### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe shall be steered by an inclusive and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall implement the horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives by defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan by means of a delegated act will increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at union level as well as complementing policies in the member states . it will allow the simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to those objectives , the commission will launch an open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities including missions , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , in particular the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan before being implemented in work programmes . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . all well - established partnerships , such as the joint technology initiatives , will be considered for continuation beyond 2020 due to their added - value in bringing and leveraging private investment and contribution to synergies of funds . as in horizon 2020 , proposals for joint undertakings will be presented as council regulations . on - going and new kics will be identified in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon 2020 will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme and reinforce existing european partnerships , which could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with all relevant dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , including the euratom programme , which offer possibilities for synergies between union funds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the union budget and non - funding instruments . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overconme reslient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development and ghg emission reduction , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable production and consumption and restoring ecosystems and natural resources , strengthening , reinforcing and nourishing the resource base requires shifting out of societal lock - ins , identifying and implementing paths to internalize environmental costs in our economies , gathering more and better quality data on the impact of different policies and social and environmental innovation developing and up - scaling new business models , and investing in technologies to support these . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency and the capacity and status of natural resources , long - term productivity and therefore long - term competitiveness , maintaining rural viability , and generating jobs and sustainable wealth .


### –sustainable sea and ocean farming , fisheries and mariculture for food , including alternative sources of protein with increased food security , food sovereignty and climate resilience ; ### –sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture for food , including alternative sources of protein with increased food security , food sovereignty and climate resilience ; this should include sustainability or not of sourcing products of deforestation , and also for fish feed in aquaculture that covers hormones and antibiotics ;


### content of work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - design with stakeholders and the public where relevant ; ### content of work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - creation and co - design with all relevant stakeholders ;


### it is estimated that by 2050 , more than 80% of the eu ' s population will live in urban areas , consuming the lion ' s share of available resources , including energy , and being areas particularly vulnerable to the adverse meteorological change impacts worsen by climate change and natural disasters already now and increasingly in the future . a key challenge is to significantly increase the overall energy and resource efficiency as well as climate - resilience of europe ' s cities in a holistic fashion , targeting the building stock , energy systems , mobility , climate change , as well as water , soil , air quality , waste and noise . synergies with erdf - funded urban policy and actions should be investigated and exploited . ### it is estimated that by 2050 , more than 80% of the eu ' s population will live in urban areas , consuming the lion ' s share of available resources , including energy , and being areas particularly vulnerable to the adverse meteorological change impacts worsen by climate change and natural disasters already now and increasingly in the future . a key challenge is to significantly increase the overall energy and resource efficiency as well as climate - resilience of europe ' s communities and cities in a holistic fashion , targeting the building stock , energy systems , transport and mobility , climate change , as well as water , soil , air quality , waste and noise , whilst improving social inclusion , security , integration and attractiveness . synergies with erdf - funded urban policy and actions should be investigated and exploited .


### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach and develop knowledge and innovation systems at local , regional , national and european levels . social innovation with citizens ' engagement and trust in innovation will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns . ### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach , including civil society organisations , and develop knowledge and innovation systems at local , regional , national and european levels . including all actors along the agri - food supply chain in the co - creation and sharing of knowledge plays a central role in the process of developing and implementing agroecological innovations to address challenges across food systems including adaptation to climate change . social innovation with citizens ' engagement will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns .


### –decarbonisation pathways , mitigation actions and policies covering all sectors of the economy , compatible with the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals ; ### –ghg emission reduction pathways , mitigation actions and policies covering all sectors of the economy , compatible with the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals ;


### the intersection of research and innovation on climate , energy and mobility will address in a highly integrated and effective way , one of the most important global challenges for the sustainability and future of our environment and way of life . ### the intersection of research and innovation on climate , energy and mobility will address in a highly integrated and effective way , one of the most important global societal challenges for the sustainability and future of our environment , economy and way of life .


### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe is steered by an inclusive participatory and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall lead to the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives thereby defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to other eu policies and how to leverage additional private and public money . notably , strategic planning shall be consistent with the paris agreement and the union’s climate related long - term objective and remaining carbon budget . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan through a delegated act shall increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives and to ensure that main european policies targets , are reflected in and supported by horizon europe , with adequate resources . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at eu level as well as complementing policies in the member states and ensuring a better coordination with the eu’s priorities . it will further take into account foresight activities , studies and other scientific evidence and take account of relevant existing initiatives at eu and national level . it will allow simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities while leveraging additional private and public funding and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to these objectives , the commission will launch a mandatory multi - stakeholder open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , including missions and the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan and be subject to mandatory multi - stakeholder consultation before being implemented in work programmes . results of consultation with member states , the european parliament and stakeholders shall be divulgated before any decision on future priorities , for each relevant area , is taken . the strategic planning will promote strong engagement with citizens and civil society both within the strategic planning process itself and at all other stages of research and innovation , including agenda - setting . to facilitate this , a structured dialogue will be established with civil society . the process will also promote the co - creation of knowledge , effective promotion of gender equality , including the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content , and will ensure and promote responsible research and innovation and adherence to the highest ethics and integrity standards . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . future partnerships funded under the second pillar ‘ global societal challenges and a net - zero ghg emission economy’ , will in particular be assessed in terms of their potential to help deliver the sdgs and the union’s climate related long - term objective and remaining carbon budget in consistency with the paris agreement . building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters and work programmes , and through the development of social sciences oriented calls and specific and dedicated activities . on - going and new kics will be defined in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . nevertheless , the creation of any new kic should be subject to an additional and adequate funding , allowing the existing kics to develop the ecosystems , build partnerships and pursue and implement efficiently their ambitious objectives . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme . where appropriate , the strategic planning process shall assess in how far european partnerships could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with allrelevant stakeholders , including civil society , and dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , which offer possibilities for synergies between eufunds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the eu budget and non - funding instruments , in order to help deliver the eu’s political priorities and objectives . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### –electrification of all transport modes including new technologies for vehicle / vessel / aircraft powertrains , fast charging / refuelling , energy harvesting and user - friendly and accessible interfaces with the charging infrastructure , ensuring interoperability and seamless services provision ; development and deployment of competitive , safe , high - performing and sustainable batteries for low and zero - emission vehicles ; ### –electrification of all transport modes including new technologies for vehicle / vessel / aircraft powertrains , fast charging / refuelling , energy harvesting and user - friendly and accessible interfaces with the fuelling and charging infrastructure , ensuring interoperability and seamless services provision ; development and deployment of competitive , safe , high - performing , recyclable and sustainable batteries for low and zero - emission vehicles ;


### –sustainable biomass sourcing and production systems , focusing on high - value applications and uses , social and environmental sustainability , impact on climate and biodiversity reduction targets and overall resource efficiency ; ### –sustainable and equitable biomass sourcing and production systems , focusing on high - value applications and uses , social and environmental sustainability , impact on climate and biodiversity loss , including in third countries , in particular developing countries , and overall resource efficiency ;


### digitisation is a major driver . as it continues at a rapid pace across all sectors , investment in priority areas ranging from artificial intelligence to next generation internet , high performance computing , photonics and nano - electronics , becomes essential for the strength of our economy and the sustainability of our society . investing , producing and using ict provides a major boost to eu economic growth , amounting to an increase of 30% between 2001 and 2011 alone . ### digitisation is a major driver . as it continues at a rapid pace across all sectors , investment in priority areas ranging from artificial intelligence to next generation internet , high performance computing , photonics and nano - electronics , and smart environmental data become essential for the strength of our economy and the sustainability of our society . the transition to a digitised industry needs to be prepared and the social and economic impacts and risks assessed and tackled . investing , producing and using ict provides a major boost to eu economic growth , amounting to an increase of 30% between 2001 and 2011 alone .


### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ; ### –environmentally sustainable , circular and resource efficient food systems from land and sea , towards safe drinking water and zero food waste throughout the entire food system , through reuse of food and biomass , recycling of food waste , new food packaging , demand for tailored and local food ;


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### multi - and trans - disciplinary approaches utilising the expertise and experience of actors along value chains will be sought to build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : protect sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and water - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks with closed loop nutrient cycling and functional hydrological systems ; ensure food and nutrition security , sufficient for the eu ' s needs and avoiding waste and overproduction , providing safe food and feed , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition of food and farming systems towards agro - ecological approaches to benefit both conventional and organic agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , net - zero ghg emission circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### –strengthened resilience of marine ecosystems thereby ensuring seas and ocean health , combating and mitigating the effects of natural and human pressures like pollution and plastics , eutrophication , acidification , seas and oceans warming , sea level rise , considering the intersection between land and sea and fostering a circular approach ; ### –strengthened resilience of marine ecosystems thereby ensuring a good environmental status of seas and ocean , combating and mitigating the effects of human pressures like pollution , chemicals and plastics including microplastics , overfishing , eutrophication , acidification , seas and oceans warming , sea level rise , considering the intersection between land and sea and fostering a circular approach ;


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable renewable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to save energy , ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of renewable energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . significant improvements need to be made on system integration . the energy transformation will challenge the eu to lead in developing solutions for an upgraded market design including the provision of grid and system services by renewables . the heating and cooling sector is still one of the most polluting sectors . the energy performance of buildings directive 2018 / 844 leads the way for accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels as source of energy supply to heating and cooling towards renewable energy technologies and solutions . to achieve the necessary deployment levels of renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further and performance must improve which requires support for incremental research in advanced technologies . furthermore , new breakthrough technologies need to be developed , while established technologies need to be improved . the phase - out of fossil fuels will be indispensable to meet the climate objectives . there is a pressing need to find solutions that further reduce entry barriers for renewables , including non - technical ones , in order to accelerate the market uptake of renewables .


### although the eu remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world , it is essentially a ' mass producer ' of knowledge with , relative to its size , comparatively few centres of excellence that standout at the world level and with large areas of average and poor performance . compared with the us and now china to some degree , the eu still tends to follow a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a larger number of researchers and research institutions another challenge is that in many eu countries the public sector still does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these factors compound europe ' s relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent . ### the eu remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world . compared with the us and now china to some degree , the eu follows a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a larger number of researchers and research institutions another challenge is that in many eu countries the public sector still does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these factors compound europe ' s relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent .


### –renewable energy technologies and solutions for power generation , heating and cooling , sustainable transport fuels and intermediate carriers , at various scales and development stages , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ; ### –renewable energy technologies and solutions for power generation , at various scales and development stages , including intermediate carriers , adapted to geographic conditions and markets , both within the eu and worldwide ;


### cultural heritage is the fabric of our lives , meaningful to communities , groups and societies , giving a sense of belonging . it is the bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial and creative sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade . ### cultural heritage is traces and expressions from the past that gives attributed - meaning to and is used by communities , groups and societies today . it can contribute to giving sense of belonging , wellbeing and to a better understanding of society and personal context . it is a bridge between the past and the future of our societies . it is a driving force of local economies and a powerful source of inspiration for creative and cultural industries . accessing , conserving , safeguarding and restoring , interpreting , re - interpreting , developing and harnessing the full potential of our cultural heritage are crucial challenges now and for future generations . cultural heritage is the major input and inspiration for the arts , traditional craftsmanship , the cultural , entrepreneurial and creative sectors that are drivers of sustainable economic growth , new job creation and external trade . cultural heritage and cultural heritage information provides research data for the humanities as well as several science areas and are as such an infrastructure for research .


### breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , often combined with the technologies for circular industry above , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and improve the global competitiveness of industry ; and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality . ### breakthrough technologies to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases and pollutants , often combined with the technologies for circular industry above , and digital technologies , will lead to strong industrial value chains , revolutionise manufacturing capacities and improve the global competitiveness of industry ; and at the same time make key contributions to our targets for climate action and environmental quality . research and development focused on developing less hazardous substances should be encouraged and stimulated . this could include green chemistry .


### –quality of life for the citizens , safe mobility , urban social innovation , cities ' circular and regenerative capacity , reduced environmental footprint and pollution ; ### –quality of life for the citizens , safe mobility , urban and rural social innovation , cities ' circular and regenerative capacity , reduced environmental footprint and pollution ;


### –breakthrough manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , industrial robotics , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of industrially - oriented infrastructures ; ### –breakthrough energy efficient manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing , flexible industrial automation and robotics , human integrated manufacturing systems , also promoted via an eu network of industrially - oriented infrastructures ;


### the overall strategy for the eic component under pillar iii ' open innovation ' ; ### the overall strategy for the eic component under pillar iii ' innovative europe ' ;


### identify in cooperation with relevant commission services possible regulatory barriers faced by entrepreneurs , in particular those awarded support under the eic component ; ### identify in cooperation with relevant commission services and the eit possible regulatory barriers faced by entrepreneurs , in particular those awarded support under the eic component ;


### –skills and workspaces fully adapted to the new technologies , in line with european social values ; ### –skills and workspaces fully adapted to the new technologies , addressing also ergonomics , in line with european social values ;


### finding new ways to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies and solutions for the decarbonisation of the european economy requires also increased demand for innovation . this can be stimulated through the empowerment of citizens as well as socio - economic and public sector innovation and will lead to approaches broader than technology - driven innovation . socio - economic research covering inter alia user needs and patterns , foresight activities , environmental , economic , social and behavioural aspects , business cases and models and pre - normative research for standard setting , will also facilitate actions fostering regulatory , financing and social innovation , skills , as well as engagement and empowerment of market players and consumers . ### finding new ways to accelerate the deployment of renewables and energy efficiency based technologies as well as other non - technological solutions for achieving a european economy without ghg emissions requires also increased demand for innovation . this can be stimulated through the empowerment of citizens as well as socio - economic and public sector innovation and public procurement and will lead to approaches broader than technology - driven innovation . socio - economic research covering inter alia user needs and patterns , foresight activities , environmental , economic , social and behavioural aspects , business cases and models and pre - normative research for standard setting , will also facilitate actions fostering regulatory , financing and social innovation , skills , as well as engagement and empowerment of market players and individual and jointly acting consumers .


### the expected growth of variable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . next to decarbonisation , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures . ### the expected growth of variable renewable electricity production and shift towards more electric heating , cooling and transport dictates the need for new approaches to manage energy grids . future electricity networks play a key role for the transition to a 100% renewables based highly energy efficient electricity system , while providing additional flexibility and cost benefits to consumers . next to the reduction of ghg emissions , the goal is to ensure energy affordability , energy savings , security and stability of supply , achieved through investments in sector coupling and related innovative network infrastructure technologies and innovative system management . energy storage in different forms will play a key role in providing services to the grid , also improving and reinforcing network capacities . exploiting synergies between different networks and actors and increase demand - response will be crucial for enabling the smart , integrated operation of the relevant infrastructures .


### in the implementation of horizon europe , particular attention will be paid to ensuring a balanced and broad approach to research and innovation , which is not only limited to the development of new products processes and services on the basis of scientific and technological knowledge and breakthroughs , but also incorporates the use of existing technologies in novel applications and continuous improvement and non - technological and social innovation . a systemic , cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral and cross - policy approach to research innovation will ensure that challenges can be tackled while also giving rise to new competitive businesses and industries , fostering competition , stimulating private investments and preserving the level playing field in the internal market . ### in the implementation of horizon europe , particular attention will be paid to ensuring a balanced and broad approach to research and innovation , which is not only limited to the development of new products processes and services on the basis of scientific and technological knowledge and breakthroughs , but also incorporates the use of existing technologies in novel applications and continuous improvement and non - technological and social innovation . a systemic , cross - disciplinary , cross - sectoral and cross - policy approach to research and innovation will ensure that challenges can be tackled , new knowledge is generated and where possible , give rise to new competitive and sustainable businesses and industries , social and scientific innovation , foster competition , stimulate private investments and preserve the level playing field in the internal market .


### pillar i ' open science ' with the following components : ### pillar i ' excellent science ' with the following components :


### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . they will harness the combined skills of academia and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved . ### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations , including with low - and middle income countries . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , ethical environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . the health challenges also interact with the challenges in the other clusters of this pillar , e . g . human nutrition and diets , occupational and environmental stressors , inequalities . they will harness the combined skills of academia and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers , civil society organisations and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved .


### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population is directly dependent on the health of natural systems and resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and their capacity to provide services for human well - being . the concepts of the circular economy , the bioeconomy and the blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability . ### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population is directly dependent on the health of natural systems and resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and inhibiting their capacity to provide services maintaining human well - being in the long term . any production system that degrades nature shall not be sustainable , nor productive in the long - term and therefore not competitive . a functioning and prosperous ecosystem is the very basis for all resource utilization . recognising the link between degradation of the natural resource base , including biodiversity , and the functioning of natural and semi - natural ecosystems to provide essential services to society and acting on solutions proposed as a result of that science is crucial . the concepts of the circular economy , agroecology , sustainable bioeconomy and blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability while ensuring nutrition and health are central to how our food production systems are implemented .


### –influence of traditions , behavioural patterns , perceptions and beliefs on values and sense of belonging . ### –influence of traditions , behavioural patterns , perceptions and beliefs on values and sense of belonging , as well as how different cultures inform and learn from each other .


### –renovation processes of existing buildings towards ' nearly zero energy buildings ' ; ### –renovation processes of existing buildings towards ' nearly zero energy buildings ' and innovative technologies ;


### to ensure industrial competitiveness and the capacity to address the global challenges ahead , the eu must reinforce and maintain its technological and industrial capacities in the key areas that underpin the transformation of our economy and society . ### to ensure that industrial competitiveness and sustainability go hand in hand and to ensure the capacity to address the global challenges ahead , the eu must modernise its technological and industrial capacities in the key areas that underpin the transformation of to a net - zero ghg emission economy and society .


### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . ### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity , both wild and cultivated and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate mitigation and adaptation and carbon storage . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , agroecology , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . a precondition for this is improving the knowledgebase on the state of biodiversity by developing and validating the methodologies needed to create reliable and comparable data sets for the whole union .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### multi - and trans - disciplinary approaches utilising the expertise and experience of actors along value chains will be sought to build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : protect sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and water and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks with closed loop nutrient cycling and functional hydrological systems ; ensure food and nutrition security , sufficient for the union ' s needs and avoiding waste and overproduction , providing safe food and feed , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition of food and farming systems towards agro - ecological approaches to benefit both conventional and organic agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , net - zero ghg emission circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### massive , concentrated and decentralised storage solutions for the energy system will increase efficiency , flexibility , technology independence and accessibility as well as the security of supply . low - emission , decarbonised transport will require a growing share of electrical and / or other alternatively fuelled vehicles , with better - performing and cheaper , recyclable and reusable batteries , as well as local provision of synthetic / renewable fuels such as hydrogen and innovative solutions for on - site storage . ### massive , concentrated and decentralised storage solutions for the energy system will increase efficiency , flexibility , technology independence and accessibility as well as the security of supply . emission free transport will require a growing share of electrical and / or other alternatively fuelled vehicles , with better - performing and cheaper , highly recyclable and reusable batteries , that have a low environmental impact , as well as local provision of renewable based synthetic fuels such as renewable hydrogen and innovative solutions for on - site storage . innovations in this area are highly dependent on access to several critical raw materials .


### –high performance computing : next generation of key exascale and post - exascale technologies and systems ; algorithms , codes and applications , and analytic tools and test - beds ; industrial pilot test - beds and services ; supporting research and innovation for a world - class hpc infrastructure , including the first hybrid hpc / quantum computing infrastructure in the eu ; ### –high performance computing : development of the next generation of key exascale and post - exascale technologies and systems ; algorithms , codes and applications , and analytic tools and test - beds ; industrial pilot test - beds and services ; supporting research and innovation for a world - class hpc infrastructure , business models for shared hpc infrastructures and services ;


### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ; ### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector and along the value chain ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches , role of soil as carbon sequestration and substitution and technologies and methods to increase its carbon storage capacity ;


### consequently the accelerator will provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments . ### consequently the accelerator will , in full complement with the eit’s support for start - ups and scale - ups , and in cooperation with eit and the kics , provide financial support to not yet ' bankable ' or investors - attractive innovators and companies that have the ambition to develop and deploy in eu and international markets their breakthrough innovations and to scale up rapidly . for that purpose it will build on the experience from the phases 2 and 3 of horizon 2020 sme instrument and from horizon 2020 innovfin , in particular through the addition of non - grant components and the ability to support larger and longer investments .


### –providing researchers with attractive career environments , skills and competences needed in the modern knowledge economy36 . linking the era and the european higher education area by supporting the modernisation of universities and other research and innovation organisations , through recognition and reward mechanisms to spur actions at national level , as well as incentives promoting the adoption of open science practices , entrepreneurship , trans - disciplinarity , citizen engagement , international and inter - sectoral mobility , gender equality plans and comprehensive approaches to institutional changes . in that context , also complementing the erasmus programme support for the european universities initiative , in particular its research dimension , as part of developing new joint and integrated long term and sustainable strategies on education , research and innovation based on trans - disciplinary and cross - sectoral approaches to make the knowledge triangle a reality , providing impetus to economic growth . _________________ 36 including notably the european charter for researchers , the code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , euraxess and resaver pension fund . ### –providing researchers with attractive career environments , skills and competences needed in the modern knowledge economy36 . linking the era and the european higher education area by supporting the modernisation of universities and other research and innovation organisations , through recognition and reward mechanisms to spur actions at national level , as well as incentives promoting the adoption of open science practices , entrepreneurship , trans - disciplinarity , citizen and civil society engagement , international and inter - sectoral mobility , gender equality plans and comprehensive approaches to institutional changes . in that context , also complementing the erasmus programme support for the european universities initiative , in particular its research dimension , as part of developing new joint and integrated long term and sustainable strategies on education , research and innovation based on trans - disciplinary and cross - sectoral approaches to make the knowledge triangle a reality , providing impetus to economic growth . _________________ 36 including notably the european charter for researchers , the code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers , euraxess and resaver pension fund .


### manufacturing is a key driver of employment and prosperity in the eu , producing over three quarters of the eu ' s global exports and providing over a 100 million direct and indirect jobs . the key challenge for eu manufacturing is to remain competitive at a global level with smarter and more customised products of high added value , produced at much lower energy costs . creative and cultural inputs will be vital to help generate added value . ### manufacturing is a key driver of employment and prosperity in the eu , producing over three quarters of the eu ' s global exports and providing over a 100 million direct and indirect jobs . the key challenge for eu manufacturing is to ensure resource and energy efficient and sustainable scale up to enable industrial manufacturing of the future products and thereby combining sustainability and competitiveness at a global level . research and development need to look into new business and manufacturing models substituting current wasteful models and ensuring the preservation of the value embedded in products and material . products and production processes need to become smarter , customised and more energy and resource - efficient creating less waste and pollution , combining highest quality with the highest environmental and sustainability standards and thereby standing out on the global market . creative and cultural inputs , as well as perspectives from social sciences and humanities on the relation between technology and people in production will be vital to help generate added value . research also needs to take account of environmental , societal and ethical concerns with regard to certain types of technologies and need to be addressed by developing assessment process including broad consultation of stakeholders .


### –the state and value of biodiversity , terrestrial and marine ecosystems , natural capital and ecosystem services ; ### –the state and value of biodiversity , terrestrial and marine ecosystems , natural capital and ecosystem services , including a preventive chemical control


### –connected , cooperative and automated mobility systems and services , including technological solutions and non - technological issues . ### –connected , cooperative , interoperable and automated mobility systems and services , including technological solutions and non - technological issues , such as changes in user behaviour and mobility patterns .


### there will be support to bring technology from lab to market and to develop applications including pilot lines and demonstrators , measures to stimulate market uptake and to boost private sector commitment . synergies with other programmes will be maximised . ### there will be support to bring technology from lab to market and to develop applications including pilot lines and demonstrators , measures to stimulate market uptake and to boost private sector commitment . synergies with other parts of horizon europe , especially the eit , as well as other programmes will be maximised .


### the assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements referred to in article 21 imposes a disproportionate burden shall be performed by the competent authorities concerned . ### the assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements referred to in article 21 imposes a disproportionate burden shall be performed by the competent authorities concerned . lack of priority , time or knowledge shall not be considered as legitimate reasons to claim a disproportionate burden .


### the assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements regarding products or services imposes a fundamental alteration or disproportionate burden shall be performed by the economic operator . ### the assessment of whether compliance with accessibility requirements regarding products or services imposes a fundamental alteration or disproportionate burden shall be performed by the economic operator together with users and experts on accessibility requirements .


### member states may decide , in the light of national conditions , that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services , and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators shall comply with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise their use by persons with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities . ### member states shall ensure that the built environment used by clients of passenger transport services including the environment that is managed by service providers and by infrastructure operators as well as the built environment used by clients of banking services , and customer services centres and shops under the scope of telephony operators , as well as any other service or place for the purchase of any of the products included in this directive comply with the accessibility requirements of annex i , section x , in order to maximise their use by persons with functional limitations and persons with disabilities .


### it is necessary to introduce the accessibility requirements in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the member states , notably by only including in the scope the products and services which have been thoroughly selected . ### it is necessary to introduce the accessibility requirements which enable all people to fully use the products and services and infrastructure covered by this directive in the least burdensome manner for the economic operators and the member states .


### this directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . in particular , this directive seeks to ensure full respect for the rights of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence , social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community and to promote the application of article 26 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### this directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . in particular , this directive seeks to ensure full respect for the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence , social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community and to promote the application of articles 25 and 26 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### the following self - service terminals : automatic teller machines , ticketing machines and check - in machines shall comply with the requirements set out in section ii of annex i . ### the following self - service terminals : automatic teller machines , ticketing machines , parking ticket vending machines , check - in machines and payment terminals shall comply with the requirements set out in section ii of annex i .


### where a competent authority has used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 for a specific product or service it shall notify the commission thereof . the notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 . ### where a competent authority has used the exception provided for in paragraphs 1 , 2 and 3 for a specific product or service it shall notify the commission thereof . the notification shall include the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 and it shall be made available to the public in accessible formats .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 and the europe 2020 strategy , including tackling poverty and social exclusion . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi .


### the operations supported by the efsi should adhere to the union ' s principles of tax good governance . ### the operations supported by the efsi should adhere to the union ' s principles of tax good governance and its social acquis .


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ; ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , in the development of projects tackling poverty and social exclusion , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ;


### such support shall include providing targeted support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , on the use of innovative financial instruments and on the use of public - private partnerships , taking into account the specificities and needs of member states with less - developed financial markets . ; ### such support shall include providing targeted support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring , on the use of innovative financial instruments and on the use of public - private partnerships , and advice , as appropriate , on relevant issues relating to union law , taking into account the specificities and needs of member states with less - developed financial markets and different sectors . ;


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 and the europe 2020 strategy , including tackling poverty and social exclusion . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms , including sectorial ones , and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi .


### a mixture shall bear the sales denomination ‘ spirit drink’ . ### a mixture shall bear the sales denomination ‘ spirit drink’ . this sales denomination shall be shown clearly and visibly in a prominent position on the label .


### any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product , on the inner or outer packaging , advertising material or documents relating to the product concerned , and the packing of the product in a container liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ; ### any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance , origin , nature or essential qualities of the product , on the presentation or labelling of the product liable to convey a false impression as to its origin ;


### member states shall ensure that any firearm or part placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with this directive . ### member states shall ensure that any firearm or essential component thereof , as well as magazines manufactured after the date of entry into force of this directive placed on the market has been marked in a durable way and registered in compliance with this directive .


### member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate or record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm . ### member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate and record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm .


### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark . ### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm and its essential components , member states shall , at the time of manufacture thereof or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark .


### member states may authorise bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established to keep in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before [ the date of entry into force of this directive ] provided they have been deactivated in accordance with the provisions that implement article 10 . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , member states may authorise bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established to keep in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before [ the date of entry into force of this directive ] provided they have been deactivated in accordance with commission implementing regulation 2015 / 2403 or have been exempted from deactivation on grounds of the conservation of cultural and historical heritage and if it can be demonstrated that their storage does not put public safety and security or public order at risk .


### member states shall take all appropriate steps to prohibit the acquisition and the possession of the firearms and ammunition classified in category a and to destroy those firearms and ammunition held in violation of this provision and seized . ### member states shall take all appropriate steps to prohibit the acquisition and the possession of the firearms , ammunition and magazines classified in category a and to destroy those firearms and ammunition held in violation of this provision and seized . in special cases , the competent authorities may grant authorisations for such firearms , ammunition and magazines where this is not contrary to public security or public order .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' deactivated firearms ' shall mean firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use by deactivation , ensuring that all essential parts of the firearm have been rendered permanently inoperable and incapable of removal , replacement or a modification that would permit the firearm to be reactivated in any way . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' deactivated firearms ' means firearms that have been modified with the purpose of rendering them permanently unfit for use as firearms and which are irreversibly rendered inoperable by deactivation in accordance with commission implementing regulation 2015 / 24031a . __________________ 1a commission implementing regulation 2015 / 2403 of 15 december 2015 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable .


### the competent authorities of the member states shall exchange information on the authorisations granted for the transfers of firearms to another member state as well as information with regard to refusals to grant authorisations as defined in article 7 . ### the competent authorities of the member states shall by electronic means exchange information on the authorisations granted for the transfers of firearms to another member state as well as information with regard to refusals to grant authorisations as defined in article 7 and in accordance with regulation 2016 / … of the european parliament and of the council1a . ___________________ 1a regulation 2016 / … of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### member states shall ensure that any firearm or part placed on the market has been marked and registered in compliance with this directive . ### member states shall ensure that any firearm or essential component thereof placed on the market has been marked in a durable way and registered in compliance with this directive .


### the commission shall regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin , based on a range of sources of information , including in particular regular reporting from the eeas and information from member states , easo , unhcr , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . ### the commission shall regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin or suspended from that list in accordance with article 3 , based on a range of sources of information , including in particular regular reporting from the eeas and information from member states , easo , unhcr , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations , and national or international non - governmental organisations .


### an eu common list of safe countries of origin should be established on the basis of the common criteria set in directive 2013 / 32 / eu as it will facilitate the use by all member states of the procedures linked to the application of the safe country of origin concept and , thereby , increase the overall efficiency of their asylum systems as concerns applications for international protection which are likely to be unfounded . the establishment of an eu common list will also address some of the existing divergences between member states’ national lists of safe countries of origin , whereby applicants for international protection originating from the same third countries are not always subject to the same procedures in the member states . while member states should retain the right to apply or introduce legislation that allows for the national designation of third countries other than those appearing on the eu common list as safe countries of origin , the establishment of such a common list will ensure that the concept is applied by all member states in a uniform manner in relation to applicants whose countries of origin are on this list . this will accordingly facilitate convergence in the application of procedures and thereby also deter secondary movements of applicants for international protection . in that context , the possibility to take in the future further steps of harmonisation that could lead to the elimination of the need for national lists of safe countries of origin should be considered after a period of three years following the entry into force of this regulation , on the basis of a report to be presented by the commission . ### an eu common list of safe countries of origin should be established on the basis of the common criteria set in directive 2013 / 32 / eu as it would facilitate the use by all member states of the procedures linked to the application of the safe country of origin concept and , thereby , increase the overall efficiency of their asylum systems as concerns applications for international protection which are likely to be unfounded . the establishment of an eu common list is intended to also address some of the existing divergences between member states’ national lists of safe countries of origin , whereby applicants for international protection originating from the same third countries are not always subject to the same procedures in the member states . while member states should temporarily retain the right to apply or introduce legislation that allows for the national designation of third countries other than those appearing on the eu common list as safe countries of origin , the establishment of such a common list would ensure that the concept is applied by all member states in a uniform manner in relation to applicants whose countries of origin are on this list . this would accordingly facilitate convergence in the application of procedures and thereby also deter secondary movements of applicants for international protection . in that context , as regards further steps towards harmonisation , national lists of safe countries of origin should cease to exist after a period of three years following the entry into force of this regulation . the commission should report to the european parliament and to the council on the application of this regulation in the member states .


### the provisions of directive 2013 / 32 / eu related to the application of the safe country of origin concept should be applicable in relation to third countries that are on the eu common list established by this regulation . this means , in particular , that the circumstance that a third country is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin cannot establish an absolute guarantee of safety for nationals of that country and does not dispense therefore with the need to conduct an appropriate individual examination of the application for international protection . in addition , it should be recalled that , where an applicant shows that there are serious reasons to consider the country not to be safe in his or her particular circumstances , the designation of the country as safe can no longer be considered relevant for him or her . ### the provisions of directive 2013 / 32 / eu related to the application of the safe country of origin concept should be applicable in relation to third countries that are on the eu common list established by this regulation . this means , in particular , that the circumstance that a third country is on the eu common list of safe countries of origin cannot establish an absolute guarantee of safety for nationals of that country and does not dispense therefore with the obligation of member states to conduct an appropriate individual examination of the application for international protection , in line with the procedural safeguards laid down in directive 2013 / 32 / eu , and including a right of appeal with a suspensive effect on removal orders , and compliance with the principle of non - refoulement . in line with the standards referring to the definition of refugee set out in article 1 of the 1951 geneva convention relating to the status of refugees and in line with article 10 of the qualifications directive , the designation of a country as safe should take into account the situation of vulnerable minority groups within the country of origin . in addition , it should be recalled that , where an applicant shows that there are serious reasons to consider the country not to be safe in his or her particular circumstances , the designation of the country as safe can no longer be considered relevant for him or her .


### the commission should regularly review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin . in case of sudden change for the worse in the situation of a third country on the eu common list , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of one year where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration a range of sources of information at its disposal including in particular , its annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe and other relevant international organisations . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### the commission should continually review the situation in third countries that are on the eu common list of safe countries of origin . in case of sudden change for the worse or instability in the democratic system and non - compliance with international human rights treaties in a third country on the eu common list , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of suspending the presence of this third country from the eu common list for a period of one year where it considers , on the basis of a substantiated assessment , that the conditions set by directive 2013 / 32 / eu for regarding a third country as safe country of origin are no longer met . for the purpose of this substantiated assessment , the commission should take into consideration a range of sources of information at its disposal including in particular , its annual progress reports for third countries designated as candidate countries by the european council , regular reports from the european external action service and the information from member states , the european asylum support office , the united nations high commissioner for refugees , the council of europe , other relevant international organisations and national or international non - governmental organisations . the commission should be able to extend the suspension of the presence of a third country from the eu common list for a period of maximum one year , where it has proposed an amendment to this regulation in order to remove this third country from the eu common list of safe countries of origin . should a country be suspended from the eu common list of safe countries of origin for a continuous period of two years , it shall automatically be removed from the list . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe ' s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . electricity interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , except for cross - border sections as defined in transport in article 2 of regulation 1316 / 2013 between cohesion countries . it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture are not eligible for efsi support . efsi support for fossil fuel projects , especially infrastructure and nuclear installations should be avoided . given the very high rates of poverty and social exclusion in europe , the operations supported by the efsi to tackling this issue should be reinforced . further given the significant need for investment into social infrastructure , projects in the fields of social services , healthcare services , education and social housing come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### the efsi was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . given its success , the commission is committed to the doubling of the efsi , both in terms of duration and financial capacity . the legal extension covers the period of the current multiannual financial framework and should provide a total of at least half a trillion euro investments by 2020 . in order to enhance the firepower of the efsi even further and reach the aim of doubling the investment target , member states should also contribute as a matter of priority . ### the efsi was established for an initial period of three years and with the aim of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in investments . on 11 november 2016 , the european court of auditors concluded that it was still too soon for the economic , social and environmental impacts to be measured or for a conclusion to be drawn as to whether efsi was achieving its objectives . a comprehensive impact assessment should provide for the necessary evidence whether or not to extend efsi .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced through increased accessibility and transparency , and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects providing genuine additionality , involving two or more member states or projects in on - border regions and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating and aggregating projects by strengthening its local presence in member states with limited capacity but high investment potential . increased funding is necessary to enable the eiah to create offices that act as decentralised regional clusters of technical assistance and to ensure that information material is available in all the languages of the member states . it should also take into account the specificities of member states , such as maturity of financial markets , the limited experience in the use of complex financial instruments , as well as specific obstacles related to the development and implementation of projects . it should also actively collaborate with established national promotional banks or institutions , work with the commission in order to facilitate member states in the establishment of npbs to the establishment of sectorial , thematic or regional investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi , as well as providing information about the respective eligibility criteria to be respected by those funds .


### ‘ decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ’ ; ### ‘ decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be published and accessible through detailed minutes , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the scoreboard referred to in paragraph 14 shall function as a means for prioritising investment in order to maximise the aggregate score over the efsi portfolio and shall be publicly available after the evaluation of projects applying for the use of the eu guarantee . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . the eib shall submit twice a year to the european parliament , the council and the commission a list of all decisions of the investment committee rejecting the use of the eu guarantee as well as subject to strict confidentiality requirements . ’


### leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ### leveraging local and regional knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib as well as the project developers to originate and aggregate operations ;


### the efsi , implemented and co - sponsored by the eib group , is firmly on track to deliver the objective of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in additional investments in the real economy by mid - 2018 . the market absorption has been particularly quick under the sme window where the efsi is delivering well beyond expectations . in july 2016 the sme window was thus scaled - up by eur 500 million within the existing parameters of regulation no 2015 / 1017 . a larger share of financing to be geared towards smes given the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi : 40% of the increased risk bearing capacity of the efsi should be geared towards increasing access to financing for smes . ### the efsi , implemented and co - sponsored by the eib group , is firmly on track to deliver the objective of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in additional investments in the real economy by mid - 2018 . the market absorption has been particularly quick under the sme window where the efsi is delivering well beyond expectations . in july 2016 the sme window was thus scaled - up by eur 500 million within the existing parameters of regulation no 2015 / 1017 . a larger share of financing to be geared towards smes given the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi : 40% of the increased risk bearing capacity of the efsi should be geared towards increasing access to financing for smes . regulation no 2015 / 1017 should be revised so as to enable the efsi to focus its efforts on sustainable investments allowing the eu honouring its cop21 commitments . with this in mind , a larger share of financing is also to be geared towards climate relevant projects of smes .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they are strategic , generating long - term societal and environmental benefits in key areas of eu policy , and would not otherwise be funded . the investment committee should ensure that additionality is verified in its selection procedure . the efsi should operate in closer conjunction with the structural funds and other eu cohesion policy funds . efsi should not , however , in any way substitute the eu ' s cohesion policy .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market - failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future in terms of high and sustainable levels of quality human capital , the creation of good quality jobs , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality , as well in terms of increasing social cohesion , social inclusion , and hence enhancing the well - being of citizens of the union . it should also include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , tourism , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference and the union 2050 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% should be reinforced . electricity interconnection priority projects , energy efficiency and circular economy projects , especially when they improve union energy security , enabling private individuals and local communities and cooperatives to become actively involved , should also be increasingly targeted , along with the adaptation of energy grids and renewable energy generation storage and distribution as well as alternative energy resources for vehicles and the building sector . findings so far show that the broad support provided by the efsi to energy , energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has been accompanied by a corresponding reduction in ordinary eib investments in those sectors , thereby nullifying the notion of additionality . efsi - financed loans should be granted in addition to ordinary eib investment operations . similarly , in the digital sector , and within the scope of the ambitious union policy on the digital economy , new digital infrastructure targets should be set in order to ensure the bridging of the digital divide and that the union will be a global pioneer in the new age of the , so - called , internet of things , blockchain technology , and cyber - and network - security . moreover , a criterion for the success of the efsi should be the assistance provided to policy areas that suffered from cuts in investments in order to fund the efsi , such as research grants , especially for low technology readiness levels . efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . efsi support for fossil fuel projects , especially infrastructure and nuclear installations , should be avoided .


### achieving and maintaining maximum sustainable yield for the stocks concerned , and ### restoring and maintaining populations of the stocks concerned above levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield , and


### achieving and maintaining maximum sustainable yield for the stocks concerned , and ### achieving and maintaining populations of the stocks concerned above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield , and


### the target fishing mortality shall be reached by 2015 and maintained onwards for the stocks concerned within the following ranges : ### in order to achieve the objectives established in article 3 above , the fishing mortality for the stocks concerned&#160 ; shall , &#160 ; by 2015 , be in the range of between zero and the following values :


### the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objectives set out in article 3 and in particular the protection of juveniles or spawning fish . ### the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objectives set out in article 3 and in particular the protection of juveniles and spawning fish and minimizing the incidental capture of seabirds and marine mammals .


### the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objective set out in article 3 and be based on scientific advice . ### the measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim at achieving the objective set out in article 3 and be based on the best available scientific advice .


### the commission shall ensure an evaluation of the impact of this plan on the stocks covered by this regulation and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular to take account of changes in scientific advice , six years after the entry into force of the plan and , thereafter , every six years . the commission shall submit the results of these evaluations to the european parliament and council . ### the commission shall ensure an evaluation of the impact of this plan on the stocks covered by this regulation and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular to take account of changes in scientific advice , three years after the entry into force of the plan and , thereafter , every six years . the commission shall submit the results of these evaluations to the european parliament and council .