### in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union , when assessing applications for international protection , the competent authorities of the member states should use methods for the assessment of the applicant ' s credibility in a manner that respects the individual ' s rights as guaranteed by the charter , in particular the right to human dignity and the respect for private and family life . specifically as regards homosexuality , the individual assessment of the applicant ' s credibility should not be based on stereotyped notions concerning homosexuals and the applicant should not be submitted to detailed questioning or tests as to his or her sexual practices . ### in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union , when assessing applications for international protection , the competent authorities of the member states should use methods for the assessment of the applicant ' s credibility in a manner that respects the individual ' s rights as guaranteed by the charter , in particular the right to human dignity and the respect for private and family life . specifically as regards sexual orientation and gender identity , the individual assessment of the applicant ' s credibility should not be based on stereotyped notions concerning sexual orientation and gender identity and the applicant should not be submitted to detailed questioning or tests as to his or her sexual practices . moreover , the competent national authorities should not find that the statements of the applicant lack credibility on the sole ground that the applicant did not rely on his or her sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression or sex characteristics when he or she first set out the details of his or her persecution .


### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures provided by the member states , in particular language courses , civic orientation and integration programs and vocational training which take into account their specific needs . ### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures provided by the member states , in particular civic orientation and integration programs and vocational training , which shall be free of charge and easily accessible and shall take into account their specific needs .


### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . in particular this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for human dignity and the right to asylum of applicants for asylum and their accompanying family members and to promote the application of the charter ' s articles relating to human dignity , respect for private and family life , freedom of expression and information , right to education , freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work , freedom to conduct a business , right to asylum , non - discrimination , rights of the child , social security and social assistance , health care , and should therefore be implemented accordingly . ### this regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , the european convention on human rights and the european social charter . in particular this regulation seeks to ensure full respect for human dignity and the right to asylum of applicants for asylum and their accompanying family members and to promote the application of the charter , the echr and the european social charter ' s articles relating to human dignity , respect for private and family life , protection in the event of removal , expulsion or extradition , freedom of expression and information , right to education , freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work , freedom to conduct a business , right to asylum , non - discrimination , the equality principle , rights of the child , the enjoyment of social rights including social security and social assistance , health care , and should therefore be implemented accordingly .


### if an unaccompanied minor is granted international protection and the tracing of his or her family members has not already started , competent authorities shall start tracing them as soon as possible after the granting of international protection , whilst protecting the minor’s best interests . if tracing has already started , it shall be continued where appropriate . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis . ### tracing of family members of unaccompanied minors shall start as soon as he or she registers his or her request for international protection . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis so as to avoid jeopardising their safety .


### the notion of family members should take into account the different particular circumstances of dependency and the special attention to be paid to the best interests of the child . it should also reflect the reality of current migratory trends , according to which applicants often arrive to the territory of the member states after a prolonged period of time in transit . the notion should therefore include families formed outside the country of origin , but before their arrival on the territory of the member state . ### the notion of family members should take into account family diversity , the different particular circumstances of dependency and the special attention to be paid to the best interests of the child . it should also reflect the reality of current migratory trends , according to which applicants often arrive to the territory of the member states after a prolonged period of time in transit . the notion should therefore include families formed both outside the country of origin and families formed after their arrival on the territory of the member state , excluding , in all cases , forced marriages . the notion of spouse and unmarried partner should not distinguish the spouses or such partners on the basis of their gender .


### a number of substantive changes are to be made to council directive 2011 / 95 / eu of 13 december 2011 on standards for the qualification of third - country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection , for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection , and for the content of the protection granted31 . to ensure harmonisation and more convergence in asylum decisions and as regards the content of international protection in order to reduce incentives to move within the european union and ensure an equality of treatment of beneficiaries of international protection that directive should be repealed and replaced by a regulation . _________________ 31 oj l 337 , 20 . 12 . 2011 , p . 9 . ### a number of substantive changes are to be made to council directive 2011 / 95 / eu of 13 december 2011 on standards for the qualification of third - country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection , for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection , and for the content of the protection granted31 . to ensure harmonisation and more convergence in asylum decisions based on high standards of protection and as regards the content of international protection in order to ensure an equality of treatment of beneficiaries of international protection that directive should be recast .


### this regulation does not apply to other national humanitarian statuses granted by member states under their national law to those who do not qualify for the refugee status or the subsidiary protection status . these statuses , if issued , are to be issued in a way not to entail a risk of confusion with international protection . ### this regulation does not apply to other national humanitarian statuses granted by member states under their national law to those who do not qualify for the refugee status or the subsidiary protection status .


### for beneficiaries of refugee status , the residence permit shall have a period of validity of three years and be renewable thereafter for periods of three years . ### for beneficiaries of refugee status , the residence permit shall have a period of validity of five years and be renewable thereafter for periods of five years .


### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious and individual threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union36 , determining authorities should not require the applicant to adduce evidence that he is specifically targeted by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstances . however , the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious and individual threat should exceptionally be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a high level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country or origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat . _________________ 36 c - 465 / 07 . ### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union and the european court of human rights , the required level of harm needs not be equivalent to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious threat should be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country of origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his or her presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat .


### decisions of the determining authority revoking , ending or refusing to renew refugee status pursuant to point of paragraph 1 shall only take effect three months after the decision is adopted , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law . ### decisions of the determining authority revoking , ending or refusing to renew refugee status pursuant to point of paragraph 1 shall only take effect nine months after the decision is adopted , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law .


### for a well - functioning ceas , including of the dublin system , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . in addition , rules on status review should be strengthened to ensure that protection is only granted to those who need it and for so long as it continues to be needed . moreover , divergent practices regarding the duration of the residence permits should be avoided , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised . ### a common union policy on international protection should be based on a uniform status . to move towards a well - functioning ceas , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . at the same time , it is important not to overburden administratively the authorities of the member states . accordingly , rules should be strengthened to ensure that protection is granted to those who need it . moreover , a harmonised duration for residence permits should be established , which should take full account of the current practice in the member states , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised .


### the resources of the asylum , migration and refugee fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . ### the resources of the asylum , migration and integration fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states that are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . in addition , member states should take full advantage , at all levels of governance , of the possibilities offered by funds which are not directly related to asylum and migration policy but which can be used to fund actions in that area , for example integration actions , such as those available under the european social fund , the fund for european aid to the most deprived , horizon 2020 , the european regional development fund and the rights , equality and citizenship programme . those funds should be made directly accessible to local and regional authorities for actions that fall directly under their responsibilities .


### ' guardian ' means a person or an organisation appointed by the competent bodies in order to assist and represent an unaccompanied minor in procedures provided for in this regulation with a view to ensuring the best interests of the child and exercising legal capacity for the minor where necessary . ### ' guardian ' means a person or an organisation appointed by the competent bodies in order to assist and represent an unaccompanied minor in procedures provided for in this regulation with a view to safeguarding the best interests of the child and his or her well - being and exercising legal capacity for the minor where necessary .


### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept might include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation ; gender related aspects , including gender identity , shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ; ### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept shall include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation and gender related aspects , including gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics . those aspects shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ;


### it is equally necessary to introduce a common concept of the persecution ground ‘ membership of a particular social group’ . for the purposes of defining a particular social group , issues arising from an applicant’s gender , including gender identity and sexual orientation , which may be related to certain legal traditions and customs , resulting in for example genital mutilation , forced sterilisation or forced abortion , should be given due consideration in so far as they are related to the applicant’s well - founded fear of persecution . ### it is equally necessary to introduce a common concept of the persecution ground ' membership of a particular social group ' . for the purposes of defining a particular social group , issues arising from an applicant ' s gender , including gender identity , gender expression , sex characteristics and sexual orientation , which may be related to trafficking for sexual exploitation , certain legal traditions and customs , resulting in for example genital mutilation , forced sterilisation or forced abortion , should be given due consideration in so far as they are related to the applicant ' s well - founded fear of persecution .


### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available for those persons in all member states . ### the main objective of this directive is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available to all those persons in need of international protection in all member states .


### refugees and persons who have been granted subsidiary protection status shall have the rights and obligations laid down in this chapter . this chapter shall be without prejudice to the rights and obligations laid down in the geneva convention . ### without prejudice to the rights and obligations laid down in the geneva convention , beneficiaries of international protection shall have the rights and obligations laid down in this chapter .


### member states may decide that this article also applies to other close relatives who lived together as part of the family at the time of leaving the country of origin or before the applicant arrived on the territory of the member states , and who were wholly or mainly dependent on the beneficiary of international protection at the time . ### member states may decide that this article also applies to other close relatives who lived together as part of the family at the time of leaving the country of origin or before the applicant arrived on the territory of the member states .


### decisions of the determining authority revoking , ending or refusing to renew subsidiary protection status pursuant to paragraph 1 shall only take effect three months after the decision is taken , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law . ### decisions of the determining authority withdrawing subsidiary protection status pursuant to paragraph 1 shall only take effect three months after the decision is taken , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law .


### the applicant shall submit all the elements available to him or her which substantiate the application for international protection . he or she shall cooperate with the determining authority and shall remain present and available throughout the procedure . ### in cooperation with the applicant , it is the duty of the member state to assess the relevant elements of the application .


### if an unaccompanied minor is granted international protection and the tracing of his or her family members has not already started , competent authorities shall start tracing them as soon as possible after the granting of international protection , whilst protecting the minor’s best interests . if tracing has already started , it shall be continued where appropriate . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis . ### if an unaccompanied minor is granted international protection and the tracing of his or her family members has not already started , competent authorities shall start tracing them as soon as possible after the granting of international protection , whilst protecting the minor’s best interests . if tracing has already started , it shall be continued where appropriate . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis so as to avoid jeopardising their safety .


### the european union agency for asylum should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation , in particular by providing experts to assist the member state authorities to receive , register , and examine applications for international protection , providing updated information regarding third countries , including country of origin information , and other relevant guidelines and tools . when applying this regulation , member states ' authorities should take into account operational standards , indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the european union agency for asylum [ the agency ] . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities should take particular account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 _________________ 34 com271 final . ### the european union agency for asylum should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation . when implementing this regulation , member states ' authorities could take into account indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the agency . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities can take account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 . in addition , when assessing applications for international protection , member states shall take into account all relevant information from the unhcr and from civil society organisations active on the ground . _________________ 34 com271 final .


### as soon as possible after international protection is granted and within five working days at the latest , as outlined in article 22 of regulation eu no xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation ] , competent authorities shall take the necessary measures to ensure the representation of unaccompanied minors by a legal guardian or , where necessary , by an organisation responsible for the care and well - being of minors , or by any other appropriate representation including that based on legislation or court order . ### as soon as possible and within five days at the latest , as outlined in article 22 of regulation eu no xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation ] , competent authorities shall take the necessary measures to ensure the representation of unaccompanied minors by a legal guardian or , where necessary , by an organisation responsible for the care and well - being of minors , or by any other appropriate representation including that based on legislation or court order .


### competent authorities shall issue travel documents with the minimum security features and biometrics outlined in regulation no 2252 / 2004 to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status who are unable to obtain a national passport . those documents shall be valid for at least one year . ### competent authorities shall issue travel documents with the minimum security features and biometrics outlined in regulation no 2252 / 2004 to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status who are unable to obtain a national passport . those documents shall be valid for at least five years .


### when applying the provisions of this chapter that involve minors the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration to the relevant authorities . ### when applying this regulation , the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration for the member states .


### a serious and individual threat to a civilian’s life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict . ### a serious threat to a civilian’s life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict . serious threats should include group based threats such as internal or international armed conflict or other situations of violence and of systematic human rights violations , military occupation including civil unrest , widespread insecurity or events seriously disturbing public order ; or


### when assessing if an applicant has a well - founded fear of being persecuted , the determining authority cannot reasonably expect an applicant to behave discreetly or abstain from certain practices , where such behaviour or practices are inherent to his or her identity , to avoid the risk of persecution in his or her country of origin . ### when assessing if an applicant has a well - founded fear of being persecuted , the determining authority cannot reasonably expect an applicant to behave discreetly or abstain from certain practices , where such behaviour or practices are inherent to his or her identity or conscience , to avoid the risk of persecution in his or her country of origin .


### in its communication of 6 april 2016 , 32 the commission set out its options for improving the ceas , namely to establish a sustainable and fair system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers , to reinforce the eurodac system , to achieve greater convergence in the eu asylum system , to prevent secondary movements within the european union and a new mandate for the european union agency for asylum agency . that communication is in line with calls by the european council on 18 - 19 february 201633 to make progress towards reforming the eu ' s existing framework so as to ensure a humane and efficient asylum policy . it also proposes a way forward in line with the holistic approach to migration set out by the european parliament in its own initiative report of 12 april 2016 . __________________ 32 com 197 final . 33 euco 19 . 02 . 2016 , sn 1 / 16 . ### in its communication of 6 april 2016 , 32 the commission set out its options for improving the ceas , namely to establish a sustainable and fair system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers , to reinforce the eurodac system , to achieve greater convergence in the eu asylum system , to prevent secondary movements within the european union and a new mandate for the european union agency for asylum . that communication is in line with calls by the european council on 18 - 19 february 201633 to make progress towards reforming the eu ' s existing framework so as to ensure a humane and efficient asylum policy . however , it fails to propose a way forward in line with the holistic approach to migration set out by the european parliament in its own initiative report of 12 april 2016 . __________________ 32 com 197 final . 33 euco 19 . 02 . 2016 , sn 1 / 16 .


### the minor children of the couples referred to in point or of the beneficiary of international protection , on condition that they are unmarried and regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law ; ### the children of the couples referred to in point or of the applicant or beneficiary of international protection , regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law , and the children for whom they bear legal or customary primary responsibility ,


### revocation of , ending of or refusal to renew refugee status ### withdrawal of refugee status


### the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ] ### the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application for international protection in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ]


### it is necessary , when assessing applications from minors for international protection , that the determining authorities should have regard to child - specific forms of persecution . ### it is necessary , when assessing applications from minors for international protection , that the determining authorities have regard to child - specific forms of persecution or the absence of protection against such acts of persecution .


### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious and individual threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union36 , determining authorities should not require the applicant to adduce evidence that he is specifically targeted by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstances . however , the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious and individual threat should exceptionally be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a high level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country or origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat . _________________ 36 c - 465 / 07 . ### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union36 and the european court of human rights , the required level of harm need not be equivalent to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . however , the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious threat should exceptionally be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country or origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat . while the union currently has no agreed legal definition of an environmentally displaced person , this does not preclude member states providing protection to such persons under national law . _________________ 36 c - 465 / 07 .


### for a well - functioning ceas , including of the dublin system , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . in addition , rules on status review should be strengthened to ensure that protection is only granted to those who need it and for so long as it continues to be needed . moreover , divergent practices regarding the duration of the residence permits should be avoided , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised . ### a common union policy on international protection should be based on a uniform status . to move towards a well - functioning ceas , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . at the same time , it is important not to overburden administratively the authorities of the member states . accordingly , rules should be strengthened to ensure that protection is granted to those who need it . moreover , a harmonised duration for residence permits should be established , which should take full account of the current practice in the member states , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised .


### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available for those persons in all member states . ### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available to all those persons in need of international protection in all member states .


### the resources of the asylum , migration and refugee fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . ### the resources of the asylum , migration and integration fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states ' efforts in implementing the standards set by this regulation , in particular in relation to promoting sustainable integration of beneficiaries of international protection and to providing support to those member states which are facing challenges as part of their asylum systems , due in particular to their social , geographical or demographic situation . to that end , adequate funding should be made available to local and regional authorities and international and civil society organisations , including through the possibility for local and regional authorities to access the asylum migration and integration fund and other funds for actions that fall directly under their responsibilities in a more direct and efficient manner .


### without prejudice to the geneva convention and the european convention on human rights , an applicant who files a subsequent application in accordance with article 42 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation ] shall not normally be granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status if the risk of persecution or the serious harm is based on circumstances which the applicant has created by his or her own decision since leaving the country of origin . ### deleted


### national dispersal practices of beneficiaries of international protection shall be carried out to the extent possible without discrimination of beneficiaries of international protection and shall ensure equal opportunities regarding access to accommodation . ### national dispersal practices of beneficiaries of international protection shall be carried out without discrimination of beneficiaries of international protection and shall ensure equal opportunities regarding access to accommodation .


### provided they are willing and able to offer protection in accordance with paragraph 2 . ### as long as they are willing and able to provide protection in accordance with paragraph 2 .


### the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ] ### in cooperation with the applicant , the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ]


### for beneficiaries of refugee status , the residence permit shall have a period of validity of three years and be renewable thereafter for periods of three years . ### the residence permit for beneficiaries of international protection shall have a period of validity of at least five years and be renewable thereafter for periods of five years .


### when the refugee status or the subsidiary protection status ceases to exist , the application of the decision by which the determining authority of a member state revokes , ends or does not renew the status should be deferred for a reasonable period of time after adoption , in order to give the third - country national or stateless person concerned the possibility to apply for residence on the basis of other grounds than those having justified the granting of international protection , such as family reasons , or reasons related to employment or to education , in accordance with relevant union and national law . ### when the status of the beneficiary of international protection ceases to exist , the application of the decision by which the determining authority of a member state withdraws the status should be deferred for a reasonable period of time after adoption , in order to give the third - country national or stateless person concerned the possibility to apply for residence , in accordance with relevant union and national law .


### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious and individual threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union36 , determining authorities should not require the applicant to adduce evidence that he is specifically targeted by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstances . however , the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious and individual threat should exceptionally be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a high level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country or origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat . _________________ 36 c - 465 / 07 . ### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union and the european court of human rights , the required level of harm needs not be equivalent to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious threat should be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country of origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his or her presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat .


### competent authorities shall issue travel documents to beneficiaries of refugee status , in the form set out in the schedule to the geneva convention and with the minimum security features and biometrics outlined in council regulation no 2252 / 200445 . those travel documents shall be valid for at least one year . __________________ 45 council regulation no 2252 / 2004 of 13 december 2004 on standards for in passports and travel documents issued by member states ### competent authorities shall issue travel documents to beneficiaries of refugee status , in the form set out in the schedule to the geneva convention and with the minimum security features and biometrics outlined in council regulation no 2252 / 200445 . those travel documents shall be valid for at least five years . __________________ 45 council regulation no 2252 / 2004 of 13 december 2004 on standards for in passports and travel documents issued by member states


### the ceas is based on common standards for asylum procedures , recognition and protection offered at union level , reception conditions and a system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers . notwithstanding progress achieved so far in the progressive development of the ceas , there are still significant disparities between the member states in the types of procedures used , the recognition rates , the type of protection granted , the level of material reception conditions and benefits given to applicants for and beneficiaries of international protection . these divergences are important drivers of secondary movements and undermine the objective of ensuring that all applicants are equally treated wherever they apply in the union . ### the ceas is based on common standards for asylum procedures , recognition and protection offered at union level , reception conditions and a system for determining the member state responsible for asylum seekers . notwithstanding progress achieved so far in the progressive development of the ceas , there are still significant disparities between the member states in the types of procedures used , the recognition rates , the type of protection granted , the level of material reception conditions and benefits given to applicants for and beneficiaries of international protection . these divergences undermine the objective of ensuring that all applicants are equally treated wherever they apply in the union .


### when the refugee status or the subsidiary protection status ceases to exist , the application of the decision by which the determining authority of a member state revokes , ends or does not renew the status should be deferred for a reasonable period of time after adoption , in order to give the third - country national or stateless person concerned the possibility to apply for residence on the basis of other grounds than those having justified the granting of international protection , such as family reasons , or reasons related to employment or to education , in accordance with relevant union and national law . ### when the status of the beneficiary of international protection ceases to exist , the application of the decision by which the determining authority of a member state withdraws the status should be deferred for a reasonable period of time after adoption , in order to give the third - country national or stateless person concerned the possibility to apply for residence on the basis of other grounds than those having justified the granting of international protection , such as family reasons , or reasons related to employment or to education , in accordance with relevant union and national law .


### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept might include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation ; gender related aspects , including gender identity , shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ; ### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept shall include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation and gender related aspects , including gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics . those aspects shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ;


### the resources of the asylum , migration and refugee fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states which are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . ### the resources of the asylum , migration and integration fund should be used to provide adequate support to member states’ efforts in implementing the standards set by the regulation , in particular to those member states that are faced with specific and disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems , due in particular to their geographical or demographic situation . in addition , member states should take full advantage , at all levels of governance , of the possibilities offered by funds which are not directly related to asylum and migration policy but which can be used to fund actions in that area , for example integration actions , such as those available under the european social fund , the fund for european aid to the most deprived , horizon 2020 , the european regional development fund and the rights , equality and citizenship programme . those funds should be made directly accessible to local and regional authorities for actions that fall directly under their responsibilities .


### - members share an innate characteristic , or a common background that cannot be changed , or share a characteristic or belief that is so fundamental to identity or conscience that a person should not be forced to renounce it , and ### - members share an innate characteristic , or a common background that cannot be changed , or share a characteristic or belief that is so fundamental to identity or conscience that a person should not be forced to renounce it , or


### no later than 30 days after international protection has been granted , a residence permit shall be issued using the uniform format as laid down in regulation no 1030 / 2002 . ### as soon as possible , and in any event no later than 15 days after international protection has been granted , a residence permit shall be issued using the uniform format as laid down in regulation no 1030 / 2002 .


### he or she has committed a serious crime ; ### he or she has committed a serious non - political crime outside the country of refuge prior to his or her admission as a beneficiary of subsidiary protection .


### revocation of , ending of or refusal to renew subsidiary protection status ### withdrawal of subsidiary protection status


### the competent authorities shall provide beneficiaries of international protection with information on the rights and obligations relating to refugee status or subsidiary protection status , as soon as possible after that has been granted . that information shall be provided in a language that the beneficiary can understand or is reasonably supposed to understand and shall make explicit references to the consequences of not complying with the obligations outlined in article 28 on movement within the union . ### the competent authorities shall provide beneficiaries of international protection with information on the rights and obligations relating to refugee status or subsidiary protection status , as soon as possible after that has been granted . that information shall be provided in a language that the beneficiary can understand .


### protection can be provided , where they are willing and able to offer protection , either by the state or by parties or organisations , including international organisations , meeting the conditions set out in this directive , which control a region or a larger area within the territory of the state . such protection should be effective and of a non - temporary nature . ### protection can be provided , where they are willing and able to offer protection , by states meeting the conditions set out in this regulation . such protection should be effective and of a non - temporary nature .


### the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ] ### in cooperation with the applicant , the determining authority shall assess the relevant elements of the application for international protection in accordance with article 33 of regulation xxx / xxx [ procedures regulation . ] and acquire all information necessary to thoroughly assess the international protection application


### the minor children of the couples referred to in point or of the beneficiary of international protection , on condition that they are unmarried and regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law ; ### the children of the couples referred to in point or of the beneficiary of international protection , regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law ;


### member states may decide that this article also applies to other close relatives who lived together as part of the family at the time of leaving the country of origin or before the applicant arrived on the territory of the member states , and who were wholly or mainly dependent on the beneficiary of international protection at the time . ### this article shall apply to other close relatives who lived together as part of the family at the time of leaving the country of origin or before the applicant arrived on the territory of the member states .


### decisions of the determining authority revoking , ending or refusing to renew refugee status pursuant to point of paragraph 1 shall only take effect three months after the decision is adopted , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law . ### decisions of the determining authority withdrawing refugee status pursuant to point of paragraph 1 shall only take effect three months after the decision is adopted , in order to provide the third - country national or stateless person with the opportunity to apply for residence in the member state on other grounds in accordance with relevant union and national law .


### for a well - functioning ceas , including of the dublin system , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . in addition , rules on status review should be strengthened to ensure that protection is only granted to those who need it and for so long as it continues to be needed . moreover , divergent practices regarding the duration of the residence permits should be avoided , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised . ### a common union policy on international protection should be based on a uniform status . to move towards a well - functioning ceas , substantial progress should be made regarding the convergence of national asylum systems with special regard to differing recognition rates and type of protection status in the member states . at the same time , it is important not to overburden administratively the authorities of the member states . accordingly , rules should be strengthened to ensure that protection is granted to those who need it . moreover , a harmonised duration for residence permits should be established , which should take full account of the current practice in the member states , and the rights granted to beneficiaries of international protection should be further clarified and harmonised .


### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious and individual threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union36 , determining authorities should not require the applicant to adduce evidence that he is specifically targeted by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstances . however , the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious and individual threat should exceptionally be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a high level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country or origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat . _________________ 36 c - 465 / 07 . ### as regards the required proof in relation to the existence of a serious threat to the life or person of an applicant , in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union and the european court of human rights , the required level of harm needs not be equivalent to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment . the level of indiscriminate violence required to substantiate the application is lower if the applicant is able to show that he is specifically affected by reason of factors particular to his personal circumstance . moreover , the existence of a serious threat should be established by the determining authorities solely on account of the presence of the applicant on the territory or relevant part of the territory of the country of origin provided the degree of indiscriminate violence characterising the armed conflict taking place reaches such a level that there are substantial grounds for believing that a civilian , returned to the country of origin or to the relevant part of country of origin , would , solely on account of his or her presence on the territory of that country or region , face a real risk of being subject to the serious threat .


### when assessing whether an international organisation controls a state or a substantial part of its territory and provides protection as referred to in paragraph 2 , determining authorities shall base themselves on any guidance provided in relevant union law , in particular available union level country of origin information and the common analysis of country of origin information referred to in articles 8 and 10 of regulation no xxx / xx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] . ### determining authorities shall make sure to obtain and take into account precise and up - to - date information and guidance on the situation in the country of origin from all relevant national , union and international sources , including the european union agency for asylum , unhcr human rights experts and ngos . the determining authorities may decide to give specific attention to information on countries of origin at union level , the common analysis of the situation in specific countries of origin and the guidance notes referred to in articles 8 and 10 of regulation no xxx / xx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] .


### the european union agency for asylum should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation , in particular by providing experts to assist the member state authorities to receive , register , and examine applications for international protection , providing updated information regarding third countries , including country of origin information , and other relevant guidelines and tools . when applying this regulation , member states ' authorities should take into account operational standards , indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the european union agency for asylum [ the agency ] . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities should take particular account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 _________________ 34 com271 final . ### the european union agency for asylum should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation . when implementing this regulation , member states ' authorities could take into account indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the agency . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities can take account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 . in addition , when assessing applications for international protection , member states shall take into account all relevant information from the unhcr and from civil society organisations active on the ground . _________________ 34 com271 final .


### in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union , when assessing applications for international protection , the competent authorities of the member states should use methods for the assessment of the applicant ' s credibility in a manner that respects the individual ' s rights as guaranteed by the charter , in particular the right to human dignity and the respect for private and family life . specifically as regards homosexuality , the individual assessment of the applicant ' s credibility should not be based on stereotyped notions concerning homosexuals and the applicant should not be submitted to detailed questioning or tests as to his or her sexual practices . ### in accordance with relevant case law of the court of justice of the european union , when assessing applications for international protection , the competent authorities of the member states should use methods for the assessment of the applicant ' s credibility in a manner that respects the individual ' s rights as guaranteed by the charter , in particular the right to human dignity and the respect for private and family life . specifically as regards sexual orientation and gender identity , the individual assessment of the applicant ' s credibility should not be based on stereotyped notions concerning sexual orientation and gender identity and the applicant should not be submitted to detailed questioning or tests as to his or her sexual practices . moreover , the competent national authorities should not find that the statements of the applicant lack credibility on the sole ground that the applicant did not rely on his or her sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression or sex characteristics when he or she first set out the details of his or her persecution .


### the residence permit and the travel documents issued to beneficiaries of international protection for the first time or renewed following the entry into force of this regulation should comply with the rules laid down by regulation no 1030 / 2002 and council regulation no 2252 / 2004 respectively . ### the residence permit and the travel documents issued to beneficiaries of international protection following the entry into force of this regulation should comply with the rules laid down by regulation no 1030 / 2002 and council regulation no 2252 / 2004 respectively .


### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available for those persons in all member states . ### the main objective of this directive is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available for those persons in all member states .


### when applying the provisions of this chapter that involve minors the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration to the relevant authorities . ### when applying this regulation , the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration for the member states .


### the fact that an applicant has already been subject to persecution or serious harm , or to direct threats of such persecution or such harm , shall be considered a serious indication of the applicant’s well - founded fear of persecution or real risk of suffering serious harm , unless there are good reasons to consider that such persecution or serious harm will not be repeated . ### the fact that an applicant has already been subject to persecution or serious harm , or to direct threats of such persecution or such harm , shall be considered a serious indication of the applicant ' s well - founded fear of persecution or real risk of suffering serious harm .


### provided they are willing and able to offer protection in accordance with paragraph 2 . ### as long as they are willing and able to provide protection in accordance with paragraph 2 .


### adults granted international protection shall have access to the general education system , further training or retraining , under the same conditions as third - country nationals legally resident in that member state who are in a comparable situation . ### adults granted international protection shall have access to the general education system , further training or retraining , under the same conditions as third - country nationals legally resident in that member state


### for beneficiaries of refugee status , the residence permit shall have a period of validity of three years and be renewable thereafter for periods of three years . ### the residence permit for beneficiaries of international protection shall have a period of validity of at least five years and be renewable thereafter for periods of five years .


### if an unaccompanied minor is granted international protection and the tracing of his or her family members has not already started , competent authorities shall start tracing them as soon as possible after the granting of international protection , whilst protecting the minor’s best interests . if tracing has already started , it shall be continued where appropriate . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis . ### tracing of family members of unaccompanied minors shall start as soon as he or she registers his or her request for international protection . in cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives , particularly if they have remained in the country of origin , care must be taken to ensure that the collection , processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis so as to avoid jeopardising their safety .


### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures , modalities to be set by the member states . member states may make the participation in such integration measures , such as language courses , civic integration courses , vocational training and other employment - related courses compulsory . ### in order to facilitate the integration of beneficiaries of international protection into society , beneficiaries of international protection shall have access to integration measures , such as language courses , civic integration courses , vocational training and other employment - related courses which shall be easily accessible , available , free of charge and childcare is to be provided .


### for the purpose of assessing serious harm which may qualify applicants as eligible for subsidiary protection , the notion of indiscriminate violence , in accordance with relevant case law of the european court of justice , should include violence that may extend to people irrespective of their personal circumstance . ### for the purpose of assessing serious harm which may qualify applicants as eligible for subsidiary protection , the notion of indiscriminate violence , in accordance with relevant case law of the european court of justice , should include violence that may extend to people irrespective of their personal circumstance . factors to be taken into account when determining whether indiscriminate violence exists could include external aggression , occupation , foreign domination , internal conflicts , severe violation of human rights or events seriously disturbing public order in the country of origin , or in a part thereof .


### a serious and individual threat to a civilian’s life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict . ### a serious threat to a civilian’s life or person by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict .


### the european union agency for asylum should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation , in particular by providing experts to assist the member state authorities to receive , register , and examine applications for international protection , providing updated information regarding third countries , including country of origin information , and other relevant guidelines and tools . when applying this regulation , member states ' authorities should take into account operational standards , indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the european union agency for asylum [ the agency ] . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities should take particular account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 __________________ 34 com271 final . ### the agency should provide adequate support in the application of this regulation , in particular by providing experts to assist the member state authorities to receive , register , and examine applications for international protection , providing updated information regarding third countries , including country of origin information , and other relevant guidelines and tools . when applying this regulation , member states ' authorities should take into account operational standards , indicative guidelines , and best practices developed by the agency . when assessing applications for international protection , member states ' authorities should take account of the information , reports , common analysis and guidance on the situation in countries of origin developed at union level by the agency and the european networks on country of origin information in accordance with articles 8 and 10 of regulation34 . in addition , when assessing applications for international protection , member states should take into account all relevant information from the unhcr and from civil society organisations active on the ground . __________________ 34 com271 final .


### refugees and persons who have been granted subsidiary protection status shall have the rights and obligations laid down in this chapter . this chapter shall be without prejudice to the rights and obligations laid down in the geneva convention . ### without prejudice to the rights and obligations laid down in the geneva convention , beneficiaries of international protection shall have the rights and obligations laid down in this chapter .


### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept might include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation ; gender related aspects , including gender identity , shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ; ### depending on the circumstances in the country of origin , the concept shall include a group based on a common characteristic of sexual orientation and gender related aspects and / or having undergone or risking sexual trafficking for sexual exploitation , including gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics . those aspects shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group ;


### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available for those persons in all member states . ### the main objective of this regulation is , on the one hand , to ensure that member states apply common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection and , on the other hand , to ensure that a common set of rights is available to all those persons in need of international protection in all member states .


### when assessing whether an international organisation controls a state or a substantial part of its territory and provides protection as referred to in paragraph 2 , determining authorities shall base themselves on any guidance provided in relevant union law , in particular available union level country of origin information and the common analysis of country of origin information referred to in articles 8 and 10 of regulation no xxx / xx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] . ### determining authorities shall make sure to obtain and take into account precise and up - to - date information and guidance on the situation in the country of origin from all relevant national , union and international sources , including the european union agency for asylum , unhcr human rights experts and ngos . the determining authorities may decide to give specific attention to information on countries of origin at union level , the common analysis of the situation in specific countries of origin and the guidance notes referred to in articles 8 and 10 of regulation no xxx / xx [ regulation on the european union agency for asylum ] .


### for the purpose of assessing serious harm which may qualify applicants as eligible for subsidiary protection , the notion of indiscriminate violence , in accordance with relevant case law of the european court of justice , should include violence that may extend to people irrespective of their personal circumstance . ### for the purpose of assessing serious harm which may qualify applicants as eligible for subsidiary protection , the notion of indiscriminate violence , in accordance with relevant case law of the european court of justice and the european court of human rights , should include violence that may extend to people irrespective of their personal circumstances . factors to be taken into account when determining whether indiscriminate violence exists could include external aggression , occupation , foreign domination , internal conflicts , severe violation of human rights or events seriously disturbing public order in the country of origin , or in a part thereof .


### acts of a gender - specific or child - specific nature . ### acts of a gender - specific or child - specific nature , such as under - age recruitment , genital mutilation , forced marriage , child trafficking and child labour , domestic violence , trafficking for sexual exploitation , violations of economic , social and cultural rights .


### a third - country national or a stateless person shall be excluded from being a refugee if : ### a third - country national or a stateless person shall be excluded from the scope of this regulation if :


### protection against persecution or serious harm shall be effective and of a non - temporary nature . that protection shall be considered to be provided when the actors referred to in paragraph 1 take reasonable steps to prevent the persecution or suffering of serious harm , among others , by operating an effective legal system for the detection , prosecution and punishment of acts constituting persecution or serious harm , and when the applicant has access to that protection . ### protection against persecution or serious harm shall be effective and of a non - temporary nature .


### in particular , it is necessary to introduce common concepts of protection needs arising sur place , sources of harm and protection , internal protection and persecution , including the reasons for persecution . ### in particular , it is necessary to introduce common concepts of protection needs arising sur place , sources of harm and protection , and persecution , including the reasons for persecution .


### the father , mother or another adult responsible for the beneficiary of international protection whether by law or by the practice of the member state concerned , when that beneficiary is a minor and unmarried ; ### the father , mother , or another adult responsible for the applicant or beneficiary of international protection whether by law or by the practice of the country of origin or of the member state concerned .


### in order to allow the elm to respond to potential upcoming challenges and union priorities , as well as to provide a strategic response addressing root causes of migration , the maximum ceiling for the eib financing operations under the eu guarantee should be increased to eur 32 300 000 000 by releasing the optional additional amount of eur 3 000 000 000 . under the general mandate , the amount of eur 1 400 000 000 should be earmarked for projects in the public sector directed to refugees and host communities in crisis affected areas . ### in order to allow the elm to respond to potential upcoming challenges and union priorities , as well as to provide a strategic response addressing root causes of migration , the maximum ceiling for the eib financing operations under the eu guarantee should be increased to eur 32 300 000 000 by releasing the optional additional amount of eur 3 000 000 000 . under the general mandate , the amount of eur 2 500 000 000 should be earmarked for projects in the public sector directed to refugees and host communities in crisis affected areas .


### the international community faces an unprecedented refugee crisis which requires solidarity , efficient mobilisation of financial resources and the need to confront and surmount the existing challenges in a concerted manner . all actors need to work together to apply sustained , medium and long - term policies and an efficient use of existing processes and programmes in order to support initiatives which contribute to addressing root causes of migration . ### the international community faces an unprecedented migration and refugee crisis which requires solidarity , efficient mobilisation of financial resources and the need to confront and surmount the existing challenges in a concerted manner . all actors need to work together to apply sustained , medium and long - term policies and an efficient use of existing programmes in order to engineer and support initiatives , which contribute to the sustainable development goals and to address root causes of migratory pressures stemming from poverty , inequality , demographic growth , lack of employment and economic opportunities , climate change and the long - term consequences of forced displacement .


### the public sector , including municipalities and public sector entities , in terms of infrastructure and services to address significantly increased needs . ; ### the public sector , including municipalities and public sector entities , in terms of infrastructure and services , in particular for health care with special facilities for children , for sanitation services and school education , to address significantly increased needs . ;


### to ensure that private sector investments have the greatest development impact , the eib shall endeavour to strengthen the local private sector in beneficiary countries through support to local investment as provided for in point of paragraph 1 . eib financing operations supporting the general objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall endeavour to also enhance its support to investment projects run by smes from the union . in order to effectively monitor the use of funds for the benefit of the smes concerned , the eib shall establish and maintain adequate contractual provisions imposing standard reporting obligations on both the financial intermediaries and the beneficiaries ; ### to ensure that private sector investments have the greatest development impact , the eib shall ensure that the local private sector , including cooperatives and social enterprises , in beneficiary countries is strengthened through support to local investment as provided for in point of paragraph 1 . eib financing operations supporting the general objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall endeavour to also enhance its support to investment projects run by smes from the recipient country and from the union . in order to effectively monitor the use of funds for the benefit of the smes concerned , the eib shall establish and maintain adequate contractual provisions imposing standard reporting obligations on both the financial intermediaries and the beneficiaries ;


### to the extent that is necessary to ensure accessibility for end - users to digital radio and television broadcasting services specified by the member state , obligations on operators to provide access to the other facilities referred to in annex ii , part ii on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms . ### to the extent that is necessary to ensure accessibility for end - users , including for end - users with disabilities , to digital radio and audiovisual media services as well as related complementary services specified by the member state , obligations on operators to provide access to the other facilities and to provide access to radio and audio or audiovisual media services referred to in annex ii , part ii on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms .


### member states may impose reasonable ‘ must carry’ obligations , for the transmission of specified radio and television broadcast channels and related complementary services , particularly accessibility services to enable appropriate access for disabled end - users and data supporting connected tv services and electronic programme guides , on undertakings under their jurisdiction providing electronic communications networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcast channels to the public where a significant number of end - users of such networks use them as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcast channels . such obligations shall only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives as clearly defined by each member state and shall be proportionate and transparent . ### member states shall impose reasonable ‘ must carry’ obligations , for the transmission of specified radio and television broadcast channels and related complementary services , particularly accessibility services to enable appropriate access to content and electronic programming guide for end - users with disabilities and data supporting connected tv services and electronic programme guides , on undertakings under their jurisdiction providing electronic communications networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcast channels to the public where a significant number of end - users of such networks use them as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcast channels . such obligations shall only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives as clearly defined by each member state and shall be proportionate and transparent .


### promote the interests of the citizens of the union , including in the long term , by ensuring widespread availability and take - up of very high capacity connectivity , both fixed and mobile , and of interpersonal communications services , by enabling maximum benefits in terms of choice , price and quality on the basis of effective competition , by maintaining security of networks and services , by ensuring a high and common level of protection for end - users through the necessary sector - specific rules and by addressing the needs , such as for affordable prices , of specific social groups , in particular disabled users , elderly users and users with special social needs . ### promote the interests of the citizens of the union , including in the long term , by ensuring widespread availability and take - up of very high capacity connectivity , both fixed and mobile , and of interpersonal communications services , including through voice , video , real time text , and relay services for end - users with disabilities , by enabling maximum benefits in terms of choice , price and quality on the basis of effective competition , by maintaining security of networks and services , by ensuring a high and common level of protection for end - users through the necessary sector - specific rules and by addressing the needs , such as for affordable prices , of specific social groups , in particular users with disabilities , elderly users and users with special social needs .


### member states should be able to lay down proportionate obligations on undertakings under their jurisdiction , in the interest of legitimate public policy considerations , but such obligations should only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives clearly defined by member states in conformity with union law and should be proportionate and transparent . ‘ must carry’ obligations may be applied to specified radio and television broadcast channels and complementary services supplied by a specified media service provider . obligations imposed by member states should be reasonable , that is they should be proportionate and transparent in the light of clearly defined general interest objectives . member states should provide an objective justification for the ‘ must carry’ obligations that they impose in their national law so as to ensure that such obligations are transparent , proportionate and clearly defined . the obligations should be designed in a way which provides sufficient incentives for efficient investment in infrastructure . obligations should be subject to periodic review at least every five years in order to keep them up - to - date with technological and market evolution and in order to ensure that they continue to be proportionate to the objectives to be achieved . obligations could , where appropriate , entail a provision for proportionate remuneration . ### member states should be able to lay down proportionate obligations on undertakings under their jurisdiction , in the interest of legitimate public policy considerations ; but such obligations should only be imposed where they are necessary to meet general interest objectives clearly defined by member states in conformity with union law and should be proportionate and transparent . ' must carry ' obligations may be applied to specified radio and television broadcast channels and complementary services supplied by a specified media service provider . obligations imposed by member states should be reasonable , that is they should be proportionate and transparent in the light of clearly defined general interest objectives , for instance , media pluralism and cultural diversity . member states should provide an objective justification for the ' must carry ' obligations that they impose in their national law so as to ensure that such obligations are transparent , proportionate and clearly defined . obligations should be subject to periodic review at least every five years in order to keep them up - to - date with technological and market evolution and in order to ensure that they continue to be proportionate to the objectives to be achieved . obligations could , where appropriate , entail a provision for proportionate remuneration .


### in order to ensure that disabled end - users benefit from competition and the choice of service providers enjoyed by the majority of end - users , relevant national authorities should specify , where appropriate and in light of national conditions , consumer protection requirements for disabled end - users to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications services . such requirements can include , in particular , that undertakings ensure that disabled end - users take advantage of their services on equivalent terms and conditions , including prices , tariffs and quality , as those offered to their other end - users , irrespective of any additional costs incurred by these undertakings . other requirements can relate to wholesale arrangements between undertakings . in order to avoid creating an excessive burden on service providers national regulatory authorities should verify , whether the objectives of equivalent access and choice can actually be achieved without such measures . ### in order to ensure that end - users with disabilities benefit from competition and the choice of service providers enjoyed by the majority of end - users , relevant national authorities should specify , where appropriate and in light of national conditions , consumer protection requirements for end - users with disabilities to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications services . such requirements can include , in particular , that undertakings ensure that end - users with disabilities take advantage of their services on equivalent terms and conditions , including prices , tariffs and quality , as those offered to their other end - users , irrespective of any additional costs incurred by these undertakings . national regulatory authorities should verify in consultation with service providers and representative organisations of persons with disabilities , whether the objectives of equivalent access and choice can actually be achieved with other measures .


### in line with the objectives of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the regulatory framework should ensure that all users , including disabled end - users , the elderly , and users with special social needs , have easy access to affordable high quality services . declaration 22 annexed to the final act of amsterdam provides that the institutions of the union shall take account of the needs of persons with a disability in drawing up measures under article 114 of the tfeu . ### in line with the objectives of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities , the regulatory framework should ensure that the electronic communications market follows a universal design approach and that all users , including end - users with disabilities , older people , and users with special social needs , have easy and equal access to affordable and accessible high quality services . declaration 22 annexed to the final act of amsterdam provides that the institutions of the union shall take account of the needs of persons with disabilities in drawing up measures under article 114 of the tfeu .


### networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcasts to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting networks . they might also include other networks to the extent that a significant number of end - users use such networks as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcasts . must carry obligations can include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable appropriate access by disabled users . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling , audio description and sign language . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides for user choice the transmission of programme - related data supporting those functionalities can be included in must carry obligations . ### networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcasts to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting networks . they might also include other networks to the extent that a significant number of end - users use such networks as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcasts . must carry obligations should include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable equivalent access by users with disabilities . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing , audio description , spoken subtitles and sign language interpretation . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides for user choice the transmission of accessible programme - related data should be included in must carry obligations .


### networks used for the distribution of radio or television broadcasts to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting networks . they might also include other networks to the extent that a significant number of end - users use such networks as their principal means to receive radio and television broadcasts . must carry obligations can include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable appropriate access by disabled users . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling , audio description and sign language . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides for user choice the transmission of programme - related data supporting those functionalities can be included in must carry obligations . ### must - carry obligations should be applied in the respect of the principle of technological neutrality taking due account of the rapid evolution of distribution systems and business models affecting the media sector . electronic communications networks and services used for the distribution of radio or audiovisual media services to the public include cable , iptv , satellite and terrestrial broadcasting . they might also include other networks and services used by a significant number of end - users to receive radio and audiovisual media services . must carry obligations can include the transmission of services specifically designed to enable appropriate access by disabled users . accordingly complementary services include , amongst others , services designed to improve accessibility for end - users with disabilities , such as videotext , subtitling , audio description and sign language . because of the growing provision and reception of connected tv services and the continued importance of electronic programme guides and other navigation facilities for user choice the transmission of programme - related data supporting those functionalities can be included in must carry obligations to enable end - users to access connect tv services .


### in order to ensure that disabled end - users benefit from competition and the choice of service providers enjoyed by the majority of end - users , relevant national authorities should specify , where appropriate and in light of national conditions , consumer protection requirements for disabled end - users to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications services . such requirements can include , in particular , that undertakings ensure that disabled end - users take advantage of their services on equivalent terms and conditions , including prices , tariffs and quality , as those offered to their other end - users , irrespective of any additional costs incurred by these undertakings . other requirements can relate to wholesale arrangements between undertakings . in order to avoid creating an excessive burden on service providers national regulatory authorities should verify , whether the objectives of equivalent access and choice can actually be achieved without such measures . ### in order to ensure that end - users with disabilities benefit from competition and the choice of service providers enjoyed by the majority of end - users , relevant national authorities should specify , where appropriate and in light of national conditions , consumer protection requirements for end - users with disabilities to be met by undertakings providing publicly available electronic communications services . such requirements can include , in particular , that undertakings ensure that end - users with disabilities take advantage of their services on equivalent terms and conditions , including prices , tariffs and quality , as those offered to their other end - users , irrespective of any additional costs incurred by these undertakings . other requirements can relate to wholesale arrangements between undertakings . national regulatory authorities should verify in consultation with service providers and representative organisations of persons with disabilities , whether the objectives of equivalent access and choice can actually be achieved with other measures .


### in particular , where member states decide to impose obligations to ensure the availability at a fixed location of functional internet access service as defined in accordance with article 79 and of voice communications service , they may designate one or more undertakings to guarantee the availability at a fixed location of functional internet access service as identified in accordance with article 79 and of voice communications service in order to cover all the national territory . member states may designate different undertakings or sets of undertakings to provide functional internet access and voice communications services at a fixed location and / or to cover different parts of the national territory . ### in particular , where member states decide to impose obligations to ensure the availability at a fixed location of functional internet access service as defined in accordance with article 79 of conversational communications service , they may designate one or more undertakings to guarantee the availability at a fixed location of functional internet access service as identified in accordance with article 79 and of conversational communications service in order to cover all the national territory . member states may designate different undertakings or sets of undertakings to provide text and video relay services , functional internet access and conversational communications services at a fixed location and / or to cover different parts of the national territory .