### member states may , in individual cases , waive or reduce the amount of the visa fee to be charged when this serves to promote cultural or sporting interests as well as interests in the field of foreign policy , development policy and other areas of vital public interest or for humanitarian reasons . ### member states may , in individual cases , waive or reduce the amount of the visa fee to be charged when this serves to promote cultural or sporting interests as well as interests in the field of foreign policy , development policy and other areas of vital public interest . member states shall waive the visa fee to be charged for humanitarian reasons or because of international obligations .


### where the competent consulate finds that the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 have not been fulfilled , the application shall be inadmissible and the consulate without delay shall : ### where the competent consulate finds that the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 have not been fulfilled , it shall notify the applicant , indicate the deficiencies and allow the applicant to correct them . if the deficiencies are not corrected , the application shall be inadmissible and the consulate without delay shall :


### applications shall be decided on within 10 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 17 . ### applications shall be decided on within 7 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 17 . applications shall be decided on without delay on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations .


### when the member state concerned considers it necessary on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations , ### when it is necessary on humanitarian grounds , for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations , in particular in order to ensure the international protection of the person concerned in accordance with the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 protocol thereof , or another act of eu or international law ,


### a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex v . ### a motivated decision on refusal and the detailed reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex v .


### a decision on annulment or revocation of a visa and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex v . ### a motivated decision on annulment or revocation of a visa and the detailed reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex v .


### applicants who have been refused a visa shall have the right to appeal . appeals shall be instituted against the member state that has taken the final decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that member state . member states shall provide applicants with detailed information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , as specified in annex v . ### applicants who have been refused a visa shall have the right to appeal . appeals shall be instituted against the member state that has taken the final decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that member state . the deadline for appeal shall be at least 30 calendar days . member states shall provide applicants with detailed information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , as specified in annex v , in a language which he or she understands or is reasonably supposed to understand .


### a visa holder whose visa has been annulled or revoked shall have the right to appeal , unless the visa was revoked at his request in accordance with paragraph 3 . appeals shall be conducted against the member state that has taken the decision on the annulment or revocation and in accordance with the national law of that member state . member states shall provide applicants with information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , as specified in annex v . ### a visa holder whose visa has been annulled or revoked shall have the right to appeal , unless the visa was revoked at his request in accordance with paragraph 3 . appeals shall be conducted against the member state that has taken the decision on the annulment or revocation and in accordance with the national law of that member state . the deadline for appeal shall be at least 30 calendar days . member states shall provide applicants with detailed information regarding the procedure to be followed in the event of an appeal , as specified in annex v , in a language which he or she understands or is reasonably supposed to understand .


### while performing their tasks , consular staff shall not discriminate against persons on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . ### while performing their tasks , consular staff shall not discriminate against persons on grounds of nationality , sex , family status , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation .


### a bilateral arrangement shall be established between the representing member state and the represented member state . that arrangement : ### a bilateral arrangement , the text of which shall be made publicly available , shall be established between the representing member state and the represented member state . that arrangement :


### accredited commercial intermediaries ; ### details of cooperation with external service providers and accredited commercial intermediaries ;


### article 191 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union requires that union policy is based on the principle that the polluter should pay and , on this basis , directive 2003 / 87 / ec provides for a transition to full auctioning over time . avoiding carbon leakage is a justification to postpone full transition , and targeted free allocation of allowances to industry is justified in order to address genuine risks of increases in greenhouse gas emissions in third countries where industry is not subject to comparable carbon constraints as long as comparable climate policy measures are not undertaken by other major economies . ### article 191 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union requires that union policy is based on the principle that the polluter should pay and , on this basis , directive 2003 / 87 / ec provides for a transition to full auctioning , starting from 2021 . avoiding carbon leakage is not a justification to postpone full auctioning , even in the light of the most recent data showing that no carbon leakage has occurred so far nor is it expected to emerge as a major problem with a co2 price as high as eur 60 per ton .


### to preserve the environmental benefit of emission reductions in the union while actions by other countries do not provide comparable incentives to industry to reduce emissions , free allocation should continue to installations in sectors and sub - sectors at genuine risk of carbon leakage . experience gathered during the operation of the eu ets confirmed that sectors and sub - sectors are at risk of carbon leakage to varying degrees , and that free allocation has prevented carbon leakage . while some sectors and sub - sectors can be deemed at a higher risk of carbon leakage , others are able to pass on a considerable share of the costs of allowances to cover their emissions in product prices without losing market share and only bear the remaining part of the costs so that they are at a low risk of carbon leakage . the commission should determine and differentiate the relevant sectors based on their trade intensity and their emissions intensity to better identify sectors at a genuine risk of carbon leakage . where , based on these criteria , a threshold determined by taking into account the respective possibility for sectors and sub - sectors concerned to pass on costs in product prices is exceeded , the sector or sub - sector should be deemed at risk of carbon leakage . others should be considered at a low risk or at no risk of carbon leakage . taking into account the possibilities for sectors and sub - sectors outside of electricity generation to pass on costs in product prices should also reduce windfall profits . ### the study commissioned by the commission from a consortium of research and analysis centres in 2013 has concluded that during the years 2005 - 2012 no carbon leakage as defined by the directive has occurred and that the slight fluctuations in imports / exports observed is attributable to the global demand development and input price differences . according to a recent study , differences in electricity prices are unlikely to significantly affect the union market and , even for energy intensive sectors , the electricity price could account for roughly the 0 . 01% of changes in the market flow . the same study has concluded that with a co2 price of eur 40 - 65 per ton imports would increase by less than 0 . 05% and exports would decrease approximately by 0 . 2% .


### ' 1 . this directive shall apply to emissions from the activities listed in annex i and greenhouse gases listed in annex ii . ' ### in article 2 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . this directive shall apply to emissions from the activities listed in annex i and greenhouse gases listed in annex ii . emissions from maritime transport shall be covered by the scope of this directive as set out in chapter iva . '


### in article 3d , the second subparagraph is replaced by the following : “the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 23” . ### article 3d is replaced by the following : “article 3d method of allocation of allowances for aviation through auctioning the total quantity of allowances for aviation activities shall decrease annually by the same linear factor as for other activities under the community scheme . all allowances for aviation activities shall be auctioned and the revenues used for climate financing in vulnerable developing countries , including adaptation to the impacts of climate change . ”


### ' 4 . it shall be for member states to determine the use to be made of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . those revenues should be used to tackle climate change in the eu and third countries , inter alia , to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , to adapt to the impacts of climate change in the eu and third countries , especially developing countries , to fund research and development for mitigation and adaptation , including in particular in the fields of aeronautics and air transport , to reduce emissions through low - emission transport and to cover the cost of administering the community scheme . the proceeds of auctioning should also be used to fund contributions to the global energy efficiency and renewable energy fund , and measures to avoid deforestation . member states shall inform the commission of actions taken pursuant to this paragraph . ' ### in article 3d , paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ' 4 . all revenues shall be used to tackle climate actions in vulnerable developing countries , in particular to fund adaptation , through the united nations green climate fund . '


### ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used for one or more of the following : ' ### in paragraph 3 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from auctioning of allowances . 100% of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , shall be used for one or more of the following : '


### ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used for one or more of the following : ' ### in paragraph 3 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : ' 3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , shall be used for financing climate action in vulnerable developing countries , including to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , and to adaptation to the impact of climate change . the rest shall be used for one or more of the following : '


### member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , should be used for one or more of the following : ### in paragraph 3 , the introductory part is replaced by the following : “3 . member states shall determine the use of revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances . at least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 2 , including all revenues from the auctioning referred to in paragraph 2 , points and , or the equivalent in financial value of these revenues , shall be used for financing climate action in vulnerable developing countries , including to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , and to adapt to the impact of climate change . the rest shall be used for one or more of the following : '


### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases , together with 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / . . . of the european parliament and of the council . ### 4% of the union - wide quantity of allowances determined in accordance with articles 9 and 9a over the period from 2021 to 2030 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases .


### allowances from the maximum amount referred to article 10a of this directive which were not allocated for free up to 2020 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases , together with 250 million allowances placed in the market stability reserve pursuant to article 1 of decision 2015 / … of the european parliament and of the council . ### 3 % of the union - wide quantity of allowances determined in accordance with articles 9 and 9a during the period 2021 to 2030 shall be set aside for new entrants and significant production increases .


### the investments supported shall be consistent with the aims of this directive and the european fund for strategic investments . ### the investments supported shall be consistent with the union ' s long - term climate and energy goals , with the aims of this directive and the european fund for strategic investment , as well as with annex i of the european investment bank climate strategy . the fund shall not support energy generation from coal .


### the fund shall also finance small - scale investment projects in the modernisation of energy systems and energy efficiency . to this end , the investment board shall develop guidelines and investment selection criteria specific to such projects . ### the fund shall also finance small - scale investment projects in the modernisation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency . to this end , the investment board shall develop guidelines and investment selection criteria specific to such projects .


### following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 25 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , excluding emissions from biomass , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , excluding emissions from biomass , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . ### in article 27 , paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 1 . following consultation with the operator , member states may exclude from the community scheme installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 25 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and , where they carry out combustion activities , have a rated thermal input below 35 mw , in each of the three years preceding the notification under point , and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions , if the member state concerned complies with the following conditions : it notifies the commission of each such installation , specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place , before the list of installations pursuant to article 11 has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the commission ; it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , in any one calendar year . member states may allow simplified monitoring , reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year , in accordance with article 14 ; it confirms that if any installation emits 25 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent , in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place , the installation will be reintroduced into the community scheme ; it publishes the information referred to in points , and for public comment . hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures . '


### by the way of derogation from article 18 and as regards applications for funding for the financial year 2019 , the authorising officer of the european parliament shall , before deciding on an application on funding , request evidence from a european political party demonstrating that its member parties have continuously published on their websites , for a period beginning one month after the entry into force of regulation no . xx / 2018 , the political programme and logo of the european political party as well as information , in relation to each of the member parties of the european political party , on the gender representation among the candidates at the last elections to the european parliament and among the members of the european parliament . ### article 18 shall be applicable from the application for funding for the financial year 2020 onwards .


### many third countries are reluctant to open their public procurement and their concessions markets to international competition , or to open those markets further than what they have already done . as a result , union economic operators face restrictive procurement practices in many of the trading partner of the union . those restrictive procurement practices result in the loss of substantial trading opportunities . ### many third countries are reluctant to open their public procurement and their concessions markets to international competition , or to open those markets further than what they have already done . as a result , union economic operators face restrictive procurement practices in many of the trading partners of the union . in addition , a number of third countries have not ratified or are not implementing some of the international social and environmental conventions referred to in article 18 of , and annex x to , directive 2004 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council1a , which is tantamount to a restrictive practice since union economic operators are bound by those conventions , including when responding to an invitation to tender in a third country . those restrictive procurement practices result in the loss of substantial trading opportunities . ___________ 1adirective 2014 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 february 2014 on public procurement and repealing directive 2004 / 18 / ec .


### to facilitate mobility , to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of human life , it is essential for deck crew members , persons in charge of emergency situations on board passenger vessels and persons involved in the bunkering of liquefied natural gas - fuelled vessels to hold certificates of qualification proving their qualifications . for efficient enforcement , they should carry such certificates while exercising their occupation . ### to facilitate mobility , to ensure the safety of navigation and the protection of human life and the environment , it is essential for deck crew members , be it on passenger or bunkering vessels , especially persons in charge of emergency situations on board passenger vessels and persons involved in the bunkering of vessels , to hold certificates of qualification proving their qualifications . additionally , certified qualification will improve labour market opportunities and recognition of qualification . for efficient enforcement , they should carry such certificates while exercising their occupation .


### to safeguard the mutual recognition of qualifications , the certificates of qualification should be based on the competences necessary for the operation of vessels . member states should ensure that persons receiving certificates of qualification have the corresponding minimum levels of competence , verified following an appropriate assessment . such assessments may take the form of an administrative examination or may form part of approved training programmes carried out in accordance with common standards in order to ensure a comparable minimum level of competence in all member states for various qualifications . ### to safeguard the mutual recognition of qualifications , the certificates of qualification should be based on the competences necessary for the operation of vessels . member states should ensure that persons receiving certificates of qualification have the corresponding levels of competence , verified following an appropriate assessment . such assessments may take the form of an administrative examination or may form part of approved training programmes carried out in accordance with common standards in order to ensure a comparable level of competence in all member states for various qualifications .


### the navigation time should be verified by means of entries in service record books validated by a member state . to allow for such verification , member states should issue service record books and logbooks and ensure that the latter provide a record of the journeys of vessels . medical fitness of a candidate should be certified by an approved medical practitioner . ### the navigation time should be verified by means of entries in service record books validated by a member state . to allow for such verification , member states should not only issue service record books and logbooks and ensure that the latter provide a record of the journeys of vessels but also control by other means that navigation time is complied with . medical fitness of a candidate should be certified by an approved medical practitioner .


### ‘ deck crew members’ means persons involved in the operation of a vessel navigating on union inland waterways carrying out tasks related to navigation , cargo handling , stowage , maintenance or repair , with the exception of persons solely assigned to the operation of the engines , electrical and electronic equipment ; ### ‘ deck crew members’ means persons involved in the operation of a vessel navigating on union inland waterways or carrying out their tasks related to navigation , cargo handling , stowage , maintenance or repair , with the exception of persons solely assigned to the operation of the engines , electrical and electronic equipment ;


### ‘ competence’ means the proven ability to use knowledge and skills required by the established standards for the proper performance of tasks necessary for the operation of inland waterway vessels ; ### ‘ competence’ means the proven ability to use knowledge , skills and personal , social and / or methodological abilities in relation to the established standards for the proper performance of tasks necessary for the operation of inland waterway vessels ;


### equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the union . according to article 3 of the treaty on european union the promotion of equality between women and men is one of the union’s aims . similarly , article 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union requires equality between women and men to be ensured in all areas , including employment , work and pay . ### equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the union . according to article 3 of the treaty on european union , combatting social exclusion and discrimination , promoting social justice and protection , equality between women and men , solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child are aims of the union . similarly , article 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union requires equality between women and men to be ensured in all areas , including employment , work and pay .


### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers with caring responsibilities , with a negative impact on female employment . a major factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling unpaid care responsibilities . having an ill or dependent relative has also been shown to have a negative impact on female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market entirely . ### work - life balance remains however a considerable challenge for many parents and workers with caring responsibilities , with a negative impact on female employment . a major factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in the labour market is the difficulty of balancing work and family obligations . when they have children , women tend to work less hours in paid employment and spend more time fulfilling unpaid care responsibilities . having a relative or dependant with care or support needs has also been shown to have a negative impact on female employment , leading some women to drop out of the labour market entirely , with consequential harmful repercussions on their social security entitlements , in particular pensions , and an increased risk of poverty and social exclusion , especially during old age .


### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment . ### the current union legal framework provides limited incentives for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities . transferability of parental leave and lack of paid paternity and parental leave in many member states contributes to the low take - up of such leave by fathers . the imbalance in the design of work - life balance policies between women and men reinforces gender stereotypes and differences between work and care . conversely , use of work - life balance arrangements by fathers , such as leave or flexible working arrangements , has been shown to have a positive impact in reducing the relative amount of unpaid family work undertaken by women and leaving them more time for paid employment .


### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to paternity leave for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law . ### in order to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between women and men , the right to fully paid and mandatory paternity leave for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child should be introduced . in order to take account of differences among member states , the right to paternity leave should be irrespective of marital or family status as defined in national law .


### in order to provide greater possibility for parents to use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave and to decide whether the right to parental leave may be subject to a certain period of service . in view of the growing diversity of contractual arrangements , the sum of successive fixed - term contracts with the same employer should be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the period of service . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should provide justification for the postponement . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to the employer whether or not to accept such a request for parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly disadvantaged situations . ### in order to ensure that parents use parental leave as their children grow up , the right to parental leave should be granted until the child is at least twelve years old . member states should be able to specify the period of notice to be given by the worker to the employer when applying for parental leave . to balance the needs of workers with those of employers , member states should also be able to decide whether they define if the employer may be allowed to postpone the granting of parental leave under certain circumstances . in such cases , the employer should be allowed only to postpone twice and only for a maximum period of six months , and should provide a reasonable and objective justification for the postponement in writing . given that flexibility makes it more likely that second parents , in particular fathers , will take up their entitlement to such leave , workers should be able to request to take parental leave on a full - time or part - time basis or in other flexible forms . it should be up to national law and collective agreements to define the conditions for taking parental leave in other flexible forms than full - time . member states should also assess if the conditions and detailed arrangements of parental leave should be adapted to the specific needs of parents in particularly challenging situations , including with regard to children with a disability , mental health problems or serious medical conditions or illness .


### member states should provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties in the event of breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the rights which are within the scope of this directive . the effective implementation of the principle of equal treatment requires adequate judicial protection of workers against adverse treatment or adverse consequences resulting from a complaint or proceeding relating to the rights under this directive . victims may be deterred from exercising their rights on account of the risk of retaliation and therefore should be protected from any adverse treatment where they exercise their rights provided for by this directive . such protection is particularly relevant as regards workers’ representatives in the exercise of their function . ### member states should provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties in the event of breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the rights which are within the scope of this directive . the effective implementation of the principle of equal treatment requires adequate judicial protection of workers against adverse treatment or adverse consequences resulting from a complaint or proceeding relating to the rights under this directive . victims may be deterred from exercising their rights on account of the risk of retaliation and therefore should be protected from any adverse treatment where they exercise their rights provided for by this directive . such protection is particularly relevant as regards workers’ representatives in the exercise of their function . labour and social inspections should monitor the appropriate implementation of this directive with the adequate means to avoid discrimination and ensure equal access of workers to their social and labour rights .


### this directive should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of small and medium - sized undertakings . member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on smes in order to make sure that smes are not disproportionately affected , with specific attention for micro - enterprises and for administrative burden . ### this directive should avoid imposing unjustified administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of small and medium - sized undertakings . member states are therefore invited to provide guidance and advice on smes in order to successfully implement the directive while ensuring that smes are not disproportionately affected , with specific attention for micro - enterprises


### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship . ### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship as well as self - employed workers , as defined by law , collective agreement and / or practices in force in each member state , in accordance with the criteria for determining the status of a worker as established by the case law of the court of justice of the european union and directive xx / xx on transparent and predictable working conditions in the european union .


### this directive applies to all workers , men and women , who have an employment contract or employment relationship . ### this directive applies to all workers , irrespective of gender , who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by law , collective agreement and / or practices in force in each member state .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth of a child . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fathers or the equivalent second parents as defined in national law have the right to take mandatory paternity leave of at least ten working days on the occasion of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child .


### employers shall consider and respond to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify any refusal of such a request . ### employers shall consider and respond in writing to requests for flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . employers shall justify the grounds of any refusal of such a request while providing options for alternative arrangements .


### on the basis of the information provided by member states pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council a report in which it reviews the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal . ### on the basis of the information provided by member states pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council a report in which it reviews the application of this directive , including data , disaggregated by sex and sexual orientation , on the take - up of different types of leave contained in this directive and its impact on micro , small and medium - sized undertakings , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal .


### on the basis of the information provided by member states pursuant to paragraph 1 , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council a report in which it reviews the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal . ### on the basis of the information provided by member states pursuant to paragraph 1 and the assessment pursuant to paragraph 1a , the commission shall submit to the european parliament and the council a report in which it reviews the application of this directive , accompanied , if appropriate , by a legislative proposal .


### information on the seafarers employed from third countries has become available at union level through the communication by the member states of the relevant information kept in their national registers regarding issued certificates and endorsements . this information should be used not only for statistical and policy making purposes but also for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the centralised system recognising third countries . based on the information communicated by the member states , recognised third countries which have not provided the union fleet with seafarers for a period of at least five years shall be withdrawn from the list of recognised third countries . in addition , this information shall be also used in order to prioritise the reassessment of the recognised third countries . ### information on the seafarers employed from third countries has become available at union level through the communication by the member states of the relevant information kept in their national registers regarding issued certificates and endorsements . this information should be used not only for statistical and policy making purposes but also for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the centralised system recognising third countries . based on the information communicated by the member states , recognised third countries which have not provided the union fleet with seafarers for a period of at least ten years shall be withdrawn from the list of recognised third countries . in addition , this information shall be also used in order to prioritise the reassessment of the recognised third countries .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national and regional authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and sustainable investment including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness , growth , jobs and investment , in particular to the following : ### the member state shall , in consultation with its regional authorities , where applicable , determine the policy areas it wishes to tackle in accordance with specific national and regional needs .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of subsidiarity , transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support .


### the tasks of frontex should therefore be expanded and to reflect those changes , it should be renamed european border and coast guard agency . the key role of the european border and coast guard agency should be to establish an operational and technical strategy for the implementation of an integrated border management at union level , to oversee the effective functioning of border control at the external borders , to provide increased operational and technical assistance to member states through joint operations and rapid border interventions , and to ensure the practical execution of measures in case of a situation requiring urgent action at the external borders , as well as to organise , coordinate and conduct return operations and return interventions . ### the tasks of frontex should therefore be expanded and to reflect those changes , it should be renamed european border and coast guard agency . the key role of the european border and coast guard agency should be to establish an operational and technical strategy for the implementation of an integrated border management at union level , to oversee the effective functioning of border control at the external borders , to provide increased operational and technical assistance to member states through joint operations and rapid border interventions , and to ensure the practical execution of measures in case of a situation requiring urgent action at the external borders , including search and rescue operations at sea , as well as to organise , coordinate and conduct return operations and return interventions .


### set up a technical equipment pool to be deployed in joint operations , rapid border interventions and in the framework of migration management support teams , as well as in return operations and return interventions ; ### set up a technical equipment pool to be deployed in joint operations , rapid border interventions , search and rescue operations , and in the framework of migration management support teams , as well as in return operations and return interventions ;


### the risk analysis prepared by the agency shall cover all aspects relevant to the european integrated border management , in particular border control , return , irregular secondary movements of third - country nationals within the union , the prevention of cross - border crime including facilitation of irregular immigration , trafficking in human being and terrorism , as well as the situation in neighbouring third countries with a view to developing a pre - warning mechanism which analyses the migratory flows towards the union . ### the risk analysis prepared by the agency shall cover all aspects relevant to the european integrated border management , in particular border control , the protection of fundamental rights , return , irregular secondary movements of third - country nationals within the union , the prevention of cross - border crime , trafficking in human being and terrorism , as well as the situation in neighbouring third countries with a view to developing a pre - warning mechanism which analyses the migratory flows towards the union as well as the respect for fundamental rights .


### assistance on measures necessary to ensure the availability of returnees for return purposes and avoid that returnees abscond . ### assistance on measures that are legitimate , proportionate and necessary to ensure the availability of returnees for return purposes and avoid that returnees abscond and advice on alternatives to immigration detention in line with the eu return directive , in line with directive 2008 / 115 / ec and international law .


### in the performance of its tasks , in its relations with member states and in its cooperation with third countries , the agency shall take into account the reports of the consultative forum and the fundamental rights officer . ### in the performance of all its tasks , including the further development and implementation of an effective mechanism to monitor the respect for fundamental rights , in its relations with member states and in its cooperation with third countries , the agency shall take into account the reports of the consultative forum and the fundamental rights officer . the agency shall inform the consultative forum and fundamental rights officer how it has altered or not its activities as a response to reports and recommendations of these bodies , and include details in its annual report .


### cooperation with third countries ### cooperation with third countries and non governmental organisations


### in matters covered by its activities and to the extent required for the fulfilment of its tasks , the agency shall facilitate and encourage operational cooperation between member states and third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , including with regard to the protection of fundamental rights . the agency and the member states shall comply with norms and standards at least equivalent to those set by union legislation also when cooperation with third countries takes place on the territory of those countries . the establishment of cooperation with third countries shall serve to promote european border management and return standards . ### in matters covered by its activities and to the extent required for the fulfilment of its tasks , the agency shall facilitate operational cooperation between member states and third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , including with regard to the protection of fundamental rights and the convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 protocol thereto . the agency and the member states shall comply with norms and standards at least equivalent to those set by union legislation also when cooperation with third countries takes place on the territory of those countries . the establishment of cooperation with third countries shall serve to promote european border management and return standards , especially with regards to respect for fundamental rights and human dignity . an engagement of the agency in any operational cooperation with a third country shall require a prior assessment , drawing on a broad range of sources , to identify if there are risks of fundamental rights violations or deficiencies in relevant civil and criminal laws and procedures that would make the cooperation incompatible with legal obligations , in particular to ensure protection from refoulement and the right to an effective remedy .


### in circumstances requiring increased technical and operational assistance , the agency may coordinate operational cooperation between member states and third countries in the field of management of external borders , and it shall have the possibility of carrying out joint operations at the external borders involving one or more member states and a third country neighbouring at least one of those member states , subject to the agreement of that neighbouring third country , including on the territory of that third country . the commission shall be informed of such activities . ### in circumstances requiring increased technical and operational assistance , the agency may coordinate operational cooperation between member states and neighbouring third countries in the field of management of external borders , and it shall have the possibility of carrying out joint operations at the external borders involving one or more member states and a neighbouring third country which shares a land border to at least one of those member states and which ratified and implemented in full the european convention on human rights and the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 protocol thereto , subject to the agreement of that neighbouring third country , including on the territory of that third country . during such operation , no person shall , in contravention of the principle of non - refoulement , be conducted to or otherwise handed over to the authorities of a third country where , inter alia , there is a serious risk that he or she would be subjected to the death penalty , torture , persecution or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment , or where his or her life or freedom would be threatened on account of his or her race , religion , nationality , sexual orientation , membership of a particular social group or political opinion , or from which there is a serious risk of an expulsion , removal or extradition to another country in contravention of the principle of non - refoulement .


### the agency may also , with the agreement of the member states concerned invite observers from third countries to participate in its activities at the external borders referred to in article 13 , return operations referred to in article 27 , return interventions referred to in article 32 and training referred to in article 35 , to the extent that their presence is in accordance with the objectives of those activities , may contribute to improving cooperation and the exchange of best practices , and does not affect the overall safety of those activities . the participation of those observers may take place only with the agreement of the member states concerned regarding the activities referred to in articles 13 , 27 and 35 and only with the agreement of the host member state regarding those referred to in article 13 and 32 . detailed rules on the participation of observers shall be included in the operational plan . those observers shall receive the appropriate training from the agency prior to their participation . ### the agency may also , with the agreement of the member states concerned invite observers from third countries to participate in its activities at the external borders referred to in article 13 , return operations referred to in article 27 , return interventions referred to in article 32 and training referred to in article 35 , to the extent that their presence is in accordance with the objectives of those activities , may contribute to improving cooperation and the exchange of best practices , and does not affect the overall safety of those activities or the security of the persons to be returned . the participation of those observers may take place only with the agreement of the member states concerned regarding the activities referred to in articles 13 , 27 and 35 and only with the agreement of the host member state regarding those referred to in article 13 and 32 . detailed rules on the participation of observers shall be included in the operational plan . those observers shall receive the appropriate training from the agency prior to their participation .


### the agency shall inform the european parliament of the activities referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 . ### the agency shall publish its agreements and working arrangements with third countries on its website . the agency shall report to the european parliament at least every three months on its cooperation with third countries . a detailed assessment of the cooperation with third countries , including detailed information on compliance with fundamental rights and international protection , shall be included into the annual report of the agency .


### the agency shall ensure that the standardized complaint form is available in most common languages and that it shall be made available on the agency’s website and in hardcopy during all activities of the agency . complaints shall be considered by the fundamental rights officer even when they are not submitted in the standardized complaint form . ### the agency shall ensure that people are informed about the possibility and procedure to make complaint , that the standardized complaint form is available in languages that asylum seekers and migrants understand or may be reasonably supposed to understand on the agency ' s website and in hardcopy during all activities of the agency . complaints shall be considered by the fundamental rights officer even when they are not submitted in the standardized complaint form . further guidance and assistance on the complaints procedure is provided to alleged victims and on request . information tailored to children shall be provided to facilitate their access to the complaints mechanism .


### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . ### the specific programme ' s actions should be used to reinforce , widen and extend the excellence of the union ' s scientific and technological base , tackle major global societal challenges , improve people’s health , well - being , full integration into social and economic life and catalyse the transition towards a net - zero ghg emissions economy by 2050 at the latest combining the eu ' s industrial leadership and sustainability , and address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , such as neglected societal challenges , leveraging additional private and public funding rather than duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value . the specific programme ' s actions should be used to address market failures or sub - optimal investment situations , in a proportionate manner , without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear european added value .


### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported with eur 10 billion for the cluster ' food and natural resources ' for the period 2021 - 2027 . ### reflecting the important contribution that research and innovation should make to address societal challenges in food , agriculture , rural development and the bioeconomy and make them more sustainable , and to seize the corresponding research and innovation opportunities in close synergy with common agricultural policy , relevant actions under the specific programme will be supported in a dedicated cluster ' sustainable food , natural resources and the environment ' for the period 2021 - 2027 .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this decision shall be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this shall include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs . ### grants will be the main types of financing under this decision . other types of financing shall be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this shall include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and scales of unit costs where this would not exclude or discriminate the participation of a certain type of organisation or stakeholder .


### reinforcing the link between research and innovation and other policies , including sustainable development goals ; ### reinforcing the link between research , innovation and education and other policies , in particular the sustainable development goals and the goals of the paris agreement


### delivering , through r&i missions , on ambitious goals within a set timeframe ; ### addressing societal challenges , through r&i missions , by delivering on ambitious goals within a set timeframe ;


### improving access to risk finance , in particular where the market does not provide viable financing . ### improving access to risk finance and patient - capital , in particular where the market does not provide viable financing


### cluster ' health ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 1 ; ### cluster ' health and well - being ' , as described in annex i , pillar ii , section 1 ;


### the eic board may upon request address recommendations to the commission on : ### the eic board may upon request , and in coordination with the eit governing board , address recommendations to the commission on :


### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , investors and researchers . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand . ### the eic board shall be composed of 15 to 20 high level individuals drawn from various parts of europe ' s innovation ecosystem , including entrepreneurs , corporate leaders , economists investors and researchers , academic experts on innovation policy and civil society organisations . it shall contribute to outreach actions , with eic board members striving to enhance the prestige of the eic brand . the board shall aim at a wider range of expertise , following a broad approach to r&i that includes social innovation .


### an indication of the amount allocated to each action and mission and an indicative implementation timetable ; ### an indication of the amount allocated to each action , mission and european partnership and an indicative implementation timetable


### an indication of the amount allocated to each action and mission and an indicative implementation timetable ; ### an indication of the amount allocated to each action , mission and european partnership , and an indicative implementation timetable ;


### i ### iexcellent science


### the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives in an integrated manner will be ensured by multiannual strategic planning . such planning will provide the focus on impact for the programme overall and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to and from other eu policies . ### the implementation of horizon europe is steered by an inclusive participatory and transparent strategic planning process of the research and innovation activities funded by the programme . the strategic planning process shall lead to the implementation of horizon europe ' s programme - level objectives thereby defining the funding priorities . it will provide focus on impact for the programme and coherence between its different pillars , as well as synergy with other eu programmes and support to other eu policies and how to leverage additional private and public money . notably , strategic planning shall be consistent with the paris agreement and the union’s climate related long - term objective and remaining carbon budget . the strategic planning process and the adoption of the strategic r&i plan through a delegated act shall increase ownership and understanding for the purpose of the programme by a wider public and will allow the co - legislators , stakeholders and member states to be fully informed on the envisaged initiatives and to ensure that main european policies targets , are reflected in and supported by horizon europe , with adequate resources . the strategic planning will help to develop and implement policy for the relevant areas covered , at eu level as well as complementing policies in the member states and ensuring a better coordination with the eu’s priorities . it will further take into account foresight activities , studies and other scientific evidence and take account of relevant existing initiatives at eu and national level . it will allow simplification of the funding landscape , avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities while leveraging additional private and public funding and promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results . in order to respond to these objectives , the commission will launch a mandatory multi - stakeholder open consultation phase with member states , the european parliament , stakeholders , including civil society organisations , about the strategic priorities , under the global challenges and european industrial competitiveness pillar , and the suitable types of instruments , including missions and the european partnerships . all partnerships and missions or any other strategic new initiative shall be identified in this strategic r&i plan and be subject to mandatory multi - stakeholder consultation before being implemented in work programmes . results of consultation with member states , the european parliament and stakeholders shall be divulgated before any decision on future priorities , for each relevant area , is taken . 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 . as regards european partnerships , the strategic r&i plan will outline and give the rationale for the creation , merge and phasing out of the european partnerships . future partnerships funded under the second pillar ‘ global societal challenges and a net - zero ghg emission economy’ , will in particular be assessed in terms of their potential to help deliver the sdgs and the union’s climate related long - term objective and remaining carbon budget in consistency with the paris agreement . building on experience in horizon 2020 , the social sciences and the humanities will be fully integrated across all clusters and work programmes , and through the development of social sciences oriented calls and specific and dedicated activities . on - going and new kics will be defined in the legislative proposal for a decision of the european parliament and the council on the eit strategic innovation agenda . nevertheless , the creation of any new kic should be subject to an additional and adequate funding , allowing the existing kics to develop the ecosystems , build partnerships and pursue and implement efficiently their ambitious objectives . ' fet flagships ' supported under horizon will continue to be supported under the programme . as they present substantial analogies with missions , other ' fet flagships ' , if any , maybe be supported under this framework programme as missions geared towards future and emerging technologies . the missions should strengthen the collaborative aspects of the programme . where appropriate , the strategic planning process shall assess in how far european partnerships could work as supporting implementation pillars of the missions . the missions will have technological and societal elements and will be defined in close cooperation with allrelevant stakeholders , including civil society , and dgs . the strategic planning will identify existing links between horizon europe and other union programmes , which offer possibilities for synergies between eufunds . horizon europe will become a point of reference for research and innovation in all related programmes across the eu budget and non - funding instruments , in order to help deliver the eu’s political priorities and objectives . this will also promote faster dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results and avoid duplication and overlaps between funding possibilities . it will provide the frame for linking the direct research actions of the joint research centre and other actions supported under the programme , including the use of results for support to policy .


### although the eu remains the largest producer of scientific publications in the world , it is essentially a ' mass producer ' of knowledge with , relative to its size , comparatively few centres of excellence that standout at the world level and with large areas of average and poor performance . compared with the us and now china to some degree , the eu still tends to follow a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a larger number of researchers and research institutions another challenge is that in many eu countries the public sector still does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these factors compound europe ' s relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent . ### the eu is one of the largest producer of scientific publications in the world . . compared with the us and now china to some degree , the eu follows a ' distributed excellence model ' in which resources are spread across a larger number of researchers and research institutions another challenge is that in many eu countries the public sector still does not offer sufficiently attractive conditions for the best researchers . these factors compound europe ' s relative unattractiveness in the global competition for scientific talent .


### the global research landscape is evolving dramatically and becoming increasingly multipolar as a result of a growing number of emerging countries , in particular china , expanding their scientific production . so whereas the eu and the united states accounted for nearly two - thirds of world expenditure on research and development in 2000 , this share had fallen to less than half by 2013 . ### the global research landscape is evolving dramatically and becoming increasingly multipolar as a result of a growing number of emerging countries , in particular china , expanding their scientific production . so whereas the eu and the united states accounted for nearly two - thirds of world expenditure on research and development in 2000 , this share had fallen to less than half by 2013 . the european innovation scoreboard 2018 confirmed that public r&d expenditures across the eu remains below 2010 levels and falls short in meeting the long - standing objective to devote 3% of gdp to r&d activities .


### research funded by the erc is expected to lead to advances at the frontier of knowledge , with scientific publications of the highest quality , to research results with high societal and economic potential impact and with the erc setting a clear and inspirational target for frontier research across the eu , europe and internationally . aiming to make the eu a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists , the erc will target a measurable improvement in the eu ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications , and aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe which it funds . erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . scientific excellence shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ' bottom - up ' basis without predetermined priorities . ### research funded by the erc is expected to lead to advances at the frontier of knowledge , with scientific publications of the highest quality , to research results with high societal , economic potential and climate impact and with the erc setting a clear and inspirational target for frontier research across the eu , europe and internationally . aiming to make the eu a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists , the erc will target a measurable improvement in the eu ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications , and aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe which it funds . erc funding shall be awarded in accordance with the following well - established principles . scientific excellence shall be the sole criterion on which erc grants are awarded . the erc shall operate on a ' bottom - up ' basis without predetermined priorities .


### –review and assess the erc ' s achievements and the quality and impact of the research funded by the erc and make recommendations for corrective or future actions ; ### –review and assess the erc ' s achievements and the quality and impact of the research funded by the erc and make recommendations for corrective or future actions ; including soliciting climate - relevance in the proposals submitted when the programme is achieving less than 50% of its climate - expenditure target as required by article 6 of the [ regulation on establishing the framework programme ] ;


### through global research competition between scientists and between host organisations from both the academic and non - academic sector , and through the creation and sharing of high - quality knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , the msca contribute notably to the goals of the ' jobs , growth and investment ' agenda , the eu global strategy and to the united nations sustainable development goals . ### through global research competition between scientists and between host organisations from both the academic and non - academic sector , and through the creation and sharing of high - quality knowledge across countries , sectors and disciplines , the msca contribute notably to the goals of the ' jobs , growth and investment ' agenda , the eu global strategy , the united nations sustainable development goals and the eu ' s commitments under the paris agreement .


### the msca contribute to making the era more effective , competitive and attractive on a global scale . this can be achieved by focusing on a new generation of highly - skilled researchers and providing support for emerging talent from across the eu and beyond ; by fostering the diffusion and application of new knowledge and ideas to european policies , the economy and society , inter alia through improved science communication and public outreach measures ; by facilitating cooperation between research - performing organisations ; and by having a pronounced structuring impact on the era , advocating an open labour market and setting standards for quality training , attractive employment conditions and open recruitment for all researchers . ### the msca contribute to making the era more effective , competitive and attractive on a global scale . this can be achieved by focusing on a new generation of highly - skilled researchers and providing support for emerging talent , especially early career researchers , from across the eu and beyond ; particular attention shall also be paid to researchers and scientist who newly arrived as migrants in europe and who have a higher education degree and should be provided with the opportunity to be integrated as fast as possible in the european scientific community and structures ; by fostering the diffusion and application of new knowledge and ideas to european policies , the economy and society , inter alia through improved science communication and public outreach measures ; by facilitating cooperation between research - performing organisations ; and by having a pronounced structuring impact on the era , advocating an open labour market and setting standards for quality training , attractive employment conditions and open recruitment for all researchers with particular focus on those scientists and researchers who newly arrived in europe as migrants .


### the awareness of the programme’s activities and the public recognition of researchers need to be enhanced across the eu and beyond , to raise the global profile of the msca and to develop a better understanding of the impact of researchers’ work on citizens’ daily lives , and to encourage young people to embark on research careers . this can be achieved through better dissemination , exploitation and diffusion of knowledge and practices . ### the awareness of the programme’s activities and the public recognition of researchers need to be enhanced across the eu and beyond , to raise the global profile of the msca and to develop a better understanding of the impact of researchers’ work on citizens’ daily lives , and to encourage young people , in particular women and newly arrived migrants , to embark on research careers . this can be achieved through better dissemination , exploitation and diffusion of knowledge and practices .


### the overall aim is to endow europe with world - class sustainable research infrastructures open and accessible to all researchers in europe and beyond , which fully exploit their potential for scientific advance and innovation . key objectives are to reduce the fragmentation of the research and innovation ecosystem , avoiding duplication of effort , and better coordinate the development and use of research infrastructures . it is crucial to support open access to research infrastructures for all european researchers as well as , through the european open science cloud , increased access to digital research resources , specifically tackling the currently sub - optimal embracement of open science and open data practises . equally , the eu needs to tackle the rapid increase of global competition for talent by attracting third country researchers to work with european world - class research infrastructures . increasing the competitiveness of european industry is also a major objective , supporting key technologies and services relevant for research infrastructures and their users , thus improving the conditions for supply of innovative solutions . ### the overall aim is to endow europe with world - class sustainable research infrastructures open and accessible to all researchers in europe and beyond , which fully exploit their potential for scientific advance and innovation . key objectives are to reduce the fragmentation of the research and innovation ecosystem , ensure continuous modernisation , avoiding duplication of effort , and better coordinate the development , accessibility and use of research infrastructures . small and medium sized research infrastructures are very important to researchers but information on their location , accessibility policies and funding is poor . they need to be mapped , in order to unlock the potential of these research infrastructures for european research and innovation . it is crucial to support open access to research infrastructures for all european researchers as well as , through the european open science cloud , increased access to digital research resources , specifically tackling the currently sub - optimal embracement of open science and open data practises . equally , the eu needs to tackle the rapid increase of global competition for talent by attracting third country researchers to work with european world - class research infrastructures . increasing the sustainability and competitiveness of european industry is also a major objective , supporting key technologies and services relevant for research infrastructures and their users , thus improving the conditions for supply of innovative solutions .


### ii ### iiglobal societal challenges and a net - zero ghg emission economy


### many of the challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by the appropriate money , resources and effort in order to find solutions . these are precisely the areas where the eu must work together ; smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of our citizens . ### many of the challenges which confront the eu are also global challenges . the scale and complexity of the problems are vast , and need to be matched by increasing money , resources and effort in order to find sustainable solutions . these are precisely the areas where the eu must work together ; smart , flexible and joined - up for the benefit and well - being of our citizens .


### greater impact can be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an unprecedented international cooperation along the lines indicated by the sustainable development goals and the paris climate agreement . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of research and innovation for sustainability . ### greater impact can be obtained through aligning actions with other nations and regions of the world within an unprecedented international cooperation as embodied by the sustainable development goals and the paris climate agreement . based on mutual benefit , partners from across the world will be invited to join eu efforts as an integral part of research and innovation for sustainability .


### research and innovation are key drivers of sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness , and they will contribute to finding solutions to today’s problems , to reverse as quickly as possible , the negative and dangerous trend that currently links economic development , the use of natural resources and social issues , and turn it into new business opportunities . ### acknowledging climate change as one of the biggest and most important global and societal challenges , research and innovation are key drivers of accelerating the transition to a net - zero ghg emission economy by 2050 at the latest , to reverse as quickly as possible , the negative and dangerous trend that currently links economic development , the intensive use of fossil fuels , other natural resources , and social issues , and turn it into new sustainable business opportunities and a competitive edge in climate - and renewables - related sectors as well as multiple economic , social and environmental benefits to european citizens .


### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated clusters of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along a sustainability vector . these will only be achieved if all actors , both private and public , engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation ; bringing together end - users , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the thematic clusters is intended for only one set of actors . ### research and innovation under this pillar of horizon europe is grouped into integrated clusters of activities . rather than addressing sectors , the investments aim at systemic changes for our society and economy along a sustainability vector . these will only be achieved if all actors , both private , public and third sector engage in co - designing and co - creating research and innovation ; bringing together end - users , researchers , scientists , technologists , producers , innovators , businesses , educators , citizens and civil society organisations . therefore , none of the thematic clusters is intended for only one set of actors . recognizing that civil society organisations are not traditional r&i actors , specific efforts will have to be made in order to ensure their participation in agenda - setting , implementation and monitoring and evaluation of this pillar .


### the clusters will boost the quick introduction of first - of - its - kind innovation in the eu through a broad range of embedded activities , including communication , dissemination and exploitation , standardisation as well as support to non - technological innovation and innovative delivery mechanisms , helping create innovation friendly societal , regulatory and market conditions such as the innovation deals . pipelines of innovative solutions originating from research and innovation actions will be established and targeted to public and private investors as well as other relevant eu and national programmes . ### the clusters will boost the quick introduction of first - of - its - kind innovation in the eu through a broad range of embedded activities , including communication , dissemination and exploitation , standardisation as well as support to non - technological innovation and innovative delivery mechanisms , helping create innovation friendly societal , regulatory and market conditions such as the innovation deals . at the same time clusters will support the investigation of the application and implication of this first - of - its kind innovation on citizens and society . pipelines of innovative solutions originating from research and innovation actions will be established and targeted to leverage additional public and private investors as well as other relevant eu and national programmes . innovation focused activities will be complemented with research focused activities in each intervention area , including research that addresses the area from a societal perspective .


### health research and innovation research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players . ### health research and innovation research and innovation have played a significant part in this achievement but also in improving productivity and quality in the health and care industry . however , the eu continues to face novel , newly emerging or persisting challenges that are threatening its citizens and public health , the sustainability of its health care and social protection systems , as well as the competitiveness of its health and care industry . major health challenges in the eu include : the lack of effective health promotion and disease prevention ; the rise of non - communicable diseases in particular the increasing burden of disabling conditions such as rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases – rmds and neurological disorders ; the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance and the emergence of infectious epidemics ; increased environmental pollution ; the increase of mental illnesses ; the persistence of health inequalities among and within countries affecting disproportionally people that are disadvantaged or in vulnerable stages of life ; inclusion of people with disabilities in social and economic life ; the detection , understanding , control , prevention and mitigation of health risks in a rapidly changing social , urban and natural environment ; increasing the years of healthy life years ; the high prices of some innovative health tools and technologies for end - users , the increasing costs for european health care systems and the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and digitalisation in health and care ; and the increasing pressure on the european health and care industry to remain competitive in and by developing health innovation vis - a - vis new and emerging global players . challenges also include taking full advantage of the progressive introduction of personalised medicine approaches and of the opportunities that digitalisation in health and care provide without jeopardising the right to privacy and data protection .


### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . they will harness the combined skills of academia and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved . ### these health challenges are complex , interlinked and global in nature and require multidisciplinary , cross - sectorial and transnational collaborations , including with low - and middle income countries . research and innovation activities will build close linkages between discovery , clinical , epidemiological , ethical environmental and socio - economic research as well as with regulatory sciences . the health challenges also interact with the challenges in the other clusters of this pillar , e . g . human nutrition and diets , occupational and environmental stressors , inequalities . they will harness the combined skills of academia and industry and foster their collaboration with health services , patients , policy - makers , civil society organisations and citizens in order to leverage on public funding and ensure the uptake of results in clinical practice as well as in health care systems . they will foster strategic collaboration at eu and international level in order to pool the expertise , capacities and resources needed to create economies of scale , scope and speed as well as to share the expected benefits and financial risks involved .


### the research and innovation activities of this global challenge will develop the knowledge base , build the research and innovation capacity and develop the solutions needed for a more effective promotion of health and the prevention , treatment and cure of diseases . improving health outcomes will in turn result in increased life expectancy , healthy active lives and productivity of working age people , and sustainability of health and care systems . ### the research and innovation activities of this global challenge will develop the knowledge base , build the research and innovation capacity and develop the solutions needed for a more effective promotion of health and the prevention , preventive measures , treatment and cure of diseases taking into account the precautionary principle . improving health outcomes will in turn result in increased life expectancy , healthy active lives and productivity of working age people , and sustainability of health and care systems .


### addressing major health challenges will contribute to the eu ' s policy goals and strategies , notably to the eu pillar of social rights , the eu digital single market , the eu directive on cross - border healthcare , and the european one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance , and to the implementation of the relevant eu regulatory frameworks . it will also support the eu’s commitment to the united nation ' s 2030 agenda for sustainable development and those in the context of other un organisations and international initiatives , including the global strategies and plans of action of the world health organization . ### addressing major health challenges will contribute to the eu ' s policy goals and strategies , notably to the eu pillar of social rights , the eu digital single market , the eu directive on cross - border healthcare , the eu occupational safety and health strategic framework and the european one health action plan against antimicrobial resistance , and to the implementation of the relevant eu regulatory frameworks . it will also support the eu’s commitment to the united nation ' s 2030 agenda for sustainable development and those in the context of other un organisations and international initiatives , including the global strategies and plans of action of the world health organization .


### people in vulnerable stages of life , including people with disabilities or injuries , have specific health needs that require better understanding and tailored solutions . this will allow reducing related health inequalities and improving health outcomes to the benefit of active and healthy ageing throughout the life course , in particular through a healthy start of life reducing the risk of mental and physical diseases later in life . ### people in vulnerable stages of life , including people with disabilities or injuries , have specific health needs that require better understanding and tailored solutions . this will allow reducing related health inequalities and improving health outcomes to the benefit of active and healthy ageing throughout the life course , in particular through a healthy start of life reducing the risk of mental and physical diseases later in life . a better understanding of the causes and health consequences of disabilities , and the development of better solutions will allow disabled and impaired people to actively participate social and economic life . in each of the following broad lines of activities , the involvement of citizens and civil society in co - design and co - creation of r&i will be a key objective of the r&i actions .


### –early development and the aging process throughout the life course ; ### –early development , prevention and the aging process throughout the life course ;


### –health consequences of disabilities and injuries ; ### –aetiology of disabilities and health and health consequences of disabilities and injuries ;


### –diagnostics for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and for patient - adapted treatment ; ### –diagnostics for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and for timely patient - adapted treatment ;


### the eu must promote a model of inclusive and sustainable growth while reaping the benefits of technological advancements , enhancing trust in and promoting innovation of democratic governance , combatting inequalities , unemployment , marginalisation , discrimination and radicalisation , guaranteeing human rights , fostering cultural diversity and european cultural heritage and empowering citizens through social innovation . the management of migration and the integration of migrants will also continue to be priority issues . the role of research and innovation in the social sciences and the humanities in responding to these challenges and achieving the eu’s goals is fundamental . ### the eu must promote a model of inclusive and sustainable development while reaping the benefits of technological advancements , enhancing trust in and promoting innovation of democratic governance , combatting inequalities , unemployment , marginalisation , discrimination and radicalisation , guaranteeing human rights , fostering cultural diversity and european cultural heritage and empowering citizens through social innovation . the management of migration and the integration of migrants will also continue to be priority issues . the role of research and innovation in the social sciences and the humanities in responding to these challenges and achieving the eu’s goals is fundamental .


### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 1 - no poverty ; sdg 4 - quality education ; sdg – decent work and economic growth ; sdg 9 – industry , innovation and infrastructure ; sdg 10 - reducing inequalities ; sdg 11 - sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 16 – peace , justice and strong institutions . ### activities will contribute directly to the following sustainable development goals in particular : sdg 1 - no poverty ; sdg 4 - quality education ; sdg 5 gender ; sdg – decent work and economic growth ; sdg 9 – industry , innovation and infrastructure ; sdg 10 - reducing inequalities ; sdg 11 - sustainable cities and communities ; sdg 12 responsible consumption and production ; sdg 17 partnership for the goals .