### a modernisation fund should be established from 2% of the total eu ets allowances , and auctioned in accordance with the rules and modalities for auctions taking place on the common auction platform set out in regulation 1031 / 2010 . member states who in 2013 had a gdp per capita at market exchange rates of below 60% below the union average should be eligible for funding from the modernisation fund and derogate up to 2030 from the principle of full auctioning for electricity generation by using the option of free allocation in order to transparently promote real investments modernising their energy sector while avoiding distortions of the internal energy market . the rules for governing the modernisation fund should provide a coherent , comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible , taking into account the need for easy access by all participants . the function of the governance structure should be commensurate with the purpose of ensuring the appropriate use of the funds . that governance structure should be composed of an investment board and a management committee and due account should be taken of the expertise of the eib in the decision - making process unless support is provided to small projects through loans from a national promotional banks or through grants via a national programme sharing the objectives of the modernisation fund . investments financed from the fund should be proposed by the member states . to ensure that the investment needs in low income member states are adequately addressed , the distribution of funds will take into account in equal shares verified emissions and gdp criteria . the financial assistance from the modernisation fund could be provided through different forms . ### a modernisation fund should be established from 3% of the total eu ets allowances , and auctioned in accordance with the rules and modalities for auctions taking place on the common auction platform set out in regulation 1031 / 2010 . member states who in 2013 had a gdp per capita at market exchange rates of below 60% below the union average should be eligible for funding from the modernisation fund . the rules for governing the modernisation fund should provide a coherent , comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible , taking into account the need for easy access by all participants . the function of the governance structure should be commensurate with the purpose of ensuring the appropriate use of the funds . that governance structure should be composed of an investment board and a management committee and due account should be taken of the expertise of the eib in the decision - making process unless support is provided to small projects through loans from a national promotional banks or through grants via a national programme sharing the objectives of the modernisation fund . investments financed from the fund should be proposed by the member states . to ensure that the investment needs in low income member states are adequately addressed , the distribution of funds will take into account in equal shares verified emissions and gdp criteria . the financial assistance from the modernisation fund could be provided through different forms .


### the main long - term incentive from this directive for the capture and storage of co2 , new renewable energy technologies and breakthrough innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes is the carbon price signal it creates and that allowances will not need to be surrendered for co2 emissions which are permanently stored or avoided . in addition , to supplement the resources already being used to accelerate demonstration of commercial ccs facilities and innovative renewable energy technologies , eu ets allowances should be used to provide guaranteed rewards for deployment of ccs facilities , new renewable energy technologies and industrial innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in the union for co2 stored or avoided on a sufficient scale , provided an agreement on knowledge sharing is in place . the majority of this support should be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions , while some support may be given when pre - determined milestones are reached taking into account the technology deployed . the maximum percentage of project costs to be supported may vary by category of project . ### the main long - term incentive from this directive for new renewable energy technologies and breakthrough innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes is the carbon price signal it creates and that allowances will not need to be surrendered for co2 emissions which are permanently avoided . in addition , to supplement the resources already being used to accelerate demonstration of innovative renewable energy technologies , eu ets allowances should be used to provide guaranteed rewards for deployment of new renewable energy technologies and industrial innovation in low - carbon technologies and processes in the union for co2 avoided on a sufficient scale , provided an agreement on knowledge sharing is in place . this support should be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions . the maximum percentage of project costs to be supported may vary by category of project .


### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . ### the reformed eu ets needs to set an annual reduction factor of 2 . 8% from 2021 onwards and revise measures to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in third countries or subnational regions , increasing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a minimum percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable .


### a modernisation fund should be established from 2% of the total eu ets allowances , and auctioned in accordance with the rules and modalities for auctions taking place on the common auction platform set out in regulation 1031 / 2010 . member states who in 2013 had a gdp per capita at market exchange rates of below 60% below the union average should be eligible for funding from the modernisation fund and derogate up to 2030 from the principle of full auctioning for electricity generation by using the option of free allocation in order to transparently promote real investments modernising their energy sector while avoiding distortions of the internal energy market . the rules for governing the modernisation fund should provide a coherent , comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible , taking into account the need for easy access by all participants . the function of the governance structure should be commensurate with the purpose of ensuring the appropriate use of the funds . that governance structure should be composed of an investment board and a management committee and due account should be taken of the expertise of the eib in the decision - making process unless support is provided to small projects through loans from a national promotional banks or through grants via a national programme sharing the objectives of the modernisation fund . investments financed from the fund should be proposed by the member states . to ensure that the investment needs in low income member states are adequately addressed , the distribution of funds will take into account in equal shares verified emissions and gdp criteria . the financial assistance from the modernisation fund could be provided through different forms . ### a modernisation fund should be established from 2% of the total eu ets allowances , and auctioned in accordance with the rules and modalities for auctions taking place on the common auction platform set out in regulation 1031 / 2010 . member states who in 2013 had a gdp per capita at market exchange rates of below 60% below the union average should be eligible for funding from the modernisation fund and derogate up to 2030 from the principle of full auctioning by using the option of free allocation in order to stimulate the introduction and the dissemination of renewables while avoiding any funding for any fossil fuel based power plant . the rules for governing the modernisation fund should provide a coherent , comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible , taking into account the need for easy access by all participants . the function of the governance structure should be commensurate with the purpose of ensuring the appropriate use of the funds . that governance structure should be composed of an investment board and a management committee and due account should be taken of the expertise of the eib in the decision - making process unless support is provided to small projects through loans from a national promotional banks or through grants via a national programme sharing the objectives of the modernisation fund . investments financed from the fund should be proposed by the member states . to ensure that the investment needs in low income member states are adequately addressed , the distribution of funds will take into account in equal shares verified emissions and gdp criteria . the financial assistance from the modernisation fund could be provided through different forms .


### from 2021 , allowances not allocated to installations because of the application of paragraphs 19 and 20 shall be added to the reserve . ### from 2021 onwards , any allowances not allocated to installations because of the application of paragraphs 19 and 20 shall be added to the reserve . allowances which are in the reserve by 2030 shall be cancelled .


### where necessary , the commission may adopt amendments to provide for flights arriving from the third country concerned to be excluded from the aviation activities listed in annex i or to provide for any other amendments to the aviation activities listed in annex i which are required by an agreement pursuant to the fourth subparagraph . the commission shall be empowered to adopt such amendments in accordance with article 23 . ### where necessary , the commission may submit a legislative proposal to the european parliament and council to provide for flights arriving from the third country concerned to be excluded from the aviation activities listed in annex i or to provide for any other amendments to the aviation activities listed in annex i which are required by an agreement with that third country .


### ensure that only projects which contribute to the diversification of their energy mix and sources of supply , the necessary restructuring , environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure , clean technologies and modernisation of the energy production , transmission and distribution sectors are eligible to bid ; ### ensure that only projects which contribute to the diversification of their renewable energy - related technologies and sources of supply , the necessary restructuring , environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure , clean technologies and modernisation of the clean energy production , transmission and distribution sectors are eligible to bid ;


### in addition , 50 million unallocated allowances from the market stability reserve established by decision 2015 / … shall supplement any existing resources remaining under this paragraph for projects referred to above , with projects in all member states including small - scale projects , before 2021 . projects shall be selected on the basis of objective and transparent criteria . ### in addition , 50 million unallocated allowances from the market stability reserve established by decision 2015 / 1814 shall supplement any existing resources remaining under this paragraph for projects referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2 , with projects in all member states including small - scale projects , from 2018 . projects shall be selected on the basis of objective and transparent criteria that include requirements for knowledge - sharing .


### the second paragraph of paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' the commission shall be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 23 . this act shall also provide for additional allocation from the new entrants reserve for significant production increases by applying the same thresholds and allocation adjustments as apply in respect of partial cessations of operation . ' ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following : ' 300 million allowances shall be used to finance climate action in least developed countries , in particular for adaptation to the impacts of climate change , through the united nations green climate fund . '


### ' 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 . '


### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed . ### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial products , technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . eligible low - carbon industrial projects shall contribute to emission reductions of at least 20% below the benchmark as set out in paragraph 2 . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed .


### 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 article 9 and article 9a , over the period 2021 - 2030 shall be set aside for new entrants .


### 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 .


### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . ### the reformed eu ets should set an annual reduction factor of 2 , 8% from 2021 onwards , and provide for an allowance import requirement after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in third countries or subnational regions , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned .


### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of ccs and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed . ### the allowances shall be made available for innovation in low - carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of innovative renewable energy technologies and ccs that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations . in order to promote innovative projects , up to 60% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported , out of which up to 40% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre - determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed .


### 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% .


### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . ### the reformed eu ets needs to set an annual reduction factor of 4 . 2% from 2021 onwards and revise measures to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in third countries or subnational regions , increasing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a minimum percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable .


### member states should partially compensate , in accordance with state aid rules , certain installations in sectors or sub - sectors which have been determined to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage because of costs related to greenhouse gas emissions passed on in electricity prices . the protocol and accompanying decisions adopted by the conference of the parties in paris need to provide for the dynamic mobilisation of climate finance , technology transfer and capacity building for eligible parties , particularly those with least capabilities . public sector climate finance will continue to play an important role in mobilising resources after 2020 . therefore , auction revenues should also be used for climate financing actions in vulnerable third countries , including adaptation to the impacts of climate . the amount of climate finance to be mobilised will also depend on the ambition and quality of the proposed intended nationally determined contributions , subsequent investment plans and national adaptation planning processes . member states should also use auction revenues to promote skill formation and reallocation of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy . ### member states should partially compensate , in accordance with state aid rules , certain installations in sectors or sub - sectors which have been determined to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage because of costs related to greenhouse gas emissions passed on in electricity prices . the protocol and accompanying decisions adopted by the conference of the parties in paris need to provide for the dynamic mobilisation of climate finance , technology transfer and capacity building for eligible parties , particularly those with least capabilities . public sector climate finance will continue to play an important role in mobilising resources after 2020 . acknowledging the global responsibility of the union , member states should promptly financially support efforts undertaken by the least developed countries aimed at developing low emission technologies based on the principle of technological neutrality and mitigation of climate change impact . in this regard a significant percentage of revenues generated by the auctioning of allowances by member states should be granted to international funds , particularly : the green climate fund , the least developed countries fund and the special climate change fund . the amount of climate finance to be mobilised will also depend on the ambition and quality of the proposed intended nationally determined contributions , subsequent investment plans and national adaptation planning processes . member states should also use auction revenues to promote skill formation and reallocation of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy .


### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . the auction share should be expressed as a percentage figure in the legislation , to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions , to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable . ### the european council confirmed that a well - functioning , reformed eu ets with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main european instrument to achieve this target , with an annual reduction factor of 2 . 2% from 2021 onwards , free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy , as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies , without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned . however , at the last unfccc conference of the parties , it has been widely recognised that an effort should be done to keep the average temperature well below 2°c , possibly within 1 . 5°c degrees , by the end of the century . in order to attain this objective , a higher percentage of annual reduction is needed , with a view to guaranteeing that the overall emissions reduction will actually meet the reduction targets set for 2030 and 2050 .


### a european political party shall include in its application evidence demonstrating that its member parties have continuously published on their websites , during 12 months preceding the moment at which the applications is made , 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 . ### a european political party shall include in its application the information , in relation to each of its member parties that ran in the previous elections of the european parliament , on the gender composition of their candidate lists and among their elected members of the european parliament .


### 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 .


### with a view to further reducing administrative burden whilst rendering the documents less prone to tampering , the commission should as a second step , after the adoption of this directive , examine the possibility of introducing an electronic version of service record books and logbooks , as well as electronic professional cards incorporating union certificates of qualifications . in doing so , the commission should take existing technologies in other modes of transport into account , in particular road transport . after conducting an impact assessment including of cost - benefit and of the impacts on the fundamental rights , in particular in relation to the protection of personal data , the commission should present , if appropriate , a proposal to the european parliament and the council . ### with a view to further reducing administrative burden whilst rendering the documents less prone to tampering , the commission should as a second step , after the adoption of this directive , examine the possibility of introducing an electronic version of service record books and logbooks , as well as electronic professional cards incorporating union certificates of qualifications . in doing so , the commission should take existing technologies in other modes of transport into account , in particular road transport . it should also take into account usability and accessibility in line with the un convention of the rights of persons with disabilities . after conducting an impact assessment including of cost - benefit and of the impacts on the fundamental rights , in particular in relation to the protection of personal data , the commission should present , if appropriate , a proposal to the european parliament and the council .


### approval of training programmes is necessary to verify that the programmes comply with common minimum requirements regarding content and organisation . such compliance allows for eliminating unnecessary barriers to entering the profession by preventing those who already acquired the necessary skills during their vocational training from passing unnecessary additional examination . the existence of approved training programmes may also facilitate the entry of workers with prior experience from other sectors into the profession of inland navigation as they may benefit from dedicated training programmes that take account of their already acquired competences . ### approval of training programmes is necessary to verify that the programmes comply with common minimum requirements regarding content and organisation . such compliance allows for eliminating barriers to entering the profession by preventing those who already acquired the necessary skills during their vocational or other training , from passing unnecessary additional examination . the existence of approved training programmes may also facilitate the entry of workers with prior experience from other sectors into the profession of inland navigation as they may benefit from dedicated training programmes that take account of their already acquired competences .


### for reasons of cost - effectiveness , holding union certificates of qualification should not be made compulsory on national inland waterways not linked to the navigable network of another member state . ### for reasons of ensuring safety of navigation , labour mobility and cost - effectiveness , member states may opt for making union certificates of qualification compulsory on national inland waterways not linked to the navigable network of another member state .


### in order to facilitate the return to work following parental leave , workers and employers should be encouraged to maintain contact during the period of leave and may make arrangements for any appropriate reintegration measures , to be decided between the parties concerned , taking into account national law , collective agreements and practice ### in order to facilitate the return to work following parental leave , workers and employers should have the possibility to maintain contact with their employer during the period of leave . contact between workers and employers should not result in any burden or distress for workers and family members and should facilitate the making of arrangements for any appropriate reintegration measures , to be decided between the parties concerned , taking into account national law , collective agreements and practice


### in order to provide greater opportunities to remain in the work force for men and women carrying of elderly family member and / or other relatives in need of care , workers with a seriously ill or dependant relative should have the right to take time off from work in the form of carers’ leave to take care of that relative . to prevent abuse of that right , proof of the serious illness or dependency may be required prior to granting of the leave . ### in order to provide greater opportunities to remain in the work force for women and men carrying of elderly family member and / or other relatives or dependants in need of care or support due to old age , a serious medical reason , a chronic illness , a disability , a mental health problem or another impairment , should have the right to take time off from work in the form of carers’ leave to take care of that person . to prevent abuse of that right , proof of the need of care or support may be required , while protecting at all times the privacy and personal data of both the worker and the person in need of care .


### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in the labour market , making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings and pay . such policies should take into account demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population . ### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in the labour market , encouraging and making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings , pay and pensions . such policies should also focus on reducing gender stereotypes , recognising and redistributing care responsibilities , developing and implementing quality standards for all types of care services and should take into account demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population .


### “relative” means a worker’s son , daughter , mother , father , spouse or partner in civil partnership , where such partnerships are envisaged by national law ; ### “relative” means at least a worker’s first - degree relatives and second - degree relatives , spouse or partner in civil partnership , where such partnerships are envisaged by national law as well as step - siblings , step - and foster children both in the own and in the spouse’s or partner’s family and children under legal guardianship ;


### 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 have the right to take paternity leave of at least ten working days within the first year of a child ' s life , preferably on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child .


### workers exercising their rights to take leave or to request flexible working arrangements provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal and any preparations for a possible dismissal on the grounds that they applied for , or have taken such leave or have exercised the right to request such flexible working arrangements . where workers consider that they have been dismissed on those grounds , they should be able to ask the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal . ### workers exercising their rights to take leave or to request flexible working arrangements provided for in this directive should enjoy protection from dismissal and any preparations for a possible dismissal on the grounds that they applied for , or have taken such leave or have exercised the right to request such flexible working arrangements . where workers consider that they have been dismissed on those grounds , they should be able to ask the employer to provide duly substantiated grounds for the dismissal in writing .


### 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 .


### 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 paternity leave for fathers 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 .


### “flexible working arrangements” means the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours . ### “employee - oriented flexible working arrangements” means the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns on a voluntary basis , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours .


### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means paid leave from work for fathers or an equivalent second parent as defined in national law to be taken on the occasion of the birth , stillbirth or adoption of a child ;


### &#8220 ; paternity leave ' means leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth of a child ; ### &#8220 ; paternity leave&#8221 ; means paid leave from work for fathers to be taken on the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child ;


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to carers ' leave of at least five working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the medical condition of the worker ' s relative . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to non - transferable carers ' leave of at least twelve working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the support needs of the person requiring such support .


### 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 .


### member states shall assess the need for the conditions of access and detailed arrangements for the application of parental leave to be adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents having a disability and parents with children with a disability or long - term illness . ### member states shall assess the need for arrangements needed to make sure the application of parental leave is adapted to the needs of adoptive parents , parents with a disability , parents with mental health problems and parents with children with a disability , a long - term illness or mental health problems .


### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be able to request flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , long periods of reduced working hours may lead to lower social security contributions translating into reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the ultimate decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer , specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires . ### in order to encourage working parents and carers to remain in the work force , those workers should be able to adapt their working schedules to their personal needs and preferences . working parents and carers should therefore be entitled to employee - oriented flexible working arrangements , meaning the possibility for workers to adjust their working patterns , including through the use of remote working arrangements , employee - oriented flexible working schedules , or a reduction in working hours , for caring purposes . in order to address the needs of workers and employers , it should be possible for member states to limit the duration of flexible working arrangements , including a reduction in working hours . while working part - time has been shown to be useful in allowing some women to remain in the labour market after having children , still a large percentage of female part - time work remains involuntary , partly due to caring responsibilities which leads to lower social security contributions and reduced or non - existing pension entitlements . the decision as to whether or not to accept a worker’s request for flexible working arrangements should lie with the employer who should justify the grounds of refusal in writing while providing options for alternative arrangements . specific circumstances underlying the need for flexible working arrangements can change . workers should therefore not only have the right to return to their original working patterns at the end of a given agreed period , but should also be able to request to do so at any time where a change in the underlying circumstances so requires .


### 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 .


### “parental leave” means leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ; ### “parental leave” means paid leave from work on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child ;


### where member states allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent , they shall ensure that at least four months of parental leave cannot be transferred . ### where member states allow one parent to transfer their parental leave entitlement to the other parent , they shall ensure that at least four months of parental leave cannot be transferred . where member states provide for more than four months’ parental leave , a limited amount of that leave might be transferable not only to the other parent , but also to persons who effectively take care of the child , such as working grandparents .


### when flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond to such requests , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers . ### when flexible working arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 are limited in duration , the worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period . the worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern whenever a change of circumstances so justifies . employers shall be obliged to consider and respond in writing to such requests , taking into account the needs of both employers and workers .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to carers ' leave of at least five working days per year , per worker . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the medical condition of the worker ' s relative . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to leave of at least twelve working days per year , per worker who informally provides care to relatives and / or other dependent persons . such right may be subject to appropriate substantiation of the needs for care of the worker ' s relative and / or other dependent persons . the information on the medical or mental condition or situation of loss of autonomy should be kept confidential and be shared only with a restricted number of involved services to safeguard the right to data protection of both the worker and the person in need of care .


### with a view to further improving the level of protection of rights provided for in this directive , national equality bodies should also be competent in the areas covered in this directive . ### with a view to further improving the level of protection of rights provided for in this directive , national equality and child rights bodies should also be competent in the areas covered in this directive .


### member states shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to 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 . member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that those penalties are applied . penalties shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . they may take the form of a fine . they may also comprise payment of compensation . ### member states shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to 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 . member states shall take all measures necessary to ensure that those penalties are applied . penalties shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . they shall take the form of a fine . they may also comprise payment of compensation .


### at the latest , by five years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive . ### at the latest , by three years after the entry into force of this directive , member states shall communicate to the commission all relevant information concerning the application of this directive necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of this directive .


### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in the labour market , making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings and pay . such policies should take into account demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population . ### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in the labour market , encouraging and making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings , pay and pensions . such policies should also focus on reducing gender stereotypes , recognising and redistributing care responsibilities , developing and implementing quality standards for all types of care services and should take into account demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population .


### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of gender equality by promoting the participation of women in the labour market , making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings and pay . such policies should take into account demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population . ### work - life balance policies should contribute to the achievement of equality of access to work by promoting the participation of women in the labour market and the participation of men in childcare , making it easier for men to share caring responsibilities on an equal basis with women , and closing gender gaps in earnings , pay and pensions . such policies should tackle negative demographic changes including the effects of an ageing population .


### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of member states to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating investment in the real economy . ### against this background , it is necessary to establish a structural reform support programme with the objective of strengthening the capacity of national and regional authorities to prepare and implement growth - enhancing administrative and structural reforms , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . the programme is intended to contribute to the achievement of common goals towards obtaining economic recovery , job creation , boosting europe ' s competitiveness and stimulating sustainable investment in the real economy .


### 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 .


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


### 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 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 .


### technical and operational assistance in the field of return , including the preparation and organisation of return operations . ### technical and operational assistance in the field of return , including the preparation and organisation of return operations in full respect of fundamental rights , due process and the principle of non - refoulement .


### 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 democratic third countries , within the framework of the external relations policy of the union , always with regard to migration and asylum obligations and commitments and under the condition of 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 .


### 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 .


### the european border and coast guard shall guarantee the protection of fundamental rights in the performance of its tasks under this regulation in accordance with relevant union law , in particular the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , relevant international law , including the convention relating to the status of refugees and obligations related to access to international protection , in particular the principle of non - refoulement . for that purpose , the agency shall draw up and further develop and implement a fundamental rights strategy . ### the european border and coast guard shall guarantee the protection of fundamental rights in the performance of its tasks under this regulation in accordance with relevant union law , in particular the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and relevant international law , including the european convention on human rights , the convention relating to the status of refugees and the convention on the rights of the child and obligations related to access to international protection , in particular with regards to the principle of non - refoulement . for that purpose , the agency shall draw up and further develop and implement a fundamental rights strategy , including effective mechanisms to both monitor and ensure the respect for fundamental rights and rule of law in all the activities of the agency .


### in the performance of its tasks the european border and coast guard shall ensure that no person is disembarked in , forced to enter , conducted to or otherwise handed over or returned to the authorities of a country in contravention of the principle of non - refoulement , or from which there is a risk of expulsion or return to another country in contravention of that principle . ### in the performance of its tasks the european border and coast guard shall ensure that no person is disembarked in , forced to enter , conducted to or otherwise handed over or returned to the authorities of a 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 in contravention of the principle of non - refoulement , or from which there is a risk of expulsion , removal , extradition or return to another country in contravention of that principle . for this purpose , safeguards shall be included before initiating operational cooperation with third countries , and in all operational plans .


### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop and deploy breakthrough and disruptive innovations , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market . ### the objective of the eic is to identify , develop and deploy disruptive innovations , which are high risk and / or require patient capital , and support the rapid scale - up of innovative firms , in particular smes and small start - ups , at eu and international levels along the pathway from ideas to market .


### the accelerator will allow for fast - track take - up of innovations stemming from pathfinder - supported projects from the pathfinder , from similar member states ' advanced research programmes ' and from other pillars of the eu framework programmes28 , in order to support them to reach the market . this identification of projects supported in other pillars of horizon europe and also previous framework programmes will be based on pertinent methodologies , such as the innovation radar . _________________ 28 such as erc proof of concept , from projects supported under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , startups emerging from the kics of the european institute of innovation and technology , … including from horizon 2020 activities , particularly project selected under horizon 2020 sme phase 2 and related seal of excellence financed by member states , european partnerships . ### the accelerator will allow for fast - track take - up of innovations stemming from pathfinder - supported projects from the pathfinder , from similar member states ' advanced research programmes ' and from the eit and other pillars of the eu framework programmes28 , in order to support them to reach the market . this identification of projects supported in other pillars of horizon europe and also previous framework programmes will be based on pertinent methodologies , such as the innovation radar . _________________ 28 such as erc proof of concept , from projects supported under the ' global challenges and industrial competitiveness ' pillar , startups emerging from the kics of the european institute of innovation and technology , … including from horizon 2020 activities , particularly project selected under horizon 2020 sme phase 2 and related seal of excellence financed by member states , european partnerships .


### international joint action will ensure effective tackling of global societal challenges and sustainable development goals , access to the world ' s best talents , expertise and resources , and enhanced supply and demand of innovative solutions . ### international joint action will ensure effective tackling of global societal challenges embodied by the sustainable development goals and the paris agreement , access to the world ' s best talents , expertise and resources , and enhanced supply and demand of innovative solutions .


### –accelerating regions towards excellence in countries that are modest or moderate innovators . ### –accelerating regions towards excellence in countries that are modest or moderate innovators in close cooperation with structural funds .


### space is of strategic importance ; around 10% of the eu ' s gdp depends on the use of space services . the eu has a world - class space sector , with a strong satellite manufacturing industry and a dynamic downstream services sector . space provides important tools for communication , navigation , and surveillance and opens up many business opportunities especially in combination with digital technologies and other sources of data . the eu must make the most of these opportunities by fully exploiting the potential of its space programmes copernicus , egnos and galileo , and by protecting space and ground infrastructures against threats from space . ### space is of strategic importance ; around 10% of the eu ' s gdp depends on the use of space services . the eu has a world - class space sector , with a strong satellite manufacturing industry and a dynamic downstream services sector . space provides important tools for communication , navigation , and surveillance and opens up many business opportunities especially in combination with digital technologies and other sources of data . the eu must make the most of these opportunities by fully exploiting the potential of its space programmes copernicus , egnos and galileo , thus encouraging the development of the downstream sector and the applications for the final users and by protecting space and ground infrastructures against threats from space .


### protecting people against cross - border health threats is a major challenge for public health , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level . this will involve prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance following a ' one health approach ' . ### protecting people against communicable diseases and cross - border health threats is a major challenge for public health , calling for effective international cooperation at eu and global level . this will involve prevention , preparedness , early detection , treatment and cure of infectious diseases , and also tackling antimicrobial resistance following a ' one health approach ' . a number of infectious diseases lack private sector r&i investment because of the lack of market incentives to invest in the prevention , treatment , and diagnosis of these often poverty - related diseases , calling for more ambitious public - sector investment .


### –circularity of the bio - based economy through technological , systemic , social and business model innovation to radically increase the value generated per unit of biological resources , keeping the value of such resources in the economy for longer and supporting the principle of the cascading use of sustainable biomass through research and innovation ; ### –circularity of the bio - based economy through technological , systemic , social and business model innovation to radically increase the value and utilisation of biological resources , keeping the value of such resources in a circular and resource efficient economy for longer time


### –support to implementation of the eu climate , energy and transport policies , transition to a low - carbon economy and strategies for decarbonisation towards 2050 ; analysis of integrated national climate and energy plans ; assessment of decarbonisation pathway in all sectors , including agriculture and land use land use change and forestry ; ### –support to implementation of the eu climate , energy and transport policies , transition to a net - zero ghg emission economy in consistency with the paris agreement by 2050 at the latest ; analysis of integrated national climate and energy plans ; assessment of decarbonisation pathway in all sectors , including agriculture and land use land use change and forestry ;


### in accordance with article 9of regulation &#8230 ; fp / rfp regulation , the financial envelope for the implementation of the specific programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 94 100 000 000 in current prices . ### in accordance with article 9of regulation &#8230 ; fp / rfp regulation , the financial envelope for the implementation of the specific programme for the period 2021 to 2027 shall be eur 120 000 000 000 in constant prices .


### –vehicle / vessel / aircraft concepts and designs , including their spare parts , using improved materials and structures , efficiency , energy storage and recovery , safety and security features with less environment and health impact . ### –vehicle / vessel / aircraft concepts and designs , including their spare parts , and software updates , using improved materials and structures , software solutions , efficiency , energy storage and recovery , safety and security features with less environment and health impact .


### –tools and technologies for applications across the health spectrum and any relevant medical indication , including functional impairment ; ### –tools and technologies and digital skills for applications across the health spectrum and any relevant medical indication , including functional impairment ;


### content of work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - design with stakeholders and the public where relevant ; ### content of relevant work programmes and their revision as needed for achieving the mission objectives , in co - design with stakeholders and the public where relevant ;


### –risk assessment , management and communication , supported by improved tools for evidence - based decision - making , including alternatives to animal testing ; ### –risk assessment , management and communication , including information sharing , supported by improved tools for evidence - based decision - making , including alternatives to animal testing ;


### cluster ' food and natural resources ' ### cluster ' sustainable food , environment and natural resources '


### –access to and sharing of cultural heritage , with innovative patterns and uses and participatory management models ; ### –access to and sharing of cultural heritage and its information , with innovative patterns and uses , including digital ones , and participatory management models ;


### –computing architectures and low - power processors for a wide range of applications including edge computing , digitisation of industry , big data and cloud , smart energy and connected and automated driving ; ### –computing architectures and low - power processors for a wide range of applications including edge computing , digitalisation of industry , automation and robotics big , data and cloud , smart energy and connected and automated driving ;


### –the use and delivery of ecosystems services in agriculture and forestry systems applying ecological approaches and testing nature - based solutions from farm to landscape levels for an environmentally friendly agriculture ; ### –the use and delivery of ecosystem functions in agriculture and forestry systems applying ecological approaches and testing nature - based solutions from farm to landscape levels for an environmentally friendly agriculture addressing challenges related to climate change , biodiversity loss , ecosystem degradation , agricultural pollution , and citizens’ health and well - being ; exploring multispecies , high biodiversity approaches to ensure resilience and stability in production systems ;


### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . as regards renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further , performance must improve , integration into the energy system must be improved and breakthrough technologies need to be developed . as regards fossil fuels , decarbonising their usage will be essential to meet the climate objectives . ### the eu aims to be world leader in affordable , secure and sustainable renewable energy technologies improving its competitiveness in global value chains and its position in growth markets . diverse climatic , geographical , environmental and socio - economic conditions in the eu as well as the need to save energy , ensure energy security and access to raw materials , dictate a broad portfolio of renewable energy solutions , including of non - technical nature . significant improvements need to be made on system integration . the energy transformation will challenge the eu to lead in developing solutions for an upgraded market design including the provision of grid and system services by renewables . the heating and cooling sector is still one of the most polluting sectors . the energy performance of buildings directive 2018 / 844 leads the way for accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels as source of energy supply to heating and cooling towards renewable energy technologies and solutions . to achieve the necessary deployment levels of renewable energy technologies , costs need to decrease further and performance must improve which requires support for incremental research in advanced technologies . furthermore , new breakthrough technologies need to be developed , while established technologies need to be improved . the phase - out of fossil fuels will be indispensable to meet the climate objectives . there is a pressing need to find solutions that further reduce entry barriers for renewables , including non - technical ones , in order to accelerate the market uptake of renewables .


### the eu will benefit as user and producer of technologies and industries showcasing how modern industrialised , sustainable inclusive , open and democratic society and economy can function and develop . the growing economic - environmental - social examples of the sustainable industrial economy of the future will be fostered and boosted , be they for : health and well - being for all ; or resilient inclusive and secure societies ; or available clean energy and mobility ; or a digitised economy and society ; or a transdisciplinary and creative industry ; or space marine or land - based solutions ; or food and nutrition solutions ; sustainable use of natural resources climate protection and adaptation , all generating wealth in europe and offering higher quality jobs . industrial transformation will be crucial . ### the eu will benefit as user and producer of knowledge and of climate - friendly technologies and energy - and resource - efficient industries . it can showcase how modern industrialised , inclusive , open and democratic society and economy can function and develop in a way that contributes to people’s well - being and without being detrimental to the climate . the growing economic - environmental - social examples of the net - zero ghg emission economy of the future will be fostered and boosted , be they for : health and well - being for all ; or inclusive and resilient societies ; or the efficient use of renewable energy and zero - emission mobility ; or a digitised economy and society ; or a transdisciplinary and creative industry ; or space , marine or land - based solutions ; or sustainable food and nutrition solutions ; minimised and efficient use of and recycling of natural resources , enhanced circular economy , protection of the environment , climate mitigation and adaptation , all generating sustainable and inclusive wealth in europe and offering higher quality jobs . industrial transformation away from fossil - based towards net zero ghg - emission industrial processes will be crucial .


### to make the digitised , circular , low - carbon and low - emission economy a reality , action is needed at eu level because of the complexity of value chains , the systemic and multi - disciplinary nature of the technologies and their high development costs , and the cross - sectoral nature of the problems to be addressed . the eu must ensure that all industrial players , and society at large , can benefit from advanced and clean technologies and digitisation . developing technologies alone will not suffice . industrially - oriented infrastructures , including pilot lines , will help set up eu businesses and in particular smes deploy these technologies and improve their innovation performance . ### to make the digitised , circular , net zero - ghg emission economy a reality , action is needed at eu level because of the complexity of value chains , the systemic and multi - disciplinary nature of the technologies and their high development costs , and the cross - sectoral nature of the problems to be addressed . the eu must ensure that all industrial players , and society at large , can benefit from advanced and sustainable technologies and digitisation . developing technologies alone will not suffice . new sustainable business models , industrially - oriented infrastructures , including pilot lines , will help set up eu businesses and in particular smes deploy these technologies and improve their innovation performance .


### activities will build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and sea - and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks ; ensure food and nutrition security , providing safe , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , low emission , low - carbon circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas . ### multi - and trans - disciplinary approaches utilising the expertise and experience of actors along value chains will be sought to build a knowledge base and deliver solutions to : protect sustainably manage and use natural resources from land and water and enhance the role of terrestrial and aquatic systems as carbon sinks with closed loop nutrient cycling and functional hydrological systems ; ensure food and nutrition security , sufficient for the union ' s needs and avoiding waste and overproduction , providing safe food and feed , healthy and nutritious diets ; accelerate the transition of food and farming systems towards agro - ecological approaches to benefit both conventional and organic agriculture ; support income diversification in rural areas ; accelerate the transition from a fossil - based linear economy to a resource efficient , resilient , net - zero ghg emission circular economy , and supporting the development of a sustainable bio - based economy and the blue economy ; and develop resilient and vibrant rural , coastal and urban areas .


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


### seas and oceans ' natural capital and ecosystem services offer significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human and natural stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to sustainably manage , protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems and prevent marine pollution , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . this will also include research to sustainably unlock the vast and unexploited economic potential of seas and oceans aiming at producing more food without increasing pressures on them , and also contribute to alleviate pressure on land , freshwater and ocean resources . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction . ### the sea oceans and inland waters’ rich biodiversity is the basis for all life on earth . it also offers significant socio - economic and welfare benefits . this potential is at risk because of the severe pressure from human stressors such as pollution , overfishing , climate change , sea - level rise other water use and extreme weather events . to prevent seas and oceans from reaching a point of no return , it is necessary to strengthen our knowledge and understanding in order to protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems to a good environmental status , prevent marine pollution and sustainably manage the resources we need , in a context of an improved and responsible ocean governance framework . there is a need for partnering approaches , including sea basin and macro - regional strategies , extending beyond the eu ; and for contributing to international ocean governance commitments , the sustainable development goals , initiatives like the united nations decade of ocean science for sustainable development and commitments linked to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction .


### 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 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 in a dedicated cluster ' food and natural resources ' 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 , prizes and procurements will be the types of financing under this decision . the type 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 .


### –industrial products that require low or zero carbon emissions production processes through the life cycle . ### –industrial products and materials that require net - zero ghg emissions in production , processes through the life cycle as well as their own energy consumption


### 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 .


### cluster ' inclusive and secure society ' ### cluster ' inclusive society '


### horizon europe ' s open innovation pillar , in cooperation with other eu policies and in particular the investeu programme , is designed to deliver such tangible results . it builds on lessons learned and on experience gained under the previous framework programmes , in particular from activities targeting future technologies and innovation and fast track to innovation ) , smes , but also private and corporate finance , all part of the ' eic pilot ' activities launched for the period 2018 - 2020 . ### horizon europe ' s innovative europe pillar , in cooperation with other eu policies and in particular the investeu programme , is designed to deliver such tangible results . it builds on lessons learned and on experience gained under the previous framework programmes , in particular from activities targeting future technologies and innovation and fast track to innovation ) , smes , but also private and corporate finance , all part of the ' eic pilot ' activities launched for the period 2018 - 2020 .


### the eic board will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme . ### the eic board , in consultation with the eit governing board , will provide recommendations to the commission regarding innovation trends or initiatives needed to enhance and foster the eu innovation ecosystem , including potential regulatory barriers . the board ' s advice should also identify emerging areas of innovation to be taken into account in the activities under the global challenges and industrial competitiveness pillar and missions . in this way , the board is expected to contribute to the overall coherence of the horizon europe programme .


### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to offer a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme . ### the eic will be implemented primarily through two complementary types of action , namely the eic pathfinder for advanced research , for the early stages of technology development , and the eic accelerator for innovation and market deployment actions , including the pre - mass commercialisation stages and company growth . with the idea to complement the eit in offering a single one - stop shop and a single process of support , the accelerator will also award blended finance , combining grants with equity investments . it will in addition also channel access to loans provided under the investeu programme .


### for each mission , a mission board may be established . it shall be composed of around 15 high level individuals including relevant end - users ' representatives . the mission board shall advise upon the following : ### for each mission , a mission board shall be established with the task of co - designing and implementation . it shall be composed of around 15 independent high - level individuals , including research experts in various fields and relevant end - users ' representatives . each mission committee shall be selected through a call for nominations or a call for expressions of interest . the mission board shall recommend and advise upon the following :