### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , other than a dealer whose trade or business consists wholly or partly in buying , selling or arranging the transfer within a member state , from one member state to another member state or exporting to a third country fully assembled firearms , their parts and ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' broker ' shall mean any natural or legal person , or partnership resident in a member state , other than a dealer or the buyer , whose trade or business consists , wholly or partly , in facilitating , whether or not in exchange for a payment , the negotiation or organisation of transactions for the purpose of buying , selling or arranging the transfer of firearms , essential components or ammunition within a member state , from one member state to another member state , from a member state to a third country or from a third country to a member state .


### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean portable devices with a cartridge holder having a gas exit to the front , aside or on the top , which are specifically designed and constructed for the purpose of raising alarm or sending a signal and which are only designed to fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition . ### for the purposes of this directive , ' alarm and signal weapons ' shall mean devices with a cartridge holder designed or converted for the purpose of raising alarm or sending a signal and which are only designed to fire blanks , irritants , other active substances or pyrotechnic ammunition .


### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark . ### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm and its essential components , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or of each essential component of that firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number and the type or model of the firearm as well as its calibre . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark .


### for the purposes of identifying and tracing each assembled firearm , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import to the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark . ### for the purpose of identifying and tracing each firearm and the essential components thereof , member states shall , at the time of manufacture of each firearm or at the time of import into the union , require a unique marking including the name of the manufacturer , the country or place of manufacture , the brand , the model , the calibre , the serial number and the year of manufacture , if not already part of the serial number . this shall be without prejudice to the affixing of the manufacturer ' s trademark .


### ' this filing system shall record each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm . the record of firearms , including deactivated firearms , shall be maintained until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities . ### ' this filing system shall record , in particular , each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm . the record of firearms shall be maintained for an indefinite period until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities . member states shall , by [ date ] at the latest , provide the competent authorities of all other member states with direct access to the information held in their national registers . to this end , they shall designate the authority charged with allowing this access and shall communicate its name to the commission ' .


### this filing system shall record each firearm ' s type , make , model , calibre and serial number , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm . the record of firearms , including deactivated firearms , shall be maintained until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities . ### this filing system shall record all information which is needed in order to trace and identify the firearms and all the essential components thereof , including the type , make , model , calibre and serial number , and any conversions or modifications to a firearm , including its certified deactivation or destruction and the date thereof , as well as the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring or possessing the firearm and its essential components , including the dates of acquisition and end of possession or transfer to another person . the current records relating to each firearm and the person possessing it shall be immediately accessible to all authorised authorities . the record of firearms and of all the essential components thereof , including deactivated firearms , shall be maintained in an electronically retrievable format until destruction of the firearm has been certified by the competent authorities .


### member states shall establish a system for the regulation of the activities of brokers and dealers . such a system may include one or more of the following measures : ### member states shall establish a system for the regulation of the activities of brokers and dealers . such a system shall include the following measures :


### member states shall take all appropriate steps to prohibit the acquisition and the possession of the firearms and ammunition classified in category a and to destroy those firearms and ammunition held in violation of this provision and seized . ### member states shall take all appropriate steps to prohibit the acquisition and the possession of the firearms and ammunition classified in category a and to seize those firearms and ammunition held in violation of this provision and seized . in special cases for the purposes of national defence , the competent authorities may grant authorisations for of such firearms and ammunition where this is not contrary to public security or public order .


### member states may authorise bodies concerned with the cultural and historical aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established to keep in their possession firearms classified in category a acquired before [ the date of entry into force of this directive ] provided they have been deactivated in accordance with the provisions that implement article 10 . ### without prejudice to paragraph 1 , member states may authorise bodies and persons concerned with the cultural , historical , scientific , technical or educational aspects of weapons and recognised as such by the member state in whose territory they are established to keep in their possession firearms and ammunition classified in category a acquired before [ the date of entry into force of this directive ] provided they have been deactivated in accordance with commission implementing regulation 2015 / 2403 or have been exempted from deactivation on grounds of the conservation of cultural and historical heritage , or scientific , technical or educational aspects and if it can be demonstrated that their storage does not put public safety and security or public order at risk .


### the acquisition of firearms and their parts and ammunition concerning categories a , b and c by means of distance communication , as defined in article 2 of directive 97 / 7 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , shall be authorised only with respect to dealers and brokers and shall be subject to the strict control of the member states . ### the acquisition of firearms and their essential components concerning categories a , b and c by means of distance communication , as defined in article 2 of directive 97 / 7 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , shall be authorised only with respect to dealers and brokers and shall be subject to the strict control of the member states .


### member states shall take measures to ensure that alarm and signal weapons as well as salute and acoustic weapons cannot be converted into firearms . ### member states shall take all necessary measures with regard to arms manufacturers and arms dealers to ensure that alarm and signal weapons as well as salute and acoustic weapons cannot be converted into firearms . the member states shall also ensure that these arms have been marked in line with article 4 of this directive and that they are recorded on the computerised data - filing systems maintained by the member states .


### the commission shall adopt technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons as well as for salute and acoustic weapons to ensure they cannot be converted into firearms . ### member states shall take measures to ensure that alarm and signal weapons as well as salute and acoustic weapons cannot be converted into firearms . the commission shall , acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 13a of this directive , issue common conversion standards by 31 december 2016 ensuring that any conversion of a firearm that changes its category is done in a manner which renders such conversion irreversible .


### member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate or record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm or the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on the firearm . ### having regard to commission regulation 2015 / 24031a of 15 december 2015 , member states shall make arrangements for the deactivation of firearms to be verified by a competent authority in order to ensure that the modifications made to a firearm render it irreversibly inoperable . member states shall , in the context of this verification , provide for the issuance of a certificate and record attesting to the deactivation of the firearm and the apposition of a clearly visible mark to that effect on each essential component of the deactivated firearm . member states shall designate the competent authority to carry out the deactivation of firearms and transmit them to the commission by [ date ] at the latest . __________________ 1a oj l 333 , 19 . 12 . 2015 , p . 62


### the competent authorities of the member states shall exchange information on the authorisations granted for the transfers of firearms to another member state as well as information with regard to refusals to grant authorisations as defined in article 7 . ### the competent authorities of the member states shall by electronic means exchange information on the authorisations granted for the transfers of firearms to another member state as well as information with regard to refusals to grant authorisations as defined in article 7 by [ date ] at the latest and in accordance with regulation 2016 / … of the european parliament and of the council1a . ___________________ 1a regulation 2016 / … of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive . ### the commission shall submit every five years a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive , including a fitness check of the new provisions , accompanied , if appropriate , by proposals in particular as regards the categories of firearms of annex i and the issues related to the modular design of arms and to new technologies such as 3d printing . the first report shall be submitted two years after the entry into force of this directive .


### the sst should further develop the performance and autonomy of sst capabilities . to this end , it should lead to the establishment of an autonomous european catalogue of space objects , building on data from the network of sst sensors . the sst should also continue to support operation and delivery of sst services . as sst is a user - driven system , appropriate mechanisms should be put in place to collect user requirements , including those relating to security . ### the sst should further develop the performance and autonomy of sst capabilities . to this end , it should lead to the establishment of an autonomous european catalogue of space objects , building on data from the network of sst sensors . the catalogue could follow the example of other space capable nations and make some of its data available for non - commercial and research purposes . sst should also continue to support operation and delivery of sst services . as sst is a user - driven system , appropriate mechanisms should be put in place to collect user requirements , including those relating to security .


### maximise the socio - economic benefits , including by promoting the widest possible use of the data , information and services provided by the programme ' s components ; ### maximise the socio - economic benefits , including by promoting the widest possible uptake of services and use of the data , information and services provided by the programme ' s components ;


### cooperation between undertakings in the form of space hubs bringing together , at regional and national levels , actors from the space and digital sectors , as well as users , and providing support to citizens and companies to foster entrepreneurship and skills ; ### cooperation between undertakings in the form of space hubs bringing together , at regional and national levels , actors from the space and digital sectors , as well as users , providing support to citizens and companies to foster entrepreneurship and skills and ensuring connectivity and synergies with other hub networks ;


### –land monitoring and agriculture to provide information on land cover , land use and land use change , urban areas , inland water quantity and quality , forests , agriculture and other natural resources , biodiversity and cryosphere ; ### –land monitoring and agriculture to provide information on land cover , land use and land use change , soil quality , desertification , urban areas , inland water quantity and quality , forests and in particular deforestation , agriculture and other natural resources , biodiversity and cryosphere ;


### the opening of support schemes to cross - border participation limits negative impacts on the internal energy market and can , under certain conditions , help member states achieve the union target more cost - efficiently . cross - border participation is also the natural corollary to the development of the union renewables policy , with a union - level binding target replacing national binding targets . it is therefore appropriate to require member states to progressively and partially open support to projects located in other member states , and define several ways in which such progressive opening may be implemented , ensuring compliance with the provisions of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , including articles 30 , 34 and 110 . ### the opening of support schemes to cross - border participation limits negative impacts on the internal energy market and can , under certain conditions , help member states achieve the union target more cost - efficiently . cross - border participation is also the natural corollary to the development of the union renewables policy , with both a union - level binding target and national binding targets . it is therefore appropriate to require member states to progressively and partially open support to projects located in other member states , and define several ways in which such progressive opening may be implemented , ensuring compliance with the provisions of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , including articles 30 , 34 and 110 .


### this directive establishes a common framework for the promotion of energy from renewable sources . it sets a binding union target for the overall share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy in 2030 . it also lays down rules on financial support to electricity produced from renewable sources , self - consumption of renewable electricity , and renewable energy use in the heating and cooling and transport sectors , regional cooperation between member states and with third countries , guarantees of origin , administrative procedures and information and training . it establishes sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria for biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels . ### this directive establishes a common framework for the promotion of energy from renewable sources . it sets an overarching binding union target as well as national binding for the overall share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy in 2030 . it also lays down rules on financial support to electricity produced from renewable sources , self - consumption of renewable electricity , renewable energy communities and renewable energy use in the heating and cooling and transport sectors , cross - border and regional cooperation between member states and with third countries , guarantees of origin , administrative procedures and information , training and access to the electricity grid for energy from renewable sources . it establishes sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria for biofuels , bioliquids and biomass fuels .


### member states ' respective contributions to this overall 2030 target shall be set and notified to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with articles 3 to 5 and articles 9 to 11 of regulation [ governance ] . ### member states ' respective national binding targets shall be set and notified to the commission as part of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with articles 3 to 5 and articles 9 to 11 of regulation [ governance ] . in order to reach the targets set in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this article member states may , inter alia , apply the following measures : support schemes ; measures of cooperation between member states and with third countries for achieving their national overall targets in accordance with articles 5 and 11 to 13 .


### union binding overall target for 2030 ### union and national binding targets for 2030


### the commission shall support the high ambition of member states through an enabling framework comprising the enhanced use of union funds , in particular financial instruments , especially in view of reducing the cost of capital for renewable energy projects . ### the commission shall support the high ambition of member states through an enabling framework comprising the enhanced use of union funds , in particular financial instruments , especially in view of reducing the cost of capital for renewable energy projects and facilitate the achievement of the union and national binding targets for 2030 , the commission shall adopt within one year after the entry into force of that directive a legislative proposal establishing a financial instrument aimed at reducing the high risk - derived capital costs of renewable energy projects in the european union .


### subject to state aid rules , in order to reach the union target set in article 3 , member states may apply support schemes . support schemes for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to avoid unnecessary distortions of electricity markets and ensure that producers take into account the supply and demand of electricity as well as possible grid constraints . ### in order to reach or exceed the union and national targets set in article 3 , member states shall apply support schemes . support schemes for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to compensate for market failure and ensure predictability and certainty for investors , high project realisation rates as well as non - discriminatory participation of small actors and provide a long - term revenue perspective .


### member states shall open support for electricity generated from renewable sources to generators located in other member states under the conditions laid down in this article . ### member states may decide to open support for electricity generated from renewable sources to generators located in other member states under the conditions laid down in this article .


### for the purposes of paragraph 1 , gross final consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources shall be calculated as the quantity of electricity produced in a member state from renewable energy sources , including the production of electricity from renewable self - consumers and energy communities and excluding the production of electricity in pumped storage units from water that has previously been pumped uphill . ### for the purposes of paragraph 1 , gross final consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources shall be calculated as the quantity of electricity produced in a member state from renewable energy sources , including the production of electricity from renewable self - consumers and renewable energy communities and excluding the production of electricity in pumped storage units from water that has previously been pumped uphill .


### deducted from the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account in measuring the renewable energy share of the member state making the transfer for the purposes of this directive ; and ### deducted from the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account in measuring compliance with the national target of the member state making the transfer for the purposes of this directive ; and


### added to the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account in measuring the renewable energy share of member state accepting the transfer for the purposes of this directive . ### added to the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account in measuring compliance with the national target of the member state accepting the transfer for the purposes of this directive .


### member states shall notify the commission of the proportion or amount of electricity , heating or cooling from renewable energy sources produced by any joint project in their territory , that became operational after 25 june 2009 , or by the increased capacity of an installation that was refurbished after that date , which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy share of another member state for the purposes of this directive . ### member states shall notify the commission of the proportion or amount of electricity , heating or cooling from renewable energy sources produced by any joint project in their territory , that became operational after 25 june 2009 , or by the increased capacity of an installation that was refurbished after that date , which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy target of another member state for the purposes of this directive .


### specify the proportion or amount of electricity or heating or cooling produced from the installation which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy share of another member state ; ### specify the proportion or amount of electricity or heating or cooling produced from the installation which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy target of another member state ;


### specify the period , in whole calendar years , during which the electricity or heating or cooling produced by the installation from renewable energy sources is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy share of the other member state . ### specify the period , in whole calendar years , during which the electricity or heating or cooling produced by the installation from renewable energy sources is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy target of the other member state .


### the amount of electricity or heating or cooling produced during the year from renewable energy sources by that installation which is to count towards the national overall renewable energy share of another member state in accordance with the terms of the notification . ### the amount of electricity or heating or cooling produced during the year from renewable energy sources by that installation which is to count towards the national overall renewable energy target of another member state in accordance with the terms of the notification .


### deducted from the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources that is taken into account , in measuring the renewable energy share of the member state issuing the letter of notification under paragraph 1 ; and ### deducted from the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources that is taken into account , in measuring compliance with the renewable energy target of the member state issuing the letter of notification under paragraph 1 ; and


### added to the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources that is taken into account in measuring the renewable energy share of the member state receiving the letter of notification in accordance with paragraph 2 . ### added to the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources that is taken into account in measuring compliance with the renewable energy target of the member state receiving the letter of notification in accordance with paragraph 2 .


### electricity from renewable energy sources produced in a third country shall be taken into account only for the purposes of measuring member states ' renewable energy shares if the following conditions are met : ### electricity from renewable energy sources produced in a third country shall be taken into account only for the purposes of measuring compliance with member states ' national renewable energy targets if the following conditions are met :


### the proportion or amount of electricity produced by any installation in the territory of a third country , which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall energy share of one or more member states for the purposes of this directive , shall be notified to the commission . when more than one member state is concerned , the distribution between member states of this proportion or amount shall be notified to the commission . this proportion or amount shall not exceed the proportion or amount actually exported to , and consumed in , the union , corresponding to the amount referred to in paragraph 2 and of this article and meeting the conditions as set out in its paragraph . the notification shall be made by each member state towards whose overall national target the proportion or amount of electricity is to count . ### the proportion or amount of electricity produced by any installation in the territory of a third country , which is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall energy target of one or more member states for the purposes of this directive , shall be notified to the commission . when more than one member state is concerned , the distribution between member states of this proportion or amount shall be notified to the commission . this proportion or amount shall not exceed the proportion or amount actually exported to , and consumed in , the union , corresponding to the amount referred to in paragraph 2 and of this article and meeting the conditions as set out in its paragraph . the notification shall be made by each member state towards whose overall national target the proportion or amount of electricity is to count .


### specify the proportion or amount of electricity produced from the installation which is to be regarded as counting towards the national renewable energy share of a member state as well as , subject to confidentiality requirements , the corresponding financial arrangements ; ### specify the proportion or amount of electricity produced from the installation which is to be regarded as counting towards the national renewable energy target of a member state as well as , subject to confidentiality requirements , the corresponding financial arrangements ;


### specify the period , in whole calendar years , during which the electricity is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy share of the member state ; and ### specify the period , in whole calendar years , during which the electricity is to be regarded as counting towards the national overall renewable energy target of the member state ; and


### the amount of electricity produced during the year from renewable energy sources by that installation which is to count towards its national overall renewable energy share in accordance with the terms of the notification under article 11 ; and ### the amount of electricity produced during the year from renewable energy sources by that installation which is to count towards its national overall renewable energy target in accordance with the terms of the notification under article 11 ; and


### for the purposes of calculating the national overall renewable energy shares under this directive , the amount of electricity produced from renewable energy sources notified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be added to the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account , in measuring the renewable energy shares of the member state issuing the letter of notification . ### for the purposes of measuring compliance with the national overall renewable energy targets under this directive , the amount of electricity produced from renewable energy sources notified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be added to the amount of energy from renewable sources that is taken into account , in measuring the renewable energy targets of the member state issuing the letter of notification .


### without prejudice to the obligations of member states under article 5 , two or more member states may decide , on a voluntary basis , to join or partly coordinate their national support schemes . in such cases , a certain amount of energy from renewable sources produced in the territory of one participating member state may count towards the national renewable energy share of another participating member state if the member states concerned : ### without prejudice to the obligations of member states under article 5 , two or more member states may decide , on a voluntary basis , to join or partly coordinate their national support schemes . in such cases , a certain amount of energy from renewable sources produced in the territory of one participating member state may count towards the national renewable energy target of another participating member state if the member states concerned :


### for the purposes of calculating the national overall renewable energy shares under this directive , the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources notified in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be reallocated between the concerned member states in accordance with the notified distribution rule . ### for the purposes of calculating the national overall renewable energy target under this directive , the amount of electricity or heating or cooling from renewable energy sources notified in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be reallocated between the concerned member states in accordance with the notified distribution rule . the commission shall facilitate the establishment of joint support schemes between member states , notably via the dissemination of guidelines and best practice .


### simplified and less burdensome authorisation procedures , including through simple notification if allowed by the applicable regulatory framework , are established for decentralised devices for producing energy from renewable sources . ### simplified and less burdensome authorisation procedures , including through simple notification if allowed by the applicable regulatory framework , are established for decentralised devices for producing energy from renewable sources for renewable self - consumers and renewable energy communities and energy storage .


### the single administrative contact point , in collaboration with transmission and distribution system operators , shall publish a manual of procedures for renewable project developers , including for small scale projects and renewable self - consumers projects . ### the single administrative contact point , in collaboration with transmission and distribution system operators , shall publish a manual of procedures for renewable project developers , including for small scale projects and renewable self - consumers projects and renewable energy community projects .


### member states shall ensure that information on support measures is made available to all relevant actors , such as consumers , builders , installers , architects , and suppliers of heating , cooling and electricity equipment and systems and of vehicles compatible with the use of energy from renewable sources . ### member states shall ensure that information on support measures is made available to all relevant actors , such as consumers , in particular low - income , vulnerable consumers , renewable self - consumers , renewable energy communities , builders , installers , architects , and suppliers of heating , cooling and electricity equipment and systems and of vehicles compatible with the use of energy from renewable sources .


### member states shall make available to the public information on certification schemes or equivalent qualification schemes as referred to in paragraph 3 . member states may also make available the list of installers who are qualified or certified in accordance with the provisions referred to in paragraph 3 . ### member states shall make available to the public information on certification schemes or equivalent qualification schemes as referred to in paragraph 3 . member states shall make available the list of installers who are qualified or certified in accordance with the provisions referred to in paragraph 3 .


### where relevant , member states shall assess the need to extend existing gas network infrastructure to facilitate the integration of gas from renewable energy sources . ### member states shall assess the need to extend existing gas network infrastructure to facilitate the integration of gas from renewable energy sources . transmission system operators and distribution system operators shall be responsible for guaranteeing a smooth functioning of the gas network infrastructure , including its maintenance and regular cleaning .


### member states shall ensure that renewable self - consumers , individually or through aggregators : ### member states shall ensure that household customers are entitled to become renewable self - consumers , both individually and collectively . member states shall ensure that renewable self - consumers :


### on 16 september 2016 in bratislava , leaders of twenty - seven member states stressed their determination to provide better opportunities for youth . in the rome declaration signed on 25 march 2017 , leaders of twenty - seven member states and of the european council , the european parliament and the european commission pledged to work towards a union where young people receive the best education and training and can study and find jobs across the union ; a union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity . ### on 16 september 2016 in bratislava , leaders of twenty - seven member states stressed their determination to provide better opportunities for youth . in the rome declaration signed on 25 march 2017 , leaders of twenty - seven member states and of the european council , the european parliament and the european commission pledged to work towards a union where young people receive the best education and training and can work , learn , exchange , study and find jobs across the union ; a union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes solidarity , democracy and cultural diversity .


### the mid - term evaluation report of the 2014 - 2020 erasmus + programme confirmed that the creation of a single programme on education , training , youth and sport resulted in significant simplification , rationalisation and synergies in the management of the programme while further improvements are necessary to further consolidate the efficiency gains of the 2014 - 2020 programme . in the consultations for the mid - term evaluation and on the future programme , member states and stakeholders made a strong call for continuity in the programme ' s scope , architecture and delivery mechanisms , while calling for a number of improvements , such as making the programme more inclusive . they also expressed their full support for keeping the programme integrated and underpinned by the lifelong learning paradigm . the european parliament , in its resolution of 2 february 2017 on the implementation of erasmus + , welcomed the integrated structure of the programme and called on the commission to exploit fully the lifelong learning dimension of the programme by fostering and encouraging cross - sectoral cooperation in the future programme . member states and stakeholders also highlighted the need to keep a strong international dimension in the programme and to extend it to other sectors of education and training . ### the mid - term evaluation report of the 2014 - 2020 erasmus + programme confirmed that the creation of a single programme on education , training , youth and sport resulted in significant simplification , rationalisation and synergies in the management of the programme while further improvements are necessary in order to meet the objectives of the programme , to improve the quality of mobility placements and to offer quality mobility opportunities to all , and thus to further consolidate the efficiency gains of the 2014 - 2020 programme . in the consultations for the mid - term evaluation and on the future programme , member states and stakeholders made a call for continuity in the programme ' s scope , architecture and delivery mechanisms , while calling for a number of improvements , such as making the programme more inclusive and manageable also for smaller beneficiaries and smaller - size projects . they also expressed their support for keeping the programme integrated and underpinned by the lifelong learning paradigm . the european parliament , in its resolution of 2 february 2017 on the implementation of erasmus + , welcomed the integrated structure of the programme and called on the commission to exploit fully the lifelong learning dimension of the programme by fostering and encouraging cross - sectoral cooperation in the future programme . member states and stakeholders also highlighted the need to keep a strong international dimension in the programme and to extend it to other sectors of education and training .


### the programme should take into account the union work plan for sport which is the cooperation framework at union level in the field of sport for the years [ … ] 32 . coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the union work plan and actions supported under the programme in the field of sport . there is a need to focus in particular on grassroots sports , taking into account the important role that sports play in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle , social inclusion and equality . the programme should contribute to promote european common values through sport , good governance and integrity in sport , as well as education , training and skills in and through sport . _________________ 32 [ reference ] . ### the programme should take into account the union work plan for sport which is the cooperation framework at union level in the field of sport for the years [ … ] 32 . coherence and complementarity should be ensured between the union work plan and actions supported under the programme in the field of sport . there is a need to focus in particular on grassroots sports , taking into account the important role that sports play in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle , social inclusion and equality . the programme should contribute to promote european common values through sport , good governance and integrity in sport , sustainability and good environmental practices in sport , as well as education , training and skills in and through sport . _________________ 32 [ reference ] .


### the programme should contribute to strengthening the union ' s innovation capacity notably by supporting mobility and cooperation activities that foster the development of competences in forward - looking study fields or disciplines such as science , technology , engineering and mathematics , climate change , the environment , clean energy , artificial intelligence , robotics , data analysis and arts / design , to help people develop knowledge , skills and competences needed for the future . ### the programme should contribute to strengthening the union ' s innovation capacity notably by supporting mobility and cooperation activities that foster the development of competences in forward - looking study fields or disciplines such as science , technology , engineering and mathematics , climate change , the environment , clean energy , artificial intelligence , robotics , data analysis and arts / design , to help people develop knowledge , skills and competences needed for the future . to this end , particular measures should address women and girls , who are still under - represented in these disciplines in some countries .


### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible learning mobility formats , and by fostering participation of small organisations , in particular newcomers and community - based grassroots organisations that work directly with disadvantaged learners of all ages . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted to reach more participants , in particular those with fewer opportunities and those for whom moving physically to a country other than their country of residence would be an obstacle . ### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible learning mobility formats , simplified administrative procedures , youth - friendly and clear information and communication about the programme and by fostering and supporting the participation of local organisations , in particular newcomers and volunteer - based grassroots organisations that work directly with disadvantaged learners of all ages . simplified procedures , such as accreditation through compliance with quality charters , should be put in place to allow experienced mobility providers to support institutions and organisations with limited resources and capacities , with a view to enhancing outreach , inclusion and quality of learning mobility . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted as a complementary aspect of a physical mobility to reach more participants , in particular those with fewer opportunities and those for whom moving physically to a country other than their country of residence would be an obstacle .


### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible learning mobility formats , and by fostering participation of small organisations , in particular newcomers and community - based grassroots organisations that work directly with disadvantaged learners of all ages . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted to reach more participants , in particular those with fewer opportunities and those for whom moving physically to a country other than their country of residence would be an obstacle . ### the programme should be more inclusive by improving its outreach to those with fewer opportunities , including through more flexible mobility formats , simplified administrative procedures , targeting of beneficiary organisations working with groups under - represented in erasmus + , youth - friendly and clear information and communication about the programme and by fostering and supporting the participation of local organisations and small organisations , in particular newcomers , youth organisations , volunteer - based and community - based grassroots organisations that work directly with learners with fewer opportunities of all ages , and organisations working with and supporting people from marginalised groups , such as people with an ethnic minority background , people with disabilities and lgbti people . virtual formats , such as virtual cooperation , blended and virtual mobility , should be promoted to reach more participants and complement the mobility experience .


### the programme should reinforce existing learning mobility opportunities , notably in those sectors where the programme could have the biggest efficiency gains , to broaden its reach and meet the high unmet demand . this should be done notably by increasing and facilitating mobility activities for higher education students , school pupils and learners in vocational education and training . mobility of low - skilled adult learners should be embedded in partnerships for cooperation . mobility opportunities for youth participating in non - formal learning activities should also be extended to reach more young people . mobility of staff in education , training , youth and sport should also be reinforced , considering its leverage effect . in line with the vision of a true european education area , the programme should also boost mobility and exchanges and promote student participation in educational and cultural activities by supporting digitalisation of processes , such as the european student card . this initiative can be an important step in making mobility for all a reality first by enabling higher education institutions to send and receive more exchange students while still enhancing quality in student mobility and also by facilitating students ' access to various services before arriving at the institution abroad . ### the programme should reinforce existing learning mobility opportunities , notably in those sectors where the programme could have the biggest efficiency gains , to broaden its reach and meet the high unmet demand . this should be done notably by increasing and facilitating mobility activities for under - represented groups , especially young people not in formal education and learners in vocational education and training , as well as school pupils . higher education students could continue to be targeted at the existing high level . mobility of learners with fewer opportunities should be embedded in partnerships for cooperation . mobility opportunities for youth participating in non - formal or informal learning activities should also be fundamentally extended to reach more young people , especially newcomers , those with fewer opportunities and hard - to - reach population groups . mobility of staff in education , training , youth and sport should also be reinforced , considering its leverage effect . in line with the vision of a true european education area , the programme should also boost mobility and exchanges and promote student participation in educational and cultural activities by supporting digitalisation of processes , such as the european student card . this initiative can be an important step in making mobility for all a reality first by enabling higher education institutions to send and receive more exchange students while still enhancing quality in student mobility and also by facilitating students ' access to various services before arriving at the institution abroad .


### the programme should support measures that enhance the cooperation between institutions and organisations active in education , training , youth and sport , recognising their fundamental role in equipping individuals with the knowledge , skills and competences needed in a changing world as well as to adequately fulfil the potential for innovation , creativity and entrepreneurship , in particular within the digital economy . ### the programme should support measures that enhance the cooperation between institutions and organisations active in education , training , youth and sport , recognising their fundamental role in equipping individuals with the knowledge , skills and competences needed in a changing world as well as to adequately fulfil the potential for sustainable development , social progress , innovation , creativity and entrepreneurship , in particular within the digital economy .


### the programme should support measures that enhance the cooperation between institutions and organisations active in education , training , youth and sport , recognising their fundamental role in equipping individuals with the knowledge , skills and competences needed in a changing world as well as to adequately fulfil the potential for innovation , creativity and entrepreneurship , in particular within the digital economy . ### the programme should support measures that enhance the cooperation between institutions and organisations active in education , training , youth and sport , recognising their fundamental role in equipping individuals with the knowledge , skills and competences needed in a changing world as well as to adequately fulfil the potential for innovation , creativity and entrepreneurship , in particular within the digital economy . to this end , effective cooperation between all relevant stakeholders at all levels of the programme’s implementation should be ensured .


### the programme should contribute to facilitating transparency and recognition of skills and qualifications , as well as the transfer of credits or units of learning outcomes , to foster quality assurance and to support validation of non - formal and informal learning , skills management and guidance . in this regard , the programme should also provide support to contact points and networks at national and union level that facilitate cross - european exchanges as well as the development of flexible learning pathways between different fields of education , training and youth and across formal and non - formal settings . ### the programme should contribute to facilitating transparency and automatic recognition of skills , competences , qualifications , and diplomas as well as the transfer of credits or units of learning outcomes , to foster quality assurance and to support validation of non - formal and informal learning , skills management and guidance . in this regard , the programme should also provide support to contact points and networks at national and union level that facilitate cross - european exchanges as well as the development of flexible learning pathways between different fields of education , training and youth and across formal and non - formal settings .


### in compliance with the financial regulation , the commission should adopt work programmes and inform the european parliament and the council thereof . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the programme , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure . ### in compliance with the financial regulation , the commission should establish and adopt work programmes in close cooperation with the european parliament and the council , having consulted national agencies and relevant stakeholders . the work programme should set out the measures needed for their implementation in line with the general and specific objectives of the programme , the selection and award criteria for grants , as well as all other elements required . the yearly programme priorities should maintain continuity . nevertheless , a certain degree of flexibility is necessary to respond to emerging challenges . work programmes and any amendments to them should be adopted by means of delegated acts .


### in order to ensure efficient and effective implementation of this regulation , the programme should make maximum use of delivery mechanisms already in place . the implementation of the programme should therefore be entrusted to the commission , and to national agencies . where feasible , and in order to maximise efficiency , the national agencies should be the same as the one designated for the management of the predecessor programme . the scope of the ex - ante compliance assessment should be limited to the requirements that are new and specific to the programme , unless justified , such as in case of serious shortcomings or underperformance on the part of the national agency concerned . ### in order to ensure efficient , and effective implementation of this regulation , the programme should make maximum use of delivery mechanisms already in place . the implementation of the programme should therefore be entrusted to the commission , and to national agencies , which should ensure consistent and coherent application of the programme rules across the eu countries and proper outreach to and cooperation with all target groups across the wide spectrum of stakeholders . where feasible , and in order to maximise efficiency , the national agency should be the same as the one designated for the management of the predecessor programme . the scope of ex - ante compliance assessment should be limited to the requirements that are new and specific to the programme , unless justified , such as in case of serious shortcomings or under - performance on the part of the national agency concerned .


### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should take into account the living and subsistence costs of the host country . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should also be encouraged to exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned . ### in order to simplify requirements for beneficiaries , simplified grants in the form of lump - sums , unit - costs and flat - rate funding should be used to the maximum possible extent . the simplified grants to support the mobility actions of the programme , as defined by the commission , should be regularly reviewed and adjusted to the living and subsistence costs of the host country and regions . the commission and national agencies of the sending countries should have the possibility to adjust these simplified grants on the basis of objective criteria , in particular to ensure access to people with fewer opportunities . in accordance with national law , member states should also exempt those grants from any taxes and social levies . the same exemption should apply to public or private entities awarding such financial support to the individuals concerned .


### ' lifelong learning ' means learning in all its forms taking place at all stages in life , including early childhood education and care , general education , vocational education and training , higher education , and adult education , and resulting in an improvement in knowledge , skills and attitudes or participation in society in a personal , civic , cultural , social and / or employment - related perspective , including the provision of counselling and guidance services ; ### ' lifelong learning ' means learning in all its forms taking place at all stages in life , including early childhood education and care , general education , vocational education and training , higher education , and adult education , and resulting in an improvement in knowledge , skills and attitudes or participation in society , sensitivity to global and local environmental and social issues , in a personal , civic , cultural , social and / or employment - related perspective , including the provision of counselling and guidance services ;


### ' learning mobility ' means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it may be accompanied by measures such as language support and training and / or be complemented by online learning and virtual cooperation . in some specific cases , it may take the form of learning through the use of information technology and communications tools ; ### ‘ learning mobility ' means moving physically to country other than the country of residence , in order to undertake study , training or non - formal or informal learning ; it is fully accessible , inclusive and adequately funded and shall be accompanied by measures such as language support , including for national sign languages , and training and / or be complemented by accessible online learning of and virtual cooperation regarding all eu spoken and signed languages . in some specific cases , it may take the form of learning through the use of accessible information technology and accessible communications tools ;


### ‘ school pupil’ means any person enrolled in a learning capacity at an institution providing general education at any level from early childhood education and care to upper secondary education , considered by the national authorities as eligible to participate in the programme , in their respective territories ; ### ‘ school pupil’ means any person enrolled in learning capacity at an institution providing general education at any level from early childhood education and care to upper secondary education , or any person schooled outside an institutional setting considered by the national or sub - state authorities as eligible to participate in the programme , in their respective territories ;


### ‘ youth participation activity’ means an out - of - school activity carried out by informal groups of young people and / or youth organisations , and characterised by a non - formal learning approach ; ### ‘ youth participation activity’ means an accessible and inclusive out - of - school activity carried out by informal groups of young people or groups including young people and / or youth organisations , and characterised by a non - formal or informal learning approach ;


### ' youth worker ' means a professional or a volunteer involved in non - formal learning who supports young people in their personal socio - educational and professional development ; ### ' youth worker ' means a professional or a volunteer involved in non - formal and informal learning who supports young people in their personal development , including socio - educational and professional development and the development of their competences . youth workers together with young people are involved in planning , steering , coordination , implementation and evaluation of youth work activities and related youth work development ;


### ‘ youth worker’ means a professional or a volunteer involved in non - formal learning who supports young people in their personal socio - educational and professional development ; ### ‘ youth worker’ means a professional or a volunteer involved in non - formal or informal learning who supports young people in their personal development , including socio - educational and professional development and the development of their competences . youth workers together with young people are involved in the planning , steering , coordination , implementation and evaluation of youth work activities and related youth work development ;


### ‘ people with fewer opportunities’ means people facing obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the programme for economic , social , cultural , geographical or health reasons , a migrant background or for reasons such as disability and educational difficulties ; ### ‘ people with fewer opportunities’ means people who need additional support due to their disadvantage compared to their peers because of various obstacles , for example disability , health problems , educational difficulties , cultural differences , economic , social and geographical obstacles , including people from marginalised communities or at risk of facing discrimination based on any of the grounds enshrined in article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### ‘ people with fewer opportunities’ means people facing obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the programme for economic , social , cultural , geographical or health reasons , a migrant background or for reasons such as disability and educational difficulties ; ### ‘ people with fewer opportunities’ means individuals who require additional , targeted support due to discrimination and a heightened risk of social exclusion as a result of various factors , either individually or in combination with each other . such factors may include disability , sexual orientation , gender identity , sex characteristics , race , ethnicity , socioeconomic background , health status , geographical obstacles , legal barriers or other status ;


### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 and developing the european dimension in sport . ### the general objective of the programme is to support the educational , professional and personal development of people in education , training , youth and sport , in europe and beyond , thereby contributing to sustainable growth , quality jobs and social cohesion and to strengthening european identity . as such , the programme shall be a key instrument for building a european education area , supporting the implementation of the european strategic cooperation in the field of education and training , with its underlying sectoral agendas , advancing youth policy cooperation under the union youth strategy 2019 - 2027 , reinforcing lifelong learning and promoting an innovation - driven approach to education and training as well as a european dimension in sport ;


### promote learning mobility of individuals , as well as cooperation , inclusion , excellence , creativity and innovation at the level of organisations and policies in the field of education and training ; ### promote learning mobility of individuals , as well as cooperation , inclusion , equity , excellence , creativity and innovation at the level of organisations and policies in the field of education and training ;


### promote non - formal learning mobility and active participation among young people , as well as cooperation , inclusion , creativity and innovation at the level of organisations and policies in the field of youth ; ### promote non - formal learning mobility , intercultural learning , critical thinking , volunteering and active participation among young people , as well as cooperation , quality , inclusion , growth , creativity and innovation at the level of organisations and policies in the field of youth ;


### partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices , including small - scale partnerships to foster a wider and more inclusive access to the programme ; ### partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices , including small - scale partnerships and partnerships for capacity - building to foster a wider and more inclusive access to the programme ;


### partnerships for innovation to strengthen europe ' s innovation capacity ; ### partnerships for innovation to strengthen europe ' s sustainable innovation capacity ;


### partnerships for innovation to strengthen europe’s innovation capacity ; ### partnerships for innovation , especially sustainable and green innovation to strengthen europe’s sustainable innovation capacity ;


### the support to union tools and measures that foster the quality , transparency and recognition of competences , skills and qualifications45 ; _________________ 45 in particular the single union framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences ; the european qualifications framework ; the european quality assurance reference framework for vocational education and training ; the european credit system for vocational education and training ; the european credit transfer and accumulation system ; the european quality assurance register for higher education ; the european association for quality assurance in higher education ; the european network of information centres in the european region and national academic recognition information centres in the european union ; and the euroguidance networks . ### the support to union tools and measures that foster the quality , transparency and recognition of competences , skills and qualifications45 ; _________________ 45 in particular europass - the single union framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences ; the european qualifications framework ; the european quality assurance reference framework for vocational education and training ; the european credit system for vocational education and training ; the european credit transfer and accumulation system ; the european quality assurance register for higher education ; the european association for quality assurance in higher education ; the european network of information centres in the european region and national academic recognition information centres in the european union ; and the euroguidance networks .


### measures that contribute to the qualitative and inclusive implementation of the programme ; ### measures that contribute to the high - quality and socially more inclusive and environmentally sustainable implementation of the programme ;


### not for profit sport events aiming at further developing the european dimension of sport . ### not for profit sport events aiming at further developing the european dimension of sport , as well as promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . it shall also be accompanied by a final evaluation of the predecessor programme . ### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed no later than 31 december 2024 in order to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken to achieve the programme’s objectives and to evaluate the efficiency of the programme , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal to amend this regulation . in this regard , particular focus should be given to the performance assessment of eu - funded actions and the realisation of the programme’s inclusiveness strategy . the interim evaluation shall also be accompanied by a final evaluation of the predecessor programme .


### national agencies referred to in article 24 shall develop a consistent strategy with regard to the effective outreach as well as dissemination and exploitation of results of activities supported under the actions they manage within the programme , shall assist the commission in its general task of disseminating information concerning the programme , including information in respect of actions and activities managed at national and union level , and its results , and shall inform relevant target groups about the actions and activities undertaken in their country . ### national agencies referred to in article 24 , together with the european commission , shall develop an eu - wide consistent strategy with regard to the effective outreach as well as dissemination and exploitation of results of activities supported under the actions they manage within the programme , including information regarding actions and activities managed at the national and union level , and its results . national agencies shall inform relevant target groups about the actions and activities undertaken in their country , with a view to enhancing outreach across and cooperation with the wide spectrum of stakeholders , and to support a cross - sectoral approach in the programme ' s implementation .


### national agencies referred to in article 24 shall develop a consistent strategy with regard to the effective outreach as well as dissemination and exploitation of results of activities supported under the actions they manage within the programme , shall assist the commission in its general task of disseminating information concerning the programme , including information in respect of actions and activities managed at national and union level , and its results , and shall inform relevant target groups about the actions and activities undertaken in their country . ### national agencies referred to in article 24 shall develop a consistent strategy with regard to the effective outreach as well as dissemination and exploitation of results of activities supported under the actions they manage within the programme , shall assist the commission in its general task of disseminating information concerning the programme , including information in respect of actions and activities managed at national and union level and its results . national agencies shall inform all relevant target groups about the actions and activities undertaken in their country , with a view to enhancing outreach across and cooperation with the wide spectrum of stakeholders and to support a cross - sectoral approach in the programme ' s implementation .


### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall set the requirements for the national agency work programme with attention to the inclusive and qualitative nature of this programme . the commission shall not make programme funds available to the national agency until the commission has formally approved the national agency’s work programme .


### ' waste fishing gear ' means any fishing gear covered by the definition of waste in directive 2008 / 98 / ec , including all separate components , substances or materials that were part of or attached to such fishing gear when it was discarded ; ### ' waste fishing gear ' means any fishing gear covered by the definition of waste in directive 2008 / 98 / ec , including all separate components , substances or materials that were part of or attached to such fishing gear when it was discarded or lost ;


### member states shall ensure that each single - use plastic product listed in part d of the annex placed on the market bears a conspicuous , clearly legible and indelible marking informing consumers of one or more of the following : ### member states shall ensure that each single - use plastic product listed in part d of the annex and fishing gear containing plastic placed on the market bears a conspicuous , clearly legible and indelible marking informing consumers of&#160 ; all of the following :


### in certain instances , sector - specific union law has been adopted in order to respond to specific needs in that sector , such as the area of international transport . the authority should also deal with the cross - border aspects of the application of such sector - specific union law , in particular regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and the council49 , directive 2006 / 22 / ec of the european parliament and the council50 , regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council51 and directive 278 ) 52 . _________________ 49 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 . 50 directive 2006 / 22 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on minimum conditions for the implementation of council regulations no 3820 / 85 and no 3821 / 85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities and repealing council directive 88 / 599 / eec . 51 regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing council directive 96 / 26 / ec . 52 com278 – proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council amending directive 2006 / 22 / ec as regards enforcement requirements and laying down specific rules with respect to directive 96 / 71 / ec and directive 2014 / 67 / eu for posting drivers in the road transport sector . ### in certain instances , sector - specific union law has been adopted in order to respond to specific needs in that sector , such as the area of international transport . the authority should also deal with the cross - border aspects of the application of such sector - specific union law , in particular directive 2002 / 15 of the european parliament and the council , regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and the council49 , directive 2006 / 22 / ec of the european parliament and the council50 , regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and the council51 and directive 278 ) 52 . in the aviation sector , the authority should also be involved in the application of european labour law . _________________ 49 regulation no 561 / 2006 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending council regulations no 3821 / 85 and no 2135 / 98 and repealing council regulation no 3820 / 85 . 50 directive 2006 / 22 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 15 march 2006 on minimum conditions for the implementation of council regulations no 3820 / 85 and no 3821 / 85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities and repealing council directive 88 / 599 / eec . 51 regulation no 1071 / 2009 of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing council directive 96 / 26 / ec . 52 com278 – proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council amending directive 2006 / 22 / ec as regards enforcement requirements and laying down specific rules with respect to directive 96 / 71 / ec and directive 2014 / 67 / eu for posting drivers in the road transport sector .


### to increase member states ' capacity to tackle irregularities with a cross - border dimension in relation to union law within its scope , the authority should support the national authorities in carrying out concerted and joint inspections , including by facilitating the implementation of the inspections in accordance with article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . these should take place at the request of member states or upon their agreement to the authority ' s suggestion . the authority should provide strategic , logistical , and technical support to member states participating in the concerted or joint inspections in full respect of confidentiality requirements . inspections should be carried out in agreement with the member states concerned and take place fully within the legal framework of national law of member states concerned , which should follow up on the outcomes of the concerted and joint inspections according to national law . ### to increase member states ' capacity to tackle irregularities with a cross - border dimension in relation to union law within its scope , the authority should support the national authorities and social partners in carrying out national , concerted and joint inspections , including by facilitating the implementation of the inspections in accordance with article 10 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu . these should take place at the request of member states or upon their agreement to the authority ' s suggestion . the authority should provide strategic , logistical , and technical support to member states participating in the national , concerted or joint inspections in full respect of confidentiality requirements . inspections should be carried out in agreement with the member states concerned and take place fully within the legal framework of national law of member states concerned , which should follow up on the outcomes of the concerted and joint inspections according to national law .


### to strengthen the capacity of national authorities and improve consistency in the application of union law within its scope , the authority should provide operational assistance to national authorities , including by developing practical guidelines , establishing training and peer learning programmes , promoting mutual assistance projects , facilitating staff exchanges such as those referred to in article 8 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu , and supporting member states in organising awareness - raising campaigns informing individuals and employers of their rights and obligations . the authority should promote the exchange , dissemination and uptake of good practices . ### to strengthen the capacity of national authorities and improve consistency in the application of union law within its scope , the authority should provide operational assistance to national authorities , particularly in order to strengthen their monitoring capacities , including by developing practical guidelines , establishing training and peer learning programmes , promoting mutual assistance projects , facilitating staff exchanges such as those referred to in article 8 of directive 2014 / 67 / eu , and supporting member states in organising awareness - raising campaigns informing individuals and employers of their rights and obligations . the authority should promote the exchange , dissemination and uptake of good practices among existing cooperation organisations and national authorities of member states , and should promote the deployment of joint digital tools .


### at the request of one or several member states , the authority shall coordinate concerted or joint inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states . the authority may also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint inspection . ### at the request of one or several member states , the social partners or its own initiative , the authority shall facilitate concerted or joint inspections in the areas under the scope of the authority ' s competences . the request may be submitted by one or several member states or the social partners . the authority shall also suggest to the authorities of the member states concerned that they perform a concerted or joint inspection .


### transport undertakings are the addressees of the rules on international carriage and are , as such , subject to the consequences of any infringements committed by them . however , in order to prevent abuses by undertakings contracting transport services from road haulage operators , member states should also provide for sanctions on shippers and freight forwarders in case they knowingly commission transport services which involve infringements of the provisions of regulation no 1072 / 2009 . ### transport undertakings are the addressees of the rules on international carriage and are , as such , subject to the consequences of any infringements committed by them . however , in order to prevent abuses by undertakings contracting transport services from road haulage operators , member states should also provide for sanctions on shippers and freight forwarders as well as other contractors where they knowingly commission transport services which involve infringements of the provisions of regulation no 1072 / 2009 .


### this regulation should set high standards of quality , safety and efficacy for veterinary medicinal products in order to meet common concerns as regards the protection of public and animal health . at the same time , this regulation should harmonise the rules for the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products and the placing of them on the union market . ### this regulation should set high standards of quality , safety and efficacy for veterinary medicinal products in order to meet common concerns as regards the protection of public and animal health and the environment . at the same time , this regulation should harmonise the rules for the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products and the placing of them on the union market .


### however , there may be situations where no suitable authorised veterinary medicinal product is available . in those situations , by way of exception , veterinarians should be allowed to prescribe other medicinal products to the animals under their responsibility in conformity with strict rules and in the interest of animal health or animal welfare only . in case of food - producing animals , veterinarians should ensure that an appropriate withdrawal period is prescribed , so that harmful residues of those medicinal products do not enter the food chain . ### however , there may be situations where no suitable authorised veterinary medicinal product is available . in those situations , by way of exception , veterinarians should be temporarily allowed to prescribe other medicinal products to the animals under their responsibility in conformity with strict rules and in the interest of animal health or animal welfare only . in case of food - producing animals , veterinarians should ensure that an appropriate withdrawal period is prescribed , so that harmful residues of those medicinal products do not enter the food chain .


### directive 2010 / 63 / eu of the european parliament and of the council15 lays down provisions on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes based on the principles of replacement , reduction and refinement . clinical trials for veterinary medicinal products are exempted from that directive . the design and performance of clinical trials , which provide essential information on the safety and efficacy of a veterinary medicinal product , should be such as to provide the most satisfactory results whilst using the minimum number of animals , the procedures should be the least likely to cause pain , suffering or distress to animals and should take into account the principles established by directive 2010 / 63 / eu . __________________ 15 directive 2010 / 63 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes . ### directive 2010 / 63 / eu of the european parliament and of the council15 lays down provisions on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes based on the principles of replacement , reduction and refinement . clinical trials for veterinary medicinal products are exempted from that directive . the design and performance of clinical trials , which provide essential information on the safety and efficacy of a veterinary medicinal product , should be such as to provide the most satisfactory results whilst using the minimum number of animals , the procedures should be designed to avoid causing pain , suffering or distress to animals and should take into account the principles established by directive 2010 / 63 / eu . __________________ 15 directive 2010 / 63 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 22 september 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes .


### it is recognised that the potential effect of a product on the environment may depend on the volume used and the resulting amount of the pharmaceutical substance that may reach the environment . therefore , where there is evidence that a constituent of a medicinal product for which a generic application for a marketing authorisation is submitted is a hazard for the environment , it is appropriate to require data on the potential effect on the environment in order to safeguard the environment . in such cases applicants should endeavour to join efforts in generating such data in order to reduce costs and to reduce testing on vertebrate animals . ### it is recognised that the potential effect of a product on the environment may depend on the volume used and the resulting amount of the pharmaceutical substance that may reach the environment . therefore , for all veterinary medicinal products for which a generic application for a marketing authorisation is submitted , it is appropriate to require data on the potential effect on the environment in order to safeguard the environment . in such cases applicants should endeavour to join efforts in generating such data in order to reduce costs and to reduce testing on vertebrate animals .


### in certain circumstances where a significant animal or public health concern exists but scientific uncertainty persists , appropriate measures can be adopted taking into account article 5 of the wto agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures which has been interpreted for the union in the communication from the commission on the precautionary principle17 . in such circumstances , member states or the commission should seek to obtain additional information necessary for a more objective assessment of the particular concern and should review the measure accordingly within a reasonable period of time . __________________ 17 communication from the commission on the precautionary principle , com 1 . ### in certain circumstances where a significant animal , environmental or public health concern exists but scientific uncertainty persists , appropriate measures can be adopted taking into account article 5 of the wto agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures which has been interpreted for the union in the communication from the commission on the precautionary principle17 . in such circumstances , member states or the commission should seek to obtain additional information necessary for a more objective assessment of the particular concern and should review the measure accordingly within a reasonable period of time . __________________ 17 communication from the commission on the precautionary principle , com 1 .


### antimicrobial resistance to human and veterinary medicinal products is a growing health problem in the union and worldwide . many of the antimicrobials used in animals are also used in humans . some of those antimicrobials are critical for preventing or treating life - threatening infections in humans . in order to fight antimicrobial resistance a number of measures should be taken . it needs to be ensured that appropriate warnings and guidance are included on the labels of veterinary antimicrobials . use not covered by the terms of the marketing authorisation of certain new or critically important antimicrobials for humans should be restricted in the veterinary sector . the rules for advertising veterinary antimicrobials should be tightened , and the authorisation requirements should sufficiently address the risks and benefits of antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products . ### antimicrobial resistance to human and veterinary medicinal products is a growing health problem in the union and worldwide . many of the antimicrobials used in animals are also used in humans . some of those antimicrobials are critical for preventing or treating life - threatening infections in humans . in order to fight antimicrobial resistance a number of measures should be taken . it needs to be ensured that appropriate warnings and guidance are included on the labels of veterinary antimicrobials . use not covered by the terms of the marketing authorisation of certain new or critically important antimicrobials for humans should be prohibited in the veterinary sector . the advertising of veterinary antimicrobials should be geared solely to the provision of scientific information , and the authorisation requirements should sufficiently address the risks and benefits of antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products .


### the combined use of several antimicrobial active substances may represent a particular risk with respect to the development of antimicrobial resistance . combinations of antimicrobial substances should therefore only be authorised where evidence is provided that the benefit - risk balance of the combination is favourable . ### the combined use of several antimicrobial active substances may represent a particular risk with respect to the development of antimicrobial resistance . combinations of antimicrobial substances should therefore only be authorised exceptionally where evidence is provided that the long - term benefit - risk balance of the combination is favourable .


### in order to preserve as long as possible the efficacy of certain antimicrobials in the treatment of infections in humans , it may be necessary to reserve those antimicrobials for humans only . therefore it should be possible to decide that certain antimicrobials , following the scientific recommendations of the agency , should not be available on the market in the veterinary sector . ### in order to preserve as long as possible the efficacy of certain antimicrobials in the treatment of infections in humans , it is necessary to reserve those antimicrobials for humans only . as a baseline , this should apply for the highest priority critically important antimicrobials identified by the who . moreover , it should be possible to decide that other critically important antimicrobials , following the scientific recommendations of the agency , should not be available on the market in the veterinary sector .


### if an antimicrobial is administered and used incorrectly , this presents a risk to public or animal health . therefore antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products should only be available on veterinary prescription . persons having the right to prescribe have a key role in ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials and consequently they should not be influenced , directly or indirectly , by economic incentives when prescribing those products . therefore the supply of veterinary antimicrobials by those health professionals should be restricted to the amount required for treatment of the animals under their care . ### if an antimicrobial is administered and used incorrectly , this presents a risk to public or animal health . therefore antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products should only be available on veterinary prescription . persons having the right to prescribe have a key role in ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials and consequently they should not be influenced , directly or indirectly , by economic incentives when prescribing those products . therefore the supply of veterinary antimicrobials by those health professionals should be restricted to the amount required for treatment of the animals under their care . veterinarians should not be allowed to sell antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products , as this could result in conflicts of interest that give rise to over - prescription of such products .


### it is necessary , in specific cases , or from a public health and animal health perspective , to complement the safety and efficacy data available at the time of authorisation with additional information following the placing of the product on the market . therefore the obligation to conduct post - authorisation studies should be imposed on the marketing authorisation holder . ### in specific cases it is necessary , from a public health , animal health or environmental perspective , to complement the safety and efficacy data available at the time of authorisation with additional information following the placing of the product on the market . therefore the obligation to conduct post - authorisation studies should be imposed on the marketing authorisation holder .


### the conditions governing the supply of veterinary medicinal products to the public should be harmonised in the union . veterinary medicinal products should only be supplied by persons authorised to do so by the member state where they are established . at the same time , in order to improve access to veterinary medicinal products in the union , retailers that are authorised to supply veterinary medicinal products by the competent authority in the member state where they are established should be allowed to sell prescription and non - prescription veterinary medicinal products via the internet to buyers in other member states . ### the conditions governing the supply of veterinary medicinal products to the public should be harmonised in the union . veterinary medicinal products should only be supplied by persons authorised to do so by the member state where they are established . at the same time , in order to improve access to veterinary medicinal products in the union , retailers that are authorised to supply veterinary medicinal products by the competent authority in the member state where they are established should be allowed to sell prescription and non - prescription veterinary medicinal products via the internet to buyers in other member states . in order to minimise the risk to animal and human health , online sales of antimicrobials should be prohibited .


### the verification of compliance with the legal requirements through controls is of fundamental importance to ensure that the objectives of the regulation are effectively achieved across the union . therefore the competent authorities of the member states should have the power to perform inspections at all stages of production , distribution and use of veterinary medicinal products . in order to preserve the effectiveness of the inspections , authorities should have the possibility to perform unannounced inspections . ### the verification of compliance with the legal requirements through controls is of fundamental importance to ensure that the objectives of the regulation are effectively achieved across the union . therefore the competent authorities of the member states should perform inspections at all stages of production , distribution and use of veterinary medicinal products and publish annual inspection reports . in order to preserve the effectiveness of the inspections , all inspections should be unannounced inspections .


### the verification of compliance with the legal requirements through controls is of fundamental importance to ensure that the objectives of the regulation are effectively achieved across the union . therefore the competent authorities of the member states should have the power to perform inspections at all stages of production , distribution and use of veterinary medicinal products . in order to preserve the effectiveness of the inspections , authorities should have the possibility to perform unannounced inspections . ### the verification of compliance with the legal requirements through controls is of fundamental importance to ensure that the objectives of the regulation are effectively achieved across the union . therefore the competent authorities of the member states should have the power to perform inspections at all stages of production , distribution and use of veterinary medicinal products and should publish annual control reports . in order to preserve the effectiveness of the inspections , authorities should perform a certain percentage of unannounced inspections , to be determined by a delegated act .