### proposed citizens ' initiatives which can be reasonably regarded as improper because they are abusive or devoid of seriousness will not be registered . ### the commission shall register a proposed initiative within two months following its receipt , provided that the following conditions are met : there are no manifest , significant inconsistencies between the linguistic versions of the title , subject - matter and objectives of the proposed initiative ; the initiative does not manifestly fall outside the scope of the commission’s power under the treaties to submit a proposal for the requested legal act ; the proposed initiative is neither abusive nor devoid of seriousness .


### aerodynamic devices and their installation in vehicles must be tested before being put on the market . to this end , member states are to issue certificates that will be recognised by other member states . ### aerodynamic devices and their installation in vehicles must be tested before being put on the market . to this end , member states may issue certificates if they so wish .


### the authorities responsible for enforcing road transport - related requirements note a high number of infringements , sometimes serious , particularly in relation to the weight of transport vehicles . this situation stems from the insufficient number of checks conducted under directive 96 / 53 / ec , or from their inefficiency . furthermore , the procedures and rules for checks differ between member states , creating legal uncertainty for drivers of vehicles operating in several member states of the union . furthermore , transporters that do not comply with the relevant rules enjoy a significant competitive advantage over competitors that do comply with the rules , and over other modes of transport . this situation constitutes an obstacle to the proper functioning of the internal market . it is therefore important that member states increase the pace of checks carried out , both the manual checks and the pre - selections for manual checks . ### the authorities responsible for enforcing road transport - related requirements note a high number of infringements , sometimes serious , particularly in relation to the weight of transport vehicles . relevant factors include , for example , checks conducted under directive 96 / 53 / ec , or their inefficiency . furthermore , the procedures and rules for checks differ between member states , and transporters that do not comply with the relevant rules enjoy a significant competitive advantage over competitors that do comply with the rules , and over other modes of transport . this situation constitutes an obstacle to the proper functioning of the internal market . it is therefore up to member states , if they so wish , to increase the pace of checks carried out , both the manual checks and the pre - selections for manual checks .


### the observation of a high number of infringements of the provisions of directive 96 / 53 / ec is to a large extent due to the non - deterrent level of penalties prescribed by member states’ legislation for violations of these rules , or even the absence of any such penalties . this weak point is further compounded by the wide variety in the levels of administrative penalties applicable in the different member states . to remedy these weak points , the levels and categories of administrative penalties for infringements of directive 96 / 53 / ec should be approximated at union level . these administrative penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . ### the observation of a high number of infringements of the provisions of directive 2002 / 7 / ec is to a large extent due to the non - deterrent level of penalties prescribed by member states’ legislation for violations of these rules , or even the absence of any such penalties . this weak point is further compounded by the wide variety in the levels of administrative penalties applicable in the different member states . to remedy these weak points , the levels and categories of administrative penalties for infringements of directive 2002 / 7 / ec should be approximated at union level . these administrative penalties should be effective , proportionate and dissuasive .


### the member states shall establish a system for pre - selecting and targeting checks on vehicles or combinations of vehicles in circulation , in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this directive . ### the member states may establish a system for pre - selecting and targeting checks on vehicles or combinations of vehicles in circulation , in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this directive .


### union financial markets are highly integrated and interconnected with many credit institutions operating extensively beyond national borders . the failure of a cross - border credit institution is likely to affect the stability of financial markets in the different member states in which it operates . the inability of member states to seize control of a failing credit institution and resolve it in a way that effectively prevents broader systemic damage can undermine member states ' mutual trust and the credibility of the internal market in the field of financial services . the stability of financial markets is , therefore , an essential condition for the establishment and functioning of the internal market . ### union financial markets are highly integrated and interconnected with many credit institutions operating extensively beyond national borders . the failure of a cross - border credit institution is likely to affect the stability of financial markets in the different member states in which it operates . the inability of member states to seize control of a failing credit institution and resolve it in a way that effectively prevents broader systemic damage can undermine member states ' mutual trust and taxpayers’ confidence in the internal market in the field of financial services . the stability of financial markets is , therefore , an essential condition for the establishment and functioning of the internal market .


### resolution planning is an essential component of effective resolution . authorities should have all the information necessary in order to plan how the essential functions of an institution or of a cross - border group may be isolated from the rest of the business and transferred in order to ensure the preservation and continuance of essential functions . the requirement to prepare a resolution plan should , however , be simplified , reflecting the systemic importance of the institution or group . ### resolution planning is an essential component of effective resolution . authorities should have all the information necessary in order to plan how the essential functions of an institution or of a cross - border group may be isolated from the rest of the business and transferred in order to ensure the preservation and continuance of essential functions . the requirement to prepare a resolution plan should , however , be proportionate to the systemic importance of the institution or group .


### member states shall ensure that the institutions update their recovery plans at least annually or after change to the legal or organisational structure of the institution , its business or its financial situation , which could have a material effect on , or necessitates a change to the recovery plan . competent authorities may require institutions to update their recovery plans more frequently . ### member states shall ensure that the institutions update their recovery plans at least annually or after change to the legal or organisational structure of the institution , its business or its financial situation , which could have a material effect on , or necessitates a change to the recovery plan . competent authorities may require institutions to update their recovery plans more frequently should this be necessary for the stability of the financial markets .


### the resolution authority shall ensure that the documents providing proof of the instruments referred to in paragraph 4 are sent to the known shareholders and creditors of the institution under resolution . ### the resolution authority shall ensure that the documents providing proof of the instruments referred to in paragraph 4 are sent in good time to the known shareholders and creditors of the institution under resolution .


### employees or former employees of the authorities referred to in points and ; ### employees or former employees of the authorities referred to in points , and ;


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 2 , 4 , 28 , 37 , 39 , 43 , 86 , 94 , 97 and 98 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 2 , 4 , 28 , 37 , 39 , 43 , 86 , 94 , 97 and 98 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of three months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### such disparities are liable to constitute a barrier to trade and to impede the operation of the internal market in tobacco products , and should therefore be eliminated . also , consumers in some member states may be better informed about the health risks of tobacco products than in others . without further action at union level , the existing disparities are likely to increase in the coming years . ### such disparities are liable to constitute a barrier to trade and to impede the operation of the internal market in tobacco products , and should therefore be eliminated . also , consumers in some member states may be better informed about the health risks of tobacco products than in others . without further harmonising action at union level , the existing disparities are likely to increase in the coming years .


### in order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy , provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package , including the opening mechanism . the package and the products may mislead consumers , in particular young people , suggesting that products are less harmful . for instance , this is the case with certain texts or features , such as ‘ low - tar’ , ‘ light’ , ‘ ultra - light’ , ‘ mild’ , ' natural ' , ' organic ' , ‘ without additives’ , ‘ without flavours’ , ' slim ' , names , pictures , and figurative or other signs . likewise , the size and appearance of individual cigarettes can mislead consumers by creating the impression that they are less harmful . a recent study has also shown that smokers of slim cigarettes were more likely to believe that their own brand might be less harmful . this should be addressed . ### in order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy , provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package , including the opening mechanism . the package and the products could , under certain circumstances , convey the impression to consumers , in particular young people , that products are less harmful . for instance , this is the case with certain texts or features , such as ‘ low - tar’ , ‘ light’ , ‘ ultra - light’ , ‘ mild’ , ‘ natural’ , ‘ organic’ , ‘ without additives’ , ‘ without flavours’ , ‘ slim’ , names , pictures , and figurative or other signs .


### in order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy , provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package , including the opening mechanism . the package and the products may mislead consumers , in particular young people , suggesting that products are less harmful . for instance , this is the case with certain texts or features , such as ‘ low - tar’ , ‘ light’ , ‘ ultra - light’ , ‘ mild’ , ' natural ' , ' organic ' , ‘ without additives’ , ‘ without flavours’ , ' slim ' , names , pictures , and figurative or other signs . likewise , the size and appearance of individual cigarettes can mislead consumers by creating the impression that they are less harmful . a recent study has also shown that smokers of slim cigarettes were more likely to believe that their own brand might be less harmful . this should be addressed . ### in order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy , provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package , including the opening mechanism . the package and the products may mislead consumers , in particular young people , suggesting that products are less harmful . this is the case , inter alia , with certain forms of wording or features , such as ‘ low - tar’ , ‘ light’ , ‘ ultra - light’ , ‘ mild’ , ' natural ' , ' organic ' , ‘ without additives’ , ‘ without flavours’ , ' slim ' , names , pictures , and figurative or other signs . likewise , the size and appearance of individual cigarettes can mislead consumers by creating the false impression that they are less harmful . a recent study has also shown that smokers of slim cigarettes were more likely to believe that their own brand might be less harmful . this should be addressed as a matter of urgency .


### member states apply different rules on minimum number of cigarettes per packet . those rules should be aligned in order to ensure free circulation of the concerned products . ### member states apply different rules on minimum number of cigarettes per packet . those rules should be aligned in order to ensure easy cost comparisons for the consumer and the free circulation of the concerned products .


### all tobacco products have the potential to cause mortality , morbidity and disability and their consumption should be contained . it is therefore important to monitor developments as regards novel tobacco products . a notification obligation for novel tobacco products should be put on manufacturers and importers , without prejudice to the power of the member states to ban or to authorise them . the commission should monitor the development and submit a report 5 years after the transposition deadline of this directive , in order to assess whether amendments to this directive are necessary . ### all tobacco products have the potential to cause mortality , morbidity and disability and their consumption should be contained . it is therefore important to monitor developments as regards novel tobacco products . a notification obligation for novel tobacco products should be put on manufacturers and importers , without prejudice to the power of the member states to ban or to authorise them . the commission should monitor the development and submit a report 3 years after the transposition deadline of this directive , in order to assess whether amendments to this directive are necessary .


### a member state that deems it necessary to maintain more stringent national provisions for aspects falling inside the scope of this directive should be allowed to do so , for all products alike , on grounds of overriding needs relating to the protection of public health . a member state should also be allowed to introduce more stringent provisions , applying to all products alike , on grounds relating to the specific situation of this member state and provided the provisions are justified by the need to protect public health . more stringent national provisions should be necessary and proportionate , not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states . stricter national provisions require prior notification to , and approval from , the commission taking into account the high level of health protection achieved through this directive . ### a member state that deems it necessary to maintain more stringent national provisions for aspects falling inside the scope of this directive should be allowed to do so , for all products alike , on grounds of overriding needs relating to the protection of public health . a member state should also be allowed to introduce more stringent provisions , applying to all products alike , on grounds relating to the specific situation of this member state and provided the provisions are justified by the need to protect public health . more stringent national provisions should be necessary and proportionate , not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states . stricter national provisions require prior notification to , and approval from , the commission taking into account the high level of health protection achieved through this directive . one example of a means of arbitrary discrimination is the rule that the surface covered by warnings be raised to over 60% . the aim of this directive is to introduce uniform packaging and labelling requirements , so strict criteria must be applied regarding the leeway for member states to adopt standards that diverge considerably from the rules established in this directive .


### member states should ensure that personal data are only processed in accordance with the rules and safeguards laid down in directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data45 . ### member states should ensure that personal data are only processed in accordance with the rules and safeguards laid down in directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data45 . national data protection provisions must also be taken into account .


### the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and council . ### the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of all relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . '


### this instrument should be implemented in full respect with the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### does not affect the english version


### in order to supplement or amend provisions in this instrument regarding the definition of strategic union priorities , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission which should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and council . ### does not affect the english version


### the resources allocated to member states for implementation through their national programmes should be distributed on the basis of clear and objective criteria relating to the public goods to be protected by member states and the degree of their financial capacity to ensure a high level of internal security , such as the size of their population , their territorial size , the number of passengers and cargo processed through international air and seaports , the number of european critical infrastructure and their gross domestic product . ### the resources allocated to member states for implementation through their national programmes should be distributed on the basis of clear , objective and measurable criteria relating to the public goods to be protected by member states and the degree of their financial capacity to ensure a high level of internal security , such as the size of their population , their territorial size , the number of passengers and cargo processed through international air and seaports , the number of european critical infrastructure and their gross domestic product .


### the achievement of this objective shall be measured against indicators such as , inter alia , the number of cross - border - joint operations and the number of best practice documents and events organised . ### the achievement of this objective shall be measured against indicators such as , inter alia , the number of cross - border - joint operations , the detection rate for cross - border organised crime and the number of best practice documents and events organised .


### projects enhancing awareness of union policies and objectives among stakeholders and the general public , including corporate communication on the political priorities of the union ; ### projects enhancing awareness of these policies among stakeholders and the general public ;


### based on article 122 of the treaty providing the possibility of granting union financial assistance to a member state in difficulties or seriously threatened with severe difficulties caused by exceptional occurrences beyond its control , council regulation no 407 / 2010 of 11 may 2010 establishing a european financial stabilisation mechanism has established such a mechanism with a view to preserving the financial stability of the union . ### based on article 122 of the treaty and on council regulation no 407 / 2010 of 11 may 2010 establishing a european financial stabilisation mechanism , the possibility has been provided of granting financial assistance to a member state experiencing serious financial difficulties arising from the global economic crisis , in order to safeguard the financial stability of the european union .


### directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross - border healthcare sets up a network of national authorities responsible for ehealth . to enhance safety and the continuity of cross - border healthcare , the network is required to produce guidelines on cross - border access to electronic health data and services , including by supporting ‘ common identification and authentication measures to facilitate transferability of data in cross - border healthcare’ . mutual recognition and acceptance of electronic identification and authentication is key to make cross border healthcare for european citizens a reality . when people travel for treatment , their medical data needs to be accessible in the country of treatment . this requires a solid , safe and trusted electronic identification framework . ### directive 2011 / 24 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 9 march 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross - border healthcare sets up a network of national authorities responsible for ehealth . to enhance safety and the continuity of cross - border healthcare , the network is required to produce guidelines on cross - border access to electronic health data and services , including by supporting ‘ common identification and authentication measures to facilitate transferability of data in cross - border healthcare’ . mutual recognition and acceptance of electronic identification and authentication is key to make cross - border healthcare for european citizens a reality . when people travel for treatment , their medical data need to be accessible in the country of treatment . this requires a solid , safe and trusted electronic identification framework that should be such as to rule out infringement of current consumer and data protection standards .


### supervisory bodies should cooperate and exchange information with data protection authorities to ensure proper implementation of data protection legislation by service providers . the exchange of information should in particular cover security incidents and personal data breaches . ### supervisory bodies should cooperate and exchange information with data protection authorities to ensure proper implementation of data and consumer protection legislation by service providers . the exchange of information should in particular cover security incidents and personal data breaches .


### all member states should follow common essential supervision requirements to ensure a comparable security level of qualified trust services . to ease the consistent application of these requirements across the union , member states should adopt comparable procedures and should exchange information on their supervision activities and best practices in the field . ### all member states should follow common essential supervision requirements to ensure a comparable security and data protection level of qualified trust services . to ensure the consistent application of these requirements across the union , member states should adopt comparable procedures and should exchange information on their supervision activities and best practices in the field .


### ' alternative dispute resolution procedure ' means a procedure for the out - of - court resolution of a dispute through the intervention of a dispute resolution entity which proposes or imposes a solution or brings the parties together with the aim of facilitating an amicable solution ; ### ' alternative dispute resolution procedure ' means a procedure for the out - of - court resolution of a dispute through the intervention of a dispute resolution entity which adopts a decision binding or non - binding on the parties or brings the parties together with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement ;


### proposing , based on the information contained in the electronic complaint form , one or more competent adr entities to the parties and providing information on their fees , if applicable , the language or languages in which the procedure will be conducted , the approximate length of the procedures or informing the complainant party that based on the information submitted , no competent adr entity could be identified ; ### proposing , based on the information contained in the electronic complaint form , one or more competent adr entities to the parties and providing information on their fees , if applicable , the language or languages in which the procedure will be conducted , the approximate length of the procedures or informing the complainant party that based on the information submitted , no competent adr entity could be identified ; the competent adr entities shall established on the basis of the place of residence of the parties or of their habitual place of residence on the territory of a member state ;


### the need for the physical presence of the parties or of their representatives , if applicable ; ### the need for the physical presence of the parties or of their representatives , if applicable , and an indication of whether the dispute can be settled without the parties or their representatives being physically present in cases where the places of residence or of habitual residence of the parties are in different member states ;


### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . these warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed . ### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the information message and , where applicable , the general warning shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed .


### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . these warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed . ### for cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets . these warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm . for roll - your - own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet . both the general warning and the information message shall cover 20 % of the surface on which they are printed .


### width : not less than 55 mm . ### width : not less than 42 mm .


### the text warning referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover 40 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 45 % for member states with two official languages and 50 % for member states with three official languages . ### the text warning referred to in paragraph 1 shall cover at least 20 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that minimum proportion shall be increased to 25 % for member states with two official languages and 30 % for member states with three official languages .


### cover 30 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 32 % for member states with two official languages and 35 % for member states with three official languages . ### cover 15 % of the external area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 18 % for member states with two official languages and 20 % for member states with three official languages .


### the health warning shall comply with the requirements laid down in article 10 . it shall cover not less than 30 % of the area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and of any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 32 % for member states with two official languages and 35 % for member states with three official languages . ### the health warning shall comply with the requirements laid down in article 10 . it shall cover not less than 15 % of the area of the corresponding surface of the unit packet and of any outside packaging . that proportion shall be increased to 18 % for member states with two official languages and 20 % for member states with three official languages .


### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers who cease their activities and farmers who change or adjust their activities to a new market situation following trade agreements , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation . ### redundant workers should have equal access to the egf independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship . therefore , workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner - managers of micro and small enterprises and self - employed workers who are forced to cease their activities , should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this regulation .


### financial contributions from the egf should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating redundant workers rapidly into employment , either within or outside their initial sector of activity , including the agricultural sector . the inclusion of pecuniary allowances in a coordinated package of personalised services should therefore be restricted . ### financial contributions from the egf should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating redundant workers rapidly into employment , either within or outside their initial sector of activity . the inclusion of pecuniary allowances , even in coordinated packages of personalised services , should therefore be ruled out .


### when drawing up the coordinated package of active labour market policy measures , member states should favour measures that will significantly contribute to the employability of the redundant workers . member states should strive towards the reintegration into employment or new activities of at least 50 % of the targeted workers within 12 months of the date of application . ### when drawing up the coordinated package of active labour market policy measures , member states should favour measures that will significantly contribute to the employability of the redundant workers . member states should strive towards the reintegration into employment or new activities , which should be long term if at all possible , of at least 50 % of the targeted workers within 12 months of the date of application .


### actions benefiting from financial contributions by the fund pursuant to article 2 and shall aim to ensure that a minimum of 50 % of workers participating in these actions find stable employment within a year from the date of application . ### actions benefiting from financial contributions by the fund pursuant to article 2 and shall aim to ensure that a minimum of 50 % of workers participating in these actions find long - term , stable employment within a year from the date of application .


### ' a worker ' means owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers and all members of the household active in the business , provided that , if farmers , they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented . ### ' a worker ' means owner - managers of micro and small enterprises and self - employed workers .


### where owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers change or , in the case of farmers , adjust their previous activities , such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this regulation . ### where owner - managers of micro and small enterprises and self - employed workers cease their previous activities , such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this regulation .


### for owner - managers of micro , small and medium - sized enterprises and self - employed workers , the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions , or from the date specified by the commission in the delegated act adopted in accordance with the article 4 . ### for owner - managers of micro and small enterprises and self - employed workers , the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in article 2 , and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions .


### special time - limited measures , such as job - search allowances , employers ' recruitment incentives , mobility allowances , subsistence or training allowances , all of which limited to the duration of the documented active job search or life - long learning or training activities ; ### special time - limited measures , such as job - search allowances , employers ' recruitment incentives , mobility allowances , subsistence or training allowances , all of which limited to the duration of the documented active job search activities ;


### assistance under this regulation should be provided in accordance with the enlargement policy framework defined by the union for each beneficiary country reflected in the annual enlargement package of the commission , which includes the progress reports and the enlargement strategy , in the stabilisation and association agreements and in the european or accession partnerships . assistance should mainly focus on a limited number of policy areas that will help beneficiary countries strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality and non - discrimination . it should also enhance their economic and social development , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda in line with the europe 2020 strategy and to align progressively with the copenhagen criteria . the coherence between the financial assistance and the overall progress made in the implementation of the pre - accession strategy should be strengthened . ### assistance under this regulation should be provided in accordance with the enlargement policy framework defined by the union for each beneficiary country reflected in the annual enlargement package of the commission , which includes the progress reports and the enlargement strategy , in the stabilisation and association agreements and in the european or accession partnerships . assistance should mainly focus on a limited number of policy areas that will help beneficiary countries strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law , reform the judiciary and public administration , respect fundamental rights and combat illegal immigration into the eu . it should also enhance their economic and social development , underpinning a smart , sustainable and inclusive growth agenda in line with the europe 2020 strategy and to align progressively with the copenhagen criteria . the coherence between the financial assistance and the overall progress made in the implementation of the pre - accession strategy should be strengthened . assistance must be restructured in the event of persistent problems with the implementation of the pre - accession strategy , above all in respect of the union ' s fundamental principles .


### candidate countries and potential candidates need to be better prepared to withstand global challenges , such as sustainable development and climate change , and align with the union’s efforts to address these issues . union assistance under this regulation should also contribute to the goal of raising the climate - related proportion of the union budget to at least 20 % . ### candidate countries need to be better prepared to withstand global challenges , such as sustainable development , and align with the union’s efforts to address these issues .


### the objectives of the assistance should be defined in indicative country and multi–country strategy papers established by the commission for the duration of the union’s multi - annual financial framework in partnership with the beneficiary countries , based on their specific needs and enlargement agenda . the strategy papers should identify the policy areas for assistance and , without prejudice to the prerogatives of the budgetary authority , lay down the indicative allocations of funds per policy area , broken down per year , including an estimate of climate related expenditure . sufficient flexibility should be built in to cater for emerging needs and to give incentives to improve performance . the strategy papers should ensure coherence and consistency with the efforts of beneficiary countries as reflected in their national budgets and should take into account the support provided by other donors . in order to take into account internal and external developments , the multiannual indicative strategy papers should be revised as appropriate . ### the objectives of the assistance should be defined in indicative country and multi–country strategy papers established by the commission for the duration of the union’s multi - annual financial framework in partnership with the beneficiary countries , based on their specific needs and enlargement agenda . the strategy papers should identify the policy areas for assistance and , without prejudice to the prerogatives of the budgetary authority , lay down the indicative allocations of funds per policy area , broken down per year . sufficient flexibility should be built in to cater for emerging needs and to give incentives to improve performance . the strategy papers should ensure coherence and consistency with the efforts of beneficiary countries as reflected in their national budgets and should take into account the support provided by other donors . in order to take into account internal and external developments , the multiannual indicative strategy papers should be revised as appropriate .


### assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to decentralised management delegated to the beneficiary countries should be progressive and in line with each beneficiary country’s capacities . ### assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre - accession process . in the short term the transition from direct management of pre - accession funds by the commission to decentralised management delegated to the beneficiary countries should not take place , and should be degressive in the event of a deterioration in capacities .


### promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , enhanced respect for minority rights , promotion of gender equality , non - discrimination and freedom of the press , and promotion of good neighbourly relations ; ### promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , enhanced respect for minority rights , promotion of freedom of the press , and promotion of good neighbourly relations ;


### social and economic inclusion , in particular of minorities and vulnerable groups ; ### social and economic inclusion , in particular of minorities ;


### the financial reference amount for the implementation of this regulation for the period from 2014 to 2020 shall be eur&#160 ; 14&#160 ; 110&#160 ; 100&#160 ; 000 . up to 3% of the financial reference amount shall be allocated to cross - border cooperation programmes between beneficiary countries and eu member states . ### the financial reference amount for the implementation of this regulation for the period from 2014 to 2020 shall be eur&#160 ; 10&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 . up to 3% of the financial reference amount shall be allocated to cross - border cooperation programmes between beneficiary countries and eu member states .


### accordingly , the stockholm programme16 puts the citizen at the heart of european policies in the field of freedom , security and justice . it focuses its actions on ‘ building a citizen ' s europe’ , including by ensuring the full exercise of the citizens ' right to free movement . ### accordingly , the stockholm programme16 puts the citizen at the heart of european policies in the field of freedom , security and justice . it focuses its actions on ‘ building a citizen ' s europe’ , including by ensuring the full exercise of the citizens ' right to free movement , and it contributes to the realisation of the objectives of the europe 2020 strategy , to the extent that facilitating free movement and workers ' mobility is an important means to address the consequences of demographic change on the labour market and increasing the employability of people and the competitiveness of european industries .


### the general purpose of the european year shall be to enhance awareness of the rights attached to union citizenship , in order to help citizens make full use of their right to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states . in this context , the european year shall focus , among others , on the opportunities for civic participation and access to rights by union citizens residing in another member state than their own , by students , workers , consumers , and providers of goods and services across the union . ### the general purpose of the european year shall be to facilitate the exercise of european union citizens ' right to move and reside within the european union , by raising their awareness about this right , and , more broadly , about the right available to them across national borders . in this context , the european year shall focus , among others , on the opportunities for civic participation and access to rights by union citizens residing in another member state than their own , by students , workers , consumers , and providers of goods and services across the union . it will thus serve to highlight the concrete benefits of union citizenship for individuals and the importance of their participation in shaping the european project as well as , indirectly , to enhance europeans ' sense of belonging to the european union . the european year delivers on to the commission ' s political objective to put at the heart of the european union policy agenda and to help union become a tangible reality in their daily lives , by giving real effect to their rights .


### the commission shall convene meetings of representatives of european organisations or bodies active in the field of defending citizens ' rights and stakeholders to assist the commission in implementing the european year at union level . ### the commission shall convene meetings of representatives of european organisations or bodies active in the field of defending citizens ' rights and stakeholders to assist the commission in implementing the european year at union level . a media based information campaign should be organised which will be based on a horizontal strategy and a small number of specific communication strategies for specific target groups . also a range of events , conferences and seminars should be organised across the union at union , national , regional or local level .


### operators should have a right to appeal against the decisions taken by the competent authorities , and be informed of such a right . ### operators have the right to appeal against the decisions taken by the competent authorities . the competent authorities must inform operators of this right .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 139 concerning the establishment of requirements , responsibilities and tasks for the european union reference laboratories , the european union reference centres for plant reproductive material and the european union reference centres for animal welfare in addition to those laid down in articles 91 , 92 , 93 , 95 and 96 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 139 concerning the establishment of requirements , responsibilities and tasks for the european union reference laboratories and the european union reference centres for animal welfare in addition to those laid down in articles 91 , 92 , 95 and 96 .


### european union reference laboratories and european union reference centres shall be subject to commission controls to verify compliance with the requirements of articles 91 , 92 , 93 , 95 and 96 . ### european union reference laboratories and european union reference centres shall be subject to commission controls to verify compliance with the requirements of articles 91 , 92 , 95 and 96 .


### where , in cases other than those referred to in article 53 of regulation no&#160 ; 178 / 2002 , article 249 of regulation no xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number of the regulation on animal health ] and in articles 27 , 29 , 40 , 41 , 47 , 49 and 50 of regulation no xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number of the regulation on protective measures against pests of plants ] , there is evidence that the entry into the union of certain animals or goods originating from a third country , a region thereof or a group of third countries , may pose a risk to human , animal or plant health or , as regards gmos and plant protection products , to the environment , or where there is evidence that widespread serious non - compliance with the rules referred to in article 1 might be taking place , the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the measures necessary to contain such risk or put an end to the identified non - compliance . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 141 . ### where , in cases other than those referred to in article 53 of regulation no 178 / 2002 , article 249 of regulation no xxx / xxxx [ office of publications , please insert number of the regulation on animal health ] there is evidence that the entry into the union of certain animals or goods originating from a third country , a region thereof or a group of third countries , may pose a risk to human or animal health or , as regards gmos and plant protection products , to the environment , or where there is evidence that widespread serious non - compliance with the rules referred to in article 1 might be taking place , the commission shall adopt , by means of implementing acts , the measures necessary to contain such risk or put an end to the identified non - compliance . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 141 .


### the different stages of production , processing and distribution , and the possible risks to human health , and where appropriate to the health of animals and plants , to the welfare of animals , to the environment , and to the identity and quality of plant reproductive material . ### the different stages of production , processing and distribution , and the possible risks to human health , and where appropriate to the health of animals , to the welfare of animals , and to the environment .


### the agency should provide training , including on fundamental rights , at european level for national instructors of border guards and additional training and seminars related to control and surveillance at the external borders and removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states for officers of the competent national services . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency’s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards . ### the agency should provide training , including on effective denial of admission to or apprehension of people crossing the border illegally , while respecting fundamental rights , at european level for national instructors of border guards and additional training and seminars related to control and surveillance at the external borders and removal of third - country nationals illegally present in the member states for officers of the competent national services . the agency may organise training activities in cooperation with member states on their territory . member states should integrate the results of the agency’s work in this perspective in the national training programs of their border guards .


### the agency shall establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to fundamental rights and access to international protection . ### the agency shall establish and further develop common core curricula for border guards ' training and provide training at european level for instructors of the national border guards of member states , including with regard to effective denial of admission to or apprehension of people crossing the border illegally , while respecting fundamental rights .


### a single bank resolution fund is an essential element without which a single resolution mechanism could not work properly . different systems of national funding would distort the application of uniform bank resolution rules in the internal market . the fund should help to ensure a uniform administrative practice in the financing of resolution and to avoid the creation of obstacles for the exercise of fundamental freedoms or the distortion of competition in the internal market due to divergent national practices . the fund should be financed directly by banks and should be pooled at union level so that the resolution resources can be objectively allocated across member states thus increasing financial stability and limiting the link between the perceived fiscal position of individual member states and the funding costs of banks and undertakings operating in those member states . ### a single bank resolution fund is an essential element without which a single resolution mechanism could not work properly . different systems of national funding would distort the application of uniform bank resolution rules in the internal market . the fund should help to ensure a uniform administrative practice in the financing of resolution and to avoid the creation of obstacles for the exercise of fundamental freedoms or the distortion of competition in the internal market due to divergent national practices . the fund should be financed directly by banks and should be pooled at union level so that the resolution resources can be objectively allocated across member states thus increasing financial stability , contributing to growth in the internal market and limiting the link between the perceived fiscal position of individual member states and the costs of financing failing banks and undertakings operating in those member states .


### no decision of the board or the commission shall require member states to provide extraordinary public financial support . ### no decision of the board or the commission shall require member states to provide direct public financial support other than through the use of resources from the fund established under this regulation .


### an estimation of the timeframe for executing each material aspect of the plan ; ### an estimation of the timeframe , and of the likelihood of success , for executing each material aspect of the plan ;


### an explanation by the resolution authority as to how the resolution options could be financed without the assumption of any extraordinary public financial support ; ### a precise and clear explanation by the resolution authority as to how the resolution options could be financed without the assumption of any public financial support other than through the use of resources from the fund established under this regulation ;


### resolution plans shall be reviewed , and where appropriate updated , at least annually and after any changes to the legal or organisational structure of the institution or to its business or its financial position that could have a material effect on or require a change to the plan . ### resolution plans shall be reviewed , and where appropriate updated , at least annually and after any changes to the legal or organisational structure of the institution or to its business or its financial position , or any changes in national and / or eu - level law , that could have a material effect on or require a change to the plan .


### a valuation that does not comply with all the requirements laid down in this article shall be considered as provisional until an independent person has carried out a valuation that is fully compliant with all the requirements set out in this article . that ex post definitive valuation shall be carried out as soon as practicable . ### a valuation that does not comply with all the requirements laid down in this article shall be considered as provisional until an independent and impartial person has carried out a valuation that is fully compliant with all the requirements set out in this article . that ex post definitive valuation shall be carried out as soon as practicable .


### the appointment , removal or replacement of evaluators , administrators , accountants , lawyers and other professionals that may be necessary to assist the national resolution authority , and on the performance of their duties ; ### the appointment , removal or replacement of evaluators , administrators , accountants , lawyers and other professionals where this might be needed to assist the national resolution authority , and on the more effective performance of its duties ;


### any other matter that may be referred to by the board ; ### any other matter that may be referred to by the board in relation to the resolution procedure ;


### due to the specific tasks of the board , national parliaments of the participating member states , through their own procedures , may request the board to reply in writing to any observations or questions submitted by them to the board in respect of the functions of the board under this regulation . ### due to the specific tasks of the board , national parliaments of the participating member states , through their own procedures , may request the board to reply in writing to any observations or questions submitted by them to the board in respect of the functions of the board under this regulation . the board , for its part , shall undertake to submit its replies to the national parliaments of the participating member states within a reasonable time .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 62 , 65 , 66 , 67 and 70 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 62 , 65 , 66 , 67 and 70 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of three months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### sst services shall be provided to member states , the council , the commission , the eeas , public and private spacecraft operators , and public authorities concerned with civil protection . the sst services shall be provided in compliance with the provisions on the use and exchange of sst data and information set out in article 9 . ### sst services shall be provided to member states , the council , the commission , the eeas , public and private spacecraft operators , and public authorities concerned with civil protection . they may also be provided to states which do not belong to the union , provided that parliament consents to an agreement to this effect . the sst services shall be provided in compliance with the provisions on the use and exchange of sst data and information set out in article 9 .


### participating member states , the eusc , and the commission shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from the lack or interruption of the provision of sst services , a delay in the provision thereof or the inaccuracy of the information provided through the sst services . ### participating member states , the eusc , and the commission , as well as organisations which they contract to provide sst services , shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from the lack or interruption of the provision of sst services , a delay in the provision thereof or the inaccuracy of the information provided through the sst services .


### in order to prevent the general impairment of quality of service for internet access services or to safeguard the ability of end - users to access and distribute content or information or to run applications and services of their choice , national regulatory authorities shall have the power to impose minimum quality of service requirements on providers of electronic communications to the public . ### in order to prevent the general impairment of quality of service for internet access services or to safeguard the ability of end - users to access and distribute content or information or to run applications and services of their choice , national regulatory authorities shall have the power to impose minimum quality of service requirements on providers of electronic communications to the public . the following shall apply with regard to these minimum requirements :


### actually available data speed for download and upload in the end - user ' s member state of residence , including at peak - hours ; ### actually available data speed for download and upload in the end - user ' s member state of residence , including at peak - hours ; reference shall be made where appropriate to negative regional variations owing to lower technological quality of the network ;


### the level of applicable data volume limitations , if any ; the prices for increasing the available data volume on an ad hoc or lasting basis ; the data speed , and its cost , available after full consumption of the applicable data volume , if limited ; and the means for end - users to monitor at any moment the current level of their consumption ; ### the level of applicable data volume limitations , if any ; the services and specialised services included in the data volume ; the prices for increasing the available data volume on an ad hoc or lasting basis ; the data speed , and its cost , available after full consumption of the applicable data volume , if limited ; and the means for end - users to monitor at any moment the current level of their consumption ;


### the information shall be published in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible form in the official language of the member state where the service is offered , and be updated regularly . the information shall , on request , be supplied to the relevant national regulatory authorities in advance of its publication . any differentiation in the conditions applied to consumers and other end - users shall be made explicit . ### the information shall be published in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible form by means of a standardised customer information notice in the official language of the member state where the service is offered , and be updated regularly . the information shall , on request , be supplied to the relevant national regulatory authorities in advance of its publication . any differentiation in the conditions applied to consumers and other end - users shall be made explicit and may not be set out in footnotes or in the general terms and conditions .


### upon request of the relevant public authorities , providers of electronic communications to the public shall distribute public interest information free of charge to end - users , where appropriate , by the same means as those ordinarily used by them in their communications with end - users . in such a case , that information shall be provided by the relevant public authorities to the providers of electronic communications to the public in a standardised format and may , inter alia , cover the following topics : ### upon request of the relevant public authorities , providers of electronic communications to the public shall distribute public interest information free of charge to end - users , where appropriate , by the same means as those ordinarily used by them in their communications with end - users . in such a case , that information shall be provided by the relevant public authorities to the providers of electronic communications to the public in a standardised format and may , in particular , cover information and the means of protection against risks to personal security or unlawful access to personal data when using electronic communications services .


### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science , horizon 2020 should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities . ### with the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society , horizon 2020 should favour responsible research and innovation through the active engagement of societal actors in the research and innovation process , ensuring in particular that account is taken of the gender dimension , and by promoting science education , by making scientific knowledge more accessible , by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens ' and civil society ' s concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in horizon 2020 activities .


### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with national and regional programmes that support research and innovation . ### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with national and regional programmes that support research and innovation ; the coordination and monitoring carried out as part of horizon 2020 should guarantee the optimum use of resources and absence of unnecessary duplications of expenditure , regardless of what sources of funding are involved .


### the aim is to enhance solidarity as well as social , economic and political inclusion and positive inter - cultural dynamics in europe and with international partners , through cutting - edge science and interdisciplinarity , technological advances and organisational innovations . humanities research can play an important role here . research shall support policymakers in designing policies that combat poverty and prevent the development of various forms of divisions , discriminations and inequalities in european societies , such as gender inequalities or digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the union . specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in less developed regions , thereby widening participation in horizon 2020 . ### the aim is to enhance solidarity as well as social , economic and political inclusion and positive inter - cultural dynamics in europe and with international partners , through cutting - edge science and interdisciplinarity , technological advances and organisational innovations . humanities and social sciences research is a fundamental tool with which to advance towards the specific objectives and priorities established by horizon 2020 and there is no doubt that it plays an essential role in the creation of inclusive societies . research will support policymakers in designing policies that foster employment , combat poverty and prevent the development of various forms of divisions , discriminations and inequalities in european societies , such as gender inequalities , discrimination due to gender , racial or ethnic origin , religion or beliefs , disability , age or sexual orientation , or digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the union . specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in less developed regions , thereby widening participation in horizon 2020 .


### health warnings shall occupy the entire surface reserved for them and they shall not be commented on , paraphrased or referred to in any form . ### health warnings shall occupy the entire surface reserved for them .


### combined health warnings for tobacco for smoking ### health warnings for tobacco for smoking


### council regulation no 1342 / 2008 of 18 december 2008 establishing a long - term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries exploiting those stocks and repealing regulation no 423 / 2004 empowers the council to monitor and revise the maximum fishing mortality rates and associated spawning stock biomass levels . ### council regulation no 1342 / 2008 of 18 december 2008 establishing a long - term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries exploiting those stocks and repealing regulation no 423 / 2004 empowers the council to monitor and revise the maximum fishing mortality rates and the associated spawning stock biomass levels specified therein .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 31a concerning the changes to the values for the levels set out in articles 5 , 6 and 7 , when the target fishing mortality rate in article 5 has been reached or where scientific data indicate that this target , or the minimum and precautionary spawning biomass levels established in article 6 , or the levels of fishing mortality rates given in article 7 , are no longer appropriate in order to maintain a low risk of stock depletion and a maximum sustainable yield . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 31a , fixing new values set out in article 5 , article 6 and article 7 , when the target fishing mortality rate in article 5 has been reached or where the commission , on the basis of advise from stecf and , where appropriate , other scientific data and after consulting fully with the relevant regional advisory council , finds that this target , or the minimum and precautionary spawning biomass levels established in article 6 , or the levels of fishing mortality rates given in article 7 , are no longer appropriate in order to maintain a low risk of stock depletion and a maximum sustainable yield .


### the delegation of power referred to in articles 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 31 shall be conferred for an indeterminate period of time . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 10 , article 11 , article 14 , article 16 , article 17 and article 31 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of three years from …* . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the three - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . _______________ * oj : please insert the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 31 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 31 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to in articles 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 31 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to in article 10 , article 11 , article 14 , article 16 , article 17 and article 31 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### article 3 of the treaty on european union provides that the union shall work for the sustainable development of europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability , a highly competitive social market economy , aiming at full employment and social progress , and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment . ### article 3 of the treaty on european union provides that the union shall work for the sustainable development of europe based on qualitative economic growth and price stability , a highly competitive social market economy , aiming at full employment and social progress , and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment .


### the need to supplement already existing indicators with data that incorporate environmental and social aspects in order to allow more coherent and comprehensive policy making has been recognised in commission communication com 433 of august 2009 on gdp and beyond . to this end , environmental accounts offer a means of monitoring the pressures exerted by the economy on the environment and of exploring how these might be abated . in line with the tenets of sustainable development and the drive to achieve a low - carbon economy , embedded in the lisbon strategy and various major initiatives , developing a data framework that consistently includes environmental issues along with economic ones becomes all the more imperative . ### the need to supplement already existing indicators with data that incorporate environmental and social aspects in order to allow more coherent and comprehensive policy making has been recognised in commission communication com 433 of august 2009 on gdp and beyond . to this end , environmental accounts offer a means of monitoring all the negative effects of the economy on the environment and of exploring how these might be abated . in line with the tenets of sustainable development and the drive to achieve a low - pollution economy , embedded in the lisbon strategy and various major initiatives , developing a data framework that consistently includes environmental issues along with economic ones becomes all the more imperative .


### as the different sets of environmental economic accounts are under development and at different stages of maturity , a modular structure providing adequate flexibility should be adopted . ### as the different sets of environmental economic accounts are under development and at different stages of maturity , a modular structure providing adequate flexibility should be adopted for a transitional period of six years . the objective must be a uniform quality standard for a new , comprehensive ‘ european sustainability statistics’ system .


### this regulation establishes a common framework for the collection , compilation , transmission and evaluation of european environmental economic accounts for the purpose of setting up environmental economic accounts as satellite accounts to esa 95 by providing methodology , common standards , definitions , classifications and accounting rules , intended to be used for compiling environmental economic accounts . ### this regulation establishes a binding common framework for the collection , compilation , transmission and evaluation of european environmental economic accounts for the purpose of setting up environmental economic accounts as satellite accounts to esa 95 by providing methodology , common standards , definitions , classifications , accounting rules and objectives , intended to be used for compiling environmental economic accounts .


### the commission shall assess the quality of the data transmitted . ### the commission shall assess the quality of the data transmitted and may , within a time - limit of one month , raise an objection and require the member state in question to submit an improved report .


### ew - mfa covers all solid , gaseous , and liquid materials , except for flows of air and water , measured in mass units per year . like the system of national accounts , economy - wide material flow accounts serve two major purposes . the detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical studies . they are also used to compile different economy - wide material flow indicators for national economies . ### ew - mfa covers all solid , gaseous , and liquid materials and technosphere materials , except for flows of air and water , measured in mass units per year . like the system of national accounts , economy - wide material flow accounts serve two major purposes . the detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical studies . they are also used to compile different economy - wide material flow indicators for national economies .


### gas consumption in europe has increased rapidly during the last ten years . with decreasing domestic production , gas imports have increased even more rapidly , thus creating a higher import dependence and the need to address security of supply aspects . ### gas consumption in europe has increased rapidly during the last ten years . with decreasing domestic production , gas imports have increased even more rapidly , thus creating a higher import dependence and the need to address security of supply aspects . some member states , owing to the domination of natural gas in the energy mix , find themselves in an ' energy island ' when it comes to high dependency on gas imports from third countries and an absence of infrastructure connections with the rest of the eu .


### different sources of community funding are available to support member states to finance the necessary investment in indigenous production and infrastructure , notably loans and guarantees from the european investment bank or funding from regional , structural or cohesion funds . the european investment bank as well as the community external instruments such as enpi , ipa and dci can also finance actions in third countries in order to improve security of energy supply . ### different sources of community funding are available to support member states to finance the necessary investment in indigenous production and infrastructure , notably loans and guarantees from the european investment bank and the european bank for reconstruction and development or funding from regional , structural or cohesion funds . the eib , the ebrd and the community external instruments such as enpi , ipa and dci can also finance actions in third countries in order to improve security of energy supply .


### to strengthen the solidarity between member states in the case of a community emergency and in particular to support member states which are exposed to less favourable geographical or geological conditions , member states should devise specific measures to exercise solidarity , including measures such as commercial agreements between natural gas undertakings , compensation mechanisms , increased gas exports or increased releases from storages . solidarity measures may be particularly appropriate between member states for which the commission recommends the establishment of joint preventive actions plans or emergency plans at regional level . ### to strengthen the solidarity between member states in the case of a community emergency and in particular to support member states which are exposed to less favourable geographical , geopolitical or geological conditions , member states should devise specific measures to exercise solidarity as stipulated in the lisbon treaty , including measures such as commercial agreements between natural gas undertakings , compensation mechanisms , the building of technical junctions , increased gas exports or increased releases from storages . solidarity measures may be particularly appropriate between member states for which the commission recommends the establishment of joint preventive action plans or emergency plans at regional level .


### this regulation establishes measures aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply so as to ensure the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market for gas by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities and for a coordination of the response at the level of the member states and the community regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply . ### this regulation establishes measures aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply so as to ensure the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market for gas , and at establishing exceptional measures to be implemented when the market can no longer deliver the required gas supply , by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities and for a coordination of the response at the level of the member states and the community regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply or to serious threats to the gas supply , having regard to the principle of solidarity between member states .


### this regulation establishes measures aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply so as to ensure the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market for gas by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities and for a coordination of the response at the level of the member states and the community regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply . ### this regulation establishes measures aimed at safeguarding the security of gas supply by ensuring the proper and continuous functioning of the internal market for gas and establishing exceptional measures to be implemented when the market can no longer deliver the required gas supplies by providing for a clear definition and attribution of responsibilities and for a coordination of the response at the level of the member states and the union regarding both preventive action and the reaction to concrete disruptions of supply or serious and reliable threats of such disruptions in the spirit of solidarity between the member states .


### each member state shall designate a competent authority responsible for the implementation of the security of gas supply measures provided in this regulation . the measures shall include the biennial risk assessment , the establishment of the preventive action plans , the establishment of the emergency plan , and the continuous monitoring of security of gas supply at national level . competent authorities shall cooperate with each other to prevent a supply disruption and to limit damages in case it occurs . ### each member state shall designate a competent authority responsible for the implementation of the security of gas supply measures provided in this regulation . the measures shall include the biennial risk assessment , including the assessment of geopolitical risks , the establishment of the preventive action plans , the establishment of the emergency plan , and the continuous monitoring of security of gas supply at national level . competent authorities shall cooperate with each other to prevent a supply disruption and to limit damage in case it occurs .


### before adopting those plans the competent authorities shall exchange information and consult each other and the commission to ensure that their plans and measures are mutually consistent at the appropriate regional level . these consultations shall cover , as a minimum , interconnections , cross - border supplies , storage across borders and the physical capacity to transport gas in both directions . ### before adopting those plans the competent authorities shall exchange information and consult each other and the commission to ensure that their plans and measures are mutually consistent at the appropriate regional level . these consultations shall cover , as a minimum , interconnections , cross - border supplies , rules regarding access to strategic and commercial storage across borders and the physical capacity to transport gas in both directions .


### within six months after the notification of the plans by the competent authorities , the commission shall assess the plans of all member states . the commission shall consult entso - g , acer , the gas coordination group and other concerned stakeholders on those plans . where the commission considers that a plan is not effective to mitigate the risks as identified in the risk assessment or inconsistent with the risk scenarios or the plans of other member states , or that it does not comply with the provisions of this regulation or other provisions of community law , it shall require the revision of the plan . ### within six months after the notification of the plans by the competent authorities , the commission shall assess the plans of all member states . the commission shall consult entso - g , acer , the gas coordination group and other concerned stakeholders , such as large industrial consumers and other economic actors , on those plans . where the commission considers that a plan is not effective to mitigate the risks as identified in the risk assessment or inconsistent with the risk scenarios or the plans of other member states , or that it does not comply with the provisions of this regulation or other provisions of union law , it shall require the revision of the plan .


### national regulatory authorities shall take into account the costs of fulfilling the n - 1 standard and the costs of enabling the permanent physical capacity to transport gas in both directions in their approval of tariffs in line with article 41 of directive [ … / …ec ] . in the case of costs incurred in more than one member state , the national regulatory authorities of all member states concerned shall jointly decide on cost allocation . article 8 of regulation no … / … shall apply . ### national regulatory authorities shall duly take into account the costs of fulfilling the n - 1 standard and the costs of enabling the permanent physical capacity to transport gas in both directions in their approval of tariffs , in a transparent and detailed manner , reflecting costs incurred in a clear and identifiable way and in line with article 41 of directive [ … / …ec ] . in the case of costs incurred in more than one member state , the national regulatory authorities of all member states concerned and acer shall jointly decide on cost allocation . article 8 of regulation no … / … shall apply .


### taking into account all relevant national and regional circumstances ; ### taking into account all relevant national , regional and international circumstances ;


### the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial customers and the regulatory authority , where it is not the competent authority , shall cooperate and provide all necessary information for the risk assessment . ### the natural gas undertakings , the relevant organisations representing the interests of household and industrial customers and the regulatory authority where it is not the competent authority , shall cooperate and provide all necessary information for the risk and impact assessment including geopolitical risks .


### the risk assessment shall be repeated every two years before 30 september of that year . ### the risk assessment shall be repeated every two years before 30 september of that year . the community assessment shall be revised in the event of a significant and unexpected risk .


### the commission may declare a community emergency at the request of one competent authority or when the community loses more than 10% of its daily gas import from third countries as calculated by entso - g . it shall declare a community emergency where more than one competent authority has declared emergency following the verification in accordance with article 9 . it may declare a community emergency for specifically affected geographical regions comprising more than one member state . ### the commission shall declare a union emergency at the request of one competent authority or when the union loses more than 10% of its daily gas import from third countries as calculated by entso - g . it shall declare a union emergency where more than one competent authority has declared emergency following the verification in accordance with article 9 . it shall declare a union emergency for specifically affected geographical regions comprising more than one member state .


### the commission shall establish a permanent reserve list for a monitoring task force consisting of industry experts and representatives of the commission . this monitoring task force may be deployed when necessary and shall monitor and report on the gas flows within and outside the community , in cooperation with the supplying and transiting countries . ### the commission shall establish a permanent reserve list for a monitoring task force consisting of industry experts , representatives of the commission and members of the staff of the vice - president of the commission / high representative . this monitoring task force may be deployed when necessary and shall monitor and report on the gas flows within and outside the community , in cooperation with the supplying and transiting countries .


### at company level , it is widely acknowledged that the presence of women on boards improves corporate governance , because team performance and the quality of decision - making are enhanced due to a more diverse and collective mind - set incorporating a wider range of perspectives and therefore reaching more balanced decisions . numerous studies have also shown that there is a positive relationship between gender diversity at top management level and a company ' s financial performance and profitability . enhancing female representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the union can therefore have a positive impact on the performance of companies concerned . ### at company level , it is assumed that the presence of women on boards improves corporate governance , because team performance and the quality of decision - making may be enhanced due to a more diverse and collective mind - set incorporating a wider range of perspectives and therefore reaching more balanced decisions . numerous studies have also shown that there is a positive relationship between gender diversity at top management level and a company ' s financial performance and profitability . enhancing female representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the union can therefore have a positive impact on the performance of companies concerned .


### existing evidence also shows that labour market equality can improve economic growth substantially . enhancing female presence in the boardrooms of listed companies in the union not only affects the women appointed to boards , but also contributes to attracting female talent to the company and ensuring a greater presence of women at all levels of management and in the workforce . therefore , a higher share of women on company boards has a positive impact on closing both the gender employment gap and the gender pay gap . making full use of the existing female talent pool would constitute a marked improvement in terms of return on education for both individuals and the public sector . female under - representation in the board rooms of publicly listed companies in the eu is a missed opportunity in terms of achieving long - term sustainable growth for member states ' economies at large . ### existing evidence also shows that labour market equality can improve economic growth substantially . enhancing female presence in the boardrooms of listed companies in the union not only affects the women appointed to boards , but also contributes to attracting female talent to the company and ensuring a greater presence of women at all levels of management and in the workforce . therefore , a higher share of women on company boards can have a positive impact on closing both the gender employment gap and the gender pay gap . making full use of the existing female talent pool would constitute a marked improvement in terms of return on education for both individuals and the public sector .


### the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ascertained that increased female labour force participation is a precondition for boosting growth and for tackling demographic challenges in europe . the strategy set a headline target of reaching an employment rate of 75 per cent for women and men aged 20 - 64 by 2020 , which can only be reached if there is a clear commitment to gender equality and a reinforced effort to tackle all barriers to women ' s participation in the labour market . the current economic crisis has magnified europe ' s ever - growing need to rely on knowledge , competence and innovation and to make full use of the pool of available talent . enhancing female participation in economic decision - making , on company boards in particular , is expected to have a positive spill - over effect on female employment in the companies concerned and throughout the whole economy . ### the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ascertained that increased female labour force participation is a precondition for boosting growth and for tackling demographic challenges in europe . the strategy set a headline target of reaching an employment rate of 75 per cent for women and men aged 20 - 64 by 2020 , which can be reached if there is a clear commitment to gender equality and a reinforced effort to tackle all barriers to women ' s participation in the labour market . the current economic crisis has magnified europe ' s ever - growing need to rely on knowledge , competence and innovation and to make full use of the pool of available talent .


### member states should provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for breaches of this directive , which could include , inter alia , administrative fines and nullity or annulment declared by a judicial body of the appointment or of the election of non - executive directors made contrary to the national provisions adopted pursuant to article 4 . ### member states may provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for breaches of this directive , which could include , inter alia , administrative fines and nullity or annulment declared by a judicial body of the appointment or of the election of non - executive directors made contrary to the national provisions adopted pursuant to article 4 .


### member states should require listed companies to provide information on the gender composition of their boards as well as information on how they managed to meet the objectives laid down in this directive , on a yearly basis to the competent national authorities in order to enable them to assess the progress of each listed company towards gender balance among directors . such information should be published and , where the company in question has not met the objective , it should include a description of the measures that it has taken so far and intends to take in the future in order to meet the objective . ### member states may require listed companies to provide information on the gender composition of their boards as well as information on how they managed to meet the objectives laid down in this directive , on a yearly basis to the competent national authorities in order to enable them to assess the progress of each listed company towards gender balance among directors . such information may be published and , where the company in question has not met the objective , it should include a description of the measures that it has taken so far and intends to take in the future in order to meet the objective . however , this is not compulsory for listed companies .