### 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


### 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 .


### 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 , modernisation security , quality assurance and quality control .


### more market integration and the change towards a more volatile electricity production requires increased efforts to coordinate national energy policies with neighbours and to use the opportunities of cross - border electricity trade . ### more market integration and the change towards a more volatile electricity production requires increased efforts to coordinate national energy policies with neighbours and to use the opportunities of cross - border electricity trade , though care must be exercised that this is not at the expense of the ' home ' market .


### core market principles should set out that electricity prices are to be determined through demand and supply . those prices should signal when electricity is needed , providing market - based incentives for investments into flexibility sources such as flexible generation , interconnection , demand response or storage . ### core market principles should set out that electricity prices are to be determined through demand and supply , though regulation of that market is then required to ensure that in this most vital of services , there is neither profiteering nor cartel operations by the dominant players . those prices should signal when electricity is needed , providing market - based incentives for investments into flexibility sources such as flexible generation , interconnection , demand response or storage .


### short - term markets will improve liquidity and competition by enabling more resources to participate fully in the market , especially those that are more flexible . effective scarcity pricing will encourage market participants to be available when the market most needs it and ensures that they can recover their costs in the wholesale market . it is therefore critical to ensure that , as far as possible , administrative and implicit price caps are removed to allow scarcity prices to increase up to the value of lost load . when fully embedded in the market structure , short - term markets and scarcity pricing will contribute to the removal of other measures , such as capacity mechanisms , to ensure security of supply . at the same time , scarcity pricing without price caps on the wholesale market should not jeopardize the possibility for reliable and stable prices for final customers , in particular households and smes . ### short - term markets will improve liquidity and competition by enabling more resources to participate fully in the market , especially those that are more flexible . effective scarcity pricing will encourage market participants to be available when the market most needs it and ensures that they can recover their costs in the wholesale market . it is therefore critical to ensure that , as far as possible , administrative and implicit price caps are removed to allow scarcity prices to increase up to the value of lost load . when fully embedded in the market structure , short - term markets and scarcity pricing will contribute to the removal of other measures , such as capacity mechanisms , to ensure security of supply . at the same time , scarcity pricing without price caps on the wholesale market should not jeopardize the possibility for reasonable , reliable and stable prices for final customers , in particular households and smes .


### short - term markets will improve liquidity and competition by enabling more resources to participate fully in the market , especially those that are more flexible . effective scarcity pricing will encourage market participants to be available when the market most needs it and ensures that they can recover their costs in the wholesale market . it is therefore critical to ensure that , as far as possible , administrative and implicit price caps are removed to allow scarcity prices to increase up to the value of lost load . when fully embedded in the market structure , short - term markets and scarcity pricing will contribute to the removal of other measures , such as capacity mechanisms , to ensure security of supply . at the same time , scarcity pricing without price caps on the wholesale market should not jeopardize the possibility for reliable and stable prices for final customers , in particular households and smes . ### short - term markets will improve liquidity and competition by enabling more resources to participate fully in the market , especially those that are more flexible . effective scarcity pricing will encourage market participants to be available when the market most needs it and ensures that they can recover their costs in the wholesale market . it is therefore critical to ensure that , as far as possible , administrative and implicit price caps are removed to allow scarcity prices to increase up to the value of lost load . when fully embedded in the market structure , short - term markets and scarcity pricing will contribute to the removal of other measures , such as capacity mechanisms , to ensure security of supply . at the same time , scarcity pricing without price caps on the wholesale market should not jeopardize the possibility for reliable stable and affordable prices for final customers , in particular households and smes .


### detailed rules for facilitating effective cross - border participation in capacity mechanisms other than reserve schemes should be laid down . transmission system operators across the borders should facilitate interested generators wanting to participate in capacity mechanisms in other member states . therefore , they should calculate capacities up to which cross - border participation would be possible , enable participation and check availabilities . national regulatory authorities should enforce the cross - border rules in the member states . ### detailed rules for facilitating effective cross - border participation in capacity mechanisms should be laid down . transmission system operators across the borders should facilitate interested generators wanting to participate in capacity mechanisms in other member states . therefore , they should calculate capacities up to which cross - border participation would be possible , enable participation and check availabilities . national regulatory authorities should enforce the cross - border rules in the member states . .


### in order to raise efficiencies in the electricity distribution networks in the union and ensure close cooperation with transmission system operators and entso for electricity , a european entity of distribution system operators in the union should be established . the tasks of the eu dso entity should be well - defined and its working method should ensure efficiency , transparency and representativeness amongst the union distribution system operators . the eu dso entity should closely cooperate with entso for electricity on the preparation and implementation of the network codes where applicable and should work on providing guidance on the integration inter alia of distributed generation and storage in distribution networks or other areas which relate to the management of distribution networks . ### in order to raise efficiencies in the electricity distribution networks in the union and ensure close cooperation with transmission system operators and entso for electricity , a european entity of distribution system operators in the union should be established . the tasks of the eu dso entity should be well - defined and its working method should ensure efficiency , transparency and representativeness amongst the union distribution system operators , respecting regional specificities of distribution networks . the eu dso entity should closely cooperate with entso for electricity on the preparation and implementation of the network codes where applicable and should work on providing guidance on the integration inter alia of distributed generation and storage in distribution networks or other areas which relate to the management of distribution networks .


### ‘ congestion’ means a situation in which all requests from market participants to trade between two bidding zones cannot be accommodated because they would significantly affect the physical flows on network elements which cannot accommodate those flows ; ### ‘ congestion’ means a situation in which all requests from market participants to trade cannot be accommodated because they would significantly affect the physical flows on network elements which cannot accommodate those flows . an interconnection linking national transmission networks cannot accommodate all physical flows resulting from international trade requested by market participants , because of a lack of capacity of the interconnectors and / or the national transmission systems concerned ;


### prices shall be formed based on demand and supply ; ### prices shall be formed based on demand and supply but with the over - riding principle that fairness in that pricing shall be&#160 ; at the core ;


### actions which prevent price formation on the basis of demand and supply or constitute a disincentive to the development of more flexible generation , low carbon generation , or more flexible demand shall be avoided ; ### actions which prevent price formation on the basis of a ) demand and supply , and b ) fair pricing , or which constitute a disincentive to the development of more flexible generation , low carbon generation , or more flexible demand shall be avoided ;


### market participation of consumers and small businesses shall be enabled by aggregation of generation from multiple generation facilities or load from multiple demand facilities to provide joint offers on the electricity market and be jointly operated in the electricity system , subject to compliance with eu treaty rules on competition ; ### market participation of consumers and small businesses shall be enabled and encouraged by aggregation of generation from multiple generation facilities or load from multiple demand facilities to provide joint offers on the electricity market and be jointly operated in the electricity system , subject to compliance with eu treaty rules on competition ;


### market rules shall support the decarbonisation of the economy by enabling the integration of electricity from renewable energy sources and providing incentives for energy efficiency ; ### market rules shall support the decarbonisation of the economy by enabling the integration of electricity from viable renewable energy sources and providing incentives for energy efficiency ;


### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility and reflect actual costs incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . in particular , they shall be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not discriminate against energy storage and shall not create disincentives for participation in demand response . without prejudice to paragraph 3 , those charges shall not be distance - related . ### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility and reflect actual costs incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . without prejudice to article 15 and and the criteria in annex xi of directive 2012 / 27 / eu they shall , in particular , be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not unduly discriminate either positively or negatively against&#160 ; energy storage and shall not create disincentives for participation in demand response . without prejudice to paragraph 3 , those charges shall not be distance - related .


### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility and reflect actual costs incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . in particular , they shall be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not discriminate against energy storage and shall not create disincentives for participation in demand response . without prejudice to paragraph 3 , those charges shall not be distance - related . ### charges applied by network operators for access to networks , including charges for connection to the networks , charges for use of networks , and , where applicable , charges for related network reinforcements , &#160 ; shall be transparent , take into account the need for network security and flexibility&#160 ; and reflect&#160 ; actual costs&#160 ; incurred insofar as they correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are applied in a non - discriminatory manner . in particular , they shall be applied in a way which does not discriminate between production connected at the distribution level and production connected at the transmission level , either positively or negatively . they shall not discriminate against energy storage and shall not create disincentives for participation in demand response or for self - generation . &#160 ; without prejudice to paragraph 3 , &#160 ; those charges shall not be distance - related .


### regional operational centres established pursuant to article 32 shall annually calculate the maximum entry capacity available for the participation of foreign capacity taking into account the expected availability of interconnection and the likely concurrence of system stress between the system where the mechanism is applied and the system in which the foreign capacity is located . a calculation is required for each bidding zone border . ### where capacity mechanisms are applied , tsos shall assist relevant regulatory authorities in calculating the maximum entry capacity available for the participation of foreign capacity taking into account the expected availability of interconnection and the likely concurrence of system stress between the system where the mechanism is applied and the system in which the foreign capacity is located . a calculation is required for each bidding zone border .


### member states applying capacity mechanisms on [ op : entry into force of this regulation ] shall adapt their mechanisms to comply with articles 18 , 21 and 23 of this regulation . ### member states applying capacity mechanisms on [ op : entry into force of this regulation ] shall adapt their mechanisms to comply with articles 18 , 21 and 23 of this regulation within two years after entry into force of this regulation .


### regional week ahead to intraday system adequacy forecasts and preparation of risk reducing actions ; ### regional week ahead to intraday system adequacy forecasts ;


### cooperation within regional operational centres ### cooperation within and between security - coordinated regions operational centres


### a procedure for the adoption of decisions and recommendations in accordance with article 38 ; ### a procedure for the adoption of tso decisions taking into account the proposals from regional security coordinators ;


### a procedure for the revision of decisions and recommendations adopted by regional operational centres in accordance with article 39 . ### a procedure for the revision of recommendations issued by regional security coordinators in accordance with article 39 .


### management board of regional operational centres ### management board of regional security coordinators


### in order to adopt measures related to their governance and to monitor their performance , the regional operational centres shall establish a management board . ### in order to adopt measures related to their governance and to monitor their performance , the regional security coordinators shall establish a management board .


### drafting and endorsing the statutes and rules of procedure of the regional operational centre ; ### drafting and endorsing the statutes and rules of procedure of the regional security coordinators ;


### regional operational centres may set up regional desks to address local specificities or back - up operational centres for the efficient and reliable exercise of their functions . ### regional security coordinators may set up regional desks to address local specificities or back - up regional security coordinators for the efficient and reliable exercise of their functions .


### regional operational centres shall be equipped with all the human , technical , physical and financial resources necessary for fulfilling their obligations under this regulation and carrying out their functions . ### regional security coordinators shall be equipped with all the human , technical , physical and financial resources necessary for fulfilling their obligations under this regulation and carrying out their functions .


### regional operational centres shall establish a process for the continuous monitoring of at least : ### regional security coordinators shall establish a process for the continuous monitoring of at least :


### regional operational centres shall establish their costs in a transparent manner and report them to the agency and to the regulatory authorities of the system operation region . ### regional security coordinators shall establish their costs in a transparent manner and report them to the agency and to the regulatory authorities of the security - coordinated region .


### regional operational centres shall submit an annual report concerning their performance to entso for electricity , the agency , the regulatory authorities of the system operation region and the electricity coordination group established pursuant to article 1 of commission decision 2012 / c 353 / 0237 . _________________ 37 commission decision of 15 november 2012 setting up the electricity coordination group . ### regional security coordinators shall submit an annual report concerning their performance to entso for electricity , the agency , the regulatory authorities of the security - coordinated region and the electricity coordination group established pursuant to article 1 of commission decision 2012 / c 353 / 0237 . _________________ 37 commission decision of 15 november 2012 setting up the electricity coordination group .


### regional operational centres shall report shortcomings identified in the monitoring process under paragraph 1 to entso for electricity , the regulatory authorities of the system operation region , the agency and the competent authorities of member states responsible for the prevention and management of crisis situations . ### regional security coordinators shall report shortcomings identified in the monitoring process under paragraph 1 to entso for electricity , the regulatory authorities of the security - coordinated region , the agency and the competent authorities of member states responsible for the prevention and management of crisis situations .


### distribution system operators which are not part of a vertically integrated undertaking or which are unbundled according to the provisions of article 35 [ recast of directive 2009 / 72 / ec as proposed by com 864 / 2 ] , shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity . ### distribution system operators which are not part of a vertically integrated undertaking or which are unbundled according to the provisions of article 35 [ recast of directive 2009 / 72 / ec as proposed by com 864 / 2 ] , shall cooperate at union level through a european entity for distribution system operators , in order to promote the completion and functioning of the internal market in electricity , and to promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems . distribution system operators who wish to participate in the eu dso entity shall become registered members of the entity . statuses shall ensure that decision - making process takes into account regional differences of distribution network .


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 63 concerning the establishment of network codes in the following areas : ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 63 concerning the establishment of network codes in the following areas , taking into account , if appropriate , regional specificities :


### the agency shall revise the network code and ensure that the network code is in line with the relevant framework guideline and contributes to market integration , non - discrimination , effective competition , and the efficient functioning of the market and , submit the revised network code to the commission within six months of the day of the receipt of the proposal . in the proposal submitted to the commission , the agency shall take into account the views provided by all involved parties during the drafting of the proposal led by the entso for electricity or the eu dso entity and shall formally consult the relevant stakeholders on the version to be submitted to the commission . ### the agency shall revise the network code and ensure that the network code is in line with the relevant framework guideline and contributes to market integration , non - discrimination , effective competition , and the efficient functioning of the market and , submit the revised network code to the commission within six months of the day of the receipt of the proposal . in the proposal submitted to the commission , the agency shall take into account the views provided by all involved parties , in particular the consumers´ ones , during the drafting of the proposal led by the entso for electricity or the eu dso entity and shall formally consult the relevant stakeholders on the version to be submitted to the commission .


### in the absence of harmonised union rules on sustainability - related disclosures to end - investors , it is likely that diverging measures will continue to be adopted at national level and different approaches in different financial services sectors might persist . such divergent measures and approaches would continue to cause significant distortions of competition resulting from significant differences in disclosure standards . in addition , a parallel development of market - based practices , based on commercially - driven priorities that produce divergent results currently causes further market fragmentation and might even further exacerbate the functioning of the internal market in the future . divergent disclosure standards and market - based practices make it very difficult to compare between different financial products and services and create an uneven playing field between these products and services and between distribution channels , and erect additional barriers to the internal market . such divergences can also be confusing for end - investors and can distort their investment decisions . in ensuring compliance with the paris climate agreement , member states are likely to adopt divergent national measures which could create obstacles to the smooth functioning of the internal market and be detrimental to financial market participants and financial advisors . in addition , the lack of harmonised rules relating to transparency makes it difficult for end - investors to effectively compare different financial products and services in different member states as to their environmental , social and governance risks and sustainable investment targets . it is therefore necessary to address existing to the functioning of the internal market and to prevent likely future obstacles . ### in the absence of harmonised union rules on sustainability - related disclosures to end - investors , it is likely that diverging measures will continue to be adopted at national level and different approaches in different financial services sectors might persist . such divergent measures and approaches would continue to cause significant distortions of competition resulting from significant differences in disclosure standards . in addition , a parallel development of market - based practices , based on commercially - driven priorities that produce divergent results currently causes further market fragmentation and might even further exacerbate the functioning of the internal market in the future . divergent disclosure standards and market - based practices make it very difficult to compare between different financial products and services and create an uneven playing field between these products and services and between distribution channels , and erect additional barriers to the internal market . such divergences can also be confusing for end - investors and can distort their investment decisions . in ensuring compliance with the paris climate agreement , member states are likely to adopt divergent national measures which could create obstacles to the smooth functioning of the internal market and be detrimental to financial market participants and financial advisors . in addition , the lack of harmonised rules relating to transparency makes it difficult for end - investors to effectively compare different financial products and services in different member states as to their environmental , social and governance risks and sustainable investment targets . it is therefore necessary to address existing obstacles to the functioning of the internal market and to prevent likely future obstacles .


### 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 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 . the authority should also contribute in combatting human trafficking , whether for sexual exploitation , labour , organs or domestic servitude and protect workers from forced labour in europe . given that trafficking in human beings is a complex transnational phenomenon that can be tackled effectively only if the eu institutions and member states coordinate their work in order to prevent ‘ forum shopping’ by criminal groups and individuals , but with the focus being placed on identifying and protecting potential and actual victims with an integrated intersectional perspective . therefore , the authority could play an important role in combatting trafficking by putting in motion and / or by facilitating checks and cross boarder inspections , and by mainstreaming gender into labour inspections , yet with no replacement of national inspections and national enforcement activities . _________________ 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 .


### for these purposes , the authority should cooperate with other relevant union initiatives and networks , in particular the european network of public employment services 54 , the european enterprise network55 , the border focal point56and solvit57 , as well as with relevant national services such as the bodies to promote equal treatment and to support union workers and members of their family , designated by member states under directive 2014 / 54 / eu , and national contact points designated under directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council58to provide information on healthcare . the authority should also explore synergies with the proposed european services e - card59 , notably with regard to those cases in which member states opt for the submission of declarations regarding posted workers through the e - card platform . the authority should replace the commission in managing the european network of employment services european coordination office established pursuant to regulation no 2016 / 589 , including the definition of user needs and business requirements for the effectiveness of the eures portal and related it services , but excluding the it provision , and the operation and development of the it infrastructure , which will continue to be ensured by the commission . _________________ 54 decision no 573 / 2014 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on enhanced cooperation between public employment services . 55 european enterprise network , https : / / een . ec . europa . eu / 56 communication from the commission to the council and the european parliament , boosting growth and cohesion in eu border regions , com 534 . 57 commission recommendation of 17 september 2013 on the principles governing solvit . 58 directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross - border healthcare . 59 com 824 final and com 823 final . ### for these purposes , the authority should cooperate with other relevant union initiatives and networks , in particular the european network of public employment services 54 , the european enterprise network55 , the european trade union confederation , the border focal point56 and solvit57 , as well as with relevant national services such as the bodies to promote equal treatment and to support union workers and members of their family , designated by member states under directive 2014 / 54 / eu , and national contact points designated under directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council58 to provide information on healthcare . the authority should also explore synergies with the proposed european services e - card59 , notably with regard to those cases in which member states opt for the submission of declarations regarding posted workers through the e - card platform . the authority should replace the commission in managing the european network of employment services european coordination office established pursuant to regulation no 2016 / 589 , including the definition of user needs and business requirements for the effectiveness of the eures portal and related it services , but excluding the it provision , and the operation and development of the it infrastructure , which will continue to be ensured by the commission . _________________ 54 decision no 573 / 2014 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on enhanced cooperation between public employment services . 55 european enterprise network , https : / / een . ec . europa . eu / 56 communication from the commission to the council and the european parliament , boosting growth and cohesion in eu border regions , com 534 . 57 commission recommendation of 17 september 2013 on the principles governing solvit . 58 directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross - border healthcare . 59 com 824 final and com 823 final .


### to increase member states ' capacity to tackle irregularities with a cross - border dimension in relation to union law within its scope , the authority should support the national authorities in carrying out concerted and joint inspections , including by facilitating the implementation of the inspections in accordance with article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . these should take place at the request of member states or upon their agreement to the authority ' s suggestion . the authority should provide strategic , logistical , and technical support to member states participating in the concerted or joint inspections in full respect of confidentiality requirements . inspections should be carried out in agreement with the member states concerned and take place fully within the legal framework of national law of member states concerned , which should follow up on the outcomes of the concerted and joint inspections according to national law . ### to increase member states ' capacity to tackle irregularities with a cross - border dimension in relation to union law within its scope , the authority should support the national authorities in carrying out concerted and joint gender responsive inspections , including by facilitating the implementation of the inspections in accordance with article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . these should take place at the request of member states or upon their agreement to the authority ' s suggestion . the authority should provide strategic , logistical , and technical support to member states participating in the concerted or joint inspections in full respect of confidentiality requirements . inspections should be carried out in agreement with the member states concerned and take place fully within the legal framework of national law of member states concerned , which should follow up on the outcomes of the concerted and joint inspections according to national law .


### in order to keep track of emerging trends , challenges , or loopholes in the areas of labour mobility and social security coordination , the authority should develop an analytical and risk assessment capacity . this should involve carrying out labour market analyses and studies , as well as peer reviews . the authority should monitor potential imbalances in terms of skills and cross - border labour flows , including their possible impact on territorial cohesion . the authority should also support the risk assessment referred to in article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . the authority should ensure synergies and complementarity with other union agencies or services or networks . this should include seeking input from solvit and similar services on recurring problems encountered by individuals and businesses in the exercise of their rights in the areas under the scope of the authority . the authority should also facilitate and streamline data collection activities provided for by the relevant union laws within its scope . this does not entail the creation of new reporting obligations for member states . ### in order to keep track of emerging trends , challenges , or loopholes in the areas of labour mobility and social security coordination , the authority should develop an analytical and risk assessment capacity . this should involve carrying out labour market analyses and studies , as well as peer reviews , always mainstreaming gender and using gender related indicators when doing so . the authority should monitor potential imbalances in terms of skills and cross - border , and gender labour flows , including their possible impact on territorial and social cohesion . the authority should also support the risk assessment referred to in article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . the authority should ensure synergies and complementarity with other union agencies or services or networks . this should include seeking input from solvit and similar services on recurring problems encountered by individuals and businesses in the exercise of their rights in the areas under the scope of the authority . the authority should also facilitate and streamline data collection activities provided for by the relevant union laws within its scope . this does not entail the creation of new reporting obligations for member states .


### to strengthen the capacity of national authorities and improve consistency in the application of union law within its scope , the authority should provide operational assistance to national authorities , including by developing practical guidelines , establishing training and peer learning programmes , promoting mutual assistance projects , facilitating staff exchanges such as those referred to in article 8 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu , and supporting member states in organising awareness - raising campaigns informing individuals and employers of their rights and obligations . the authority should promote the exchange , dissemination and uptake of good practices . ### to strengthen the capacity of national authorities and improve consistency in the application of union law within its scope , the authority should provide operational assistance to national authorities , including by developing practical guidelines , establishing training and peer learning programmes , promoting mutual assistance projects , embedding gender issues in training for new and in service inspectors , facilitating staff exchanges such as those referred to in article 8 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu , and supporting member states in organising awareness - raising campaigns informing individuals and employers of their rights and obligations . the authority should promote the exchange , dissemination and uptake of good practices .


### facilitate access for individuals and employers to information on their rights and obligations as well as to relevant services ; ### facilitate access for individuals and employers , together with the bodies representing them , to information on their rights and obligations as well as to relevant services ;


### support cooperation between member states in the cross - border enforcement of relevant union law , including facilitating joint inspections ; ### support cooperation between member states in the cross - border enforcement of relevant union law , including facilitating joint gender responsive inspections ;


### facilitate access to information by individuals and employers on rights and obligations in cross - border situations as well as access to cross - border labour mobility services , in accordance with articles 6 and 7 ; ### facilitate access to information by individuals and employers , together with the bodies representing them , on rights and obligations in cross - border situations as well as access to cross - border labour mobility services , in accordance with articles 6 and 7 ;


### facilitate access to information by individuals and employers on rights and obligations in cross - border situations as well as access to cross - border labour mobility services , in accordance with articles 6 and 7 ; ### facilitate access to information by individuals and employers on rights and obligations and wages&#160 ; in cross - border situations as well as access to cross - border labour mobility services , in accordance with articles 6 and 7 ;


### coordinate and support concerted and joint inspections , in accordance with articles 9 and 10 ; ### coordinate and support concerted and joint gender responsive inspections , in accordance with articles 9 and 10 ;


### carry out analyses and risk assessments on issues of cross - border labour mobility , in accordance with article 11 ; ### carry out analyses and risk assessments on issues of cross - border labour mobility , taking into consideration gender related indicators , in accordance with article 11 ;


### promote opportunities to support the labour mobility of individuals , including through guidance on access to learning and language training ; ### promote equal opportunities to support the labour mobility of individuals , including through guidance on access to learning and language training ;


### the authority shall provide services to individuals and employers to facilitate labour mobility across the union . to that end , the authority shall : ### the authority shall provide services to individuals and employers and the bodies representing them to facilitate labour mobility across the union with full respect for the rights enshrined in the treaties and the charter of fundamental rights of the eu and codified in the european social rights pillar , for the autonomy of the social partners and for national collective bargaining systems . to that end , the authority shall :


### promote the development of initiatives supporting the cross - border mobility of individuals , including targeted mobility schemes ; ### promote the development of initiatives supporting the cross - border mobility of individuals , including targeted mobility schemes and gender - sensitive approaches ;


### cooperate with other union initiatives and networks , such as the european network of public employment services , the european enterprise network and the border focal point , in particular to identify and overcome cross - border obstacles to labour mobility ; ### cooperate with other union initiatives and networks , such as the european network of public employment services , the european enterprise network , the border focal point , and eige in particular to identify and overcome cross - border obstacles to labour mobility ;


### the authority shall manage the eures european coordination office and ensure that it fulfils its responsibilities in accordance with article 8 of regulation 2016 / 589 , except for the technical operation and development of the eures portal and related it services , which shall continue to be managed by the commission . the authority , under the responsibility of the executive director as set out in article 23 , shall ensure that this activity fully complies with requirements of the applicable data protection legislation , including the requirement to appoint a data protection officer , in accordance with article 37 . ### the authority shall manage the eures european coordination office and ensure that it fulfils its responsibilities in accordance with article 8 of regulation 2016 / 589 , except for the technical operation and development of the eures portal and related it services , which shall continue to be managed by the commission . the authority , under the responsibility of the executive director as set out in article 23 , shall ensure that this activity fully complies with requirements and applicable data protection and accessibility legislation , including the requirement to appoint a data protection officer , in accordance with article 37 .


### coordination of concerted and joint inspections ### coordination of concerted and joint gender responsive inspections


### at the request of one or several member states , the authority shall coordinate concerted or joint inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states . the authority may also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint inspection . ### at the request of one or several member states , the authority shall coordinate concerted or joint inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states . the authority may also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint inspection , especially in cases where it receives reports from private individuals or groups of individuals or bodies representing them concerning serious infringements of union law with regard to the cross - border mobility of workers .


### at the request of one or several member states , the authority shall coordinate concerted or joint inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states . the authority may also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint inspection . ### at the request of one or several member states , the authority shall coordinate concerted or joint gender responsive inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states . the authority may also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint gender responsive inspection .


### where the authority of a member state decides not to participate in or carry out the concerted or joint inspection referred to paragraph 1 , it shall inform the authority in writing of the reasons for its decision duly in advance . in such cases , the authority shall inform the other national authorities concerned . ### where the authority of a member state decides not to participate in or carry out the concerted or joint gender responsive inspection referred to paragraph 1 , it shall inform the authority in writing of the reasons for its decision duly in advance . in such cases , the authority shall inform the other national authorities concerned .


### the organisation of a concerted or joint inspection shall be subject to the prior agreement of all participating member states via their national liaison officers . in the event that one or more member states refuse to take part in the concerted or joint inspection , the other national authorities may , where appropriate , only carry out the envisaged concerted or joint inspection in the participating member states . the member states that declined to participate in the inspection shall keep information about the envisaged inspection confidential . ### the organisation of a concerted or joint gender responsive inspection shall be subject to the prior agreement of all participating member states via their national liaison officers . in the event that one or more member states refuse to take part in the concerted or joint inspection , the other national authorities may , where appropriate , only carry out the envisaged concerted or joint inspection in the participating member states . the member states that declined to participate in the inspection shall keep information about the envisaged inspection confidential .


### an agreement for setting up a joint inspection between the participating member states and the authority shall set out the conditions for carrying out such an exercise . the joint inspection agreement may include provisions which enable joint inspections , once agreed and planned , to take place at short notice . the authority shall establish a model agreement . ### an agreement for setting up a joint inspection , that shall be gender responsive , between the participating member states and the authority shall set out the conditions for carrying out such an exercise . the joint inspection agreement&#160 ; shall include provisions which enable joint inspections , once agreed and planned , to take place at short notice . the authority shall establish a model agreement .


### national authorities carrying out a concerted or joint inspection shall report back to the authority on the outcomes within their respective member states and on the overall operational running of the concerted or joint inspection . ### national authorities carrying out a concerted or joint inspection shall report back to the authority on the outcomes within their respective member states and on the overall operational running of the concerted or joint inspection , including any gender disaggregated data from the respected inspections .


### information on concerted and joint inspections shall be included in quarterly reports to be submitted to the management board . a yearly report on the inspections supported by the authority shall be included in the authority ' s annual activity report . ### information on concerted and joint inspections , containing gender - disaggregated data , shall be included in quarterly reports to be submitted to the management board . a yearly report on the inspections supported by the authority shall be included in the authority ' s annual activity report and shall be publicly disseminated on ela website .


### the authority shall assess risks and carry out analyses regarding cross - border labour flows , such as labour market imbalances , sector - specific threats and recurring problems encountered by individuals and employers in relation to cross - border mobility . for that purpose , the authority shall ensure complementarity with , and draw on the expertise of , other union agencies or services , including in the areas of skills forecasting and health and safety at work . upon a request by the commission , the authority may carry out focused in - depth analyses and studies to investigate specific labour mobility issues . ### the authority shall assess risks and carry out analyses regarding cross - border labour flows , such as labour market imbalances , sector - specific threats , taking into consideration gender indicators , and recurring problems encountered by individuals and employers in relation to cross - border mobility . for that purpose , the authority shall ensure complementarity with , and draw on the expertise of , other union agencies or services , including in the areas of skills forecasting and health and safety at work . upon a request by the commission , the authority may carry out focused in - depth analyses and studies to investigate specific labour mobility issues .


### upon request of one of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority shall launch a mediation procedure before its mediation board set up for this purpose in accordance with article 17 . the authority may also launch a mediation procedure on its own initiative before the mediation board , including on the basis of a referral from solvit , subject to the agreement of all member states concerned by that dispute . ### upon request of one of the member states concerned by a dispute , the authority shall launch a mediation procedure before its mediation board set up for this purpose in accordance with article 17 . the authority may also launch a mediation procedure on its own initiative before the mediation board , including on the basis of a referral from solvit , subject to the agreement of all member states concerned by that dispute . in exceptional cases , particularly when investigating serious infringements of eu and international law on combating human trafficking , the prohibition of slave labour , tax and business fraud or infringements of fundamental rights stemming from the treaties and the charter of fundamental rights , the authority may proceed to mediation even in the absence of consensus between the member states involved .


### the stakeholder group shall be composed of six representatives of union - level social partners equally representing trade unions and employer’s organisations , and two representatives of the commission . ### the stakeholder group shall be composed of six representatives of union - level social partners equally representing trade unions and employer’s organisations , and two representatives of the commission , as well as by representatives of women ' s organisations and other sectoral organisations of the union forming part of the platform against undeclared work and the committee of experts on posting of workers .


### the free movement of workers , freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services are fundamental principles of the internal market of the union , enshrined in the treaty on the functioning of the european union . ### the protection of&#160 ; social and labour rights , the&#160 ; free movement of workers , freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services are fundamental principles of the internal market of the union , enshrined in the treaty on the functioning of the european union .


### pursuant to article 3 teu , the union is to work for a highly competitive social market economy , aiming at full employment and social progress and promote social justice and protection . in accordance with article 9 tfeu , the union , in defining and implementing its policies and activities , is to take into account requirements linked to , inter alia , the promotion of a high level of employment , the guarantee of an adequate social protection , the fight against social exclusion , and the promotion of a high level of education , training and the protection of human health . ### pursuant to article 3 teu , the union is to work for a highly competitive social market economy , aiming at full employment and social progress , promote social justice and protection , combat social exclusion and discrimination , and promote social justice and protection , equality between women and men , solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child , as well as promote economic , social and territorial cohesion , and solidarity among member states . in accordance with article 9 tfeu , the union , in defining and implementing its policies and activities , is to take into account requirements linked to , inter alia , the promotion of a high level of employment , the guarantee of an adequate social protection , the fight against social exclusion , and the promotion of a high level of education , training and the protection of human health .


### the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility and social security coordination , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and highly mobile services . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities , including in areas of union law beyond its scope , such as violations of working conditions , health and safety rules , or the employment of illegally staying third - country nationals , it should be able to report them and cooperate on these matters with the commission , competent union bodies , and national authorities where appropriate . ### the authority should perform its activities in the areas of cross - border labour mobility and social security coordination , including free movement of workers , posting of workers and highly mobile services . it should also enhance cooperation between member states in tackling undeclared work . in cases where the authority , in the course of the performance of its activities , becomes aware of suspected irregularities , including in areas of union law beyond its scope , such as violations of working conditions , health and safety rules , or the employment of illegally staying third - country nationals , it should be able to report them and cooperate efficiently and without delay on these matters with the commission , competent union bodies , and national authorities where appropriate .


### 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 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 efficient 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 .


### 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 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 . it also takes into account the european pillar of social rights ,


### support member states in streamlining the provision of information and services to individuals and employers pertaining to cross - border mobility on a voluntary basis , while fully respecting member states ' competences . ### support member states in streamlining the provision of information and services to individuals and employers pertaining to cross - border mobility on a voluntary basis , while fully respecting member states ' competences and the fundamental rights .


### the authority shall provide services to individuals and employers to facilitate labour mobility across the union . to that end , the authority shall : ### the authority shall provide , where appropriate , &#160 ; services to individuals and employers to facilitate labour mobility across the union . to that end , the authority shall :


### the authority shall facilitate cooperation between member states and support their effective compliance with cooperation obligations , including on information exchange , as defined in union law within the scope of the authority’s competences . ### the authority shall facilitate cooperation between member states and support their effective compliance with cooperation obligations , including on information exchange , as defined in union law within the scope of the authority’s competences , whilst respecting in full the protection of personal data and fundamental rights .


### 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 .


### when presenting a case for mediation by the authority , member states shall ensure that all personal data related to that case is anonymised and the authority shall not process the personal data of individuals concerned by the case at any point in the course of the mediation procedure . ### when presenting a case for mediation by the authority , member states shall ensure that all personal data related to that case is anonymised and the authority shall not process the personal data of individuals concerned by the case at any point and for any reason in the course of the mediation procedure .


### 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 .


### 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 european solidarity corps provides a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union and beyond . consistency and complementarity should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps is built on the strengths and synergies of predecessor and existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service19 and the eu aid volunteers20 . it also complements the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , are also ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ‘ erasmus + ’ : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec . 20 regulation no 375 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 establishing the european voluntary humanitarian aid corps . ### the european solidarity corps provides a valuable opportunity for solidarity activities throughout the union and beyond . consistency and complementarity should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , as well as other opportunities offered by civil society , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices .


### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact . ### the european solidarity corps opens up new opportunities for young people and non - profit participating organisations to carry out volunteering , traineeship activities in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . these opportunities contribute to enhancing young people personal , educational , social , civic development . the european solidarity corps also supports networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and non - profit participating organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it will thus also contribute to european cooperation relevant to young people and raising awareness of its positive impact .


### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships and jobs , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship – in particular social entrepreneurship – , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity . ### these activities should be to the benefit of communities while also fostering the individual’s personal , educational , social , civic development , which take the form of volunteering and traineeships , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as formal and non - formal education and informal learning , intercultural dialogue , social inclusion , and training , gender equality , social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , social farming and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , in particular migrants and asylum seekers , territorial cooperation and cohesion , and cooperation across borders . such solidarity activities should include a solid education and learning and training dimension through relevant activities that can be offered to participants before , during and after the solidarity activity .


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . these projects are an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , non - governmental organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for the society . the european solidarity corps contributes to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . these projects are an opportunity to develop innovative solutions to common challenges and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and are a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in further volunteering opportunities .


### young people and organisations participating in the european solidarity corps should feel that they belong to a community of individuals and entities committed to enhancing solidarity across europe . at the same time , participating organisations need support to strengthen their capacities to offer good quality activities to an increasing number of participants . the european solidarity corps supports networking activities aimed at strengthening young people and participating organisations’ engagement in this community , at fostering a european solidarity corps spirit , as well as at encouraging the exchange of useful practices and experience . these activities also contribute to raising awareness about the european solidarity corps among public and private actors as well as to collect feedback from participants and participating organisations on the implementation of the european solidarity corps . ### young people and non - profit participating organisations in the european solidarity corps should be committed enhancing solidarity across europe . at the same time , participating organisations need support to strengthen their capacities to offer high quality activities to an increasing number of volunteers and participants . the european solidarity corps supports networking activities aimed at strengthening young people and participating organisations’ engagement in this community , at fostering a european solidarity corps spirit , as well as at encouraging the exchange of useful practices and experience . these activities also contribute to raising awareness about the european solidarity corps among public and private non - profit actors as well as to collect feedback from volunteers , participants and non - profit participating organisations on the implementation of the european solidarity corps .


### particular attention should be given to ensuring the quality of the activities and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - activity support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . security and safety of the volunteers remain of paramount importance and volunteers should not be deployed to operations conducted in the theatre of international and non - international armed conflicts . ### particular attention should be given to ensuring the quality and the inclusive aim to be achieved through the activities and the opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , reasonable accommodation access to support service , insurance , social support , administrative and post - activity support to participants and volunteers as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . security and safety of the participants and volunteers remain of paramount importance and volunteers should not be deployed to operations conducted in the theatre of international and non - international armed conflicts .


### a quality label should ensure compliance of the participating organisations with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps , as regards their rights and responsibilities during all stages of the solidarity experience . obtaining a quality label is a precondition for participation but should not automatically lead to funding under the european solidarity corps . ### a quality label should ensure compliance of the non - profit participating organisations with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps , as regards their rights and responsibilities during all stages of the solidarity experience , including preparation and follow up phases . obtaining a quality label is a precondition for participation but should not automatically lead to funding under the european solidarity corps .


### participating organisations may perform several functions in the framework of the european solidarity corps . in a host function they will carry out activities related to receiving the participants , including the organisation of activities and providing guidance and support to participants during the solidarity activity , as appropriate . in a support function they will carry out activities in relation to the sending and the preparation of participants before departure , during and after the solidarity activity , including training and guiding participants to local organisations after the activity . ### the non - profit participating organisations may perform several functions in the framework of the european solidarity corps . in a host function they will carry out activities related to receiving the participants , including the organisation of activities an education and learning programme and providing guidance and support to participants during the solidarity activity , as appropriate . in a support function they will carry out activities in relation to the sending and the preparation of participants before departure , involving a solid education and learning programme during and after the solidarity activity , including guiding participants to local organisations after the activity , in order to increase opportunities for further solidarity experiences . in a coordination function , the non - profit participating organisations shall establish connections between organisations and facilitate the exchange of voluntary service participants .


### special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union . ### considering that the eu and all the member states have ratified the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the european solidarity corps are accessible to all young people , notably the most disadvantaged ones . special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion , the participation of disadvantaged young people , as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the union and the overseas countries and territories . similarly , the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the european solidarity corps . this should resolve , where possible , and without prejudice to the schengen acquis and union law on the entry and residence of third - country nationals , administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits , as well as the issuing of a european health insurance card in the case of cross - border activities within the european union .


### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the programme should be ensured at european , national and local level . special attention should be paid to social enterprises encouraging them to support the european solidarity corps activities . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the programme , including , when relevant , with the support of other key stakeholders . ### appropriate outreach , publicity and dissemination of the opportunities and results of the actions supported by the programme should be ensured at european , national and local level . special attention should be paid to social enterprises encouraging them to support the european solidarity corps activities . the outreach , publicity and dissemination activities should rely on all the implementing bodies of the programme , on commission websites , on union programmes already associated with the european solidarity corps including with the support of other key stakeholders .


### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should preferably work closely together in partnership with non - governmental organisations , youth organisations and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions . ### in order to better achieve the objectives of the programme , the commission , member states and national agencies should work closely together in partnership with non - governmental organisations , youth organisations and local stakeholders having expertise in solidarity actions , in particular volunteer infrastructure and support agencies such as volunteer centres .


### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union35 . in particular , this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for the right to equality between men and women and the right to non - discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , and to promote the application of articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . _________________ 35 eu charter of fundamental rights . ### this regulation respects the vision and provisions of the un convention on the rights of people with disabilities , the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union35 . in particular , this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for the right to equality between men and women and the right to non - discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation , and to promote the application of articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . _________________ 35 eu charter of fundamental rights .


### ' solidarity activity ' means a high - quality temporary activity contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the european solidarity corps , which may take the form of volunteering , traineeships , jobs , solidarity projects and networking activities in various fields , including those referred to in paragraph 13 , ensuring the european added value and compliance with health and safety regulations ; ### ' solidarity activity ' means an easily accessible and inclusive high - quality temporary activity of general interest within the structures of a non - profit participating organisation aimed at addressing societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas ; the solidarity activity contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the european solidarity corps ; the solidarity activity take the form of volunteering , traineeships , solidarity projects and networking activities in various fields , including those referred to in paragraph 13 and the activities in line with the international human rights standards and eu policy , such as the commitment to end the institutionalisation of children and persons with disabilities and the reception and integration of third - country nationals , in particular migrants and asylum seekers ; the solidarity activity is characterised by fixed period , clear objectives , contents , tasks , structure and framework ; appropriate financial support , and legal and social protection shall be provided in order to ensure the european added value and compliance with health and safety and social standards ;


### ‘ participating organisation’ means any public or private entity , whether local , regional , national or international , that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label ; ### ‘ participating organisation’ means any public or private non - profit entity , whether local , regional , national or international which carries out an activity of general interest that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label ;