### where contracting authorities require the production of certificates drawn up by independent bodies attesting that the economic operator complies with certain environmental management schemes or standards , they shall refer to the european union eco - management and audit scheme or to other environmental management schemes as recognized in accordance with article 45 of regulation no 1221 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council41 or other environmental management standards based on the relevant european or international standards by accredited bodies . they shall recognise equivalent certificates from bodies established in other member states . they shall also accept other evidence of equivalent environmental management measures from economic operators that have no access to such certificates , or no possibility of obtaining them within the relevant time limits . ### where contracting authorities require the production of certificates drawn up by independent bodies attesting that the economic operator complies with certain environmental management schemes or standards , they shall refer to the european union eco - management and audit scheme or to other environmental management schemes as recognized in accordance with article 45 of regulation no 1221 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council41or other environmental management standards based on the relevant european or international standards by accredited bodies . they shall recognise equivalent certificates from bodies established in other member states . they shall also accept other evidence of equivalent environmental management measures from economic operators that have no access to such certificates , or no possibility of obtaining them within the relevant time limits . in order not to discriminate those tenderers who invest time and money for certificates or test reports , the burden for providing equivalence should be placed on the tenderer claiming equivalence .


### contracting authorities shall reject the tender , where they have established that the tender is abnormally low because it does not comply with obligations established by union legislation in the field of social and labour law or environmental law or by the international social and environmental law provisions listed in annex xi . ### contracting authorities shall reject the tender , where they have established that the tender is abnormally low because it does not comply with obligations established by union and national legislation in the field of social , labour , health , safety or environmental law , collective agreements applicable in the place where the work , service or supply is to be performed , or by the international social and environmental law provisions listed in annex xi .


### however , the first subparagraph shall not apply in the event of universal or partial succession into the position of the initial contractor , following corporate restructuring operations or insolvency , of another economic operator that fulfils the criteria for qualitative selection initially established provided that this does not entail other substantial modifications to the contract and is not aimed at circumventing the application of this directive . ### however , the first subparagraph shall not apply in the event of universal or partial succession into the position of the initial contractor , following corporate restructuring operations or insolvency , of another economic operator that fulfils the criteria for qualitative selection initially established provided that this does not entail other substantial modifications to the contract and is not aimed at circumventing the application of this directive or in case of the take - over of the main contractors ' signatory status by the contracting authority accordingly to the member state provisions in line with article 71 .


### contracting authorities shall not have recourse to modifications of the contract in the following cases : where the modification would aim at remedying deficiencies in the performance of the contractor or the consequences , which can be remedied through the enforcement of contractual obligations ; where the modification would aim at compensating risks of price increases that have been hedged by the contractor . ### contracting authorities shall not have recourse to modifications of the contract where the modification would aim at compensating risks of price increases that have been hedged by the contractor .


### for every contract or framework agreement , and every time a dynamic purchasing system is established , contracting authorities shall draw up a written report which shall include at least the following : ### for every above threshold procurement be it a contract or framework agreement or every time a dynamic purchasing system is established , contracting authorities shall draw up a written report which shall include at least the following :


### member states shall make available technical support structures in order to provide legal and economic advice , guidance and assistance to contracting authorities in preparing and carrying out procurement procedures . member states shall also ensure that each contracting authority can obtain competent assistance and advice on individual questions . ### member states shall make available technical support structures in order to provide legal and economic information , guidance and assistance to contracting authorities in preparing and carrying out procurement procedures . member states shall also ensure that each contracting authority can obtain competent assistance and information on individual questions .


### admission may be refused on duly justified grounds . in particular , admission could be refused if a member state considers , based on an assessment of the facts , in an individual case , that the third - country national concerned is a potential threat to public policy , public security or public health . ### admission may be refused on duly justified grounds . in particular , admission could be refused if a member state considers , based on an assessment of the facts , in an individual case , that the third - country national concerned is a potential threat to public policy or public security .


### member states shall issue an authorisation for students for a period of at least one year and shall renew it if the conditions laid down in articles 6 and 10 are still met . if the period of studies is scheduled to last less than one year , the authorisation shall be issued for the duration of the studies . ### member states shall issue an authorisation for students for at least the full period of study and where appropriate shall renew it if the conditions laid down in articles 6 and 10 are still met .


### for school pupils and au pairs , member states shall issue an authorisation for a maximum period of one year . ### for school pupils and au pairs , member states shall issue an authorisation for at least the period of the pupil exchange scheme or for at least the period of the agreement between the host family and the au pair .


### the competent authorities of the member states shall decide on the complete application for an authorisation and shall notify the applicant in writing , in accordance with the notification procedures laid down in the national law of the member state concerned , as soon as possible and at the latest within 60 days from the date on which the application was lodged , and within 30 days in the case of third - country national researchers and students covered by union programmes including mobility measures . ### the competent authorities of the member states shall decide on the complete application for an authorisation and shall notify the applicant in writing , in accordance with the notification procedures laid down in the national law of the member state concerned , including on any appeal lodged against decisions rejecting an application for an authorisation as soon as possible and at the latest within 30 days from the date on which the application or the appeal was lodged .


### if the information supplied in support of the application is inadequate , the competent authorities shall inform the applicant of any further information they need and indicate a reasonable deadline to complete the application . the period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be suspended until the authorities have received the additional information required . ### if the information supplied in support of the application is inadequate , the competent authorities shall inform the applicant of any further information they need and , when registering the application , indicate a reasonable deadline to complete the application . the period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be suspended until the authorities have received the additional information required .


### draft legislative resolution ### points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal is only an indication to the legislative authority and cannot be fixed until agreement is reached on the proposal for a regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014 - 2020 ;


### conscious of the potential that diversification offers for small scale coastal fishermen and their crucial role in coastal communities , the emff should help diversification by covering business start - ups and investments for the retrofitting of their vessels , in addition to the relevant training to acquire professional skills in the relevant field outside fishing activities . ### conscious of the potential that diversification offers for small scale coastal fishermen and their crucial role in coastal communities and taking into account the local traditions , the emff should help diversification by covering business start - ups and investments for the retrofitting of their vessels , in addition to the relevant training to acquire professional skills in the relevant field outside fishing activities respecting traditional and historical communities .


### the introduction of the transferable fishing concessions systems should make the sector more competitive . consequently , there may be a need for new professional opportunities outside the fishing activities . therefore , the emff should support the diversification and job creation in fishing communities in particular by supporting business start - ups and the reassignment of vessels for maritime activities outside fishing activities of small scale coastal fishing vessels . this last operation seems to be appropriate as the small scale coastal fishing vessels are not covered by the transferable fishing concessions systems . ### the introduction of the transferable fishing concessions systems should make the sector more competitive and more sustainable . consequently , there may be a need for new professional opportunities outside the fishing activities respecting traditional and historical communities . therefore , the emff should support the diversification and job creation in fishing communities in particular by supporting business start - ups and the reassignment of vessels for maritime activities outside fishing activities of small scale coastal fishing vessels . this last operation seems to be appropriate as the small scale coastal fishing vessels are not covered by the transferable fishing concessions systems .


### the creation of a network composed by one or more independent scientific bodies and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen ; ### the creation of a network composed by one or more independent scientific bodies , including ngos , and fishermen or one or more organisations of fishermen in particular the small - scale coastal fisheries ;


### to ensure that the emff contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the cfp , the imp and the europe 2020 strategy , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to fostering innovation and knowledge based fisheries and aquaculture , promoting sustainable and resource - efficient fishing and aquaculture , and increasing employment and territorial cohesion by unlocking the growth and job potential of coastal and inland fisheries communities and promoting diversification of fisheries activities into other sectors of the marine economy . ### to ensure that the emff contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the cfp , the imp and the europe 2020 strategy , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to fostering innovation and knowledge based fisheries and aquaculture , promoting sustainable and resource - efficient fishing and aquaculture , and maintaining and increasing employment and social and territorial cohesion of coastal and inland fisheries communities .


### the achievement of the objectives of the cfp would be undermined if union financial assistance under emff is disbursed to operators who , ex - ante , do not comply with requirements related to the public interest of conservation of marine biological resources . therefore only operators should be admissible who , within a particular period of time before lodging an application for aid , were not involved in the operation , management or ownership of fishing vessels included in the union iuu vessel list as set out in article 40 of council regulation no 1005 / 2008 of 29 september 2008 establishing a community system to prevent , deter and eliminate illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing , amending regulation no 2847 / 93 , no 1936 / 2001 and no 601 / 2004 and repealing regulations no 1093 / 94 and no 1447 / 1999 , and who have not committed a serious infringement under 42 of the regulation no 1005 / 2008 or article 90 of the regulation no 1224 / 2009 of 20 november 2009 establishing a community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy , amending regulations no 847 / 96 , no 2371 / 2002 , no 811 / 2004 , no 768 / 2005 , no 2115 / 2005 , no 2166 / 2005 , no 388 / 2006 , no 509 / 2007 , no 676 / 2007 , no 1098 / 2007 , no 1300 / 2008 , no 1342 / 2008 and repealing regulations no 2847 / 93 , no 1627 / 94 and no 1966 / 2006 . or other cases of non - compliance with cfp rules which particularly jeopardise the sustainability of the stocks concerned and constitute a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield . ### the achievement of the objectives of the cfp would be undermined if union financial assistance under emff is disbursed to operators who , ex - ante , do not comply with requirements related to the public interest of conservation of marine biological resources . therefore only operators should be admissible who , within a particular period of time before lodging an application for aid , were not involved in the operation , management or ownership of fishing vessels included in the union iuu vessel list as set out in article 40 of council regulation no 1005 / 2008 of 29 september 2008 establishing a community system to prevent , deter and eliminate illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing , amending regulation no 2847 / 93 , no 1936 / 2001 and no 601 / 2004 and repealing regulations no 1093 / 94 and no 1447 / 1999 , nor in the operation , management or ownership of fishing vessels flagged to countries identified as non - cooperating third countries as set out in article 33 of the regulation no 1005 / 2008 . equally , only those operators should be admissible who have not committed a serious infringement under article 42 of the regulation no 1005 / 2008 or article 90 of the regulation no 1224 / 2009 of 20 november 2009 establishing a community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy , amending regulations no 847 / 96 , no 2371 / 2002 , no 811 / 2004 , no 768 / 2005 , no 2115 / 2005 , no 2166 / 2005 , no 388 / 2006 , no 509 / 2007 , no 676 / 2007 , no 1098 / 2007 , no 1300 / 2008 , no 1342 / 2008 and repealing regulations no 2847 / 93 , no 1627 / 94 and no 1966 / 2006 . or other cases of non - compliance with cfp rules which particularly jeopardise the sustainability of the stocks concerned and constitute a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield .


### the consequences laid down for the failure to fulfil the eligibility conditions should apply in case of infringements of the cfp rules by the beneficiaries . in order to determine the amount of ineligible expenditure , the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary should be taken into account . ### the consequences laid down for the failure to fulfil the eligibility conditions should apply in case of infringements of the cfp rules by the beneficiaries . in order to determine the amount of ineligible expenditure , the severity , extent , duration and re - occurrence of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary should be taken into account .


### the achievement of the objectives of the cfp would also be undermined if union financial assistance under emff is paid to member states who do not comply with their obligations under the cfp rules related to the public interest of conservation of marine biological resources , such as collecting data and implementing the control obligations . moreover , without complying with those obligations there is a risk that inadmissible beneficiaries or ineligible operations are not detected by the member states . ### the achievement of the objectives of the cfp would also be undermined if union financial assistance under emff is paid to member states who do not comply with their obligations under the cfp rules related to the public interest of conservation of marine biological resources , such as ensuring a balance between the fishing capacity of their fleets and available fishing opportunities , collecting data and implementing the control obligations . moreover , without complying with those obligations there is a risk that inadmissible beneficiaries or ineligible operations are not detected by the member states .


### action by the union should be complementary to action carried out by member states or seek to contribute to that action . in order to ensure significant added value the partnership between the commission and member states should be strengthened through arrangements for the participation of various types of partners with full regard to the institutional competences of the member states . particular attention should be paid to ensuring adequate representation for women and minority groups . this partnership concerns regional , local and other public authorities , as well as other appropriate bodies , including those responsible for the environment and for the promotion of equality between men and women , the economic and social partners and other competent bodies . the partners concerned should be involved in the preparation of partnership contracts , as well as in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of programming . ### action by the union should be complementary to action carried out by member states or seek to contribute to that action . in order to ensure significant added value the partnership between the commission and member states should be strengthened through arrangements for the participation of various types of partners with full regard to the institutional competences of the member states . particular attention should be paid to ensuring adequate representation for women and minority groups . this partnership concerns regional , local and other public authorities , as well as other appropriate bodies , including those responsible for the environment and for the promotion of equality between men and women , the economic and social partners at all levels of governance and other competent bodies . the partners concerned should be involved in the preparation of partnership contracts , as well as in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of programming .


### in order to increase the competitiveness and economic performance of fishing activities it is vital to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship . therefore the emff should support innovative operations and business development . ### in order to increase the sustainability , competitiveness and economic performance of fishing activities it is vital to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship . the emff should prioritise support for innovative operations and business development which improve the environmental performance of the fishing and aquaculture sector .


### recognising the importance of the role that spouses of self - employed fishermen play in small scale coastal fishing , the emff should support training and networking contributing to their professional development and giving them the means to better fulfil the ancillary tasks they traditionally perform . ### recognising the role of women in the fisheries sector and the need to create more jobs for women in the catching sector , and the importance of the role that spouses of self - employed fishermen play in small scale coastal fishing , the emff should support training and networking contributing to their professional development and giving them the means to better fulfil the main ancillary tasks they traditionally perform .


### conscious of the weak presence of small scale coastal fishermen in the social dialogue , the emff should support organisations promoting this dialogue in the appropriate fora ### conscious of the weak presence of small fishermen and other professions related to the fishing sector involved in small scale coastal fishing and traditional and extensive aquaculture activities in the social dialogue , the emff should support organisations promoting this dialogue in the appropriate fora , at european , state , regional and local level .


### conscious of the potential that diversification offers for small scale coastal fishermen and their crucial role in coastal communities , the emff should help diversification by covering business start - ups and investments for the retrofitting of their vessels , in addition to the relevant training to acquire professional skills in the relevant field outside fishing activities . ### conscious of the potential that creating or maintaining employment offers for small scale coastal fishermen and their crucial role in coastal communities , and taking account of local fishing traditions , the emff may help create jobs in ancillary activities in the event that there are no other employment opportunities in the fishing sector , by covering business start - ups and investments for the retrofitting of their vessels , in addition to the relevant training to acquire professional skills in the relevant field outside other fishing activities . for that purpose , the emff shall create a programme to support small scale fishing and shellfish gathering .


### in line with the commission ' s strategy for the sustainable development of european aquaculture , the cfp objectives and europe 2020 strategy , the emff should support the environmentally , economically and socially sustainable development of the aquaculture industry . ### in line with the commission ' s strategy for the sustainable development of european aquaculture , the cfp objectives and europe 2020 strategy , the emff should support the environmentally , economically and socially sustainable development of the aquaculture industry , with a particular focus in promoting eco innovation , reducing dependence on fish meal and oil , improving the welfare of farmed organisms and promoting organic and closed system aquaculture .


### an other important form of increasing the income of aquaculture enterprises is adding value to their products by processing and marketing their own production , as well as introducing new species with good market prospects and thus diversifying their production . ### an other important form of increasing the income of aquaculture enterprises is adding value to their products by processing and marketing their own production , as well as introducing new species which are biologically compatible with existing species with good market prospects and thus diversifying their production .


### investment in human capital is also vital to increase the competitiveness and economic performance of aquaculture activities . therefore , the emff should support lifelong learning and networking stimulating the dissemination of knowledge as well as advisory services helping to improve the overall performance and competitiveness of operators . ### investment in human capital is also vital to increase the competitiveness and economic performance of aquaculture activities . therefore , the emff should support lifelong learning and networking stimulating the dissemination of knowledge as well as advisory services helping to improve the overall environmental performance and competitiveness of operators .


### conscious of the importance of consumer protection , the emff should ensure adequate support to farmers in order to prevent and mitigate the risk for public and animal health that aquaculture rearing may generate . ### conscious of the importance of consumer protection , the emff should ensure adequate support to farmers in order to prevent and mitigate the risk for public and animal health that aquaculture rearing may generate , particularly through programmes designed at reducing the dependence of aquaculture activities of veterinary products .


### recognising the growing competition small scale coastal fishermen are confronted to , the emff should support entrepreneurial initiatives of small scale coastal fishermen adding value to the fish they catch , in particular by carrying out the processing or direct marketing of the fish they catch . ### recognising the growing competition small scale coastal fishermen are confronted to and the dependency of certain coastal communities on fishing , the emff should support entrepreneurial initiatives of small scale coastal fishermen adding value to the fish they catch , in particular by carrying out the processing or direct marketing of the fish they catch .


### interconnection of the certain information systems run by those sectors may require mobilisation of their own funding mechanisms in a coherent way and in line with treaty provisions . maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management are essential for the sustainable development of marine areas and coastal regions and both contributing to the aims of ecosystem - based management and the development of land - sea links . these tools are also important to manage diverse uses of our coasts , seas and oceans to enable their sustainable economic development and to stimulate cross - border investment , whereas the implementation of the marine strategy framework directive will further define the boundaries of sustainability of human activities that have an impact on the marine environment . furthermore , it is necessary to improve knowledge of the marine world , and stimulate innovation by facilitating collection , free sharing , re - use and dissemination of data concerning the status of oceans and seas . ### interconnection of the certain information systems run by those sectors may require mobilisation of their own funding mechanisms in a coherent way and in line with treaty provisions . maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management are essential for the sustainable development of marine areas and coastal regions and both contributing to the aims of ecosystem - based management and the development of land - sea links . these tools are also important to manage diverse uses of our coasts , seas and oceans to enable their sustainable economic development and to stimulate cross - border investment , whereas the implementation of the marine strategy framework directive will further define the boundaries of sustainability of industrial , construction and human activities that have an impact on the marine environment . furthermore , it is necessary to improve knowledge of the marine world , and stimulate innovation by facilitating collection , free sharing , re - use and dissemination of data concerning the status of oceans and seas and the status of fisheries , making it available to end users and the general public .


### and the integrated maritime policy . ### and the integrated maritime policy , including the marine strategy framework directive .


### ' sea basin strategy ' means a structured framework of cooperation in respect to a given geographical area , developed by european institutions , member states , their regions and where appropriate third countries sharing a sea basin ; the strategy takes into account the geographic , climatic , economic and political specificities of the sea basin ; ### ' sea basin strategy ' means a structured framework of cooperation in respect to a given geographical area , developed by european institutions , member states , their regions , local authorities , and where appropriate , third countries sharing a sea basin ; the strategy takes into account the geographic , climatic , economic and political specificities of the sea basin ;


### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , creation of jobs and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture ; ### promotion of economic growth , social inclusion , equality , creation of jobs in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture ;


### enhancement of the competitiveness and viability of aquaculture enterprises , smes in particular ; ### enhancement of the competitiveness and viability of extensive aquaculture enterprises , micro - enterprises and smes in particular ;


### enhancement of ecosystems related to aquaculture and promotion of resource efficient aquaculture ; ### promotion of resource efficient aquaculture , including the reduction of dependence on fish feed and oil and use of chemicals and antibiotics ;


### each member state shall draw up a single operational programme to implement the union priorities to be co - financed by the emff . ### each member state shall draw up a single operational programme to implement the union priorities referred to in article 6 of this regulation to be co - financed by the emff .


### each member state shall draw up a single operational programme to implement the union priorities to be co - financed by the emff . ### each member state shall draw up a single operational programme for its entire territory to implement the union priorities to be co - financed by the emff or a set of regional operational programmes . member states with regional operational programmes may also submit for approval a national framework containing common elements for these programmes without a separate budgetary allocation .


### the commission shall approve the operational programme by means of implementing act . ### the commission shall approve the operational programme by means of implementing act when it is satisfied the requirements of paragraph 1 have been met . once approved the operational programmes shall be in the public domain .


### in order to improve the overall performance and competitiveness of operators , the emff may support : ### in order to promote more sustainable fisheries and improve the overall performance of operators , the emff may support :


### in order to improve the overall performance and competitiveness of aquaculture farms , the emff may support : ### in order to improve the overall performance of aquaculture farms , the emff may support :


### activities referred to in paragraph 1 may cover data collection activities , studies , dissemination of knowledge and best practices . ### activities referred to in paragraph 1 may cover data collection activities , joint research projects , studies , dissemination of knowledge and best practices


### in order to facilitate diversification and job creation outside fishing , the emff may support : ### in order to foster entrepreneureship and facilitate diversification and job creation outside fishing , the emff may support : :


### support to systems of transferable fishing concessions of the cfp ### support to systems promoting fishing opportunities


### support to systems of transferable fishing concessions of the cfp ### support to methods for the allocation of fishing opportunities within the cfp


### support to systems of transferable fishing concessions of the cfp ### support to systems of allocation of fishing opportunities of the cfp


### in order to establish or modify systems of transferable fishing concessions under article 27 of the [ regulation on the cfp ] , the emff may support : ### in order to establish or modify systems of allocation of fishing opportunities under article 27 of the [ regulation on the cfp ] , the emff may support :


### in order to establish or modify systems of transferable fishing concessions under article 27 of the [ regulation on the cfp ] , the emff may support : ### in order to facilitate the development , adaptation or modification of each member state ' s chosen method for the allocation of fishing opportunities within the terms of [ the cfp regulation ] , the emff may support :


### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the creation or functioning of a transferable fishing concessions system ; ### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the development , adaptation , modification or functioning of the allocation method ;


### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the creation or functioning of a transferable fishing concessions system ; ### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the creation and functioning of inovative systems to allocate preferential access to fishing opportunities to the most environmentally and socially sustainable operations ;


### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the creation or functioning of a transferable fishing concessions system ; ### the design and development of technical and administrative means necessary for the creation or functioning of systems which provide priority access to resources to the most sustainable operations ;


### stakeholder participation in designing and developing transferable fishing concessions systems ; ### stakeholder participation in designing and developing or modifying the allocation method ;


### stakeholder participation in designing and developing transferable fishing concessions systems ; ### stakeholder participation in designing and developing systems referred to in paragraph 1 ;


### the monitoring and evaluation of transferable fishing concessions systems ; ### the monitoring and evaluation of the allocation method ;


### the monitoring and evaluation of transferable fishing concessions systems ; ### the monitoring and evaluation of systems referred to in paragraph 1 ;


### the management of transferable concessions systems . ### the management of the allocation method .


### the management of transferable concessions systems . ### the management of systems referred to in paragraph 1 .


### support under paragraph 1 , and shall only be granted to public authorities . support under paragraph 1 of this article shall be granted to public authorities legal or natural persons or recognized producer organizations involved in collective management of pooled transferable fishing concessions in accordance with article 28 of the regulation on common fisheries . ### support under paragraph 1 , and shall only be granted to public authorities . support under paragraph 1 of this article shall be granted to public authorities legal or natural persons or groups of natural persons or recognized producer organizations involved in collective management of pooled transferable fishing concessions in accordance with article 28 of the regulation on common fisheries .


### reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks or other by - catches ; ### reducing unwanted or unauthorised catches of harvested and regulated species or other by - catches ;


### in order to contribute to the elimination of discards and by - catches and facilitate the transition to exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the emff may support projects aiming at developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge reducing impacts of fishing activities on the environment or achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources . ### in order to contribute to the elimination of discards and by - catches and facilitate the transition to exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the emff may support projects aiming at developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge reducing impacts of fishing activities on the environment , including reduction of damage to the marine habitat and improving the selectivity of fishing operations in order to achieve a more sustainable use of marine biological resources , based on the precautionary approach and an ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management . the emff may support projects aiming at developing or introducing new techniques to reduce the negative impacts of fishing on animal welfare .


### in order to stimulate the participation of fishermen in the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems including the services they provide in the framework of sustainable fishing activities , the emff may support the following operations : ### in order to stimulate the participation of fishermen and other stakeholders in the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems including the services they provide in the framework of sustainable fishing activities , the emff may support the following operations :


### collection of waste from the sea such as the removal of lost fishing gears and marine litter ; ### cooperation of the sector in the knowledge of the fishing sector , care and cleaning of the sea , collection of waste from the sea such as the removal of lost fishing gears and marine litter ;


### where operations consist of investments in equipment or infrastructure ensuring compliance with requirements on the environment , human or animal health , hygiene or animal welfare under union law , and entering into force after 2014 , may be granted until the date on which the standards become mandatory for the enterprises . ### support shall be limited to investments in equipment or infrastructure which has demonstrably lower impact on the environment , or better performance with respect to human or animal health , hygiene or animal welfare than the requirements under union law . support under the emff shall not be granted to aquaculture operations using exotic species or genetically modified organisms . support under the emff shall not be granted to any intensive aquaculture operation in marine protected areas , fish stock recovery areas or natura 2000 sites .


### the provision of farm advisory services of technical , scientific , legal or economic nature . ### the provision of farm advisory services of technical , scientific , legal or economic nature which contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the operations ;


### lifelong learning , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices and acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture ; ### lifelong learning , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices and acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture which contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the operations ;


### networking and exchange of experience and best practice among aquaculture enterprises or professional organisations and other stakeholders , including scientific bodies or those promoting equal opportunities between men and women . ### networking and exchange of experience and best practice among aquaculture enterprises or professional organisations , prioritising extensive aquaculture organisations , and other stakeholders , including scientific bodies or those promoting equal opportunities between men and women .


### in order to contribute to the development of the aquaculture sites and infrastructures , the emff may support : ### in order to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture sites and infrastructures , the emff may support :


### action taken and implemented by competent authorities under of article 9 of directive 2009 / 147 / ec or article 16 of directive 92 / 43 / ec with the aim of preventing serious damages to aquaculture . ### non - lethal action taken by competent authorities aiming at mitigating conflicts with wild species protected under directive 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 92 / 43 / ec with the aim of preventing serious damage [ m1 ] s to aquaculture [ m1 ] public funds should only be used for non - lethal activities .


### in order to foster entrepreneurship in aquaculture , the emff may support the setting up of aquaculture enterprises by new starting farmers . ### in order to foster entrepreneurship in aquaculture , the emff should prioritise support for the setting up of aquaculture enterprises to small and medium farmers , in particular promoting extensive aquaculture .


### allowing for a substantial reduction of impact of aquaculture enterprises on water , in particular through reducing the amount of water used or improving the output water quality , including through the deployment of multi - trophic aquaculture systems ; ### allowing for a substantial reduction of impact of aquaculture enterprises on water usage and quality , in particular through reducing the amount of chemicals , antibiotics and other medicines or water used or improving the output water quality , including through the deployment of multi - trophic aquaculture systems ;


### the purchase of the equipment protecting aquaculture farms from wild predators benefitting from protection under council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / eec and council directive 92 / 43 / ec ; ### the purchase of non - lethal equipment protecting aquaculture farms from wild predators benefitting from protection under council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / eec and council directive 92 / 43 / ec ;


### the restoration of existing aquaculture ponds or lagoons through removal of silt , or possible measures aimed at the prevention of silt deposition . ### the restoration of estuaries , existing aquaculture ponds or lagoons through removal of silt , or possible measures aimed at the prevention of silt deposition .


### aquaculture methods compatible with specific environmental needs and subject to specific management requirements resulting from the designation of natura 2000 areas in accordance with council directive 92 / 43 / eec and council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / ec ; ### extensive and semi - intensive aquaculture methods compatible with specific environmental needs and subject to specific management requirements resulting from the designation of natura 2000 areas in accordance with council directive 92 / 43 / eec and council and european parliament directive 2009 / 147 / ec ;


### when establishing the list and the quantities referred to in paragraph 2 , member states shall take into account all the relevant factors , in particular the need to ensure that the compensation is fully compatible with the rules of the cfp . ### when establishing the list and the quantities referred to in paragraph 2 , member states shall take into account all the relevant factors , in particular the need to ensure that the compensation is fully compatible with the rules of the cfp , in particular the need to ensure that fishing capacity of the fleets concerned is commensurate with available fishing opportunities .


### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary . ### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the gravity of the damage to the ecosystem , fish stocks or the marine environment , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary .


### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary . ### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the severity , extent , duration and re - occurrence of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary .


### eur 4 535 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the sustainable development of fisheries , aquaculture and fisheries areas under chapters i , ii and iii of title v . ### a maximum of eur 3 964 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to the sustainable development of fisheries , aquaculture and fisheries areas under chapters i , ii and iii of title v .


### eur 477 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to control and enforcement measures referred to in article 78 . ### a minimum of eur 690 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to control and enforcement measures referred to in article 78 .


### eur 358 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to measures on data collection referred to in article 79 . ### a minimum of eur 716 000 000 of the resources referred to in paragraph shall be allocated to measures on data collection referred to in article 79 .


### description of selection criteria for projects ; ### description of selection criteria for projects , giving priority to projects that are designed to reduce the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture activities ;


### description of selection criteria for local development strategies under chapter iii of title v ; ### description of selection criteria for local development strategies under chapter iii of title v , giving priority to projects that are designed to reduce the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture activities ;


### the commission shall approve the operational programme by means of implementing act . ### the commission shall approve the operational programme by means of implementing act when it is satisfied the requirements of paragraph 1 have been met .


### activities referred to in paragraph 1 may cover data collection activities , studies , dissemination of knowledge and best practices . ### activities referred to in paragraph 1 may cover data collection activities , joint research projects , studies , dissemination of knowledge and best practices .


### in order to improve working conditions on board for fishermen the emff may support investments on board or in individual equipments providing that these investments go beyond standards required under national or union law . ### in order to improve working conditions on board for fishermen the emff may support investments on board or in individual equipments providing that these investments go beyond standards required under national or union law and do not increase the capacity of the fishing vessel .


### reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks or other by - catches ; ### reducing unwanted or unauthorised catches of commercial stocks or other by - catches ;


### fishermen who own the gear to be replaced and who have worked on board of a union fishing vessel for at least 60 days during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application ; ### fishermen who own the gear to be replaced and who have worked on board of a union fishing vessel for at least 180 days during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application ;


### the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services , such as the restoration of specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks . ### the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services , reducing the impacts of fishing activities on biodiversity and ecosystem integrity such as the restoration of specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks and achieving a good environmental status by 2020 , consistent with the precautionary approach and an ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management .


### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels are which have carried a fishing activity for at least 60 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application . ### the support referred to in paragraph 1 shall only be granted to owners of union fishing vessels whose vessels have carried out a fishing activity for at least 180 days at sea during the two years preceding the date of submission of the application .


### for the purpose of increasing the quality of the product landed , increasing energy efficiency , contributing to environmental protection or improving safety and working conditions , the emff may support investments improving fishing port infrastructure or landing sites , including investments in facilities for waste and marine litter collection . ### for the purpose of increasing the quality of the product landed , increasing energy efficiency , contributing to environmental protection or improving safety and working conditions , the emff may support investments improving fishing port infrastructure or landing sites , including investments in facilities for waste and marine litter collection such as lost or damaged fishing gear that has been retrieved and marine litter ;


### where operations consist of investments in equipment or infrastructure ensuring compliance with requirements on the environment , human or animal health , hygiene or animal welfare under union law , and entering into force after 2014 , may be granted until the date on which the standards become mandatory for the enterprises . ### support shall only be granted when operations consist of investments in equipment or infrastructure which has demonstrably lower impact on the environment , or better performance with respect to human or animal health , hygiene or animal welfare than the requirements under union law .


### the setting up management , relief and advisory services for aquaculture farms ; ### the setting up management , relief and advisory services for aquaculture farms which contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the operations ;


### lifelong learning , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices and acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture ; ### lifelong learning , dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices and acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture which contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the operations ;


### identification and mapping of most suitable areas for developing aquaculture , and where applicable , taking into account maritime spatial planning processes ; ### identification and mapping of most suitable areas for developing aquaculture with low environmental impact , and where applicable , taking into account maritime spatial planning processes ;


### improvement of infrastructures of aquaculture areas including through land consolidation , energy supply or water management ; ### improvement of infrastructures of aquaculture areas including through energy supply or water management ;


### action taken and implemented by competent authorities under of article 9 of directive 2009 / 147 / ec or article 16 of directive 92 / 43 / ec with the aim of preventing serious damages to aquaculture . ### non - lethal action taken by competent authorities aiming at mitigating conflicts with wild species protected under directive 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 92 / 43 / ec with the aim of preventing serious damages to aquaculture .


### allowing for a substantial reduction of impact of aquaculture enterprises on water , in particular through reducing the amount of water used or improving the output water quality , including through the deployment of multi - trophic aquaculture systems ; ### allowing for a substantial reduction of impact of aquaculture enterprises on water usage and quality , in particular through reducing the amount of chemicals , antibiotics and other medicines , including through the deployment of multi - trophic aquaculture systems ;


### the beneficiary shall continue to comply with the admissibility conditions referred to in article 12 , after submitting the application and during the whole period of implementation of the operation and , for certain types of operation , also for an identified period of time after the last payment . ### the beneficiary shall continue to comply with the admissibility conditions referred to in article 12 , after submitting the application and during the whole period of implementation of the operation and , also for an identified period of time after the last payment .


### the commission shall exercise the empowerment in full respect of the principle of proportionality and taking into account the risk that the non - compliance with the respective cfp rules constitutes a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy , the sustainability of the stocks concerned or the conservation of the marine environment . ### the commission shall exercise the empowerment in full respect of the principle of proportionality and taking into account the risk that the non - compliance with the respective cfp rules constitutes a serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living marine biological resources that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the msy by 2015 , the sustainability of the stocks concerned , the achievement and maintenance of good environmental status by 2020 or the conservation of the marine environment , based on the precautionary approach and an ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management .


### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary . ### for the cases of financial corrections applied on expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with article 105 , the member states shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the beneficiary with cfp rules , the gravity of the damage to the ecosystem , fish stocks or the marine environment , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary .


### for the cases under paragraph 1 in case of non compliance with article 105 , and paragraph 1 , the commission shall base its financial corrections only on the expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with cfp rules . the commission shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the non compliance by the member state or the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary . ### for the cases under paragraph 1 in case of non compliance with article 105 , and paragraph 1 , the commission shall base its financial corrections only on the expenditure directly linked to the non - compliance with cfp rules . the commission shall decide the amount of a correction taking into account the gravity of the damage to the ecosystem , fish stocks or the marine environment , the gravity of the non compliance by the member state or the beneficiary with cfp rules , the economic advantage derived from the non - compliance with cfp rules or the importance of the emff contribution to the economic activity of the beneficiary .


### the need to supplement already existing indicators with data that incorporate environmental and social aspects in order to allow more coherent and comprehensive policy making has been recognised in commission communication com 433 of august 2009 on gdp and beyond . to this end , environmental accounts offer a means of monitoring the pressures exerted by the economy on the environment and of exploring how these might be abated . in line with the tenets of sustainable development and the drive to achieve a low - carbon economy , embedded in the lisbon strategy and various major initiatives , developing a data framework that consistently includes environmental issues along with economic ones becomes all the more imperative . ### the need to supplement already existing indicators with data that incorporate environmental and social aspects in order to allow more coherent and comprehensive policy making has been recognised in commission communication com 433 of august 2009 on gdp and beyond . to this end , environmental accounts offer a means of monitoring the pressures exerted by the economy on the environment and of exploring how these might be abated . in line with the tenets of sustainable development and the drive to achieve a low - carbon economy , embedded in the lisbon strategy and various major initiatives , developing a data framework that consistently includes environmental issues along with economic ones becomes all the more imperative . in this perspective , european environmental economic accounts are essential but should not prevent the development of alternative indicators to gdp , to cover the various environmental , social and quality - of - life factors , with particular attention given to non - monetary indicators .


### the commission shall draw up a programme for pilot studies to be carried out by member states on a voluntary basis in order to develop the reporting and data quality , establish long time series and develop methodology . ### the commission shall draw up by . . . * , and in close relation with further developments on its communication ' gdp and beyond ' , a programme for pilot studies to be carried out by member states in order to develop the reporting quality , including a broader inclusion of indicators relating to resource efficiency , internalisation of environmental externalities , net - adjusted savings , and data quality , and to establish long time series and develop methodology . this programme shall be published online and reported to the european parliament and the council . _____ * two years from the entry into force of this regulation .


### the treaty aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and article 167 in particular gives the european union the task of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore . ### the treaty on european union , in particular article 3 , article 4 and article 5 , lays down that the union shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity as well as local and regional autonomy . the treaty on the functioning of the european union aims at an ever closer union among the peoples of europe and article 167 in particular gives the european union the task of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the member states , while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore .


### the european heritage label should seek synergies and complementarities with other initiatives such as the unesco world heritage list and the council of europe’s ‘ european cultural routes’ . the added value of the new european heritage label should be based on the contribution made by the selected sites to european history and culture , on a clear educational dimension reaching out to citizens , including young people , and on networking between the sites to share experiences and best practices . the main focus of the initiative should be on the promotion and the access of the sites , and on the quality of the explanations given and of the activities proposed , rather than on the conservation of the sites , which should be guaranteed by existing protection regimes . ### the european heritage label should seek synergies and complementarities with other initiatives such as the unesco world heritage list , the unesco representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity , the council of europe’s ‘ european cultural routes’ and all existing initiatives which the eu supports , such as the european network of cultural centres – historic monuments , europa nostra and the ‘ réseau art nouveau’ network . the added value of the new european heritage label should be based on the contribution made by the selected sites to european history and culture , on a clear educational dimension reaching out to citizens , including young people , and on networking between the sites to share experiences and best practices . the main focus of the initiative should be on the promotion and the access of the sites , and on the quality of the explanations given and of the activities proposed , rather than on the conservation of the sites , which should be guaranteed by existing protection regimes .


### for the purposes of this decision , ‘ sites’ shall mean monuments , natural or urban sites , cultural landscapes , places of remembrance , cultural goods and objects , intangible heritage attached to a place , including contemporary heritage . ### for the purposes of this decision , ‘ sites’ shall mean cultural goods declared under the relevant legislation to be monuments , natural or urban sites , cultural landscapes , places of remembrance , cultural goods and objects , intangible heritage attached to a place , including contemporary heritage , and that resulting from economic activity inherent to an area such as its industrial heritage .


### – strengthen intercultural dialogue . ### – strengthen intercultural and inter - territorial dialogue .


### – increase european citizens’ understanding of the building of europe , and of their common yet diverse cultural heritage , especially related to democratic values and human rights that underpin the process of european integration . ### increase european citizens’ understanding of the building of europe , and of their common yet diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage , especially related to democratic values and human rights that underpin the process of european integration .


### – and / or the place and role of a site in european history and european integration , and its links with key european events or personalities , as well as with cultural , artistic , political , social , scientific , technological or industrial movements ; ### and / or the place and role of a site in european history and european integration , and its links with key european events or personalities , as well as with cultural , artistic , religious , political , social , scientific , technological or industrial movements ;


### promoting multilingualism by using several languages of the european union ; ### promoting multilingualism and regional diversity by using languages which are official , co - official and less widely used in the member states ;


### each member state shall establish its own procedures and its own calendar for the pre - selection of the sites in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , ensuring that administrative arrangements remain as light and flexible as possible . it shall however notify the commission of the results of the pre - selection at the latest on 31 january of the year of the selection procedure . ### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , each member state shall establish its own procedures and its own calendar for the pre - selection of the sites in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity , respecting their national and regional diversity and ensuring that administrative arrangements remain as light , flexible and transparent as possible . it shall however make public the list of preselected and non - preselected candidates and notify the commission of the results of the pre - selection at the latest on 31 january of the year of the selection procedure . the list shall be is accompanied by recommendations for non - preselected sites aimed at helping them to improve their candidature and comply more closely with the pre - selection criteria .


### the pre - selection shall be based on the criteria laid down in article 7 and shall use the application form referred to in article 9 . ### the pre - selection procedure shall be carried out according to the criteria laid down in article 7 and shall use the application form referred to in article 9 .


### the final selection shall be based on the criteria laid down in article 7 and shall use the application form referred to in article 9 . ### the final selection shall be carried out according to the criteria laid down in article 7 and shall use the application form referred to in article 9 .


### accelerating the refurbishment of existing and deployment of new energy infrastructure is vital to achieve the union ' s energy and climate policy objectives , consisting in completing the internal market in energy , guaranteeing security of supply , notably for gas and oil , reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%19 , increasing the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption to 20%20 and achieving a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 . at the same time , the union has to prepare its infrastructure for further decarbonisation of its energy system in the longer term towards 2050 . ### accelerating the refurbishment of existing and deployment of new energy infrastructure is vital to achieve the union ' s energy and climate policy objectives , consisting in completing the internal market in energy , guaranteeing security of supply , notably for gas and oil , reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% [ 19 ] , increasing the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption to 20% [ 20 ] and achieving a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 . at the same time , the union has to prepare its infrastructure for practically full decarbonisation of its energy system in the longer term towards 2050 and has an objective to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2020 .


### despite its legal existence as defined in directives 2009 / 72 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity21 and 2009 / 73 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas22 , the internal market in energy remains fragmented due to insufficient interconnections between national energy networks . union - wide integrated networks however are vital for ensuring a competitive and well functioning integrated market for promoting growth , employment and sustainable development . ### despite its legal existence as defined in directives 2009 / 72 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and 2009 / 73 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas , the internal market in energy remains fragmented due to insufficient interconnections between national energy networks . union - wide integrated networks and deployment of smart grid infrastructure allowing for increased energy efficiency and integration of distributed renewable energy sources however are vital for ensuring a competitive and well functioning integrated market for promoting resource efficient growth , employment and sustainable development .


### the union ' s energy infrastructure should be upgraded in order to prevent and increase its resilience to natural or man - made disasters , adverse effects of climate change and threats to its security , notably concerning european critical infrastructures as set out in council directive 2008 / 114 / ec of 8 december 2008 on the identification and designation of european critical infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection23 . ### the union ' s energy infrastructure should be upgraded in order to prevent and increase its resilience to natural or man - made disasters , adverse effects of climate change and threats to its security by a decentralised architecture tending to energy self - sufficiency of local territories , notably concerning european critical infrastructures as set out in council directive 2008 / 114 / ec of 8 december 2008 on the identification and designation of european critical infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection23 .


### the identification of projects of common interest should be based on common , transparent and objective criteria in view of their contribution to the energy policy objectives . for electricity and gas , proposed projects should be part of the latest available ten - year network development plan . this plan should notably take account of the conclusions of the 4 february european council with regard to the need to integrate peripheral energy markets . ### the identification of projects of common interest should be based on common , transparent and objective criteria in view of their contribution to the energy policy objectives . for electricity and gas , proposed projects should be part of the latest available ten - year network development plan . this plan should notably take account of the conclusions of the 4 february european council with regard to the need to integrate peripheral energy markets and establish the roll out of smart grid infrastructure .


### despite the existence of established standards for the participation of the public in environmental decision - making procedures , additional measures are needed to ensure highest possible standards of transparency and public participation for all relevant issues in the permit granting process for projects of common interest . ### despite the existence of established standards for the participation of the public in environmental decision - making procedures , additional measures are needed to ensure minimum standards of transparency and public participation are met for all relevant issues in the permit granting process for projects of common interest .


### concerning electricity transmission and storage projects falling under the categories set out in points 1 to of annex ii , the project shall contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria : ### concerning electricity transmission and storage projects falling under the categories set out in points 1 to of annex ii , the project shall contribute significantly to sustainable development and at least one of the following specific criteria :


### concerning gas projects falling under the categories set out in point 2 of annex ii , the project shall contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria : ### concerning gas projects falling under the categories set out in point 2 of annex ii , the project shall contribute significantly to sustainable development and at least one of the following specific criteria :


### the commission shall , within three months of the entry into force of this regulation , issue guidance to support member states in defining adequate measures and to ensure the coherent application of environmental assessment procedures required under eu legislation for projects of common interest . ### the commission shall , within three months of the entry into force of this regulation , issue guidance to support member states in defining and implementing adequate measures and to ensure the coherent application of environmental assessment procedures required under eu legislation for projects of common interest , and shall monitor its application .


### coordinated scheme : the comprehensive decision may encompass multiple individual legally binding decisions issued by the competent authority and other authorities concerned . the competent authority shall establish , on a case - by - case basis , a reasonable time limit within which the individual decisions must be issued . the competent authority may take an individual decision on behalf of another national authority concerned , if the decision by that authority is not delivered within the time limit and if the delay cannot be adequately justified . the competent authority may overrule an individual decision of another national authority , if it considers that the decision is not sufficiently substantiated with regard to the underlying evidence presented by the authority concerned . the competent authority shall ensure that the relevant requirements under international and union legislation are respected and must duly justify its decision . ### coordinated scheme : the comprehensive decision may encompass multiple individual legally binding decisions issued by the competent authority and other authorities concerned . the competent authority shall establish , on a case - by - case basis , a reasonable time limit within which the individual decisions must be issued . the competent authority may take an individual decision on behalf of another national authority concerned , if the decision by that authority is not delivered within the time limit and if the delay cannot be adequately justified . the competent authority may overrule an individual decision of another national authority , if subsequent re - analysis reveals the decision is not sufficiently substantiated with regard to the underlying evidence presented by the authority concerned . the competent authority shall ensure that the relevant requirements under international and union legislation are respected and must duly justify its decision and make the decision and the justification , including the relevant evidence , available to the public .


### for projects likely to have significant adverse cross - border impacts in one or more neighbouring member states , where article 7 of directive 85 / 337 / eec and the espoo convention are applicable , the relevant information shall be made available to the competent authority of the neighbouring member state . the competent authority of the neighbouring member state shall indicate whether it wishes to participate in the relevant public consultation procedures . ### for projects likely to have significant adverse cross - border impacts in one or more neighbouring member states , where article 7 of directive 2001 / 42 / ec , article 7 of directive 85 / 337 / eec , or the espoo convention are applicable , the relevant information shall be made available to the competent authority of the neighbouring member state . the competent authority of the neighbouring member state shall indicate whether it wishes to participate in the relevant public consultation procedures .


### the project specific cost - benefit analysis pursuant to paragraph 4 of provides evidence concerning the existence of significant positive externalities , such as security of supply , solidarity or innovation ; and ### the project specific cost - benefit analysis pursuant to paragraph 4 of provides evidence concerning the existence of significant positive externalities , such as environmental and social benefits , security of supply , solidarity or innovation ; and


### for electricity projects falling under the categories set out in point 1 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 6 of directive 2009 / 72 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 714 / 2009 and project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity . ### for electricity projects falling under the categories set out in point 1 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 6 of directive 2009 / 72 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 714 / 2009 , project promoters and other relevant stakeholders , including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers and environmental organisations and organisations representing consumers , concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity .


### for electricity projects falling under the categories set out in point 1 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 6 of directive 2009 / 72 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 714 / 2009 and project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity . ### for electricity projects falling under the categories set out in point 1 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the competent authorities of&#160 ; the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 6 of directive 2009 / 72 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 714 / 2009 and project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity .


### for gas projects falling under the categories set out in point 2 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 7 of directive 2009 / 73 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 715 / 2009 and project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex 1 , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for gas . ### for gas projects falling under the categories set out in point 2 of annex ii , each group shall be composed of representatives of the competent authorities of the member states , national regulatory authorities , transmission system operators following their obligation to cooperate on a regional level in accordance with article 7 of directive 2009 / 73 / ec and article 12 of regulation no 715 / 2009 and project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex 1 , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for gas .


### for oil and carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the categories referred to in annex ii and , each group shall be composed of the representatives of the member states , project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex 1 and the commission . ### for oil and carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the categories referred to in annex ii and , each group shall be composed of the representatives of the competent authorities of the member states , project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex 1 and the commission .


### each group shall consult the organisations representing relevant stakeholders , including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers , and , for the tasks set out in paragraph 2 of , organisations for environmental protection . the group may organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of it tasks . ### each group shall consult the organisations representing relevant stakeholders , including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers , and organisations for environmental protection . the group shall organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of it tasks . the group shall inform the public regularly and comprehensively about the state and result of its deliberations and organise a hearing or consultation before submission of its proposed list as referred to in article 3 .


### the cost - benefit analysis shall at least take into account the following costs : capital expenditure , operational and maintenance expenditure over the technical lifecycle of the project and decommissioning and waste management costs , where relevant . the methodology shall give guidance on discount rates to be used for the calculations . ### the cost - benefit analysis shall at least take into account the following costs : capital expenditure , operational and maintenance expenditure over the technical lifecycle of the project and decommissioning and waste management costs , as well as other environmental externalities . the methodology shall give guidance on discount rates to be used for the calculations .


### in order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens ' initiatives , it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens ; proposals that are abusive or devoid of seriousness should not be registered and the commission should reject the registration of proposals which would be manifestly against the values of the union . the commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration . ### in order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens ' initiatives , and to avoid a situation in which signatures are collected for a proposal which does not fall within the scope of this regulation , it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens ; proposals that are not citizens ' initiatives in accordance with this regulation should not be registered . registration is an administrative procedure aimed at selecting those initiatives that fall within the scope of this regulation ; therefore any refusal of registration should be based only on legal grounds and not , on any account , on grounds of political expediency . the commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration , and should therefore be obliged to inform the organisers of an initiative of the reasons for any refusal to register an initiative and of the legal remedies available to them in that event . it should also be made clear by the commission that registration and the collection of the required number of statements of support will not necessarily result in the commission adopting a proposal for a legal act and that the registration of an initiative does not constitute a formal decision on competence issues .


### the organiser of a proposed citizens ' initiative should be responsible for the collection of the necessary statements of support from citizens . ### once a proposal is registered as a citizens ' initiative , statements of support from citizens may be submitted by the organisers .


### it is appropriate to provide for statements of support to be collected in paper form as well as online . online collection systems should have adequate security features in place in order to ensure , inter alia , that the person can be identified and that the data are securely stored . for this purpose , the commission should be required to set out detailed technical specifications for online collection systems . ### in order to put modern technology to good use as a tool of participatory democracy , it is appropriate to provide for statements of support to be collected in paper form as well as online . online collection systems should have adequate security features in place in order to ensure , inter alia , that the person is eligible to sign and signs only once , and that the data are securely stored . the detailed technical specifications should be worked out at an expert level and be regularly adapted to technical developments ; the power to adopt detailed technical specifications for online collection systems should therefore be delegated to the commission .


### it is appropriate to provide that , where a citizens ' initiative has received the necessary statements of support from signatories and provided it is considered admissible , each member state should be responsible for the verification and certification of statements of support collected from citizens coming from that state . taking account of the need to limit the administrative burden for member states , they should , within a period of three months , carry out such verifications on the basis of appropriate checks and should issue a document certifying the number of valid statements of support received . ### in the absence of a competent union electoral authority , it is appropriate to provide that , where a citizens ' initiative has received the necessary statements of support from signatories , each member state should be responsible for the verification and certification of statements of support collected from citizens coming from that state . taking account of the need to limit the administrative burden for member states , they should , within a period of three months , carry out such verifications on the basis of appropriate checks , which may be based on random sampling , and should issue a document certifying the number of valid statements of support received .


### the commission should examine a citizens ' initiative and set out its conclusions and the actions it envisages to take in response to it , within a period of four months . ### the commission shall favourably examine a successful citizen ' s initiative and outline any intention to make use of its right of initiative in response to it , within a period of four months .


### ' organiser ' means a natural or legal person or organisation responsible for the preparation and submission of a citizens ' initiative to the commission . ### ' organisers ' means natural persons forming a citizens´ committee responsible for the preparation and submission of a citizens ' initiative to the commission .


### where the organiser is a natural person , that person shall be a citizen of the union and be of the age to be entitled to vote in the european elections . ### organisers shall be citizens of the union and at least 16 years old .


### the identity of the person can be verified ; ### the fact that each person submits only one statement can be verified ;


### within 12 months following the entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall adopt technical specifications for the implementation of paragraph 4 , in accordance with the regulatory procedure laid down in article 19 . ### within the 12 months following the entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall undertake in conjunction with the european data protection supervisor an evaluation enabling it to adopt , where necessary , technical specifications for the implementation of paragraph 4 , in accordance with the regulatory procedure laid down in article 19 . the evaluation shall be forwarded to parliament , together with the proposals .


### the competent authorities shall , within a period that shall not exceed three months , verify the statements of support provided on the basis of appropriate checks , and deliver to the organiser a certificate in accordance with the model set out in annex vii , certifying the number of valid statements of support for that member state . ### the competent authorities shall , within a period that shall not exceed three months , verify the statements of support provided on the basis of sample checks , and deliver to the organiser a certificate in accordance with the model set out in annex vii , certifying the number of valid statements of support for that member state . the percentage of invalid signatures in the sample will be deducted from the overall number of statements of support . a certificate will only be issued if the remaining number of statements of support exceeds one million .


### examine the citizens ' initiative and , within 4 months , set out in a communication its conclusions on the initiative , the action it intends to take , if any , and its reasons for doing so . ### favourably examine the citizens ' initiative and , within 4 months , set out in a communication its conclusions on the initiative , the action it intends to take , if any , and its reasons for doing so .


### the commission may adopt , by means of delegated acts in accordance with articles 16 , 17 and 18 , amendments to the annexes of this regulation . ### the commission may adopt , by means of delegated acts in accordance with articles 16 , 17 and 18 , amendments to all the annexes to this regulation apart from annexes ii and iii .


### the delegated act may be published in the official journal of the european union and enter into force before the expiry of that period if the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission of their intention not to raise objections . ### the delegated act shall be published in the official journal of the european union and enter into force before the expiry of that period if the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission of their intention not to raise objections .


### the commission shall inform the other member states thereof . ### the commission shall inform the other member states and the european parliament thereof .


### active substances can , on basis of their intrinsic hazardous properties , be designated as candidates for substitution with other active substances , whenever such substances considered as efficient towards the targeted harmful organisms become available in sufficient variety to avoid the development of resistances amongst harmful organisms . in order to allow for a regular examination of substances identified as candidates for substitution , the inclusion period for these substances should not , even in the case of renewal , exceed ten years . furthermore , the identification of substances which are considered as candidates for substitution should be considered as a first step of a comparative assessment . ### active substances can , on basis of their intrinsic hazardous properties , be designated as candidates for substitution with other active substances , whenever such substances considered as efficient towards the targeted harmful organisms become available in sufficient variety to avoid the development of resistances amongst harmful organisms . in order to allow for a regular examination of substances identified as candidates for substitution , the inclusion period for these substances should not exceed five years , and in the case of renewal , not exceed seven years . furthermore , the identification of substances which are considered as candidates for substitution should be considered as a first step of a comparative assessment .


### an active substance shall be included in annex i for an initial period not exceeding 10 years if the biocidal products containing that active substance fulfil the conditions laid down in point of article 16 . ### an active substance shall be included in annex i for an initial period not exceeding 10 years if the biocidal products containing that active substance fulfil the conditions laid down in point of article 16 . an active substance referred to in article may only be included in annex i for an initial period of 5 years .


### the exposure of humans to that active substance in a biocidal product , under normal conditions of use , is negligible , in particular where the product is used in closed systems or strictly controlled conditions ; ### the exposure of humans to that active substance in a biocidal product , under normal conditions of use , is negligible , that is , the product is used in closed systems or in other conditions excluding contact with humans and where residues of the active substance do not exceed the limit of detection ;


### active substances identified under article 57 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 as having endocrine disrupting properties . ### active substances which , on the basis of the assessment of community or internationally agreed test guidelines or other available data and information , including a review of the scientific literature , reviewed by the agency , as having endocrine disrupting properties may cause adverse effect in humans , or identified under article 57 of regulation no 1907 / 2006 as having endocrine disrupting properties . until 13 december 2013 , the commission shall , by means of delegated acts in accordance with article 72 , adopt measures on specific scientific criteria for determining endocrine - disrupting properties . pending the adoption of these criteria , substances that are or have to be classified , in accordance with the provisions of regulation no 1272 / 2008 , as carcinogenic category 2 and toxic for reproduction category 2 , shall be considered to have endocrine - disrupting properties . in addition , substances such as those that are or have to be classified , in accordance with the provisions of regulation no 1272 / 2008 , as toxic for reproduction category 2 and which have toxic effects on the endocrine organs , may be considered to have such endocrine disrupting properties .


### a dossier for the active substance satisfying the requirements set out in annex ii ; ### a dossier for the active substance and its residues satisfying the requirements set out in annex ii ;


### the information is not necessary owing to the exposure associated with the proposed uses ; ### the information is not necessary as the relevant exposure can be excluded with the proposed uses ;


### if the evaluating competent authority considers that there are concerns with regard to the cumulative effects from the use of biocidal products containing the same active substance , it shall document its concerns in accordance with the requirements of the relevant parts of section ii . 3 of annex xv to regulation no 1907 / 2006 and include this as part of its conclusions . ### if the evaluating competent authority considers that there are concerns with regard to the cumulative effects from the use of biocidal products containing the same active substance , or different substances with similar or common effects on the same endpoints , whether by the same or different mechanism of action , it shall document its concerns in accordance with the requirements of the relevant parts of section ii . 3 of annex xv to regulation no 1907 / 2006 and include this as part of its conclusions .


### within nine months after the receipt of the conclusions of the evaluation , the agency shall prepare and submit to the commission an opinion on the inclusion of the active substance in annex i . ### within nine months after the receipt of the conclusions of the evaluation , the agency shall prepare and submit to the commission an opinion on the inclusion of the active substance in annex i having regard to the conclusions of the evaluating competent authority .


### by way of derogation from article 10 , the inclusion of an active substance in annex i that is considered as a candidate for substitution shall be renewed for a period not exceeding ten years . ### by way of derogation from article 10 , the inclusion of an active substance in annex i that is considered as a candidate for substitution shall be granted or renewed for a period not exceeding seven years .


### - contamination of surface waters , groundwater and drinking water , air and soil ; ### - contamination of surface waters , groundwater and drinking water , air and soil taking into account locations distant from its use following long - range environmental transportation ;


### it contains one or more active substances which have been classified in accordance with regulation no 1272 / 2008 as or which meets the criteria to be classified as one of the following : ### it contains one or more active substances which are a substance of concern or which have been classified in accordance with regulation no 1272 / 2008 as or which meets the criteria to be classified as one of the following :