , it systems and communication tools .


### the agreement on the european economic area provides for cooperation in the fields subject to the programme between the union and its member states , on the one hand , and the countries of the european free trade association participating in the european economic area , on the other . provision should also be made to open the programme to participation by other countries , including the neighbouring countries of the union and countries which are applying for , are candidates for or are acceding to , membership of the union . in addition , in the field of european statistics , the programme should be open to switzerland in accordance with the agreement between the european community and the swiss confederation on cooperation in the field of statistics64 . _________________ 64 oj l 90 , 28 . 3 . 2006 , p . 2 . ### the agreement on the european economic area provides for cooperation in the fields subject to the programme between the union and its member states , on the one hand , and the countries of the european free trade association participating in the european economic area , on the other . subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations , provision should also be made to open the programme to participation by other countries , including the neighbouring countries of the union and countries which are applying for , are candidates for or are acceding to , membership of the union . in addition , in the field of european statistics , the programme should be open to switzerland in accordance with the agreement between the european community and the swiss confederation on cooperation in the field of statistics64 . _________________ 64 oj l 90 , 28 . 3 . 2006 , p . 2 .


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations , third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorising officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences .


### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ; ### empowering , assisting and educating consumers , producers , businesses and civil society ; ensuring a high level of consumer protection , sustainable consumption and product safety notably by supporting competent enforcement authorities and consumer representative organisations and cooperation actions ; ensuring that all consumers have access to redress and ; provision of adequate information on markets and consumers ;


### the programme shall be open to the following third countries : ### subject to them complying with all its rules and regulations , the programme shall be open to the following third countries :


### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ; ### creation of the right conditions to empower all actors of the internal market , including producers , businesses , citizens and consumers , civil society and public authorities through transparent information and awareness raising campaigns , best practice exchange , promotion of good practices , exchange and dissemination of expertise and knowledge and organization of trainings ;


### article 2 of the association agreement provides that the respect for democratic principles , human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for the principle of the rule of law , constitute essential elements of that agreement . it is appropriate to introduce the possibility to temporarily suspend the preferences in case of failure to respect the fundamental principles of human rights , democracy and the rule of law by ukraine . ### articles 2 and 3 of the association agreement provide that respect for democratic principles , human rights , and fundamental freedoms and the principle of the rule of law , as well as efforts to combat corruption and international organised crime , and measures to promote sustainable development and effective multilateralism , constitute essential elements of relations with ukraine , which are governed by the agreement . it is appropriate to introduce the possibility to temporarily suspend the preferences in case of failure by ukraine to respect the general principles of the association agreement .


### respect for democratic principles , human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for the principle of the rule of law provided for in article 2 of the association agreement . ### respect for the general principles underlying cooperation laid down in articles 2 and 3 of the association agreement , such as democratic principles , human rights , fundamental freedoms and the principle of the rule of law , and tangible progress , in particular , in prosecuting those guilty of corruption .


### where the commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of failure to comply with the conditions set out in article 2 it may suspend in whole or in part the preferential arrangements provided for in this regulation , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 5 . ### where the commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of failure to comply with the conditions set out in article 2 of this regulation , it may suspend in whole or in part the preferential arrangements provided for in this regulation , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 5 .


### where a product originating in ukraine is imported on terms which cause , or threaten to cause , serious difficulties to a community producer of like or directly competing products , common customs tariff duties on such product may be reintroduced at any time by the council acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the commission . ### the commission shall inform the european parliament and the council about trends in imports from ukraine of the goods and products listed in annexes i , ii and iii and their impact on the european union market and producers in the european union . to this end , it shall at the beginning of the year analyse data for the previous year and forward its analysis to the european parliament and the council . as part of this analysis , it shall also asses the dangers of a possible destabilisation of the market due to imports of the goods and products listed on terms which cause , or threaten to cause , serious difficulties to a community producer of like or directly competing products . for this purpose , the commission shall take into account all individual aspects on which data have been gathered during the year , particularly the quantities produced in the european union , the quantities imported , prices of sale on the european union market , the prices customary abroad and relevant information on community producers , such as market share , production , stocks , production capacities , capacity utilisation rates and prices . the commission shall also estimate the consequences for producers in the union with reference to changes in the number of people they employ and their incomes .


### at the request of a member state or on the commission’s initiative , the commission shall take a formal decision to initiate an investigation within a reasonable period of time . where the commission decides to initiate an investigation , it shall publish a notice in the official journal of the european union announcing the investigation . the notice shall provide a summary of the information received and state that any relevant information should be sent to the commission . it shall specify the period , which shall not exceed four months from the date of publication of the notice , within which interested parties may make their views known in writing . ### at the request of a member state or stakeholders or on the commission’s initiative , the commission shall take a formal decision to initiate an investigation into possible destabilisation of the european union market within a reasonable period of time . where the commission decides to initiate an investigation , it shall publish a notice in the official journal of the european union announcing the investigation . the notice shall provide a summary of the information received and state that any relevant information should be sent to the commission . it shall specify the period , which shall not exceed four months from the date of publication of the notice , within which interested parties may make their views known in writing . if the commission finds as a result of this investigation that serious difficulties exist for community producers , the council may , on a commission proposal , decide by a qualified majority to reintroduce the normal common customs tariff duties for the goods or product concerned .


### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to streamline the governance of the cap and improve its delivery on the union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set the basic policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives . ### since the cap needs to sharpen its responses to growing challenges such as rising regional and social disparities and climate change and to reap opportunities at union , international , national , regional , local and farm levels , it is necessary to improve the governance of the cap and its delivery on the union objectives , in particular social , economic and territorial cohesion , the fight against poverty and hunger , climate protection , preservation of biodiversity and food safety while decreasing the administrative burden . in the cap based on delivery of performance , the union should set common policy parameters , such as objectives of the cap and basic requirements , while member states should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet common objectives and achieve targets . enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs , tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to union objectives .


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the paris agreement . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments can play a complementary role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this program will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the particular urgency of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this program will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies , to reaching the reduction of co2 emissions by 45 percent until 2030 compared to 2010 and zero emissions by 2050 and to this end to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food and rural areas and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives : ### support from the eagf and eafrd shall aim to further improve the sustainable development of farming , food and rural areas within and outside the union , in line with treaty obligations and shall contribute to achieving the following general objectives :


### contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as sustainable energy ; ### contribute to reducing greenhouse gases , climate change mitigation and adaptation , as well as sustainable energy ;


### promote employment , growth , social inclusion and local development in rural areas , including bio - economy and sustainable forestry ; ### promote decent employment , diversification of activities and stabilisation of income , social inclusion and the fight against poverty and local development in rural areas , including bio - economy and sustainable forestry ;


### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , which have supported job creation and labour market growth . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship . ### since the adoption of council directive 91 / 533 / eec , 33 labour markets have undergone far - reaching changes due to demographic developments and digitalisation leading to the creation of new forms of employment , but also due to measures that take a one - sided supply - side labour market approach aimed at liberalisation and deregulation of labour markets . new forms of employment are often not as regular or stable as traditional employment relationships and lead to reduced predictability for the workers concerned , creating uncertainty as to applicable rights and social protection . in this evolving world of work , there is therefore an increased need for workers to be fully informed about their essential working conditions , which should occur in a written form and in a timely manner . in order adequately to frame the development of new forms of employment , workers in the union should also be provided with a number of new minimum rights aimed at promoting security and predictability in employment relationships while achieving upward convergence across member states and preserving labour market adaptability . __________________ 33 council directive 91 / 533 / ec of 14 october 1991 on an employer ' s obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship .


### several different natural or legal persons may in practice assume the functions and responsibilities of an employer . member states should remain free to determine more precisely the person who are considered totally or partially responsible for the execution of the obligations that this directive lays down for employers , as long as all those obligations are fulfilled . member states should also be able to decide that some or all of these obligations are to be assigned to a natural or legal person who is not party to the employment relationship . member states should be able to establish specific rules to exclude individuals acting as employers for domestic workers in the household from the obligations to consider and respond to a request for a different type of employment , to provide cost - free mandatory training , and from coverage of the redress mechanism based on favourable presumptions in the case of missing information in the written statement . ### several different natural or legal persons may in practice assume the functions and responsibilities of an employer . member states should remain free to determine more precisely the person who are considered totally , partially or jointly responsible for the execution of the obligations that this directive lays down for employers , as long as all those obligations are fulfilled . member states should also be able to decide that some or all of these obligations are to be assigned to a natural or legal person who is not party to the employment relationship .