### to foster the development and implementation of integrated governance of maritime and coastal affairs and integrated sea basin strategies ; ### to foster the development and implementation of integrated multi - level governance of maritime and coastal affairs and integrated sea basin strategies , ensuring a bottom - up approach which involves the regional and local authorities effectively ;


### facilitate the exploitation of synergies , sharing of information and exchange of best practices on maritime policy , including its governance and sectoral policies that have an impact on regional seas and coastal regions or ### facilitate the exploitation of synergies , sharing of information and exchange of best practices on maritime policy , including its governance and sectoral policies that have an impact on regional seas , coastal regions and islands or


### this directive also establishes rules concerning partial access to a regulated profession and access to and recognition of remunerated traineeships pursued in another member state . ### this directive also establishes rules concerning partial access to certain regulated professions .


### the knowledge , skills and competences for such common training framework shall refer to levels of the european qualifications framework , as defined in annex ii of the recommendation of the european parliament and of the council on the establishment of the european qualifications framework for lifelong learning ; ### the knowledge , skills and competences for such common training framework shall refer to the levels of qualifications specified in article 11 of this directive ;


### the duration of the training as an architect must be at least six years which may also be expressed with the equivalent ects credits . the training in a member state shall comprise any of the following : ### the duration of the training as an architect must be at least six years . the training in a member state shall comprise any of the following :


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of an architect or a person or body approved for that purpose by a competent authority which has adequately checked their ability to provide practical training . the completion of the traineeship must be attested to in a certificate issued by a competent authority and accompanying the official evidence of formal qualifications .


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications .


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of an architect or a person or body approved for that purpose by a competent authority which has adequately checked their ability to provide practical training . the completion of the traineeship must be attested to in a certificate issued by a competent authority and accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications .


### partial access may be rejected if such rejection is justified by an overriding reason of general interest , such as public health , it would secure the attainment of the objective pursued and it would not go beyond what is strictly necessary . ### member states may refuse to apply the principle of partial access to certain professions if such rejection is justified by an overriding reason of general interest , it would secure the attainment of the objective pursued and it would not go beyond what is strictly necessary .


### recognition of remunerated traineeship ### recognition of traineeship


### the service provider is accompanying the service recipient , provided that the service recipient ' s habitual residence is in the service provider ' s member state of establishment and the profession does not appear on the list referred to in article 7 . ### where the service is not intended either directly or indirectly for recipients in the state of service provision and the profession does not appear on the list referred to in article 7 .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the conditions of access to the imi file , the technical means and the procedures for the verification referred to in the first subparagraph . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 58 . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the conditions of access to the imi file , the technical means and the procedures for the verification referred to in the first subparagraph . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 58 .


### member states shall ensure that the points of single contact and the competent authorities respond as quickly as possible to any request for information addressed to the point of single contact . to this end , they may also refer such request for information to the assistance centers mentioned in article 57b and inform the citizen concerned . ### member states shall ensure that any request for information is dealt with as quickly as possible . to this end , they may also refer such request for information to the assistance centers and contact points mentioned in article 57b and inform the citizen concerned .


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , and must be undertaken under the supervision of an architect or a person or body approved for that purpose by a competent authority which has adequately checked their ability to provide practical training . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate issued by a competent authority and accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts for the application of the alert mechanism . the implementing act shall include provisions on the competent authorities entitled to sending and / or receiving alerts , on complementing the alerts with additional information , on the withdrawal and closure of alerts , on rights of access to data , ways of correcting the information contained in the alerts , and measures to ensure the security of processing and retention periods . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 58 . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts for the application of the alert mechanism . the implementing act shall include provisions on the competent authorities entitled to sending and / or receiving alerts , on complementing the alerts with additional information , on the withdrawal and closure of alerts , on rights of access to data , ways of correcting the information contained in the alerts , and measures to ensure the security of processing and retention periods . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 58 .


### directive 2005 / 36 / ec should also cover notaries . for recognition requests for establishment , member states should be able to impose the necessary aptitude test or adaptation period to avoid any discrimination in the national selection and nomination procedures . in the case of free provision of services , notaries should not be able to draw up authentic instruments and carry out other activities of authentication which require the seal of the host member state . ### directive 2005 / 36 / ec should not apply to the profession of notary . when designing their judicial systems , most member states have established the profession of notary as an independent public office that serves the public interest , with responsibilities that can sometimes vary considerably . the basic thinking behind directive 2005 / 36 / ec , however , particularly as regards the freedom to provide services , is contrary to this notion of a notary as a public office - holder involved in the judicial system .


### in the cases referred to in articles 7 and 14 , a host member state shall decide on whether to recognise the holder ' s qualifications or to subject him to compensation measures within two months from the date of receipt for validation of the european professional card transmitted by the home member state . in case of justified doubts , the host member state may request additional information from the home member state . that request shall not suspend the period of two months . ### in the cases referred to in articles 7 and 14 , a host member state shall decide on whether to recognise the holder ' s qualifications or to subject him to compensation measures within 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the european professional card transmitted by the home member state . in case of justified doubts , the host member state may request additional information from the home member state . that request shall not suspend the period of 12 weeks .


### the information included in the european professional card shall be limited to the information that is necessary to ascertain its holder ' s right to exercise the profession for which it has been issued , in particular name , surname , date and place of birth , profession , applicable regime , competent authorities involved , card number , security features and reference to a valid proof of identity . ### the information included in the european professional card shall be limited to the information that is necessary to ascertain its holder ' s right to exercise the profession for which it has been issued , in particular name , surname , date and place of birth , profession , evidence of formal qualifications , evidence of professional experience , applicable regime , competent authorities involved , card number , security features and reference to a valid proof of identity .


### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of directive 2005 / 36 / ec , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of updating of annex i , setting the criteria for the calculation of fees related to the european professional card , establishing the details of the documentation necessary for the european professional card , the adaptations of the list of activities set out in annex iv , the adaptations of points 5 . 1 . 1 to 5 . 1 . 4 , 5 . 2 . 2 , 5 . 3 . 2 , 5 . 3 . 3 , 5 . 4 . 2 , 5 . 5 . 2 , 5 . 6 . 2 and 5 . 7 . 1 of annex v , clarifying the knowledge and skills for medical doctors , nurses responsible for general care , dental practitioners , veterinary surgeons , midwives , pharmacists and architects , adapting the minimum periods of training for specialist medical trainings and specialist dental training , the inclusion in point 5 . 1 . 3 of annex v of new medical specialities , the amendments to the list set out in points 5 . 2 . 1 , 5 . 3 . 1 , 5 . 4 . 1 , 5 . 5 . 1 and 5 . 6 . 1 of annex v , inclusion in point 5 . 3 . 3 of annex v of new dental specialities , specifying the conditions of application of common training frameworks , and specifying the conditions of application of common training tests . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of directive 2005 / 36 / ec , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of updating of annex i , the adaptations of the list of activities set out in annex iv , adapting the minimum periods of training for specialist medical trainings and specialist dental training , the inclusion in point 5 . 1 . 3 of annex v of new medical specialities , the amendments to the list set out in points 5 . 2 . 1 , 5 . 3 . 1 , 5 . 4 . 1 , 5 . 5 . 1 and 5 . 6 . 1 of annex v , inclusion in point 5 . 3 . 3 of annex v of new dental specialities , specifying the conditions of application of common training frameworks . it is of particular importance that the commission ensure the appropriate consultation of experts at european and national level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a transparent , simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### all procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of directive 2006 / 123 / ec relating to the points of single contact . any time limits for member states to be complied with procedures or formalities set out in this directive shall commence at the point when an application has been submitted by a citizen to a point of single contact . ### all procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of directive 2006 / 123 / ec relating to the points of single contact . any time limits for member states to be complied with procedures or formalities set out in this directive shall commence at the point when a complete application has been submitted by a citizen via a point of single contact to the competent authority .


### at least four years of full - time study at a university or comparable teaching institution leading to successful completion of a university - level examination and at least two years of remunerated traineeship ; ### at least four years of full - time study , or their equivalent expressed in ects credits , at a university or comparable teaching institution leading to successful completion of a university - level examination conferring a formal qualification and at least two years of remunerated traineeship for practical training conferring a professional qualification ;


### by derogation to paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the competent authority of the host member state may refuse access to and pursuit of the profession to holders of an attestation of competence where the national qualification required to exercise the profession on its territory is classified under points or of article 11 . ### by derogation to paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the competent authority of the host member state may refuse access to and pursuit of the profession to holders of an attestation of competence where the national qualification required to exercise the profession on its territory is classified under points , or of article 11 .


### access to the information in the imi file shall be limited to the competent authorities of the home and the host member state and the holder of the european professional card in accordance with directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council . ### access to the information in the imi file shall be limited to the competent authorities of the home and the host member state in accordance with directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council .


### the training of veterinary surgeons shall comprise a total of at least five years of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed with the equivalent ects credits , at a university or at a higher institute providing training recognized as being of an equivalent level , or under the supervision of a university , covering at least the study programme referred to in annex v , point 5 . 4 . 1 . ### the training of veterinary surgeons shall comprise a total of at least five years of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed as an additional criterion with the equivalent ects credits , at a university or at a higher institute providing training recognized as being of an equivalent level , or under the supervision of a university , covering at least the study programme referred to in annex v , point 5 . 4 . 1 .


### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall be sent at the latest within three days from the date of adoption of the decision prohibiting the professional concerned from exercising a professional activity . ### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall be sent immediately , and in any event at the latest within 48 hours from the date of adoption of the decision prohibiting the professional concerned from exercising a professional activity .


### basic dental training shall comprise a total of at least five years of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed with the equivalent ects credits , comprising at least the programme described in annex v , point 5 . 3 . 1 and given in a university , in a higher institute providing training recognised as being of an equivalent level or under the supervision of a university . ### basic dental training shall last a total of at least five years and consist of at least 5000 hours of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed as an additional criterion with the equivalent ects credits , comprising at least the programme described in annex v , point 5 . 3 . 1 and at a university or at a higher institute providing training recognized as being of an equivalent level , or under the supervision of a university , covering at least the study programme referred to in annex v , point 5 . 4 . 1 .


### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of directive 2005 / 36 / ec , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of updating of annex i , setting the criteria for the calculation of fees related to the european professional card , establishing the details of the documentation necessary for the european professional card , the adaptations of the list of activities set out in annex iv , the adaptations of points 5 . 1 . 1 to 5 . 1 . 4 , 5 . 2 . 2 , 5 . 3 . 2 , 5 . 3 . 3 , 5 . 4 . 2 , 5 . 5 . 2 , 5 . 6 . 2 and 5 . 7 . 1 of annex v , clarifying the knowledge and skills for medical doctors , nurses responsible for general care , dental practitioners , veterinary surgeons , midwives , pharmacists and architects , adapting the minimum periods of training for specialist medical trainings and specialist dental training , the inclusion in point 5 . 1 . 3 of annex v of new medical specialities , the amendments to the list set out in points 5 . 2 . 1 , 5 . 3 . 1 , 5 . 4 . 1 , 5 . 5 . 1 and 5 . 6 . 1 of annex v , inclusion in point 5 . 3 . 3 of annex v of new dental specialities , specifying the conditions of application of common training frameworks , and specifying the conditions of application of common training tests . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of directive 2005 / 36 / ec , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of updating of annex i , the adaptations of the list of activities set out in annex iv , clarifying the knowledge and skills for architects , adapting the minimum periods of training for specialist medical trainings and specialist dental training , the inclusion in point 5 . 1 . 3 of annex v of new medical specialities , the amendments to the list set out in points 5 . 2 . 1 , 5 . 3 . 1 , 5 . 4 . 1 , 5 . 5 . 1 and 5 . 6 . 1 of annex v , inclusion in point 5 . 3 . 3 of annex v of new dental specialities , specifying the conditions of application of common training frameworks , and specifying the conditions of application of common training tests . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the knowledge , skills and competences for such common training framework shall refer to levels of the european qualifications framework , as defined in annex ii of the recommendation of the european parliament and of the council on the establishment of the european qualifications framework for lifelong learning ; ### the knowledge , skills and competences for such common training framework shall refer to the levels of article 11 of this directive ; article 11 shall not be applicable to the professions regulated under annex v point 1 .


### the competent authority of the home member state shall verify the application , create and validate a european professional card within two weeks from the date it receives a complete application . it shall inform the applicant and the member state in which the applicant envisages to provide services , of the validation of the european professional card . the transmission of the validation information to the host member states concerned shall constitute the declaration provided for in article 7 . the host member state may not require a further declaration under article 7 for the following two years . ### the competent authority of the home member state shall verify the application , create and validate a european professional card within three weeks from the date it receives a complete application . it shall inform the applicant and the member state in which the applicant envisages to provide services , of the validation of the european professional card . the transmission of the validation information to the host member states concerned shall constitute the declaration provided for in article 7 . the host member state may not require a further declaration under article 7 for the following year .


### by derogation to paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the competent authority of the host member state may refuse access to and pursuit of the profession to holders of an attestation of competence where the national qualification required to exercise the profession on its territory is classified under points or of article 11 . ### by derogation to paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article , the competent authority of the host member state may refuse access to and pursuit of the profession to holders of an attestation of competence in accordance with article 11 where the national qualification required to exercise the profession on its territory is classified under points , or of article 11 .


### basic dental training shall comprise a total of at least five years of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed with the equivalent ects credits , comprising at least the programme described in annex v , point 5 . 3 . 1 and given in a university , in a higher institute providing training recognised as being of an equivalent level or under the supervision of a university . ### basic dental training shall last a total of at least five years and comprise at least 5000 hours of full - time theoretical and practical study , which may also be expressed as an additional criterion with the equivalent ects credits , on the basis that one academic year corresponds to 60 training credits , comprising at least the programme described in annex v , point 5 . 3 . 1 and given in a university or in a higher institute providing training recognised as being of an equivalent level or under the supervision of a university .


### the recognition of professional qualifications by the host member state shall allow the beneficiary to gain access in that member state to the same profession or , in the cases referred to in article 4f , to part of the same profession , as that for which he is qualified in the home member state and to pursue it in the host member state under the same conditions as its nationals . ### the recognition of professional qualifications by the host member state shall allow the beneficiary to gain access in that member state to the same profession as that for which he is qualified in the home member state and to pursue it in the host member state under the same conditions as its nationals .


### the competent authority of the home member state shall verify the application , create and validate a european professional card within two weeks from the date it receives a complete application . it shall inform the applicant and the member state in which the applicant envisages to provide services , of the validation of the european professional card . the transmission of the validation information to the host member states concerned shall constitute the declaration provided for in article 7 . the host member state may not require a further declaration under article 7 for the following two years . ### the competent authority of the home member state shall verify the application and create a european professional card within four weeks from the date it receives the complete application . it shall inform the applicant and the member state in which the applicant envisages to provide services , of the creation of the european professional card . the transmission of the creation information to the host member states concerned shall constitute the declaration provided for in article 7 . the host member state may not require a further declaration under article 7 for the following year .


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , and must be undertaken under the supervision of an architect or a person or body approved for that purpose by a competent authority which has adequately checked their ability to provide practical training . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate issued by a competent authority and accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications .


### the remunerated traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of a person providing adequate guarantees regarding their ability to provide practical training . it must be undertaken after the completion of the study referred to in paragraph 1 . the completion of the remunerated traineeship must be attested to in a certificate accompanying the evidence of formal qualifications . ### the traineeship must be carried out in a member state , under the supervision of an architect or a person or body approved for that purpose by a competent authority which has adequately checked their ability to provide practical training . the completion of the traineeship must be attested to in a certificate issued by a competent authority and accompanying the official evidence of formal qualifications .


### member states shall designate competent authorities for issuing european professional cards . those authorities shall ensure an impartial , objective and timely processing of applications for european professional cards . the assistance centers referred to in article 57b may also act in the capacity of a competent authority to issue a european professional card . member states shall ensure that competent authorities inform citizens , including prospective applicants , on the advantages of a european professional card where it is available . ### member states shall designate competent authorities for issuing european professional cards . those authorities shall ensure an impartial , objective and timely processing of applications for european professional cards . member states shall ensure that competent authorities inform citizens , including prospective applicants , on the advantages of a european professional card where it is available .


### directive 2005 / 36 / ec only applies to professionals who want to pursue the same profession in another member state . there are cases where the activities concerned are part of a profession with a larger scope of activities in the host member state . if the differences between the fields of activity are so large that in reality a full programme of education and training is required from the professional to compensate for shortcomings and if the professional so requests , a host member state should under these particular circumstances grant partial access . however , in case of overriding reasons of general interest , such as in the case of a doctor of medicine or other health professionals , a member state should be able to refuse partial access . ### directive 2005 / 36 / ec only applies to professionals who want to pursue the same profession in another member state . there are cases where the activities concerned are part of a profession with a larger scope of activities in the host member state . if the differences between the fields of activity are so large that in reality a full programme of education and training is required from the professional to compensate for shortcomings and if the professional so requests , a host member state should under particular circumstances grant partial access . however , in case of overriding reasons of general interest a member state should be able to refuse partial access . partial access does not apply to health professions concerned with patient safety or public health care .


### evidence of formal qualifications as a pharmacist shall attest to training of at least five years ' duration , which may also be expressed with the equivalent ects credits , including at least : ### evidence of formal qualifications as a pharmacist shall attest to training of at least five years ' duration , which may also be expressed as an additional criterion with the equivalent ects credits , including at least :


### in order to promote the free movement of professionals , while ensuring a more efficient and transparent recognition of qualifications it is necessary to provide for a european professional card . in particular that card is necessary to facilitate temporary mobility and recognition under the automatic recognition system , as well as to promote a simplified recognition process under the general system . the card should be issued upon request from a professional and after submission of necessary documents and completion of related review and verification procedures by the competent authorities . the functioning of the card should be supported by the internal market information system established by regulation no [ … ] on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system23 . this mechanism should help enhance synergies and trust among competent authorities , while at the same time eliminating duplication of administrative work for the authorities and creating more transparency and certainty for professionals . the process for the application and issuing of the card should be clearly structured and incorporate safeguards and the corresponding rights of appeal for the applicant . the card and the related workflow within imi should ensure the integrity , authenticity and confidentiality of the data stored and avoid unlawful and unauthorised access to information contained therein . ### the introduction of the european professional card on a voluntary basis will promote the free movement of professionals , while ensuring a more efficient and transparent recognition of qualifications . in particular that card is necessary to facilitate temporary mobility and recognition under the automatic recognition system , as well as to promote a simplified recognition process under the general system . the card should , upon a request by the respective representative professional organisations , be issued upon request from a professional and after submission of necessary documents and completion of related review and verification procedures by the competent authorities . the functioning of the card should be supported by the internal market information system established by regulation no [ … ] on administrative cooperation through the internal market information system23 . this mechanism should help enhance synergies and trust among competent authorities , while at the same time eliminating duplication of administrative work for the authorities and creating more transparency and certainty for professionals . the process for the application and issuing of the card should be clearly structured and incorporate safeguards and the corresponding rights of appeal for the applicant . the card and the related workflow within imi should ensure the integrity , authenticity and confidentiality of the data stored and avoid unlawful and unauthorised access to information contained therein .


### the commission should assess whether to approve that contracting authorities / entities within the meaning of directives [ 2004 / 17 / ec , 2004 / 18 / ec and directive [ … . ] of the european parliament and the council of [ … . ] … . on the award of concession contracts13 ] exclude , for contracts with an estimated value equal or above eur 5 . 000 . 000 from procedures for the award of contracts goods and services not covered by the international commitments undertaken by the european union . __________________ 13 oj l… . ### the commission should assess whether to approve that contracting authorities / entities within the meaning of directives [ 2004 / 17 / ec , 2004 / 18 / ec and directive [ … . ] of the european parliament and the council of [ … . ] … . on the award of concession contracts13 ] exclude , for contracts with an estimated value equal or above eur 5 . 000 . 000 from procedures for the award of contracts goods and services not covered by the international commitments undertaken by the european union . this should not concern procedures for contracting goods and services with countries benefiting from the ' everything but arms ' arrangement listed in annex iv of the european parliament and council regulation no 978 / 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences14 , and contracting goods and services originating in developing countries as defined in annex vii of the regulation no 978 / 2012 . __________________ 13 oj l… . 13a oj l 303 , 31 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society horizon 2020 should : promote active participation and informed engagement of citizens and civil society in the process of research and innovation ; promote science education ; guarantee the respect of ethical legislation and promoting the emergence of , and adherence to , the highest ethical standards worldwide ; increase the accessibility and re - use of the results of publicly funded research , in particular scientific publications and data ; develop responsible research and innovation and governance framework agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by reinforcing their participation in the setting of research priorities of horizon 2020 activities .


### the leader approach for local development has , over a number of years , proven its utility in promoting the development of rural areas by fully taking into account the multi - sectoral needs for endogenous rural development through its bottom - up approach . leader should therefore be continued in the future and its application should remain compulsory for all rural development programmes . ### the leader approach for local development has , over a number of years , proven its utility in promoting the development of rural areas by fully taking into account the multi - sectoral needs for endogenous rural development through its bottom - up approach . leader should therefore be continued in the future and its application should remain compulsory for all rural development programmes . further exploration of synergies through cooperation with local development actors in developing countries should be encouraged , with full respect for the recognition of traditional knowledge as embodied in the un declaration on the rights of indigenous people and the un convention on biological diversity , with the aim to promote sustainable farming practices , compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , soil and genetic diversity .


### in order to provide for enhanced transparency of payments made to governments , large undertakings and public interest entities which are active in the extractive industry or logging of primary forests should disclose in a separate report on an annual basis material payments made to governments in the countries in which they operate . such undertakings are active in countries rich in natural resources , in particular minerals , oil , natural gas as well as primary forests . the report should include types of payments comparable to those disclosed by an undertaking participating in the extractive industries transparency initiative . the initiative is also complementary to the eu flegt action plan and the timber regulation which require traders of timber products to exercise due diligence in order to prevent illegal wood from entering into the eu market . ### in order to provide for enhanced transparency of payments made to governments , large undertakings and public interest entities should disclose in a report on an annual basis payments made to governments in the countries in which they operate . the report , which should form part of the notes to the financial statements , should also include certain contextual information . these measures aim at enabling investors to make better - informed decisions , improving corporate governance and accountability and contributing to the containment of tax evasion . the report should incorporate disclosures on a country basis , with certain additional reporting requirements on a project basis for undertakings active in the extractive industry or logging of primary forests .


### the commission shall review and report on the implementation and effectiveness of this chapter , in particular as regards the scope of the reporting obligations and the modalities of the reporting on a project basis . the review should also take into account international developments and consider the effects on competitiveness and security of energy supply . it should be completed at the latest five years after the date of entry into force of this directive . the report shall be submitted to the european parliament and the council , together with a legislative proposal , if appropriate . ### the commission shall review and report on the implementation and effectiveness of this chapter , in particular as regards the scope of the reporting obligations and the modalities of the reporting on a project basis . the review should also take into account international developments and consider the effects on competitiveness and security of energy supply . it should also consider whether the reporting obligations for undertakings which are active in the extractive industry or logging of primary forests should be extended to certain other industries , including in particular fisheries . the review should be completed at the latest four years after the date of entry into force of this directive . the report shall be submitted to the european parliament and the council , together with a legislative proposal , if appropriate .


### the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteriaand account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . the report should incorporate disclosures on a country and project basis , where a project is considered as the lowest level of operational reporting unit at which the undertaking prepares regular internal management reports , such as a concession , geographical basin , etc and where payments have been attributed to such projects . in the light of the overall objective of promoting good governance in these countries , the materiality of payments to be reported should be assessed in relation to the recipient government . various criteria on materiality could be envisaged such as payments of an absolute amount , or a percentage threshold and these can be defined through a delegated act . the reporting regime should be subject to a review and a report by the commission within five years of the entry into force of the directive . the review should consider the effectiveness of the regime and take into account international developments including issues of competitiveness and energy security . the review should also take into account the experience of preparers and users of the payments information and consider whether it would be appropriate to include additional payment information such as effective tax rates and recipient details , such as bank account information . ### the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteria and account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . the report should incorporate disclosures on a country and project basis , where a project is considered as the lowest level of operational reporting unit at which the undertaking prepares regular internal management reports , such as a concession , geographical basin , etc and where payments have been attributed to such projects . it should not be necessary to prepare a report if equivalent reporting requirements are observed . payments should not need to be disclosed if the total amount paid to a government does not exceed eur 1 000 000 or if the total amount of payments for a project does not exceed eur 200 000 . the reporting regime should be subject to a review and a report by the commission within five years of the entry into force of the directive . the review should consider the effectiveness of the regime and take into account international developments including issues of competitiveness and energy security . the review should also take into account the experience of preparers and users of the payments information and consider whether it would be appropriate to include additional payment information such as effective tax rates and recipient details , such as bank account information .


### member states shall require large undertakings and all public interest entities active in the extractive industry or the logging of primary forests to prepare and make public a report on payments made to governments on an annual basis . ### member states shall require large undertakings and all public interest entities to prepare and make public a report on payments made to governments and certain contextual information as defined in article 38 on an annual basis . the report shall include information concerning activities of subsidiaries , associates , joint ventures , permanent establishments and other trading arrangements to the extent that they are consolidated in the annual financial statements of the undertaking or entity in question . the report shall form part of the notes to the financial statements .


### a member state shall require any large undertaking or any public interest entity active in the extractive industry or the logging of primary forests and governed by its national law to draw up a consolidated report on payments to governments in accordance with articles 37 and 38 if that parent undertaking is under the obligation to prepare consolidated financial statements as laid down in article 23 to 23 of this directive . ### a member state shall require any large undertaking or any public interest entity governed by its national law to draw up a consolidated report on payments to governments in accordance with articles 37 and 38 if that parent undertaking is under the obligation to prepare consolidated financial statements as laid down in article 23 to 23 of this directive .


### the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteriaand account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . the report should incorporate disclosures on a country and project basis , where a project is considered as the lowest level of operational reporting unit at which the undertaking prepares regular internal management reports , such as a concession , geographical basin , etc and where payments have been attributed to such projects . in the light of the overall objective of promoting good governance in these countries , the materiality of payments to be reported should be assessed in relation to the recipient government . various criteria on materiality could be envisaged such as payments of an absolute amount , or a percentage threshold and these can be defined through a delegated act . the reporting regime should be subject to a review and a report by the commission within five years of the entry into force of the directive . the review should consider the effectiveness of the regime and take into account international developments including issues of competitiveness and energy security . the review should also take into account the experience of preparers and users of the payments information and consider whether it would be appropriate to include additional payment information such as effective tax rates and recipient details , such as bank account information . ### in the reports by large undertakings and public - interest entities which are active in the extractive industry or the logging of primary forests¹ , payments to governments should also be disclosed on a project basis . the term ' project ' should be defined as equivalent to activities governed by a contract , licence , lease , concession or other legal agreement which gives rise to a company ' s tax and revenue liabilities in each country where it operates ; where any payment liabilities are incurred on a basis other than such a legal agreement , reporting should be done on that basis . however , the requirements in respect of disclosure on a project basis should be limited to projects for which the total amount of payments to governments within a given financial year exceeds eur 100 000 . the reports should include types of payments comparable to those disclosed by an undertaking participating in the extractive industries transparency initiative . the initiative is also complementary to the eu flegt action plan ² and the timber regulation³ , which require traders of timber products to exercise due diligence in order to prevent illegal wood from entering the union market . the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteria and account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . ____________ ¹ defined in directive 2009 / 28 / ec as ' forest and other wooded land of native species , where there is no clearly visible indication of human activity and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed . ' . ² see council regulation no 2173 / 2005 of 20 december 2005 on the establishment of a flegt licensing scheme for imports of timber into the european community . ³ regulation no 995 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market . companies that import wood products under eu voluntary agreements will be exempt from this requirement .


### the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteria and account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . the report should incorporate disclosures on a country and project basis , where a project is considered as the lowest level of operational reporting unit at which the undertaking prepares regular internal management reports , such as a concession , geographical basin , etc and where payments have been attributed to such projects . in the light of the overall objective of promoting good governance in these countries , the materiality of payments to be reported should be assessed in relation to the recipient government . various criteria on materiality could be envisaged such as payments of an absolute amount , or a percentage threshold and these can be defined through a delegated act . the reporting regime should be subject to a review and a report by the commission within five years of the entry into force of the directive . the review should consider the effectiveness of the regime and take into account international developments including issues of competitiveness and energy security . the review should also take into account the experience of preparers and users of the payments information and consider whether it would be appropriate to include additional payment information such as effective tax rates and recipient details , such as bank account information . ### in the reports by large undertakings and public interest entities which are active in the extractive industry or logging of primary forests1 , payments to governments should also be disclosed on a project basis , where ' project ' means an operational unit set up on the basis of one or more licences , concessions , contracts or other specific legal agreements which give rise to fiscal or parafiscal liabilities . however , the requirements in respect of disclosure on a project basis should be limited to projects for which the total payments exceed eur 100 000 . the reports should include types of payments comparable to those disclosed by an undertaking participating in the extractive industries transparency initiative . the initiative is also complementary to the eu flegt action plan 2 and the timber regulation3 , which require traders of timber products to exercise due diligence in order to prevent illegal wood from entering into the eu market . the reports should serve to facilitate governments of resource - rich countries in implementing the eiti principles and criteriaand account to their citizens for payments such governments receive from undertakings active in the extractive industry or loggers of primary forests operating within their jurisdiction . ____________ 1 defined in directive 2009 / 28 / ec as ' forest and other wooded land of native species , where there is no clearly visible indication of human activity and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed . ' . 2 see council regulation no 2173 / 2005 of 20 december 2005 on the establishment of a flegt licensing scheme for imports of timber into the european community . 3 regulation no 995 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 20 october 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market . companies that import wood products under eu voluntary agreements will be exempt from this requirement .


### where those payments have been attributed to a specific project the amount per type of payment , including payments in kind , made for each such project within a financial year , and the total amount of payments for each such project . ### for undertakings active in the extractive industry and the logging of primary forests and subject to the materiality threshold defined in paragraph 1a , where those payments have been attributed to a specific project , the amount per type of payment , including payments in kind , made for each such project within a financial year , and the total amount of payments for each such project ;


### no later than 31 december 2024 , it shall publish a comprehensive report on the effects of this regulation , including a forecast of the continued demand for hydrofluorocarbons after 2030 . ### no later than 31 december 2019 , it shall publish a comprehensive report on the effects of this regulation , including a forecast of the continued demand for hydrofluorocarbons in 2021 , 2024 , 2027 , 2030 and after 2030 .


### the csf funds shall provide support , through multi - annual programmes , which complements national , regional and local intervention , to deliver the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , taking account of the integrated guidelines , the country - specific recommendations under article 121 of the treaty and the relevant council recommendations adopted under 148 of the treaty . ### the european structural and investment funds shall provide support , through multi - annual programmes , which complements national , regional and local intervention to deliver the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth as well as the fund - specific missions pursuant to their treaty - based objectives , including economic , social and territorial cohesion taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and the relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and the relevant council recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and where appropriate at national level , the national reform programme .


### the commission may request the eib to examine the technical quality and economic and financial viability of major projects and to assist it as regards the financial instruments to be implemented or developed . ### the commission may request the eib to examine the technical quality and economic , financial viability and sustainability of major projects and to assist it as regards the financial instruments to be implemented or developed .


### annual implementation reports shall set out information on implementation of the programme and its priorities by reference to the financial data , common and programme - specific indicators and quantified target values , including changes in result indicators , and the milestones defined in the performance framework . the data transmitted shall relate to values for indicators for fully implemented operations and also for selected operations . they shall also set out actions taken to fulfil the ex - ante conditionalities and any issues which affect the performance of the programme , and the corrective measures taken . ### annual implementation reports shall set out information on implementation of the programme and its priorities by reference to the financial data , common and programme - specific indicators and quantified target values , including changes in result indicators , and the milestones defined in the performance framework . the data transmitted shall relate to values for indicators for fully implemented operations and also for selected operations . all personal data has to be broken down by gender . they shall also set out actions taken to fulfil the ex - ante conditionalities and any issues which affect the performance of the programme , the corrective measures taken , and actions taken for administrative simplification .


### on the basis of the common strategic framework adopted by the commission , each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract . the partnership contract should translate the elements set out in the common strategic framework into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds . ### each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners referred to in article 5 of this regulation , and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract . the partnership contract should contain selected elements set out in the common strategic framework and put them into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds .


### an operational programme shall consist of priority axes . a priority axis shall concern one fund for a category of region and shall correspond , without prejudice to article 52 , to a thematic objective and comprise one or more investment priorities of that thematic objective , in accordance with the fund - specific rules . for the esf , a priority axis may combine investment priorities from different thematic objectives set out in article 9 , , and in order to facilitate their contribution to other priority axes , in duly justified circumstances . ### an operational programme shall consist of priority axes . a priority axis shall concern one fund and one category of region , except for the cohesion fund , and shall correspond , without prejudice to article 52 , to a thematic objective and comprise one or more investment priorities of that thematic objective , in accordance with the fund - specific rules . where appropriate and in order to increase the impact and effectiveness in a thematically coherent integrated approach , a priority axis may : concern more than one category of region ; combine one or more complementary investment priorities from the erdf , cf and esf under one thematic objective ; in duly justified cases combine one or more complementary investment priorities from different thematic objectives in order to achieve their maximum contribution to priority axis ; for the esf combine investment priorities from different thematic objectives set out in article 9 , , and in order to facilitate their contribution to other priority axes . member states may combine two or more of the options to .


### ‘ partnership contract’ means the document prepared by the member state with the involvement of partners in line with the multi - level governance approach , which sets out the member state ' s strategy , priorities and arrangements for using the csf funds in an effective and efficient way to pursue the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , and which is approved by the commission following assessment and dialogue with the member state ; ### ' partnership contract ' means the document prepared by the member state with the involvement of partners in line with the multi - level governance approach as laid down in article 5 of this regulation , which sets out the member state ' s strategy , priorities and arrangements for using the csf funds in an effective and efficient way to pursue the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth while recognizing the different needs of the regions , and guarantees the necessary flexibility for the sustainable regional development , and which is approved by the commission following assessment and dialogue with the member state ;


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 142 to provide for a european code of conduct that lays down objectives and criteria to support the implementation of partnership and to facilitate the sharing of information , experience , results and good practices among member states . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt , following comprehensive consultation of the partners referred to in paragraph 1 at union level , delegated acts in accordance with article 142 to provide for a european code of conduct , based on best practices , that lays down objectives and criteria to ensure the implementation of partnership during the preparation , implementation monitoring and evalution of partnership contracts and programmes , and to facilitate the sharing of information , experience , results and best practices among member states .


### the ex - ante evaluation shall incorporate , where appropriate , the requirements for strategic environmental assessment set out in implementation of directive 2001 / 42 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 27 june 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment34 . ### the ex - ante evaluation shall incorporate the requirements for strategic environmental assessment set out in implementation of directive 2001 / 42 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 27 june 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment34 and shall include assessments of the effects of programmes on climate change . .


### for the partnership contract and each programme respectively , a member state should organise a partnership with the representatives of competent regional , local , urban and other public authorities , economic and social partners , and bodies representing civil society , including environmental partners , non - governmental organisations , and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non - discrimination . the purpose of such a partnership is to respect the principle of multi - level governance , ensure the ownership of planned interventions by stakeholders and build on the experience and know - how of relevant actors . the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts providing for a code of conduct in order to ensure that partners are involved in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of partnership contracts and programmes in a consistent manner . ### for the partnership contract and each programme respectively , a member state should organise a partnership , in accordance with its national reform programme , with the representatives of competent regional , local , urban and other public authorities , economic and social partners , and bodies representing civil society , including environmental partners , non - governmental organisations , and bodies responsible for promoting gender equality and non - discrimination , as well as non - governmental organisations promoting social inclusion and organisations active in the areas of culture , education and youth policy . specific attention should be paid to groups that might be affected by the programmes and might have difficulties in influencing them . cooperation with the partners should follow best practice . each member state should ensure an adequate level of technical assistance in order to facilitate their involvement and participation in all stages of the programming process . the purpose of such a partnership is to respect the principle of multi - level governance , ensure the ownership of planned interventions by stakeholders and build on the experience and know - how of relevant actors . therefore the partners should represent the different territorial levels , and reflect the institutional structure , of the member states . the partners should select and appoint the members they wish to represent them on the monitoring committee . member states should ensure that partners are involved in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of partnership contracts and programmes in a consistent manner .


### an assessment of the administrative burden for beneficiaries and the actions planned to achieve a reduction accompanied by targets ; ### the actions planned to achieve a reduction of the administrative burden for beneficiaries accompanied by targets ;


### in accordance with the multi - level governance approach , the partners shall be involved by member states in the preparation of partnership contracts and progress reports and in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of programmes . the partners shall participate in the monitoring committees for programmes . ### in accordance with the multi - level governance approach and with the partnership contract , as referred to in paragraph 1 , the partners representing the different territorial levels and reflecting the institutional structure of the member states shall be involved by member states in all stages of the preparation of partnership contracts and progress reports and in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of programmes in a timely and consistent manner . the partners shall participate in the monitoring committees for programmes .


### a citizen ' s summary of the contents of the annual and the final implementation reports shall be made public ### the annual and the final implementation reports , as well as a summary for citizens of their content shall be made public .


### territorial cohesion has been added to the goals of economic and social cohesion by the treaty , and it is necessary to address the role of cities , functional geographies and sub - regional areas facing specific geographical or demographic problems . to this end , to better mobilise potential at a local level , it is necessary to strengthen and facilitate community - led local development by laying down common rules and close coordination for all csf funds . responsibility for the implementation of local development strategies should be given to local action groups representing the interests of the community , as an essential principle . ### territorial cohesion is the main instrument to achieve economic and social cohesion as provided for by the treaty , and it is necessary to address the role of cities , urban areas , functional geographies and sub - regional areas facing specific geographical or demographic problems . therefore , the integrated territorial approach as laid down in article 99 of this regulation should be the main tool to achieve a successful sustainable development of such areas and to promote employment , social inclusion and prosperity of citizens living in those areas .


### a description of the strategy and its objectives , a description of the integrated and innovative character of the strategy and a hierarchy of objectives , including clear and measurable targets for outputs or results . the strategy shall be coherent with the relevant programmes of all the csf funds involved ; ### a description of the strategy and its objectives , a description of the integrated and innovative character of the strategy and a hierarchy of objectives , including clear and measurable targets for outputs or results . the strategy shall be coherent with the relevant programmes of all the csf funds involved and with the horizontal targets laid down in articles 6 , 7 and 8 of this regulation ;


### on the basis of the common strategic framework adopted by the commission , each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract . the partnership contract should translate the elements set out in the common strategic framework into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds . ### on the basis of the common strategic framework , each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners , particularly those referred to in this regulation , and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract in accordance with its national reform programme . the partnership contract should select the elements set out in the common strategic framework and put them into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds and lay down provisions to guarantee access to such funds for smes and micro - enterprises , in particular , and to ensure that they have access to such funds , and that csf funds are used in an efficient and effective manner .


### the following costs shall not be eligible for a contribution from the csf funds : interest on debt ; the purchase of land not built on and land built on in the amount exceeding 10% of the total eligible expenditure for the operation concerned . in exceptional and duly justified cases , a higher percentage may be permitted for operations concerning environmental conservation ; value added tax . however , vat amounts shall be eligible where they are not recoverable under national vat legislation and are paid by a beneficiary other than non - taxable person as defined in the first subparagraph of article 13 of directive 2006 / 112 / ec , provided that such vat amounts are not incurred in relation to the provision of infrastructure . ### the following costs shall not be eligible for a contribution from the european structural and investment funds and from the eur 10 , 000 million transferred from the cohesion fund to the connecting europe facility : interest on debt , except for grants given in the form of an interest rate subsidy or guarantee fee subsidy ; the purchase of land not built on and land built on in the amount exceeding 10% of the total eligible expenditure for the operation concerned . for derelict sites and for those formerly in industrial use which comprise buildings , this limit shall be increased to 15% . in exceptional and duly justified cases , this limit may be raised above the respective preceding percentages for operations concerning environmental conservation ; value added tax except where it is non - recoverable under national vat legislation .


### bodies representing civil society , including environmental partners , non - governmental organisations , and bodies responsible for promoting equality and non - discrimination . ### bodies representing civil society , including environmental partners , non - governmental organisations and bodies responsible for promoting gender equality and non - discrimination , and non - governmental organisations promoting social inclusion and organisations active in the areas of culture , education and youth policy .


### ‘ programming’ means the process of organisation , decision - making and allocation of financial resources in several stages intended to implement , on a multi - annual basis , the joint action by the union and the member states to achieve union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ; ### ‘ programming’ means the process of organisation , decision - making and allocation of financial resources in several stages , with the involvement of partners and in line with the multi - level governance approach in accordance with article 5 , intended to implement , on a multi - annual basis , the joint action by the union and the member states to achieve union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ;


### the member states and the commission shall ensure that environmental protection requirements , resource efficiency , climate change mitigation and adaptation , disaster resilience and risk prevention and management are promoted in the preparation and implementation of partnership contracts and programmes . member states shall provide information on the support for climate change objectives using the methodology adopted by the commission . the commission shall adopt this methodology by means of an implementing act . the implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 143 . ### the member states and the commission shall , based on existing environmental legislation , ensure that environmental protection requirements , resource efficiency , biodiversity and ecosystem protection , climate change mitigation and adaptation and ecosystem - based disaster resilience and risk prevention and management are promoted in the preparation and implementation of partnership contracts and included as objectives in the programmes . member states shall provide information on the support for climate change and biodiversity objectives using the methodology adopted by the commission . the commission shall adopt this methodology by means of an implementing act . the implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 143 . sustainability shall also be ensured in terms of maintaining and creating employment .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure the effectiveness of the csf funds , in particular through monitoring , reporting and evaluation . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure the effectiveness of the csf funds , in particular through monitoring , reporting and evaluation , informing the potential beneficiaries about funding opportunities and making publicly known the role and the achievements of cohesion policy .


### the member states and the commission shall ensure that equality between men and women and the integration of gender perspective is promoted in the preparation and implementation of programmes . ### the member states and the commission shall ensure equality between men and women and the coherent integration of the gender perspective into all stages of the preparation , programming and implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the csf - funds using methods of the gender budgeting assessment . member states shall further allow for a balanced participation of women and men in the management and implementation of operational programmes at local , regional and national level and report on progress in this matter .


### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures ; ### promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures and filling in missing cross - border links ;


### on the basis of the common strategic framework adopted by the commission , each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract . the partnership contract should translate the elements set out in the common strategic framework into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds . ### each member state should prepare , in cooperation with its partners referred to in article 5 of this regulation , and in dialogue with the commission , a partnership contract . the partnership contract should contain selected elements set out in the common strategic framework and put them into the national context and set out firm commitments to the achievement of union objectives through the programming of the csf funds .


### in order to achieve the targets and objectives of the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , the csf funds should focus their support on a limited number of common thematic objectives . the precise scope of each of the csf funds should be set out in funds - specific rules and may be limited to only some of the thematic objectives defined in this regulation . ### in order to achieve the targets and objectives of the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , the csf funds should focus on thematic objectives . the precise scope of each of the csf funds shall be set out in funds - specific rules .


### the commission may request the eib to examine the technical quality and economic and financial viability of major projects and to assist it as regards the financial instruments to be implemented or developed . ### the commission may request the eib to examine the technical quality and economic , financial viability and sustainability of major projects and to assist it as regards the financial instruments to be implemented or developed .


### in order to achieve the targets and objectives of the union strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , the csf funds should focus their support on a limited number of common thematic objectives . the precise scope of each of the csf funds should be set out in funds - specific rules and may be limited to only some of the thematic objectives defined in this regulation . ### the precise scope of each of the csf funds should be set out in funds - specific rules .


### programmes shall be submitted by the member states at the same time as the partnership contract , with the exception of european territorial cooperation programmes , which shall be submitted within six months of the approval of the common strategic framework . all programmes shall be accompanied by the ex ante evaluation as set out in article 48 . ### programmes shall be submitted by the member states at the latest three months following the submission of the partnership agreement . european territorial cooperation programmes shall be submitted within nine months of the entry into force of this regulation . all programmes shall be accompanied by the ex ante evaluation as set out in article 48 .


### the member states and the commission shall ensure that environmental protection requirements , resource efficiency , climate change mitigation and adaptation , disaster resilience and risk prevention and management are promoted in the preparation and implementation of partnership contracts and programmes . member states shall provide information on the support for climate change objectives using the methodology adopted by the commission . the commission shall adopt this methodology by means of an implementing act . the implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 143 . ### the member states and the commission shall , based on existing environmental legislation , ensure that environmental protection requirements , resource efficiency , biodiversity and ecosystem protection , climate change mitigation and adaptation and ecosystem - based disaster resilience and risk prevention and management are promoted in the preparation and implementation of partnership contracts and programmes . member states shall provide information on the support for climate change and biodiversity objectives using the methodology adopted by the commission . the commission shall adopt this methodology by means of an implementing act . the implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 143 .


### article 174 of the treaty provides that , in order to strengthen its economic , social and territorial cohesion , the union shall aim at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions or islands , particular rural areas , areas affected by industrial transition , and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps . article 175 of the treaty requires that the union would support the achievement of these objectives by action it takes through the european agricultural guidance and guarantee fund , guidance section , the european social fund , the european regional development fund , the european investment bank and other instruments . ### article&#160 ; 174 of the treaty provides that , in order to strengthen its economic , social and territorial cohesion , the union shall aim at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions . among the regions concerned , particular attention shall be paid to rural areas , areas affected by industrial transition , and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps , such as island regions . article&#160 ; 175 of the treaty requires that the union would support the achievement of these objectives by action it takes through the european agricultural guidance and guarantee fund , guidance section , the european social fund , the european regional development fund , the european investment bank and other instruments .


### where ex ante conditionalities are not fulfilled at the date of transmission of the partnership contract , member states shall set out in the partnership contract a summary of the actions to be taken at national or regional level and the timetable for their implementation , to ensure their fulfilment not later than two years after the adoption of the partnership contract or by 31 december 2016 , whichever is earlier . ### the partnership agreement shall set out a summary of the assessment of the fulfilment of the applicable ex ante conditionalities at national level and for those which , pursuant to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 , are not fulfilled at the date of submission of the partnership agreement , the priorities affected , the responsible bodies , actions to be taken to fulfil the ex ante conditionality , and the timetable for such actions . each programme shall , in accordance with the fund - specific rules , indicate the applicable ex ante conditionalities which , pursuant to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 , are not fulfilled at the date of submission of the partnership agreement . member states shall fulfil these ex ante conditionalities not later than 31 december 2016 and report on their fulfilment not later than in the annual implementation report in 2017 or the progress report in 2017 in accordance with article 44 .


### ex ante conditionalities shall be defined for each csf fund in the fund - specific rules . 2 . member states shall assess whether the applicable ex ante conditionalities are fulfilled . 3 . where ex ante conditionalities are not fulfilled at the date of transmission of the partnership contract , member states shall set out in the partnership contract a summary of the actions to be taken at national or regional level and the timetable for their implementation , to ensure their fulfilment not later than two years after the adoption of the partnership contract or by 31 december 2016 , whichever is earlier . 4 . member states shall set out the detailed actions relating to the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities , including the timetable for their implementation , in the relevant programmes . 5 . the commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities in the framework of its assessment of the partnership contract and programmes . it may decide , when adopting a programme , to suspend all or part of interim payments to the programme pending the satisfactory completion of actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality . the failure to complete actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality by the deadline set out in the programme shall constitute a basis for suspending payments by the commission . 6 . paragraphs 1 to 5 shall not apply to programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal . ### deleted 2 . member states shall assess in accordance with their institutional and legal framework and in the context of the establishment of the partnership agreement and programmes whether the ex ante conditionalities laid down in the respective fund - specific rules and the general ex - ante conditionalities set out in annex v are applicable to the specific objectives pursued within the priorities of their programmes and whether the applicable ex ante conditionalities are fulfilled . ex ante conditionalities shall apply only to the extent and provided that the definition laid down in article 2 is complied with regarding the specific objectives pursued under the priorities of the programme . the assessment of fulfilment shall be limited to the criteria laid down in the fund - specific rules . 3 . the partnership agreement shall set out a summary of the assessment of the fulfilment of the applicable ex ante conditionalities at national level or regional level and for those which , pursuant to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 , are not fulfilled at the date of submission of the partnership agreement , the priorities affected , the responsible bodies , actions to be taken to fulfil the ex ante conditionality , and the timetable for such actions . each programme shall , in accordance with the fund - specific rules , indicate the applicable ex ante conditionalities which , pursuant to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2 , are not fulfilled at the date of submission of the partnership agreement . member states shall fulfil these ex ante conditionalities not later than 31 december 2016 and report on their fulfilment not later than in the annual implementation report in 2017 or the progress report in 2017 . deleted 5 . the commission shall assess the consistency and the adequacy of the information provided by the member state on the fulfilment of applicable ex ante conditionalities in the framework of its assessment of the partnership agreement and / or programmes . this assessment of fulfilment shall be limited to the criteria laid down in the fund - specific rules and shall respect national and regional competences to decide on the specific and adequate policy measures including the content of strategies . the commission may decide , when adopting a programme , to suspend all or part of interim payments to the relevant priority of this programme pending the satisfactory completion of actions referred to in paragraph 3 where necessary to avoid significant prejudice to the effectiveness and efficiency of the achievement of the specific objectives of the priority concerned . the failure to complete actions to fulfil an applicable ex ante conditionality which has not been fulfilled at the date of submission of the respective programme , by the deadline set out in paragraph 3 , shall constitute a basis for suspending interim payments by the commission . 5a . the commission shall without delay lift the suspension of interim payments for a priority where a member state has completed actions relating to the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities applicable to that programme and which had not been fulfilled at the time of the decision of the commission on the suspension . it shall also without delay lift the suspension where following an amendment of the programme related to the priority concerned the ex ante conditionality concerned is no longer applicable . 6 . paragraphs 1 to 5a shall not apply to programmes under the european territorial cooperation goal .


### the commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of ex ante conditionalities in the framework of its assessment of the partnership contract and programmes . it may decide , when adopting a programme , to suspend all or part of interim payments to the programme pending the satisfactory completion of actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality . the failure to complete actions to fulfil an ex ante conditionality by the deadline set out in the programme shall constitute a basis for suspending payments by the commission . ### the commission may decide , when adopting a programme , to suspend all or part of interim payments to the relevant priority of this programme pending the completion of actions referred to in paragraph 3 where necessary to avoid significant prejudice to the effectiveness and efficiency of the achievement of the specific objectives of the priority concerned . the failure to complete actions to fulfil an applicable ex ante conditionality which has not been fulfilled at the date of submission of the respective programme , by the deadline set out in paragraph 3 , shall constitute a basis for suspending interim payments by the commission to the affected priorities of the programme . in both cases , the scope of suspension shall be proportional taking into account the actions to be taken and the funds at risk .


### content and adoption of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal ### content , adoption and amendment of operational programmes under the investment for growth and jobs goal


### operator of critical infrastructure that are essential for the maintenance of vital economic and societal activities in the fields of energy , transport , banking , stock exchanges and health , a non exhaustive list of which is set out in annex ii . ### operator of critical infrastructure that are essential for the maintenance of economic stability and resilience , public health , public safety or any combination thereof , and the disruption or destruction of which would have a significant impact in a member state as a result of the failure to maintain those functions , a non - exhaustive list of which is set out in annex ii .


### this directive shall also be without prejudice to directive 95 / 46 / ce of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and to directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and to the regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . ### this directive shall also be without prejudice to directive 95 / 46 / ce of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and to directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and the regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data . any use of the personal data should be limited to what is strictly necessary for the purposes of this directive , and this data should be as anonymous as possible , if not completely anonymous .


### without prejudice to the possibility for the cooperation network to have informal international cooperation , the union may conclude international agreements with third countries or international organisations allowing and organizing their participation in some activities of the cooperation network . such agreement shall take into account the need to ensure adequate protection of the personal data circulating on the cooperation network . ### without prejudice to the possibility for the cooperation network to have informal international cooperation , the union may conclude international agreements with third countries or international organisations allowing and organizing their participation in some activities of the cooperation network . such agreement shall only be concluded if a level of protection of the personal data circulating on the cooperation network can be ensured which is adequate and comparable to that of the union .


### list of market operators referred to in article 3a ) e - commerce platforms 2 . internet payment gateways 3 . social networks 4 . search engines 5 . cloud computing services 6 . application stores ### list of market operators referred to in article 3a ) e - commerce platforms 2 . internet payment gateways 3 . search engines 4 . cloud computing services that store critical infrastructure data of the european union


### this directive shall also be without prejudice to directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and to directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and to the regulation of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . ### this directive shall fully respect directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector and regulation no 45 / 2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 18 december 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data .


### to ensure transparency and properly inform eu citizens and market operators , the competent authorities should set up a common website to publish non confidential information on the incidents and risks . ### to ensure transparency and properly inform eu citizens and market operators , the competent authorities should set up a common website to publish non confidential information on the incidents and risks . any personal data published on this website should be limited to only what is necessary and as anonymous as possible .


### the processing of personal data , revealing race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or beliefs , trade - union membership , and the processing of genetic data or data concerning health or sex life or criminal convictions or related security measures shall be prohibited . ### the processing of personal data , revealing race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or beliefs , trade - union membership and activities , and the processing of genetic data or data concerning health or sex life or criminal convictions or related security measures shall be prohibited . in particular , this would include safeguards to prohibit the blacklisting of workers , for example in relation to their trade union activities or health and safety representative roles .


### processing in the employment context ### minimum standards for processing data in the employment context


### in order to enhance the coherence of the mandate , strengthen the focus of the eib external financing activity on supporting eu policies , and for the maximum benefit of beneficiaries , this decision should set out horizontal high - level objectives in the mandate for eib financing operations across all eligible countries , building on the comparative strengths of the eib in areas where it has a well - proven track record . in all regions covered by this decision , the eib should thus finance projects in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation , social and economic infrastructure ) , and local private sector development , in particular in support of small and medium - sized enterprises . within these areas , regional integration among partner countries , including economic integration between pre - accession countries , neighbouring countries and the eu , should be an underlying objective for eib financing operations . ### in order to enhance the coherence of the mandate , strengthen the focus of the eib external financing activity on supporting eu policies , and for the maximum benefit of beneficiaries , this decision should set out horizontal high - level objectives in the mandate for eib financing operations across all eligible countries , building on the comparative strengths of the eib in areas where it has a well - proven track record . in all regions covered by this decision , the eib should thus finance projects in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation , social and economic infrastructure ) , and local private sector development , in particular in support of small and medium - sized enterprises and micro - finance instruments . within these areas , regional integration among partner countries , including economic integration between pre - accession countries , neighbouring countries and the eu , should be an underlying objective for eib financing operations .