### in order to facilitate customer mobility , it should be possible for consumers to terminate a framework contract after a year without incurring charges . for consumers , the period of notice agreed should be no longer than a month , and for payment service providers no shorter than two months . this directive should be without prejudice to the payment service provider’s obligation to terminate the payment service contract in exceptional circumstances under other relevant union or national legislation , such as legislation on money laundering and terrorist financing , any action targeting the freezing of funds , or any specific measure linked to the prevention and investigation of crimes . ### in order to facilitate customer mobility , it should be possible for consumers to terminate a framework contract without incurring charges . for consumers , the period of notice agreed should be no longer than a month , and for payment service providers no shorter than three months . this directive should be without prejudice to the payment service provider’s obligation to terminate the payment service contract in exceptional circumstances under other relevant union or national legislation , such as legislation on money laundering and terrorist financing , any action targeting the freezing of funds , or any specific measure linked to the prevention and investigation of crimes .


### in the case of unauthorized payment transactions the payer should be refunded immediately the amount of the respective transaction . in order to prevent the payer from any disadvantages , the credit value date of the refund should not be later than the date when the respective amount has been debited . in order to provide an incentive for the payment service user to notify , without undue delay , the provider of any theft or loss of a payment instrument and thus to reduce the risk of unauthorised payment transactions , the user should be liable only for a very limited amount , unless the payment service user has acted fraudulently or with gross negligence . in this context an amount of eur 50 seems to be adequate in order to ensure a harmonized and a high level user protection within the union . moreover , once users have notified a payment service provider that their payment instrument may have been compromised , the users should not be required to cover any further losses stemming from unauthorised use of that instrument . this directive should be without prejudice to the payment service providers’ responsibility for technical security of their own products . ### in the case of unauthorized payment transactions the payer should be refunded on the same day it has been made aware of the transactions the amount of the respective transaction . in order to prevent the payer from any disadvantages , the credit value date of the refund should not be later than the date when the respective amount has been debited . in order to provide an incentive for the payment service user to reduce the risk of unauthorised payment transactions from the payment service provider , the user should be liable only for a very limited amount , unless the payment service user has acted fraudulently . in this context an amount of eur 50 seems to be adequate in order to ensure a harmonized and a high level user protection within the union . this directive should be without prejudice to the payment service providers’ responsibility for technical security of their own products and choice of technical systems .


### the payer’s payment service provider should assume liability for correct payment execution , including , in particular the full amount of the payment transaction and execution time , and full responsibility for any failure by other parties in the payment chain up to the account of the payee . as a result of that liability the payment service provider of the payer should , where the full amount is not or only late credited to the payee’s payment service provider , correct the payment transaction or without undue delay refund to the payer the relevant amount of that transaction , without prejudice to any other claims which may be made in accordance with national law . due to the payment service provider’s liability , the payer or payee should not be burdened with any costs related to the incorrect payment . in case of non - execution , defective or late execution of payment transactions , member states should ensure that the value date of corrective payments of payment service providers is always the same as the value date in case of correct execution . ### the payer’s payment service provider should assume liability for correct payment execution , including , in particular the full amount of the payment transaction and execution time , and full responsibility for any failure by other parties in the payment chain up to the account of the payee . as a result of that liability the payment service provider of the payer should , where the full amount is not or only late credited to the payee’s payment service provider , correct the payment transaction or without undue delay refund to the payer the same day as the payment service provider became aware of the error , the relevant amount of that transaction , without prejudice to any other claims which may be made in accordance with national law . due to the payment service provider’s liability , the payer or payee should not be burdened with any costs related to the incorrect payment . in case of non - execution , defective or late execution of payment transactions , member states should ensure that the value date of corrective payments of payment service providers is always the same as the value date in case of correct execution . opponents of unconditional refund stress a risk of abuse by consumers . there is no evidence from countries where consumers enjoy an unconditional refund , the right is abused . if abused it would be penalised as renewed payment claim by the payee , extra costs paid by the party which has caused this r - transaction , the consumer being blacklisted or banned to use the service by cancellation of the underlying contract , and a recall of a payment would not relieve the duty to pay for the consumed goods .


### the competent authorities of the different member states shall cooperate with each other and , where appropriate , with the european central bank and the national central banks of the member states , eba and other relevant competent authorities designated under union or national legislation applicable to payment service providers . ### the competent authorities of the different member states shall cooperate with each other and , where appropriate , with the european central bank and the national central banks of the member states , eba and other relevant competent authorities designated under union or national legislation applicable to payment service providers . in case these authorities are processing personal data , they should specify for which precise purpose and mention the appropriate union legal basis .


### the competent authorities shall provide each other with all essential and / or relevant information , in particular in the case of infringements or suspected infringements by an agent , a branch or an entity to which activities are outsourced . in this regard , the competent authorities shall communicate , upon request , all relevant information and , on their own initiative , all essential information . ### the competent authorities shall provide each other with all essential and / or relevant information , in particular in the case of infringements or suspected infringements by an agent , a branch or an entity to which activities are outsourced . in this regard , the competent authorities shall communicate , upon request , all relevant information and , on their own initiative , all essential information . in case of retention of personal data , the storage of personal data by competent authorities shall not exceed ten years . in any event , the storage of personal data shall comply with directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### eba shall issue guidelines addressed to competent authorities in accordance with article 16 of regulation no 1093 / 2010 on the elements to be taken into consideration when deciding whether the activity the payment institution notified intends to provide in another member state under paragraph 1 of this article would amount to the exercise of the right of establishment or freedom to provide services . those guidelines shall be issued by [ …within two years of the date of entry into force of this directive ] . ### eba shall issue guidelines addressed to competent authorities in accordance with article 16 of regulation no 1093 / 2010 on the elements to be taken into consideration when deciding whether the activity the payment institution notified intends to provide in another member state under paragraph 1 of this article would amount to the exercise of the right of establishment or freedom to provide services . those guidelines shall be issued by [ …within 12 months of the date of entry into force of this directive ] .


### member states may stipulate that the burden of proof shall lie with the payment service provider to prove that it has complied with the information requirements set out in this title . ### member states shall state the burden of proof to lie with the payment service provider to prove that it has complied with the information requirements set out in this title .


### where a third party payment service provider , at the request of the payer , initiates a payment order , it shall provide or make available to the payer and , where applicable , the payee , immediately after initiation , the following data : ### where a third party payment service provider , at the request of the payer , initiates a payment order , it shall provide or make available to the payer and , where applicable , the payee , immediately after initiation , the following data in a clear and non - ambiguous manner :


### consent to execute a payment transaction or a series of payment transactions shall be given in the form agreed between the payer and the payment service provider . consent may also be given directly or indirectly via the payee . consent to execute a payment transaction shall also be considered given where the payer authorises a third party payment service provider to initiate the payment transaction with the account servicing payment service provider . ### consent to execute a payment transaction or a series of payment transactions shall be given in the form agreed between the payee and the payment service provider .


### to ensure that the personalised security features of the payment service user are not accessible to other parties ; ### to ensure that the third - party payment provider or other parties do not access the personalised security features of the payment service user


### member states shall ensure that adequate and effective out - of - court complaint and redress procedures for the settlement of disputes between payment service users and payment service providers concerning the rights and obligations arising under this directive are established according to the relevant national and union legislation , using existing bodies where appropriate . member states shall ensure that such procedures are applicable to payment service providers and that they also cover the activities of appointed representatives . ### member states shall ensure that independent , adequate and effective out - of - court complaint and redress procedures for the settlement of disputes between payment service users and payment service providers concerning the rights and obligations arising under this directive are established according to the relevant national and union legislation , using existing bodies where appropriate . member states shall ensure that such procedures are applicable to payment service providers and that they also cover the activities of appointed representatives .


### delegated acts ### delegated acts and technical standards


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that the assistance from the eafrd and the member states is consistent with the activities , policies and priorities of the union . the assistance of the eafrd shall be consistent with the objectives of economic and social cohesion and those of the union support instrument for fisheries in particular . in order to ensure that eafrd assistance is also consistent with other support instruments of the union , the commission may , by means of delegated acts , lay down the specific union measures with which such consistency is to be ensured . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure that the assistance from the eafrd and the member states is consistent with the activities , policies and priorities of the union . the assistance of the eafrd shall be consistent with the objectives of economic , social and territorial cohesion and those of the union support instrument for fisheries in particular . in order to ensure that eafrd assistance is also consistent with other support instruments of the union , the commission may , by means of delegated acts , lay down the specific union measures with which such consistency is to be ensured .


### the civil protection mechanism constitutes a visible expression of european solidarity by ensuring a practical and timely contribution to prevention of and preparedness for disasters and the response to major disasters and imminence thereof . this decision should therefore not affect the reciprocal rights and obligations of the member states under bilateral or multilateral treaties , which relate to the matters covered by this decision , nor member states ' responsibility to protect people , the environment and property on their territory . ### the civil protection mechanism constitutes a visible expression of european solidarity by ensuring a practical and timely contribution to consistent prevention of and preparedness for disasters and the response to major disasters and imminence thereof . this decision should therefore not affect the reciprocal rights and obligations of the member states under bilateral or multilateral treaties , which relate to the matters covered by this decision , nor member states ' responsibility to protect people , the environment and property on their territory .


### the union civil protection mechanism shall aim to support , coordinate and supplement the actions of the member states in the field of civil protection in improving the effectiveness of systems for preventing , preparing for and responding to natural and man - made disasters . ### the union civil protection mechanism shall aim to support , coordinate and supplement the actions in the member states in the field of civil protection in improving the effectiveness of systems for preventing , preparing for and responding to natural and man - made disasters .


### the mechanism shall not affect member states ' responsibility to protect people , the environment and property on their territory against disasters and endowing their emergency management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to cope adequately with disasters of a magnitude and nature that can reasonably be expected and prepared for . ### the mechanism shall not affect member states ' responsibility to protect people , the environment and property on their territory against disasters and endowing their emergency management systems with sufficient capabilities and resources to enable them to cope adequately and in a consistent manner with disasters of a magnitude and nature that can reasonably be expected and prepared for .


### to achieve a high level of protection against disasters by preventing or reducing their effects and by fostering a culture of prevention ; ### to achieve a high level of protection against disasters by preventing or reducing their effects , by fostering a culture of prevention and by improving cooperation between civil protection and other competent services ;


### progress in improving the response to disasters measured by the speed and degree of coordination of interventions under the mechanism and the adequacy of assistance provided to the needs on the ground . ### progress in improving the response to disasters measured by the speed and degree of coordination of interventions and services under the mechanism and the adequacy of assistance provided to the needs on the ground .


### take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , best practices and information ; ### take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge , best practices and information , both at european level and among member states at macro - or subregional level , where territories face similar disaster risks ;


### raise awareness about the importance of risk prevention and support member states in public information , education and awareness - raising ; ### raise awareness about the importance of risk prevention and support member states and regional and local authorities in public information , education and awareness - raising ;


### member states shall identify and map key existing capacities that could be made available for the response under the mechanism to these scenarios and inform the commission thereof ; ### member states , in cooperation with their regions , shall identify and map key existing capacities that could be made available for the response under the mechanism to these scenarios and inform the commission thereof ;


### setting up a programme of lessons learned from the interventions , exercises and trainings conducted within the framework of the mechanism , including relevant prevention , preparedness and response aspects , disseminating these lessons and implementing them as appropriate ; ### setting up a programme of lessons learned from the interventions inside and outside the union , exercises and trainings conducted within the framework of the mechanism , including relevant prevention , preparedness and response aspects , disseminating these lessons and implementing them as appropriate ;


### public information , education and awareness raising and associated dissemination actions , so as to minimise the effects of disasters on union citizens and to help union citizens to protect themselves more effectively ; ### public information , education and awareness raising and associated dissemination actions , so as to minimise the effects of disasters on union citizens and to help union citizens to protect themselves more effectively and in a sustainable manner ;


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 121 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 121 , 148 and 148 thereof ,


### as part of multilateral surveillance in accordance with article 121 of the treaty , the council shall monitor the implementation of convergence programmes , on the basis of information provided by member states with a derogation and of assessments by the commission and the economic and financial committee , in particular with a view to identifying actual or expected significant divergences of the budgetary position from the medium - term budgetary objective , or from the appropriate adjustment path towards it , ensuing from deviations from prudent fiscal - policy making . ### as part of multilateral surveillance in accordance with article 121 of the treaty , the council shall monitor the implementation of convergence programmes , on the basis of information provided by member states with a derogation and of assessments by the commission and the economic and financial committee , in particular with a view to identifying actual or expected significant divergences of the budgetary position from the medium - term budgetary objective , or from the appropriate adjustment path towards it , ensuing from deviations from sustainable fiscal - policy making .


### transported , except for the transportation of species to facilities for eradication ; ### transported , except for the transportation of species to facilities for destruction , or in the case of vertebrates , humane euthanasia ;


### regulatory measures to minimise contamination by invasive alien species of goods and commodities , and any vehicle and equipment , including measures tackling transport of invasive alien species from third countries ; ### regulatory measures to minimise the risk of introduction of invasive alien species as unwanted travellers in the transport of goods and commodities , and in the movement of vehicles and equipment , from third countries ;


### regulatory measures to ensure appropriate checks at the union borders , other than the official controls pursuant to article 13 ; ### regulatory measures to ensure appropriate border checks ;


### by [ 18 months from the date of entry into force of this regulation &#8211 ; date to be inserted ] at the latest , member states shall have an official surveillance system in place which collects and records data on the occurrence in the environment of invasive alien species by survey , monitoring or other procedures to prevent the spread of invasive alien species into the union . ### by [ 18 months from the date of entry into force of this regulation &#8211 ; date to be inserted ] at the latest , member states shall have an official surveillance system in place which collects and records data on the occurrence in the environment of invasive alien species by survey , monitoring or other procedures to confirm the absence , detect the first arrival or prevent the spread of invasive alien species into the union .


### ' electronic identification ' means the process of using person identification data in electronic form unambiguously representing a natural or legal person ; ### ' electronic identification ' means the process of using person identification data in electronic form unambiguously representing a natural or legal person or a pseudonym thereof ;


### article 174 of the treaty provides that the union should develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic , social and territorial cohesion . the cohesion fund should therefore provide a financial contribution to projects in the field of the environment and to trans - european networks in the area of transport infrastructure . ### article 174 of the treaty provides that the union should develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic , social and territorial cohesion . the cohesion fund should therefore provide a financial contribution to projects with a european added value in the field of the environment and to trans - european networks in the area of transport infrastructure .


### in order to address the specific needs of the cohesion fund , and in line with the europe 2020 strategy that cohesion policy should support the need to deliver smart , sustainable and inclusive growth11 , it is necessary to set out investment priorities within the scope of the thematic objectives laid down in regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] . ### in order to address the specific needs of the cohesion fund , and in line with the europe 2020 strategy that cohesion policy should support the principle of territorial cohesion and the need to deliver smart , sustainable and inclusive growth11 while minimising external costs , it is necessary to set out investment priorities within the scope of the thematic objectives laid down in regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] .


### in accordance with article 16 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , the cohesion fund shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] : ### in accordance with article 16 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] , the cohesion fund shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in paragraphs , , , and of article 9 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] listed accordingly below in , , , and :


### promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in small and medium - sized enterprises ; ### promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use exclusively in small and medium - sized enterprises and micro - enterprises ;


### promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### promoting low - carbon strategies for regional , local , rural and urban areas , particularly as regards sustainable intermodal transport and mobility ;


### supporting dedicated investment for adaptation to climate change ; ### supporting dedicated investment for eco - system based adaptation to climate change ;


### addressing the significant needs for investment in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquit ; ### addressing the significant needs for investment in the waste sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis , with a priority on activities higher up the waste hierarchy such as waste prevention and increasing re - use and recycling capacities ;


### addressing the significant needs for investment in the water sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis ; ### addressing the significant needs for investment in the water sector to meet the requirements of the union ' s environmental acquis and to promote a healthy affordable water for all , as well as the reduction of leakage in the water distribution network , re - use of grey water and collection of rain water ;


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures , by : ### promoting intermodal sustainable transport and mobility while focusing on improving existing infrastructure , removing rail bottlenecks in key network infrastructures and filling in missing border links , by :


### supporting a multi - modal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network ; ### supporting the integration of the new member states into a multi - modal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network , while focusing on the efficiency of existing infrastructure in the short term and avoiding the reliance on the long term realisation of very large projects ;


### supporting a multi - modal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network ; ### supporting a sustainable , safe and efficient co - modal single european transport area by investing in the trans - european transport network while focusing on the integration of the member states which acceded to the european union on or after 1 may 2004 and their infrastructure needs based on solidarity and territorial cohesion ;


### developing comprehensive , high quality and interoperable railway systems ; ### promoting optimum traffic development by implementing intelligent and accessible transport systems , such as developing comprehensive , high - quality and interoperable railway systems while in particular deploying ertms and reducing rail freight noise at the source ; supporting environment - friendly bus services and sustainable waterborne transport ;


### enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient public administration by strengthening of institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services related to implementation of the cohesion fund . ### enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient and participative public administration by strengthening of institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations and public services , and promoting capacity building for social partners , non - governmental organisations , regional and local authorities and other stakeholders , in particular the partners referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 , related to the implementation of the cohesion fund .


### for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , and shall be expressed in both quantitative and qualitative terms .


### the eit has been set up precisely to this end – to contribute to sustainable economic growth and competitiveness by reinforcing the innovation capacity of the union and its member states . by fully integrating the knowledge triangle of higher education , research and innovation , the institute will strongly contribute to tackling societal challenges under horizon 2020 and bring about systemic change in the way european innovation players collaborate . ### the eit has been set up precisely to this end – to contribute to sustainable economic growth and competitiveness by reinforcing the innovation capacity of the union and its member states . by fully integrating the knowledge triangle of higher education , research and innovation , the institute will strongly contribute to tackling societal challenges under horizon 2020 and bring about systemic change in the way european players collaborate in open and inclusive innovation models .


### the eit will strongly contribute to the objectives set out in horizon 2020 , in particular by addressing societal challenges in a complementary way to other initiatives in these areas . within horizon 2020 , the eit will be part of the ‘ tackling societal challenges’ objective but following the approach of seamless interaction across objectives , it will also contribute to ‘ industrial leadership and competitive frameworks’ by stimulating results - driven research and fostering the creation of high growth innovative smes . finally , it will contribute to the creation of an ‘ excellent science base’ by fostering mobility across boundaries – of disciplines , sectors and countries – and by embedding entrepreneurship and a risk - taking culture in innovative post - graduates degrees . the eit will thereby significantly contribute to promoting the framework conditions that are needed to realise the innovative potential of eu research and to promote the completion of the european research area . ### the eit will strongly contribute to the objectives set out in horizon 2020 , in particular by addressing societal challenges in a complementary way to other initiatives in these areas . within horizon 2020 , the eit will be part of the ‘ tackling societal challenges’ objective but following the approach of seamless interaction across objectives , it will also contribute to ‘ industrial leadership and competitive frameworks’ by stimulating results - driven research and fostering the creation of open and inclusive innovation models among high growth innovative smes . finally , it will contribute to the creation of an ‘ excellent science base’ by fostering mobility across boundaries – of disciplines , sectors and countries – and by embedding entrepreneurship and a risk - taking culture in innovative post - graduates degrees . the eit will thereby significantly contribute to promoting the framework conditions that are needed to realise the innovative potential of eu research and to promote the completion of the european research area .


### the reasons for putting research , education and innovation at centre stage are straightforward . in a context of increasing global competition and facing a demographic challenge at home , europe ' s future economic growth and jobs will increasingly come from innovation breakthroughs in products , services and business models as well as from its ability to nurture , attract and retain talent . while there are individual success stories across europe , eu member states on average underperform in comparison with global innovation leaders . moreover , the eu is facing increased competition for talent from new centres of excellence in emerging economies . ### the reasons for putting research , education and innovation at centre stage are straightforward . in a context of increasing global competition and facing a demographic challenge at home , europe ' s future economic growth and jobs will increasingly come from innovation breakthroughs in products , services and business models as well as from its ability to nurture , attract and retain talent , and the ability for citizens to use , adopt and apply these innovations . while there are individual success stories across europe , eu member states on average underperform in comparison with global innovation leaders . moreover , the eu is facing increased competition for talent from new centres of excellence in emerging economies .


### a genuine change in our innovation systems and paradigms is therefore necessary . still too often , excellence in higher education , research and innovation , while clearly existing across the eu , remains fragmented . europe needs to overcome this lack of strategic co - operation across boundaries – countries , sectors and disciplines . moreover , europe needs to embrace a true entrepreneurial culture , which is essential for capturing the value of research and innovation , for setting - up new ventures and actual market deployment of innovations in potential high - growth sectors . europe needs to foster the role of higher education institutions as engines of innovation , as talented people need to be equipped with the right skills , knowledge and attitudes in order to drive innovation forward . ### a genuine change in our innovation systems and paradigms is therefore necessary . still too often , excellence in higher education , research and innovation , while clearly existing across the eu , remains fragmented . europe needs to overcome this lack of strategic co - operation across boundaries – countries , sectors and disciplines . moreover , europe has a strong , open and true entrepreneurial culture , with a considerable diversity of small and medium - sized enterprises , which is essential to nurture and help to capture the value of research and innovation , to set up new ventures and to achieve actual market deployment of innovations in potential high - growth sectors . europe needs to foster the role of higher education institutions as engines of innovation , as talented people need to be equipped with the right skills , knowledge and attitudes in order to drive innovation forward .


### in the future , the eit must work to make the kic experience understandable and replicable and build it into a culture that can act as a role model in europe and beyond . by identifying , analysing and sharing good practices , as well as new governance and funding models from the kics , the eit seeks to ensure that knowledge generated within the eit and its kics is disseminated and capitalised upon for the benefit of people and institutions , including those not directly participating in the kics . ### in the future , the eit must work to make the kic experience understandable and replicable and build it into a culture that can act as a role model in europe and beyond . by identifying , analysing and sharing good practices , as well as new governance and funding models from the kics , the eit seeks to ensure that knowledge generated within the eit and its kics is disseminated and capitalised upon for the benefit of the general public , private entities and the institutions , including those not directly participating in the kics .


### the sound level measured in accordance with the provisions of annex ii shall not exceed the limits set out in annex iii . ### the sound level measured in accordance with the provisions of annex ii shall be reduced by 4 db compared to the existing sound level limits within 4 years of the entry into force of this regulation and shall not exceed the limits set out in annex iii .


### in the application for type - approval , the manufacturer shall provide a statement , established in accordance with the model set out in appendix 1 of annex viii , that the vehicle type to be approved complies with the requirements of article 8 and 8 . ### in the application for type - approval , the manufacturer shall provide a statement , supported by measurements where appropriate , established in accordance with the model set out in appendix 1 of annex viii , that the vehicle type to be approved complies with the requirements of article 8 .


### 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 within the meaning of 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 that initiative and of all possible judicial and extrajudicial remedies available to them . 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 .


### 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 online as well as in paper form . online collection systems should have adequate security features in place in order to ensure , inter alia , that the person signs only once and that the data are securely stored . the detailed technical specifications should be worked out at an expert level and should be regularly adapted to technical developments ; the power to adopt detailed technical specifications for online collection systems should therefore be delegated to the commission .


### prior to initiating the collection of statements of support from signatories for a proposed citizens ' initiative , the organiser shall be required to register it with the commission , providing the information set out in annex ii , in particular on the subject - matter and objectives as well as on the sources of funding and support for the proposed citizens ' initiative . this information shall be provided in one of the official languages of the union , in an online register made available for that purpose by the commission . ### prior to initiating the collection of statements of support from signatories for a proposed citizens ' initiative , the organisers shall be required to register it with the commission , providing the information set out in annex ii , in particular on the subject - matter and objectives of the proposed citizens ' initiative . the organisers shall provide , for the register defined in the third subparagraph and where appropriate on their website , regularly updated information on the sources of support and funding for the initiative . this information shall be provided in one or more official languages of the union , in an online register made available for that purpose by the commission . information in an official language other the language in which it was originally provided may be provided subsequently for entry in the register . the translation of the initiative into other official languages of the union shall be the responsibility of the organisers .


### proposed citizens ' initiatives which can be reasonably regarded as improper because they are abusive or devoid of seriousness will not be registered . ### the commission shall register a proposed initiative within two months from its receipt when the following conditions are fulfilled : the citizens ' committee has been formed and the contact persons have been designated ; there are no manifest , significant inconsistencies between the linguistic versions of the title , subject - matter and objectives of the proposed initiative ; the initiative does not manifestly fall outside the scope of the commission’s power under the treaties to submit a proposal for the requested legal act ; the proposed initiative is not manifestly abusive , frivolous or vexatious ; the proposed initiative is not manifestly contrary to the values of the union as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union .


### 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 appropriate checks , and deliver to the organisers a certificate in accordance with the model set out in annex vii , certifying the number of valid statements of support for that member state . for the purpose of verifying statements of support , the competent authorities shall check that the person is eligible to sign and has signed only once . the authentication of signatures shall not be required .


### where the commission receives a citizens ' initiative in accordance with article 10 it shall : publish the citizens ' initiative without delay on its website ; b . 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 . ### where the commission receives a citizens ' initiative in accordance with article 10 it shall : publish the citizens ' initiative without delay on its website ; b . examine the citizens ' initiative , receive the organisers of the initiative at an appropriate level and , within three months , set out in a communication its initial conclusions on the initiative ; c . organise a public hearing jointly with the european parliament through its committee responsible , at which the commission shall be represented at commissioner or director - general level and at which the organisers shall have the opportunity to explain in detail the matters raised by the initiative ; d . present a legislative proposal within one year or include that proposal in its next year ' s work programme . if the commission does not present such a proposal it shall give the organisers as well as the european parliament and the council detailed explanations of its reasons for not acting on the initiative .


### the competent authority shall destroy all statements of support and copies thereof that it has received for the purpose of carrying out the verification in accordance with article 9 , at the latest one month after issuing the certificate referred to therein . ### the competent authority shall destroy all statements of support and copies thereof that it has received for the purpose of carrying out the verification in accordance with article 9 , at the latest two months after issuing the certificate referred to therein . in the event of litigation , they shall be destroyed one month after the conclusion of the litigation .


### the european parliament and the council may object to the delegated act within a period of two months from the date of notification . at the initiative of the european parliament or the council this period shall be extended by one month . ### the european parliament or the council may object to the delegated act within a period of two months from the date of notification . at the initiative of the european parliament or the council that period shall be extended by two months .


### five years after the entry into force of this regulation , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the implementation of this regulation . ### three years after the entry into force of this regulation , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall present a report to the european parliament and the council on the implementation of this regulation , with special emphasis on online collection systems and the application of transparency requirements concerning support and funding for initiatives , together , if appropriate , with a legislative proposal for amendment of this regulation .


### it is appropriate to establish and update a union list of vitamins , minerals , amino acids and other substances that may be added to infant formula , follow - on formula , processed cereal - based food and baby food , and food for special medical purposes , subject to certain criteria laid down in this regulation . given the fact that the adoption of the list implies the application of criteria set out in this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission in that respect . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . the commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts updating the union list , where , in duly justified cases relating to public health , imperative grounds of urgency so require . ### it is appropriate to establish and update a union list of vitamins , minerals , amino acids and other substances that may be added to infant formula , follow - on formula , processed cereal - based food and baby food , and food for special medical purposes , subject to certain criteria laid down in this regulation . given the fact that the adoption and updating of the list is a measure of general application to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of the legislative act , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in that respect . the commission should adopt immediately applicable delegated acts updating the union list , where , in duly justified cases relating to public health , imperative grounds of urgency so require .


### no later than [ 2 years after the date of the entry into force of this regulation ] , the commission shall establish and subsequently update a union list of permitted substances that meet the conditions of paragraph 1 , by means of implementing regulations . the entry of a substance in the union list shall include a specification of the substance , and , where appropriate , specify the conditions of use and the applicable purity criteria . those implementing regulations shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 14 . on duly justified grounds of extreme urgency relating to emerging health risks , the commission shall adopt immediately applicable implementing acts updating the union list in accordance with article 14 . ### no later than [ 2 years after the date of the entry into force of this regulation ] , the commission shall establish and subsequently update a union list of permitted substances that meet the conditions of paragraph 1 , by means of delegated acts . the entry of a substance in the union list shall include a specification of the substance , and , where appropriate , specify the conditions of use and the applicable purity criteria . those delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 15 . on duly justified grounds of extreme urgency relating to emerging health risks , the commission shall adopt immediately applicable delegated acts updating the union list in accordance with article 16 .


### when a substance is already included in the union list and there is a significant change in the production methods , or there is a change in particle size , for example through nanotechnology , the substance prepared by those new methods shall be considered as different substance and the union list shall be modified accordingly before it can be placed on the union market . ### when a substance is already included in the union list and there is a significant change in the production methods , or there is a change in particle size , for example through nanotechnology , the substance prepared by those new methods or with a change in particle size shall be considered as different substance which is not included in the list and which shall require a separate application .


### the commission , the authority and the member states shall , in accordance with regulation no 1049 / 2001 , take the necessary measures to ensure appropriate confidentiality of the information received by them under this regulation , except for information which must be made public if circumstances so require in order to protect human health , animal health or the environment . ### the commission , the authority and the member states shall , in accordance with regulation no 1049 / 2001 , take the necessary measures to ensure transparency regarding the information received by them under this regulation , e . g . in order to protect human health , animal health or the environment . measures to ensure confidentiality of the information received can be taken in the exceptional cases laid down in regulation no 1049 / 2001 .


### the european banking authority should act with a view to improving the functioning of the internal market , including in particular by ensuring a high , effective and consistent level of regulation and supervision taking account of the varying interests of all member states , to protect depositors and investors , to ensure the integrity , efficiency and orderly functioning of financial markets , to safeguard the stability of the financial system , and to strengthen international supervisory coordination , for the benefit of the economy at large , including financial institutions and other stakeholders , consumers and employees . in order to be able to fulfil its objectives , it is necessary and appropriate that the authority should be a community body having legal personality and it should have legal , administrative and financial autonomy . ### the european banking authority should act with a view to improving the functioning of the internal market , including in particular by ensuring a high , effective and consistent level of regulation and supervision taking account of the varying interests of all member states to prevent regulatory arbitrage and guarantee a level playing field , to protect depositors and investors , to ensure the integrity , efficiency and orderly functioning of financial markets , to safeguard the stability of the financial system , and to strengthen international supervisory coordination , for the benefit of the economy at large , while taking account of the need to enhance competition and innovation within the internal market and to ensure global competitiveness , including financial institutions and other stakeholders , consumers and employees . its tasks also include promoting supervisory convergence and providing advice to the eu institutions in the areas of banking , payments , e - money regulation and supervision , and related corporate governance , auditing and financial reporting issues . in order to be able to fulfil its objectives , it is necessary and appropriate that the authority should be a community body having legal personality and it should have legal , administrative and financial autonomy .


### the delegation of tasks and responsibilities can be a useful instrument in the functioning of the network of supervisors in order to reduce the duplication of supervisory tasks , foster cooperation and thereby streamline the supervisory process as well as reduce the burden imposed on financial institutions . the regulation should therefore provide a clear legal basis for such delegation . delegation of tasks means that tasks are carried out by another supervisory authority instead of the responsible authority , while the responsibility for supervisory decisions remains with the delegating authority . by delegation of responsibilities one national supervisory authority , the delegatee , shall be able to decide upon a certain supervisory matter in its name in lieu of another national supervisory authority . delegations should be governed by the principle of allocating supervisory competence to a supervisor which is well placed to take action in the subject matter . a reallocation of responsibilities can be appropriate for example for reasons of economies of scale or scope , of coherence in group supervision , and of optimal use of technical expertise among national supervisory authorities . relevant community legislation may further specify the principles for reallocation of responsibilities upon agreement . the authority should facilitate delegation agreements between national supervisory authorities by all appropriate means . it should be informed in advance of intended delegation agreements to be able to express an opinion where appropriate . it should centralise the publication of such agreements to ensure timely , transparent and easily accessible information about agreements for all parties concerned . ### the delegation of tasks and responsibilities can be a useful instrument in the functioning of the network of supervisors in order to reduce the duplication of supervisory tasks , foster cooperation and thereby streamline the supervisory process as well as reduce the burden imposed on financial institutions . the regulation should therefore provide a clear legal basis for such delegation . delegation of tasks means that tasks are carried out by another supervisory authority instead of the responsible authority , while the responsibility for supervisory decisions remains with the delegating authority . by delegation of responsibilities one national supervisory authority , the delegatee , shall be able to decide upon a certain supervisory matter in its name in lieu of the authority or in lieu of another national supervisory authority . delegations should be governed by the principle of allocating supervisory competence to a supervisor which is well placed to take action in the subject matter . a reallocation of responsibilities can be appropriate for example for reasons of economies of scale or scope , of coherence in group supervision , and of optimal use of technical expertise among national supervisory authorities . relevant community legislation may further specify the principles for reallocation of responsibilities upon agreement . the authority should facilitate delegation agreements between national supervisory authorities by all appropriate means . it should be informed in advance of intended delegation agreements to be able to express an opinion where appropriate . it should centralise the publication of such agreements to ensure timely , transparent and easily accessible information about agreements for all parties concerned .


### close cooperation between the authority and the european systemic risk board is essential to give full effectiveness to the functioning of the european systemic risk board and the follow - up to its warnings and recommendations . the authority should share any relevant information with the european systemic risk board . data related to individual undertakings should be provided only upon reasoned request . upon receipt of warnings or recommendations addressed by the european systemic risk board to the authority or a national supervisory authority , the authority should ensure follow - up . ### close cooperation between the authority and the european systemic risk board is essential to give full effectiveness to the functioning of the european systemic risk board and the follow - up to its warnings and recommendations . the authority and the european systemic risk board should share any relevant information with the european systemic risk board . data related to individual undertakings should be provided only upon reasoned request . upon receipt of warnings or recommendations addressed by the european systemic risk board to the authority or a national supervisory authority , the authority should ensure follow - up as appropriate .


### where appropriate , the authority should consult interested parties on technical standards , guidelines and recommendations and provide them with a reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed measures . for reasons of efficiency , a banking stakeholder group should be established for that purpose , representing in balanced proportions community credit and investment institutions , their employees , and consumers and other retail users of banking services , including smes . the banking stakeholder group should actively work as an interface with other user groups in the financial services area established by the commission or community legislation . ### the authority should consult interested parties on technical standards , guidelines and recommendations and provide them with a reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed measures . before adopting draft technical standards , guidelines and recommendations the authority should carry out an impact study . for reasons of efficiency , a banking stakeholder group should be established for that purpose , representing in balanced proportions community credit and investment institutions , trade unions , academics and consumers and other retail users of banking services , including smes . the banking stakeholder group should actively work as an interface with other user groups in the financial services area established by the commission or by eu legislation .


### a full time chairperson , selected by the board of supervisors through an open competition , should represent the authority . the management of the authority should be entrusted to an executive director , who should have the right to participate in meetings of the board of supervisors and the management board without the right to vote . ### a full time chairperson , selected by the european parliament following an open competition managed by the commission and the subsequent drawing up of a short list by the commission , should represent the authority . the management of the authority should be entrusted to an executive director , who should have the right to participate in meetings of the board of supervisors and the management board without the right to vote .


### in order to ensure cross - sectoral consistency in the activities of the european supervisory authorities , those authorities should coordinate closely in a joint committee of european supervisory authorities and reach common positions where appropriate . the joint committee of european supervisory authorities should assume all of the functions of the joint committee on financial conglomerates . where relevant , acts also falling within the area of competence of the european insurance and occupational pensions authority or the european securities and markets authority should be adopted in parallel by the european supervisory authorities concerned . ### in order to ensure cross - sectoral consistency in the activities of the european supervisory authorities , those authorities should coordinate closely through the european supervisory authorities and reach common positions where appropriate . the joint committee should coordinate the functions of the three european supervisory authorities in relation to financial conglomerates . where relevant , acts also falling within the area of competence of the european supervisory authority or the european supervisory authority should be adopted in parallel by the european supervisory authorities concerned . the joint committee will be chaired on a yearly revolving basis by the chairpersons of the three european supervisory authorities . the chairperson of the joint committee should be a vice - chair of the european systemic risk board . the joint committee will have a permanent secretariat , staffed on secondment from the three european supervisory authorities , to allow for informal information sharing and the development of a common cultural approach across the three european supervisory authorities .


### . ### where the addressee of the decision refuses to comply with union law or a specific decision taken by the authority , the authority may issue proceedings in the national courts , including applications for interim relief .


### where the commission has adopted a decision pursuant to paragraph 1 , the authority may adopt individual decisions requiring competent authorities to take the necessary action in accordance with the legislation referred to in article 1 to address any risks that may jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system by ensuring that financial institutions and competent authorities satisfy the requirements laid down in that legislation . ### where the esrb has adopted a decision pursuant to paragraph 1 , the authority may adopt individual decisions requiring competent authorities to take the necessary action in accordance with this regulation and the legislation referred to in article 1 to address any risks that may jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system by ensuring that financial market participants and competent authorities satisfy the requirements laid down in that legislation .


### the authority shall monitor and assess market developments in the area of its competence and , where necessary , inform the european insurance and occupational pensions authority , the european securities and markets authority , the esrb and the european parliament , the council and the commission about the relevant micro - prudential trends , potential risks and vulnerabilities . ### the authority shall monitor and assess market developments in the area of its competence and , where necessary , inform the european supervisory authority , the european supervisory authority , the esrb and the european parliament , the council and the commission about the relevant micro - prudential trends , potential risks and vulnerabilities .


### for the purpose of consultation with stakeholders in areas relevant to the tasks of the authority , a banking stakeholder group shall be established . ### for the purpose of consultation with stakeholders in areas relevant to the tasks of the authority , a banking stakeholder group shall be established . the stakeholder group shall be consulted on all relevant decisions and actions of the authority . if case of urgency immediate consultation is impossible , the stakeholder group has to be informed about the decision as quick as possible .


### the authority shall contribute adequate resources to the administrative support of the joint committee of european supervisory authorities . this includes staff , administrative , infrastructure , and operational expenses . ### the joint committee shall have a permanent secretariat , staffed on secondment from the three european supervisory authorities . the authority shall contribute adequate resources to administrative , infrastructure and operational expenses .


### the joint committee shall be composed of the chairperson and the chairpersons of the european insurance and occupational pensions authority and the european securities and markets authority , and , where applicable , the chairperson of a sub - committee established under article 43 . ### the joint committee shall have a board composed of the chairpersons of the european supervisory authorities , and , where applicable , the chairperson of a sub - committee established under article 43 .


### where information is not commercially sensitive , the agency should be able to make that information available to market participants and the wider public . such transparency can help build confidence in the market and help the development of knowledge about the functioning of wholesale energy markets . ### where information is not commercially sensitive , or can be published in an aggregated and anonymised format , the agency should make that information available to market participants and the wider public . such transparency will help building confidence in the market and foster the development of knowledge about the functioning of wholesale energy markets .


### the agency shall monitor trading activity in wholesale energy products to detect and prevent trading based on inside information and market manipulation . it shall collect the data for assessing and monitoring wholesale energy markets as provided for in article 7 . ### the agency shall monitor trading activity in wholesale energy products , emission allowance certificates and oil and coal markets to detect and prevent trading based on inside information and market manipulation as well as to analyse links between such trading and the events occurring in the related energy product markets . it shall collect the data for assessing and monitoring wholesale energy markets as provided for in article 7 .


### national regulatory authorities shall ensure that the prohibitions set out in articles 3 and 4 are applied . ### national regulatory authorities shall ensure with the support of the agency that the prohibitions set out in articles 3 and 4 are applied .


### each member state shall ensure that national regulatory authorities have the investigatory powers necessary for the exercise of this function . these powers shall be exercised in a proportionate manner . these powers may be exercised : ### each member state shall ensure that national regulatory authorities have the investigatory powers necessary for the exercise of this function with the support of the agency . these powers shall be exercised in a proportionate manner . these powers may be exercised :


### where a national regulatory authority suspects that acts which affect wholesale energy markets or the price of wholesale energy products in that member state are being carried out in another member state , it may request the agency to take measures in accordance with paragraph 4 . ### where a national regulatory authority suspects , or initial assessments and analysis by the agency suggest that acts which affect wholesale energy markets or the price of wholesale energy products in that member state are being carried out in another member state , the national energy regulatory authority shall request the agency to take measures in accordance with paragraph 4


### the union is founded on the values of democracy , the rule of law , the universality and indivisibility of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , respect for human dignity , the principles of equality and solidarity and respect for the principles of the un charter and international law . it seeks to develop and consolidate commitment to these values in partner countries and regions through dialogue and cooperation . ### the union is founded on the universality and indivisibility of human rights , the principle of equality and solidarity and respect for the principles of the un charter and international law . respect for human dignity and gender equality , including individual and collective political and civic rights ; respect for economic , social and cultural rights ; respect for the rights of women , children and minorities ; respect for international treaties on environment and biodiversity will guide the union ' s cooperation policy . cooperation from the union ' s side seeks to develop and consolidate commitment to these values in partner countries and regions through dialogue .


### the union ' s policy and international action for development cooperation are guided by the mdgs , such as the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger , including any subsequent modifications thereto , and by the development objectives and principles approved by the union and its member states , including in the context of their cooperation within the united nations and other competent international organisations in the field of development cooperation . ### the union ' s policy and international action for development cooperation are guided by policy coherence for development and the mdgs aiming at the eradication of poverty and hunger , including any subsequent modifications thereto , and by the development objectives and principles approved by the union , its member states , and the european parliament , including in the context of their cooperation within the united nations and other competent international organisations in the field of development cooperation .


### union assistance should focus where it has more impact , having regard to its capacity to act on a global scale and respond to global challenges such as poverty eradication , sustainable and inclusive development and worldwide promotion of democracy , good governance , human rights and the rule of law , its long - term and predictable commitment to development assistance and its role in coordinating with its member states . to ensure such impact , the principle of differentiation should be applied not only at the level of funds allocation , but also at the level of programming , to ensure that bilateral development cooperation targets partner countries most in need , including fragile states and states with high vulnerability , and with limited capacity to have access to other sources of financing for supporting their own development , having regard to the potential impact of the union assistance in partner countries . as a consequence , bilateral programming would target such countries , pursuant to the application of objective criteria based on the needs and capacities of these countries , as well as the impact of eu assistance . ### in the context of the overarching objective of the union ' s development cooperation to contribute to poverty eradication , union assistance should focus where it has more impact , having regard to its capacity to act on a global scale and respond to global challenges . in particular , the union ' s added value results from its capacity and its own experience in supporting sustainable and inclusive development , promoting democracy , good governance , human rights and the rule of law , advanced labour rights standards and fair and sustainable trade worldwide , its long - term and predictable commitment to development assistance and its role in promoting the coordination with its member states , as enshrined in article 210 tfeu . to ensure such impact , the principle of differentiation should be applied not only at the level of funds allocation , but also at the level of programming , to ensure that the union ' s development cooperation targets partner countries most in need , including fragile states and states with high vulnerability , and with limited capacity to have access to other sources of financing for supporting their own development , having regard to the potential impact of the union assistance in partner countries . as a consequence , country - specific programming would target such countries , pursuant to the application of objective criteria based on the needs and capacities of these countries , as well as the impact of the assistance of the union and its member states . for countries no longer eligible for country - specific geographical programmes , it should be possible to phase out assistance through a gradual approach , and paying special attention to the needs of particularly vulnerable population groups . the union should establish a strong political dialogue with these partner countries on its possible contribution to the establishment of national policies aiming at poverty reduction .


### union assistance should focus where it has more impact , having regard to its capacity to act on a global scale and respond to global challenges such as poverty eradication , sustainable and inclusive development and worldwide promotion of democracy , good governance , human rights and the rule of law , its long - term and predictable commitment to development assistance and its role in coordinating with its member states . to ensure such impact , the principle of differentiation should be applied not only at the level of funds allocation , but also at the level of programming , to ensure that bilateral development cooperation targets partner countries most in need , including fragile states and states with high vulnerability , and with limited capacity to have access to other sources of financing for supporting their own development , having regard to the potential impact of the union assistance in partner countries . as a consequence , bilateral programming would target such countries , pursuant to the application of objective criteria based on the needs and capacities of these countries , as well as the impact of eu assistance . ### union assistance should focus where it has more impact , having regard to its capacity to act on a global scale and respond to global challenges , such as poverty eradication and inequality , to promote sustainable development and its capacity regarding the worldwide promotion of democracy , good governance , human rights and the rule of law , social and economic rights in its long - term and having regard to its predictable commitment to development assistance and its role in coordinating with its member states . to ensure such impact , the principle of differentiation should be applied not only at the level of funds allocation , but also at the level of programming , to ensure that bilateral development cooperation targets partner countries most in need , including fragile states and states with high vulnerability , and with limited capacity to have access to other sources of financing for supporting their own development , having regard to the potential impact of the union assistance in partner countries . as a consequence , bilateral programming would target such countries , pursuant to the application of objective criteria based on the needs and capacities of these countries , as well as the impact of eu assistance .


### the union seeks to promote , develop and consolidate the principles of democracy , the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms on which it is founded , through dialogue and cooperation with partner countries and regions . ### the union seeks to promote the universality and indivisibility of human rights , and consolidate the principles of democracy , the rule of law and respect for all aspects of human rights including social , economic and cultural rights and fundamental freedoms on which it is founded , through dialogue and cooperation with partner countries and regions .


### inclusive and participatory approaches to development and a broad involvement of all segments of society in the development process and in national and regional dialogue , including political dialogue ; ### the empowerment of the population of partner countries , the strengthening of domestic accountability , the provision of participatory and transparent decision - making processes and of a mechanism for a broad involvement of all segments of society in the development process and in national and regional dialogue , including political dialogue ;


### the objective of the programme on civil society organisations and local authorities in development shall be to finance initiatives in the area of development by or for civil society organisations and local authorities originating from partner countries , the union , candidate countries and potential candidates . ### the objective of the programme on civil society organisations and local authorities in development shall be to organise a policy dialogue with civil society and local authorities from the north and the south on the union ' s development policy and to finance initiatives in the area of development by or for civil society organisations and local authorities originating from partner countries , the union , candidate countries and potential candidates .


### for geographic programmes , multiannual indicative programmes for partner countries and regions shall be drawn up on the basis of a strategy document , as provided for in article 11 . ### for geographic programmes and the pan - african programme , multiannual indicative programmes shall be drawn up by partner countries and regions and submitted to the union for financing on the basis of an agreed strategy document with the partner country / region , as provided for in article 11 .


### strategy papers are documents drawn up by the union to provide a coherent framework for development cooperation between the union and the partner country or region concerned , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives , principles and policy of the union . ### strategy papers are documents drawn up by the partner country and agreed with the union to provide a coherent framework for development cooperation between the union and the partner country or region concerned , consistent with the overall purpose and scope , objectives , principles and policy of the partner country and union in the field of development .


### multiannual indicative programmes shall be drawn up for each of the countries or regions receiving an indicative allocation of union funds under this regulation except for countries or regions mentioned in paragraph 4 , these documents shall be drawn up on the basis of the strategy papers or similar documents referred to in this article . ### multiannual indicative programmes shall be drawn up together with each country or region receiving an indicative allocation of union funds under this regulation except for countries or regions mentioned in paragraph 4 , these documents shall be drawn up on the basis of the strategy papers or similar documents referred to in this article .


### multiannual indicative programmes shall set out the priority areas selected for union financing , the specific objectives , the expected results , the performance indicators and the indicative financial allocation , both overall and per priority area . where appropriate , this allocation may be given in the form of a range and / or some funds may be left unallocated . ### multiannual indicative programmes shall set out the priority areas agreed with partner countries / regions for union financing , the specific objectives , the expected results , the performance indicators and the indicative financial allocation , both overall and per priority area . where appropriate , this allocation may be given in the form of a range and / or a limited amount of funds may be left unallocated .


### multiannual indicative programmes for thematic programmes shall set out the union ' s strategy for the theme concerned , the priorities selected for financing by the union , the specific objectives , the expected results , the performance indicators , the international situation and the activities of the main partners . where applicable , resources and intervention priorities shall be laid down for participation in global initiatives . multiannual indicative programmes shall be consistent with the documents referred to in article 11 . ### multiannual indicative programmes for thematic programmes shall set out the union ' s and partner country / region ' s strategy for the theme concerned , the priorities jointly selected for financing by the union , the specific objectives , the expected results , the performance indicators , the international situation and the activities of the main partners . where applicable , resources and intervention priorities shall be laid down for participation in global initiatives . multiannual indicative programmes shall be consistent with the documents referred to in article 11 .


### business environment , regional integration and world markets ; and ### regional integration - supporting the development of the local private sector , including promoting smes and cooperatives , - promoting the development of local and regional markets through union aid for trade and trade facilitation instruments , - supporting legislative and regulatory framework reforms and their enforcement , including for the use of modern means of communication , facilitating access to business and financial services , such as micro - credit and micro - finance and reducing excessive regulatory burden ; supporting the enforcement of internationally agreed labour rights , promoting corporate social responsibility and social dialogue , - promoting agricultural , industrial and innovation policies which contribute to sustainable and development in favour of the poorest regions and sectors of the society ; foster cooperation in the area of science , research and technology , in particular for development - related research , - promoting investments that generate local employment and support human resources development ; improving infrastructure in support of efforts to eradicate poverty with full respect for social and environmental standards ; supporting national , regional and local public authorities and parliaments to enable them to regulate markets effectively , - engaging with the private sector , with a focus on financing for domestic and regional companies , in particular at sme level , in order to enhance socially responsible and sustainable development for the benefit of the population , - assisting developing countries through fostering equitable and environmentally sustainable development , supporting partners ' policies in areas such as building local and regional markets , infrastructure and cross - border cooperation regarding access by the poor to water , sustainable energy and human security with a view to supporting social justice , - promoting a sustainable transport sectoral approach , meeting partner countries ' needs , ensuring transport safety , affordability , efficiency , and minimising negative effects on the environment , - supporting more generalized access to information and communication technologies to bridge the digital divide .


### adequate training on procedural rights of suspected and accused persons should be provided to the relevant officials in member states . ### appropriate and effective training on procedural rights of suspected and accused persons should be provided to the relevant officials in member states .


### this directive applies from the time a person is made aware by the competent authorities of a member state , by official notification or otherwise , that he is suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence until the conclusion of the proceedings , which is understood to mean the final determination of the question whether the suspected or accused person has committed the offence , including , where applicable , sentencing and the resolution of any appeal . ### this directive applies from the time a person is made aware by the competent authorities of a member state , by official notification or otherwise , that he or she is suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence until the conclusion of the proceedings , which is understood to mean the final determination of the question whether the suspected or accused person has committed the offence , including , where applicable , sentencing and the resolution of any appeal .


### member states shall ensure that any person who is suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence is provided promptly with information on his procedural rights in simple and accessible language . ### competent authorities shall ensure that any person who is suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence is provided as soon as is practicable and in any event before questioning begins with information on his procedural rights both orally and in writing and in simple and accessible language .


### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall include as a minimum : – the right of access to a lawyer , where necessary free of charge , – the right to be informed of the charge and , where appropriate , to be given access to the case - file , – the right to interpretation and translation , – the right to be brought promptly before a court if the suspected or accused person is arrested . ### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall include as a minimum : – the right of access to a lawyer , where necessary free of charge , – the right to be informed of the charge and , where appropriate , to be given access to the case - file , – the right to interpretation and translation , – the right to be brought promptly before a court if the suspected or accused person is arrested , – the right to remain silent , – the right to contact family or friends or consular officials , – the right to apply for provisional release , where applicable in accordance with council framework decision 2009 / 829 / jha of 23 october 2009 on the application , between member states of the european union , of the principle of mutual recognition to decisions on supervision measures as an alternative to provisional detention1 . ______________ 1 oj l 294 , 11 . 11 . 2009 , p . 20 .


### the letter of rights shall be drafted in simple language and shall include at least that information referred to in article 3 . annex i to this directive contains an indicative model of such a letter . ### where a person has been deprived of liberty , the letter of rights shall contain at least the elements set out in annex i to this directive .


### the right to written information about rights on arrest where a person is arrested by the competent authorities of a member state in the course of criminal proceedings , he shall be promptly provided with information about his procedural rights in writing . he shall be given an opportunity to read the letter of rights and be allowed to keep it in his possession throughout the time he is deprived of his liberty . 2 . the letter of rights shall be drafted in simple language and shall include at least that information referred to in article 3 . annex i to this directive contains an indicative model of such a letter . 3 . member states shall ensure that , where the suspected or accused person does not speak or understand the language of the proceedings , he receives the letter of rights in a language he understands . member states shall ensure that a mechanism is in place to convey the information to a suspected or accused person who is partially sighted or cannot read . where the suspected or accused person is a child , the information contained in the letter of rights shall also be provided orally in a manner adapted to the child ' s age , level of maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities . 4 . where a letter of rights is not available in the appropriate language , the suspected or accused person shall be informed of his rights orally in a language he understands . a letter of rights in a language he understands shall then be given to him without undue delay . ### the right to written information about rights in detention where a person is detained by the competent authorities of a member state in the course of criminal proceedings , he or she shall be provided promptly from the start of the detention with information about his or her procedural rights in writing . he or she shall be given an opportunity to read the letter of rights and be allowed to keep it in his possession throughout the time he or she is deprived of his liberty . 2 . the letter of rights shall be drafted in simple language and shall include at least that information referred to in article 3 . annex i to this directive contains an indicative model of such a letter . 3 . member states shall ensure that , where the suspected or accused person does not speak or understand the language of the proceedings , he or she receives the letter of rights in a language he or she understands . member states shall ensure that a mechanism is in place to convey the information to a suspected or accused person who is partially sighted or cannot read . where the suspected or accused person is vulnerable due to age , language , incapacity or any other reason , the information contained in the letter of rights shall also be provided orally in a manner adapted to the person ' s age , level of maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities . 4 . where a letter of rights is not available in the appropriate language , the suspected or accused person shall be informed of his or her rights orally by a qualified interpreter in a language he or she understands in accordance with directive 2010 / 64 / eu . a letter of rights in a language he or she understands shall then be given to him or her without undue delay .


### member states shall ensure that any person subject to proceedings for the execution of a european arrest warrant receives an appropriate letter of rights setting out the rights of that person as laid down in the framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha . . annex ii to this directive contains an indicative model of such letter . ### member states shall ensure that any person subject to proceedings for the execution of a european arrest warrant receives an appropriate letter of rights setting out all of the rights of that person as laid down in the framework decision 2002 / 584 / jha . the letter of rights shall be drafted in simple language and shall contain at least the elements set out in annex ii to this directive .


### the information required pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be delivered promptly and in detail and in a language that the suspected or accused person understands . in the case of a child , information about the charges shall be provided in a manner adapted to his age , level of maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities . ### the information required pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be delivered on arrest and in detail and in a language that the suspected or accused person understands . in the case of a vulnerable person , information about the charges shall be provided in a manner adapted to his or her age , language , level of maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities .


### indicative model letter of rights for suspected and accused persons on arrest : ### model letter of rights for suspected and accused persons on arrest :


### to the assistance of a lawyer ### to the assistance of a lawyer . if you are not able to afford a lawyer , the police must provide you with information about how to get legal assistance .


### to the assistance of a lawyer ### to the assistance of a lawyer . if you are not able to afford a lawyer the police must provide you with information about how to get legal assistance


### to know for how long you can be detained ### to know for how long you can be detained , to a regular review of your detention and to provisional release


### your right to agree to surrender – you have the right to agree to being surrendered under a european arrest warrant . this should speed the procedure up . – if you agree to be surrendered , it may be difficult to change your decision at a later stage . you should speak to a lawyer before deciding whether or not to agree to surrender . ### surrender – you do not have to agree to be surrendered under a european arrest warrant . – if you agree to be surrendered , it may be difficult to change your decision at a later stage . you should speak to a lawyer before deciding whether or not to agree to surrender . there are particular grounds you can rely on to prevent surrender . a lawyer can assist you in deciding whether they apply in your case .


### to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas , the competitiveness of all types of agriculture and farm viability , food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture , restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependant on agriculture and forestry , resource efficiency and the shift towards a low carbon economy in the agricultural , food and forestry sectors , and promoting social inclusion , poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas . in doing so account must be taken of the diversity of situations that affect rural areas with different characteristics or different categories of potential beneficiaries and the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . mitigation action should relate to both limiting emissions in agriculture and forestry from key activities such as livestock production , fertilizer use and to preserving the carbon sinks and enhancing carbon sequestration with regard to land use , land use change and the forestry sector . the union priority for rural development relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas should apply horizontally in relation to the other union priorities for rural development . ### to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas , the competitiveness of all types of agriculture and farm viability , food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture , restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependant on agriculture and forestry , resource efficiency and the shift towards a low carbon economy in the agricultural , food and forestry sectors , and promoting social inclusion , poverty reduction and the sustainable development of rural areas including urban - rural links and cross - regional cooperation . in doing so account must be taken of the diversity of situations that affect rural areas with different characteristics or different categories of potential beneficiaries and the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . mitigation action should relate to both limiting emissions in agriculture and forestry from key activities such as livestock production , fertilizer use and to preserving the carbon sinks and enhancing carbon sequestration with regard to land use , land use change and the forestry sector . the union priority for rural development relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas should apply horizontally in relation to the other union priorities for rural development .


### member states should be able to include in their rural development programmes thematic sub - programmes to address specific needs in areas of particular importance to them . thematic sub - programmes should concern among others young farmers , small farms , mountain areas and the creation of short supply chains . thematic sub - programmes should also be used to provide for the possibility to address restructuring of agricultural sectors which have a strong impact on the development of rural areas . as a means to increase the efficient intervention of such thematic sub - programmes member states should be allowed to provide for higher support rates for certain operations covered by them . ### member states should be able to include in their rural development programmes thematic sub - programmes to address specific needs in areas of particular importance to them , taking into account urban - rural links and cross - regional cooperation . thematic sub - programmes should concern among others young farmers , small farms , mountain areas the creation of short supply chains , advanced sustainable farming systems and use of natural resources and high nature value farming systems . thematic sub - programmes should also be used to provide for the possibility to address restructuring of agricultural sectors which have a strong impact on the development of rural areas . as a means to increase the efficient intervention of such thematic sub - programmes member states should be allowed to provide for higher support rates for certain operations covered by them .