### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting greener pharmaceuticals; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue; ### 20. points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting greener pharmaceuticals in design and manufacturing; calls on the commission to develop clear guidance on this issue;


### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed , where those are not available; ### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed , where those are not available , in particular for those medicinal products which were authorised before 2006 and were not subject to an environmental risk assessment in their market authorisation process;


### 22. considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed , where those are not available; ### 22. calls on the commission to swiftly set up a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments for medicinal products for human use in the short term;


### 24. considers it appropriate that pharmaceutical companies submit a joint environmental risk assessment per active substance so as to have coherent information , avoid duplication of work and reduce animal testing; ### 24. considers it appropriate that pharmaceutical companies submit a joint environmental risk assessment per active substance so as to have coherent information , avoid duplication of work and make concrete steps towards a complete phase out of animal testing;


### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater; ### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater applying best available techniques;


### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit; ### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment , in particular in soil , is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit;


### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit; ### 32. is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment , notably in soil , is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing control mechanisms into comprehensive monitoring , also with regard to environmental effects , as the current surveillance system (pharmacovigilance) is not adequately and systematically covering the environmental data deficit;


### 33. calls on the commission to address the possible impact of pharmaceuticals on the watchlist pursuant to the water framework directive and to assess whether the list should be updated; ### 33. calls on the commission to address the possible impact of pharmaceuticals on the watchlist pursuant to the water framework directive and to assess whether the list should be updated , in particular by including all pharmaceuticals for which an environmental risk has been identified during the authorisation process and by monitoring data in relation to predicted no effect concentration (pnec) to identify where mitigation measures would be necessary;


### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the direct impact on human health of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment; ### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the impact on human health and the environment due to exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment;


### 36. considers that the methods of analysis to quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment should be improved; ### 36. considers that the methods of analysis to quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment should be improved and that analytical detection methods should be made publicly available;


### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be made available to relevant stakeholders; ### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and therefore calls on the commission to make a legislative proposal to make this type of information available to the public and relevant stakeholders;


### – having regard to the eu strategy on adaptation to climate change of april 2013 and its accompanying staff working paper , ### – having regard to the eu strategy on adaptation to climate change of april 2013 and its accompanying staff working documents ,


### a. whereas climate change is continuing globally and in europe and there is further evidence that future climate change will increase climate-related extremes in many eu regions; ### a. whereas climate change is continuing globally and in europe and there is further evidence that climate change is already , and will continue to increase climate-related extremes in many eu regions;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that the rapid transition towards a highly efficient and renewables-based energy system will be key to meet the union's increased 2030 climate target and achieve the goals of the paris agreement; recognises that renewable hydrogen may play a role in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy as a vector for renewable energy storage and as a way to decarbonise some carbon intensive industrial processes and hard-to-abate parts of the transport system; stresses that the production of hydrogen is not an aim in itself but must lead to an overall ghg emissions reduction , taking into account a full life-cycle assessment; points out with concern that , at the moment , hydrogen is still largely produced from fossil fuels , notably from natural gas and from coal , thereby resulting in the release of up to 100 million tonnes co2 annually in the eu; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and robust and transparent sustainability criteria for the certification of renewable hydrogen as part of the forthcoming revision of the renewable energy directive , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments;


### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework; ### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable hydrogen production as the only long-term sustainable and cost-efficient solution if hydrogen is to contribute to our commitment to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target and avoid carbon lock-in effects; points out that during a transitional period , incentives may be required to scale-up renewable hydrogen;


### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement , the green deal and the goal of achieving a cost-efficient and fair transition leading to climate neutrality by 2050; ### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement , the green deal and the goal of achieving a cost-efficient and fair transition leading to climate neutrality as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest;


### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement , the green deal and the goal of achieving a cost-efficient and fair transition leading to climate neutrality by 2050; ### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement that sets the long-term goal of limiting the rise in the earth’s temperature to 1.5 °c in relation to pre-industrial levels;


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas the transition to a climate-neutral economy requires a rapid and fair energy transition that ensures sustainability and health , participation , security of supply and affordability of energy; whereas this rapid transition to a high-efficiency energy system based on renewable energies must be completed within the next 10 years , otherwise there is a risk that the climate goal set by the eu and the scientific community may not be achieved;


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas a climate neutral economy requires a swift transition to a fully renewables-based , highly resource and energy-efficient energy system ensuring sustainability , accessibility and affordability of energy and ultimately the union’s security and geopolitical independence of supply;


### c. whereas hydrogen can be used for industrial , transport and heating applications , decarbonising sectors in which direct electrification is not possible or competitive , as well as for energy storage to balance the energy system , thereby playing a significant role in energy system integration; ### c. whereas hydrogen can be used as a raw material and source of energy for high-temperature processes for industrial applications , the aviation sector and maritime transport , or in other words sectors in which direct electrification is not possible , as well as for energy storage to balance the energy system , thereby playing a significant role in energy system integration;


### c. whereas hydrogen can be used for industrial , transport and heating applications , decarbonising sectors in which direct electrification is not possible or competitive , as well as for energy storage to balance the energy system , thereby playing a significant role in energy system integration; ### c. whereas renewable hydrogen could be used to decarbonise those sectors in which direct renewable electrification is not possible , such as shipping , aviation and carbon intensive industrial process as well as for seasonal energy storage to balance , where necessary , the energy system , thereby playing a role in energy system integration;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; highlights that a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock should be achieved through significantly reducing energy demand , while covering any residual demand with renewable energy in order to ensure alignment with the objective of limiting global warming to under 1.5oc; urges the commission to present the renovation wave strategy as planned , given that it is a key element of the post covid-19 recovery plan; reminds the commission that it must be accompanied by concrete legislative action , adequate funds , and gender-balanced skill building programs targeting also young people; calls on the member states to step up integrated large-scale deep renovations under the national energy and climate plans (nceps) and to submit their long-term renovation strategies (ltrss) as a matter of urgency; demands that ambition levels in strategies and plans are regularly reviewed upwards to keep track of environmental , climate and technology developments;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned considering its huge potential to stimulate the real and local economy post-covid-19 , while also generating other co-benefits like improved air-quality , reduced ghg emissions and health risks; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps) in order to achieve a highly energy-efficient and climate-neutral building stock as soon as possible;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; stresses the importance of taking durability , recyclability , content of hazardous substances and embodied energy in building materials into account; underlines that an optimal management and use of water , waste , energy and material resources is needed during all stages of the life-cycle of new and existing buildings and calls on the commission to consider these aspects in the upcoming strategy for the built environment;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan highlighting that construction and building materials generate over 35 % of the eu’s total waste and account for about 50% of all extracted materials; remarks the need to take a streamlined approach in the eu legislation to reusing , recovering , recycling , life-cycle assessing products and materials and taking the embodied energy in building materials into account;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for uncomplicated and low-energy reintroduction into the value chain , especially taking into account the role of secondary raw materials but also hazardous substances , should be established; underlines the role of eco-design and green public procurement for sustainable products to boost resource and energy efficiency;


### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky waste in general , and of polystyrene and stone wool in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them; ### 4. stresses that dumping of waste is illegal and that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky but recyclable waste such as stone wool; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials such as polystyrene , during demolition as well as in waste treatment , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them that put a threat to the non-toxic environment; calls for effective waste management and disposal;


### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky waste in general , and of polystyrene and stone wool in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them; ### 4. stresses the lack of a common eu legislation on the management of recyclable bulky waste in general such as polystyrene and stone wool in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given that they may contain dangerous substances;


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that deep building renovations to achieve highly energy efficient buildings contribute to better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards and the replacement of wood and coal stoves and other fossil fuel based heating with efficient , renewables-based and non-polluting systems to cover residual energy demand , including heat - such as solar thermal energy - , leads to substantial improvements in environmental conditions , fewer respiratory and other diseases and in turn reduced societal health costs; calls for the establishment of emission and pollution standards such as co2 , nox , pm , for all heating and cooling systems through the ecodesign directive; underlines that access to highly energy efficient buildings , participation in community energy projects and the provision of effective and high performance equipment and appliances help tackle energy poverty;


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that building renovation projects should also contribute to the improvement of indoor comfort , safety and health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. emphasises the potential of introducing harmonised minimum energy performance standards per building category , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , as well as the for creating a common building renovation passport allowing to track continued improvement , to set up a renovation roadmap with a certified expert and providing individual recommendations for building improvement in order to reach the highest energy performance category , for example zero primary fossil fuel energy consumption; stresses further that it could also include environmental aspects such as the circular capacity of materials;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. recognises the importance , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of the building renovation passport to coordinate and track continued buildings improvements and to monitor renovation depth and energy performance; emphasises the need of introducing policies and measures improving and promoting the circular capacity of materials complementary to the building passport and calls on the commission to do so in the strategy for a sustainable built environment;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. stresses that home owners and housing associations should be supported in making their building stock climate resilient through deep renovations , for example through grants or financial instruments for projects fulfilling the additionality criteria of investeu within a revised multiannual financial framework (mff) , complemented by national budgets and private sector sources;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock through various sectoral programmes of the multiannual financial framework (mff) , national budgets and private sector sources; welcomes the commission’s intention to set up a specific stream of resources for the building renovations in the recovery fund;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. stresses that homeowners , housing associations and local authorities should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources;


### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services. ### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale , community based and social housing renovation initiatives and services; stresses that especially smaller and medium size projects need better advisory support and project aggregation and thus require increased technical assistance capacities;


### a. whereas buildings are responsible for approximately 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of co2 emissions in the eu; ### a. whereas the cheapest energy is the one we do not have to generate , use and pay for , and the energy efficiency first principle should be streamlined into all legislation and processes; whereas buildings are responsible for approximately 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of co2 emissions in the eu and their deep renovation is hence crucial to achieve the eu’s 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions objective;


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu as well as groundwater bodies , aiming to achieve by 2025 ‘good ecological and chemical status’ for surface water bodies and 'good chemical and quantitative status' for groundwater bodies; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation; whereas the objectives of the wfd will not be achieved by the 2027 deadline without immediate substantial and additional efforts;


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015 , and 13.400 ground water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good quantitative and chemical status’ by the same deadline; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline;


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect all surface and ground water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015 as well as to protect the resources for drinking water pursuant article 7(2); whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline;


### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states; ### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states , but also on implementation of other pieces of eu legislation , such as the nitrates directive and the urban waste water treatment directive , as well as on better integration of water objectives in other policies;


### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states; ### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states; whereas stakeholder involvement is key for an effective implementation;


### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation by the member states; ### d. whereas the effectiveness of the wfd depends upon its implementation and enforcement by the member states;


### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater wherever possible at source as the most cost-effective measure; ### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater above all at source as the most effective and most cost-effective measure;


### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater wherever possible at source as the most cost-effective measure; ### g. whereas it is of crucial importance to tackle chemical pollution in surface and groundwater wherever possible at source as the most cost-effective measure , while implementing the polluter-pays principle


### i. whereas freshwater biodiversity is threatened in europe; whereas healthy and resilient freshwater ecosystems are better able to mitigate the effects of , and adapt to climate change; ### i. whereas freshwater biodiversity is among the most threatened in europe; whereas healthy and resilient freshwater ecosystems are better able to mitigate the effects of , and adapt to climate change;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality and sufficient quantity of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality and quantity of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy;


### l. whereas there are currently over 21.000 hydropower plants in europe; whereas no comprehensive eu action has taken place for dam removal; ### l. whereas there are currently over 21.000 hydropower plants in europe; whereas european rivers are saturated with hydropower plants; whereas no comprehensive eu action has taken place for dam removal;


### m. whereas the uwwtd was effective in reducing pollution to water bodies by reducing the loads of biochemical oxygen demand , nitrogen and phosphorus in treated waste water across the eu; ### m. whereas the uwwtd was effective in reducing targeted pollutants to water bodies by reducing the loads of biochemical oxygen demand , nitrogen and phosphorus in treated waste water across the eu; nevertheless , more attention should be given to both existing and emerging sources of pollution;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up , taking into consideration that regional authorities should be involved in the correct and proper implementation of the wfd in order to achieve its objectives;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; calls on the european commission to declare that the wfd will not be revised in order to end legal uncertainty.


### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; ### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; regrets the inadequate funding to reach the wfd objectives;


### 4. notes that climate change can have a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting several economic sectors; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy; ### 4. notes that climate change is having and will be having a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting the environment and several economic sectors; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy;


### 4. notes that climate change can have a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting several economic sectors; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy; ### 4. notes that climate change can have a significant negative impact on freshwater sources with droughts leading to depleted river flows and higher concentrations of pollutants , and intense rainfall leading to increased urban and agricultural run-off; emphasises that increasing temperatures lead to increased water stress , impacting several economic sectors as well as on quality of people’s life; underlines that resilience of water ecosystems , flooding and water scarcity should be duly taken into account in the upcoming eu climate adaptation strategy;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. considers that there is urgent need for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to take its responsibility to achieve good chemical status and take decisive eu-wide action where member states fail to meet the eqs for priority substances that fall within the scope of eu legislation; considers that pollutants of emerging concern and mixture toxicity can and should be addressed within the framework of the wfd and its daughter directives; calls on the commission to update and add relevant substances in the annexes to the eqs directive and the groundwater directive; calls for a more extensive use of the watch list to monitor potential water pollutants and determine the risk they pose to the aquatic environment; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; calls on the commission to speed up its work on development of methods for assessing and managing chemical mixtures and to complement its work by introducing mixture assessment factor;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. notes that there is still lots to do to prevent the release of chemicals , such as pfoa and pfas , in water; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd and set up a timeline to phase out all pfas; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures;


### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target);; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu; ### 6. considers that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target) as a means to communicate on progress made with regards to single parameters; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality and quantity of water in the eu;


### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target);; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu; ### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target , implemented measures and progress made on single parameters); highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality and quantity of water in the eu;


### 7. deplores the use of exemptions for over half of europe’s water bodies , with limited justification; calls for an update of guidance documents for the use of exemptions in order to reduce this practice; ### 7. deplores the use of exemptions for over half of europe’s water bodies , with limited justification; calls for an update of guidance documents for the use of exemptions in order to reduce this practice so that it no longer prevents the achievement of the wfd's environmental objectives;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. points out that access to water and sanitation is a universal human right and that therefore all citizens should have a minimum daily amount per person and free access to water;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states , in particular when considering the insufficient contribution from industry and agriculture; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle as well as the polluter-pays principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water;


### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; ### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; welcomes , in this regard , the inclusion of the farm sustainability tool for nutrients in the framework of the eu standards on good agricultural and environmental conditions of land , facilitating better management and reducing nutrient leakage in ground and surface water;


### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; ### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from all sources , including agriculture and untreated or inappropriately treated waste water;


### 10. notes that hydropower stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and ecosystems; ### 10. notes that hydropower stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; takes note of the developments in low impact hydropower; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and quantity , as well as to ecosystems;


### 10. notes that hydropower stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and ecosystems; ### 10. notes that hydropower and small hydro stations provide the largest share of renewable energy in the eu , points out , however , that the construction of dams can negatively affect habitats and that the wfd imposes strict criteria for the protection of hydromorphological conditions; calls for strict assessments of the impacts of resulting alterations to water quality and ecosystems;


### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways should go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce ghg emissions and to avoid deterioration in the quality of water bodies; ### 11. notes that the shift from road freight to inland waterways should be fully in line with the non-deterioration principle of the wfd and go hand in hand with support to sustainable , alternative fuels and technology for inland navigation to reduce ghg emissions and to avoid deterioration in the quality of water bodies to protect biodiversity and strive to a zero-pollution environment.


### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; ### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; urges the commission to support member states with the implementation of the directive by enabling sustainable water financing and incentivising the development and deployment of innovative wastewater technologies.


### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; ### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water treatment plants; calls on the commission to take this into account in the revision of the uwwtd;


### 13. notes that the uwwtd does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , individual systems and small agglomerations; ### 13. notes that the uwwtd does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , individual systems and small agglomerations; believes that monitoring and controlling the effect of storm water overflows and urban run-off should be better addressed , since this significantly pollutes receiving surface and ground water bodies


### 13. notes that the uwwtd does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , individual systems and small agglomerations; ### 13. notes that the uwwtd does not sufficiently reflect the problems of storm water overflows and urban runoff , , the increasing of water overflows , individual systems and small agglomerations caused by climate change;


### 14. calls on member states to achieve full compliance with the wfd as soon as possible , and in any case no later than 2027; ### 14. calls on member states to take all necessary action , including the securing of the necessary funds and human resources , to achieve full compliance with the wfd as soon as possible , and in any case no later than 2027;


### 16. calls on the commission to take strict and swift action on pursuing infringements of member states to ensure full compliance of all member states with the wfd as soon as possible , and no later than 2027; urges the commission to act on the open infringement cases related to systemic violation of the water legislation; ### 16. calls on the commission to take strict and swift action on pursuing infringements of member states to ensure full compliance of all member states with the wfd as soon as possible , and no later than 2027; urges the commission to act with strict and swift actions on the open infringement cases related to systemic violation of the water legislation;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity and farm to fork strategies; regrets however the lack of attention to water quantity issues , which are closely related to over-abstraction for agricultural irrigation; calls on the commission to place freshwater pollution and over-abstraction as priority topics in the cap-related recommendations to member states and in the revision of the cap strategic plans;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; underlines the need to make water a priority of the new cap strategic plans;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management , pesticides reduction targets and increased organic farming as some of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide , biocide and pharmaceutical residues and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; urges the commission to adopt guidelines for the harmonisation of measuring networks and data reporting; urges the member states to make use of their complete monitoring networks when reporting data to the commission;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality and environmental pollutants , collecting , among others , data on chemicals of concern , microplastics , pharmaceuticals , pesticide residue and metabolites , as well as other pollutants of emerging concern in the water bodies in europe;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue , metabolites , pfas , pharmaceutical residues and microplastics in the water bodies in europe;


### 19. calls on the commission and the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans; ### 19. calls on the member states to develop drought management strategies as part of the river basin management plans and flood risk management plans; calls on the commission and member states to put floodplain and wetland restoration , as well as protection of ground water bodies at the core of those strategies and plans , as water bodies and ecosystems in good condition are essential to reduce the negative impact of both droughts and floods;


### 20. suggests to address droughts with projects for the reuse of disused quarries , transformed into basins to contain rainwater and flood waves; encourages research and investments in this direction; ### 20. suggests to address droughts and water scarcity by prioritising the abstraction of water for the production of drinking water over other uses to ensure the human right to water and by implementing solutions to buffer rain water and floods for infiltration back into the ground or later use;


### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions; ### 21. calls on the european commission to provide financial support for nature-based solutions and adjust existing funding and financing streams related to water management and other related land uses (agriculture , habitat restoration) , including subsidies , away from traditional engineering measures towards nature-based solutions;


### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for innovative methods and nature-based solutions; ### 21. calls on the member states to identify and secure the necessary funds and to step up efforts to maintain and reinvest in existing infrastructures that do not raise environmental or public health concerns; stresses the need to provide financial support for sustainable innovative methods and particularly nature-based solutions such as restoration of wetlands and floodplains or rewetting drained peatlands;


### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals; ### 23. calls for decisive action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics , edcs , pfas and pharmaceuticals , with priority to at source measures;


### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals; ### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as pfas , microplastics and pharmaceuticals;


### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals; ### 23. calls for increased action at union and member state level to tackle pollutants of emerging concern , such as microplastics , pharmaceuticals or pfas;


### 24. calls for improving public consultation , public awareness and education and stimulating inter-sectoral dialogue; ### 24. calls for improving public consultation , public awareness and education and stimulating inter-sectoral dialogue and for ensuring environmental justice and right of individuals under both the environmental impact assessment (eia) directive and the water framework directive (wfd) in line with the decisions of ecj;


### 5. reiterates its concern that only 89 % of management board members and 81 % of advisory forum members submitted the required annual declarations of interest in 2019; notes that these figures are respectively 7 and 8 percentage points lower than in 2018; ### 5. reiterates its concern that only 89 % of management board members and 81 % of advisory forum members submitted the required annual declarations of interest in 2019; notes that these figures are respectively 7 and 8 percentage points lower than in 2018; recalls that independence and transparency are crucial given the important work of the centre; calls for a mechanism to ensure that all outstanding and future declarations of interest are submitted without delay , and calls on the centre to consider not allowing members to take up their roles before this crucial information is provided and checked;


### 5. notes that an external evaluation for the period 2013-2017 was concluded in 2018-2019 and the recommendations from the evaluation were adopted in 2020; welcomes the fact that the evaluation concluded that the centre has successfully provided support in the union and national policy priority areas and has demonstrated the capacity to successfully adapt to policy developments; notes further that the centre was positively evaluated regarding the coherence of its actions and coordination with other relevant bodies; calls on the centre to report to the discharge authority on the status of the development of an action plan for the implementation of the recommendations stemming from the evaluation; ### 5. notes that an external evaluation for the period 2013-2017 was concluded in 2018-2019 and the recommendations from the evaluation were adopted in 2020; welcomes the fact that the evaluation concluded that the centre has successfully provided support in the union and national policy priority areas and has demonstrated the capacity to successfully adapt to policy developments; notes with satisfaction that the centre was positively evaluated regarding the coherence of its actions and coordination with other relevant bodies; calls on the centre to report to the discharge authority on the status of the development of an action plan for the implementation of the recommendations stemming from the evaluation;


### 6. notes that the centre , as a union agency , has a budget which is denominated in euro; however , since its seat is outside the euro-zone (in sweden) , many of its expenses are incurred in swedish krona (sek); furthermore , the centre is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations , since not only does it have bank accounts in swedish krona , it also carries out certain transactions in other foreign currencies; ### 6. notes that the centre , as a union agency , has a budget which is denominated in euro; however , since its seat is outside the euro-zone (in sweden) , many of its expenses are incurred in swedish krona (sek); furthermore , acknowledges that the centre is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations , since not only does it have bank accounts in swedish krona , it also carries out certain transactions in other foreign currencies;


### 3. observes that the status is referred to as ‘ongoing’ in relation to the discharge authority’s recommendation from last year on the centre’s role in developing tools for the digitalisation of healthcare in the union , in particular in the context of tackling a pandemic; calls on the centre to inform the discharge authority on the action plan’s status , especially in the context of the current pandemic; ### 3. observes that the status is referred to as ‘ongoing’ in relation to the discharge authority’s recommendation from last year on the centre’s role in developing tools for the digitalisation of healthcare in the union , in particular in the context of tackling a pandemic; calls on the centre to inform the discharge authority in a timely manner on the action plan’s status , especially in the context of the current pandemic and mitigation of its negative effects;


### 9. notes that two out of three observations of the court have been implemented , one regarding ex-ante controls performed as regards the it framework contract and one regarding conference and multimedia equipment service contracts; calls on the centre to report on the status of the actions taken regarding the structure and documentation of checks and reconciliations as regards order forms , deliverables and invoices; ### 9. notes that two out of three observations of the court have been implemented , one regarding ex-ante controls performed as regards the it framework contract and one regarding conference and multimedia equipment service contracts; calls on the centre to report on the status of the actions taken to respond to the third observation , namely regarding the structure and documentation of checks and reconciliations as regards order forms , deliverables and invoices;


### 10. notes the absence of some declarations of interest and cvs of the management board and of the advisory forum; notes that the centre has adopted an independence policy that routinely requires the collection and inspection of declarations of interests from its senior management team , key staff members and external experts who participate in the centre’s scientific activities; ### 10. is concerned by the absence of some declarations of interest and cvs of the management board and of the advisory forum; notes that the centre has adopted an independence policy that routinely requires the collection and inspection of declarations of interests from its senior management team , key staff members and external experts who participate in the centre’s scientific activities; calls on the centre to diligently comply with its policy and publish the missing information;


### 11. notes that the centre registered and closed one whistleblowing case in 2019 and that the appropriate measures have been put in place , and notes that , as a result , a written reminder was issued to members of staff about their duties under the staff regulation; notes that 29 relevant potential conflicts of interest were identified and further investigated in 2019 , 21 of which were identified as a potential conflict of interest , and mitigation measures were applied; notes that the centre has registered meetings with lobbyists and that they are made public upon request; ### 11. notes that the centre registered and closed one whistleblowing case in 2019 and that the appropriate measures have been put in place , and notes that , as a result , a written reminder was issued to members of staff about their duties under the staff regulation; notes that 29 relevant potential conflicts of interest were identified and further investigated in 2019 , 21 of which were identified as a potential conflict of interest , and mitigation measures were applied; notes that the centre has registered meetings with lobbyists and that they are made public upon request; emphasises that the centre shall further improve its ethics framework by adopting whistleblowers protection measures;


### 14. notes that the centre has developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving cost-effectiveness and for environmental protection; ### 14. notes that the centre has developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving cost-effectiveness and for environmental protection; calls on the centre to pay due attention to the energy mix of its sources of electricity and encourages the centre to procure electricity generated by renewable energy;


### 1. notes that in 2018 , the total budget of the european environment agency (the ‘agency') , was eur 65 800 177 (-6 ,8 % compared to 2017) , of which eur 37 724 481 (+4 % compared to 2017) was made available through the general budget of the european union; ### 1. notes that in 2018 , the total budget of the european environment agency (the ‘agency') , was eur 65 800 177 (-6 ,8 % compared to 2017) , of which eur 37 724 481 (+4 % compared to 2017) was made available through the general budget of the european union; notes that the agency's budget will increase in 2020 , which is welcome; calls for a further increase in funding in the next multiannual financial framework (mff) period , given the essential role that the agency plays; notes that any future cuts will negatively impact the functioning of the agency;


### 2. recalls that 2018 was the year of the final registration deadline under regulation (ec) no 1907/20061 (‘reach regulation’); stresses that the agency received 37 400 dossiers in that year , which represents an increase of 135 % compared to 2017; ### 2. recalls that 2018 was the year of the final registration deadline under regulation (ec) no 1907/20061 (‘reach regulation’); stresses that the agency received 37 400 dossiers in that year , which represents an increase of 135 % compared to 2017; stresses that non-compliant dossiers that are handed in by applicants create undue difficulties for the work of the agency and therefore calls for the introduction of higher fees in such cases to compensate for the extra work generated in order to achieve compliance;


### 2. emphasises that the agency is partly financed from the fees it receives from companies that request the registration of chemicals as required under regulation (ec) no 1907/200617 ; notes that the applicable fees depend on the size of the companies and the volume of chemicals registered (different thresholds); notes that , according to the court’s report , since the first registrations in 2009 , some 27 % of the companies claimed to be micro , small or medium size; notes with concern , however , that thanks to the agency’s effective system of ex-post verifications , the agency has identified that some 52 % of the companies had incorrectly declared their size , resulting in lower fees; stresses that this finding demonstrates the limitations of a system that relies excessively on self-declarations made by applicants; notes that , in order to mitigate this situation , the agency has , over the years , invoiced fee corrections and administrative charges amounting to eur 17 ,9 million and that the agency has made considerable progress in recovering undue fee reductions and collecting overdue administrative charges; notes , however , that there is still a considerable verification workload ahead and that the remaining amount of necessary fee corrections was unknown at the end of 2018; furthermore , urges the national enforcement authorities to enhance the verification systems used to check the volumes of chemicals declared by the companies; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on its efforts , and on the results achieved , to continue to reduce the considerable verification backlog and to implement the fee corrections; ### 2. emphasises that the agency is partly financed from the fees it receives from companies that request the registration of chemicals as required under regulation (ec) no 1907/200617 ; notes that the applicable fees depend on the size of the companies and the volume of chemicals registered; notes that the agency has identified that some 52 % of the companies had incorrectly declared their size , resulting in lower fees; stresses that this finding demonstrates the limitations of a system that relies excessively on self-declarations made by applicants; notes that the agency has , over the years , invoiced fee corrections and administrative charges amounting to eur 17 ,9 million and that the agency has made considerable progress in recovering undue fee reductions and collecting overdue administrative charges; notes , however , that there is still a considerable verification workload ahead and that the remaining amount of necessary fee corrections was unknown at the end of 2018; furthermore , urges the national enforcement authorities to enhance the verification systems used to check the volumes of chemicals declared by the companies; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on its efforts , and on the results achieved , to continue to reduce the considerable verification backlog and to implement the fee corrections;


### 7. notes that the fees paid by industry vary substantially year by year , which complicates budget planning and that fees paid with regard to one regulation can only be used in that section of the agency’s budget , which can mean surplus in one section and deficit in other sections of the budget; ### 7. notes that the fees paid by industry vary substantially year by year , which complicates budget planning and that fees paid with regard to one regulation can only be used in that section of the agency’s budget , which can mean surplus in one section and deficit in other sections of the budget; calls on the commission to carry out a study to explore budget flexibilities in order to make it easier for the agency to plan ahead;


### 5. regrets , concerning the implementation of the independence policy of the centre , that not all the required annual declarations of interest were submitted , particularly by management board members (96 %) and advisory forum members (89 %); ### 5. regrets , concerning the implementation of the independence policy of the centre , that not all the required annual declarations of interest were submitted , particularly by management board members (96 %) and advisory forum members (89 %); recalls that independence and transparency are crucial given the important tasks of the centre; calls for a mechanism to ensure that all outstanding and future declarations of interest are submitted without delay , and calls on the centre to consider not allowing members to take up their roles before this crucial information is provided and checked;


### 7. welcomes that , following adoption of its new policy on independence in 2017 , the authority has in 2018 for the first time included a new annex to its consolidated annual report , dedicated to implementation of the authority’s policy on independence; notes with satisfaction that the two-year cooling off periods requested by the european parliament was enforced for the first time during the 2018 scientific panel selection process; ### 7. welcomes that , following adoption of its new policy on independence in 2017 , the authority has in 2018 for the first time included a new annex to its consolidated annual report , dedicated to implementation of the authority’s policy on independence;


### 11. notes that , according to the court’s report , the internal audit service issued an audit report “human resources management & ethics in efsa” and the authority is preparing a corresponding action plan to address some potential areas for improvement; ### 11. notes that , according to the court’s report , the internal audit service issued an audit report “human resources management & ethics in efsa” and the authority is preparing a corresponding action plan to address some potential areas for improvement; calls on the authority to report back to the discharge authority on the measures implemented;


### 2. recalls that the agency is a fee-funded agency , with 89 ,69 % of its 2018 revenue stemming from fees paid by the pharmaceutical industry , 10 ,28 % stemming from the union budget and 0 ,03 % stemming from external assigned revenue; ### 2. recalls that the agency is a fee-funded agency , with 89 ,69 % of its 2018 revenue stemming from fees paid by the pharmaceutical industry , 10 ,28 % stemming from the union budget and 0 ,03 % stemming from external assigned revenue; and stresses its concerns that the high reliance on direct fees from industry may compromise the public perception of the agency's independence;


### 5. stresses that a number of the agency’s activities were scaled back , delayed or postponed due to brexit or other external circumstances; notes with concern that the agency pointed to a lack of adequate resources for facing a workload that is increasing due to new tasks and legislation , and specifically to the loss of short term contract staff due to relocation and specifics of labour legislation in the netherlands; ### 5. stresses that a number of the agency’s activities were scaled back , delayed or postponed due to brexit or other external circumstances; notes with concern that the agency pointed to a lack of adequate resources for facing a workload that is increasing due to new tasks and legislation , and specifically to the loss of short term contract staff due to relocation and specifics of labour legislation in the netherlands; regrets that the implementation of the agency's policy on publication of clinical data has been put on hold as part of its business continuity plan , which was put in place to deal with the consequences of brexit;


### 6. highlights the fact that in 2018 , the agency recommended 94 new medicines for marketing authorisation (84 for human use and 10 for veterinary use) , and that those included 46 new active substances (42 for human use and 4 for veterinary use); ### 6. highlights the fact that in 2018 , the agency recommended 94 new medicines for marketing authorisation (84 for human use and 10 for veterinary use) , and that those included 46 new active substances (42 for human use and 4 for veterinary use); notes that in 2018 , in the framework of its pharmacovigilance activities , the agency recommended the immediate suspension and recall of a medicine for multiple sclerosis due to serious and sometimes fatal immune reactions , and the suspension of several antibiotics;


### two years following the individual dates listed in annex iv , the subsequent supply or making available to another party in the union for payment or free of charge of products or equipment lawfully placed on the market prior to the date referred to in the first subparagraph shall be allowed only if evidence is provided that the product or equipment was placed lawfully on the market prior to the date. ### following the individual dates listed in annex iv , the subsequent supply or making available to another party in the union for payment or free of charge of products or equipment lawfully placed on the market prior to the date referred to in the first subparagraph shall be allowed only if evidence is provided that the product or equipment was placed lawfully on the market prior to the date.


### in addition to the placing on the market prohibition set out in annex iv , point 1 , the import , placing on the market , any subsequent supply , or making available to other persons within the union for payment or free of charge , use or export of non-refillable containers for fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and annex ii , section 1 , empty or fully or partially filled shall be prohibited. such containers may only be stored or transported for subsequent disposal. this prohibition does not apply to containers for laboratory or analytical uses. ### in addition to the placing on the market prohibition set out in annex iv , point 1 , the import , placing on the market , any subsequent supply , or making available to other persons within the union for payment or free of charge , use or export of non-refillable containers for fluorinated greenhouse gases , empty or fully or partially filled shall be prohibited. such containers may only be stored or transported for subsequent disposal. this prohibition does not apply to containers for laboratory or analytical uses.


### for a specific product or a piece of equipment , or for a specific category of products or equipment , alternatives are not available , or cannot be used for technical or safety reasons; or ### for a specific product or a piece of equipment , or for a specific category of products or equipment no suitable alternative exist; or


### the use of technically feasible and safe alternatives would entail disproportionate costs. ### deleted


### 2. products or equipment subject to an exemption as referred to in article 11 (4) shall be labelled accordingly and shall include a reference that those products or equipment may only be used for the purpose for which an exemption under that article was granted. ### 2. products or equipment subject to an exemption as referred to in article 11 (4) shall be labelled accordingly , mentioning the validity period of the exemption , and shall include a reference that those products or equipment may only be used for the purpose for which an exemption under that article was granted.


### from 1 january 2017 , the quantity expressed in weight and in co2 equivalent of fluorinated greenhouse gases contained in the product or equipment , or the quantity of fluorinated greenhouse gases for which the equipment is designed , and the global warming potential of those gases. ### from 1 january 2017 , the quantity expressed in weight and in co2 equivalent of fluorinated greenhouse gases contained in the product or equipment , or the quantity of fluorinated greenhouse gases for which the equipment is designed , and the global warming potential of those gases , both on a 100- and 20-year timescale.


### 9. fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and placed on the market for use in military equipment shall be labelled with an indication that the contents of the container may only be used for that purpose. ### deleted


### 10. fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annexes i and ii placed on the market for etching of semiconductor material or cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector shall be labelled with an indication that the contents of the container may only be used for that purpose. ### deleted


### 11. fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and placed on the market for feedstock use shall be labelled with an indication that the contents of the container may only be used as feedstock. ### deleted


### in case of hydrofluorocarbons , the label referred to in paragraphs 7 to 11 shall include the indication “exempted from quota under regulation (eu) no …/… [op: please add reference to this regulation]”. ### in case of hydrofluorocarbons , the label referred to in paragraphs 7 and 8 shall include the indication “exempted from quota under regulation (eu) no …/… [op: please add reference to this regulation]”.


### in the absence of the labelling requirements referred to in the first subparagraph and in paragraphs 7 to 11 , the hydrofluorocarbons shall be subject to the quota requirements pursuant to article 16(1). ### in the absence of the labelling requirements referred to in the first subparagraph and in paragraphs 7 and 8 , the hydrofluorocarbons shall be subject to the quota requirements pursuant to article 16(1).


### from 1 january 2024 , the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i , with a global warming potential of 2 500 or more , for the servicing or maintenance of refrigeration equipment is prohibited. ### from 1 january 2024 , the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i , with a global warming potential of 2 500 or more , for the servicing or maintenance of refrigeration , air conditioning and heat pump equipment is prohibited.


### this paragraph shall not apply to military equipment or equipment intended for applications designed to cool products to temperatures below - 50 °c. ### deleted


### 4. the use of desflurane as inhalation anaesthetic is prohibited as from 1 january 2026 , except when such use is strictly required and no other anaesthetic can be used on medical grounds. the user shall provide evidence , upon request , on the medical justification to the competent authority of the member state and the commission. ### 4. the use of desflurane as inhalation anaesthetic is prohibited as from 1 january 2026 , except when such use is strictly required and no other anaesthetic can be used on medical grounds. the user shall provide evidence , upon request , on the medical justification to the competent authority of the member state and the commission. hospitals where inhalation anaesthetics equivalent to more than 1000 t co2eq per year are used shall install recovery technology in their operation theatres.


### production schedule and reduction of the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons placed on the market ### production schedule , reduction of the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons placed on the market and restriction on export of hydrofluorocarbons


### used by a producer in feedstock applications or supplied directly by a producer or an importer to undertakings for use in feedstock applications; ### deleted


### supplied directly by a producer or an importer for use in military equipment; ### deleted


### supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking using it for the etching of semiconductor material or the cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector. ### supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking using it for the etching of semiconductor material or the cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the semiconductor manufacturing sector , if there is no climate friendly alternative.


### the allocation of quotas is subject to the payment of the amount due which equals to three euro for each tonne of co2 equivalent of quota to be allocated. importers and producers shall be notified via the f-gas portal of the total amount due for its calculated maximum quota allocation for the following calendar year and of the deadline for completing the payment. the commission may , by means of implementing acts , determine the modalities and the detailed arrangements for the payment of the amount due. those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in 34(2). ### the allocation of quotas is subject to the payment of the amount specified in annex vii. importers and producers shall be notified via the f-gas portal of the total amount due for its calculated maximum quota allocation for the following calendar year and of the deadline for completing the payment. the commission may , by means of implementing acts , determine the modalities and the detailed arrangements for the payment of the amount due. those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in 34(2).


### 7. the revenue generated from the quota allocation amount shall constitute external assigned revenue in accordance with article 21(5) of regulation (eu , euratom) no 2018/1046. that revenue shall be assigned to the life programme and to heading 7 of the multiannual financial framework (european public administration) , to cover the costs of external staff working on the management of the quota allocation , it services , and licensing systems for the purpose of implementation of this regulation and for ensuring compliance with the protocol. any revenue remaining after covering these costs shall be entered into the general budget of the union. ### 7. the revenue generated from the quota allocation amount shall constitute external assigned revenue in accordance with article 21(5) of regulation (eu , euratom) no 2018/1046. that revenue shall be assigned to the life programme and to heading 7 of the multiannual financial framework (european public administration) , to cover the costs of external staff working on the management of the quota allocation , it services , and licensing systems for the purpose of implementation of this regulation , to support member states' enforcement of this regulation , including that related to sale via the internet and the seizure and destruction of illegal fluorinated greenhouse gases , to support the roll-out of alternatives to fluorinated greenhouse gas , particularly in the sectors incurring high mitigation costs , to enhance the related professional skills , and to ensure compliance with the protocol. any revenue remaining after covering these costs shall be entered into the general budget of the union.


### 1. refrigeration , air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with hydrofluorocarbons shall not be placed on the market unless hydrofluorocarbons charged into the equipment are accounted for within the quota system referred to in this chapter. ### 1. refrigeration , air conditioning , heat pump equipment and metered dose inhalers charged with hydrofluorocarbons shall not be placed on the market unless hydrofluorocarbons charged into the equipment or product are accounted for within the quota system referred to in this chapter.


### when placing pre-charged equipment as referred to in paragraph 1 on the market , manufacturers and importers of equipment shall ensure that compliance with paragraph 1 is fully documented and shall draw up a declaration of conformity in this respect. ### when placing pre-charged equipment or products as referred to in paragraph 1 on the market , manufacturers and importers of equipment or products shall ensure that compliance with paragraph 1 is fully documented and shall draw up a declaration of conformity in this respect.


### by drawing up the declaration of conformity , manufacturers and importers of equipment shall assume responsibility for compliance with this paragraph and paragraph 1. ### by drawing up the declaration of conformity , manufacturers and importers of equipment or products shall assume responsibility for compliance with this paragraph and paragraph 1.


### manufacturers and importers of equipment shall keep this documentation and the declaration of conformity for a period of at least five years after the placing on the market of that equipment and shall make it available , on request , to the competent authorities of member states and the commission. ### manufacturers and importers of equipment or products shall keep this documentation and the declaration of conformity for a period of at least five years after the placing on the market of that equipment or products and shall make it available , on request , to the competent authorities of member states and the commission.


### where hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment referred to in paragraph 1 have not been placed on the market prior to the charging of the equipment , importers of that equipment shall ensure that , by 30 april [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] and every year thereafter , the accuracy of the documentation , the declaration of conformity and the veracity of their report pursuant to article 26 is confirmed , for the preceding calendar year , at a reasonable level of assurance by an independent auditor registered in the f-gas portal. ### where hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment or products referred to in paragraph 1 have not been placed on the market prior to the charging of the equipment , importers of that equipment or products shall ensure that , by 30 april [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] and every year thereafter , the accuracy of the documentation , the declaration of conformity and the veracity of their report pursuant to article 26 is confirmed , for the preceding calendar year , at a reasonable level of assurance by an independent auditor registered in the f-gas portal.


### 5. importers of equipment referred to in paragraph 1 , which has no establishment in the union , shall mandate an only representative with an establishment within the union that assumes the full responsibility of complying with this regulation. the only representative may be the same as the one mandated pursuant to article 8 of regulation (ec) no 1907/2006. ### 5. importers of equipment or products referred to in paragraph 1 , which has no establishment in the union , shall mandate an only representative with an establishment within the union that assumes the full responsibility of complying with this regulation. the only representative may be the same as the one mandated pursuant to article 8 of regulation (ec) no 1907/2006.


### 6. this article shall not apply to undertakings that placed on the market less than 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent of hydrofluorocarbons , per year , contained in the equipment referred to in paragraph 1. ### 6. this article shall not apply to undertakings that placed on the market less than 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent of hydrofluorocarbons , per year , contained in the equipment or products referred to in paragraph 1.


### undertakings shall have a valid registration in the f-gas portal prior to the import or export of fluorinated greenhouse gases and products and equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases except in cases of temporary storage and for the following activities: ### undertakings shall have a valid registration in the f-gas portal prior to the import or export of fluorinated greenhouse gases and products and equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases except for the following activities:


### supplying , or receiving hydrofluorocarbons for the purposes listed in points (a) to (e) of article 16(2); ### deleted


### supplying , or receiving hydrofluorocarbons for the purposes listed in points (a) to (e) of article 16(2); ### supplying , or receiving hydrofluorocarbons for the purposes listed in points (a) to (c) of article 16(2);


### the commission and competent authorities of the member states shall ensure the confidentiality of the data included in the f-gas portal. ### the commission and competent authorities of the member states shall ensure that the following data included in the f-gas portal is publicly available:


### the import and export of fluorinated greenhouse gases and products and equipment containing those gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases except in cases of temporary storage , is subject to the presentation of a valid licence to customs authorities pursuant to article 20(4). ### the import and export of fluorinated greenhouse gases and products and equipment containing those gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases is subject to the presentation of a valid licence to customs authorities pursuant to article 20(4) and must demonstrate compliance to article 11(1).


### 6. importers of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and annex ii , section 1 , in refillable containers shall make available to customs authorities , at the time the customs declaration related to the release for free circulation is submitted , a declaration of conformity including evidence confirming the arrangements in place for the return of the container for the purpose of refilling. ### 6. importers of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and annex ii in refillable containers shall make available to customs authorities , at the time the customs declaration related to the release for free circulation is submitted , a declaration of conformity including evidence confirming the arrangements in place for the return of the container for the purpose of refilling.


### 6. importers of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and annex ii , section 1 , in refillable containers shall make available to customs authorities , at the time the customs declaration related to the release for free circulation is submitted , a declaration of conformity including evidence confirming the arrangements in place for the return of the container for the purpose of refilling. ### 6. importers of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i and annex ii , section 1 , in refillable containers shall make available to customs authorities , at the time the customs declaration related to the release for free circulation is submitted , a declaration of conformity including evidence confirming the arrangements in place for the return of the container for the purpose of refilling , as referred to in article 11(3a).


### for other substances and products and equipment covered by this regulation , alternative measures may be taken to prevent unlawful import , further supply , or export , in particular in cases of hydrofluorocarbons placed on the market in bulk or charged in products and equipment in violation of the quota and authorisation requirements set out in this regulation. ### for other substances and products and equipment covered by this regulation , if seizure and confiscation of illegal shipments is not an option , alternative measures may be taken to prevent unlawful import , further supply , or export , in particular in cases of hydrofluorocarbons placed on the market in bulk or charged in products and equipment in violation of the quota and authorisation requirements set out in this regulation.


### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 32 to supplement this regulation by establishing additional measures to those set out in this regulation for the monitoring of fluorinated greenhouse gases and of products and equipment containing those gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases placed under temporary storage , or a customs procedure including customs warehousing or free zone procedure or in transit through the customs territory of the union , on the basis of an evaluation of the potential risks of illegal trade linked to such movements , including tracing methodologies for gases placed on the market , taking into account the environmental benefits and socio-economic impacts of such measures. ### the commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 32 to supplement this regulation by establishing additional measures to those set out in this regulation for the monitoring of fluorinated greenhouse gases and of products and equipment containing those gases or whose functioning relies upon those gases placed under temporary storage , or a customs procedure including customs warehousing or free zone procedure or in transit through the customs territory of the union , on the basis of an evaluation of the potential risks of illegal trade linked to such movements , including tracing methodologies for gases placed on the market , taking into account the environmental benefits and socio-economic impacts of such measures. such measures may include a qr-code based system to track and trace fluorinated greenhouse gases and products and equipment containing those gases.


### by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each producer , importer and exporter that produced , imported or exported hydrofluorocarbons or quantities exceeding one metric tonne or 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent of other fluorinated greenhouse gases during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. this paragraph shall also apply to all undertakings receiving quotas pursuant to article 21(1). ### by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each producer , importer and exporter that produced , imported or exported fluorinated greenhouse gases during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. this paragraph shall also apply to all undertakings receiving quotas pursuant to article 21(1).


### 2. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each undertaking that destroyed hydrofluorocarbons or quantities exceeding one metric tonne or 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent of other fluorinated greenhouse gases during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. ### 2. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each undertaking that destroyed fluorinated greenhouse gases during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year.


### 3. by 31 march [[op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each undertaking that used 1 000 tonnes of co2 equivalent or more of fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i as feedstock during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. ### 3. by 31 march [[op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each undertaking that used fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i as feedstock during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year.


### 4. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each undertaking that placed 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent or more of hydrofluorocarbons , or 500 tonnes of co2 equivalent or more of other fluorinated greenhouse gases , contained in products or equipment on the market during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. ### 4. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each undertaking that placed fluorinated greenhouse gases , contained in products or equipment on the market during the preceding calendar year shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year.


### 6. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each undertaking that reclaimed quantities exceeding 1 metric tonne or 100 tonnes of co2 equivalent of fluorinated greenhouse gases shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year. ### 6. by 31 march [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , and every year thereafter , each undertaking that reclaimed fluorinated greenhouse gases shall report to the commission the data specified in annex ix on each of those substances for that calendar year.


### 7. by 30 april [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each importer of equipment that placed on the market pre-charged equipment as referred to in article 19 containing at least 1 000 tonnes of co2 equivalent hydrofluorocarbons , and where those hydrofluorocarbons have not been placed on the market prior to the charging of the equipment , shall submit to the commission a verification report issued pursuant to article 19(3). ### 7. by 30 april [op: please insert the year of application of this regulation] , each importer of equipment that placed on the market pre-charged equipment as referred to in article 19 containing hydrofluorocarbons , and where those hydrofluorocarbons have not been placed on the market prior to the charging of the equipment , shall submit to the commission a verification report issued pursuant to article 19(3).