### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes , in particular to environmentally - friendly production processes , resource and energy efficiency in smes and other climate relevant projects , and female entrepreneurship ;


### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes ;


### new effective healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , medical devices and advanced therapy medicinal products . ### new and improved effective , accessible and affordable healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , vaccines , medical devices , diagnostics and advanced therapy medicinal products , new antimicrobials and innovative development processes that avoid using animal testing .


### 2investment supporting climate objectives ### 2investment supporting climate objectives , detailed per policy window and category , as well as share of climate relevance ;


### implementing partners shall target that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment . ### implementing partners shall target that all investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment in line with the eu commitments made under the paris agreement .


### research , including research infrastructure and support to academia , and innovation projects contributing to the objectives of [ horizon europe ] ; ### research , including research infrastructure , regulatory frameworks and support to academia , and product development and innovation projects contributing to the objectives of [ horizon europe ] ;


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union’s climate related long - term objective and remaining carbon budget , the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement 1a and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to achieve an overall target of 50% of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute at least 60% of the overall financial envelope to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . climate mainstreaming and climate proofing mechanisms should be unified by reforming , expanding and centralising the rio marker system , in order to differentiate between sectors , as well as between mitigation and adaptation . additionally , infrastructure investment planning shall fully consider the ‘ energy efficiency first’ assessments , as set out in the [ regulation on the governance of the energy union ] . _________________ 1a in particular article 2 . 1c on alignment of financial flows with a climate resilient development


### financial support to entities employing up to 3 000 employees , with a particular focus on smes and small mid - cap companies , in particular through : ### financial support to smes , in particular through :


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises represent over 99% of businesses in the union and their economic value is significant and crucial . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . gender disparities also need to be addressed , as female creativity and entrepreneurial potential are an under - exploited source of growth and jobs that should be further developed . whereas women constitute 52% of the total european population , they represent only 34 . 4% of the eu self - employed and 30% of start - up entrepreneurs . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### expansion of the generation , supply or use of clean and sustainable renewable energy ; ### expansion of and accelerating the deployment of generation , supply or use of renewable energy ;


### production and supply of synthetic fuels from renewable / carbon - neutral sources ; alternative fuels ; ### production and supply of synthetic fuels from renewable sources under the condition of a positive lifecycle impact and efficiency assessment ;


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . investments in the european infrastructure , notably interconnection and energy efficiency are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the union’s commitments towards the sdgs , and the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into sustainable development - compatible projects on transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . investeu shall prioritise the most significantly under - invested areas that require the most additional investment to meet the union’s sustainability targets , such as energy efficiency . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined , climate - proof investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes .


### the investeu advisory hub shall have local presence , where necessary . it shall be established in particular in member states or regions that face difficulties in developing projects under the investeu fund . the investeu advisory hub shall assist in the transfer of knowledge to the regional and local level with a view to building up regional and local capacity and expertise for support referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the investeu advisory hub shall have a presence in each member state , with a particular focus on ensuring a presence in regions that face difficulties in developing projects under the investeu fund . the investeu advisory hub shall assist in the transfer of knowledge to the regional and local level with a view to building up regional and local capacity and expertise for support referred to in paragraph 1 .


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas and for those who are disabled or with reduced mobility , it is necessary to improve the transparency of tariffs and terminal rates for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by parcel delivery service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between domestic and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### as markets for parcel delivery services are changing fast , the commission should re - assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulation and submit a regular report to the european parliament and the council . that report should be accompanied , where appropriate , by proposals for review to the european parliament and the council . ### as markets for parcel delivery services are changing fast , the commission should re - assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulation and submit a regular evaluation report to the european parliament and the council . that report should be accompanied , where appropriate , by legislative proposals for review to the european parliament and the council . that report should be produced following consultation with all appropriate stakeholders including the european social dialogue committee for the postal sector .


### subject matter ### subject matter and objectives


### ' terminal rates ' means payments from the originating universal service provider to the destination universal service provider for the costs of cross - border parcel delivery services in the destination member state . ### ' terminal rates ' means payments from the originating parcel delivery service provider to the destination parcel delivery service provider or to intermediaries where applicable for the costs of cross - border parcel delivery services in the destination member state ;


### the number of postal items other than items of correspondence and not exceeding 31 , 5 kg handled in the member state in which the provider is established in the previous calendar year , broken down into national , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items . ### the number of parcels handled over the previous calendar year in the member state in which the parcels delivery service provider is established , broken down into domestic , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items .


### ' parcel delivery services ' means services involving the clearance , sorting , transport or distribution of postal items other than items of correspondence ; transport alone shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ; delivery of such items exceeding 31 , 5 kg shall not be considered a parcel delivery service ; ### ' parcel delivery services ' means services involving the clearance , sorting , transport or distribution of parcels ;


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas and for smes and micro - enterprises , it is necessary to improve the transparency of tariffs and terminal rates for cross - border parcel delivery services , which are mostly used by smes and individuals . transparency is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between domestic and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### when national regulatory authorities annually assess the affordability of tariffs , they should base themselves on objective criteria , such as the domestic tariffs of the originating universal service providers and the destination universal service providers and the level of terminal rates . those common criteria may be complemented by other criteria of particular relevance for explaining the tariffs in question , such as specific transportation or handling costs and bilateral volumes between different cross - border parcel delivery service providers . ### when national regulatory authorities annually assess the affordability of tariffs , they should particularly take into account the situation of individual and small and medium - sized enterprise users living or situated in remote or sparsely populated areas , as well as disabled users , users with reduced mobility , users that regularly use parcel delivery services and individual users with little disposable income . in this respect , the european parliament in its resolution of 15 september 2016 on the application of the postal services directive considered that geographical coverage and accessibility to universal services for parcel deliveries can and must be improved , especially for citizens with disabilities and reduced mobility and those in remote areas , and stressed the importance of ensuring barrier - free accessibility to postal services .


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the evaluation of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas and for those who are disabled or with reduced mobility , it is necessary to improve the transparency of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by parcel delivery service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between domestic and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### when national regulatory authorities annually assess the affordability of tariffs , they should base themselves on objective criteria , such as the domestic tariffs of the originating universal service providers and the destination universal service providers and the level of terminal rates . those common criteria may be complemented by other criteria of particular relevance for explaining the tariffs in question , such as specific transportation or handling costs and bilateral volumes between different cross - border parcel delivery service providers . ### when national regulatory authorities annually assess the affordability of tariffs , they should particularly take into account the situation of individual as well as micro , small and medium - size enterprise users living or situated in remote , mountainous , island or sparsely populated areas , as well as disabled users , users with reduced mobility , users that regularly use parcel delivery services and individual users with little disposable income . in this respect , the european parliament in its resolution of 15 september 2016 on the application of the postal services directive considered that geographical coverage and accessibility to universal services for parcel deliveries can and must be improved , especially for citizens with disabilities and reduced mobility and those in remote areas , and stressed the importance of ensuring barrier - free accessibility to postal services .


### the internal market should allow institutions to operate in other member states and ensure a high level of protection for members and beneficiaries of occupational retirement schemes . ### in the internal market , institutions should have the possibility to operate in other member states and ensure a high level of protection for members and beneficiaries of occupational retirement schemes .


### action is needed to further develop complementary private retirement savings such as occupational pensions . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that citizens will increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social model . ### action is needed to further ensure that statutory social security schemes protect from old age poverty while occupational pension schemes can provide for a valuable addition . this is important since social - security systems are coming under increasing pressure , which means that in the absence of urgent reforms to secure their viability citizens would have to increasingly rely on occupational retirement pensions as a complement in the future . occupational retirement pensions should be developed , without , however , calling into question the importance of social - security pension systems in terms of secure , durable and effective social protection , which should guarantee a decent standard of living in old age and should therefore be at the centre of the objective of strengthening the european social model .


### if the institution does not work on a cross - border basis , member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 ___________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 . ### member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 ___________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 .


### institutions for occupational retirement provision are financial service providers which bear a heavy responsibility for the provision of occupational retirement benefits and therefore should meet certain minimum prudential standards with respect to their activities and conditions of operation . ### institutions for occupational retirement provision are pension institutions that serve - first and foremost - a social purpose and which bear a heavy responsibility for the provision of occupational retirement benefits and therefore should meet certain minimum prudential standards with respect to their activities and conditions of operation . their social function and the triangular relationship between the employee , the employer and the institutions for occupational retirement provision should be adequately acknowledged and supported as a guiding principle of this directive .


### if the institution does not work on a cross - border basis , member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 __________________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 . ### member states should be able to permit underfunding provided that a proper plan is established to restore full funding , protection of the employees and without prejudice to the requirements of council directive 80 / 987 / eec of 20 october 1980 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer . 28 __________________ 28 oj l 283 , 28 . 10 . 1980 , p . 23 .


### ‘ topic’ means the content of the information to be collected about the observation units , each topic covering a number of detailed topics ; ### ‘ topic’ means the content of the information to be collected about the observation units , as set out in article 3 ;


### if applying this regulation , or the implementing measures and delegated acts adopted under it , in a member state ' s national statistical system would necessitate major adaptations , the commission may grant , by means of implementing acts , a derogation for up to three years . a derogation may only be granted if it will not compromise the comparability of member states ' data relating to headline indicators , or hamper the calculation of the required timely and representative european aggregates . ### if applying this regulation , or the implementing measures and delegated acts adopted under it , in a member state ' s national statistical system would necessitate major adaptations , the commission may grant , by means of delegated acts , a derogation for up to three years . a derogation may only be granted provided that the authorisation referred to in paragraph 3 has not been granted and if it will not compromise the comparability of member states ' data relating to headline indicators , or hamper the calculation of the required timely and representative european aggregates .


### income , consumption and wealth , including debts , ### income , consumption , deprivation and wealth , including debts ,


### health : status and disability , care and determinants health : status and disability , care and determinants ### minimum european health module diseases and chronic conditions accidents and injuries pain mental health functional limitations difficulties in personal care activities difficulties in household activities temporary limitation in activity barriers to participation in specific life domains use of health and long - term care medicine use preventive care access to health care height and weight physical activity nutritional habits smoking alcohol consumption social and environmental factors minimum european health module diseases and chronic conditions accidents and injuries pain mental health addiction functional limitations disability difficulties in personal care activities difficulties in household activities temporary limitation in activity barriers to participation in specific life domains use of health and long - term care medicine use preventive care access to health care height and weight physical activity nutritional habits smoking alcohol consumption social and environmental factors


### where necessary to achieve a high level of comparability for employment and unemployment data in the labour market domain , the methodology to be used to collect the data . this may include , where necessary , the order and placing of the questions in the questionnaire . this necessity shall be duly justified . ### to achieve a high level of comparability the methodology to be used to collect the data for employment and unemployment data in the labour market domain and for material deprivation data in the income and living conditions domain , including the order and placing of the questions in the questionnaire .


### where the authorisation is still justified at the end of the period for which it was granted , the commission may grant a subsequent authorisation for a maximum period of five years , by means of implementing acts . ### where the authorisation is still justified at the end of the period for which it was granted , the commission may grant a subsequent authorisation for a maximum period of two years , by means of delegated acts .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts for the purpose of specifying the following technical items of the individual data sets : ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , specify the following technical items of the individual data sets :


### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of agreed general guidelines . these two domains should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely and relevant , and produced more efficiently . in the meantime , the member states’ current approaches should not be changed . ### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of agreed general guidelines . research based on the time use survey has shown its utmost importance in assessing among others gender equality in sharing work and care responsibilities . the gender dimension is also of high importance in the field of household consumption . therefore , among others , gender equality as fundamental principle of the union , provides for another reason to integrate those two surveys fully into the set of european social statistics . these two domains should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely and relevant , and produced more efficiently .


### in order to improve the data sets , the commission shall , where necessary , institute and member states shall cooperate in several feasibility and pilot studies , in particular , to improve quality including comparability , to contribute to modernising the consumption and time use domains , to explore and implement new ways of improving responsiveness to users ' needs , to better integrate the collection of data and the use of other data sources , and to make data collection in member states more efficient , taking into account technological developments . ### while complying with the objectives of this regulation and in order to improve the data sets and social indicators , the commission shall institute and member states shall cooperate in feasibility and pilot studies , evaluating alternative methodologies in particular in order to :


### ‘ domain’ means one or several data sets organised in order to cover particular topics ; ### ‘ domain’ means one or several data sets organised to cover particular topics , as set out in the first column of annex i ;


### statistics are needed at national and at regional level as well . in accordance with regulation no 1059 / 200327 , all member states’ statistics that are transmitted to the commission and that are to be broken down by territorial units should use the nuts classification . consequently , in order to establish comparable regional statistics , data on the territorial units should be provided in accordance with the nuts classification . __________________ 27 regulation no 1059 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 may 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics . ### reliable statistics are needed at national and at regional level as well and it is important that data are made available for comparable territorial units such as nuts2 . in accordance with regulation no 1059 / 200327 , all member states’ statistics that are transmitted to the commission and that are to be broken down by territorial units should use the nuts classification . consequently , in order to establish comparable regional statistics , data on the territorial units should be provided in accordance with the nuts classification . __________________ 27 regulation no 1059 / 2003 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 may 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics .


### ‘ administrative records’ mean data generated by a non - statistical source , usually a public body , the aim of which is not to provide statistics , for its own purposes ; ### ' administrative records ' mean data generated by a non - statistical source , the aim of which is not to provide statistics , for its own purposes ;


### member states shall provide the data referred to in article 1 by using one or a combination of the following sources , provided that they meet the quality requirements given in article 12 : ### member states shall provide the data referred to in article 1 by using one or a combination of the following sources , provided that they meet the quality requirements given in article 12 and are collected and further processed in accordance with and subject to the safeguards provided in applicable data protection law :


### in the context of the europe 2020 strategy21 and the strengthening of economic governance , social indicators play an essential role in informing and supporting the union ' s key priorities for growth and job creation , the reduction of poverty and social exclusion , skills , mobility and the digital economy . in particular , social indicators must provide a sound statistical basis for developing and monitoring the policies introduced by the union to address those priorities . __________________ 21 communication from the commission - europe 2020 a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth com 2020 of 3 march 2010 . ### in the context of the europe 2020 strategy21 and the strengthening of economic governance , social indicators play an essential role in informing and supporting the union ' s key priorities for inclusive growth and job creation , the reduction of poverty , inequality and social exclusion , and for gender equality , skills , mobility and the digital economy . in particular , social indicators must provide a sound statistical basis for developing and monitoring the policies introduced by the union to address those priorities . __________________ 21 communication from the commission - europe 2020 a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth com 2020 of 3 march 2010 .


### in view of this , social indicators should be of the necessary high quality , in particular in terms of their robustness , their timeliness , their relevance , their adaptability to new users ' requests , as well as their comparability and efficiency . ### to become excellent tools for users , including policy - makers and researchers , social indicators should be of the highest quality , in particular in terms of their robustness , accuracy , their timeliness , their usability and accessibility , their relevance , their adaptability to new users ' requests , as well as their comparability , coherence and efficiency .


### educational attainment and background , ### educational attainment , educational continuity and background ,


### when the only means by which a member state can provide the required data sets is by using methods other than those laid down in this regulation , or in the implementing measures and delegated acts adopted under it , the commission may exceptionally authorise the use of such methods for a maximum duration of five years , by means of implementing acts . ### when the only means by which a member state can provide the required data sets is by using methods other than those laid down in this regulation , or in the implementing measures and delegated acts adopted under it , and in the event that the derogation referred to in paragraph 1 has not been granted , the commission may exceptionally authorise the use of such methods for a maximum duration of five years , by means of delegated acts .


### european statistics relating to persons and households are currently collected on the basis of a number of legislative acts covering surveys on persons and households , demographic statistics , population and housing censuses and statistics mainly collected from administrative sources . some data are also gathered from business surveys . despite significant improvements in recent years there is a need to further integrate the collection of statistics based on surveys conducted on persons and households . ### european statistics relating to persons and households are currently collected on the basis of a number of legislative acts covering surveys on persons and households , demographic statistics , population and housing censuses and statistics mainly collected from administrative sources . some data are also gathered from business surveys . research users have stressed problems with the timeliness and quality of data , including comparability . despite significant improvements in recent years there is a need to further integrate and streamline the collection of statistics based on surveys conducted on persons and households . to have sound research on which to base policies , it is essential to further invest into high - quality data collection , not to reduce investments , as sound data are a pre - condition for responsible policy - making .


### data shall be based on representative samples drawn from sampling frames set up at national level that allow persons or households to be selected at random , with a known probability of selection . the sampling frames shall aim to cover exhaustively and exclusively the population of interest and shall be regularly updated . they shall contain all the information necessary for the sample design , such as information needed for stratification purposes and for contacting the persons or households . the sampling frame shall also include the information needed to link persons to other administrative records , in so far as is allowed under data protection rules . ### data shall be based on representative samples drawn from sampling frames set up at national level that allow persons or households to be selected at random , with a known probability of selection . the sampling frames shall aim to cover exhaustively and exclusively all the resident population and shall be regularly updated . they shall contain all the information necessary for the sample design , such as information needed for stratification purposes and for contacting the persons or households . the sampling frame shall also include the information needed to link persons to other administrative records , in so far as is allowed under applicable data protection law , including union or national data protection law . the sampling frame shall provide for appropriate safeguards .


### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of agreed general guidelines . these two domains should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely and relevant , and produced more efficiently . in the meantime , the member states’ current approaches should not be changed . ### data collections in the domains of time use and consumption at union level are currently carried out voluntarily by many member states , on the basis of an agreement and general guidelines . data collection are also in place at national level in the domain of consumption , and in a majority of member states in the domain of time use . these two domains provide important multi - purpose data for union policies affecting the lives of citizens . they should be modernised , so as to take full advantage of new technological advances and be made fully available at union level so as to underline policy - making with a sound statistical basis . data collections in these two domains should be organized in accordance with this regulation so as to open possibilities and create opportunities for further developments in the future , ensuring data that are more timely , comparable and relevant , and produced more efficiently . whenever possible , union financial support should be provided for the modernisation and implementation of these data collections . in the meantime , the member states ' current approaches could continue but should be adapted to new developments and policy needs over time , including at union level , and convergence towards greater comparability .


### implementation of this regulation could require major adaptations to the national statistical systems , and the commission may therefore grant derogations to member states . ### implementation of this regulation could require major adaptations to the national statistical systems , and the commission may therefore grant limited derogations to member states as well as financial support , where appropriate and especially for capacity - building purposes and in order to support feasibility and pilot studies , and in accordance with regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament1a . __________________ 1a regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 .


### ad hoc subjects requested by the users , for the labour market and income and living conditions domains , as provided for in annex iv . in exceptional and justified cases , these data may cover detailed topics other than those listed in annex i . ### ad hoc subjects requested by the users , for the labour market and income and living conditions domains , as provided for in annex iv . in justified cases , these data may cover detailed topics other than those listed in annex i .


### in 2011 , the european statistical system endorsed in wiesbaden its memorandum on a new conceptual design for household and social statistics . in its view , the european surveys that provide data relating to persons and households should be streamlined , and additional , less frequent microdata collections should be used to complement those core social surveys . furthermore , there should be better access to administrative data , and the re - use of existing data sources and access to new data sources should be developed at national and eu level . ### in 2011 , the european statistical system endorsed in wiesbaden its memorandum on a new conceptual design for household and social statistics . in its view , the european surveys that provide data relating to persons and households should be streamlined , and additional , less frequent microdata collections should be used to complement those core social surveys . furthermore , there should be better access to administrative data , and the re - use of existing data sources and access to new data sources should be developed at national and eu level . it is of the utmost importance that input by all stakeholders , including policy and academic users , producers , the civil society and interest groups is duly taken into account when adapting and modernising the social surveys .


### the developments described above need to be gradually streamlined , and statistical legislation in the area of social statistics needs to be modernised , in order to ensure that the high quality social indicators are produced in a more integrated , flexible and efficient manner . at the same time , due consideration must be given to the needs of users , to the burden placed on respondents , to member states resources , the reliability and accuracy of the methods used , technical feasibility of producing the statistics , the time within which they can be available and the reliability of the results . ### the developments described above need to be gradually streamlined , and statistical legislation in the area of social statistics needs to be modernised , in order to ensure that the high quality social indicators are produced in a more integrated , adaptable , flexible and efficient manner . at the same time , whilst by no means reducing quality , efficiency or timeliness , due consideration must be given to the needs of users , to respecting needs of the respondents , to member states capacities and resources the reliability and accuracy of the methods used , technical feasibility of producing the statistics , the time within which they can be available and the reliability of the results .


### quality of life , including social and cultural participation and wellbeing , ### quality of life , including social , societal , civil and cultural participation , inclusion and wellbeing ,


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts for the purpose of specifying the following technical items of the individual data sets : ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , specify the following technical items of the individual data sets :


### where necessary to achieve a high level of comparability for employment and unemployment data in the labour market domain , the methodology to be used to collect the data . this may include , where necessary , the order and placing of the questions in the questionnaire . this necessity shall be duly justified . ### to achieve a high level of comparability the methodology to be used to collect the data for employment and unemployment data in the labour market domain and for material deprivation data in the income and living conditions domain , including the order and placing of the questions in the questionnaire .


### given their importance , the plan provided for in this regulation should cover recreational fisheries catching western mediterranean demersal stocks . where such fisheries have a significant impact on stocks , the multi - annual plan provided for by this regulation should provide for the possibility of specific management measures . ### as recreational fisheries can have a significant impact on fish resources , the multiannual plan should provide a framework to ensure that they are conducted in a manner compatible with the objectives of that plan . member states should collect catch data of recreational fisheries . where such fisheries have a significant impact on those resources , the plan should provide for the possibility to decide on specific management measures .


### pursuant to articles 9 and 10 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , multi - annual plans are to be based on scientific , technical and economic advice . in accordance with those provisions , the multi - annual plan provided for in this regulation should contain objectives , quantifiable targets with clear timeframes , conservation reference points , safeguards and technical measures designed to avoid and reduce unwanted catches . ### pursuant to articles 9 and 10 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , multi - annual plans are to be based on scientific , technical and economic advice . in accordance with those provisions , the multi - annual plan provided for in this regulation should contain objectives , quantifiable targets with clear timeframes , conservation reference points , safeguards and technical measures designed to avoid and reduce unwanted catches , and to minimise the impacts of fishing activities on the marine environment .


### within two years of the adoption of this regulation and on the basis of the scientific advice , the member states concerned shall establish other closure areas where there is evidence of a high concentration of juvenile fish and of spawning grounds of demersal stocks , in particular for the stocks concerned . ### within two years of the adoption of this regulation and on the basis of the scientific advice , the member states concerned shall establish other closure areas where there is evidence of a high heavy concentrations of juvenile fish , fish below minimum conservation reference size and of spawning grounds of demersal stocks , in particular for the stocks


### five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every five years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 . ### three years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every three years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 .


### five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every five years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 . ### two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation and every three years thereafter , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results and the impact of the plan on the stocks to which this regulation applies and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular as regards the achievement of the objectives set out in article 3 .


### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the precautionary reference point , remedial measures shall be adopted to ensure the rapid return of the stocks concerned to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , fishing opportunities shall be set at levels consistent with a fishing mortality that is reduced within the range of fmsy for the most vulnerable stock , taking into account the decrease in biomass . ### where the scientific advice shows that the spawning biomass of any of the stocks concerned is below the precautionary reference point , remedial measures shall be adopted to ensure the rapid return of the stocks concerned to levels above those capable of producing msy . in particular , by way of derogation from article 4 and , fishing opportunities shall be set at levels not exceeding the exploitation rate consistent with maximum sustainable yield and consistent with a fishing mortality that is reduced within the range of fmsy for the most vulnerable stock , taking into account the decrease in biomass .


### “volunteering teams’ placements” means placements allowing teams of european solidarity corps participants from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project for a period between two weeks and two months ; ### “volunteering teams’ placements” means placements allowing teams of european solidarity initiative participants from different participating countries to volunteer together for a common objective , by carrying out manual or intellectual tasks , on a worthwhile community service project in collaboration with public authorities , non - profit organisations , foundations and social enterprises for a period between two weeks and two months ;


### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private entities , or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label . ### the european solidarity initiative shall be open to the participation of public entities , ngos or international organisations , provided that they have received a quality label and that the activity they offer does not fall under the list of excluded activities .


### the european solidarity corps should open up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job placements in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . those opportunities should contribute to enhancing their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . the european solidarity corps should also support networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . ### the european solidarity corps should open up new opportunities for young people to carry out volunteering , traineeship or job placements in solidarity - related areas as well as to devise and develop solidarity projects based on their own initiative . those opportunities should help respond to unmet societal needs and contribute to strengthening communities and should contribute to enhancing the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of young people . the european solidarity corps should also support networking activities for european solidarity corps participants and organisations as well as measures to ensure the quality of the supported activities and to enhance the validation of their learning outcomes . it should also contribute to supporting and strengthening existing organisations implementing solidarity actions .


### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants . ### any public or intermediary organisationestablished in a participating country as well as international organisations carrying out solidarity activities in the participating countries may apply for funding under the european solidarity initiative . in the case of the activities referred to in point of article 7 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity initiative . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to in point of article 7 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity initiative participants .


### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity corps , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity corps experience . ### particular attention should be paid to ensuring the quality of the placements and other opportunities offered under the european solidarity initiative , in particular by offering training , language support , insurance , administrative pre - placement support and post - placement support to participants as well as the validation of the knowledge , skills and competences acquired through their european solidarity initiative experience .


### in compliance with regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the european union26 , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the european solidarity corps , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure . __________________ 26 regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 , oj l 298 , 26 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 . ### in compliance with regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the european union26 , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the european solidarity initiative , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure . __________________ 26 regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union and repealing council regulation no 1605 / 2002 , oj l 298 , 26 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 .


### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that fall within the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should be supported by the latter in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should continue to be supported under the programme established by regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport20 . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european solidarity corps and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service . __________________ 20 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 50 . ### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . however , given the cross - sectorial nature of solidarity - related activities , the different status of entities and organisations potentially involved into these activities , as well as the socio - economic significance of the solidarity sector in the eu , provisions should be taken in this regulation to ensure that voluntary activities do not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be ever seen or effectively deployed as a substitute for it . for this reason , solidarity placements in the form of volunteering under this regulation should be offered exclusively by and limited to public bodies or participating organisations in the non - profit sector . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that fall within the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should be supported by the latter in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should continue to be supported under the programme established by regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport20 . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european solidarity corps and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service . __________________ 20 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 50 .


### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , thereby improving their employability . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers . ### young people should be provided with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity activities , which could enable them to express their commitment to the benefit of communities while acquiring useful experience , skills and competences for their personal , educational , social , civic and professional development . those activities would also support the mobility of young volunteers .


### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ; ### “participating organisations” means any non - profit public or private entity including youth organisations that has been attributed the european solidarity initiative quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity initiative or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity initiative . during the placement , the participating organisations must ensure decent living conditions to the young volunteers ;


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should help respond to unmet societal needs and challenges and contribute to strengthening communities and citizenship and respond to personal and professional development needs of the participants . solidarity activities should be of high quality and effectively accessible to all young people , offering them the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences and to have their efforts recognised , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . particular efforts should be made to ensure the effective inclusiveness and accessibility of the solidarity activities offered , notably in relation to young people with fewer opportunities , in particular young people with disabilities . solidarity activities should never replace corporate social responsibility policies , nor should have a negative impact on existing jobs or traineeships .


### to provide young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , as well as their employability and facilitating transition into the labour market , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers , trainees and workers ; ### providing young people , with the support of participating organisations , with easily accessible opportunities for engagement in solidarity activities while improving their skills and competences for personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , including by supporting the mobility of young volunteers ;


### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public or private entity or an international organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity corps following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity corps charter ; ### “quality label” means the certification attributed to a public entity , an ngo or actor from civil society or an international organisation willing to provide placements under the european solidarity initiative following a procedure aimed at ensuring compliance with the principles and requirements of the european solidarity initiative charter ;


### traineeships and jobs in solidarity - related areas can offer additional opportunities for young people to make a start on the labour market while contributing to addressing key societal challenges . this can help foster the employability and productivity of young people while easing their transition from education to employment , which is key to enhancing their chances on the labour market . the traineeship placements offered under the european solidarity corps should be remunerated by the participating organisation and follow the quality principles outlined in the council recommendation on establishing a quality framework for traineeships of 10 march 201421 . the traineeships and jobs offered should constitute a stepping stone for young people to enter the labour market and should therefore be accompanied by adequate post - placement support . the traineeship and job placements should be facilitated by relevant labour market actors , in particular public and private employment services , social partners and chambers of commerce . as participating organisations , they should be able to apply for funding via the competent implementing structure of the european solidarity corps in view of intermediating between the young participants and employers offering traineeship and job placements in solidarity sectors . __________________ 21 council recommendation of 10 march 2014 on a quality framework for traineeships , oj c 88 , 27 . 3 . 2014 , p . 1 . ### the european solidarity corps should also provide for a framework for traineeships and jobs in solidarity - related areas to help build social , economic and civic cohesion . traineeships and jobs should be clearly separate from voluntary activities , both from a financial and organisational point of view , as they can offer different and additional opportunities for young people to make a start and can increase their chances on the labour market and career prospects while contributing to addressing key societal challenges . traineeships and jobs should never lead to job substitution . remunerated traineeships and jobs , however , can represent an incentive for disadvantaged young people and those with fewer opportunities to participate in solidarity - related activities that they might not otherwise be able to access . traineeship placements can ease the transition of young people from education to employment , which is key to achieving their sustainable integration into the labour market . the traineeship placements offered under the european solidarity corps should always be remunerated by the participating organisation and should follow the quality principles outlined in the council recommendation on establishing a quality framework for traineeships of 10 march 201421 . the traineeship placements should , moreover , be distinguished from voluntary work and based on a written agreement concluded at the beginning of the traineeship between the trainee and the participating organisation . such written agreements should indicate the educational and training objectives , the working conditions and the duration of the traineeship , the remuneration of the trainee and the rights and obligations of the parties under the applicable national law , applicable collective agreements , or both , of the country in which the traineeship takes place . traineeship placements offered should constitute a stepping stone for young people to enter the labour market and should not substitute jobs . traineeship placements should be temporary and should have a reasonable duration as defined in this regulation . job placements should be based on a written contract and should respect all the terms and conditions of employment as defined in the national law , applicable collective agreements , or both , of the country in which the job is carried out . financial support to participating organisations offering job placements should not exceed twelve months . traineeships and jobs should be clearly distinguished , in terms of funding and substance , from voluntary activities , and should therefore be accompanied by adequate preparation , on - the - job training and post - placement support in relation to the participation of the participant in the european solidarity corps . the traineeship and job placements should be facilitated by relevant labour market actors , in particular public and private employment services , social partners and chambers of commerce . as participating organisations , they should be able to apply for funding via the competent implementing structure of the european solidarity corps in view of intermediating between the young participants and employers offering traineeship and job placements in solidarity sectors . __________________ 21 council recommendation of 10 march 2014 on a quality framework for traineeships , oj c 88 , 27 . 3 . 2014 , p . 1 .


### measures aimed at ensuring the quality of solidarity placements , including training , language support , administrative support for participants and participating organisations , insurance , post - placement support as well as the development of a certificate that identifies and documents the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the placement ; ### measures aimed at ensuring the quality of solidarity placements whose standards are laid out in the european solidarity corps charter , including comprehensive training before and during the placement , language support based on experiences from the erasmus + online linguistic support , administrative support for participants and participating organisations , insurance , post - placement support , for example through a tutor / supervisor as well as the development of a certificate recognised at european level and based on experiences from by the youthpass that identifies , documents and validates the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the placement ;


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### ' european solidarity initiative portal ' means a web - based tool that provides additional online services to the european solidarity initiative participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity initiative , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , providing a feedback mechanism regarding the quality of placements as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity initiative . the online platform shall benefit from prior erasmus + experiences and knowledge and include them in the registration process of participants and organisations ;


### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - placement support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### a european solidarity initiative portal should continuously be developed in order to contribute to ensuring easy access to the european solidarity initiative and to provide an interactive one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - placement support , and direct feedback and evaluation mechanisms as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future .


### number of participants in volunteering placements ; ### number of participants in volunteering placements , by country , age and gender ;


### “european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that operates as a one - stop shop providing relevant information and online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , supplementing the services already provided by the participating organisations as regards , inter alia , providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , connecting participating organisations and participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements , jobs and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , providing a feedback mechanism regarding the placements ' quality , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps while ensuring interoperability with the european youth portal .


### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , provisions should be made to allow participating countries to make additional national funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps . ### in order to maximise the impact of the european solidarity corps , participating countries should be able to make additional national , regional or local funding available in accordance with the rules of the european solidarity corps .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps , whether funded by the european solidarity corps budget , by another union programme or by a different funding source , should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing structures of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity initiative , whether funded by the european solidarity initiative budget , by another union programme or by a different funding source , should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled and that the activity concerned does not fall under the list of excluded activities . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing structures of the european solidarity initiative . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled .


### the commission shall organise regular meetings with the network of national agencies in order to ensure coherent implementation of the european solidarity corps across all participating countries . ### the commission shall organise regular meetings with the network of national agencies and other stakeholders involved in the activities of the european solidarity corps in order to ensure coherent implementation of the european solidarity corps across all participating countries .


### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity corps towards achieving its objectives . ### the commission , in cooperation with the participating countries , participating and sending organisations as well as eu and national stakeholders such as youth organisations , shall regularly monitor the performance of the european solidarity initiative towards achieving its objectives . a eu programme committee should be established including representatives of all above - mentioned actors .


### when implementing this regulation , the commission and the participating countries shall ensure that particular efforts are made to promote social inclusion , in particular for the participation of disadvantaged young people . ### when implementing this regulation , the commission and the participating countries shall ensure that particular efforts are made to promote social inclusion , in particular for the participation of young people with fewer opportunities . those efforts shall include adjusted support systems and guidance , special contact persons and individual formats and short - term placements , the additional costs for which for participating organisationsshall be covered .


### “solidarity project” means a local initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of at least five european solidarity corps participants , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ; ### “solidarity project” means a local , regional or cross - border initiative for a period from two to twelve months , which is set up and carried out by groups of european solidarity corps participants or by a participating organisation , with a view to addressing key challenges within their local community while linking them to a broader european perspective ;


### in addition to the member states , the european solidarity corps should also be open to the participation of other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements . this participation should be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with the concerned countries . ### in addition to the member states , the european solidarity initiative should also be open to the participation of other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements . this participation should be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with the concerned countries . the integration of all current european voluntary service partner countries into the european solidarity initiative should be guaranteed until 2020 .


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and could be a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , ngos or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities either as volunteers or as employees in associations , ngos , youth organisations or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors and set up their own associations .


### “solidarity placement” means a volunteering activity , traineeship or job in a solidarity - related area , which is organised by a participating organisation and which contributes to addressing key societal challenges while enhancing the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development and the employability of the european solidarity corps participant who undertakes it , either in a country other than the country of residence or in the country of residence of the participant ; ### “solidarity placement” means a volunteering activity in a solidarity - related area , which is organised by a participating organisation and which contributes to addressing key societal challenges while enhancing the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the european solidarity initiative participant who undertakes it , either in a country other than the country of residence or in the country of residence of the participant ;


### “participant” means a young person who has registered in the european solidarity corps portal and takes part in a solidarity activity under the european solidarity corps offered by a participating organisation ; ### “participant” means a young person who takes part in a solidarity activity under the european solidarity initiative offered by a participating organisation or developed by a group of young people registered in the european solidarity initiative portal ;


### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps placements on the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the participants , the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the placement should be properly identified and documented , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in the council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . __________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning , oj c 398 , 22 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 . ### to ensure the impact of european solidarity corps placements on the personal , educational , social , civic and professional development of the participants , the knowledge , skills and competences that are the learning outcomes of the placement should be properly identified , documented , assessed and certified , in accordance with national circumstances and specificities , as recommended in the council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning22 . this process should be facilitated by the european commission which published for this purpose the european guidelines for validating non - formal and informal learning and a european inventory on validation . __________________ 22 council recommendation of 20 december 2012 on the validation of non - formal and informal learning , oj c 398 , 22 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 .


### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development , active citizenship and employability . voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that fall within the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should be supported by the latter in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the european solidarity corps should continue to be supported under the programme established by regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport20 . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european solidarity corps and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service . __________________ 20 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 50 . ### voluntary activities constitute a rich experience in a non - formal and informal learning context which enhances young people ' s personal , socio - educational and professional development and active citizenship . voluntary activities should not have an adverse effect on potential or existing paid employment , nor should they be seen as a substitute for it . in order to ensure continuity with respect to the volunteering activities that are supported at union level , the volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that fall within the geographical scope of the european solidarity initiative should be supported by the latter in the form of cross - border volunteering placements . the other volunteering activities under the european voluntary service that do not fall under the geographical scope of the european solidarity initiative should continue to be supported under the programme established by regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport20 . with respect to the interpretation of related legislation at union level , both the cross - border volunteering placements under the european solidarity initiative and the volunteering activities that continue to be supported under regulation no 1288 / 2013 should be considered equivalent to those carried out under the european voluntary service . __________________ 20 regulation no 1288 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 establishing ' erasmus + ' : the union programme for education , training , youth and sport and repealing decisions no 1719 / 2006 / ec , no 1720 / 2006 / ec and no 1298 / 2008 / ec , oj l 347 , 20 . 12 . 2013 , p . 50 .


### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society and for the labour market . the european solidarity corps should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas and support young people to be themselves drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and could be a first step towards encouraging european solidarity corps participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , ngos or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors . ### young people’s spirit of initiative is an important asset for society . the european solidarity initiative should contribute to fostering this aspect by offering young people the opportunity to devise and implement their own projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to the benefit of their local communities . those projects should be an opportunity to try out ideas in a sustainable way and support young people in experiencing for themselves being drivers of solidarity actions . they could also serve as a springboard for further engagement in solidarity activities and could be a first step towards encouraging european solidarity initiative participants to engage in self - employment or setting up associations , ngos or other bodies active in the solidarity , non - profit and youth sectors .


### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private entities , or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label . ### the european solidarity initiative shall be open to the participation of public entities , non - profit private entities such as ngos , international organisations , and civil society organisations such as youth organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity initiative quality label and that the activity does not fall under the list of excluded activities such as volunteering in residential institutions for children .


### ' european solidarity corps portal ' means a web - based tool that provides relevant online services to the european solidarity corps participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity corps , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity corps . ### ' european solidarity initiative portal ' means a web - based tool that provides additional online services to the european solidarity initiative participants and participating organisations , including providing information about the european solidarity initiative , registering participants , searching for participants for placements , advertising and searching for placements , searching for potential project partners , managing contacts and offers for placements and projects , training , communication and networking activities , informing and notifying about opportunities , providing a feedback mechanism regarding the quality of placements as well as other relevant developments related to the european solidarity initiative . the online platform shall benefit from prior erasmus + experiences and knowledge and include them in the registration process of participants and organisations ;


### without prejudice to article 28 of regulation no 1288 / 2013 , the national agency shall also be responsible for managing all stages of the project lifecycle of those actions of the european solidarity corps listed in the implementing acts referred to in article 24 , in accordance with point and of article 58 of regulation no 966 / 2012 and with article 44 of commission delegated regulation no 1268 / 201234 . __________________ 34 commission delegated regulation no 1268 / 2012 of 29 october 2012 on the rules of application of regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union , oj l 362 , 31 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 . ### without prejudice to article 28 of regulation no 1288 / 2013 , the national agency shall also be responsible for managing all stages of the project lifecycle of those actions of the european solidarity initiative listed in the implementing acts referred to in article 24 , in accordance with point and of article 58 of regulation no 966 / 2012 and with article 44 of commission delegated regulation no 1268 / 201234 . __________________ 34 commission delegated regulation no 1268 / 2012 of 29 october 2012 on the rules of application of regulation no 966 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the union , oj l 362 , 31 . 12 . 2012 , p . 1 .


### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ; ### ' young person with fewer opportunities ' means an individual aged 17 to 30 who needs additional support because he or she is at a disadvantage compared to his or her peers since he or she faces one or more exclusion factors or obstacles such as disability , health problems , educational problems , cultural differences , gender or sexual identity or economic , social or geographical obstacles ;


### “european solidarity corps charter” means the document that sets out the respective rights and responsibilities that all the entities willing to join the european solidarity corps must agree to adhere to ; ### “european solidarity initiative charter” means the document that sets out the respective rights and responsibilities to which all the entities willing to join the european solidarity initiative must agree to adhere ;


### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes . ### amendement 2 . the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national , regional and local programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes and shall be designed in collaboration with youth organisations and other civil society organisations .


### an entity willing to apply for funding to offer placements under the european solidarity corps should have first received a quality label as a precondition . this requirement should not apply to natural persons seeking financial support on behalf of an informal group of european solidarity corps participants for their solidarity projects . ### an intermediary organisation willing to apply for funding to offer placements under the european solidarity initiative should have first received a quality label as a precondition . this requirement should not apply to natural persons seeking financial support on behalf of an informal group of european solidarity initiative participants for their solidarity projects .


### measures aimed at ensuring the quality of solidarity placements , including training , language support , administrative support for participants and participating organisations , insurance , post - placement support as well as the development of a certificate that identifies and documents the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the placement ; ### measures aimed at ensuring the quality and accessibility of solidarity placements , including online and offline comprehensive training , language support , administrative support for participants and participating organisations , insurance , pre and post - placement support as well as the development of an official certificate , building on the experience of the youth pass , that identifies , documents , assesses and certifies the knowledge , skills and competences acquired during the placement ; where relevant , post - placement support to participants interested in setting - up and piloting associations , cooperatives , social enterprises , youth organisations and community - centres ;