### the implementation of this regulation should be guided by the five priorities established in the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , presented on 19 june 2016 , which represents the union ' s vision and the framework for united and responsible external engagement in partnership with others , to advance its values and interests . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s interests and values in all its aspects , including preserving peace , preventing conflicts , strengthening international security , fighting root causes of irregular migration and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters , supporting trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , promoting digital solutions and technologies , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its interests , the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . _________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 . ### the united nations’ agenda 2030 for sustainable development , the paris climate agreement , the european consensus for development , the addis ababa action agenda and the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy 59 , are part of the framework for the application of this regulation . the union should enhance partnerships , promote policy dialogue and collective responses to challenges of global concern . its action should support the union’s fundamental interests , principles and values in all its aspects , including promoting democracy and human rights , preserving and building peace , preventing conflicts , ensuring nuclear safety , strengthening international security , addressing root causes of forced migration and displacement and assisting populations , countries and regions confronting natural or man - made disasters , bringing about the conditions to create an international legal framework for the protection of persons displaced due to climate change and environmental degradation , supporting the fight against climate change , a fair , environmentally sustainable and human rights compliant trade policy , economic diplomacy and economic cooperation , and fostering the international dimension of union’s policies . in promoting its fundamental interests , principles and values the union should comply with , and promote , the principles of respect for high social , labour and environmental standards , for the rule of law , for international law and for human rights . a commitment to respect , promote and protect human rights and democratic principles is an essential element of the union´s contractual relations with third countries . _________________ 59 ' shared vision , common action : a stronger europe . a global strategy for the european union ' s foreign and security policy ' , june 2016 .


### in accordance with the global strategy and the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction as adopted on 18 march 201561 , recognition should be given to the need to move away from crisis response and containment to a more structural , long - term approach that more effectively addresses situations of fragility , natural and man - made disasters , and protracted crises . greater emphasis and collective approaches are required on risk reduction , prevention , mitigation and preparedness ; and further efforts are required to enhance swift response and a durable recovery . this regulation should therefore contribute to strengthening resilience and linking humanitarian aid and development action through rapid response actions . _________________ 61 ' sendai framework for disaster risk reduction ' , adopted on 18 march 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 3 june 2015 . ### in accordance with the global strategy and the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction as adopted on 18 march 201561 , recognition should be given to the need to move away from crisis response and containment to a more structural , preventive , long - term approach that more effectively addresses situations of fragility , natural and man - made disasters , and protracted crises . greater emphasis and collective approaches are required on risk reduction , prevention , mitigation and preparedness ; and further efforts are required to enhance swift response and a durable recovery . this regulation should therefore contribute to strengthening resilience and linking humanitarian aid and development action through rapid response actions . _________________ 61 ' sendai framework for disaster risk reduction ' , adopted on 18 march 2015 and endorsed by the united nations general assembly on 3 june 2015 .


### this regulation should support the implementation of a modernised association agreement with countries of the africa , caribbean and pacific group of states and allow the eu and its acp partners to develop further strong alliances on key global challenges . in particular , this regulation should support the continuation of the established cooperation between the union and the african union in line with the joint africa - eu strategy and build on the future eu - acp agreement after 2020 , including through a continental approach towards africa . ### this regulation should support the implementation of a modernised association agreement with countries of the africa , caribbean and pacific group of states and allow the eu and its partners to develop further strong alliances on key global challenges . in particular , this regulation should support the continuation of the established cooperation between the union and the african union in line with the joint africa - eu strategy and build on the future eu - acp agreement after 2020 , including through a continental approach towards africa .


### in line with the consensus , the union and its member states should enhance joint programming to increase their collective impact by bringing together their resources and capacities . joint programming should build on the partner countries’ engagement , appropriation and ownership . the union and its member states should seek to support partner countries through joint implementation , whenever appropriate . ### in line with the consensus , the union and its member states should enhance joint programming to increase their collective impact by bringing together their resources and capacities . joint programming should build on the partner countries’ political priorities , engagement , appropriation and ownership . the union and its member states should seek to support partner countries through joint implementation , whenever appropriate .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this regulation should contribute to mainstream climate action in the union policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this regulation are expected to contribute 25% of its overall financial envelope to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the implementation of this regulation , and the overall contribution from this regulation should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change , protecting the environment and fighting biodiversity losses , in line with the union commitments to implement the paris agreement , the convention on biological diversity and the united nations sustainable development goals , this regulation should contribute to mainstream climate and environmental action in the union policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 50 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this regulation are expected to contribute 50 % of its overall financial envelope to climate and environment related objectives . this includes a target of 10% dedicated to biodiversity . relevant actions will be identified during the implementation of this regulation . the overall contribution from this regulation should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes . union action in this area should favour the adherence to the paris agreement and to the rio conventions . actions and measures contributing to meeting the target on climate and environment shall take into consideration the relation between climate , peace and security , women’s empowerment and the fight against poverty .


### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the efsd + should aim at supporting investments as a means of contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by fostering sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promoting the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the eradication of poverty , promotion of peaceful , just and inclusive societies sustainable and inclusive growth , tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation , environmental degradation , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , cooperatives , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and thus address specific socioeconomic root causes of forced migration and displacement , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention should be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . investments should be based on conflict analysis , focus on the root causes of conflict , fragility and instability , maximising the potential for fostering peace and minimising the risks of exacerbating conflicts .


### the efsd + should maximise additionality of funding , address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations , deliver innovative products and ‘ crowd - in’ private sector funds . involvement of the private sector in the union’s cooperation with partner countries through the efsd + should yield measurable and additional development impact without distorting the market and should be cost - effective based on mutual accountability and risk and cost sharing . the efsd + should operate as a ‘ one - stop - shop’ , receiving financing proposals from financial institutions and public or private investors and delivering a wide range of financial support to eligible investments . ### the efsd + should maximise additionality of funding , address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations , deliver innovative products and ‘ crowd - in’ private sector funds to optimize the contribution of private finance to local sustainable development . involvement of the private sector in the union’s cooperation with partner countries through the efsd + should yield measurable and additional development impact in full respect of the environment and local communities’ rights and livelihoods without distorting the local market and unfairly competing with local economic actors . it should be cost - effective based on mutual accountability and risk and cost sharing . the efsd + should operate as a ‘ one - stop - shop’ , receiving financing proposals from financial institutions and public or private investors and delivering a wide range of financial support to eligible investments .


### an external action guarantee should be established building on the existing efsd guarantee and the guarantee fund for external actions . the external action guarantee should support the efsd + operations covered by budgetary guarantees , macro - financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of council decision 77 / 270 / euratom71 . these operations should be supported by appropriations under this regulation , together with those under regulation no … / … and regulation no … / … , which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro - financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins , respectively . when funding efsd + operations , priority should be given to those which have a high impact on job creation and whose cost - benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment . the operations supported with the external action guarantee should be accompanied by an in - depth ex ante assessment of environmental , financial and social aspects , as appropriate and in line with the better regulation requirements . the external action guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services , which remains a government responsibility . _________________ 71 council decision 77 / 270 / euratom of 29 march 1977 empowering the commission to issue euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations . ### an external action guarantee should be established building on the existing efsd guarantee and the guarantee fund for external actions . the external action guarantee should support the efsd + operations covered by budgetary guarantees , macro - financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of council decision 77 / 270 / euratom71 . these operations should be supported by appropriations under this regulation , together with those under regulation no … / … and regulation no … / … , which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro - financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in article 10 of regulation eins , respectively . when funding efsd + operations , priority should be given to those which have a high impact on decent job and livelihoods creation and whose cost - benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment . the operations supported with the external action guarantee should be accompanied by an in - depth ex ante assessment of environmental , financial and social aspects , as appropriate , including the impact on rights and livelihoods of affected communities and in line with the better regulation requirements and taking due account of the principle of free and prior informed consent of affected communities in land - related investments . ex - post impact assessments should measure the development impact of the efsd + operations . the external action guarantee should not be used to provide essential public services , which remains a government responsibility . _________________ 71 council decision 77 / 270 / euratom of 29 march 1977 empowering the commission to issue euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations .


### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges to human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment , oceans , and the migration crisis and its root causes . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the eu to respond to unforeseen needs , building on the successful experience of the european development fund , an amount should be left unallocated as an emerging challenges and priorities cushion . it should be mobilised in accordance with the procedures established in this regulation . ### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges to human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment , oceans , and the consequences of the larger number of people affected by global displacement . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the eu to respond to unforeseen needs , building on the experience of the european development fund , an amount should be left unallocated as an emerging challenges and priorities cushion . it should be mobilised in accordance with the procedures established in this regulation .


### actions contributing to stability and conflict prevention in situations of urgency , emerging crisis , crisis and postcrisis ### actions contributing to peace , stability and conflict prevention in situations of urgency , emerging crisis , crisis and postcrisis


### article 7 policy framework the association agreements , partnership and cooperation agreements , multilateral agreements , and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries , as well as , european council conclusions and council conclusions , summit declarations or conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , relevant european parliament resolutions , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation . ### article 7 policy framework the association agreements , partnership , trade and cooperation agreements , multilateral agreements , other agreements and relevant union legislation that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries , as well as , european council conclusions and council conclusions , summit declarations or conclusions of high - level meetings with partner countries , relevant european parliament resolutions , communications of the commission or joint communications of the commission and the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this regulation .


### cooperation between the union and the member states , on the one hand , and partner countries , on the other hand , shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles , where applicable , namely : ownership of development priorities by partner countries , a focus on results , inclusive development partnerships , transparency and mutual accountability . the union shall promote effective and efficient resource mobilisation and use . ### cooperation between the union and the member states , on the one hand , and partner countries , on the other hand , shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles , where applicable , namely : ownership of development priorities by partner countries , alignment to their priorities , a focus on results , inclusive development partnerships , transparency and mutual accountability . the union shall promote effective and efficient resource mobilisation and use .


### in line with the principle of ownership the commission , where appropriate , shall favour the use of partner countries ' systems for the implementation of programmes . ### in line with the principle of ownership the commission , shall favour the use of partner countries ' systems for the implementation of programmes .


### the human rights and democracy and civil society thematic programmes referred to in article 4 and shall provide assistance independently of the consent of governments and other public authorities of the third countries concerned . these thematic programmes shall mainly support civil society organisations . ### the human rights and democracy , the gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment , peace - building , conflict prevention and stability and civil society thematic programmes referred to in article 4 , and shall provide assistance independently of the consent of governments and other public authorities of the third countries concerned . the human rights and democracy and the civil society thematic programmes shall mainly support civil society organisations .


### the partners ' needs , established on the basis of specific criteria , taking into account the population , poverty , inequality , human development , economic and environmental vulnerability , and state and societal resilience ; ### the partners ' needs , established on the basis of specific criteria , taking into account the population , poverty , inequality , human development , gender equality , economic and environmental vulnerability , and people ' s , community and societal resilience ;


### cooperation with industrialised countries shall focus on the promotion of union and mutual interests . ### cooperation with industrialised countries shall focus on the achievement of commonly agreed objectives and on the promotion of union values , principles and fundamental interests as laid down in article 21 of the treaty of the european union .


### this regulation shall contribute to actions established under regulation no . … / … . a single programming document shall be drawn up from this regulation for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … shall apply to the use of these funds . ### this regulation shall financially contribute to actions established under regulation no . … / … and regulation no . . . / . . . . a single programming document shall be drawn up from these regulations for seven years , including funds from regulation no … / … . regulation no . … / … and regulation no . . . / . . . shall apply to the use of these funds , while ensuring conformity with this regulation and regulation no … / … .


### on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency , such as crises or immediate threats to democracy , the rule of law , human rights or fundamental freedoms , the commission may amend multiannual indicative programmes referred to in articles 12 and 13 of this regulation by implementing acts adopted in accordance with the urgency procedure referred to in article 35 . ### on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency , such as crises or immediate threats to peace , democracy , the rule of law , human rights or fundamental freedoms , the commission may amend multiannual indicative programmes referred to in articles 12 and 13 of this regulation by implementing acts adopted in accordance with the urgency procedure referred to in article 35 .


### action plans and measures shall be adopted by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 35 . ### action plans shall be adopted by means of delegated acts adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 34 . measures shall be adopted by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 35 . information communicated to the european parliament shall comprise details about the source of the financial allocation , including in the case of carryovers and re - commitments .


### before the adoption or extension of exceptional assistance measures not exceeding eur 20 million , the commission shall inform the council of their nature and objectives and of the financial amounts envisaged . the commission shall inform the council before making significant substantive changes to exceptional assistance measures already adopted . the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council for the planning and subsequent implementation of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action . ### before the adoption or extension of exceptional assistance measures not exceeding eur 20 million , the commission shall inform the council and the european parliament of their nature and objectives and of the financial amounts envisaged . the commission shall inform the council and the european parliament before making significant substantive changes to exceptional assistance measures already adopted . the commission shall take account of the relevant policy approach of the council for the planning and subsequent implementation of such measures , in the interests of consistency of the union ' s external action .


### appropriate environmental screening , including for climate change and biodiversity impacts , shall be undertaken at the level of actions , in accordance with the applicable legislative acts of the union , including directive 2011 / 92 / eu82 of the european parliament and of the council and council directive 85 / 337 / eec83 , comprising , where applicable , an environmental impact assessment for environmentally sensitive actions , in particular for major new infrastructure . _________________ 82 directive 2011 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 13 december 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . 83 council directive of 27 june 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . ### appropriate environmental screening , including for climate change and biodiversity impacts , shall be undertaken at the level of actions , in accordance with the applicable legislative acts of the union , including directive 2011 / 92 / eu82 of the european parliament and of the council and council directive 85 / 337 / eec83 , comprising , where applicable , an environmental impact assessment for environmentally sensitive actions , in particular for major new infrastructure . additionally , ex - ante human rights , social and labour impact assessments will be executed . the commission will ensure that necessary due diligence in these sectors has been carried out before the action starts where exceptional assistance measures relate to conflict related crises and threats to peace , conflict analysis and risk assessments should be conducted to ensure positive impact and effectiveness of that assistance . the commission will ensure that the necessary due diligence has been carried out before the action starts . _________________ 82 directive 2011 / 92 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 13 december 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment . 83 council directive of 27 june 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment .


### where relevant , strategic environmental assessments shall be used in the implementation of sectoral programmes . the involvement of interested stakeholders in environmental assessments and public access to the results of such assessments shall be ensured . ### where relevant , strategic environmental assessments or assessments on social , labour or risk effects shall be used in the implementation of sectoral programmes . the involvement of interested stakeholders in environmental , social , labour or risk assessments and public access to the results of such assessments shall be ensured .


### low - value grants to human rights defenders to finance urgent protection actions , where appropriate without the need for co - financing ; ### low - value grants to human rights defenders , mediators and other civil society&#160 ; actors , including those involved in crisis and armed conflict related dialogue , reconciliation and peace - building to finance urgent protection and , among others , conflict resolution actions , where appropriate without the need for co - financing ;


### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations and defenders operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation ; ### grants , where appropriate without the need for co - financing , to finance actions in the most difficult conditions where the publication of a call for proposals would be inappropriate including situations where there is a serious lack of fundamental freedoms , escalation of crisis , armed conflict where human security is most at risk or where human rights organisations , and defenders , mediators and other civil society actors involved in crisis and armed conflict related dialogue , reconciliation and peace - building operate under the most difficult conditions . such grants shall not exceed eur 1 000 000 and shall have a duration of up to 18 months , which may be extended by a further 12 months in the event of objective and unforeseen obstacles to their implementation ;


### grants to the office of the un high commissioner for human rights as well as to global campus , the european inter - university centre for human rights and democratisation , providing a european master’s degree in human rights and democratisation , and its associated network of universities delivering human rights postgraduate diplomas , including scholarships to students and human rights defenders from third countries . ### grants to the office of the un high commissioner for human rights as well as to global campus , the european inter - university centre for human rights and democratisation , providing a european master’s degree in human rights and democratisation , and its associated network of universities delivering human rights postgraduate diplomas , including mobility and scholarship opportunities for students , researchers , teachers , and human rights defenders from third countries .


### budget support as referred to in point of paragraph 1 , including through sector reform performance contracts , shall be based on country ownership , mutual accountability and shared commitments to universal values , democracy , human rights , the rule of law , and aims at strengthening partnerships between the union and partner countries . it shall include reinforced policy dialogue , capacity development , and improved governance , complementing partners ' efforts to collect more and spend better in order to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and jobs and poverty eradication . ### budget support as referred to in point of paragraph 1 , including through sector reform performance contracts , shall be based on country ownership , mutual accountability and shared commitments to universal values , democracy , human rights , the rule of law , and aims at strengthening partnerships between the union and partner countries . it shall include reinforced policy dialogue , capacity development , and improved governance , including budget monitoring by civil society , complementing partners ' efforts to collect more and spend better in order to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and jobs and poverty eradication .


### in order to promote local capacities , markets and purchases , priority shall be given to local and regional contractors when the financial regulation provides for an award on the basis of a single tender . in all other cases , participation of local and regional contractors shall be promoted in accordance with the relevant provisions of that regulation . ### in order to promote local capacities , markets and purchases , priority shall be given to local and regional contractors , in particular contractors with a track record in environmental sustainability or fair trade when the financial regulation provides for an award on the basis of a single tender . in all other cases , participation of local and regional contractors shall be promoted in accordance with the relevant provisions of that regulation . in all cases sustainability criteria should be applied .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries . to achieve this goal particular focus should be put on the eradication of poverty , women ' s economic empowerment , sustainable and inclusive progress , the creation of decent jobs and economic opportunities , in particular for women and girls , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , with a focus on social enterprises and cooperatives in view of their potential to reduce poverty and inequalities , supporting micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of migration and displacement , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . the efsd + guarantee shall be used in addition to the government’s investment in essential public services , which remains a governmental responsibility .


### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , eradication of poverty , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . ### the purpose of the efsd + as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in article 23 , , and , shall be to support investments and increase access to financing , in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and promote the socio - economic and environmental resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the , climate change adaptation and mitigation , eradication of poverty , women’s economic empowerment , sustainable and inclusive growth , the creation of decent jobs , economic opportunities , skills and entrepreneurship , socioeconomic sectors , cooperatives , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises , in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents . special attention shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict , least developed countries and heavily indebted poor countries . preference shall be given to local economic actors . efsd + shall not be used to replace government responsibility for providing essential public services .


### eligible counterparts shall comply with the rules and conditions provided for in article 62 of the financial regulation . in the case of bodies governed by the private law of a member state or a third country which have contributed to the external action guarantee in accordance with article 28 of this regulation , preference shall be given to those bodies that disclose information related to environment , social and corporate governance criteria . ### eligible counterparts shall comply with the rules and conditions provided for in article 62 of the financial regulation . in the case of bodies governed by the private law of a member state or a third country , preference shall be given to those bodies that disclose information related to environment , social and corporate governance criteria . in their financing and investment operations , the eligible counterparts shall comply with applicable union law and agreed international and union standards and , therefore , shall not support projects under this regulation that contribute to money laundering , terrorism financing , tax avoidance , tax fraud and tax evasion , or promotion of fossil fuels . in addition , the eligible counterparts shall not enter into new or renewed operations with entities incorporated or established in jurisdictions listed under the relevant union policy on non - cooperative jurisdictions , or that are identified as high risk third countries pursuant to article 9 of directive 2015 / 849 of the european parliament and of the council , or that do not effectively comply with union or internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information .


### the commission shall assess the operations supported by the external action guarantee against the eligibility criteria set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 , where possible drawing on the existing result measurement systems of eligible counterparts . the commission shall publish the result of its assessment for each investment window on an annual basis . ### the commission shall assess the operations supported by the external action guarantee against the eligibility criteria set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 . the commission shall establish and make public a scoreboard of indicators to be used by implementing partners for the selection of projects and by the european commission to check the due diligence around project selection , to ensure an independent and transparent assessment of the potential and actual use of the eu guarantee inline with criteria listed in 27 . 2 . the commission shall publish the result of all guarantee tools and individual projects under its assessment for each investment window on an annual basis .


### the annual report shall contain information relating to the previous year on the measures financed , the results of monitoring and evaluation exercises , the involvement of the relevant partners , and the implementation of budgetary commitments and of payment appropriations broken down by country , region and cooperation sector . it shall assess the results of the union funding using , as far as possible , specific and measurable indicators of its role in meeting the objectives of this regulation . in the case of development cooperation , the report shall also assess , where possible and relevant , the adherence to development effectiveness principles , including for innovative financial instruments . ### the report shall include information on performance in respecting the targets established in article 3 . 3 regarding 97% official development assistance , article 6 . 4 on human development and social inclusion , climate change and environment and gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment , including an annual estimate of the overall spending for these areas using relevant markers and indicators . the report shall include an assessment of progress made regarding the incorporation of cross - cutting issues as mentioned in article 8 . 6 . it shall assess the results of the union funding using , as far as possible , specific and measurable indicators of its role in meeting the objectives of this regulation . in the case of development cooperation , the report shall also assess the adherence to development effectiveness principles and the additionality of spending , including for innovative financial instruments .


### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 40 , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years . ### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 39 , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt , including on the impact of the measures on gender equality , and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years .


### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 40 , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years . ### the annual report prepared in 2021 shall contain consolidated information from annual reports concerning the period from 2014 to 2020 on all funding from the regulations referred to in article 40 , including external assigned revenues and , and offering a breakdown of spending by country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments . the report shall reflect the main lessons learnt and the follow - up to the recommendations of the external evaluative exercises carried out in previous years . it shall include an assessment of the level of staff capacity at the headquarters and eu delegations level for the delivery of all objectives covered in this regulation .


### at the end of the implementation of the regulation , but no later than four years after the end of the period specified in article 1 , a final evaluation of the regulation shall be carried out by the commission . this evaluation shall look at the union contribution to the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , taking into account indicators measuring the results delivered and any findings and conclusions concerning the impact of this regulation . ### at the end of the implementation of the regulation , but no later than two years after the end of the period specified in article 1 , a final evaluation of the regulation shall be carried out by the commission . this evaluation shall look at the union contribution to the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , taking into account indicators measuring the results delivered and any findings and conclusions concerning the impact of this regulation . the final evaluation report shall be gender responsive and include a chapter on gender equality .


### the final evaluation report shall also contain consolidated information from relevant annual reports on all funding governed by this regulation , including external assigned revenues and contributions to trust funds offering a breakdown of spending by beneficiary country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments ### the final evaluation report shall also contain consolidated information from relevant annual reports on all funding governed by this regulation , including external assigned revenues offering a breakdown of spending by pillar of the regulation , beneficiary country , use of financial instruments , commitments and payments


### in duly justified cases and where the action to be implemented is of a global , trans - regional or regional nature , the commission may decide , within the relevant multiannual indicative programmes or within the relevant action plans or measures to extend the scope of actions to countries and territories not covered by this regulation pursuant to article 4 in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of union financing or to foster regional or trans - regional cooperation . ### in duly justified cases and where the action to be implemented is of a global , trans - regional or regional nature or answers an unforeseen foreign policy priority , the commission may decide , within the relevant multiannual indicative programmes or within the relevant action plans or measures to extend the scope of actions to countries and territories not covered by this regulation pursuant to article 4 in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of union financing or to foster regional or trans - regional cooperation .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 4 , article 26 , article 27 and article 31 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of validity of this regulation . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 4 , article 19 . 4 , article 23 b , article 26 , article 27 and article 31 shall be conferred on the commission for the period of validity of this regulation .


### supporting a thriving civil society and its role in reform processes and democratic transformations , and promoting an enabling space for civil society and citizens ' engagement in political decision - making ; ### supporting a thriving civil society and its role in reform processes and democratic transformations , and promoting an enabling space for civil society and citizens ' engagement in and scrutiny of political decision - making ;


### strengthening the development of democratic public institutions at national and sub - national levels , including an independent , effective , efficient and accountable judicial system , the promotion of rule of law , and access to justice for all ; ### strengthening the development of democratic public institutions at international , national and sub - national levels , including an independent , effective , efficient and accountable judicial system , the promotion of rule of law , and access to justice for all ;


### increasing transparency and accountability of public institutions , strengthening public procurement and public finance management , developing egovernment and strengthening service delivery ; ### increasing transparency and accountability of public institutions , including of the armed forces and secret services , strengthening public procurement including encouraging the development of sustainable criteria and public finance management , developing egovernment and strengthening service delivery ;


### eradicating poverty in all its dimensions , tackling discrimination and inequalities and leaving no - one behind ; ### eradicating poverty in all its dimensions , tackling discrimination and inequalities , leaving no - one behind ; and reaching the furthest behind first , by prioritising investments in public services on health , nutrition , education and social protection ;


### enhancing efforts for the adoption of policies and appropriate investment to promote women and young people’s rights , to facilitate their engagement in social , civic and economic life , and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development ; ### enhancing efforts for the adoption of policies and appropriate investment to promote children , women and young people’s rights , including their right to access to culture and education , to facilitate their engagement in social , civic and economic life , and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development ;


### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; ### promoting the protection and fulfilment of women ' s and girls ' rights , including economic , labour and social rights , and sexual and reproductive health and rights , and preventing and protecting them from sexual and gender - based violence in all forms ; including promoting access to all to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and comprehensive sexuality education ; promoting cooperation in research and innovation for new and improved tools for sexual and reproductive healthcare including family planning , particularly in low resource settings ;


### supporting universal access to safe and sufficient drinking water sanitation , and hygiene , and sustainable and integrated water management ; ### supporting universal access to safe and sufficient drinking water sanitation , and hygiene , and sustainable and integrated water management as key determinants of health , education , nutrition , climate change resilience and gender equality ;


### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , including through supporting the building of strong , quality and resilient health systems , and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ; ### achieving universal health coverage , with equitable access to quality and affordable health services , &#160 ; including sexual and reproductive health services and including through supporting the building of strong , quality and resilient health systems , investing in health research and development capacities to improve the safety , quality and availability of essential medicines and supplies and enhancing capacity for early warning , risk reduction , management and recovery ; promoting cooperation in research and innovation for new or improved health tools as a means to address pressing health challenges , such as poverty - related and neglected tropical diseases , antimicrobial resistance or emerging diseases and epidemics ;


### promoting inclusive sustainable urban development to address urban inequality , focusing on those most in need . ### promoting inclusive sustainable urban development to address urban inequality , focusing on those most in need and adopting a gender - sensitive approach ;


### supporting actions of capacity building , learning mobility to , from or between partner countries , as well as of cooperation and policy dialogue with institutions , organisations , local implementing bodies and authorities , from those countries ; ### supporting actions of learning mobility , capacity building and cultural cooperation to , from or between the union and third countries , as well as of cooperation and policy dialogue with institutions , organisations , local implementing bodies and authorities , from those countries ;


### ensuring protection of migrants and forcibly displaced persons ; ### ensuring protection of migrants and forcibly displaced persons ; ensuring the recognition and status determination of persons in need of international protection among mixed migratory flows ;


### contributing to partners’ efforts to pursue their commitments on climate change in line with the paris agreement on climate change , including the implementation of nationally determined contribution and mitigation and adaptation plans of action including synergies between adaptation and mitigation ; ### contributing to partners’ efforts to pursue their commitments on climate change in line with the paris agreement on climate change , including the implementation of nationally determined contribution and mitigation and adaptation plans of action including synergies between adaptation and mitigation as well as to pursue their commitments under other multilateral environmental agreements , such as the convention on biological diversity and the united nations convention to combat desertification ;


### strengthening sustainable energy cooperation . promoting and increasing cooperation on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources ; ### strengthening sustainable energy cooperation . promoting and increasing cooperation on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources ; promoting access to reliable , secure , affordable , clean and sustainable energy services , in particular local and decentralized solutions that ensure energy access for people living in poverty and in remote regions ;


### strengthening the involvement of local communities in climate change responses , conservation of ecosystems and the governance of natural resources . promoting sustainable urban development and resilience in urban areas ; ### strengthening the involvement of local communities in climate change responses , the fight against biodiversity loss and wildlife crime , conservation of ecosystems and the governance of natural resources including through the improvement of land tenure and water resources management . promoting sustainable urban development and resilience in urban areas ;


### limiting deforestation and promoting forest law enforcement , governance and trade , and combating illegal logging , trade of illegal timber and wood products ; ### halting deforestation and promoting forest law enforcement , governance and trade , and combating illegal logging , trade of illegal timber and wood products ; supporting the negotiation and the implementation of voluntary partnership agreements ;


### promoting resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production , including tackling pollution and a sound management of chemicals and waste ; ### promoting resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production , including by curbing the use of natural resources financing conflicts , and by supporting compliance by stakeholders with initiatives such as the kimberley process certification scheme ; tackling pollution and a sound management of chemicals and waste ;


### supporting efforts to improve sustainable economic diversification , competitiveness and trade , private sector development with a particular focus on low - carbon climate - resilient green growth , microenterprises and smes and cooperatives , taking advantage of existing trade agreements with the eu . ### supporting efforts to improve sustainable economic diversification , competitiveness and fair trade , private sector development with a particular focus on low - carbon climate - resilient green growth , social enterprises , microenterprises and smes and cooperatives , taking advantage of the development benefits of existing trade agreements with the eu .


### supporting entrepreneurship , decent employment and employability through the development of skills and competences , including education , the improvement of labour standards and working conditions , and the creation of opportunities particularly for the youth ; ### supporting entrepreneurship , decent employment and employability through the development of skills and competences , including education , the improvement of labour standards and working conditions , living wages and the creation of opportunities particularly for the youth ;


### supporting national development paths that maximise positive social outcomes and impacts and promoting progressive taxation and redistributive public policies ; ### supporting national development paths that maximise positive social outcomes and impacts and promoting progressive taxation and redistributive public policies ; supporting efforts at national and international levels to combat tax evasion and tax havens ;


### promoting internal economic , social and territorial cohesion , forging stronger links between urban and rural areas and facilitating the development of the tourism sector as a leverage for sustainable development ; ### promoting internal economic , social and territorial cohesion , forging stronger links between urban and rural areas and facilitating the development of both creative industries and the cultural tourism sector as a leverage for sustainable development ;


### contributing to peace and stability through building resilience of states , societies , communities and individuals to political , economic , environmental , demographic and societal pressures and shocks ; ### contributing to peace , the prevention of conflict and therefore to stability through building resilience of states , societies , communities and individuals to political , economic , environmental , demographic and societal pressures and shocks , including by supporting resilience assessments designed to identify the indigenous capacities within societies that allow them to withstand , adapt to and quickly recover from these pressures and shocks ;


### supporting regional and international initiatives contributing to security , stability and peace ; ### supporting local , regional and international initiatives contributing to security , stability and peace as well as linking those different initiatives ;


### cooperating with third countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy , notably through capacity building and infrastructure development in third countries in the areas of health , agriculture and food safety ; as well as supporting social actions addressing the consequences on the most vulnerable population exposed to any radiological accident and aiming at improving their living conditions ; promoting knowledge - management , training and education in nuclear - related fields ; ### cooperating with third countries , notably through capacity building and infrastructure development in third countries in the areas of health , agriculture and food safety ; as well as supporting social actions addressing the consequences on the most vulnerable population exposed to any radiological accident and aiming at improving their living conditions ; promoting knowledge - management , training and education in nuclear - related fields ;


### inclusive , participatory , empowered and independent civil society civic space in partner countries ### inclusive and empowered society in partner countries through strengthened civil society civic space and local authorities


### the union shall provide technical and financial assistance covering support for measures aimed at building and strengthening the capacity of the partners to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis needs in close coordination with the united nations and other international , regional and sub - regional organisations , and state and civil society actors , in relation to their efforts mainly in the following areas , including specific attention to women participation : ### the union shall provide conflict sensitive technical and financial assistance covering support for measures aimed at building and strengthening the capacity of the union and its partners to prevent conflict , build peace and address pre - and post - crisis needs in close coordination with the united nations and other international , regional and sub - regional organisations , and state and civil society actors , in relation to their efforts mainly in the following areas , including specific attention to women ' s and youth participation :


### post - conflict recovery as well as post - disaster recovery ; ### improving post - conflict recovery as well as post - disaster recovery with relevance to the political and security situation ;


### peace - building and state - building support actions ; ### support , where relevant in technical and logistical assistance , to the efforts undertaken by local and international civil society organisations , as well as states and international organisations in peacebuilding , including confidence building , mediation , dialogue and reconciliation , transitional justice , women’s and youth empowerment ; in particular with regard to community tensions and protracted conflicts ;


### the union shall provide technical and financial assistance to support partners’ efforts and union actions addressing global and trans - regional threats and emerging threats mainly in the following areas : ### the union shall provide conflict sensitive technical and financial assistance to support partners’ efforts and union actions addressing global and trans - regional threats and emerging threats mainly in the following areas :


### addressing global health security through communicable diseases research and control , translate knowledge into products and policies that tackle the changing disease burden , and shape global markets to improve access to essential health commodities and healthcare services , especially for sexual and reproductive health . ### addressing global health security through communicable diseases research - particularly on poverty - related and neglected diseases - and control , translate knowledge into safe , accessible and affordable products and policies that tackle the persistent burden of infectious , emerging and re - emerging diseases and epidemics and antimicrobial resistance , as well as non - communicable diseases , all forms of malnutrition and environmental risk factors , and shape global markets to improve access to essential health commodities and healthcare services , especially for sexual and reproductive health .


### strengthening knowledge , skills and values through partnerships and alliances , for active citizenship and productive , inclusive and resilient societies ; ### strengthening knowledge , research and innovation , skills and values through partnerships and alliances , for active citizenship and educated , democratic , inclusive and resilient societies ;


### contributing to the global agenda on decent work , in particular in global value chains , and enhancing knowledge on effective employment policies that respond to labour market needs , including vet and life - long learning ; ### contributing to the global agenda on decent work , in particular with a view to making global value chains sustainable and responsible based on horizontal due diligence obligations , and enhancing knowledge on effective employment policies that respond to labour market needs , including vet and life - long learning ;


### supporting global efforts , commitments , partnerships and alliances , including sustainable energy transition ; ### supporting global efforts , commitments , partnerships and alliances , most notably the sustainable energy transition ;


### encouraging partner governments to embrace energy sector policy and market reforms so to establish a conducive environment for investments increasing access to energy services that are affordable , modern , reliable and sustainable , with a strong focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency ; ### encouraging partner governments to embrace renewable energy sector policy and market reforms so to establish a conducive environment for investments increasing access to renewable energy services that are affordable , modern , reliable and sustainable , with a strong focus on energy efficiency ;


### supporting and influencing international strategies , organisations , mechanisms and actors that roll - out major global policy issues and frameworks around food and nutrition security ; ### supporting and influencing international strategies , organisations , mechanisms and actors that roll - out major global policy issues and frameworks around food and nutrition security and contributing to accountability on international commitments on food security , nutrition and sustainable agriculture including the sustainable development goals and the paris agreement ;


### improving global public goods pursuing an end to hunger and malnutrition ; tools like the global network on food crises enhance the capacity to adequately respond to food crises and nutrition in the context of the humanitarian - development - peace nexus ; ### ensuring equitable access to food including by helping to address the financing gap for nutrition ; improving global public goods pursuing an end to hunger and malnutrition ; tools like the global network on food crises enhance the capacity to adequately respond to food crises and nutrition in the context of the humanitarian - development - peace nexus ;


### reaffirming at global level the central role of sustainable agriculture and fisheries and aquaculture for increased food security , poverty eradication , job creation , mitigating and adapting to climate change , resilience and healthy ecosystems ; ### reaffirming at global level the central role of sustainable agriculture , particularly smallholder agriculture , pastoralism and fisheries and aquaculture , and the role of women in these sectors , for increased food security , poverty eradication , job creation , mitigating and adapting to climate change , resilience and healthy ecosystems ;


### a situation posing a threat to democracy , law and order , the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , or the security and safety of individuals , in particular those exposed to gender - based violence in situations of instability ; ### a situation posing a threat to peace , democracy , law and order , the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , or the security and safety of individuals , in particular those exposed to gender - based violence in situations of instability ;


### strengthen resilience by supporting individuals , communities , institutions , and countries to better prepare for , withstand , adapt to and quickly recover from political , economic , and societal pressures and shocks , natural or man - made disasters , conflicts and global threats ; including by reinforce the capacity of a state - in the face of significant pressures to rapidly build , maintain or restore its core functions , and basic social and political cohesion and of societies , communities and individuals to manage opportunities and risks in a peaceful and stable manner and to build , maintain or restore livelihoods in the face of major pressures ; ### strengthen resilience by supporting individuals , communities , institutions , and countries to better prepare for , withstand , adapt to and quickly recover from political , economic , and societal pressures and shocks , natural or man - made disasters , conflicts and global threats ; including by reinforce the capacity of a state - in the face of significant pressures to rapidly build , maintain or restore its core functions , and basic social and political cohesion and of societies , communities and individuals to manage opportunities and risks in a peaceful and conflict sensitive manner and to build , maintain or restore livelihoods in the face of major pressures , and by supporting individuals , communities and societies to identify and strengthen their existing indigenous capacities to withstand , adapt to and quickly recover from these pressures and shocks , including those that could lead to an escalation of violence ;


### the efsd + operations eligible for support through the external action guarantee shall in particular aim at the following priority areas : ### the efsd + operations eligible for support through the external action guarantee shall in particular aim at the priority areas listed in paragraph 1 and exclude financing and investment operations listed in paragraph 2 . 1 . eligible are operations which


### contribute by promoting sustainable development , to addressing specific root causes of irregular migration , as well as fostering the resilience of transit and host communities , and contributing to the sustainable reintegration of migrants returning to their countries of origin , with due regard to the strengthening of the rule of law , good governance and human rights . ### contribute by promoting sustainable development , to addressing poverty and inequalities as drivers of forced migration and displacement , as well as fostering the resilience of transit and host communities , and contributing to the sustainable reintegration of migrants returning to their countries of origin , with due regard to the strengthening of the rule of law , good governance , gender equality , social justice and human rights .


### political stability and absence of violence indicator ### political stability and absence of violence indicator in conjunction with reductions in drivers of conflict built on a baseline assessment


### the managing director shall reply orally or in writing to questions addressed to the efsi by the european parliament , in any event within five weeks of receipt of a question . ### the managing director shall reply orally or in writing to questions addressed to the efsi by the european parliament its competent committees or individual members , in any event within five weeks of receipt of a question .


### in order to provide end - users with information on the performance of tyres specifically designed for snow and ice conditions , it is appropriate to require the inclusion on the label of information requirements on snow and ice tyres . ### in order to improve road safety in colder climate in the union and to provide end - users with information on the performance of tyres specifically designed for snow and ice conditions , it is appropriate to make available information on how well a specific tyre performed on snowy / icy conditions so that end - users are able to compare the performance of snow grip and ice grip . information in the form of a scale , similarly to wet grip information , should be provided to encourage end - users to purchase tyres with high snow / ice grip performance . since suitable scales of performance for snow grip and ice grip are not currently available , before requiring the inclusion on the label of information requirements on snow and ice tyres , the commission should develop both a snow grip and a ice grip scale of performances . these scales should be based on the unece regulation no 117 and on the iso 19447 for snow and ice respectively . in any case , the three - peak - mountain with snowflake logo should be embossed on a tyre that satisfies the minimum snow index values set out in unece regulation no 117 . similarly , a tyre that satisfies the minimum ice index value set out in iso 19447 should show the ice tyre logo agreed under this standard .


### in order to amend the content and format of the label , to introduce requirements with respect to re - treaded tyres , abrasion and mileage , and to adapt the annexes to technical progress , 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 . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 201621 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council should receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts should systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . __________________ 21 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 . ### in order to amend the content and format of the label , to introduce requirements with respect to re - treaded tyres , snow and ice tyres , abrasion and mileage , and to adapt the annexes to technical progress , 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 . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 201621 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council should receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts should systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . __________________ 21 oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1 .


### the aim of this regulation is to increase the safety , health protection , and the economic and environmental efficiency of road transport by promoting fuel - efficient and safe tyres with low noise levels . ### the aim of this regulation is to promote sustainable , fuel - efficient and safe tyres with low noise levels that could help minimise the impact on the environment and health while improving safety and the economic efficiency of road transport .


### this regulation applies to c1 , c2 and c3 tyres . ### this regulation applies to new , re - treaded , regrooved and worn c1 , c2 and c3 tyres that are placed on the market .


### suppliers shall ensure that c1 , c2 and c3 tyres that are placed on the market are accompanied : ### suppliers shall ensure that c1 , c2 and c3 tyres that are placed on the market are accompanied , free of charge :


### for each individual tyre , with a label complying with annex ii in the form of a sticker , indicating the information and class for each of the parameters set out in annex i , and with a product information sheet as set out in annex iv ; ### for each individual tyre , with a label complying with annex ii in the form of a sticker , indicating the information and class for each of the parameters set out in annex i , and with a product information sheet as set out in annex iv ; or


### in relation to tyres sold on the internet , suppliers shall ensure that the label is displayed in proximity to the price and that the product information sheet can be accessed . ### in relation to tyres sold on the internet , suppliers shall ensure that the label is visibly displayed in proximity to the price , with no further clicking required , and that the product information sheet can be accessed .


### suppliers shall make technical documentation in accordance with annex iii available to the authorities of member states on request . ### suppliers shall make technical documentation in accordance with annex iii available to the authorities of member states or to any accredited third - party on request .


### tyres , at the point of sale , bear the label in accordance with annex ii in the form of a sticker provided by suppliers in accordance with point of article 4 in a clearly visible position ; ### tyres , at the point of sale , bear the label in accordance with annex ii in the form of a sticker provided by suppliers in accordance with point of article 4 in a clearly visible position ; or


### by 1 june 2026 , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of this regulation and present a report to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee . ### by 1 january 2022 , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of this regulation and submit a report to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee .


### that report shall assess how effectively this regulation and the delegated acts adopted pursuant thereto have allowed end - users to choose higher performing tyres , taking into account its impacts on business , fuel consumption , safety , greenhouse gas emissions and market surveillance activities . it shall also assess the costs and benefits of independent and mandatory third party verification of the information provided in the label , taking also into account the experience with the broader framework provided by regulation no 661 / 2009 . ### that report shall assess how effectively this regulation and the delegated acts adopted pursuant thereto have allowed end - users to choose higher performing tyres , taking into account its impacts on business , fuel consumption , safety , greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental aspects such as quality of air , water and soil , and market surveillance activities . the commission report referred to in this article may be accompanied by legislative proposals .


### a tyre which satisfies the minimum snow index values set out in unece regulation no 117 shall be classified as a snow tyre and the following icon shall be included on the label . ### a tyre which satisfies the minimum snow index values set out in unece regulation no 117 shall be classified as a snow tyre and the following icon shall be embossed on the sidewall of the snow tyre itself .


### a tyre which satisfies the minimum ice index value set out in iso 19447 shall be classified as an ice tyre and the following icon shall be included on the label . ### a tyre which satisfies the minimum ice index value set out in iso 19447 shall be classified as an ice tyre and the adopted icon under iso 19447 shall be embossed on sidewall of the ice tyre itself .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant . ### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be developed in partnership between national , regional and local authorities , include a gender perspective and be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant . n level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund plus , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' , the european education area and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed .


### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and the increased security threat , clean energy transition , technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills , making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies , including in view of labour mobility . ### the union is confronted with structural challenges arising from social inequalities , economic globalisation , the management of migration flows and related inclusion challenges , clean energy transition , technological change , demographic challenges , unequal access to education and social protection , unbalanced distribution of care responsibilities , an increasingly ageing workforce , lack of employment opportunities and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions , experienced especially by smes . taking into account the changing realities of the world of work , the union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by engaging in the just transition , investing in quality and inclusive education and training , lifelong learning and skills , making labour markets more inclusive and by improving employment , education and social policies , including in view of labour mobility and by fighting against gender gaps and women’s discrimination .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic integration of third country nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic inclusion of third country nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums .


### the integration of the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health with the esf + will also create synergies between the developments and testing of initiatives and policies to improve the effectiveness , resilience and sustainability of health systems developed by the health strand of the esf + programme and their implementation in the member states by the tools provided by the other strands of the esf + regulation . ### in view of this wider scope of the esf + it is appropriate to foresee that the aims to enhance the effectiveness of inclusive and gender - equal labour markets and promote access to quality employment , to improve the access to and the quality of education , training and care , as well as to promote social inclusion and health and to eradicate poverty are not only implemented under shared management , but also under direct and indirect management under the employment and social innovation and health strands for actions required at union level .


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


### the esf + should support member states’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , and the working poor . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic integration . the esf + should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility . ### the esf + should support member states’ efforts at all levels of government including at regional and local level to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all , tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities and housing deprivation , including homelessness , while putting special emphasis on combatting the feminisation of poverty . this implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age , including children , marginalised communities such as the roma , people with disability , illness and / or chronic conditions , the working poor , the homeless , third - country nationals , including refugees , asylum seekers , undocumented migrants and stateless persons , and all other people facing multiple social challenges and multiple forms of discrimination . the esf + should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio - economic inclusion and full participation in society . the esf + should be also used to enhance social rights through timely and equal access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services such as counselling , healthcare , childcare and early childhood education and long - term care , in particular family and community - based care services , and access to decent energy - efficient affordable housing , including social housing . the esf + should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems and social services with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility and coverage .


### the esf + should support policy and system reforms in the fields of employment , social inclusion , healthcare and long - term care , and education and training . in order to strengthen alignment with the european semester , member states should allocate an appropriate amount of their resources of the esf + strand under shared management to implement relevant country - specific recommendations relating to structural challenges which it is appropriate to address through multiannual investments falling within the scope of the esf + . the commission and the member states should ensure coherence , coordination and complementarity between the shared - management and health strands of esf + and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument . in particular , the commission and the member state should ensure , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to safeguard the consistency , coherence , complementarity and synergy among sources of funding , including technical assistance thereof . ### the esf + should support policy and system reforms in the fields of employment , social inclusion , healthcare and long - term care , and education and training . in order to strengthen alignment with the european semester , member states should allocate an appropriate amount of their resources of the esf + strand under shared management to implement relevant country - specific recommendations relating to structural challenges which it is appropriate to address through multiannual investments falling within the scope of the esf + . the commission should review the operational programmes to assess whether they sufficiently address the country - specific recommendations . the commission and the member states should involve local and regional authorities meaningfully in the process to ensure coherence , coordination and complementarity between all levels of government and between the shared - management and the easi and health strands of esf + and the reform support programme , including the reform delivery tool and the technical support instrument . in particular , the commission and the member state should ensure , in all stages of the process , effective coordination in order to safeguard the consistency , coherence , complementarity and synergy among sources of funding , including technical assistance thereof respecting the partnership principle .


### efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the esf + depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio - economic actors , in particular the social partners and civil society . it is therefore essential that member states encourage the participation of social partners and civil society in the implementation of the esf + under shared management . ### efficient and effective implementation of actions supported by the esf + depends on good governance and partnership between all actors at the relevant territorial levels and the socio - economic actors , in particular regional and local authorities , the social partners and civil society with special emphasis on ngos delivering employment , care , education and social services and working in the field of anti - discrimination and / or defending human rights . it is therefore essential that member states ensure the meaningful participation of regional and local authorities , social partners and civil society in the strategic governance of the esf + under shared management from shaping priorities for operational programmes to implementing , monitoring and evaluating the results and impact . furthermore , for the sake of safeguarding non - discrimination and equal opportunities , it is vital that equality bodies and national human rights institutions are also involved in each stage .


### social experimentation is a small - scale project testing which allows gathering evidence on the feasibility of social innovations . it should be possible for feasible ideas to be pursued on a wider scale or in other contexts with financial support from the esf + , as well as from other sources . ### social experimentation is a small - scale project testing which allows gathering evidence on the feasibility of social innovations . it should be possible and encouraged for ideas to be tested at local level and for feasible ones to be pursued on a wider scale or transferred to other contexts in different regions or member states with financial support from the esf + or in combination with other sources .