### interoperability between the etias information system and other information systems consulted by etias such as [ the entry / exit system ] , the visa information system , the europol data , the schengen information system , [ the eurodac ] and [ the european criminal records information system ] shall be established to enable carrying out the risk assessment referred to in article 18 . ### interoperability between the etias information system and other information systems consulted by etias such as [ the entry / exit system ] , the europol data and the schengen information system , shall be established for the sole purpose of implementing this regulation and , in particular , to enable carrying out the threat assessment referred to in article 18 .


### the applicant shall provide answers to those questions . where the applicant answers affirmatively to any of the questions , he or she shall be required to provide answers to additional questions on the application form aimed at collecting further information via providing answers to a predetermined list of questions . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 78 to lay down the content and format of those additional questions and the predetermined list of answers to those questions . ### where the applicant answers affirmatively to any of the questions , he or she shall be required to provide answers to additional questions on the application form aimed at collecting further information via providing answers to a predetermined list of questions . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 78 to lay down the content and format of those additional questions and the predetermined list of answers to those questions .


### the request for additional information or documentation shall be notified to the contact e - mail address recorded in the application file . the request for additional information or documentation shall clearly indicate the information or documentation that the applicant is required provide . the applicant shall provide the additional information or documentation directly to the etias national unit through the secure account service referred to in article 6 within 7 working days of the date of receipt of the request . ### the request for additional information or documentation shall be notified to the contact e - mail address recorded in the application file , or by phone . the request for additional information or documentation shall clearly indicate the information or documentation that the applicant is required provide . the applicant shall provide the additional information or documentation directly to the etias national unit through the secure account service referred to in article 6 within 7 working days of the date of receipt of the request .


### for the purpose of carrying out the assessment of security risks following a hit pursuant to article 18 and , the etias national unit of the responsible member state shall consult europol in cases falling under europol ' s mandate . the consultation shall take place through existing communication channels between the member state and europol as established under article 7 of regulation 2016 / 794 . ### for the purpose of carrying out the assessment of security risks following a hit pursuant to article 18 , the etias national unit of the responsible member state shall consult europol in cases falling under europol ' s mandate . the consultation shall take place through existing communication channels between the member state and europol as established under article 7 of regulation 2016 / 794 .


### information on the procedure to be followed for an appeal . ### information on the remedy procedure to be followed .


### a person whose travel authorisation has been annulled shall have the right to appeal . appeals shall be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the annulment in accordance with the national law of that member state . ### a person whose travel authorisation has been annulled shall have the right to an effective remedy . remedy procedures shall be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the annulment in accordance with the national law of that member state , which shall include the possibility for a judicial remedy .


### an applicant whose travel authorisation has been revoked shall have the right to appeal . appeals shall be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the revocation and in accordance with the national law of that member state . ### an applicant whose travel authorisation has been revoked shall have the right to an effective remedy . remedy procedures shall be conducted in the member state that has taken the decision on the revocation and in accordance with the national law of that member state , which shall include the possibility for a judicial remedy .


### the etias central system shall respond by indicating whether or not the person has a valid travel authorisation . carriers may store the information sent and the answer received . ### the etias central system shall respond by indicating whether or not the person has a valid travel authorisation . carriers may store the information sent and the answer received until the booked date of travel or any new dates in case the travel has been re - booked .


### [ directive 2016 / 680 ] shall apply to the processing by member states designated authorities for the purposes of article 1 . ### [ directive 2016 / 680 ] shall apply to the processing of personal data by the etias national units for the purposes of the prevention of threats to public security .


### regulation 2016 / 794 shall apply to the processing of personal data by europol pursuant to articles 24 and 46 . ### regulation 2016 / 794 shall apply to the processing of personal data by europol pursuant to article 25 .


### supervision by the national supervisory authority ### audits by the national supervisory authority


### member states shall ensure that their supervisory authority has sufficient resources to fulfil the tasks entrusted to it under this regulation . ### member states shall ensure that their supervisory authority has sufficient resources and expertise to fulfil the tasks entrusted to it under this regulation .


### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of eu - lisa ' s and the etias central unit personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the member states . eu - lisa and the european border and coast guard agency shall be given an opportunity to make comments before their reports are adopted . ### the european data protection supervisor shall ensure that an audit of eu - lisa ' s and the etias central unit personal data processing activities is carried out in accordance with relevant international auditing standards at least every four years . a report of that audit shall be sent to the european parliament , the council , eu - lisa , the commission and the member states , and shall be made public . eu - lisa and the european border and coast guard agency shall be given an opportunity to make comments before their reports are adopted . the edps shall be provided with sufficient resources and expertise to fulfil the tasks entrusted to it under this regulation .


### europol shall ensure processing of the queries referred to in article 18 and and accordingly adapting its information system . ### europol shall ensure processing of the queries referred to in article 18 and accordingly adapting its information system .


### in its communication “a european solidarity corps” of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes have been mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the eu . these activities , whether implemented before or after the entry into force of this regulation , should continue to apply the rules and conditions set by the respective union programmes that have financed them under the first phase of the european solidarity corps . _________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps , com 942 final of 7 . 12 . 2016 . ### in its communication “a european solidarity corps” of 7 december 201618 , the commission emphasised the need to strengthen the foundations for solidarity work across europe , to provide young people with more and better opportunities for solidarity activities covering a broad range of areas , and to support national , regional and local actors , in their efforts to cope with different challenges and crises . the communication launched a first phase of the european solidarity corps whereby different union programmes have been mobilised to offer volunteering , traineeship or job opportunities to young people across the eu . these activities , whether implemented before or after the entry into force of this regulation , should continue to apply the rules and conditions set by the respective union programmes that have financed them under the first phase of the european solidarity corps . _________________ 18 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions a european solidarity corps , com 942 final of 7 . 12 . 2016 .


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


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to key societal challenges , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions .


### the european solidarity corps would provide a single entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . it should also complement the efforts made by member states to support young people and ease their school - to - work transition under the youth guarantee19 by providing them with additional opportunities to make a start on the labour market in the form of traineeships or jobs in solidarity - related areas within their respective member state or across borders . complementarity with existing union level networks pertinent to the activities under the european solidarity corps , such as the european network of public employment services , eures and the eurodesk network , should also be ensured . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate . _________________ 19 council recommendation of 22 april 2013 on establishing a youth guarantee . ### the european solidarity corps would provide a main entry point for solidarity activities throughout the union . consistency and complementarity of that framework should be ensured with other relevant union policies and programmes . the european solidarity corps should build on the strengths and synergies of existing programmes , notably the european voluntary service . furthermore , complementarity between existing related schemes , in particular national solidarity schemes and mobility schemes for young people , and the european solidarity corps should be ensured , building on good practices where appropriate .


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


### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to ensure easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language and post - placement support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . ### a european solidarity corps portal should continuously be developed in order to contribute to an easy access to the european solidarity corps and to provide a one - stop shop for both interested individuals and organisations as regards , inter alia , information on volunteering placements , registration , identification and matching of profiles and opportunities , networking and virtual exchanges , online training , language , pre - and post - placement support as well as other useful functionalities , which may arise in the future . the services provided by the european solidarity corps portal should promote and supplement the ones already offered by participating organisations . interoperability with the european youth portal should be ensured .


### in addition to the member states , the european solidarity corps should also be open to the participation of other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements . this participation should be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with the concerned countries . ### in addition to the member states , efta countries , countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy , acceding countries , candidate countries and potential candidates , the european solidarity corps should also be open to the participation of other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements . this participation should be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with the concerned countries .


### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participation in the activities offered by the european solidarity corps should require prior registration in the european solidarity corps portal . ### the european solidarity corps should target young people aged 18 - 30 . participants should register either through the european solidarity corps portal or via already existing application processes provided by coordinating and sending organisations .


### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing unmet societal needs to the benefit of a community while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ; ### &#8220 ; solidarity activity&#8221 ; means an activity aimed at addressing key societal challenges to the benefit of a community or the union as a whole while also fostering the individual ' s personal , educational , social , civic and professional development , which may take the form of placements , projects or networking activities , developed in relation to different areas , such as education and training , employment , gender equality , entrepreneurship , in particular social and sustainable entrepreneurship , citizenship and democratic participation , youth work , environment and nature protection , climate action , disaster prevention , preparedness and recovery , agriculture and rural development , provision of food and non - food items , health and wellbeing , creativity and culture , physical education and sport , social assistance and welfare , social inclusion , in particular of marginalised communities , reception and integration of third - country nationals , territorial cooperation and cohesion ;


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


### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , cultural differences , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles ; ### “disadvantaged young people” means individuals who need additional support because of disability , educational difficulties , economic obstacles , health problems , social obstacles , geographical obstacles or discrimination based on origin , ethnicity , religion , gender identity or sexual orientation ;


### “participating organisation” means any public or private entity that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ; ### “participating organisation” means any non - profit public or private entity , non - governmental organisation or civil society organisation that has been attributed the european solidarity corps quality label , which offers a placement to a participant in the european solidarity corps or implements other activities in the framework of the european solidarity corps ;


### “volunteering” means a full - time32 unpaid voluntary service for a period of up to twelve months , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development , and which will also contribute to improving their employability ; _________________ 32 as a general principle , an activity carried out continuously , 5 days a week for 7 hours a day . ### “volunteering” means an unpaid voluntary service , which provides young people with the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of non - profit organisations active in solidarity - related fields , to the ultimate benefit of the communities within which the activities are carried out , including a solid learning and training dimension in order to enable the young volunteer to gain skills and competences , which will be useful for their personal , educational , social and professional development ;


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


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


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


### the objective of the european solidarity corps is to enhance the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high quality solidarity activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion and solidarity in europe , supporting communities and responding to societal challenges . ### the objective of the european solidarity corps is to promote solidarity as the core value of the european project by enhancing the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high quality solidarity activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion and solidarity in europe , supporting communities and the union as a whole , and responding to societal challenges .


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


### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , vocational training and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes . ### the commission and the participating countries shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness , by ensuring coherence between national , regional and local programmes and schemes related to solidarity , education , non - formal and informal learning and youth on the one hand and actions under the european solidarity corps on the other hand . those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes .


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


### the member states shall participate in the european solidarity corps . ### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of the following countries : the member states ; the acceding countries , candidate countries and potential candidates benefiting from a pre - accession strategy , in accordance with the general principles and general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in union programmes established in the respective framework agreements , association council decisions or similar agreements ; those efta countries that are part of the eaa agreement , in accordance with the provisions of that agreement ; those countries covered by the european neighbourhood policy that have concluded agreements with the union providing for the possibility of their participation in the union’s programmes , subject to the conclusion of a bilateral agreement with the union on conditions of their participation in the european solidarity corps .


### the european solidarity corps shall be open for the participation of other countries on the basis of bilateral agreements . cooperation shall be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries . ### as of 1 january 2018 , the european solidarity corps shall be open for the participation of other countries than those mentioned in paragraph 1 on the basis of bilateral agreements . cooperation shall be based , where relevant , on additional appropriations to be made available in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries .


### young people aged 17 to 30 years willing to participate in the european solidarity corps shall register in the european solidarity corps portal . however , at the moment of commencing a placement or a project a registered young person shall be at least 18 years of age and not older than 30 . ### young people aged 17 to 30 years willing to participate in the european solidarity corps shall register in the european solidarity corps portal or find access to this programme via already existing application processes as provided by coordinating and sending organisations . however , at the moment of commencing a placement or a project a registered young person shall be at least 18 years of age and not older than 30 .


### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of public or private entities , or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label . ### the european solidarity corps shall be open to the participation of non - profit public or private entities , non - governmental organisations , civil society organisations or international organisations , provided that they have received a european solidarity corps quality label .


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


### progress on the specific objectives shall be measured by using indicators , such as : ### progress on the specific objectives and the quality of the placements shall be evaluated by using indicators , such as :


### number of participants in solidarity projects ; ### number of participants in solidarity projects , by country , age and gender ;


### number of organisations holding a european solidarity corps quality label . ### number of organisations holding a european solidarity corps quality label , by country .


### the national authority shall designate an independent audit body . the independent audit body shall issue an audit opinion on the yearly management declaration referred to in article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 . ### the national authority shall , in accordance with the principle of transparency , designate an independent audit body . the independent audit body shall issue an audit opinion on the yearly management declaration referred to in article 60 of regulation no 966 / 2012 .


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


### the electricity sector in the union is undergoing a profound transformation , characterised by more decentralised markets with more players , better interlinked systems and a higher proportion of renewable energy . in response , directive xxx / regulation xxx [ reference to the proposed electricity directive and electricity regulation ] aim to upgrade the legal framework governing the union ' s internal electricity market , so as to ensure that markets and networks function in an optimal manner , to the benefit of businesses and consumers . ### the electricity sector in the union is undergoing a profound transformation , characterised by more decentralised markets with more players , better interlinked systems and a higher proportion of renewable energy . in response , directive xxx / regulation xxx [ reference to the proposed electricity directive and electricity regulation ] aim to upgrade the legal framework governing the union ' s internal electricity market , so as to ensure that markets and networks function in an optimal manner , to the benefit of businesses and consumers . this regulation is also intended to contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the energy union , which rests on solidarity , a principle enshrined in article 194 tfeu .


### on the basis of this common methodology , entso - e should regularly draw up and update regional crisis scenarios and identify the most relevant risks for each region such as extreme weather conditions , natural disasters , fuel shortages or malicious attacks . when considering the crisis scenario of gas fuel shortage , the risk of gas supply disruption should be assessed based on the gas supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios developed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas pursuant to article 6 . 6 of the gas security of supply regulation [ proposed gas security of supply regulation ] . member states should establish and update their national crisis scenarios on this basis , in principle every three years . the scenarios should provide the basis for the risk - preparedness plans . when identifying risks on national level the member states should also describe possible risks they see in relation to the ownership of infrastructure relevant for security of supply , and possible measures taken , if any , to address such risks , with an indication why in their view such measures are justified . ### on the basis of this common methodology , regional operational centres should regularly draw up and update regional crisis scenarios , to be adopted by ensto - e , and identify the most relevant risks for each region such as extreme weather conditions , natural disasters , fuel shortages or malicious attacks . when considering the crisis scenario of gas fuel shortage , the risk of gas supply disruption should be assessed based on the gas supply and infrastructure disruption scenarios developed by the european network of transmission system operators for gas pursuant to article 6 . 6 of the gas security of supply regulation [ proposed gas security of supply regulation ] . member states should establish and update their national crisis scenarios on this basis , in principle every three years . the scenarios should provide the basis for the risk - preparedness plans . when identifying risks on national level the member states should also describe possible risks they see in relation to the ownership of infrastructure relevant for security of supply , and possible measures taken , if any , to address such risks , with an indication why in their view such measures are justified .


### to ensure a common approach to crisis prevention and management , the competent authority of each member state should draw up a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting stakeholders . the plans should describe effective , proportionate and non - discriminatory measures addressing all identified crisis scenarios . plans should provide transparency especially as regards the conditions in which non - market measures can be taken to mitigate crisis situations . all envisaged non - market measures should comply with the rules set out in this regulation . ### to ensure a common approach to crisis prevention and management , the competent authority of each member state should draw up a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting stakeholders and taking full account of the guidelines for solutions , developed by the agency . the plans should describe effective , proportionate and non - discriminatory measures addressing all identified crisis scenarios . plans should provide transparency especially as regards the conditions in which non - market measures can be taken to mitigate crisis situations . all envisaged non - market measures should comply with the rules set out in this regulation .


### in 2012 , the electricity coordination group was created as a forum to exchange information and foster co - operation across member states , in particular in the area of security of supply . 29 through this regulation , its role is reinforced . it should carry out specific tasks , notably in connection with the preparation of the risk - preparedness plans , and will have a prominent role in monitoring member states ' performance in the area of the security of electricity supply , and developing best practice on this basis . _________________ 29 commission decision of 15 november 2012 setting up the electricity coordination group , oj c 353 , 17 . 11 . 2012 , p . 2 . ### in 2012 , the electricity coordination group was created as a forum to exchange information and foster co - operation across member states , in particular in the area of security of supply . 29 through this regulation , its role is reinforced . it should carry out specific tasks , notably in connection with the preparation of the risk - preparedness plans , and will have a prominent role in monitoring member states ' performance in the area of the security of electricity supply , and developing best practice on this basis . the composition of the electricity coordination group should be revisited to include new stakeholders such as industry , eu dso and consumer organisations , therefore , the commission should take the appropriate measures in order to ensure that . _________________ 29 commission decision of 15 november 2012 setting up the electricity coordination group , oj c 353 , 17 . 11 . 2012 , p . 2 .


### member states shall notify the commission without delay of the name and the contact details of the competent authority , once designated . ### member states shall notify to the commission without delay and shall make public the name and the contact details of the competent authority , once designated .


### member states shall ensure that all risks relating to security of electricity supply are assessed in accordance with the rules set out in this regulation and article 18 of the electricity regulation [ proposed electricity regulation ] . to this end , they shall cooperate with entso - e and the regional operational centres . ### member states shall ensure that all risks relating to security of electricity supply are assessed in accordance with the rules set out in this regulation and the european resource adequacy assessment defined in chapter iv of the electricity regulation [ proposed electricity regulation ] . to this end , they shall cooperate with entso - e and the regional operational centres .


### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , entso - e shall submit to the agency a proposal for a methodology for identifying the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios in a regional context . ### by [ opoce to insert exact date : two months after entry into force of this regulation ] , entso - e shall submit to the agency a proposal for a methodology for identifying the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios in the national as well as a regional context .


### by [ opoce to insert exact date : ten months after entry into force of this regulation ] and on the basis of the methodology adopted pursuant to article 5 , entso - e shall identify the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios for each region . it may delegate tasks relating to the identification of regional crisis scenarios to the regional operational centres . ### by [ opoce to insert exact date : eight months after entry into force of this regulation ] and on the basis of the methodology adopted pursuant to article 5 , regional operational centers shall identify the most relevant electricity crisis scenarios for their respective region . within two months , entso - e , having consulted with and macro - regional partnerships and the electricity coordination group , shall adopt these scenarios with or without amendments .


### the uncertainty of inputs such as the probability of a transmission capacity outage , the probability of an unplanned outage of power plants , severe weather conditions , variability of demand and variability of energy production from renewable energy sources ; ### the uncertainty of inputs such as the probability of a transmission capacity outage , the probability of an unplanned outage of power plants , severe weather conditions , variable demand , &#160 ; notably peaks depending on weather conditions and variability of energy production from renewable energy sources ;


### on the basis of the regional and national electricity crisis scenarios identified pursuant to articles 6 and 7 , the competent authority of each member state shall establish a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting the electricity and gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial electricity customers and the national regulatory authority . ### on the basis of the regional and national electricity crisis scenarios identified pursuant to articles 6 and 7 , as well as guidelines for solutions identified pursuant to article 7a , the competent authority of each member state shall establish a risk - preparedness plan , after consulting the electricity and gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial electricity customers and the national regulatory authority .


### measures to mitigate the impact of a crisis including a simultaneous crisis situation . these shall include regional load - shedding plans and technical , legal and financial arrangements regarding mutual assistance to ensure that electricity can be delivered where it is most needed and in an optimal manner . such arrangements shall set out , inter alia , the trigger for the assistance , the calculation formula or amount , paying and receiving parties and arbitration rules ; ### measures to mitigate the impact of a crisis including a simultaneous crisis situation . these shall include regional load - shedding plans and technical , legal and financial arrangements regarding mutual assistance to ensure that electricity can be delivered where it is most needed and in an optimal manner . such arrangements shall set out , inter alia , the trigger for the assistance , the calculation formula or amount , paying and receiving parties and arbitration rules . a mechanism of compensation for affected entities shall also be defined in accordance with principles identified pursuant to article7a of this regulation ;


### the regional measures to be included in the plan shall be agreed by the competent authorities of the member states in the region concerned . at least eight months before the deadline for the adoption or the updating of the plan , the competent authorities shall report on the agreements reached to the electricity coordination group . if the competent authorities concerned were not able to reach an agreement , they shall inform the commission of the reasons for such disagreement . in such case the commission may request the agency to facilitate the conclusion of an agreement in consultation with entso - e . ### the regional measures to be included in the plan shall be agreed by the competent authorities of the member states in the region concerned with the relevant roc acting as a the co - ordinating body . at least eight months before the deadline for the adoption or the updating of the plan , the competent authorities shall report on the agreements reached to the relevant macro - regional partnership and electricity coordination group . if the competent authorities concerned were not able to reach an agreement , they shall inform the commission of the reasons for such disagreement . in such case the commission may request the agency to facilitate the conclusion of an agreement in consultation with entso - e .


### non - market measures may be activated in a crisis situation and only if all options provided by the market have been exhausted . they shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the electricity market . they shall be necessary , proportionate , non - discriminatory and temporary . ### non - market measures may be activated in a crisis situation as a last resort only if all options provided by the market have been exhausted . they shall not unduly distort competition and the effective functioning of the electricity market . they shall be necessary , proportionate , non - discriminatory and temporary and shall take full account of principles identified pursuant to article 7a of this regulation .


### the efsi is part of a comprehensive approach to address uncertainty surrounding public and private investments . the strategy has three pillars : mobilising finance for investment , making investment reach the real economy and improving the investment environment in the union . ### the efsi is part of a comprehensive approach to address uncertainty surrounding public and private investments . the strategy has three pillars : mobilising finance for investment , making investment reach the real economy and improving the investment environment in the union . the strategy must complement the union ' s economic , social , environmental and territorial cohesion objectives , as well as the eu 2020 strategy .


### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council amending directive 2007 / 36 / ec as regards the encouragement of long - term shareholder engagement and directive 2013 / 34 / eu as regards certain elements of the corporate governance statement ### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council amending directive 2007 / 36 / ec as regards the encouragement of long - term shareholder engagement , directive 2013 / 34 / eu and directive 2004 / 109 / ec as regards certain elements of reporting


### the financial crisis has revealed that shareholders in many cases supported managers ' excessive short - term risk taking . moreover , there is clear evidence that the current level of ‘ monitoring’ of investee companies and engagement by institutional investors and asset managers is inadequate , which may lead to suboptimal corporate governance and performance of listed companies . ### the financial crisis has revealed that shareholders in many cases supported managers ' excessive short - term risk taking . moreover , there is clear evidence that the current level of ‘ monitoring’ of investee companies and engagement by institutional investors and asset managers is inadequate , which may lead to suboptimal corporate governance and performance of listed companies . this specific proposal should have a broad focus to increase transparency and to respect and ensure active engagement from effected stakeholders , hence other actors such as employees , consumers and local communities are highly relevant in the overall context of stakeholder involvement .


### institutional investors should annually disclose to the public how their equity investment strategy is aligned with the profile and duration of their liabilities and how it contributes to the medium to long - term performance of their assets . where they make use of asset managers , either through discretionary mandates involving the management of assets on an individual basis or through pooled funds , they should disclose to the public the main elements of the arrangement with the asset manager with regard to a number of issues , such as whether it incentivises the asset manager to align its investment strategy and decisions with the profile and duration of the liabilities of the institutional investor , whether it incentivises the asset manager to make investment decisions based on medium to long - term company performance and to engage with companies , how it evaluates the asset managers performance , the structure of the consideration for the asset management services and the targeted portfolio turnover . this would contribute to a proper alignment of interests between the final beneficiaries of institutional investors , the asset managers and the investee companies and potentially to the development of longer - term investment strategies and longer - term relationships with investee companies involving shareholder engagement . ### institutional investors should annually disclose to the public how their equity investment strategy is aligned with the profile and duration of their liabilities and how it contributes to the medium to long - term performance of their assets . where they make use of asset managers , either through discretionary mandates involving the management of assets on an individual basis or through pooled funds , they should disclose to the public the main elements of the arrangement with the asset manager with regard to a number of issues , such as whether it incentivises the asset manager to align its investment strategy and decisions with the profile and duration of the liabilities of the institutional investor , whether it incentivises the asset manager to make investment decisions based on medium to long - term company performance and to engage with companies , how it evaluates the asset managers performance , the structure of the consideration for the asset management services and the targeted portfolio turnover . this would contribute to a proper alignment of interests between the final beneficiaries of institutional investors , the asset managers and the investee companies and potentially to the development of longer - term investment strategies and longer - term relationships with investee companies involving shareholder engagement hereby encouraging cooperative models of enterprise to align ownership and employment incentives by ensuring employees representation on boards as mandatory and to set up an stakeholder body to ensure dialogue between corporate management and shareholders on the investment strategy and how to secure the shareholder engagement plan .


### in order to improve the information in the equity investment chain member states should ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them and are not affected by any existing or potential conflict of interest or business relationship . they should disclose certain key information related to the preparation of their voting recommendations and any actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that may influence the preparation of the voting recommendations . ### in order to improve the information in the equity investment chain member states should impose a fiduciary duty on non - executive directors , accountants and external auditors and ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate , reliable and in the best interest of the affected stakeholders , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them and are not affected by any existing or potential conflict of interest or business relationship . they should disclose certain key information related to the preparation of their voting recommendations and avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that may influence the preparation of the voting recommendations .


### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay . ### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy and pay ratio should be publicly disclosed without delay .


### to ensure that the implementation of the remuneration policy is in line with the approved policy , shareholders should be granted the right to vote on the company’s remuneration report . in order to ensure accountability of directors the remuneration report should be clear and understandable and should provide a comprehensive overview of the remuneration granted to individual directors in the last financial year . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report , the company should explain in the next remuneration report how the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account . ### to ensure that the implementation of the remuneration policy is in line with the approved policy , shareholders should be granted the right to vote on the company’s remuneration report in the general meeting . in order to ensure accountability of directors the remuneration report should be clear and understandable and should provide a comprehensive overview of the remuneration granted to individual directors in the last financial year viewed in a clear table the pay ratio and gender pay ratio between directors and employees . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report , the company need to adjust the remuneration policy and report how the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account and incorporated into the company ' s remuneration policy in the next remuneration report to the next general assembly .


### chapter ib shall apply to institutional investors and to asset managers to the extent that they invest , directly or through a collective investment undertaking , on behalf of institutional investors , in so far they invest in shares . ### chapter ib shall apply to proxy advisors , institutional investors and to asset managers to the extent that they invest , directly or through a collective investment undertaking , on behalf of institutional investors , in so far they invest in shares .


### ”shareholder engagement’ means the monitoring by a shareholder alone or together with other shareholders , of companies on matters such as strategy , performance , risk , capital structure and corporate governance , having a dialogue with companies on these matters and voting at the general meeting . ### ”shareholder engagement’ means the monitoring by a shareholder alone or together with other shareholders in a shareholder panel , of companies on matters such as strategy , performance , risk , capital structure and corporate governance , having a dialogue with companies on these matters and voting at the general meeting .


### the institutional investor or the asset manager , or other companies affiliated to them , offer financial products to or have other commercial relationships with the investee company ; ### the proxy advisor , the institutional investor or the asset manager , or other companies affiliated to them , offer financial products to or have other commercial relationships with the investee company ;


### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager . ### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors , institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall also be available on the company ' s website . proxy advisors , institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of a proxy advisor or an institutional investor , the proxy advisor and the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager .


### that information shall be published on their website and remain available for at least three years from the day of publication . ### that information shall be published on their website and remain available for at least five years from the day of publication .


### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors identify and disclose without undue delay to their clients and the company concerned any actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that may influence the preparation of the voting recommendations and the actions they have undertaken to eliminate or mitigate the actual or potential conflict of interest . “ ### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors guarantee without undue delay to their clients and the company concerned no actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that may influence the preparation of the voting recommendations and the actions they have undertaken to eliminate or mitigate the actual or potential conflict of interest . “


### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration policy as regards directors . companies shall only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the policy shall be submitted for approval by the shareholders at least every three years . ### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the general meeting on the remuneration policy as regards directors and the pay ratio between directors and employees . companies shall only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders at the general meeting . the policy shall be submitted for approval by the shareholders at any change in the ratio and at least every second year .


### companies may , in case of recruitment of new board members , decide to pay remuneration to an individual director outside the approved policy , where the remuneration package of the individual director has received prior approval by shareholders on the basis of information on the matters referred to in paragraph 3 . the remuneration may be awarded provisionally pending approval by the shareholders . ### companies may , in case of recruitment of new board members , decide to pay remuneration to an individual director outside the approved policy , where the remuneration package of the individual director has received prior approval by shareholders on the basis of information on the matters referred to in paragraph 3 . the remuneration may be awarded provisionally pending approval by the vote in the general meeting by shareholders .


### information on how the remuneration of directors was established , including on the role of the remuneration committee . ### information on how the remuneration of directors was established in accordance to the published pay ratio between directors and employees and the gender pay ratio , including on the role of the remuneration committee .


### ‘ technical assistance’ means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' ' technical assistance ' means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly , use or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; '


### ‘ ‘ technical assistance’ means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; ### point is replaced by the following : ‘ ‘ technical assistance’ means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly , use or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; ’


### a broker shall be prohibited from providing to any person , entity or body in a third country brokering services in relation to goods listed in annex iii , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the broker knows or has grounds for suspecting that any part of a shipment of such goods is or may be intended to be used for torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union . ### a broker shall be prohibited from providing to any person , entity or body in a third country brokering services in relation to goods listed in annex iii and annex iiia , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the broker knows or has grounds for suspecting that any part of a shipment of such goods is or may be intended to be used for torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union .


### a supplier of technical assistance shall be prohibited from supplying to any person , entity or body in a third country technical assistance in relation to goods listed in annex iii , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the supplier of such assistance knows or has grounds for suspecting that some or all of the relevant goods are or may be intended to be used for torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union . ### a supplier of technical assistance shall be prohibited from supplying to any person , entity or body in a third country technical assistance in relation to goods listed in annex iii and annex iiia , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the supplier of such assistance knows or has grounds for suspecting that some or all of the relevant goods are or may be intended to be used for torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union . a supplier of technical assistance shall also be prohibited from giving instruction , advice , training or transmitting working knowledge or skills that could aid the commission of capital punishment , torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment .


### a supplier of technical assistance shall be prohibited from supplying to any person , entity or body in a third country technical assistance in relation to goods listed in annex iiia , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the supplier of technical assistance knows or has grounds for suspecting that some or all of the relevant goods are or may be intended to be used for capital punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union . ’ ### a supplier of technical assistance shall be prohibited from supplying to any person , entity or body in a third country technical assistance in relation to goods listed in annex iiia , irrespective of the origin of such goods , if the supplier of technical assistance knows or has grounds for suspecting that some or all of the relevant goods are or may be intended to be used for capital punishment in a country that does not belong to the customs territory of the union . a supplier of technical assistance shall also be prohibited from giving instruction , advice , training , or transmitting working knowledge or skills that could aid the commission of judicial executions . ’


### by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where medicinal products are to be exported by a manufacturer to a distributor , the manufacturer shall provide information on the arrangements made and the measures taken to prevent these products from being used for capital punishment , on the country of destination and , if it is available , information on the end - use and the end - users of the goods . ### by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where medicinal products are to be exported by a manufacturer to a distributor , the manufacturer shall provide information on the arrangements made and the measures taken to prevent these products from being used for capital punishment , on the country of destination and , if it is available , information on the end - use and the end - users of the goods . this information shall be accessible , upon request , to a relevant independent oversight body such as national preventive mechanism established under the optional protocol to the un convention against torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , or a national human rights institution in a member state .


### by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where medicinal products are to be exported by a manufacturer to a distributor , the manufacturer shall provide information on the arrangements made and the measures taken to prevent these products from being used for capital punishment , on the country of destination and , if it is available , information on the end - use and the end - users of the goods . ### by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where medicinal products are to be exported by a manufacturer to a distributor , the manufacturer shall provide information on the arrangements made and the measures taken to prevent these products from being used for capital punishment , on the country of destination and , if it is available , information on the end - use and the end - users of the goods . this information shall be accessible , upon request , to a relevant independent oversight body such as a national preventive mechanism established under the optional protocol to the un convention against torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , or a national human rights institution in a member state .


### without prejudice to article 11 , the commission and the member states shall , upon request , inform each other of the measures taken under this regulation and supply each other with any relevant information at their disposal in connection with this regulation , in particular information on authorisations granted and refused . ### in article 13 , the paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to article 11 , each member state shall inform the commission of measures taken under this regulation and supply any relevant information at their disposal in connection with this regulation , in particular information on authorisations granted and refused , as well as in relation to measures taken under the targeted end - use clause . the commission shall forward the information to other member states .


### ' 1 . without prejudice to article 11 , the commission and the member states shall , upon request , inform each other of the measures taken under this regulation and supply each other with any relevant information at their disposal in connection with this regulation , in particular information on authorisations granted and refused . ### in article 13 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ‘ 1 . without prejudice to article 11 , each member state shall inform the commission of measures taken under this regulation and supply any relevant information at their disposal in connection with this regulation , in particular information on authorisations granted and refused , as well as in relation to measures taken under the targeted end - use clause . the commission shall forward the information to the other member states . ’


### the european council of october 2014 set a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament called upon the commission to also assess the viability of a 40 % energy efficiency target for the same timeframe . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective . ### the european council of october 2014 defined the general political direction for the 2030 climate & energy framework , indicating its preference for a 27 % energy efficiency target for 2030 , to be reviewed by 2020 ' having in mind an union level of 30 % ' . in december 2015 , the european parliament asked the commission to set a binding energy efficiency target of 40 % for 2030 which will reflect the level of cost - effective energy efficiency potential . it is therefore appropriate to review and consequently amend the directive to adapt it to the 2030 perspective .


### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings . ### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the deep renovation of buildings to achieve a nearly zero - energy buildings stock by 2050 . the energy savings obligation has been key in leading to the creation of local growth and jobs , and should be continued to ensure that the eu can achieve its energy and climate objectives by creating further opportunities and continue to decouple energy consumption from growth . the commission shall help exchange the best practice in terms of job and growth creation through the energy saving obligation .


### energy savings which result from the implementation of union legislation may not be claimed unless the measure in question goes beyond the minimum required by the union legislation in question , whether by setting more ambitious energy efficiency requirements at national level or increasing the take up of the measure . recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings can be claimed if they are additional to developments that would have happened in the absence of the policy measure and if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question . ### energy savings which result from the implementation of union legislation may not be claimed unless the measure in question goes beyond the minimum required by the union legislation in question , whether by setting more ambitious energy efficiency requirements at national level or increasing the take up of the measure . recognising that renovation of buildings is an essential and long term element in increasing energy savings , it is necessary to clarify that not all energy savings stemming from measures promoting the renovation of existing buildings can be claimed unless if they are additional to developments that would have happened in the absence of the policy measure and if the member state demonstrates that the obligated , participating or entrusted party has actually contributed to the achievement of the savings claimed from the measure in question .


### may permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties including when obligated parties promote measures through other state - approved bodies or through public authorities that may or may not involve formal partnerships and may be in combination with other sources of finance . where member states so permit , they shall ensure that an approval process is in place which is clear , transparent and open to all market actors , and which aims at minimising the costs of certification ; ### shall permit obligated parties to count towards their obligation certified energy savings achieved by energy service providers or other third parties including when obligated parties promote measures through other state - approved bodies , such as social housing providers , or through public authorities that may or may not involve formal partnerships and may be in combination with other sources of finance . where member states so permit , they shall ensure that an accreditation framework is in place which is clear , transparent and open to all market actors , and which aims at minimising the costs of certification ;


### paragraph 3 is deleted ; ### in article 9 paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : concerning data format and functionalities the provisions shall be aligned to articles 18 - 21 of the directive on common rules for the internal market in electricity as far as appropriate . consumer data shall be treated in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 . no costs shall be charged to final customers for access to their data in a format that is useful for them .


### shall ensure that final customers are offered the option of electronic billing information and bills and that they receive , on request , a clear and understandable explanation of how their bill was drawn up , especially where bills are not based on actual consumption ; ### shall ensure that final customers are offered the option of electronic billing information and bills and that they receive a clear and understandable explanation of how their bill was drawn up , especially where bills are not based on actual consumption ;


### transmission system operators and distribution system operators shall comply with the requirements set out in annex xii . ; ### transmission system operators and distribution system operators shall take into account the need to ensure continuity in heat supply when connecting , guaranteeing access to the grid and dispatching high efficiency cogeneration , and shall comply with the requirements set out in annex xii .


### the commission shall evaluate this directive by 28 february 2024 at the latest , and every five years thereafter , and shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council . that report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals for further measures . ; ### in line with the governance regulation [ xx / 20xx ] , the commission shall undertake a general review of this directive within six months of the unfccc global stocktake in 2023 at the latest , and after subsequent global stocktakes thereafter , and shall submit a report to the european parliament and the council assessing the general effectiveness of this directive and the need to adjust the union ' s energy efficiency policy in accordance with the objectives of the paris agreement . that report shall be accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals for further measures .


### the calculation of energy savings shall take into account the lifetime of measures . this may be done by counting the savings each individual action will achieve between its implementation date and 31 december 2020 or 31 december 2030 as appropriate . alternatively , member states may adopt another method that is estimated to achieve at least the same total quantity of savings . when using other methods , member states shall ensure that the total amount of energy savings calculated using these other methods does not exceed the amount of energy savings that would have been the result of their calculation when counting the savings each individual action will achieve between its implementation date and 31 december 2020 or 31 december 2030 as appropriate . member states shall describe in detail in their integrated national energy and climate plans under the energy union governance the other methods they have used and which provisions have been made to ensure they meet this binding calculation requirement . ### the calculation of energy savings shall take into account the lifetime of measures and the rate at which the savings effect declines over time . this shall be done by counting the savings each individual action will have achieved between its implementation date and at the end of the periods described in article 7 . alternatively , member states may adopt another method that is estimated to achieve at least the same total quantity of savings . when using other methods , member states shall ensure that the total amount of energy savings calculated using these other methods does not exceed the amount of energy savings that would have been the result of their calculation when counting the savings each individual action will achieve between its implementation date and the end of the periods described in article 7 , as appropriate . member states shall describe in detail in their notification as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with annex ii of the energy union governance regulation , the lifetime of each individual action , the assumptions made by member states to estimate these lifetimes or the other methods they have used and which provisions have been made to ensure they meet this binding calculation requirement .


### ' registry ' means the entity entrusted with the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld including maintenance of the corresponding databases and the associated public query services , registration of domain names , operation of the registry of domain names , operation of the registry tld name servers and dissemination of tld zone files ; ### ' registry ' means the entity entrusted with the organisation , administration and management of the . eu tld including maintenance of the corresponding databases and the associated public query services , registration of domain names , operation of the registry of domain names , operation of the registry tld name servers and dissemination of tld zone files where appropriate ;


### measures aimed at enabling competent authorities to have access to the data in the registry for the purposes of prevention , detection , investigation and prosecution of crime , as provided by union or national law ; ### policies aimed at enabling competent authorities to have access to the data in the registry for the purposes of prevention , detection , investigation and prosecution of crime , as provided by union or national law and with the appropriate checks and balances ;


### the registry shall set up and manage a whois database facility for the purpose of providing accurate and up to date registration information about the domain names under the . eu tld . ### the registry shall set up and manage with due diligence a whois database facility for the purpose of providing accurate and up to date registration information about the domain names under the . eu tld .


### the . eu multistakeholder council shall be composed of representatives drawn from the private sector , the technical community , member states and international organisations , civil society and academia and appointed by the commission on the basis of an open and transparent procedure . ### the . eu multistakeholder council shall be composed of representatives drawn from the private sector , the technical community , member states and international organisations , civil society and academia and appointed by the commission on the basis of an open and transparent procedure . the principle of gender equality should be followed as much as possible in establishing the membership in the group .


### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change . ### the enlargement policy of the union is an investment in peace , security and stability in europe . it provides increased economic and trade opportunities to the mutual benefit of the union and the aspiring member states while respecting the principle of asymmetric and progressive integration to ensure a smooth transformation for the fragile economies of the aspiring member states . the prospect of union membership has a powerful transformative effect , embedding positive democratic , political , economic and societal change .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , including by ensuring the independence of the judiciary , democracy and fundamental rights , safeguarding and promoting the independence of the media , transparency and non - arbitrariness in decision making by public authorities and law enforcement , by providing support for independent human rights’ defenders and civil society organisations undertaking monitoring compliance with the rule of law , whistle - blower defence and by supporting initiatives that promote transparency , accountability , integrity , and the fight against corruption and organised crime , prevent radicalisation and terrorism and enhance good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible .


### strengthening the rule of law , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible . ### strengthening the rule of law , ensuring the independence of the judiciary , including the fight against corruption and organised crime , and good governance , including public administration reform , providing support for human rights defenders and civil society organisations , monitoring compliance with the rule of law and defence to whistle - blowers remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in annex i and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the union and later to fully assume the obligations of union membership . in view of the longer - term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records , financial assistance under this regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in annex i as early as possible .


### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring a continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to global challenges such as human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment and irregular migration and its root causes . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the union to respond to unforeseen needs , while respecting the principle that the union budget is set annually , this regulation should preserve the possibility to apply the flexibilities already allowed by the financial regulation for other policies , namely carry - overs and re - commitments of committed funds , to ensure an efficient use of the eu funds both for the eu citizens and the beneficiaries listed in annex i , thus maximising the eu funds available for the eu external action interventions . ### external actions are often implemented in a highly volatile environment requiring a continuous and rapid adaptation to the evolving needs of union partners and to issues that require action in solidarity on the global level , such as human rights , democracy and good governance , security and stability , climate change and environment , migration and its multiple drivers , and terrorism . reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes . to increase the ability of the union to respond to unforeseen needs , while respecting the principle that the union budget is set annually , this regulation should preserve the possibility to apply the flexibilities already allowed by the financial regulation for other policies , namely carry - overs and re - commitments of committed funds , to ensure an efficient use of the eu funds both for the eu citizens and the beneficiaries listed in annex i , thus maximising the eu funds available for the eu external action interventions .


### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective , efficient , and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life , fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : integrating marginalised communities such as the roma ; combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; enhancing access to affordable , sustainable and high quality services , such as early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems . ### promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty . interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective , efficient , and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person ' s life fostering social inclusion , promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty . interventions in this area shall also focus on : ensuring access to international protection , facilitating legal and labour protection and integrating marginalised communities such as migrants and the roma ; combating discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation ; enhancing access to affordable , sustainable and high quality family and community based services , such as inclusive and non - segregated early childhood education and care , housing , healthcare and essential social services and long term care , including through the modernisation of social protection systems . actions that contribute to any form of segregation or social exclusion should not be supported .


### promoting employment , labour mobility and social and cultural inclusion across borders through , inter alia : integrating cross - border labour markets , including cross - border mobility ; joint local employment initiatives ; information and advisory services and joint training ; gender equality ; equal opportunities ; integration of immigrants ' communities and vulnerable groups ; investment in public employment services ; and supporting investment in public health and social services ; ### promoting employment , labour mobility and social and cultural inclusion across borders through , inter alia : integrating cross - border labour markets , including cross - border mobility ; joint local employment initiatives ; information and advisory services and joint training ; gender equality ; equal opportunities ; integration of migrants ' communities , roma and groups in vulnerable situations ; investment in public employment services ; and supporting investment in public health and social services ;


### investing in youth , education and skills through , inter alia , developing and implementing joint education , vocational training , training schemes and infrastructure supporting joint youth activities ; ### investing in youth , education and skills through , inter alia , ensuring skills and qualifications recognition , developing and implementing joint education , vocational training , training schemes and infrastructure supporting joint youth activities ;


### the applicant has not complied with national or international legislation on road transport , and in particular the conditions and requirements relating to authorisations for international road passenger services , or has committed serious infringements of union road transport legislation in particular with regard to the rules applicable to vehicles and driving and rest periods for drivers ; ### the applicant has not complied with national or international legislation on road transport , and in particular the conditions and requirements relating to authorisations for international road passenger services , or has committed serious infringements of union or national or , where appropriate , regional road transport legislation in particular with regard to the rules applicable to vehicles and driving and rest periods for drivers ;


### certain substances , mixtures and micro - organisms , commonly referred to as plant biostimulants , are not as such nutrients , but nevertheless stimulate plants ' nutrition processes . where such products aim solely at improving the plants ' nutrient use efficiency , tolerance to abiotic stress , or crop quality traits , they are by nature more similar to fertilising products than to most categories of plant protection products . such products should therefore be eligible for ce marking under this regulation and excluded from the scope of regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council21 regulation no 1107 / 2009 should therefore be amended accordingly . _________________ 21 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec . ### certain substances , micro - organisms and mixtures thereof , commonly referred to as plant biostimulants , are not necessarily nutrients , but nevertheless stimulate plants ' general vigour and nutrition processes . where such products aim solely at improving the plants ' nutrient use efficiency , nutrient availability tolerance to abiotic stress , plant quality traits , degradation of soil organic matter , or at increasing the availability of confined nutrients in the soil or the rhizosphere , or yield , they are by nature more similar to fertilising products than to most categories of plant protection products . such products should therefore be eligible for ce marking under this regulation and excluded from the scope of regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council21 . regulation no 1107 / 2009 should therefore be amended accordingly . _________________ 21 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec .


### certain substances , mixtures and micro - organisms , commonly referred to as plant biostimulants , are not as such nutrients , but nevertheless stimulate plants ' nutrition processes . where such products aim solely at improving the plants ' nutrient use efficiency , tolerance to abiotic stress , or crop quality traits , they are by nature more similar to fertilising products than to most categories of plant protection products . such products should therefore be eligible for ce marking under this regulation and excluded from the scope of regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council21 . regulation no 1107 / 2009 should therefore be amended accordingly . _________________ 21 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec . ### certain substances , mixtures and micro - organisms , commonly referred to as plant biostimulants , are not as such nutrients , but nevertheless stimulate plants ' nutrition processes . where such products aim solely at improving the plants ' nutrient use efficiency , tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress , or crop quality traits , they are by nature more similar to fertilising products than to most categories of plant protection products . such products should therefore be eligible for ce marking under this regulation and excluded from the scope of regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council21 . regulation no 1107 / 2009 should therefore be amended accordingly . _________________ 21 regulation no 1107 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing council directives 79 / 117 / eec and 91 / 414 / eec .


### when deemed appropriate with regard to the performance of , or the risks presented by , a ce marked fertilising product , manufacturers shall carry out sample testing of such fertilising products made available on the market , investigate , and , if necessary , keep a register of complaints , of non - conforming ce marked fertilising products and recalls of such products , and shall keep distributors informed of any such monitoring . ### when deemed appropriate with regard to the performance of , or the risks presented by , a ce marked fertilising product , manufacturers shall , to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment , carry out sample testing of such fertilising products made available on the market , investigate , and , if necessary , keep a register of complaints , of non - conforming ce marked fertilising products and recalls of such products , and shall keep distributors informed of any such monitoring .