### much has been achieved over the last few years by the cfp in bringing fish stocks back to healthy levels , in increasing the profitability of the union ' s fishing industry and in conserving marine ecosystems . however , substantial challenges remain to achieve the socio - economic and environmental objectives of cfp . this requires continued support beyond 2020 , notably in sea basins where progress has been slower . ### much has been achieved over the last few years by the cfp in bringing fish stocks back to healthy levels , in increasing the profitability of the union ' s fishing industry and in conserving marine ecosystems . however , much has also been neglected and substantial challenges remain to achieve the socio - economic and environmental objectives of cfp . this requires continued support beyond 2020 , notably in sea basins where progress has been slower .


### support from the emff should aim to achieve and maintain sustainable fishing based on the maximum sustainable yield and to minimise the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . that support should include innovation and investments in low - impact , climate resilient and low - carbon fishing practices and techniques . ### support from the emff should aim to achieve and maintain sustainable fishing based on the maximum sustainable yield and to minimise the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem . that support should include innovation and investments in low - impact , climate resilient and low - carbon fishing practices and techniques , and should exclude any investment in electric pulse - fishing methods .


### the landing obligation is one of the main challenges of the cfp . it has implied significant changes in fishing practices for the sector , sometimes with an important financial cost . it should therefore be possible for the emff to support innovation and investments that contribute to the implementation of the landing obligation , with a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations , like investments in selective fishing gears , in the improvement of port infrastructures and in the marketing of unwanted catches . it should also grant a maximum aid intensity rate of 100% to the design , development , monitoring , evaluation and management of transparent systems for exchanging fishing opportunities between member states , in order to mitigate the ' choke species ' effect caused by the landing obligation . ### the landing obligation is one of the main challenges of the cfp . it has implied significant changes in fishing practices for the sector , sometimes with an equally significant financial cost . it should therefore be possible for the emff to support innovation and investments that contribute to the implementation of the landing obligation , with a higher aid intensity rate than the one that applies to other operations , like investments in selective fishing gears , in the improvement of port infrastructures and in the marketing of unwanted catches . it should also grant a maximum aid intensity rate of 100% to the design , development , monitoring , evaluation and management of transparent systems for exchanging fishing opportunities between member states , in order to mitigate the ' choke species ' effect caused by the landing obligation .


### it should be possible for the emff to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture , including freshwater aquaculture , for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material . complex administrative procedures in some member states remain in place , such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures , which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products . support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . in particular , support for environmental sustainability , productive investments , innovation , acquisition of professional skills , improvement of working conditions , compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible . public health actions , aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible . however , in the case of productive investments support should be provided only through financial instruments and through investeu , which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector . ### while taking full account the possible negative effects on the environment and on local communities , it should nevertheless be possible for the emff to support the promotion and the sustainable development of aquaculture , including freshwater aquaculture , for the farming of aquatic animals and plants for the production of food and other raw material . complex administrative procedures in some member states remain in place , such as difficult access to space and burdensome licensing procedures , which make it difficult for the sector to improve the image and competitiveness of farmed products . support should be consistent with the multiannual national strategic plans for aquaculture developed on the basis of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . in particular , support for environmental sustainability , productive investments , innovation , acquisition of professional skills , improvement of working conditions , compensatory measures providing critical land and nature management services should be eligible . public health actions , aquaculture stock insurance schemes and animal health and welfare actions should also be eligible . however , in the case of productive investments support should be provided only through financial instruments and through investeu , which offer a higher leverage on markets and are therefore more relevant than grants to address the financing challenges of the sector .


### food security relies on efficient and well - organised markets , which improve the transparency , stability , quality and diversity of the supply chain , as well as consumer information . for that purpose , it should be possible for the emff to support the marketing of fishery and aquaculture products , in line with the objectives of regulation no 1379 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council 15 . in particular , support should be available for the creation of producer organisations , the implementation of production and marketing plans , the promotion of new market outlets and the development and dissemination of market intelligence . _________________ 15 regulation no 1379 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products , amending council regulations no 1184 / 2006 and no 1224 / 2009 and repealing council regulation no 104 / 2000 . ### while the producers - the fishers in this case - are the primary source and thus also of primary importance , food security also relies on efficient and well - organised markets , which improve the transparency , stability , quality and diversity of the supply chain , as well as consumer information . for that purpose , it should be possible for the emff to support the marketing of fishery and aquaculture products , in line with the objectives of regulation no 1379 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council 15 . in particular , support should be available for the creation of producer organisations , the implementation of production and marketing plans , the promotion of new market outlets and the development and dissemination of market intelligence . _________________ 15 regulation no 1379 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products , amending council regulations no 1184 / 2006 and no 1224 / 2009 and repealing council regulation no 104 / 2000 .


### job creation in coastal regions relies on a locally driven development of a sustainable blue economy that revives the social fabric of those regions . ocean industries and services are likely to outperform the growth of the global economy and make an important contribution to employment and growth by 2030 . to be sustainable , blue growth depends on innovation and investment in new maritime businesses and in the bio - economy , including sustainable tourism models , ocean - based renewable energy , innovative high - end shipbuilding and new port service , which can create jobs and at the same time enhance local development . whilst public investment in the sustainable blue economy should be mainstreamed throughout the union budget , the emff should specifically concentrate on enabling conditions for the development of the sustainable blue economy and on removing bottlenecks to facilitate investment and the development of new markets and technologies or services . support for the development of the sustainable blue economy should be delivered through shared , direct and indirect management . ### job creation in coastal regions relies on a locally driven development of a sustainable ' blue economy ' that revives the social fabric of those regions . while recognising that in a finite world , growth is itself finite , ocean industries and services are likely to outperform the growth of the global economy and make an important contribution to employment by 2030 . to be sustainable , ' blue ' growth depends on innovation and investment in new maritime businesses and in the bio - economy , including sustainable tourism models , ocean - based renewable energy , innovative high - end shipbuilding and new port services , which can create jobs and at the same time enhance local development . whilst public investment in the sustainable ' blue economy ' should be mainstreamed throughout the union budget , the emff should specifically concentrate on enabling conditions for the development of the sustainable ' blue economy ' and on removing bottlenecks to facilitate investment and the development of new markets and technologies or services , while also maintaing all union standards . support for the development of the sustainable ' blue economy ' should be delivered through shared , direct and indirect management .


### fostering sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources ; ### fostering small - scale sustainable fisheries and non - intensive multitrophic aquaculture with a view to the conservation of marine biological resources at levels that protect maximum sustainable yield and taking a precautionary approach in all fisheries management ;


### contributing to food security in the union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets ; ### contributing to food safety and security in the union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets ;


### contributing to food security in the union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets ; ### contributing to food security in the union through sustainable aquaculture ;


### all fishing activities carried out by the vessels and fishers concerned shall be effectively suspended during the period concerned by the cessation . the competent authority shall satisfy itself that the vessel concerned has stopped any fishing activities during the period concerned by the extraordinary cessation and that any overcompensation resulting from the use of the vessel for other purposes is avoided . ### all fishing activities carried out by the vessels and fishers concerned shall be effectively suspended during the period concerned by the cessation . the competent authority shall ensure that the vessel concerned has stopped any fishing activities during the period concerned by the extraordinary cessation and that any overcompensation resulting from the use of the vessel for other purposes is avoided .


### the emff may support the promotion of a sustainable aquaculture as provided for in article 34 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 . it may also support animal health and welfare in aquaculture in accordance with regulation no 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council32 and regulation no 652 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council33 . _________________ 32 regulation no 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health . 33 regulation no 652 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain , animal health and animal welfare , and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material , amending council directives 98 / 56 / ec , 2000 / 29 / ec and 2008 / 90 / ec , regulations no 178 / 2002 , no 882 / 2004 and no 396 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council , directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council decisions 66 / 399 / eec , 76 / 894 / eec and 2009 / 470 / ec . ### the emff may support the promotion of a sustainable aquaculture as provided for in article 34 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , with particular regard taken of the possible negative environmental impacts of all such developments . it may also support animal health and welfare in aquaculture in accordance with regulation no 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council32 and regulation no 652 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council33 . _________________ 32 regulation no 2016 / 429 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health . 33 regulation no 652 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 laying down provisions for the management of expenditure relating to the food chain , animal health and animal welfare , and relating to plant health and plant reproductive material , amending council directives 98 / 56 / ec , 2000 / 29 / ec and 2008 / 90 / ec , regulations no 178 / 2002 , no 882 / 2004 and no 396 / 2005 of the european parliament and of the council , directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council decisions 66 / 399 / eec , 76 / 894 / eec and 2009 / 470 / ec .


### the emff may support actions contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products as provided for in article 35 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 and further specified in regulation no 1379 / 2013 . it may also support actions promoting the marketing , the quality and the value added of fishery and aquaculture products . ### the emff may support actions contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products as provided for in article 35 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 and further specified in regulation no 1379 / 2013 . it may also support actions promoting the marketing of quality seafood products , raise awareness on the risks and benefits of the different fisheries and aquaculture species in our dietary habits and the value added of sustainable eating habits linked to seafood products .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant . ### at european union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination has provided a framework for imposing on member states the austerity and structural reform policies that lie behind the erosion of labour and social rights , undermining the role and the social responses of the state , contributing unequivocally to the increase in worker exploitation , poverty and social exclusion , hampering access to public services , especially health and education , thereby penalising the grass roots , multiplying the effects of discrimination and inequality and leaving women more vulnerable , since they are affected to a greater extent by the consequences of those policies . it is therefore considered necessary to put an end to the european semester and reaffirm the sovereign right of member states to determine their own multiannual investment priorities , needs and strategies as a key condition for a targeted and effective response to the social needs of the grass roots , getting to grips with the real causes of continued discrimination against women and their increasing vulnerability to poverty and social exclusion . it should accordingly be the responsibility of the member states , free of european commission dictates and constraints , to ensure the coherent use of european union funding , notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant .


### on 20 june 2017 , the council endorsed the union response to the ' un 2030 agenda for sustainable development’ - a sustainable european future . the council underlined the importance of achieving sustainable development across the three dimensions , in a balanced and integrated way . it is vital that sustainable development is mainstreamed into all union internal and external policy areas , and that the union is ambitious in the policies it uses to address global challenges . the council welcomed the commission communication on ' next steps for a sustainable european future ' of 22 november 2016 as a first step in mainstreaming the sustainable development goals and applying sustainable development as an essential guiding principle for all union policies , including through its financing instruments . ### on 20 june 2017 , the council endorsed the union response to the ' un 2030 agenda for sustainable development ' . the council underlined the importance of achieving sustainable development across the three dimensions , in a balanced and integrated way . the council affirmed the need to achieve the sustainable development goals and make sustainable development a guiding principle through its financing instruments and elsewhere . the esf + should contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals , which are now firmly focused on gender equality , being directed towards the eradication of extreme poverty . the provision of high - quality and inclusive forms of education and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth through enhanced workplace conditions and rights , pay and labour protection are key and crucial elements in reducing social inequalities , which have a particularly adverse impact on women ;


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from the crisis of capitalism , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive , ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth and by improving employment and social policies , reinforcing labour protection mechanisms that are of key importance when it comes to for combating discrimination on the labour market , particularly against women , who are more vulnerable to precariousness , low pay and discrimination regarding both access to employment and maternity .


### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of labour markets and promote access to quality employment , to improve the access to and the quality of education and training as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to reduce poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level . ### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of labour markets and promote access to quality employment with better pay and open - ended contracts , to improve the access to and the quality of education and training as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to reduce poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self - employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance - which inevitably involves the regulation and reduction of working hours on full pay , better remuneration and implementation of the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value , the prohibition of all forms of precarious work and firm restrictions regarding the use of temporary work , defence of collective bargaining and guarantees of robust safeguards and maternity protection - and access to childcare , especially thanks to a public response that guarantees universal and high - quality public services . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and contribute to societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context . ### support through the esf + should be used to promote equal access for all , in particular for disadvantaged groups , to quality , non - segregated , more widely accessible , public , free and inclusive education and training , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , preventing early school leaving , improving health literacy , reinforcing links with non - formal and informal learning and facilitating learning mobility for all . synergies with the erasmus programme , notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility , should be supported within this context .


### the esf + should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change , facilitating career transitions , mobility and supporting in particular low - skilled and / or poorly qualified adults , in line with the skills agenda for europe . ### the esf + should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all , notably digital skills and key enabling technologies , with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation , technological change , innovation and social and economic change and supporting in particular low - skilled and / or poorly qualified adults .


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , the working poor , the homeless , persons with disabilities , third country nationals , asylum seekers and refugees , and all other people facing multiple social challenges . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to high quality free public services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility and widening their scope .


### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support youth employability . ### in the light of persistently high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity in a number of member states and regions , in particular affecting young people who are neither in employment , nor in education or training , it is necessary that those member states continue to invest sufficient resources of the esf + strand under shared management towards actions to promote youth employment including through the implementation of youth guarantee schemes . building on the actions supported by the youth employment initiative in the 2014 - 2020 programming period targeting individual persons , member states should further promote employment and education reintegration pathways and outreach measures for young people by prioritising , where relevant , long - term unemployed , inactive and disadvantaged young people including through youth work . member states should also invest in measures aimed at facilitating school - to - work transition as well as reforming and adapting employment services with a view to providing tailor - made support to young people . member states concerned should therefore allocate at least 10 % of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to support job creation for young people , helping them to gain a foothold on the employment market .


### the esf + aims to support member states to achieve high employment levels , fair social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 . ### the esf + aims to support member states to achieve high employment levels , fair labour and social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the future world of work , in line with the principles set out in the european pillar of social rights proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission on 17 november 2017 .


### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning mobility for all ; ### promoting equal access to and completion of , quality and inclusive education and training , in particular for disadvantaged groups , from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training , and to tertiary level , as well as adult education and learning , including facilitating learning for all ;


### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements based on labour market needs , facilitating career transitions and promoting professional mobility ; ### promoting lifelong learning , notably flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all taking into account digital skills , better anticipating change and new skills requirements ;


### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services ; ### enhancing the equal and timely access to quality , sustainable and affordable services ; modernising social protection systems , including promoting access to social protection ; improving accessibility , effectiveness and resilience of healthcare systems and long - term care services , particularly through the consolidation and enhancement of free and universal public health services ;


### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills and entrepreneurship , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres and enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ; ### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres and enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ;


### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . ### all programmes implemented under the esf + strand under shared management , as well as the operations supported by the employment and social innovation and health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall support specific actions to involve women in working life with acceptable pay and improved career prospects , combating the feminisation of poverty , reducing gender segregation and gender stereotypes on the employment market and in education and training . they shall also promote equal opportunities for all , without discrimination based on sex , nationality , place of residence , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation . they shall also improve access to the employment market and elsewhere in accordance with article 9 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities .


### the presence of terrorist content online has serious negative consequences for users , for citizens and society at large as well as for the online service providers hosting such content , since it undermines the trust of their users and damages their business models . in light of their central role and the technological means and capabilities associated with the services they provide , online service providers have particular societal responsibilities to protect their services from misuse by terrorists and to help tackle terrorist content disseminated through their services . ### the presence of terrorist content online has serious negative consequences for users , for citizens and society at large as well as for the online service providers hosting such content , since it undermines the trust of their users and damages their business models . in light of their central commensurate with their means and capabilities associated with the services they provide , online service providers have particular societal responsibilities to protect their services from misuse by terrorists and to help tackle terrorist content disseminated through their services .


### this regulation contributes to the protection of public security while establishing appropriate and robust safeguards to ensure protection of the fundamental rights at stake . this includes the rights to respect for private life and to the protection of personal data , the right to effective judicial protection , the right to freedom of expression , including the freedom to receive and impart information , the freedom to conduct a business , and the principle of non - discrimination . competent authorities and hosting service providers should only adopt measures which are necessary , appropriate and proportionate within a democratic society , taking into account the particular importance accorded to the freedom of expression and information , which constitutes one of the essential foundations of a pluralist , democratic society , and is one of the values on which the union is founded . measures constituting interference in the freedom of expression and information should be strictly targeted , in the sense that they must serve to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content , but without thereby affecting the right to lawfully receive and impart information , taking into account the central role of hosting service providers in facilitating public debate and the distribution and receipt of facts , opinions and ideas in accordance with the law . ### this regulation contributes to the protection of public security while establishing appropriate and robust safeguards to ensure protection of the fundamental rights at stake . this includes the rights to respect for private life and to the protection of personal data , the right to effective judicial protection , the right to freedom of expression , including the freedom to receive and impart information , the freedom to conduct a business , and the principle of non - discrimination . competent authorities and hosting service providers should only adopt measures which are necessary , appropriate and proportionate within a democratic society , taking into account the particular importance accorded to the freedom of expression and information and the rights to privacy and personal data protection , which constitute the essential foundations of a pluralist , democratic society , and are among the values on which the union is founded . measures constituting interference in the freedom of expression and information should be strictly targeted , in the sense that they must serve to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content , but without thereby affecting the right to lawfully receive and impart information , taking into account the central role of hosting service providers in facilitating public debate and the distribution and receipt of facts , opinions and ideas in accordance with the law .


### hosting service providers should apply certain duties of care , in order to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content on their services . these duties of care should not amount to a general monitoring obligation . duties of care should include that , when applying this regulation , hosting services providers act in a diligent , proportionate and non - discriminatory manner in respect of content that they store , in particular when implementing their own terms and conditions , with a view to avoiding removal of content which is not terrorist . the removal or disabling of access has to be undertaken in the observance of freedom of expression and information . ### hosting service providers should apply certain duties of care , in order to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content on their services . these duties of care should not amount to a general monitoring obligation . duties of care should include that , when applying this regulation , hosting services providers act in a diligent , proportionate and non - discriminatory manner in respect of content that they store , in particular when implementing their own terms and conditions , with a view to avoiding removal of content which is not terrorist . the removal or disabling of access has to be undertaken in the observance of freedom of expression and information and freedom and pluralism of the media .


### the competent authority should transmit the removal order directly to the addressee and point of contact by any electronic means capable of producing a written record under conditions that allow the service provider to establish authenticity , including the accuracy of the date and the time of sending and receipt of the order , such as by secured email and platforms or other secured channels , including those made available by the service provider , in line with the rules protecting personal data . this requirement may notably be met by the use of qualified electronic registered delivery services as provided for by regulation 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council12 . _________________ 12 regulation no 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 july 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing directive 1999 / 93 / ec . ### the competent national authority should transmit the removal order directly to the addressee and point of contact by any electronic means capable of producing a written record under conditions that allow the service provider to establish authenticity , including the accuracy of the date and the time of sending and receipt of the order , such as by secured email and platforms or other secured channels , including those made available by the service provider , in line with the rules protecting personal data . this requirement may notably be met by the use of qualified electronic registered delivery services as provided for by regulation 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council12 . _________________ 12 regulation no 910 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 23 july 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing directive 1999 / 93 / ec .


### when putting in place proactive measures , hosting service providers should ensure that users’ right to freedom of expression and information - including to freely receive and impart information - is preserved . in addition to any requirement laid down in the law , including the legislation on protection of personal data , hosting service providers should act with due diligence and implement safeguards , including notably human oversight and verifications , where appropriate , to avoid any unintended and erroneous decision leading to removal of content that is not terrorist content . this is of particular relevance when hosting service providers use automated means to detect terrorist content . any decision to use automated means , whether taken by the hosting service provider itself or pursuant to a request by the competent authority , should be assessed with regard to the reliability of the underlying technology and the ensuing impact on fundamental rights . ### when putting in place proactive measures , hosting service providers should ensure that users’ right to freedom of expression and information - including to freely receive and impart information , as well as the right to privacy and personal data protection - is preserved . in addition to any requirement laid down in the law , including the legislation on protection of personal data , hosting service providers should act with due diligence and implement safeguards , including notably human oversight and verifications , where appropriate , to avoid any unintended and erroneous decision leading to removal of content that is not terrorist content . this is of particular relevance when hosting service providers work to detect terrorist content . any decision to use automated means , whether taken by the hosting service provider itself or pursuant to a request by the competent authority , should be assessed with regard to the reliability of the underlying technology and the ensuing impact on fundamental rights .


### the competent authority shall have the power to issue a decision requiring the hosting service provider to remove terrorist content or disable access to it . ### the competent national authority shall have the power to issue a removal order requiring the hosting service provider to remove terrorist content or disable access to it .


### hosting service providers shall preserve terrorist content which has been removed or disabled as a result of a removal order , a referral or as a result of proactive measures pursuant to articles 4 , 5 and 6 and related data removed as a consequence of the removal of the terrorist content and which is necessary for : ### hosting service providers shall preserve terrorist content which has been removed or disabled as a result of a removal order , a referral or as a result of proactive measures pursuant to articles 4 and 5 and related data removed as a consequence of the removal of the terrorist content for :


### hosting service providers shall publish annual transparency reports on action taken against the dissemination of terrorist content . ### hosting service providers shall publish annual transparency reports as part of the measures taken against the dissemination of terrorist content .


### hosting service providers shall establish effective and accessible mechanisms allowing content providers whose content has been removed or access to it disabled as a result of a referral pursuant to article 5 or of proactive measures pursuant to article 6 , to submit a complaint against the action of the hosting service provider requesting reinstatement of the content . ### hosting service providers shall establish effective and accessible mechanisms allowing content providers whose content has been removed or access to it disabled as a result of a referral pursuant to article 5 , to submit a complaint against the action of the hosting service provider requesting reinstatement of the content .


### information about the specific proactive measures taken pursuant to article 6 , including the amount of terrorist content which has been removed or access to it disabled and the corresponding timeframes ; ### information about the specific measures taken pursuant to articles 4 and 5 , including the amount of terrorist content which has been removed or access to it disabled ;


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient society , committed to changing its model of production so as to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change and be resistant to its consequences . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that play a part in increasing current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate change adaptation , mitigation and prevention policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of spending the major part of the eu budget , and initially over 50% of it , on supporting climate objectives and on the adoption of sustainable manufacturing and consumer practices as part of an energy transition plan . actions under this programme are expected to contribute 61% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### due to the limited reach of any single local wireless access point and the small value of individual projects covered , access points benefitting from financial assistance under this regulation are not expected to challenge commercial offers . in order to further ensure that such financial assistance does not unduly distort competition , crowd out private investments or create disincentives for private operators to invest , the intervention should be limited to projects that do not duplicate already existing private or public offers of similar characteristics in the same area . this should not exclude additional support to deployments under this initiative from public or private sources of funding . ### due to the limited reach of any single local wireless access point and the small value of individual projects covered , access points benefitting from financial assistance under this regulation are not expected to challenge commercial offers . in order to further ensure that such financial assistance does not unduly distort competition , crowd out private investments or create disincentives for private operators to invest , the intervention should be limited to projects that do not duplicate already existing offers of similar characteristics available free of charge under similar terms in the same area served by existing public wlan routers . this should not exclude additional support to deployments under this initiative from public or private sources of funding . double financing should be excluded but municipalities which already offer access at lower speeds should continue to be eligible for support with a view to promoting the blanket availability of fast internet access .


### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly , financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible on - line tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring and auditing of the local wireless access points installed . ### to ensure that connectivity in accordance with this regulation is provided quickly , financial assistance should be implemented using to the fullest extent possible both on - line and other conventional tools that allow for the swift submission and handling of applications and support the implementation , monitoring , continued upkeep , regular upgrading and auditing of the local wireless access points installed .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on high - speed broadband services , as defined in the commission communication of 14 september 2016 entitled ‘ connectivity for a digital single market - towards a european gigabit society’ , which sets a target for 2025 of ensuring that all european households have an internet connection speed of at least 100 mbps , financial assistance should seek to attain a regionally balanced distribution , including in remote and cross - border areas , which often suffer from a lack of private network coverage , promoting the principle of universal access for citizens to the benefits of the information society , with particular attention being paid to rural , outermost , islands , border and mountain areas .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality offering a download speed of at least 100 mbps based on very high - speed broadband services , synergies with other union , national and regional funds and programmes should be taken into account , in particular when providing additional financial assistance as it should also target remote but populated , less - developed and transition regions while seeking to attain a geographically balanced distribution , promoting access for citizens to the benefits of the information society in order to reach the same average share of internet connection in all member states , taking into consideration that an average of 97 % of union citizens have internet access in some member states while only 68 % do in others .


### the available budget shall be allocated in a geographically balanced manner to projects meeting the above conditions in view of the proposals received and , in principle , on a ' first come , first served ' basis . ### the available budget shall be allocated in a geographically balanced manner . projects should be funded in view of the proposals received by means of public procurement whilst meeting the above conditions , and , in principle , on a ' first come , first served ' basis . this shall guarantee integration of less - developed and transition regions by prioritising projects located in areas lagging behind in terms of connectivity and digital literacy . the commission shall publish a report identifying those geographical areas based upon information provided by the member states , by three months after the entry into force of the present regulation .


### projects duplicating already existing private or public offers of similar characteristics , including quality , in the same area shall not be covered . ### projects duplicating already existing private or public offers of similar characteristics , including quality , available free of charge under the same terms in the same area served by existing public wlan routers shall not be covered , ensuring greater integration between all of the existing public wifi services and avoid misspending . to that end , projects should be coordinated with similar projects funded by the european regional development fund . municipalities which already offer access at lower speeds may be eligible for support with a view to promoting the blanket availability of fast internet access ; mobile internet services , accessible for a fee in the location of the proposed local connectivity project , shall not be considered as a duplication of an offer .


### the scope of this regulation should be as broad as necessary to create a preventive regulatory framework . the production of benchmarks involves discretion in their determination and is inherently subject to certain types of conflicts of interest , which implies the existence of opportunities and incentives to manipulate those benchmarks . these risk factors are common to all benchmarks , and all of them should be made subject to adequate governance and control requirements . since the vulnerability and importance of a benchmark varies over time , restricting the scope by reference to currently important or vulnerable indices would not address the risks that any benchmark may pose in the future . in particular , benchmarks that are currently not widely used may be so used in the future , so that , in their regard , even a minor manipulation may have significant impact . ### the scope of this regulation should be as broad as necessary to create a preventive regulatory framework . the production of benchmarks involves discretion in their determination and is inherently subject to certain types of conflicts of interest , which implies the existence of opportunities and incentives to manipulate those benchmarks . these risk factors are common to all benchmarks , and all of them should be made subject to adequate governance and control requirements . the degree of risk , however , is variable , and the approach adopted in each case should therefore invariably be tailored to the particular circumstances . since the vulnerability and importance of a benchmark varies over time , restricting the scope by reference to currently important or vulnerable indices would not address the risks that any benchmark may pose in the future . in particular , benchmarks that are currently not widely used may be so used in the future , so that , in their regard , even a minor manipulation may have significant impact .


### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in the treaty on the functioning of the european union and in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , in particular the right to respect for private and family , the protection of personal data , the right to freedom of expression and information , the freedom to conduct a business , the right to property , the right to consumer protection , the right to an effective remedy , the right of defence . therefore , this regulation should be interpreted and applied in accordance with those rights and principles . ### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in the treaty on the functioning of the european union and in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , in particular the right to respect for private and family , the protection of personal data , the right to freedom of expression and information , the freedom to conduct a business , the right to property , the right to consumer protection , the right to an effective remedy , the right of defence . accordingly , , this regulation should be interpreted and applied in accordance with those rights and principles . notably , when this regulation refers to rules governing the freedom of expression in other media and the rules or codes governing the journalist professions , consideration should be given to these freedoms as they are guaranteed in the union as in the member states and as recognised under article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights and other relevant provisions .


### the administrator shall ensure that there are adequate systems and effective controls to ensure the integrity the input data for the purpose of paragraph 2 . ### the administrator of benchmarks under article 5&#160 ; shall ensure that there are adequate systems and effective controls designed&#160 ; to ensure the integrity of the input data for the purpose of paragraph 2 .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 16 , and 23 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ date of entry into force of this regulation ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 16 , and 23 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from [ date of entry into force of this regulation ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension no less than three months before the end of each period .


### criteria that address the assessment periods where the submitted data fall below the methodology ' s recommended transaction data threshold or the requisite administrator ' s quality standards , including any alternative methods of assessment including theoretical estimation models ; ### criteria that address the assessment periods where the submitted data fall below the methodology ' s recommended transaction data threshold or the requisite administrator ' s quality standards , including any alternative methods of assessment including theoretical estimation models . the criteria shall explain the procedures used where no transaction data exists ;


### in order to achieve smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and to stimulate job creation , the union needs an up - to - date , high - performance infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change . ### in order to be in line with the paris agreement and the long term eu climate objectives and to achieve smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and to stimulate job creation , the union needs an up - to - date , high - performance infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and fight against climate change .


### in order to achieve smart , sustainable and inclusive growth and to stimulate job creation , the union needs an up - to - date , high - performance infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change . ### in order to achieve smart , sustainable , prm - accessible and inclusive growth and to stimulate job creation , the union needs an up - to - date , high - performance infrastructure to help connect and integrate the union and all its regions , in the transport , telecommunications and energy sectors . those connections should help to improve the free movement of persons , goods , capital and services . the trans - european networks should facilitate cross - border connections , foster greater economic , social and territorial cohesion and contribute to a more competitive social market economy and to combating climate change .


### it is necessary to promote investments in favour of smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe and secure mobility throughout the union . in 2017 , the commission presented20 ' europe on the move ' , a wide - ranging set of initiatives to make traffic safer , encourage smart road charging , reduce co2 emissions , air pollution and congestion , promote connected and autonomous mobility and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers . these initiatives should be accompanied by union financial support , where relevant through this programme . __________________ 20 commission communication ' europe on the move : an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all ' – com 283 . ### it is necessary to promote investments in favour of smart , sustainable , inclusive , prm - accessible , safe and secure mobility throughout the union . in 2017 , the commission presented20 ' europe on the move ' , a wide - ranging set of initiatives to make traffic safer , encourage smart road charging , reduce co2 emissions , air pollution and congestion , promote connected and autonomous mobility and ensure proper conditions and rest times for workers . these initiatives should be accompanied by union financial support , where relevant through this programme . __________________ 20 commission communication ' europe on the move : an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean , competitive and connected mobility for all ' – com 283 .


### actions implementing sections of the comprehensive network located in outermost regions in accordance with chapter ii of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , including actions relating to the relevant urban nodes , maritime ports , inland ports and rail - road terminals of the comprehensive network as defined at annex ii to regulation no 1315 / 2013 ; ### actions implementing sections of the comprehensive network located in outermost regions in accordance with chapter ii of regulation no 1315 / 2013 , including actions relating to the relevant urban nodes , maritime ports , inland ports and rail - road terminals of the comprehensive network as defined at annex ii to regulation no 1315 / 2013 , and in particular actions aimed at improving transport between the seas and oceans surrounding the continent of europe , making it unnecessary to sail all the way around ;


### actions relating to smart , sustainable , inclusive , safe and secure mobility : ### actions relating to smart , sustainable , inclusive , prm accessible , safe and secure mobility :


### ‘ market surveillance’ means the activities carried out and measures taken by the market surveillance authorities to ensure that vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market comply with the requirements set out in the relevant union legislation and do not endanger health , safety or any other aspect of public interest protection ; ### ' market surveillance ' means the activities carried out and measures taken by the market surveillance authorities to ensure that vehicles , systems , components or separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market comply with the requirements set out in the relevant union legislation and do not endanger health , safety , the environment or any other aspect of public interest protection including consumer rights ;


### the type - approval authority shall have a sufficient number of competent personnel at its disposal for the proper performance of the tasks foreseen by this regulation ### the type - approval authority shall have a sufficient number of competent personnel and resources at its disposal for the proper performance of the tasks foreseen by this regulation


### “3 . the commission shall keep under review the procedures , tests and requirements referred to in article 5 as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions . if the review finds that these are no longer adequate or no longer reflect real world emissions , they shall be adapted so as to adequately reflect the emissions generated by real driving on the road . the necessary measures , which are designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation , by supplementing it , shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 15 . ” ### in article 14 paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : ' 3 . the commission shall keep under review the procedures , tests and requirements referred to in article 5 as well as the test procedures used to measure emissions in order to ensure that they are adequate , including with regard to defeat devices , and reflect real world emissions . the commission shall introduce and complete , in accordance with article 5 and without undue delay a real driving emissions test for all vehicles and pollutants to ensure the effectiveness of emission control systems and to enable the vehicle to comply with this regulation and its implementing measures in normal use throughout the normal life of the vehicles . the conformity factor for nox applicable from 2020 to all vehicles placed on the union market shall be no more than 1 , 18 . the conformity factor for pn applicable from 2020 to all vehicles placed on the union market shall be 1 . '


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment , especially in member states severely hit by the austerity policies and by recession . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises , green investments and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors and particular member states and regions .


### in the last years , the union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs , such as the capital markets union , the digital single market strategy , the clean energy for all europeans package , the union action plan for the circular economy , the low - emission mobility strategy , the defence and the space strategy for europe . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing . ### in the last years , the union has adopted strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing in all regions , especially in regions where such access is structurally constrained .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . the strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national or union funding , or by both . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the european structural and investment funds , the european investment stabilisation function and the investeu fund , where relevant . ### member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national or union funding , or by both . these strategies should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the european structural and investment funds , the european investment stabilisation function and the investeu fund , where relevant .


### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union’s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union’s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union . ### the investeu fund should be geared to social , economic and territorial cohesion and be capable of helping to increase aggregate demand and carry out investment in public infrastructure , which may subsequently leverage and boost private investment . only a plan of this nature can be effective in reviving growth , fighting unemployment and combating social , economic and territorial inequalities . to that end , it should favour projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union’s budget and by contributions from implementing partners , to enhance cohesion through the creation of quality jobs and the broadening and improvement of the productive base of member states , especially those facing severe economic imbalances , suffering from austerity measures and structural adjustments ;


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union’s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union’s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union’s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union’s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets as well as the eu 2050 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes’ need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes’ need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart’s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund’s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union . moreover , it should be possible to have other international financial institutions as implementing partners , in particular when they present a comparative advantage in terms of specific expertise and experience in certain member states . it should also be possible for other entities fulfilling the criteria laid down in the financial regulation to act as implementing partners . ### in selecting implementing partners for the deployment of the investeu fund , the commission should consider the counterpart’s capacity to fulfil the objectives of the investeu fund and contribute its own resources , in order to ensure adequate geographical coverage and diversification , to avoid disproportionate benefit to larger member states with more developed capital markets , to crowd - in private investors and to provide sufficient risk diversification as well as new solutions to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations . given its role under the treaties , its capacity to operate in all member states and the existing experience under the current financial instruments and the efsi , the european investment bank group should remain a privileged implementing partner under the investeu fund’s eu compartment . in addition to the eib group , national promotional banks or institutions should be able to offer a complementary financial product range given that their experience and capabilities at regional level could be beneficial for the maximisation of the impact of public funds on the territory of the union .


### in order to ensure a wide geographic outreach of the advisory services across the union and to successfully leverage local knowledge about the investeu fund , a local presence of the investeu advisory hub should be ensured , where needed , taking into account existing support schemes , with a view to provide tangible , proactive , tailor - made assistance on the ground . ### in order to ensure a wide geographic outreach of the advisory services across the union and to successfully leverage local knowledge about the investeu fund , a presence of the investeu advisory hub in each member state and in the regions should be ensured , taking into account existing support schemes , with a view to provide tangible , proactive , tailor - made assistance on the ground .


### a solid monitoring framework , based on output , outcome and impact indicators should be implemented to track progress towards the union’s objectives . in order to ensure accountability to european citizens , the commission should report annually to the european parliament and the council on the progress , impact and operations of the investeu programme . ### a solid monitoring framework , based on output , outcome and impact indicators should be implemented to track progress towards the union’s objectives . in order to ensure accountability to european citizens , the commission should report annually to the european parliament and the council on the progress , impact and operations of the investeu programme and on the coordination , complementarity and consistency with other union policies and instruments , especially the funds under shared management .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 concludes that the common agricultural policy should continue to step up its response to future challenges and opportunities , by boosting employment , growth and investment , fighting and adapting to climate change and bringing research and innovation out of the laboratories and onto fields and markets . the cap should furthermore address citizens ' concerns regarding sustainable agriculture production . ### the&#160 ; communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , &#160 ; the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions&#160 ; entitled ' the future of food and farming ' of 29 november 2017 concludes that&#160 ; the common agricultural policy should continue to step up&#160 ; its response to future challenges and opportunities , by boosting employment , &#160 ; growth and investment , fighting and adapting to climate change , &#160 ; adapting them and transferring research and innovation from&#160 ; the laboratories to fields and markets . the cap should furthermore address&#160 ; citizens ' concerns regarding sustainable agriculture production . there&#160 ; must be a fairer distribution of aid between production , producers , regions&#160 ; and countries , benefiting small and medium - sized farmers , with a coupling of&#160 ; aid to vulnerable sectors . &#160 ;


### where a member state accredits more than one paying agency , it should designate a single public coordinating body in order to ensure consistency in the management of funds , to provide for a liaison between the commission and the various accredited paying agencies , and to ensure that the information requested by the commission concerning the operations of several paying agencies is provided promptly . the coordinating body should also take and coordinate actions with a view to resolving any deficiencies of a common nature encountered at national level and should keep the commission informed of any follow - up . ### where a member state accredits more than one paying agency , it should designate a single public coordinating body in order to ensure consistency in the management of funds , to provide for a liaison between the commission and the various accredited paying agencies , and to ensure that the information requested by the commission concerning the operations of several paying agencies is provided promptly . the coordinating body should also take and coordinate actions with a view to resolving any deficiencies of a common nature encountered at national level and should keep the commission informed of any follow - up . paying agencies should develop their role as advisors to farmers and make efforts towards the simplification of procedures and ensuring compliance with standards at european level , in addition in recognition of new delivery model member states shall establish a functionally independent mediation and appeals body comprising the required expertise and stakeholder representation ;


### with a view to ensuring that the amounts for the financing of the cap comply with the annual ceilings , the financial discipline mechanism by which the level of direct support is adjusted , should be maintained . however , the threshold of eur 2000 should be abolished . an agricultural reserve should be maintained to support the agricultural sector in the event of market developments or major crises affecting the agricultural production or distribution . article 12 of regulation [ new financial regulation ] foresees that non - committed appropriations may be carried over to to the following financial year only . in order to significantly simplify the implementation for beneficiaries and national administrations , a roll - over mechanism should be used , using any unused amounts of the reserve for crises in the agricultural sector established in 2020 . for this purpose a derogation from article 12 is necessary , allowing for non - committed appropriations of the agricultural reserve to be carried over without time limitation to finance the agricultural reserve in the following financial year . furthermore , as regards the financial year 2020 , a second derogation is necessary as the total unused amount of the reserve available at the end of year 2020 should be carried over to the year 2021 to the corresponding line of the new agricultural reserve without being returned to the budgetary lines which cover direct payment interventions under the cap strategic plan . ### with a view to ensuring that the amounts for the financing of the cap comply with the annual ceilings , the financial discipline mechanism by which the level of direct support is adjusted , should be maintained . however , the threshold of eur2000 should be abolished . an agricultural reserve should be maintained to support the agricultural sector in the event of market developments or major crises affecting the agricultural production or distribution . the crisis reserve should be a functioning flexible tool , a mechanism which would enable the eu to better respond to any crisis that has eu - wide consequences on any of the agricultural sectors , especially in terms of the economy . article 12 of regulation [ new financial regulation ] foresees that non - committed appropriations may be carried over to the following financial year only . in order to significantly simplify the implementation for beneficiaries and national administrations , a roll - over mechanism should be used , using any unused amounts of the reserve for crises in the agricultural sector established in 2020 . for this purpose a derogation from article 12 is necessary , allowing for non - committed appropriations of the agricultural reserve to be carried over without time limitation to finance the agricultural reserve in the following financial year . furthermore , as regards the financial year 2020 , a second derogation is necessary as the total unused amount of the reserve available at the end of year 2020 should be carried over to the year 2021 to the corresponding line of the new agricultural reserve without being returned to the budgetary lines which cover direct payment interventions under the cap strategic plan .


### as regards the multi - annual performance monitoring the commission should also have the power to suspend payments . accordingly in cases of delayed or insufficient progress towards targets , set out in the national cap strategic plan , the commission should be empowered to request the member state concerned to take the necessary remedial actions in accordance with an action plan to be established in consultation with the commission and containing clear progress indicators , by means of an implementing act . where the member state fails to submit or to implement the action plan or where the action plan is manifestly insufficient to remedy the situation , the commission should have the power to suspend the monthly or interim payments , by means of an implementing act . ### as regards the multi - annual performance monitoring the commission should also have the power to suspend payments . accordingly in cases of delayed or insufficient progress towards targets , set out in the national cap strategic plan , the commission should be empowered to request the member state concerned to take the necessary remedial actions in accordance with an action plan to be established in consultation local , regional , national and international stakeholders . such action plans should contain clear progress indicators , by means of an implementing act . where the member state fails to submit or to implement the action plan or where the action plan is manifestly insufficient to remedy the situation , the commission should have the power to suspend the monthly or interim payments , by means of an implementing act . particular attention should be paid to respect of the union’s environmental legislation as well as eu and member states ' commitments to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and treaty obligations .


### the existing main elements of the integrated system and , in particular , the provisions concerning a system for identifying agricultural parcels , a geo - spatial and an animal - based application system , a system for identifying and registering payment entitlements , a system for recording the identity of beneficiaries and a control and penalties system should be maintained . member states should continue to use data or information products provided by the copernicus programme , in addition to information technologies such as galileo and egnos in order to ensure that comprehensive and comparable data is available throughout the union for the purposes of monitoring agri - environment - climate policy and for the purposes of boosting the use of full , free and open data and information captured by copernicus sentinels satellites and services . to this end , the integrated system should include also an area monitoring system . ### the existing main elements of the integrated system and , in particular , the provisions concerning a system for identifying agricultural parcels , a geo - spatial and an animal - based application system , a system for identifying and registering payment entitlements , a system for recording the identity of beneficiaries and a control and penalties system should be maintained . member states should continue to use data or information products provided by the copernicus programme , in addition to information technologies such as galileo and egnos in order to ensure that comprehensive and comparable data is available throughout the union for the purposes of monitoring agri - environment - climate policy and for the purposes of boosting the use of full , free and open data and information captured by copernicus sentinels satellites and services . to this end , the integrated system should include also an area monitoring system . the purpose of using such technology should be to limit the amount of on farm inspections that are required and reduce the administrative burden on farmers .