### the authority shall coordinate , develop and apply interoperability frameworks to guarantee the exchange of information between member states and also with the authority . those interoperability frameworks shall be based on and supported by the european interoperability framework70 and by the european interoperability reference architecture referred to in decision 2015 / 2240 of the european parliament and of the council71 . _________________ 70 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic social committee and the committee of the regions : european interoperability framework – implementation strategy - com 134 final . 71 decision 2015 / 2240 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 november 2015 establishing a programme on interoperability solutions and common frameworks for european public administrations , businesses and citizens as a means for modernising the public sector . ### the authority shall coordinate , develop and apply interoperability frameworks to guarantee the exchange of information between member states and also with the authority . those interoperability frameworks shall be based on and supported by the european interoperability framework70 and by the european interoperability reference architecture referred to in decision 2015 / 2240 of the european parliament and of the council71 . they shall respect the eu ' s data protection rules , in particular the principle of purpose limitation and the limitations to access rights . _________________ 70 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic social committee and the committee of the regions : european interoperability framework – implementation strategy - com 134 final . 71 decision 2015 / 2240 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 november 2015 establishing a programme on interoperability solutions and common frameworks for european public administrations , businesses and citizens as a means for modernising the public sector .


### the authority may set up working groups or expert panels with representatives from member states and / or from the commission , or external experts following selection procedures , for the fulfilment of its specific tasks or for specific policy areas , including a mediation board in order to fulfil its tasks in accordance with article 13 of this regulation , and a dedicated group for the purpose of handling financial matters related to the application of regulations no 883 / 2004 and no 987 / 2009 , as referred to in article 8 of this regulation . ### the authority may set up working groups or expert panels with representatives from member states and / or from the commission , social partners , relevant international organisations , civil society organisations or external experts following selection procedures , for the fulfilment of its specific tasks or for specific policy areas , including a mediation board in order to fulfil its tasks in accordance with article 13 of this regulation , and a dedicated group for the purpose of handling financial matters related to the application of regulations no 883 / 2004 and no 987 / 2009 , as referred to in article 8 of this regulation .


### representatives from third countries , which are applying the union law in areas covered by this regulation , may participate in the meetings of the management board as observers . ### representatives from third countries , which are applying the union law in areas covered by this regulation , as well as representatives from the ilo and the european parliament , may participate in the meetings of the management board as observers .


### the stakeholder group shall be composed of six representatives of union - level social partners equally representing trade unions and employer’s organisations , and two representatives of the commission . ### the stakeholder group shall be composed of eight representatives of union - level social partners equally representing trade unions and employer’s organisations , four representatives of relevant civil society organisations , one representative of the ilo and two representatives of the commission .


### to that end , the authority may , subject to prior approval by the commission , establish working arrangements with the authorities of third countries . those arrangements shall not create legal obligations incumbent on the union and its member states . ### to that end , the authority may , subject to prior approval by the commission , establish working arrangements with the authorities of third countries . those arrangements shall not create legal obligations incumbent on the union and its member states and shall not include the possibility of exchanging personal data .


### citizens may be consulted on the implementation of the union budget by the commission , member states or any other entity implementing the union budget . ### an open , transparent and regular dialogue with citizens through their representative associations on the implementation of the union budget shall be fostered and maintained by the commission , member states or any other entity implementing the union budget .


### beneficiaries may declare personnel costs for the work carried out by volunteers under an action or work programme , on the basis of unit costs authorised in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 6 . ### beneficiaries may declare personnel costs for the work carried out by volunteers under an action or work programme , on the basis of unit costs authorised in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 6 . volunteers ' engagement is to be understood as unpaid non - compulsory activity : time individuals give without pay to activities performed through a not for profit organization .


### in the case of operating grants , the grant agreement shall be signed within six months of the start of the beneficiary ' s financial year . costs eligible for financing may neither have been incurred before the grant application was submitted nor before the start of the beneficiary ' s financial year . ### in the case of operating grants , the grant agreement shall be signed within three months of the start of the beneficiary ' s financial year . costs eligible for financing may neither have been incurred before the grant application was submitted nor before the start of the beneficiary ' s financial year . the first instalment shall be paid to the beneficiary within two months after the signature of the grant agreement .


### the european union is built on solidarity , among its citizens and among its member states . this common value guides its actions and provides the necessary unity to cope with current and future societal challenges , which young europeans are willing to help address by expressing their solidarity in practice . ### the european union is built on solidarity , among its citizens and among its member states . this common value , enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on the european union , guides its actions and provides the necessary unity to cope with current and future societal challenges , which young europeans are willing to help address by expressing their solidarity in practice , through a complementary bottom - up approach .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality ; they should aim to tackle unmet societal needs , enhance solidarity and contribute to strengthening communities and democratic participation . they should offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , and contribute to the personal development of participants . they should be financially accessible to young people , be implemented in safe and healthy conditions , and shall not include activities that are potentially harmful or inappropriate for participants , such as volunteering in residential institutions for children .


### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . ### the solidarity activities offered to young people should be of high quality , in the sense that they should respond to unmet societal needs , contribute to strengthening communities , offer young people the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge and competences , be financially accessible to young people , and be implemented in safe and healthy conditions . dialogue with local and regional authorities and stakeholders should be encouraged in order to best determine unmet societal needs and ensure a needs - oriented programme .


### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled . ### any entity willing to participate in the european solidarity corps should receive a quality label provided that the appropriate conditions are fulfilled . the process that leads to the attribution of a quality label should be carried out on a continuous basis by the implementing bodies of the european solidarity corps . the attributed quality label should be reassessed periodically and could be revoked if , in the context of the checks to be performed , the conditions that led to its attribution were found to be no longer fulfilled , taking account of the main fields where solidarity is developing in the member states .


### the european solidarity corps portal should be further developed taking into account the european interoperability framework23 , which gives specific guidance on how to set up interoperable digital public services and is implemented in the member states and other member of the european economic area through national interoperability frameworks . it offers public administrations 47 concrete recommendations on how to improve governance of their interoperability activities , establish cross - organisational relationships , streamline processes supporting end - to - end digital services , and ensure that both existing and new legislation do not compromise interoperability efforts . _________________ 23 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - european interoperability framework – implementation strategy 134 final ) . ### the european solidarity corps portal should be further developed taking into account the european interoperability framework23 , which gives specific guidance on how to set up interoperable digital public services and is implemented in the member states and other member of the european economic area through national interoperability frameworks . it offers public administrations 47 concrete recommendations on how to improve governance of their interoperability activities , establish cross - organisational relationships , streamline processes supporting end - to - end digital services , and ensure that both existing and new legislation do not compromise interoperability efforts . additionally , the portal should be built according to the standards established by the 2016 eu web accessibility directive . _________________ 23 communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - european interoperability framework – implementation strategy 134 final ) .


### 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 . ### given that the programme is implemented over a seven - year period , it is necessary to provide for adequate flexibility to enable adaptation to changing realities and political priorities for the implementation of solidarity activities under the strands of the programme . as such , the regulation does not define in detail how the actions will be designed , nor does it prejudge political priorities or respective budgetary priorities for the next seven years . instead , the secondary policy choices and priorities , including details of specific actions , to be implemented through the different activities , should be determined through an annual work programme in compliance with the financial regulation . the work programme should also 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 means of a delegated act . to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the general objective of the programme is to enhance the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high - quality solidarity activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity and democracy in the union and abroad , addressing societal and humanitarian challenges on the ground , with particular effort to promote social inclusion . ### the general objective of the programme is to promote solidarity ; it shall enhance the engagement of young people and organisations in accessible and high - quality solidarity activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion , solidarity and democracy in the union and abroad , addressing societal challenges on the ground , with particular effort to promote social inclusion and democratic participation .


### the establishment , maintenance and updating of the european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as the necessary it support systems and web - based tools . ### the establishment , maintenance and updating of an accessible european solidarity corps portal and other relevant online services as well as necessary it support systems and web - based tools in line with the accessibility requirements of directive 2016 / 2102 of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies .


### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in articles 7 , 8 and 11 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to article 9 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants . ### any public or private entity established in a participating country as well as international organisations may apply for funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the activities referred to in articles 7 , 8 and 11 , a quality label shall be obtained by the participating organisation as a pre - condition for receiving funding under the european solidarity corps . in the case of the solidarity projects referred to article 9 , natural persons may also apply for funding on behalf of informal groups of european solidarity corps participants . as a general rule , the grant request will be submitted to the national agency of the country where the organisation is based . grant requests for activities organised by europe - wide or international organisations ; activities of volunteering teams in priority fields identified at european level ; activities in support of humanitarian aid operations in third countries ; will be submitted to the education , audiovisual and culture executive agency of the european commission .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 19 shall be conferred on the commission for the duration of the programme . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 12 , 18 and 19 shall be conferred on the commission for the duration of the programme ;


### the delegation of power referred to in article 19 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 12 , 18 and 19 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 12 , 18 and 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under this specific programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### acknowledging climate change as one of the biggest and most important global and societal challenges , and reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this specific programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the specific programme should contribute at least 50% of the overall financial envelope of the specific programme to the climate objective , in order to support actions or parts of actions that will help to deliver a net - zero greenhouse gas emission economy by 2050 at the latest . relevant actions will be identified ex - ante and fully reflected during the specific programme ' s preparation and implementation in form of the strategic plan and work programmes , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes , thereby ensuring that the objective of investing at least 50% of the programme’s overall financial envelope to climate - related research and innovations can be achieved efficiently and in a timely manner .


### the strategic planning will promote strong engagement with citizens and civil society organisations at all stages of research and innovation , the co - creation of knowledge , effective promotion of gender equality , including the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content , and will ensure and promote the adherence to the highest ethics and integrity standards . ### the strategic planning will promote strong engagement with citizens and civil society both within the strategic planning process itself and at all other stages of research and innovation , including agenda - setting . to facilitate this , a structured dialogue will be established with civil society . the process will also promote the co - creation of knowledge , effective promotion of gender equality , including the integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content , and will ensure and promote responsible research and innovation and adherence to the highest ethics and integrity standards .


### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population is directly dependent on the health of natural systems and resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and their capacity to provide services for human well - being . the concepts of the circular economy , the bioeconomy and the blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability . ### human activities are exerting increasing pressure on soils , seas and oceans , water , air , biodiversity and other natural resources . nourishing the planet ' s growing population and maintaining human well - being is directly dependent on the health of natural systems and resources . however , combined with climate change , humanity ' s growing demand for natural resources creates environmental pressures that go far beyond sustainable levels , affecting ecosystems and their capacity to provide services for human well - being . the concepts of the circular economy , agroecology , the bioeconomy and the blue economy provide an opportunity to balance environmental , social and economic goals and to set human activities on a path to sustainability .


### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires investing in technologies , new business models , and social and environmental innovation . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , and generating jobs and growth . ### meeting the goals of sustainable development , guaranteeing the production and consumption of safe and healthy food , promoting sustainable practices in agriculture , aquaculture , fisheries and forestry , ensuring access to clean water , soil and air for all , cleaning up the seas and oceans , preserving and restoring the planet’s vital natural systems and environment requires that we harness the potential of research and innovation . but the pathways for the transition to sustainability and ways to overcome resilient barriers are hardly understood . making the transition to sustainable consumption and production and restoring planetary health requires shifting out of societal lock - ins , identifying and implementing paths to internalize environmental costs in our economics , gathering more and better quality data on the impact of different policies and social and environmental innovation , developing and upscaling new business models , and investing in technologies to support these . this creates new opportunities for a sustainable , resilient , innovative and responsible european economy , boosting resource efficiency , productivity and competitiveness , maintaining rural viability , and generating jobs and growth .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : protect , sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe food and feed , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition of food and farming systems towards agro - ecological approaches to benefit both conventional and organic agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


### they will help to maintain and enhance the provision of biodiversity and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon sequestration . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . ### they will help to maintain and enhance biodiversity , both wild and cultivated , and secure the long - term provision of ecosystem services , climate adaptation and carbon storage . they will help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions , waste and pollution from primary production , processing , consumption and other human activities . they will trigger investments , supporting the shift towards a circular economy , agroecology , bioeconomy and blue economy , whilst protecting environmental health and integrity . a precondition for this is improving the knowledge base on the state of biodiversity by developing and validating the methodologies needed to create reliable and comparable data sets for the whole union .


### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach and develop knowledge and innovation systems at local , regional , national and european levels . social innovation with citizens ' engagement and trust in innovation will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns . ### they will also foster participatory approaches to research and innovation , including the multi - actor approach and develop knowledge and innovation systems at local , regional , national and european levels . including all actors along the agri - food supply chain in the co - creation and sharing of knowledge plays a central role in the process of developing and implementing agroecological innovations to address challenges across food systems including adaptation to climate change . social innovation with citizens ' engagement will be crucial to encourage new governance , production and consumption patterns .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sd 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 – climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land . ### to ensure that activities will contribute directly to the sustainable development goals , in particular : sdg 2 – zero hunger ; sdg 3 – good health and well - being ; sdg 6 - clean water and sanitation ; sdg 11 – sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 - responsible consumption and production ; sdg 13 –climate action ; sdg 14 – life below water ; sdg 15 - life on land , a screening exercise shall be carried out to identify und prioritize those research projects which carry the highest potential to advance towards achievement of the sdgs .


### –mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem services in decision - making frameworks and accounting systems of governments and businesses , as well as quantification of their benefits ; ### –mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem services in decision - making frameworks and accounting systems of governments and businesses , as well as quantification of their benefits ; providing reliable scientific research for accurately rewarding farmers under cap agricultural schemes for benefits provided in terms of improved biodiversity and environmental performance .


### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon sequestration , biodiversity preservation , pollination and public health . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas . ### resilient and sustainable farming and forestry systems provide economic , environmental and social benefits in a changing context for primary production . in addition to contributing to food and nutrition security , they feed into dynamic value chains , manage land and natural resources as well as deliver a range of vital public goods including carbon storage , biodiversity preservation , pollination , pest control , public health and well - being . integrated approaches are needed to promote the multiple functions of agro - and forest systems taking into account the changing context for primary production , notably in relation to climate and environment , resource availability , demography and consumption patterns . this presupposes acquiring a better scientific understanding of the impact of different farming systems on the preservation / loss of biodiversity and ecosystems and of the ecosystem services provided by different farming systems . it is also necessary to address the spatial and socio - economic dimension of agriculture and forestry activities and mobilise the potential of rural areas .


### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ; ### –climate and environmental impact of activities in the primary sector and along the value chain ; potential of agriculture and forestry as carbon sinks and for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions including negative emissions approaches ;


### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , antibiotics and other substances ; ### –plant pests and diseases and animal health and welfare , including the development of integrated and organic farming strategies to plant and animal health care ; alternatives to the use of contentious pesticides , antibiotics and other substances ;


### –consumers ' behaviour , lifestyle and motivations , promoting social innovation and societal engagement for better health and environmental sustainability throughout the entire food value chain ; ### –consumers ' behaviour , lifestyle and motivations , promoting social innovation and societal engagement for better health , environmental sustainability and animal welfare throughout the entire food value chain ;


### –food system mitigation of and adaptation to climate change , including the exploration of the potential and use of the microbiome , forgotten crops , alternative proteins ; ### –food system mitigation of and adaptation to climate change , including the exploration of the potential and use of the microbiome , forgotten crops , replacement of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer by leguminous crops , alternative proteins , reducing production and consumption of animal products , and ensuring risk mitigation ;


### –sustainable biomass sourcing and production systems , focusing on high - value applications and uses , social and environmental sustainability , impact on climate and biodiversity reduction targets and overall resource efficiency ; ### –sustainable and equitable biomass sourcing and production systems , focusing on high - value applications and uses , social and environmental sustainability , impact on climate and biodiversity loss reduction targets and overall resource efficiency ;


### that monitoring committee may set up one or , in particular in the case of sub - programmes , more steering committees which act under its responsibility for the selection of operations . ### that monitoring committee may set up one or , in particular in the case of sub - programmes , more steering committees which act under its responsibility for the selection of operations . steering committees have to apply the partnership principle as set out in article 6 of regulation [ new cpr ] and involve partners from all participating member states .


### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme shall be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities , intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from member states , third countries , partner countries and octs . ### the composition of the monitoring committee of each interreg programme shall be agreed by the member states and , where applicable , by the third countries , partner countries and octs participating in that programme and shall ensure a balanced representation of the relevant authorities , intermediate bodies and representatives of the programme partners referred to in article [ 6 ] of regulation [ new cpr ] from all participating member states , third countries , partner countries and octs .


### at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 5 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies established at national or regional levels . ### at the initiative of the commission , the erdf may support interregional innovation investments , as set out in point 5 of article 3 , bringing together researchers , businesses , civil society and public administrations involved in smart specialisation strategies and social innovation strategies established at national or regional levels .


### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 . ### these rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced , shared among the citizens and peoples within the union and be at the heart of europe’s societies , therefore , a new justice , rights and values fund , comprising the rights and values and the justice programmes shall be created in the union budget . at a time where european societies are confronted with extremism , radicalism and divisions , it is more important than ever to promote , strengthen and defend justice , equality , rights and eu values : human rights , respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , gender equality , non - discrimination , the rule of law . this will have profound and direct implications for political , social , cultural and economic life in the eu . as a part of the new fund , the rights and values programme will bring together the 2014 - 2020 rights , equality and citizenship programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council10 and the europe for citizens programme established by regulation no 390 / 2014 of the council11 . the justice programme will continue to support the development of an integrated european justice area and cross - border cooperation , in continuity with the 2014 - 2020 justice programme established by regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council12 . __________________ 10 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 11 council regulation no 390 / 2014 of 14 april 2014 establishing the ‘ europe for citizens’ programme for the period 2014 - 2020 12 regulation no 1381 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 establishing a rights , equality and citizenship programme for the period 2014 to 2020 .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . a strong and independent women’s rights and lgtbi movement is essential for improving gender equality . it is key for the eu , in line with its core values , to provide sufficient support to these organisations , grassroots groups and defenders , particularly those working in challenging contexts . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice . ### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , equal treatment on the basis of sex , race or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age and sexual orientation effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . specific gender training for judges , police and prosecutors should be made available in order to ensure sure victims of trafficking , of gender - based violence and of other crimes are properly protected , identified and respected and to promote cooperation and good practices among judicial system with victim - friendly and gender sensitive procedures ;


### to support and promote judicial training , with a view to fostering a common legal , judicial and rule of law culture ; ### to support and promote judicial training , including gender trainings , with a view to fostering a common legal , judicial and rule of law culture ;


### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . ### evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision - making process . all evaluations shall be gender sensitive and include a specific chapter on gender equality with a detailed analysis of the programme budget dedicated to gender equality related activities .


### before adopting a delegated act , the commission shall consult experts designated by each member state in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . ### before adopting a delegated act , the commission shall consult experts designated by each member state in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . 1 . the group of experts consulted shall be gender balanced .


### economic operators should be responsible for the compliance of products , in relation to their respective roles in the supply chain , so as to ensure a high level of protection of public interests , such as health and safety , and the protection of users and to guarantee fair competition on the union market . ### economic operators should be responsible for the compliance of the ppe , in relation to their respective roles in the whole supply chain , so as to ensure a high level of protection of public interests , such as health and safety , and the proper information and protection of users and , where appropriate , other persons , to guarantee fair competition on the union market .


### competent authorities should have access to all necessary evidence , data and information to determine whether an intra - union infringement or widespread infringement has occurred , and in particular to identify the trader responsible , irrespective of who possesses this evidence , information or data , of where it is located and of its format . competent authorities should be able to directly request that third parties in the digital value chain provide all the evidence , data and information necessary , ### competent authorities should have access to all necessary evidence , data and information to determine whether an intra - union infringement or widespread infringement has occurred , and in particular to identify the trader responsible , irrespective of who possesses this evidence , information or data , of where it is located and of its format . competent authorities should be able to directly request that third parties in the digital value chain , including those located in non - eu countries , provide all the evidence , data and information necessary ; in the digital environment , particular attention should be paid to traders and services that cause widespread infringement of directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1a , directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1b and of regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council1c , and which could justify common action under article 21 , _________________ 1a directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . 1b directive 2002 / 58 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 july 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector . 1c regulation 2016 / 679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , requiring hosting service providers to remove content or to suspend a website , service or account , or requiring a domain registry or registrar to put a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to order a hosting service provider to remove content or to close down a website , service or account or a part of it , or to order a registry or registrar to delete a fully qualified domain name . however , measures to remove content may not only be harmful to freedom of speech and information , but may also ineffective , as in the fast - moving digital environment content reappears as quickly as it is removed . therefore measures taken to restrict the online distribution , or otherwise making available , of content to the public should always be in line with the charter of fundamental rights , should be limited to what is necessary and proportionate and should be executed on the basis of a prior judicial authorisation ,


### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should be able to adopt interim measures , where there are no other means available to prevent or mitigate such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , requiring hosting service providers to remove content or to suspend a website , service or account , or requiring a domain registry or registrar to put a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to order a hosting service provider to remove content or to close down a website , service or account or a part of it , or to order a registry or registrar to delete a fully qualified domain name and allow the competent authority concerned to register it ,


### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to take effective and transparent measures to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , requesting hosting service providers to remove content , suspend a website , service or account , or requesting a domain registry or registrar to put a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to request a hosting service provider to remove content , close down a website , service or account or a part of it , or request a registry or registrar to delete a fully qualified domain name . however , measures to remove content can be harmful to freedom of speech and information , as well as ineffective since , in a fast - moving digital environment , content reappears as quickly as it was removed . therefore , measures taken to restrict the online distribution , or otherwise making available , of content to the public should always comply with the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , be limited to what is necessary and proportionate and be executed on the basis of a prior judicial authorisation ,


### require the supply by any natural or legal person , including banks , internet service providers , domain registries and registrars and hosting service providers of any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose of among others identifying and following financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites ; ### require , in accordance with union rules on data protection , the supply by any natural or legal person , including banks , internet service providers , domain registries and registrars and hosting service providers of any relevant information , data or document in any format or form and irrespective of the medium on which or the place where they are stored , for the purpose of identifying and following financial and data flows , or of ascertaining the identity of persons involved in financial and data flows , bank account information and ownership of websites when the information , data or document in question is relevant for the investigation ;


### purchase goods or services as test purchases in order to detect infringements under this regulation and obtain evidence ; ### purchase , inspect and reverse engineer goods or services as test purchases in order to detect infringements under this regulation and obtain evidence ;


### the report shall contain an evaluation of the application of the regulation including an assessment of the effectiveness of enforcement of the laws that protect consumers ' interests under this regulation and an examination of , among others , how the compliance with the laws that protect consumers ' interests by traders has evolved in key consumer markets concerned by cross - border trade . ### the report shall contain an evaluation of the application of the regulation including an assessment of the effectiveness of enforcement of the laws that protect consumers ' interests under this regulation and an examination of , among others , how the compliance with the laws that protect consumers ' interests by traders has evolved in key consumer markets concerned by cross - border trade . the commission shall assess , in particular , the effectiveness of the following : the powers provided under article 8 ; the threshold set for widespread infringements with a union dimension ; the system of exchange of information on infringements as provided for by article 43 . that report shall be accompanied , where necessary , by legislative proposals .


### having regard to article 294 and articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 31 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 16 , 19 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 83 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 153 , 157 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof ,


### the importance of whistleblower protection in terms of preventing and deterring breaches of union rules on transport safety which can endanger human lives has been already acknowledged in sectorial union instruments on aviation safety38 and maritime transport safety39 , which provide for tailored measures of protection to whistleblowers as well as specific reporting channels . these instruments also include the protection from retaliation of the workers reporting on their own honest mistakes . it is necessary to complement the existing elements of whistleblower protection in these two sectors as well as to provide such protection to enhance the enforcement of safety standards for other transport modes , namely road and railway transport . _________________ 38 regulation no 376 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council , of 3 april 2014 , on the reporting , analysis and follow - up of occurrences in civil aviation . 39 directive 2013 / 54 / eu , of the european parliament and of the council , of 20 november 2013 , concerning certain flag state responsibilities for compliance with and enforcement of the maritime labour convention , directive 2009 / 16 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , of 23 april 2009 , on port state control . ### the importance of whistleblower protection in terms of preventing and deterring breaches of union rules on transport safety which can endanger human lives has been already acknowledged in sectorial union instruments on aviation safety38 and maritime transport safety39 , which provide for tailored measures of protection to whistleblowers as well as specific reporting channels . these instruments also include the protection from retaliation of the workers reporting on their own honest mistakes . it is necessary to complement and expand upon the existing elements of whistleblower protection in these two sectors as well as to provide such protection to enhance the enforcement of safety standards for other transport modes , namely road and railway transport . _________________ 38 regulation no 376 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council , of 3 april 2014 , on the reporting , analysis and follow - up of occurrences in civil aviation . 39 directive 2013 / 54 / eu , of the european parliament and of the council , of 20 november 2013 , concerning certain flag state responsibilities for compliance with and enforcement of the maritime labour convention , directive 2009 / 16 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , of 23 april 2009 , on port state control .


### evidence - gathering , detecting and addressing environmental crimes and unlawful conduct against the protection of the environment remain a challenge and need to be reinforced as acknowledged in the commission communication ' eu actions to improve environmental compliance and governance ' of 18 january 201840 . whilst whistleblower protection rules exist at present only in one sectorial instrument on environmental protection41 , the introduction of such protection appears necessary to ensure effective enforcement of the union environmental acquis , whose breaches can cause serious harm to the public interest with possible spill - over impacts across national borders . this is also relevant in cases where unsafe products can cause environmental harm . _________________ 40 com 10 final . 41 directive 2013 / 30 / eu of the european parliament and of the council , of 12 june 2013 , on safety of offshore oil and gas operations . ### evidence - gathering , preventing , detecting and addressing environmental crimes and unlawful conduct or omissions as well as potential breaches against the protection of the environment remain a challenge and need to be reinforced as acknowledged in the commission communication ' eu actions to improve environmental compliance and governance ' of 18 january 201840 . whilst whistleblower protection rules exist at present only in one sectorial instrument on environmental protection41 , the introduction of such protection is necessary to ensure effective enforcement of the union environmental acquis , whose breaches can cause serious harm to the public interest with possible spill - over impacts across national borders . this is also relevant in cases where unsafe products can cause environmental harm . _________________ 40 com 10 final . 41 directive 2013 / 30 / eu of the european parliament and of the council , of 12 june 2013 , on safety of offshore oil and gas operations .


### enhancing the protection of whistleblowers would also favour preventing and deterring breaches of euratom rules on nuclear safety , radiation protection and responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive and would be reinforce the enforcement of existing provisions of the revised nuclear safety directive44 on the effective nuclear safety culture and , in particular , article 8 b , which requires , inter alia , that the competent regulatory authority establishes management systems which give due priority to nuclear safety and promote , at all levels of staff and management , the ability to question the effective delivery of relevant safety principles and practices and to report in a timely manner on safety issues . _________________ 44 council directive 2014 / 87 / euratom of 8 july 2014 amending directive 2009 / 71 / euratom establishing a community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations . ### enhancing the protection of whistleblowers would also favour preventing and deterring breaches of euratom rules on nuclear safety , radiation protection and responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste and would reinforce the enforcement of existing provisions of the revised nuclear safety directive44 on the effective nuclear safety culture and , in particular , article 8 b , which requires , inter alia , that the competent regulatory authority establishes management systems which give due priority to nuclear safety and promote , at all levels of staff and management , the ability to question the effective delivery of relevant safety principles and practices and to report in a timely manner on safety issues . _________________ 44 council directive 2014 / 87 / euratom of 8 july 2014 amending directive 2009 / 71 / euratom establishing a community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations .


### in the same vein , whistleblowers’ reports can be key to detecting and preventing , reducing or eliminating risks to public health and to consumer protection resulting from breaches of union rules which might otherwise remain hidden . in particular , consumer protection is also strongly linked to cases where unsafe products can cause considerable harm to consumers . whistleblower protection should therefore be introduced in relation to relevant union rules adopted pursuant to articles 114 , 168 and 169 tfeu . ### in the same vein , whistleblowers’ reports can be key to detecting and preventing , reducing or eliminating risks to public health and to consumer protection resulting from breaches of union rules which might otherwise remain hidden . in particular , consumer protection is also strongly linked to cases where unsafe products can cause harm to consumers . whistleblower protection should therefore be introduced in relation to relevant union rules adopted pursuant to articles 114 , 168 and 169 tfeu .


### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection of national security and other classified information which union law or the laws , regulations or administrative provisions in force in the member state concerned require , for security reasons , to be protected from unauthorised access . in particular , moreover , the provision of this directive should not affect the obligations arising from commission decision 2015 / 444 of 13 march 2015 on the security rules for protecting eu classified information or council decision of 23 september 2013 on the security rules for protecting eu classified information . ### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection of national security and other classified information which union law or the laws , regulations or administrative provisions in force in the member state concerned require , for security reasons , to be protected from unauthorised access . in particular , the provision of this directive should be read together with the obligations arising from commission decision 2015 / 444 of 13 march 2015 on the security rules for protecting eu classified information or council decision of 23 september 2013 on the security rules for protecting eu classified information .


### any person who suffers prejudice , whether directly or indirectly , as a consequence of the reporting or disclosure of inaccurate or misleading information should retain the protection and the remedies available to him or her under the rules of general law . where such inaccurate or misleading report or disclosure was made deliberately and knowingly , the concerned persons should be entitled to compensation in accordance with national law . ### any person who suffers prejudice , whether directly or indirectly , as a consequence of the reporting or disclosure of inaccurate or misleading information should retain the protection and the remedies available to him or her under the rules of general law . where sufficient evidence has been produced demonstrating that such inaccurate or misleading report or disclosure was made deliberately and knowingly , the concerned persons should be entitled to compensation in accordance with national law .


### financial services , prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing ; ### financial services , prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing , corruption and organised crime ;


### ‘ competent authority’ means any national authority entitled to receive reports in accordance with chapter iii and designated to carry out the duties provided for in this directive , in particular as regards the follow up of reports . ### ‘ competent authority’ means any legally responsible union or member state authority entitled to receive reports in accordance with chapter iii and designated to carry out the duties provided for in this directive , in particular as regards the follow up of reports . these include but are not limited to : competent agencies ; b ) law enforcement , including investigative authorities , such as police and prosecution authorities ; c ) oversight agencies including for example inspection bodies and state auditors ; d ) elected officials including members of parliament , parliamentary committees ; or e ) any other specialised agencies or commissions , such as ombudspersons , data protection authorities or any other body established to receive complaints .


### article 7 design of external reporting channels dedicated external reporting channels shall be considered independent and autonomous , if they meet all of the following criteria : they are separated from general communication channels of the competent authority , including those through which the competent authority communicates internally and with third parties in its ordinary course of business ; b ) they are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the completeness , integrity and confidentiality of the information and prevents access to non - authorised staff members of the competent authority ; c ) they enable the storage of durable information in accordance with article 11 to allow for further investigations . 2 . the dedicated reporting channels shall allow for reporting in at least all of the following ways : written report in electronic or paper format ; b ) oral report through telephone lines , whether recorded or unrecorded ; c ) physical meeting with dedicated staff members of the competent authority . 3 . competent authorities shall ensure that a report received by means other than dedicated reporting channels referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is promptly forwarded without modification to the dedicated staff members of the competent authority by using dedicated communication channels . 4 . member states shall establish procedures to ensure that , where a report being initially addressed to a person who has not been designated as responsible handler for reports that person is refrained from disclosing any information that might identify the reporting or the concerned person . ### article 7 design of external reporting channels dedicated external reporting channels shall be considered independent , autonomous , clear and transparent if they meet all of the following criteria : they are separated from general communication channels of the competent authority , including those through which the competent authority communicates internally and with third parties in its ordinary course of business ; b ) they are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the completeness , integrity and confidentiality of the identity and / or the anonymity of the reporting person or intermediaries ; ba ) they prevent access to non - authorised persons ; c ) they enable the storage of durable information in accordance with article 11 to allow for further investigations ; ca ) they are easily accessible also to people with disabilities . 2 . the dedicated reporting channels shall allow for reporting in at least all of the following ways : written report in electronic or paper format , including options for anonymous disclosures , as well as disclosures employing cryptographic methods ; b ) oral report through telephone lines , whether recorded or unrecorded ; c ) physical meeting with dedicated staff members of the competent authority . 3 . competent authorities shall ensure that a report received by means other than dedicated reporting channels referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is promptly forwarded without modification to the dedicated staff members of the competent authority by using dedicated communication channels . 4 . member states shall establish procedures to ensure that , where a report being initially addressed to a person who has not been designated as responsible handler for reports that person is refrained from disclosing any information that might identify the reporting or the concerned person .


### article 9 procedures applicable to external reporting the procedures applicable to external reporting shall provide for the following : the manner in which the competent authority may require the reporting person to clarify the information reported or to provide additional information that is available to the reporting person ; b ) a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ; c ) the confidentiality regime applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed . 2 . the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall include the exceptional cases in which confidentiality of personal data may not be ensured , including where the disclosure of data is a necessary and proportionate obligation required under union or national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings or to safeguard the freedoms of others including the right of defence of the concerned person , and in each case subject to appropriate safeguards under such laws . 3 . the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 must be written in clear and easy to understand language and be easily accessible to the reporting persons . ### article 9 procedures applicable to external reporting the procedures applicable to external reporting shall provide for the following : the manner in which the competent authority may require the reporting person or the intermediary to clarify the information reported or to provide additional information that is available to the reporting person ; aa ) the manner in which the reporting person may request to clarify the information reported or provide additional information ; b ) a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months or four months in duly justified cases , for giving updates to the reporting person on the actual and forthcoming status of the report as well as a description of the form and content of this feed - back ; c ) the confidentiality measures applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed . when identifying information must be disclosed , reporting persons and intermediaries should be given notice sufficiently in advance and potentially provided with additional protection measures . 2 . the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall include the exceptional cases in which confidentiality of personal data may not be ensured , including where the disclosure of data is a necessary and proportionate obligation required under union or national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings or to safeguard the freedoms of others including the right of defence of the concerned person , and in each case subject to appropriate safeguards under such laws . 3 . the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 must be written in clear and easy to understand language and be easily accessible to the reporting persons or intermediaries .


### the commission shall , by 15 may 2027 , taking into account its report submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 and the member states’ statistics submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the impact of national law transposing this directive . the report shall evaluate the way in which this directive has operated and consider the need for additional measures , including , where appropriate , amendments with a view to extending the scope of this directive to further areas or union acts . ### the commission shall , by 15 may 2027 , taking into account its report submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 and the member states’ statistics submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the impact of national law transposing this directive . the report shall evaluate the way in which this directive has operated , the possible impact on fundamental rights such as privacy , the right to the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial , and consider the need for additional measures , including , where appropriate , amendments with a view to extending the scope of this directive to further areas or union acts .


### manufacture , presentation and sale of tobacco and related products regulated by directive 2014 / 40 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 on the approximation of the laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture , presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing directive 2001 / 37 / ec . ### manufacture , presentation and sale of tobacco and related products regulated by directive 2014 / 40 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 3 april 2014 on the approximation of the laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture , presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing directive 2001 / 37 / ec , and the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products as regulated by directive 2003 / 33 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 may 2003 on the approximation of the laws , regulations and administrative provisions of the member states relating to the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products .


### the member state where a conviction is handed down against a third country national shall store the following information , unless , in exceptional individual cases , this is not possible : information on the convicted person , gender , nationality and &#8211 ; if applicable &#8211 ; previous name ; information on the nature of the conviction ; information on the offence giving rise to the conviction ; information on the contents of the conviction ; the convicted person ' s parents ' names ; the reference number of the conviction ; the place of the offence ; if applicable , disqualifications arising from the conviction ; the convicted person ' s identity number , or the type and number of the person ' s identification document ; fingerprints of the person ; if applicable , pseudonym and / or alias name . ### the member state where a conviction is handed down against a third country national shall always store the following information , unless , in exceptional individual cases , this is not possible : information on the convicted person , gender , nationality and &#8211 ; if applicable &#8211 ; previous name ; information on the nature of the conviction ; information on the offence giving rise to the conviction ; information on the contents of the conviction ; 1b . the member state where a conviction is handed down against a third country national may store the following information , if available : the convicted person ' s parents ' names ; the reference number of the conviction ; the place of the offence ; if applicable , disqualifications arising from the conviction ; the convicted person ' s identity number , or the type and number of the person ' s identification document ; fingerprints of the person only when the national law of a member state where a conviction is handed down allows for collection and storage of fingerprints of a convicted person ; if applicable , pseudonym and / or alias name .


### the central authority shall create an index - filter containing anonymised information of the types referred to in points , , , and of paragraph 1 concerning third country nationals convicted in its member state . the central authority shall transmit this index - filter , and any updates to it , to all member states . ### the central authority shall create an index - filter containing pseudonymised information of the types referred to in points , , , and of paragraph 1 concerning third country nationals convicted in its member state . the central authority shall transmit this index - filter , and any updates to it , to all member states .


### according to the 2018 global risks report issued by the world economic forum , half of the ten most critical risks threatening the global economy relate to the environment . such risks include air , soil and water pollution , extreme weather events , biodiversity losses and failures of climate - change mitigation and adaptation . environmental principles are strongly embedded in the treaties and many of the union ' s policies . therefore , the mainstreaming of environmental objectives should be promoted in the investeu fund related operations . environmental protection and related risk prevention and management should be integrated in the preparation and implementation of investments . the eu should also track its biodiversity - related and air pollution control - related expenditure in order to fulfil the reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity and directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council15 investment allocated to environmentally sustainability objectives should therefore be tracked using common methodologies coherent with that developed under other union programmes applying to climate , biodiversity and air pollution management in order to allow assessing the individual and combined impact of investments on the key components of the natural capital , including air , water , land and biodiversity . _________________ 15 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec . ### according to the 2018 global risks report issued by the world economic forum , half of the ten most critical risks threatening the global economy relate to the environment . such risks include air , soil and water pollution , extreme weather events , biodiversity losses and failures of climate - change mitigation and adaptation . environmental principles are strongly embedded in the treaties and many of the union ' s policies . therefore , the mainstreaming of environmental objectives should be promoted in the investeu fund related operations . environmental protection , education and training to assess one ' s own environmental impacts and related risk prevention and management should be integrated in the preparation and implementation of investments . the eu should also track its biodiversity - related and air pollution control - related expenditure in order to fulfil the reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity and directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council15 investment allocated to environmentally sustainability objectives should therefore be tracked using common methodologies coherent with that developed under other union programmes applying to climate , biodiversity and air pollution management in order to allow assessing the individual and combined impact of investments on the key components of the natural capital , including air , water , land and biodiversity . _________________ 15 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec .


### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions competitive on world markets . ### whereas the level of overall investment in the union is increasing , investment in higher - risk activities such as research and innovation is still inadequate . the resulting underinvestment in research and innovation , in particular in cultural and creative industries which are highly contributing to innovation , is damaging to the industrial and economic competitiveness of the union and the quality of life of its citizens . the investeu fund should provide the appropriate financial products to cover different stages in the innovation cycle and a wide range of stakeholders , in particular to allow the upscaling of and deployment of solutions at a commercial scale in the union , in order to make such solutions sustainable and competitive on world markets .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , gender equality , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of culture and creativity in europe , whereby cultural and creative industries are key - drivers for growth and do play a role traditionally at local and regional level , ensuring the socio - economic inclusion and allowing for an integrated sustainable urban regeneration . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , ensuring that it meets the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 .


### the investeu fund should operate under four policy windows , mirroring the key union policy priorities , namely sustainable infrastructure ; research , innovation and digitisation : smes ; and social investment and skills . ### the investeu fund should operate under four policy windows , mirroring the key union policy priorities , namely sustainable infrastructure ; research , innovation , culture and digitisation : smes ; and social investment and skills .


### the investeu fund should , where appropriate , allow for a smooth and efficient blending of grants or financial instruments , or both , funded by the union budget or by the eu emissions trading system innovation fund with that guarantee in situations where this is necessary to best underpin investments to address particular market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . ### the investeu fund should , where appropriate , allow for a smooth and efficient blending of grants or financial instruments , or both , funded by the union budget or by the eu emissions trading system innovation fund with that guarantee in situations where this is necessary to best underpin investments to address particular market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . it could be complementary to projects selected in other european programmes , corresponding to these objectives , such as erasmus and creative europe .


### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation ; ### to support financing and investment operations in research , innovation and digitisation for economic actors with an atypical profile for financial markets ;


### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies other than smes as well as digitisation of union industry ; ### research , innovation , culture and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies other than smes as well as digitisation of union industry , taking into consideration the cultural dimension ;


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union’s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union’s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . electricity interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , except for cross - border sections as defined in regulation 1316 / 2013 between cohesion countries . for reasons of clarity , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture are not eligible for efsi support . efsi support for fossil fuel projects , especially infrastructure and nuclear installations must be avoided .