### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , open , inclusive and democratic society by funding activities that promote a vibrant , well - developed , resilient and empowered civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty requires that the institutions shall maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities , which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . a strong and independent women’s rights and lgtbi movement is essential for improving gender equality . it is key for the eu , in line with its core values , to provide sufficient support to these organisations , grassroots groups and defenders , particularly those working in challenging contexts . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice . ### full respect for and promotion of the rule of law and democracy is fundamental to building people ' s trust in the union . respect for the rule of law within the union is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights , as well as for upholding all rights and obligations enshrined in the treaties . the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . the way in which the rule of law is implemented in the member states plays a vital role in ensuring mutual trust among member states and between their legal systems . the programme should therefore promote and safeguard fundamental rights , democracy and the rule of law at local , regional , national and transnational levels . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention , especially focusing on environmental crimes and violations of fundamental rights , such as human trafficking , as well as other serious cross border crimes . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all victims on non - discriminatory grounds , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system should be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice , putting emphasis on the cross border nature of judicial cooperation in relation to external action instruments .


### respect for the rule of law is essential for a high level of mutual trust in the area of justice and home affairs , in particular for effective judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters which is based on mutual recognition . the rule of law is one of the common values enshrined in article teu 2 , and the principle of effective judicial protection provided for in articles 19 teu and 47 of the charter of fundamental rights is a concrete expression of the rule of law . promoting the rule of law by supporting the efforts to improve the independence , quality and efficiency of national justice systems enhances the mutual trust which is indispensable for judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters . ### full respect and promotion of the rule of law is essential for a high level of mutual trust in the area of justice and home affairs , in particular for effective judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters which is based on mutual recognition . the rule of law is one of the common values enshrined in article teu 2 , and the principle of effective judicial protection provided for in articles 19 teu and 47 of the charter of fundamental rights is a concrete expression of the rule of law . promoting the rule of law by supporting the efforts to improve the independence , quality and efficiency of national justice systems enhances the mutual trust which is indispensable for judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs ' assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings and applicability and implementation of the union ' s shared values , especially fundamental rights in legal practice . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs ' assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable .


### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases and greater convergence in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec . ### measures under the programme should support enhanced mutual recognition of judicial decisions and judgments , access to justice and the necessary approximation of legislation that will facilitate cooperation between all the relevant authorities , including financial intelligence units , and the judicial protection of individual rights in civil and commercial matters . the programme should also advance the procedural legislation for cross - border cases and greater convergence in civil law that will help to eliminate obstacles to good and efficient functioning judicial and extra - judicial procedures in benefit of all parties in a civil dispute . finally , in order to support the effective enforcement and practical application of the union law on judicial cooperation in civil matters , the programme should support the functioning of the european judicial network in civil and commercial matters established by council decision 2001 / 470 / ec .


### pursuant to article 3 of the teu , article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child , the programme should support the protection of the rights of the child , and should mainstream the promotion of the rights of the child in the implementation of all of its actions . ### pursuant to article 3 of the teu , article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child and welcoming international labour organization conventions and recommendations on child labour , the programme should support the protection of the rights of the child , and should mainstream the promotion of the rights of the child in the implementation of all of its actions .


### regulation no [ the new fr ] applies to this programme . it lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees . ### regulation no [ the new fr ] applies to this programme . it lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees and demands full transparency on the use of resources , sound financial management and prudent use of resources . in particular , rules concerning the possibility for local , regional , national and transnational civil society organisations to be funded through multiannual operating grants , cascading grants , provisions ensuring fast and flexible grant - making procedures , such as a two - step - application procedure , user - friendly applications and reporting procedures should be operationalised and further strengthened as part of the implementation of this programme .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , the size and capacity of relevant stakeholders and targeted beneficiaries , and the expected risk of non - compliance . this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates , unit costs and cascading grants , as well as co - funding criteria which take into account volunteer work and financing not linked to costs as referred to in article 125 of the financial regulation .


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , human rights bodies and networks including national institutions responsible for the protection of human rights in each member state , bodies and networks responsible for non - discrimination and equality policies , ombudsmen , the european agency for fundamental rights , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences and enhance their synergies and cooperation .


### pursuant to [ reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on octs : article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu1 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . __________________ 1 council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union . ### pursuant to [ reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on octs : article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu1 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . the programme needs to ensure that such persons and entities are sufficiently informed about their eligibility for funding . __________________ 1 council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union .


### ' judiciary and judicial staff ' means judges , prosecutors and court staff , as well as other justice professionals associated with the judiciary , such as lawyers , notaries , bailiffs or enforcement officers , insolvency practitioners , mediators , court interpreters and translators , court experts , prison staff and probation officers . ### ' judiciary and judicial staff ' means judges , prosecutors and court staff , as well as other justice professionals associated with the judiciary , such as defence and prosecution lawyers , notaries , bailiffs or enforcement officers , insolvency practitioners , mediators , court interpreters and translators , court experts , prison staff and probation officers .


### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings . ### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of all victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings .


### resources allocated to member states under shared management may , at their request , be transferred to the programme . the commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with article 62 of the financial regulation or indirectly in accordance with article 62 . where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the member state concerned . ### resources allocated to member states under shared management may , at their request , or at the request of the commission , be transferred to the programme . the commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with article 62 of the financial regulation . where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the member state concerned .


### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation . ### the programme may provide funding , through action grants and multiannual operating grants , in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , including the use of lump sums , unit costs , flat rates and cascading grants . voluntary work shall be considered eligible when co - funding is required as in kind contributions .


### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states . ### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data , where applicable disaggregated by gender , for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states .


### awareness raising , dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of union policies and of union law including substantive and procedural law , of judicial cooperation instruments , of the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , and of comparative law and of european and international standards ; ### awareness raising , dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of union policies and of union law including substantive and procedural law , of judicial cooperation instruments , of the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , and of comparative law and of european and international standards , with a special focus on increasing the understanding of multi - , cross - and interdisciplinary areas of law , such as trade and human rights , and on how to facilitate extraterritorial litigation ;


### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ; ### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders including civil society organisations , to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ;


### training relevant stakeholders to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law . ### training relevant stakeholders including civil society organisations active in the defence of victims and in redress to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , use of collective redress and universal jurisdiction , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law , in order to improve victim’s access to justice in cross - border incidents .


### information and communication technology tools development and maintenance to improve the efficiency of judicial systems and their cooperation by means of information and communication technology , including the cross - border interoperability of systems and applications . ### information and communication technology tools development and maintenance to improve the efficiency of judicial systems and their cooperation by means of information and communication technology , including the cross - border interoperability of systems and applications , privacy and data protection .


### developing capacity of key european level networks and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme . ### developing capacity of key european level networks and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as involving civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme .


### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs . to that end , data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators : ### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs . qualitative indicators shall be included for the assessment . to that end , data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators :


### number of members of the judiciary and judicial staff who participated in training activities funded by the programme , including by the operating grant of the ejtn ### number of members of the judiciary and judicial staff , disaggregated by gender , who participated in training activities funded by the programme , including by the operating grant of the ejtn


### number of people reached by : ### number of people , disaggregated by gender , reached by :


### consumers should be in the position to receive assistance from responsible authorities facilitating the resolution of conflicts with traders , arising from the application of this regulation , including by way of a uniform complaint form . ### customers should be in the position to receive assistance from responsible authorities facilitating the resolution of conflicts with traders , arising from the application of this regulation , including by way of a uniform complaint form .


### where the trader provides electronically supplied services , other than services the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use of copyright protected works or other protected subject matter ; ### where the trader provides electronically supplied services ;


### where the trader provides services , other than those covered by point , and those services are supplied to the customer in the premises of the trader or in a physical location where the trader operates , in a member state other than that of which the customer is a national or in which the customer has the place of residence or the place of establishment . ### where the trader provides services , and those services are supplied to the customer in the premises of the trader or in a physical location where the trader operates , in a member state other than that of which the customer is a national or in which the customer has the place of residence or the place of establishment .


### assistance to consumers ### assistance to customers


### each member state shall confer responsibility for providing practical assistance to consumers to a body or bodies in case of a dispute between a consumer and a trader arising from the application of this regulation . each member state shall designate a body or bodies responsible for that task . ### each member state shall confer responsibility for providing practical assistance to consumers to a body or bodies in case of a dispute between a&#160 ; customer and a trader arising from the application of this regulation . each member state shall designate a body or bodies responsible for that task .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state including in the context of the european semester , with the purpose of agreeing upon the broad policy strategy underpinning the relevant reforms , and not least to assure democratic legitimacy and increase national ownership , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , the principle of subsidiarity , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also agree with the member state concerned on the priority actions for effective support , in line with the agreed policy guidelines , the type and the scope of the support measures , to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes


### to support the efforts of national authorities to define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations ; ### to support the efforts of national authorities to identify , define and implement appropriate processes and methodologies by taking into account good practices and lessons learned by other countries in addressing similar situations , while considering the specificities of the domestic context and avoiding a one - size - fits - all approach ;


### to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resources management , where appropriate , through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills . ### to assist the national authorities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social dialogue , human resources management , where appropriate , through definition of clear responsibilities and increase of professional knowledge and skills , respecting national preferences with regard to : the size and power of the government sector ; ii . the provision of public goods ; iii . practices and traditions for social dialogue and collective agreements ;


### policies for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas ; ### policies for implementing the union climate action programme , reducing emission , promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency , for the agricultural sector and the sustainable development of rural areas ;


### financial sector policies and access to finance . ### financial sector policies , financial stability , access to finance and lending to the real economy ;


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority actions for effective support , in line with the agreed policy guidelines , the type and scope of the support measures to be provided within the eligible actions , and the global financial contribution for such support .


### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies . ### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development , for the benefit of citizens and businesses all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies .


### the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . it should also see to the unconditional respect of rights of content providers , consumers and users of digital technology , ensuring full respect of european values in the development of a digital europe .


### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health , environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably small and medium - sized enterprises . ### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health , environment , linguistics and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably small and medium - sized enterprises .


### the availability of large - scale data sets and testing and experimentation facilities are of major importance for the development of artificial intelligence . ### the availability of large - scale data sets , as well as computational linguistics , and testing and experimentation facilities are of major importance for the development of artificial intelligence .


### the digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare68 , mobility , justice , earth / environmental monitoring , education and culture requires the continuation and expansion of digital service infrastructures , which make secure cross - border exchange of data possible and foster national development . their coordination under this regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies . _________________ 68 http : / / ec . europa . eu / newsroom / dae / document . cfm ? doc_id=51628 ### the digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare68 , mobility , justice , earth / environmental monitoring , education and culture requires the continuation and expansion of digital service infrastructures , which make secure cross - border exchange of data possible and foster national development . their coordination under this regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies . the digital transformation should nevertheless take into account that some citizens are not taking part - out of different reasons - in it and networks should be supported to continue informing those citizens , helping them to remain in full possession of their rights and participation to all social and civic duties . _________________ 68 http : / / ec . europa . eu / newsroom / dae / document . cfm ? doc_id=51628


### reinforce europe ' s capacities in key digital technology areas through large - scale deployment , ### reinforce europe ' s capacities in key digital technology areas , seeing thereby to a full respect of rights and european values , through large - scale deployment ,


### ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests , such as health and care , education , judiciary , transport , energy , environment , cultural and creative sectors , can deploy and access state - of - the - art digital technologies , in particular high performance computing , artificial intelligence and cybersecurity ; ### ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests , such as health and care , education , judiciary , transport , energy , environment , cultural and creative sectors , can deploy and access state - of - the - art digital technologies , in particular high performance computing , language technology , artificial intelligence and cybersecurity ;


### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance . ### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape , increase flexibility and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states and beneficiaries , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote high - quality employment through education , training , employment policies and active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , the long - term unemployed and the economically inactive , as well as those facing multiple forms of discrimination through promoting self–employment , entrepreneurship and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation and flexibility towards various target groups of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted and individual counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to support workers’ mobility . the esf + should aim at tackling precarious employment in order to ensure that all types of work contracts offer decent working conditions with proper social security coverage in line with article 9 tfeu , the european charter of fundamental rights , the european social charter and the ilo decent work agenda . the esf + should promote participation of women and sustainable employment that guarantees equal opportunities with special attention to single mothers in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , the respect of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value , improved work / life balance and access to affordable childcare and other care services or support to foster gender equality . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . the esf + should also support measures aimed to facilitate the transition of young people between education and employment .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , with special emphasis on disadvantaged social groups or people in vulnerable situations , such as people with disabilities , third - country nationals , roma people , people experiencing homelessness or poverty , people living in disadvantaged micro - regions and rural areas , people above the age of 50 , and people with a low level of educational attainment or basic skills , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim at promoting youth employment through specific actions , including by supporting fair and voluntary mobility and fostering early integration into the labour market . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to make them more effective , improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment with special regard to disadvantaged social groups , to enhance workers’ mobility , and to deliver their service in a non - discriminatory way . the esf + should contribute to tackling precarious employment in order to ensure that all types of work contracts offer decent working conditions with proper social security coverage , in line with the decent work agenda of the international labour organisation , article 9 tfeu , the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and the european social charter . the esf + should promote the participation of women in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and an easy access to good quality , free or affordable childcare , dependent care services and care for the elderly . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women’s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote high - quality employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , the long - term unemployed and the economically inactive , as well as those facing multiple forms of discrimination through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation and flexibility towards various target groups of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted and individual counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to support workers’ mobility . the esf + should aim at tackling precarious employment in order to ensure that all types of work contracts offer decent working conditions with proper social security coverage in line with article 9 tfeu , the european charter of fundamental rights , the european social charter and the ilo decent work agenda . the esf + should promote participation of women and sustainable employment that guarantees equal opportunities with special attention to single mothers in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , the respect of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value , improved work / life balance and access to affordable childcare and other care services or support to foster gender equality . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . the esf + should also support measures aimed to facilitate the transition of young people between education and employment .


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


### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social integration of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . with a view that at union level at least 4% of the resources of the esf + strand under shared management supports the most deprived , member states should allocate at least 2% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived . ### the esf + should contribute to the reduction of poverty by supporting national schemes aiming to alleviate food and material deprivation and promote social inclusion of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and the most deprived . member states should allocate at least 4% of their national resources of the esf + strand under shared management to address the forms of extreme poverty with the greatest social exclusion impact , such as homelessness , child poverty and food deprivation . due to the nature of the operations and the type of end recipients , it is necessary that simpler rules apply to support which addresses material deprivation of the most deprived .


### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 25% of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion . ### to ensure that the social dimension of europe as set out in the european pillar of social rights is duly put forward and that a minimum amount of resources is targeting those most in need member states should allocate at least 30% of their national esf + resources of the esf + strand under shared management to fostering social inclusion and fighting poverty . member states should use this allocation to address challenges beyond unemployment with measures different than labour market activation measures to support anti - poverty and inclusion .


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


### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression . they should also ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote the transition from residential / institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . the esf + should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management . ### the member states and the commission should ensure that esf + contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with article 8 tfeu to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas , including regarding participation in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment and career progression as well as the economic independence of women , education and skills upgrading and the reintegration of female victims of violence into society and into the labour market . synergies and policy coherence with the rights and values programme in this should ensure that esf + can mainstream and upscale actions . the commission and the member states should ensure that the esf + promotes equal opportunities for all , without discrimination in accordance with article 10 tfeu and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities and chronic diseases on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities with regard to , inter alia , education , work , employment and accessibility . these principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation , monitoring , implementation and evaluation of programmes , in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities . the esf + should also promote accessibility in line with the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and the transition from institutional care to family and community - based care , in particular for those who face multiple discrimination . measures for the shift from institutional to family and community - based care should be implemented through national deinstitutionalisation strategies and action plans . the esf + should not support any action that does not respect fundamental rights as set out in the charter of fundamental rights and , in particular , actions that contribute to segregation or to social exclusion or the reproduction of gender stereotypes . regulation no [ future cpr ] provides that rules on eligibility of expenditure are to be established at national level , with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the esf + strand under shared management .


### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . ### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers with high - quality social conditions and on a non - discriminatory basis . the public employment services of member states , the social partners and the commission should work closely together . the european network of employment services , with the involvement of the social partners and relevant civil - society organisations , should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the non - precarious cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency , of information on the labour markets with disaggregated data , as well as greater skills recognition . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . furthermore , the scope of the esf + covers cross - border partnerships between regional public employment services and social partners and their activities to promote voluntary and fair mobility , as well as transparency and integration of cross - border labour markets through information , advice and placement . in many border regions they play an important role in the development of a genuine european labour market .


### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified ### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers , a greater transparency of information on the labour markets and greater skills and qualifications recognition . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to facilitating voluntary labour mobility and filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified .


### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of member states with one another and with the commission . the european network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . ### esf + lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non - discriminatory basis . the public employment services of member states , the social partners and the commission should work closely together . the european network of employment services , with the involvement of the social partners and relevant civil - society organisations , should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross - border mobility of workers under fair conditions and a greater transparency , with gender - disaggregated data of information on the labour markets as well as greater skills recognition . the esf + scope also includes developing and supporting targeted mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified . furthermore , the scope of the esf + covers cross - border partnerships between regional public employment services and social partners and their activities to promote voluntary and fair mobility , as well as transparency and integration of cross - border labour markets through information , advice and placement . in many border regions they play an important role in the development of a genuine european labour market .


### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens . ### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention , early diagnosis throughout the lifetime of the people living in the union and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use , smoking and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , environmental health risk factors , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , obesity and unhealthy dietary habits , also related to poverty and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles , greater public awareness of risk factors , well - designed public health interventions for reducing the burden and impact of infections and preventable infectious diseases , including through vaccinations , in the overall health throughout life in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . in this context , special attention should be given to health education as it helps individuals and communities improve their health , increase their knowledge and influence their attitudes . current health challenges can only be effectively addressed through collaboration at union level and continued union action in the field of health . the health strand of the esf + should support implementation of the relevant union legislation , mainstream effective prevention and awareness raising models reaching out to all , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , accessible , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for people living in the union in both urban and rural areas . with a view to fully tapping into the potential of cross - sectorial cooperation and to improving synergies and coherence with other policy fields to achieve the general objectives of the esf + , sport and physical activity should be used as a tool in esf + actions aimed , in particular , at health promotion , and disease prevention .


### non - communicable diseases are responsible for over 80 % of premature mortality in the union and an effective prevention entails multiple cross border dimensions . in parallel , the european parliament and the council underlined the need to minimise the public health consequences of serious cross - border threats to health such as communicable diseases and other biological , chemical , environmental and unknown threats , by supporting preparedness and response capacity building . ### non - communicable diseases are responsible for over 80 % of premature mortality in the union and an effective prevention entails multiple cross - sectoral actions and cross border dimensions . in parallel , the european parliament and the council underlined the need to minimise the public health consequences of serious cross - border threats to health such as sudden and cumulative environmental emissions and pollution , communicable diseases and other biological , chemical , environmental and unknown threats , by supporting preparedness and response capacity building .


### reducing the burden of resistant infections and healthcare associated infections and securing the availability of effective antimicrobials is essential for the efficiency of health systems and for the health of citizens . ### reducing the burden of resistant infections and healthcare associated infections and securing the availability of effective antimicrobials , whilst nonetheless reducing their use in order to help tackle antimicrobial resistance , is essential for the efficiency of health systems and for the health of citizens .


### uses its profits first and foremost to achieve its primary social objective , and has predefined procedures and rules covering any distribution of profits that ensure that such distribution does not undermine the primary social objective ; ### profits are mainly reinvested to achieve this social objective ;


### ' most deprived persons ' means natural persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria set by the national competent authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders , while avoiding conflicts of interest and which are approved by those national competent authorities and which may include elements that allow the targeting of the most deprived persons in certain geographical areas ; ### ' most deprived persons ' means natural persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria set by the national competent authorities in consultation with local and regional authorities and relevant stakeholders , while avoiding conflicts of interest and which are approved by those national competent authorities and which may include elements that allow the targeting of the most deprived persons in certain geographical areas ;


### the esf + shall support the following specific objectives in the policy areas of employment , education , social inclusion and health and thereby also contributing to the policy objective for &#8220 ; a more social europe - implementing the european pillar of social rights&#8221 ; set out in article [ 4 ] of the [ future cpr ] : ### the esf + shall support all of the following specific objectives in the policy areas of employment , education , social inclusion , eradication of poverty , and health and thereby also contributing to the policy objective for &#8220 ; a more social europe - implementing the european pillar of social rights&#8221 ; set out in article [ 4 ] of the [ future cpr ] :


### when programming the esf + resources under shared management for 2026 and 2027 at mid - term in accordance with article [ 14 ] of [ the future cpr ] , member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2024 on the basis of eurostat data , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2026 to 2027 to these actions . ### when programming the esf + resources under shared management for 2026 and 2027 at mid - term in accordance with article [ 14 ] of [ the future cpr ] , member states having a rate of young people aged 15 to 29 not in employment , education or training above the union average in 2024 on the basis of eurostat data or faced a sudden increase of at least 10% in 2024 , shall allocate at least 10% of their esf + resources under shared management for the years 2026 to 2027 to these actions .


### member states and beneficiaries shall choose the food and / or the basic material assistance on the basis of objective criteria related to the needs of the most deprived persons . the selection criteria for the food products , and where appropriate for goods , shall also take into consideration climatic and environmental aspects , in particular with a view to reduction of food waste . where appropriate , the choice of the type of food products to be distributed shall be made having considered their contribution to the balanced diet of the most deprived persons . ### member states and beneficiaries shall choose the food and / or the basic material assistance on the basis of the needs of the most deprived persons . the selection criteria for the food products , and where appropriate for goods , shall also take into consideration climatic and environmental aspects , in particular with a view to reduction of food waste and single - use plastics . the choice of the type of food products to be distributed shall be made having considered their contribution to the balanced diet of the most deprived persons .


### the costs of accompanying measures undertaken by or on behalf of beneficiaries and declared by the beneficiaries delivering the food and / or basic material assistance to the most deprived persons at a flat - rate of 5% of the costs referred to in point . ### the costs of accompanying measures undertaken by or on behalf of beneficiaries and declared by the beneficiaries delivering the food and / or basic material assistance to the most deprived persons at a flat - rate of at least 5% of the costs referred to in point . such support shall be available to deliveries of aid at the point of contact with users as well as other stakeholders .


### to provide guidance for the development of social infrastructure needed for the implementation of the european pillar of social rights ; ### to provide support for the development of social infrastructure needed for the implementation of the european pillar of social rights ;


### information systems disseminating evidence related to the fields referred to in article 4 ; ### information systems collecting , analysing and disseminating evidence and data related to the fields referred to in article 4 ;


### an eu - wide labour targeted mobility scheme at union level to fill job vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified ; ### an eu - wide labour targeted mobility scheme at union level to fill job vacancies ;


### of national contact points providing guidance , information and assistance related the implementation of the strand ; ### of national contact points providing guidance , information and assistance related the implementation of the strand as well as of national platforms providing lifelong learning and adult education offers related to the specific objectives ;


### of participating countries administrations , social security institutions and employment services responsible for promoting labour mobility , of microfinance institutions and of institutions providing finance to social enterprises or other social investment actors , as well as networking ; ### of participating countries administrations , social security institutions and employment services responsible for promoting labour mobility , of career guidance services , of microfinance institutions and of institutions providing finance to social enterprises or other social investment actors , as well as networking ;


### cross - border collaboration and partnerships , including in cross - border regions ; ### cross - border collaboration and partnerships , including in cross - border regions and including in relation to air pollution and other cross - border environmental contamination ;


### the esf + committee may set up working groups for each of the strands of the esf + . ### the esf + committee shall set up working groups for each of the programming priorities as set out in articles 9 - 10 . the esf + committee may set up additional working groups .


### the common immediate result indicators for participants are : ### the common immediate result indicators for participants are : if common output indicator data of participants of most deprived groups was surveyed anonymously , the following data will not be surveyed .


### common longer - term result indicators for participants : ### common longer - term result indicators for participants : if common output indicator data of participants of most deprived groups was surveyed anonymously , the following data will not be surveyed .


### strengthening economic and social cohesion by reinforcing structural reforms is crucial for successful participation in the economic and monetary union . that is particularly important for member states whose currency is not the euro , in their preparation to join the euro area . ### strengthening economic and social cohesion is crucial for successful participation in the economic and monetary union , including for member states that wish to join the euro area .


### it is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , and job creation should also contribute to the preparations for future participation in the euro area by those member states whose currency is not the euro . ### it is thus appropriate to stress in the general objective of the programme – within its contribution towards responding to economic and social challenges – that enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , and job creation should also contribute to convergence within and outside the euro area .


### in order to meet the growing demand for support from member states , and in view of the need to support the implementation of structural reforms in member states whose currency is not the euro , the financial allocation for the programme should be increased to a sufficient level that allows the union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting member states . ### in order to meet the growing demand for support from member states , the financial allocation for the programme should be increased by using the flexibility instrument under council regulation no 1311 / 2013 of 2 december 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014 - 20201a to a sufficient level that allows the union to provide support that meets the needs of the requesting member states . it is important that resources allocated to the european structural and investment funds should not be redeployed and that member states should not be obliged to transfer their national and regional esif allocations with a view to filling the financing gap of the programme . _________________ 1a oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 884 .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , and investment , which will also prepare for participation in the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds . ; ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and growth - sustaining structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , with a view to enhancing cohesion , competitiveness , productivity , sustainable growth , job creation , investment , and convergence in and outside the euro area , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient , effective and transparent use of the union funds .


### a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex ii . ### a motivated decision on refusal and the detailed reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex ii .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , the commission should be empowered to establish targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the total number of persons to be resettled and participation of the member state , consistent with the annual union resettlement plan . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the annual union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the annual union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 . 2 . 2011 , p . 13 . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the union resettlement framework , by establishing targeted union resettlement schemes laying down the precise number out of the total number of persons to be resettled and participation of the member state , consistent with the multiannual union resettlement plan , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers34 . the examination procedure should be used for establishing targeted union resettlement schemes given that those schemes have substantial implications . the commission should aim to establish targeted union resettlement schemes as soon as possible after the adoption of the multiannual union resettlement plan and whenever necessary during the period covered by the multiannual union resettlement plan . the commission should take into account the discussions within the high - level resettlement committee and align its implementing act with the outcomes of annual tripartite consultations on resettlement . _________________ 34 oj l 55 , 28 . 2 . 2011 , p . 13 .


### the number of persons in need of international protection displaced to or within a third country and any onward movement of those persons to the territory of the member states ; ### the number of vulnerable persons in need of international protection displaced to or within a third country and any onward movement of those persons to the territory of the member states , in accordance with the global resettlement needs as per the unhcr projected global resettlement needs ;


### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to or staying in their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a real risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ; ### third - country nationals , who are outside the country of nationality or the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , or stateless persons , who are outside of the country of former habitual residence or of the part of that country in which they formerly habitually resided , and in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that they , if returned to or staying in their country of origin or former habitual residence , would face a risk of suffering serious harm , and are unable , or , owing to such risk , are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country ;


### family members of third - country nationals or stateless persons or union citizens legally residing in a member state : ### in cases where union law on family reunification , including council directive 2003 / 86 / ec , or member states ' national law on family reunification do not apply , family members of third - country nationals or stateless persons or union citizens legally residing in a member state :


### the annual union resettlement plan shall include : ### the multiannual union resettlement plan shall include :


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing targeted union resettlement schemes consistent with the annual union resettlement plan adopted pursuant to article 7 . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 15 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14 , supplementing this regulation , in order to establish targeted union resettlement schemes consistent with the multiannual union resettlement plan , adopted pursuant to article 7 , in accordance with paragraph 2 .


### the precise number of persons to be resettled from the maximum total number as set out in the annual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states in the targeted union resettlement scheme ; ### the precise number of persons to be resettled from the minimum total number as set out in the multiannual union resettlement plan provided for in point of article 7 and details about the participation of the member states in the targeted union resettlement scheme ;


### the specification of the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur as referred to in article 4 ; ### the non - exhaustive specification of the regions or third countries from which resettlement is to occur as referred to in article 4 ;


### the name , date of birth , gender , nationality and other personal details ### the name , date of birth , gender , nationality


### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence , including , where applicable , information from unhcr on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees or on the basis of a personal interview or a combination of both . ### member states shall make that assessment on the basis of documentary evidence , including , where applicable , information from unhcr on whether the third - country nationals or the stateless persons qualify as refugees and on the basis of a personal interview .


### member states shall take a decision on the resettlement of third - country nationals or stateless persons on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible and not later than eight months from their registration . member states may extend that time - limit of eight months by a period of not more than four months , where complex issues of fact or law are involved . ### member states shall take a decision on the resettlement of third - country nationals or stateless persons on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible and not later than six months from their registration . member states may extend that time - limit of six months by a period of not more than two months , where complex issues of fact or law are involved .


### member states may also request unhcr to fully assess whether third - country nationals or stateless persons referred to them by unhcr qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention . ### member states shall also request unhcr , iom and relevant civil society organisations to fully assess whether third - country nationals or stateless persons referred to them by unhcr , iom and relevant civil society organisations qualify as refugees within the meaning of article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention .


### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , and the member states . [ the european union agency for asylum , ] unhcr , and iom may be invited . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the annual union resettlement plan . ### a high - level resettlement committee shall be established , composed of representatives of the european parliament , the council , the commission , the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , the member states , [ the european union agency for asylum , ] unhcr , and iom . representatives of iceland , liechtenstein , norway , and switzerland shall be invited to attend the meetings of the high - level resettlement committee where they have indicated their intention to be associated with the implementation of the multiannual union resettlement plan .


### the european parliament , in its resolution on the ' follow - up to the european citizens’ initiative right2water ' 86 , ' requested that member states should pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups in society ' 87 . the specific situation of minority cultures , such as roma , sinti , travellers , kalé , gens du voyage etc . , whether sedentary or not – in particular their lack of access to drinking water – was also acknowledged in the commission report on the implementation of the eu framework for national roma integration strategies88 and the council recommendation on effective roma integration measures in the member states89 . in light of that general context , it is appropriate that member states pay particular attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups by taking the necessary measures to ensure that those groups have access to water . without prejudice to the right of the member states to define those groups , they should at least include refugees , nomadic communities , homeless people and minority cultures such as roma , sinti , travellers , kalé , gens du voyage , etc . , whether sedentary or not . such measures to ensure access , left to the appreciation of the member states , might for example include providing alternative supply systems , providing water via tankers and ensuring the necessary infrastructure for camps . _________________ 86 p8_ta0294 87 p8_ta0294 , paragraph 62 . 88 com 209 final 89 council recommendation of 9 december 2013 on effective roma integration measures in the member states . ### the european parliament , in its resolution on the ' follow - up to the european citizens’ initiative right2water ' 86 , called ' on the commission to recognise the importance of the human right to water and sanitation and of water as a public good and a fundamental value for all eu citizens and not as a commodity ' , and requested that member states should pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups in society ' 87 . the specific situation of minority cultures , such as roma , sinti , travellers , kalé , gens du voyage etc . , whether sedentary or not – in particular their lack of access to drinking water – was also acknowledged in the commission report on the implementation of the eu framework for national roma integration strategies88 and the council recommendation on effective roma integration measures in the member states89 . in light of that general context , it is appropriate that member states pay particular attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups by taking the necessary measures to ensure that those groups have access to water . without prejudice to the right of the member states to define those groups , they should at least include refugees , nomadic communities , homeless people and minority cultures such as roma , sinti , travellers , kalé , gens du voyage , etc . , whether sedentary or not . such measures to ensure access , left to the appreciation of the member states , might for example include providing alternative supply systems , providing water via tankers and ensuring the necessary infrastructure for camps . _________________ 86 p8_ta0294 87 p8_ta0294 , paragraph 62 . 88 com 209 final 89 council recommendation of 9 december 2013 on effective roma integration measures in the member states .


### prevention measures to reduce the level of treatment required and to safeguard the water quality , including measures referred to in article 11 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec ; ### prevention measures to reduce the level of treatment required and to safeguard the water quality , including measures referred to in article 11 of directive 2000 / 60 / ec as well as measures to reduce leakages in the system ;


### where member states consider , on the basis of the assessment carried out under paragraph 1 , that there is a risk to human health stemming from the domestic distribution system or from the related products and materials , or where monitoring carried out in accordance with paragraph 1 demonstrates that the parametric values set out in annex i , part c , are not met , member states shall : ### where member states consider , on the basis of the assessment carried out under paragraph 1 , that there is a risk to human health stemming from the domestic distribution system or from the related products and materials , including from leakages or where monitoring carried out in accordance with paragraph 1 demonstrates that the parametric values set out in annex i , part c , are not met , member states shall :


### in paragraph 1 the following is deleted : ‘ in emergency situations , as a last resort , ’ ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : “1 . by way of derogation from article 1 , the exemption from the visa requirement for nationals of a third country listed in annex ii shall be temporarily suspended in emergency situations , which have a serious negative impact on the overall migratory situation in the union , as a last resort , in accordance with this article . ”


### because of the registration of biometric identifiers in the visa information system as established by regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council13 , the appearance of the applicant in person - at least for the first application - should be one of the basic requirements for the application for a visa . __________________ 13 regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 concerning visa information system and the exchange of data between member states on short - stay visas . ### because of the registration of biometric identifiers in the visa information system as established by regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council13 , the appearance of the applicant in person - at least for the first application - should be one of the basic requirements for the issuance of a visa . __________________ 13 regulation no 767 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 july 2008 concerning visa information system and the exchange of data between member states on short - stay visas .


### arrangements for the reception of applicants should be made with due respect for human dignity . processing of visa applications should be conducted in a professional and respectful manner and should not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued . ### arrangements for the reception of applicants should be made with due respect for human dignity . processing of visa applications should be conducted without discrimination , in a professional and respectful manner and should not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued .


### the general public should be given all relevant information in relation to the application for a visa and the visibility and uniform image of the common visa policy should be improved . to this end a common schengen visa internet site should be established and a common template for member states ' information to the public should be drawn up . ### the general public should be given all relevant information in relation to the application for and the use of a visa and the visibility and uniform image of the common visa policy should be improved . to this end a common schengen visa internet site should be established and a common template for member states ' information to the public should be drawn up .


### applications may be lodged six months before and no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit . ### applications may be lodged 12 months before and no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit . where this condition is not met , a consulate shall decide on an application when it is necessary on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations , as well as in justified cases of emergency .