### (15) in order for the union and its member states to reach technological autonomy in key digital technologies such as high performance computing and quantum computing , they should invest in next generation low-power supercomputing technologies , innovative software and advanced supercomputing systems for exascale and post-exascale computing and quantum computing , and for innovative supercomputing and data applications for medicine , the environment , manufacturing and engineering. this should allow the european supply industry to thrive in a wide range of key technology and application areas that reach beyond high performance computing and quantum computing and , in the long run , feed broader ict markets with such technologies. it would also support the high performance computing and quantum computing science and user industry to undergo a digital transformation and boost its innovation potential. ### (15) in order for the union and its member states to reach technological autonomy in key digital technologies such as high performance computing and quantum computing , they should invest in next generation low-power supercomputing technologies , innovative software and advanced supercomputing systems for exascale and post-exascale computing and quantum computing , including technologies for privacy-preserving computation and for innovative supercomputing and data applications for medicine , the environment , manufacturing and engineering. this should allow the european supply industry to thrive in a wide range of key technology and application areas that reach beyond high performance computing and quantum computing and , in the long run , feed broader ict markets with such technologies. it would also support the high performance computing and quantum computing science and user industry to undergo a digital transformation and boost its innovation potential.


### (16) pursuing a common strategic eu vision in high performance computing and quantum computing is essential for realising the union’s and its member states’ ambition to ensure a leading role and strategic autonomy in the digital economy. the objective would be to establish in europe a world leading hyper-connected , federated and secure high performance computing and quantum computing service and data infrastructure ecosystem , and be in a position to produce innovative and competitive high performance computing and quantum computing systems based on a supply chain that will ensure components , technologies and knowledge limiting the risk of disruptions. ### (16) pursuing a common strategic eu vision in high performance computing and quantum computing and ensuring the transition from simulation-centric hpc to integrating hpc in a full continuum of it infrastructure , including other ecosystems such as big data , ai and internet of things , is essential for realising the union’s and its member states’ ambition to ensure a leading role and strategic autonomy in the digital economy. the objective would be to establish in europe a world leading hyper-connected , federated and secure high performance computing and quantum computing service and data infrastructure ecosystem , and be in a position to produce innovative and competitive high performance computing and quantum computing systems based on a supply chain that will ensure components , technologies and knowledge limiting the risk of disruptions.


### (20) the public-private partnership in the form of the joint undertaking should combine the financial and technical means that are essential to master the complexity of the ever escalating pace of innovation in this area. therefore , the members of the joint undertaking should be the union , member states and countries associated to horizon europe , the digital europe programme or the connecting europe facility agreeing on a joint european initiative in high performance computing and quantum computing; and associations representing their constituent entities and other organisations with an explicit and active engagement to produce research and innovation results , to develop and deploy high performance computing or quantum computing capabilities , or contributing to address the skills gap and keep the know-how in the field of high performance computing and quantum computing in europe. the joint undertaking should be open to new members. ### (20) the public-private partnership in the form of the joint undertaking should combine the financial and technical means that are essential to master the complexity of the ever escalating pace of innovation in this area. therefore , the members of the joint undertaking should be the union , member states and countries associated to horizon europe , the digital europe programme or the connecting europe facility agreeing on a joint european initiative in high performance computing and quantum computing; and associations representing their constituent entities and other organisations with an explicit and active engagement to produce research and innovation results , to develop and deploy high performance computing or quantum computing capabilities , or contributing to address the skills gap and keep the know-how in the field of high performance computing and quantum computing in europe. the joint undertaking should be open to new members. the design and development of new teaching and training scheme will be key since the technologies and software in the fields of hpc and quantum computing are undergoing continuous change.


### (25) the joint undertaking should address clearly defined topics that would enable academia and european industries at large to design , develop and use the most innovative technologies in high performance computing and quantum computing , and to establish an integrated and federated , secure networked infrastructure across the union with world-class high performance computing and quantum computing capability , high-speed connectivity and leading-edge applications and data and software services for its scientists and for other lead users from industry , including smes and the public sector. the joint undertaking should aim at the development and use of top class technologies and infrastructures , addressing the demanding requirements of european scientific , industrial and public sector users. ### (25) the joint undertaking should address clearly defined topics that would enable academia and european industries at large to design , develop and use the most innovative technologies in high performance computing and quantum computing , and to establish an integrated and federated , secure networked infrastructure across the union with world-class high performance computing and quantum computing capability , high-speed connectivity and leading-edge applications and data and software services for its scientists and for other lead users from industry , including smes , start-ups and innovative businesses and the public sector. the joint undertaking should aim at the development and use of top class technologies and infrastructures , addressing the demanding requirements of european scientific , industrial and public sector users.


### (26) the joint undertaking should contribute to reducing the specific skills gap across the union by engaging in awareness raising measures and assisting in the building of new knowledge and human capital. ### (26) the joint undertaking should contribute to reducing the specific skills gap across the union by attracting and retaining the best talents , ensuring funding for digital upskilling and reskilling and upgrading competences combining software expertise with understanding in industry of frontier research in science and innovation , engaging in awareness raising measures , providing support in integrating hpc into the scientific and engineering curricula and assisting in the building of new knowledge and expertise in advanced digital fields , while ensuring the widest geographical coverage in the union.


### (31) in order to achieve its objectives to increase the innovation potential of industry , and in particular of smes , to contribute to reducing the specific skills gap , to support the increase of knowledge and human capital and to upraise high performance computing and quantum computing capabilities , the joint undertaking should support the creation , and in particular the networking and coordination of national high performance computing competence centres across the union. these competence centres should provide high performance computing and quantum computing services to industry , academia and public administrations on their demand. they should primarily promote and enable access to the high performance computing innovation ecosystem , facilitate access to the supercomputers and quantum computers , address the significant shortages in skilled technical experts by undertaking awareness raising , training and outreach activities , and embark on networking activities with stakeholders and other competence centres to foster wider innovations , for example by exchanging and promoting best practice use cases or application experiences , by sharing their training facilities and experiences , by facilitating the co-development and exchange of parallel codes , or by supporting the sharing of innovative applications and tools for public and private users , in particular smes. ### (31) in order to achieve its objectives to increase the innovation potential of industry , and in particular of smes , start-ups and innovative businesses to contribute to reducing the specific skills gap , to support the increase of knowledge and human capital and to upraise high performance computing and quantum computing capabilities , the joint undertaking should support the creation , and in particular the networking and coordination of national high performance computing competence centres across the union. these competence centres should provide high performance computing and quantum computing services to industry , academia and public administrations on their demand. they should primarily promote and enable access to the high performance computing innovation ecosystem , facilitate access to the supercomputers and quantum computers , address the significant shortages in skilled technical experts by undertaking awareness raising , training and outreach activities , and embark on networking activities with stakeholders and other competence centres to foster wider innovations , for example by exchanging and promoting best practice use cases or application experiences , by sharing their training facilities and experiences , by facilitating the co-development and exchange of parallel codes , or by supporting the sharing of innovative applications and tools for public and private users , in particular smes , start-ups and innovative businesses.


### (33) the joint undertaking should hyper-connect all the supercomputers and data infrastructures it will own or co-own with state-of-the-art networking technologies , making them widely accessible across the union , and should interconnect and federate its supercomputing and quantum computing data infrastructure , as well as national , regional and other computing infrastructures with a common platform. the joint undertaking should also ensure the interconnection of the federated , secure supercomputing , and quantum computing service and data infrastructures with the common european data spaces and federated , secure cloud infrastructures announced in the communication from the commission of 19 february 2020 on ‘a european strategy for data’ , for seamless service provisioning to a wide range of public and private users across europe. ### (33) the joint undertaking should hyper-connect all the supercomputers and data infrastructures it will own or co-own with state-of-the-art networking technologies , making them widely accessible across the union , and should interconnect and federate its supercomputing and quantum computing data infrastructure , as well as national , regional and other computing infrastructures with a common platform , while ensuring resources are provided for interactive processing close to hpc systems and associated large-scale data repositories. interactive computing services are also needed to make collaborative working easier. the joint undertaking should also ensure the interconnection of the federated , secure supercomputing , and quantum computing service and data infrastructures with the common european data spaces and federated , secure cloud infrastructures announced in the communication from the commission of 19 february 2020 on ‘a european strategy for data’ , for seamless service provisioning to a wide range of public and private users across europe.


### (42) the design and operation of the supercomputers supported by the joint undertaking should take into consideration energy efficiency and environmental sustainability , using for example low-power technology , dynamic power-saving and re-use techniques like advanced cooling and heat recycling. ### (42) the design and operation of the supercomputers supported by the joint undertaking should take into consideration energy efficiency and environmental sustainability , using for example low-power technology , dynamic power-saving and re-use techniques like advanced cooling and heat recycling. by combining power-efficient servers with sophisticated workload management tools , eurohpc will improve efficiency both on-premises and in the cloud , reducing cost as well as the data centres' carbon footprint.


### (44) user allocation of access time to the supercomputers of the joint undertaking should be free of charge for public users. it should also be free of charge for private users for their applications related to research and innovation activities funded by horizon europe or the digital europe programme , as well as for private innovation activities of smes , where appropriate. such allocation of access time should primarily be based on open calls for expression of interest launched by the joint undertaking and evaluated by independent experts. with the exception of sme users undertaking private innovation activities , all users benefiting from free-of-charge access time to the supercomputers of the joint undertaking should adopt an open science approach and disseminate knowledge gained through this access , in accordance with the horizon europe regulation. user allocation of access time for economic activities other than private innovation activities of smes (which face particular market failures) , should be granted on a pay-per-use basis , based on market prices. allocation of access time for such economic activities should be allowed but limited and the level of the fee to be paid should be established by the governing board. the access rights should be allocated in a transparent manner. the governing board should define specific rules to grant access time free of charge , where appropriate , and without a call for expression of interest to initiatives that are considered strategic either by the union or by the governing board. representative examples of strategic initiatives of the union include: destination earth , the human brain project flagship , the “1+ million genomes” initiative , the common european data spaces operating in domains of public interest , and in particular the health data space , the high performance computing centres of excellence and competence centres , the digital innovation hubs , etc. upon union’s request , the joint undertaking should grant direct access time on a temporary or permanent basis to strategic initiatives and existing or future application platforms that it considers essential for providing health-related or other crucial emergency support services for the public good , to emergency and crisis management situations or to cases that the union considers essential for its security and defence. the joint undertaking should be allowed to carry out some limited economic activities for commercial purposes. access should be granted to users residing , established or located in an eu member state or a country associated to the digital europe programme and to horizon europe. the access rights should be equitable to any user and allocated in a transparent manner. the governing board should define and monitor the access rights to the union's share of access time for each supercomputer. ### (44) user allocation of access time to the supercomputers of the joint undertaking should be free of charge for public users. it should also be free of charge for private users for their applications related to research and innovation activities funded by horizon europe or the digital europe programme , as well as for private innovation activities of smes and start-ups , where appropriate. such allocation of access time should primarily be based on periodic , peer-reviewed and open calls for expression of interest launched by the joint undertaking and evaluated by independent experts with a view to ensuring balanced and appropriate allocation of offered hpc resources between its whole community of users. with the exception of sme and start-ups users undertaking private innovation activities , all users benefiting from free-of-charge access time to the supercomputers of the joint undertaking should adopt an open science approach and disseminate knowledge gained through this access , in accordance with the horizon europe regulation. user allocation of access time for economic activities other than private innovation activities of smes and start-ups (which face particular market failures) , should be granted on a pay-per-use basis , based on market prices. allocation of access time for such economic activities should be allowed but limited and the level of the fee to be paid should be established by the governing board. the access rights should be allocated in open and transparent manner. the governing board should define specific rules to grant access time free of charge , where appropriate , and without a call for expression of interest to initiatives that are considered strategic either by the union or by the governing board. representative examples of strategic initiatives of the union include: destination earth , the human brain project flagship , the “1+ million genomes” initiative , the common european data spaces operating in domains of public interest , and in particular the health data space , the high performance computing centres of excellence and competence centres , the digital innovation hubs , etc. upon union’s request , the joint undertaking should grant direct access time on a temporary or permanent basis to strategic initiatives and existing or future application platforms that it considers essential for providing health-related or other crucial emergency support services for the public good , to emergency and crisis management situations or to cases that the union considers essential for its security and defence. the joint undertaking should be allowed to carry out some limited economic activities for commercial purposes. access should be granted to users residing , established or located in an eu member state or a country associated to the digital europe programme and to horizon europe. the access rights should be equitable to any user and allocated in open and transparent manner. the governing board should define and monitor the access rights to the union's share of access time for each supercomputer.


### (2) ‘access time’ means the computing time of a supercomputer that is made available to a user or a group of users to execute their computer programmes; ### (2) ‘access time’ means the computing time of a supercomputer that is made available through a transparent and open process to a user or a group of users to execute their computer programmes;


### (5) ‘co-design’ is a collective approach between technology suppliers and users engaged in a collaborative and iterative design process for developing new technology , application and systems; ### (5) ‘co-design’ is a collective approach to reduce europeans’ dependence on foreign technology , particularly in critical infrastructure components and increase european industry’s competitiveness , between technology suppliers and users engaged in a collaborative and iterative design process for developing new technology , application and systems and protecting supply chains in critical areas;


### (6) ‘competence centre’ in high performance computing (hpc) means a legal entity established in a participating state providing users from industry , including smes , academia , and public administrations with access on demand to the supercomputers and to the latest high performance computing technologies , tools , applications and services , and offering expertise , skills , training , networking and outreach; ### (6) ‘competence centre’ in high performance computing (hpc) means a legal entity established in a participating state providing users from industry , including smes and start-ups , academia , and public administrations with access on demand to the supercomputers and to the latest high performance computing technologies , tools , applications and services , and offering expertise , skills , training , networking and outreach;


### (20) ‘national high performance computing competence centre’ means a legal entity established in a participating state that is a member state , associated with the national supercomputing centre of that member state , providing users from industry , including smes , academia , and public administrations with access on demand to the supercomputers and to the latest high performance computing technologies , tools , applications and services , and offering expertise , skills , training , networking and outreach; ### (20) ‘national high performance computing competence centre’ means a legal entity established in a participating state that is a member state , associated with the national supercomputing centre of that member state , providing users from industry , including smes and start-ups , academia , and public administrations with access on demand to the supercomputers and to the latest high performance computing technologies , tools , applications and services , and offering expertise , skills , training , networking and outreach;


### (1) the mission of the joint undertaking shall be to develop , deploy , extend and maintain in the union a world leading federated , secure and hyper-connected supercomputing , quantum computing , service and data infrastructure ecosystem; support the production of innovative and competitive supercomputing systems based on a supply chain that will ensure components , technologies and knowledge limiting the risk of disruptions and the development of a wide range of applications optimised for these systems; and , widen the use of this supercomputing infrastructure to a large number of public and private users , and support the development of key skills for european science and industry. ### (1) the mission of the joint undertaking shall be to develop , deploy , extend and maintain in the union a world leading federated , secure and hyper-connected supercomputing , quantum computing , service and data infrastructure ecosystem; support the production of innovative and competitive supercomputing systems based on a supply chain that will ensure components , technologies and knowledge limiting the risk of disruptions and the development of a wide range of applications optimised for these systems; and , widen the use of this supercomputing infrastructure to a large number of public and private users , and support the development of advanced digital skills , competences and knowledge for european science and industry.


### to develop close cooperation and ensure coordination with other european partnerships , including through joint calls , as well as seek synergies with relevant activities and programmes at union , national , and regional level , in particular with those supporting the deployment of innovative solutions , education and regional development , where relevant; ### to develop close cooperation and ensure coordination with other european partnerships , including through joint calls , as well as seek synergies with relevant activities and programmes at union , national , regional and local level , in particular with those supporting the deployment of innovative solutions , education and regional development , where relevant;


### to federate the hyper-connected supercomputing and data infrastructure and interconnect it with the european data spaces and cloud ecosystem for providing computing and data services to a wide range of public and private users in europe; ### to federate the hyper-connected supercomputing and data infrastructure and interconnect it with the european data spaces and cloud ecosystem for providing computing and data services to a wide range of public and private users in europe , while ensuring an appropriate high-bandwidth network infrastructure in all european countries;


### to further develop and support a highly competitive and innovative supercomputing and data ecosystem in europe contributing to the standing and technological autonomy of the union in the digital economy , capable to autonomously produce computing technologies and architectures and their integration on leading computing systems , and advanced applications optimised for these systems; ### to further develop and support a highly competitive and innovative supercomputing and data ecosystem in europe , contributing to the standing and technological autonomy of the union in the digital economy , maintaining global leadership in hpc applications , capable to autonomously produce computing technologies and architectures and their integration on leading computing systems , and advanced applications optimised for these systems;


### to further develop and support a highly competitive and innovative supercomputing and data ecosystem in europe contributing to the standing and technological autonomy of the union in the digital economy , capable to autonomously produce computing technologies and architectures and their integration on leading computing systems , and advanced applications optimised for these systems; ### to further develop and support a highly competitive , social and innovative supercomputing and data ecosystem in europe contributing to the standing and technological autonomy of the union in the just digital economy , capable to autonomously produce computing technologies and architectures and their integration on leading computing systems , and advanced applications optimised for these systems;


### to widen the use of supercomputing services and the development of key skills that european science and industry need. ### to widen the use of supercomputing services and the development of advanced digital skills , competences and knowledge that european science and industry need.


### (3) the joint undertaking shall contribute to safeguarding the interests of the union when procuring supercomputers and supporting the development of high performance computing technologies , systems and applications. it shall enable a co-design approach for the acquisition of world-class supercomputers , while safeguarding the security of the supply chain of procured technologies and systems. it shall contribute to the union’s technological autonomy by supporting the development of technologies and applications reinforcing the european hpc technology supply chain and promoting their integration in supercomputing systems that address a large number of societal and industrial needs. ### (3) the joint undertaking shall contribute to safeguarding the interests of the union when procuring supercomputers and supporting the development of high performance computing technologies , systems and applications. it shall enable a co-design approach for the acquisition of world-class supercomputers , while safeguarding the security of the supply chain of procured technologies and systems. it shall contribute to the union’s technological autonomy by reducing europeans’ dependence on foreign technology , particularly in critical areas , increasing european industry’s competitiveness , supporting the development of technologies and applications reinforcing the european hpc technology supply chain and promoting their integration in supercomputing systems that address a large number of societal and industrial needs and underpin europe's global leadership in various industries , especially in high value added and technology-intensive products and services to provide critical components , technology , and skills aiming to close the technological gap with third countries.


### technology pillar , addressing the activities for supporting an ambitious research and innovation agenda for developing a world-class , competitive and innovative supercomputing ecosystem addressing hardware and software technologies , and their integration into computing systems , covering the whole scientific and industrial value chain , for ensuring technological autonomy of the union. focus shall be on energy-efficient high performance computing technologies. activities shall address inter alia: ### technology pillar , addressing the activities for supporting an ambitious research and innovation agenda for developing a world-class , competitive trustworthy and innovative supercomputing ecosystem addressing hardware and software technologies , and their integration into computing systems , covering the whole scientific and industrial value chain , for ensuring technological autonomy of the union and strengthening union’s research capacities. focus shall be on energy-efficient high performance computing technologies. activities shall address inter alia:


### technology pillar , addressing the activities for supporting an ambitious research and innovation agenda for developing a world-class , competitive and innovative supercomputing ecosystem addressing hardware and software technologies , and their integration into computing systems , covering the whole scientific and industrial value chain , for ensuring technological autonomy of the union. focus shall be on energy-efficient high performance computing technologies. activities shall address inter alia: ### technology pillar , addressing the activities for supporting an ambitious research and innovation agenda for developing a world-class , competitive and innovative supercomputing ecosystem addressing hardware and software technologies , and their integration into computing systems , covering the whole scientific and industrial value chain from research to prototyping , piloting and demonstration , for ensuring technological autonomy of the union. eurohpc ju shall contribute to the development of the relevant european industrial sectors so that they can cover the entire production chain (design , manufacturing , implementation and application).focus shall be on energy-efficient high performance computing technologies. activities shall address inter alia:


### i) low-power micro-processing components , and related technologies such as novel algorithms , software codes , tools , and environments; ### i) low-power micro-processing components , power-efficient nanoelectronics and related technologies such as novel algorithms , software , scientific and industrial codes , tools , middleware solutions , parallel programming and computing resource optimisation solutions and environments;


### iii) technologies and systems for the interconnection and operation of classical supercomputing systems with other , often complementary computing technologies , such as neuromorphic or quantum computing and ensure their effective operation. ### iii) technologies and systems for the interconnection and operation of classical supercomputing systems with other , often complementary computing technologies , such as neuromorphic or quantum computing and ensure their effective , secure and reliable operation.


### application pillar , addressing activities for achieving and maintaining european excellence in key computing and data applications and codes for science , industry (including smes) and the public sector , including; ### application pillar , addressing activities for achieving and maintaining european excellence in key computing and data applications and codes for science , industry (including smes and start-ups) and the public sector , including;


### i) applications for public and private users that exploit the capabilities of high-end supercomputers and their convergence with advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence , high performance data analytics , cloud technologies , etc. through the co-design , development and optimisation of high performance computing-enabled large-scale and emerging lead-market codes and applications; ### i) applications for public and private users that exploit the capabilities of high-end supercomputers and their convergence with advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence , computer modelling and simulation , high performance data analytics , cloud technologies , etc. through the co-design , development and optimisation of high performance computing-enabled large-scale and emerging lead-market codes and applications;


### i) applications for public and private users that exploit the capabilities of high-end supercomputers and their convergence with advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence , high performance data analytics , cloud technologies , etc. through the co-design , development and optimisation of high performance computing-enabled large-scale and emerging lead-market codes and applications; ### i) applications for public and private users that exploit the capabilities of high-end supercomputers and their convergence with advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence , high performance data analytics , cloud technologies , disruptive computing etc. through the co-design , development and optimisation of high performance computing-enabled large-scale and emerging lead-market codes and applications;


### widening usage and skills pillar , aiming at fostering excellence in supercomputing , quantum computing , and data use and skills taking into account synergies with other programs and instruments , in particular digital europe program , widening the scientific and industrial use of supercomputing resources and data applications and fostering the industrial access and use of supercomputing and data infrastructures for innovation adapted to industrial needs; and providing europe with a knowledgeable leading scientific community and a skilled workforce for scientific leadership and digital transformation of industry , including the support and networking of national high performance computing competence centres and high performance computing centres of excellence ### widening usage and skills pillar , aiming at fostering excellence in supercomputing , quantum computing , and data use and skills taking into account synergies with other programs and instruments , in particular digital europe program , widening the scientific and industrial use of supercomputing resources and data applications and fostering the industrial access and use of supercomputing and data infrastructures for innovation adapted to industrial needs; and providing europe with a knowledgeable leading scientific community and a skilled workforce for scientific leadership and digital transformation of industry , including the support and networking of national high performance computing competence centres and high performance computing centres of excellence , while ensuring that application knowledge and expertise has the widest geographical coverage in the union. specific actions on the activities above may include:


### (6) use of the union's share of access time to the eurohpc supercomputers shall be free of charge for the users from the public sector referred to in article 14(4) of this regulation. it will also be free of charge for industrial users for applications related to research and innovation activities funded by horizon europe or the digital europe programme and for private innovation activities of smes , where appropriate. as a guiding principle , allocation of access time for such activities shall be based on a fair and transparent peer review process defined by the governing board following continuously open calls for expression of interest launched by the joint undertaking. ### (6) use of the union's share of access time to the eurohpc supercomputers shall be transparent and free of charge for the users from the public sector referred to in article 14(4) of this regulation. it will also be free of charge for industrial users for applications related to research and innovation activities funded by horizon europe or the digital europe programme and for private innovation activities of smes , where appropriate. resources provided by the eurohpc are open to all scientists , irrespective of their nationality , provided the projects comply with eu legislation. as a guiding principle ,allocation of access time for such activities shall be based on a fair and transparent peer review process defined by the governing board following continuously open calls for expression of interest launched by the joint undertaking.


### (8) the governing board shall define specific rules for access conditions that depart from the guiding principles referred to in paragraph 6 of this article. these concern the allocation of access time for projects and activities considered as strategic either by the union or by the governing board. ### (8) the governing board shall define specific and transparent rules for access conditions that depart from the guiding principles referred to in paragraph 6 of this article. these concern the allocation of access time for projects and activities considered as strategic either by the union or by the governing board.


### (4) the commission shall carry out an interim evaluation of each joint undertaking as part of the horizon europe interim evaluation , as specified in article 47 of regulation (eu) no xxx establishing horizon europe. this evaluation shall be performed with the assistance of independent experts on the basis of a transparent process once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of horizon europe , but no later than four years after the start of horizon europe implementation. the evaluations shall examine how the joint undertaking fulfils its mission according to its economic , technological , scientific , societal and policy objectives , including climate-related objectives , and evaluate the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence , and union added value of its activities as part of horizon europe , its synergies and complementarities with relevant european , national and , where relevant , regional initiatives , including synergies with other parts of horizon europe (such as missions , clusters or thematic/specific programmes). impacts achieved at union and national level , taking into account the component of synergies and policy retrofitting will be given particular attention. the evaluations shall , where relevant , also include an assessment of the long-term scientific , societal , economic and policy-relevant impact of the joint undertaking and shall include an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action , as well as the positioning of any possible renewal of the joint undertaking in the overall european partnerships landscape and its policy priorities. ### (4) the commission shall carry out an interim evaluation of each joint undertaking as part of the horizon europe interim evaluation , as specified in article 47 of regulation (eu) no xxx establishing horizon europe. this evaluation shall be performed with the assistance of independent experts on the basis of a transparent process once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of horizon europe , but no later than four years after the start of horizon europe implementation. the evaluations shall examine how the joint undertaking fulfils its mission according to its economic , technological , scientific , societal and policy objectives , including climate-related and health-related objectives , and evaluate the effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence , integrity and union added value of its activities as part of horizon europe , its synergies and complementarities with relevant european , national and , where relevant , regional initiatives , including synergies with other parts of horizon europe (such as missions , clusters or thematic/specific programmes). impacts achieved at union and national level , taking into account the component of synergies and policy retrofitting will be given particular attention. the evaluations shall , where relevant , also include a thorough assessment of the long-term scientific , societal , economic and policy-relevant impact of the joint undertaking and shall include an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action , as well as the positioning of any possible renewal of the joint undertaking in the overall european partnerships landscape and its policy priorities.


### (6) the commission may carry out further evaluations of themes or topics of strategic relevance , with the assistance of external independent experts selected on the basis of a transparent process , to examine the progress made by the joint undertaking towards the objectives set , identify the factors contributing to the implementation of the activities and identify best practices. by carrying out those further evaluations , the commission shall fully consider the administrative impact on the joint undertaking. ### (6) the commission may carry out further evaluations of themes or topics of strategic and social relevance , with the assistance of external independent experts selected on the basis of a transparent process , to examine the progress made by the joint undertaking towards the objectives set , identify implementation challenges and the factors contributing to the implementation of the activities , identify best practices and develop strategic guidance. by carrying out those further evaluations , the commission shall fully consider the administrative impact on the joint undertaking.


### (32) any person , whether it is a natural or legal person , or any association not having legal personality , should be allowed to submit information to the competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the union market and to be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their submission. ### (32) any person , whether it is a natural or legal person , or any association not having legal personality , should be allowed to submit information to the competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the union market. complaints may be lodged anonymously and confidentiality shall be automatic , unless otherwise specified by the complainant. the stakeholders should be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their complaints , as well as the decisions made by competent authorities.


### (44) to ensure effective enforcement of the prohibition , it is necessary to establish a network aimed at structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the member states and , where appropriate , experts from customs authorities , and the commission. that network should also aim at streamlining the practices of the competent authorities within the union that facilitate the implementation of joint enforcement activities by member states , including joint investigations. that administrative support structure should allow the pooling of resources and maintain a communication and information system between member states and the commission , thereby helping to strengthen the enforcement of the prohibition. ### (44) to ensure effective enforcement of the prohibition , it is necessary to establish a network aimed at structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the member states and , where appropriate , experts from customs authorities , and the commission , civil society representatives and human rights defenders. that network should also aim at streamlining the practices of the competent authorities within the union that facilitate the implementation of joint enforcement activities by member states , including joint investigations. that administrative support structure should allow the pooling of resources and maintain a communication and information system between member states and the commission , thereby helping to strengthen the enforcement of the prohibition.


### ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the efforts by economic operator to implement mandatory requirements , voluntary guidelines , recommendations or practices to identify , prevent , mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labour with respect to products that are to be made available on the union market or to be exported; ### ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the obligations by economic operator to implement mandatory requirements , voluntary guidelines , recommendations or practices to identify , prevent , mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labour with respect to products that are to be made available on the union market or to be exported;


### 3. before initiating an investigation in accordance with article 5(1) , the competent authority shall request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to identify , prevent , mitigate or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and value chains with respect to the products under assessment , including on the basis of any of the following: ### 3. before initiating an investigation in accordance with article 5(1) , the competent authority shall request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to identify , prevent , mitigate and bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and value chains with respect to the products under assessment , including on the basis of any of the following:


### 6. the competent authority shall duly take into account where the economic operator demonstrates that it carries out due diligence on the basis of identified forced labour impact in its supply chain , adopts and carries out measures suitable and effective for bringing to an end forced labour in a short period of time. ### 6. the competent authority shall duly take into account where the economic operator demonstrates that it adopts and carries out measures suitable and effective for remediating and bringing to an end forced labour in a short period of time.


### 6. where economic operators provide evidence to the competent authorities that they have complied with the decision referred to in paragraph 4 , and that they have eliminated forced labour from their operations or supply chain with respect to the products concerned , the competent authorities shall withdraw their decision for the future and inform the economic operators. ### 6. where economic operators provide evidence to the competent authorities that they have complied with the decision referred to in paragraph 4 , and that they provide proof of effective remediation for workers victims of forced labour and have eliminated forced labour from their operations or supply chain with respect to the products concerned by addressing the root causes of forced labour found on its supply chain , the competent authorities shall withdraw their decision for the future and inform the economic operators.


### 1. the commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative , non-exhaustive , verifiable and regularly updated database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas or with respect to specific products including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. the database shall be based on the guidelines referred to in article 23 , points (a) , (b) and (c) , and relevant external sources of information from , amongst others , international organisations and third country authorities. ### 1. the commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative , non-exhaustive , verifiable and regularly updated database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas or with respect to specific products including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. the database shall be based on the guidelines referred to in article 23 , points (a) , (b) and (c) , and relevant external sources of information from , amongst others , civil society , international organisations and third country authorities.


### 2. the commission shall ensure that the database is made publicly available by the external expertise at the latest 24 months after the entry into force of this regulation. ### 2. the commission shall ensure that the database is made publicly available by the external expertise at the latest 24 months after the entry into force of this regulation. the database shall be transparent and accessible to all.


### 2. the network shall be composed of representatives from each member states’ competent authority , representatives from the commission and , where appropriate , experts from the customs authorities. ### 2. the network shall be composed of representatives from each member states’ competent authority , representatives from the commission and , where appropriate , experts from the customs authorities , civil society representatives and human rights defenders.


### to promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities and customs authorities; ### to promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities , customs authorities civil society organisations and human rights defenders;


### d. whereas the principles of ownership and alignment , focusing on results , inclusive partnerships , transparency and accountability , should underpin all forms of development cooperation; ### d. whereas the principles of ownership , alignment , suitability , stability , multilateralism , resource sufficiency and focusing on results , inclusive partnerships , transparency and accountability , should underpin all forms of development cooperation;


### 1. stresses that effectiveness means delivering more and better impact , achieving the sdgs and leaving no-one behind; believes that when eu support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts and delivered through their institutions and systems in support of priorities that have been agreed through inclusive and equitable policy processes , the impact is bigger , faster and more sustainable; ### 1. stresses that effectiveness means delivering more and better impact , achieving the sdgs and leaving no-one behind; believes that when eu support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts , giving priority to official development aid being appropriate to these countries' needs over any other interests donor countries may have , and delivered through their institutions and systems in support of priorities that have been agreed through inclusive and equitable policy processes , the impact is bigger , faster and more sustainable;


### 1. stresses that effectiveness means delivering more and better impact , achieving the sdgs and leaving no-one behind; believes that when eu support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts and delivered through their institutions and systems in support of priorities that have been agreed through inclusive and equitable policy processes , the impact is bigger , faster and more sustainable; ### 1. stresses that effectiveness means delivering more and better impact , achieving the sdgs and leaving no-one behind; believes that when eu support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts and delivered through their institutions and systems by the inclusion of all steakholders in support of priorities that have been agreed through inclusive and equitable policy processes , the impact is bigger , faster and more sustainable;


### 2. underlines its view that the eu , as the world’s biggest donor , should use its powerful toolbox of instruments and aid modalities in a coordinated manner and take the lead in using the principles of aid effectiveness and aid efficiency , in order to achieve real impact and reach the sdgs in its partner countries; further highlights the need to implement the policy objectives in the new european consensus on development in a more strategic and targeted manner in each partner country , reinforcing and complementing the eu’s foreign policy goals and values; ### 2. underlines its view that the eu , as the world’s biggest donor , should use its powerful toolbox of instruments and aid modalities by applying humanitarian-development nexus approach in a coordinated manner and take the lead in using the principles of aid effectiveness and aid efficiency , in order to achieve real impact and reach the sdgs in its partner countries; further highlights the need to implement the policy objectives in the new european consensus on development in a more strategic and targeted manner in each partner country , reinforcing and complementing the eu’s foreign policy goals and values;


### 5. calls on the commission and the council to scale up joint programming between the eu and its member states , with the aim of securing a european voice with which to move forward towards commonly defined policy objectives , which should take into account innovative financing methods such as blending and guarantees; calls for clear , actionable commitments towards joint implementation and evaluation and for shared accountability mechanisms towards citizens; ### 5. calls on the commission and the council to scale up joint programming between the eu and its member states , with the aim of securing better multilateral planning of national development cooperation policies , which should take into account innovative financing methods such as blending and guarantees; stresses the need , where stable and transparent institutions have a presence in partner states , to increase the emphasis on donations , rather than credit , to prevent the increase in partner countries' external debt hobbling opportunities for economic growth and their capacity to focus government action on social priorities; calls for clear , actionable commitments towards joint implementation and evaluation and for shared accountability mechanisms towards citizens;


### 10. supports a catalytic approach , building on decentralised and bottom-up needs assessments and programming , which is informed by a thorough analysis of the situation in each partner country; encourages south-south and triangular cooperation; ### 10. supports a catalytic approach , building on decentralised and bottom-up needs assessments and programming , which favours smaller projects and local ownership and is informed by a thorough analysis of the situation in each partner country; encourages south-south and triangular cooperation;


### 12. recognises that the role of the private sector – at local , national , bilateral and international levels – is crucial for achieving the sdgs , for mobilising additional development finance and for the transition towards economic development , growth and prosperity; stresses in this regard that additional efforts must be undertaken to align the private sector’s involvement in development cooperation with the effectiveness principles and to improve the transparency and accountability of foreign direct investment and global value chains; ### 12. recognises that the role of the private sector and faith-based organisations – at local , national , bilateral and international levels – is crucial for achieving the sdgs , for mobilising additional development finance and for the transition towards economic development , growth and prosperity; stresses in this regard that additional efforts must be undertaken to align the private sector’s involvement in development cooperation with the effectiveness principles and to improve the transparency and accountability of foreign direct investment and global value chains;


### 14. reiterates its request that the council and the member states set out a clear timeline for reaching the target of raising the oda budget to 0.7 % of gni and that the commission present a concrete action plan defining how additional resources will be leveraged towards achieving the sdgs; ### 14. reiterates its request that the council and the member states set out a clear timeline for reaching the target of raising the oda budget to 0.7 % of gni , preventing volatility and a lack of stability in member states' official development aid resources , and that the commission present a concrete action plan defining how additional resources will be leveraged towards achieving the sdgs; points out that without this sufficient and stable volume of resources agreed by the un general assembly in 1970 being dedicated to official development aid , it is not realistic to conceive of achieving the sdgs , particularly with regard to ensuring that no one is living below the extreme poverty line.


### b. whereas the severity and magnitude of food crises has risen since 2020 , with 161 million people severely food insecure in 2021 and in need of urgent food assistance12 ; ### b. whereas the severity and magnitude of food crises has risen since 2020 , with 161 million people severely food insecure in 2021 and in need of urgent food assistance12 and with between 720 and 811 million people facing hunger; whereas this figure represents an increase of between 118 and 161 million affected people in relation to 2019;


### e. whereas chronic poverty and high and persistent levels of inequality are the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition; ### e. whereas chronic poverty , high and persistent levels of inequality and unsustainable food systems are the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition;


### f. whereas the number of people in need of urgent food , nutrition and livelihood assistance is on the rise15 ; whereas the major drivers of this are conflict , climate variability and climate extremes , environmental degradation , economic shocks , global population growth and failed governance; ### f. whereas the number of people in need of urgent food , nutrition and livelihood assistance is on the rise15; whereas the major drivers of this are conflict , climate change and its impacts , environmental degradation , economic shocks , global population growth and failed governance;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in global food systems , exacerbating inequalities and threatening the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in global food systems , exacerbating inequalities and threatening the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable; whereas the supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic exposed the non-resilience of import-based food systems and the importance of sustainable agri-food systems;


### h. whereas nutrition is an important investment as good nutrition during the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical to achieving full physical , intellectual and human potential; whereas good nutrition is therefore the cornerstone of prosperity for societies; ### h. whereas nutrition is an important investment as good nutrition during the first thousand days of a child’s life is critical to achieving full physical , intellectual and human potential; whereas good nutrition is therefore the cornerstone of prosperity for societies; whereas the school closures caused by the covid-19 pandemic have had a dramatic impact on the nutrition of children in developing countries;


### 1. is alarmed by the fact that we are not on track to achieve the nutrition targets by 2025 or to eradicate hunger by 2030; ### 1. is alarmed by the fact that it is highly unlikely to achieve the nutrition targets by 2025 or to eradicate hunger by 2030;


### 1. stresses that a policy on ensuring food security in developing countries must mirror the founding principles of the common agricultural policy , in that its primary goal must be to provide affordable safe food for its citizens while affording a fair standard of living for its farmers; ### 1. stresses that a policy on ensuring food security in developing countries must mirror the founding principles of the common agricultural policy , in that its primary goal must be to provide nutritious , safe , affordable and high quality food throughout the year for its citizens while affording a fair standard of living for its farmers;


### 2. emphasises that agriculture and food security are the foundation blocks for broader economic development , and insists that agricultural development must support self-sufficient agricultural production systems and food sovereignty in developing countries; ### 2. emphasises the eu's role as an enabler in the transformation of food systems so they can be more resilient , sustainable , and fair within and outside the eu and its role to tackle all forms of malnutrition in humanitarian , development , and any fragile contexts and insists that agricultural development must support self-sufficient agricultural production systems and food sovereignty in developing countries;


### 3. emphasises that food and nutrition programming should be at the heart of post-pandemic recovery plans; ### 3. emphasises that ambitiously funded food and nutrition programming should be at the heart of post-pandemic recovery plans;


### 3. points out the need for clear guidelines on how to achieve policy coherence for development at eu level while also addressing potentially conflicting policy objectives; ### 3. urges the eu to guarantee the coherence of european agricultural and trade policies in line with the commitments to policy coherence for development (pcd); points out the need for clear guidelines on how to achieve policy coherence for development at eu level while also addressing potentially conflicting policy objectives; calls on the commission to provide support for developing countries to protect their sensitive and infant industries , promote food security , support climate change mitigation for agriculture , and meet eu and international sustainability standards for the export of their agricultural products;


### 4. calls for the eu to invest in interventions in partnerships with developing countries , since investing in food and nutrition is key to building human capital and achieving the sdgs; ### 4. calls for the eu to invest in interventions in partnerships with developing countries , since investing in food (including seed and water) and nutrition is key to building human capital and achieving the sdgs;


### 4. recalls the importance of systematically assessing the effects of new policies on developing countries in order to achieve the un sustainable development goals; ### 4. recalls the importance of systematically assessing the effects of new policies on developing countries in order to ensure that they are effective and achieve the un sustainable development goals;


### 4. recalls the importance of systematically assessing the effects of new policies on developing countries in order to achieve the un sustainable development goals; ### 4. recalls the importance of systematically assessing the effects of new policies on developing countries in order to achieve the un sustainable development goals; with a particular focus on sdg 2 "zero hunger";


### 5. highlights the need for policies to be country-driven , needs-based and context-appropriate as food systems are very diverse; recalls that priority should be given to local food production; ### 5. highlights the need for policies to be country-driven , needs-based and context-appropriate as food systems are very diverse; recalls that priority should be given to local food production; recalls that local farming traditions complemented by modern technology can multiply the production of healthy food; points out that the risk of imbalances in the local economy due to differences in the level of development between foreign companies importing technology and employing highly skilled personnel and domestic companies employing lower skilled personnel should be avoided;


### 5. highlights the need for policies to be country-driven , needs-based and context-appropriate as food systems are very diverse; recalls that priority should be given to local food production; ### 5. highlights the need for policies to be country-driven , needs-based and context-appropriate as food systems are very diverse; recalls that priority should be given to local food production , the reinforcement of family agriculture systems and the protection and promotion of the human rights and dignity of small-scale producers and workers;


### 5. underlines that the farm to fork strategy is the eu’s most ambitious policy framework to promote a more sustainable and resilient eu food system and support a global transition to sustainable food systems; ### 5. underlines that the farm to fork strategy is the eu’s most ambitious policy framework to promote a more sustainable and resilient eu food system and support a global transition to sustainable food practices which preserves natural resources according to the biodiversity strategy’s objectives; nonetheless , regrets that the global dimension of the strategy does not include concrete proposals to realize the right to adequate food , implement the un declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas or address measures to globally improve the working conditions of farmworkers and the income of small-scale farmers that are part of international food supply chains , or ensure the precautionary principle is included for all food safety requirements; calls on the eu to align its trade policy with the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies’ objectives , and the carbon neutrality objective of the eu green deal;


### 6. underlines the need to consistently work with countries to support the creation of context-specific , feasible and robust national nutrition targets; ### 6. underlines the need to consistently work with countries to support the creation of context-specific , feasible and robust national nutrition targets; highlights that local producers must own the land and seeds , have access to water and take ownership of cereals and livestock yields , which also requires adequate funding and the application of good practices;


### 6. stresses the necessity to reinforce research and share innovations between the eu and developing countries to increase food system resilience , especially in the context of climate change; ### 6. stresses the necessity to reinforce research and share innovations between the eu and developing countries to increase food system resilience , especially in the context of climate change and to boost responsible and ethical innovations to promote sustainable agricultural practices; highlights that poor infrastructure and sanitation in developing countries are also closely linked to food instability , and must be targeted in the effort to improve food security; emphasizes on the importance of implementing the circular economy in agricultural production systems to increase their sustainability and resource-efficiency , and to decrease food losses and waste to the best extent possible;


### 7. encourages increased consistency between eu development and trade policies to support the global transition to sustainable agrifood systems; ### 7. encourages increased consistency between eu development and trade policies to support the global transition to sustainable agrifood systems; stresses that eu free trade agreements (ftas) should not disrupt local agriculture , damage small producers or exacerbate dependency on food imports; recalls the principle of policy coherence for development to ensure european exports do not hinder the development of local and emerging production; calls for support for food sovereignty and local and regional markets as an alternative to current trade-oriented agricultural policies; urges support for local production and consumption which can ensure local employment creation , assure fair prices , guarantee the protection of workers’ health and safety , lessen countries' dependency on imports and their vulnerability to international price fluctuations;


### 8. calls for the eu and its member states to mobilise long-term financial investments in food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture; ### 8. calls for the eu and its member states to mobilise long-term financial investments in food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture and to encourage partner countries to invest more in this sector through their national budgets; underlines that the priority should be on grants and public investment over blended finance and guarantees;


### 8. notes that while lifting export subsidies and decoupling direct payments has significantly reduced the risk of dumping practices , some areas of concern persist and should be closely monitored , in particular agricultural sectors still tied to coupled income support in many eu member states. ### deleted


### 8. notes that while lifting export subsidies and decoupling direct payments has significantly reduced the risk of dumping practices , some areas of concern persist and should be closely monitored , in particular agricultural sectors still tied to coupled income support in many eu member states. ### 8. regrets the generalizes decoupling of aid and the shift from aid per hectare , and the abandonment of regulatory mechanisms resulting in prices which are below production costs; reaffirms the right of producers to be rewarded a fair price for their work;


### 11. recalls that resilience-building needs to address the increasing frequency and intensity of conflict , climate and economic shocks , which often have manifold compounding impacts on the most vulnerable; ### 11. recalls that resilience-building needs to address the increasing frequency and intensity of conflict , structural inequalities , climate and economic shocks , which often have manifold compounding impacts on the most vulnerable;


### 12. invites the eu to expand support for national social protection systems , including cash-based , shock-responsive social assistance to address income inequality in a conflict-sensitive manner and in accordance with the do no harm principle; ### 12. invites the eu to expand support for national social protection systems , including cash-based , shock-responsive social assistance to address income inequality in a conflict-sensitive manner and in accordance with the do no harm principle , and to protect food access for the most vulnerable by increasing their purchasing power;


### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; ### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; calls on the commission to ensure the inclusion of gender perspective in the management of food security and to ensure the participation of women in the decision-making process related to this field , including those women belonging to discriminated minorities;


### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; ### 13. recalls that improving women's economic status as farmers and women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , preserving health , food security and resilience-building;


### 15. calls for the eu to tailor its programming under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe to actively support a global transformation to sustainable food systems that can provide affordable healthy diets; ### 15. calls for the eu to tailor its programming under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe to actively support a global transformation to sustainable food systems that can provide affordable healthy diets that reduces the pressure of food production on land and water use and reduces the climate footprint of downstream activities from farm to fork;


### 16. stresses that eu investments and interventions should be based on rigorous pre-assessments in order to devise equitable action and strengthen capacities at a national and local level , including non-state authorities; ### 16. stresses that eu investments and interventions should be based on rigorous pre-assessments that take into account the views of all relevant stakeholders in order to devise equitable action and strengthen capacities at a national , regional and local level , including non-state authorities;


### d. whereas the current global geopolitical context is marked , in particular , by the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic , russia’s illegal invasion of ukraine , and climate change , and these problems are seriously threatening the global achievement of the sdgs such that a comprehensive response is necessary; whereas this further increases the need for effective implementation of pcd and coherence and consistency between different policies , as in the case of the humanitarian-development nexus; ### d. whereas the current global geopolitical context is marked , in particular , by the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic , russia’s illegal invasion of ukraine , climate change , refugee crisis , increasing energy prices , global debt distress and threats to global food security , and these problems are seriously threatening the global achievement of the sdgs such that a comprehensive response is necessary; whereas this further increases the need for effective implementation of pcd and coherence and consistency between different policies , as in the case of the humanitarian-development nexus;


### e. whereas pcd mechanisms in the commission include , among others , inter-service groups , stakeholder and public consultations , a pcd screening (tracker) of the commission work programme , tools 19 , 27 and 35 in the impact assessment guidelines (revised better regulation agenda) , and the sustainability impact assessment of trade agreements; whereas the extent to which these arrangements are used varies and the quality of pcd work can only be measured by its concrete results; whereas in some cases the pcd analyses in the commission’s impact assessments for recent legislative proposals are still superficial (e.g. the carbon border adjustment mechanism , and the environmental crime directive) or have not been conducted despite the clear need for them (e.g. anti-money laundering package , the directive and regulation on corporate sustainability reporting); whereas this clearly shows that more action on the recommendations of the 2018 external evaluation of the pcd is needed; ### e. whereas pcd mechanisms in the commission include , among others , inter-service groups , stakeholder and public consultations , a pcd screening (tracker) of the commission work programme , tools 19 , 27 and 35 in the impact assessment guidelines (revised better regulation agenda) , and the sustainability impact assessment of trade agreements; whereas the extent to which these arrangements are used varies and the quality of pcd work can only be measured by its concrete results; whereas there is no pcd coordination centre in the commission; whereas in some cases the pcd analyses in the commission’s impact assessments for recent legislative proposals are still superficial (e.g. the carbon border adjustment mechanism , and the environmental crime directive) or have not been conducted despite the clear need for them (e.g. anti-money laundering package , the directive and regulation on corporate sustainability reporting); whereas this clearly shows that more action on the recommendations of the 2018 external evaluation of the pcd is needed;


### 1. reiterates that all eu institutions and member states must comply with their pcd obligations under the treaties in all legislative and policy initiatives likely to have an impact on developing countries; calls for a step change in efforts to implement pcd to ensure that impacts on developing countries are properly identified and analysed , that negative impacts are avoided or minimised , and that full use is made of possible synergies with the pursuit of development objectives; ### 1. reiterates that all eu institutions and member states must comply with their pcd obligations under the treaties in all legislative and policy initiatives likely to have an impact on developing countries; calls for a step change in efforts to implement pcd to ensure that impacts on developing countries are properly identified and analysed , that negative impacts are avoided or minimised , and that full use is made of possible synergies with the pursuit of development objectives and poverty reduction;


### 2. calls for a communication that clarifies the definition and role of pcd in the context of the sdgs and is accompanied by an action plan on pcd with a clear methodology and concrete quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the implementation of pcd by the eu and member states and ensure accountability by including this in a new framework for monitoring and coordination of development policies across the eu; calls for this communication to be published before the end of the current commission’s mandate; ### 2. calls for a communication that clarifies the definition and role of pcd in the context of the sdgs and is accompanied by a time-bound action plan on pcd with a clear methodology and concrete quantitative and qualitative indicators , division of tasks , mandates and timelines to measure the implementation of pcd by the eu and member states and ensure the evidence base for accountability by including this in a new framework for monitoring and coordination of development policies across the eu; calls for this communication to be published before the end of the current commission’s mandate;


### 3. reiterates its call for a high-level eu strategy for the implementation of the un’s 2030 agenda and the sdgs; considers that pcd , which represents a unique eu contribution to the broader objective of pcsd , must be a central pillar of this strategy; ### 3. reiterates its call for a high-level eu strategy for the implementation of the un’s 2030 agenda and the sdgs that should be ambitious and integrated , be grounded in human rights frameworks , work to leave no one behind , respect inter-generational equity , and realize progress within planetary boundaries; underlines the need to ensure coherent action across the commission and member states towards the implementation of the sdgs , and for proper engagement with civil society and scientists during the drafting of a high-level eu strategy for the implementation of the un's 2030 agenda and the sgds; considers that pcd , which represents a unique eu contribution to the broader objective of pcsd , must be a central pillar of this strategy;


### 4. underlines that pcd needs to remain a key part of the eu’s foreign policy and calls for it to be given more visibility and for the eu to play a leading role in promoting pcd globally , including at the oecd development assistance committee and at the un; ### 4. underlines that pcd needs to remain a key part of the eu’s foreign policy , especially at a time of increased geopolitical competition that requires credibility and reliability in the eyes of developing countries; calls for pcd to be given more visibility , since it is a key component of public diplomacy , and for the eu to play a leading role in promoting pcd globally , including at the oecd development assistance committee (dac) and at the un; highlights , with a view to avoiding the over-declaration of development aid , the need to promote a more precise definition of official development assistance (oda) in order to avoid counting concepts such as debt relief , reallocation to developing countries of imf special drawing rights or aid to refugees in dac countries as oda;


### - systematically screen all planned commission policy and legislative initiatives for possible impacts on developing countries at an early stage and in a transparent manner; undertake detailed ex ante impact assessments , which should include the results of consultations with stakeholders , including partner countries , civil society organisations and the private sector , as well as input from eu delegations in developing countries; ### - systematically screen all planned commission policy and legislative initiatives for possible impacts on developing countries at an early stage and in a transparent manner; undertake detailed ex ante impact assessments , which should include the results of meaningful consultations with stakeholders , including partner countries , civil society organisations , research institutes , local and indigenous communities , and the private sector , as well as input from eu delegations in developing countries; stresses , in this regard , the need to establish a pcd coordination centre that undertakes all these tasks;


### - make widespread use of ex post evaluations to identify the impact of eu policies on developing countries and improve the quality of future impact assessments; ### - make widespread use of ex post evaluations to identify the impact of eu policies on developing countries , improve the quality of future impact assessments and propose policy changes in those areas where negative effects have been identified;


### - resume the publication of a specific annual report on the eu’s performance in all its development policy commitments and ensure that it adequately covers the implementation of pcd and any challenges met; ### - resume the publication of a specific annual report on the eu’s performance in all its development policy commitments and ensure that it adequately covers the implementation of pcd , any challenges met and overall progress;


### 7. emphasises the critical role of the directorate-general for international partnerships (dg intpa) in ensuring the implementation of pcd in the commission; calls on dg intpa to actively and meaningfully engage with other dgs as early as possible through all available mechanisms to ensure that pcd is implemented in all relevant commission initiatives; welcomes dg intpa’s complementary studies on the impact of key legislative initiatives on developing countries , but notes that these should instead be fully analysed in the relevant impact assessment; calls for the re-establishment of a dedicated pcd team within dg intpa to coordinate and reinforce the pcd work of thematic units; ### 7. emphasises the critical role of the directorate-general for international partnerships (dg intpa) in ensuring the implementation of pcd in the commission; calls on dg intpa to actively and meaningfully engage with other dgs as early as possible through all available mechanisms to ensure that pcd is implemented in all relevant commission initiatives; welcomes dg intpa’s complementary studies on the impact of key legislative initiatives on developing countries , but notes that these should instead be fully analysed in the relevant impact assessment; calls for the re-establishment of a dedicated pcd team within dg intpa to coordinate and reinforce the pcd work of thematic units; is of the opinion that dg intpa should be responsible for the pcd coordination centre that would lead the screening of planned policies and legislative initiatives;


### 8. notes that the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe could be used to prevent and minimise the negative impacts of new eu legislation or policy initiatives , when these cannot be avoided , and to build positive synergies in developing countries; calls also for the eu development education and awareness raising programme to include activities focused on pcd; ### 8. notes that the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe should be used to prevent and minimise the negative impacts of new eu legislation or policy initiatives , when these cannot be avoided , to build positive synergies in developing countries and to effectively evolve from a donor-recipient relationship to a partnership between equals; calls also for the eu development education and awareness raising programme to include activities focused on pcd;


### - analyse the possible local impact of new eu policies and initiatives , by identifying affected people and interests , organising multi-stakeholder consultations , including with civil society organisations and the private sector , and take into the account information and views put forward by them; ### - analyse the possible local impact of new eu policies and initiatives , by identifying sustainable development gaps , affected people and interests , organising multi-stakeholder consultations , including with civil society organisations , research institutes , partners from the global south , research institutes , local and indigenous communities , and the private sector , and take into the account information and views put forward by them;


### - regularly monitor the impact of eu policies on developing countries and contribute to detailed reporting on pcd; ### - regularly monitor the impact and progress of eu policies on developing countries and contribute to detailed , transparent and regular reporting on pcd;


### 10. recognises the important role of parliament and the council as co-legislators , and calls for both institutions to carefully assess the impact on developing countries of their amendments to the commission’s legislative proposals; notes that this work will be facilitated by a better quality of initial commission impact assessments; ### 10. recognises the important role of parliament and the council as co-legislators , and calls for both institutions to carefully assess the impact on developing countries of their amendments to the commission’s legislative proposals; stresses the need to invite un and oecd experts to provide the co-legislators with their knowledge during the trilogues so as to facilitate a maximum degree of pcd; notes that this work will be facilitated by a better quality of initial commission impact assessments;


### 1. notes with concern the asymmetry of international investment agreements (iia) , which give rights to foreign investors without putting the host state under any obligations in terms of human rights , labour and environmental law; regrets that iias usually include the investor-state dispute settlement mechanism (isds) , which provides protection for investors but not for states or citizens; ### 1. notes with concern the asymmetry of international investment agreements (iia) , which give rights to foreign investors without putting the host state under any obligations in terms of human rights , public health , labour and environmental law; regrets that iias usually include the investor-state dispute settlement mechanism (isds) , which provides protection for investors but not for states or citizens , and deprive states of their right to enact regulatory frameworks that protect essential public interests , such as economic , social , cultural and environmental rights;


### 2. deplores the asymmetry of this private justice system ,which gives foreign investors the right to bring claims against governments; highlights the risks posed by the high costs of isds claims for the public finance of developing countries; stresses that the costs of investment lawsuits have the potential to bring the public budgets of most african countries to breaking point; ### 2. deplores the asymmetry of this private justice system , which gives foreign investors the right to bring claims against governments; highlights the risks posed by the high costs of isds claims , regardless of their outcome , for the public finance of developing countries , which can avoid regulatory measures being taken in the public interest because of the high cost of arbitrary procedures and the unpredictability of their result; stresses that the costs of investment lawsuits have the potential to bring the public budgets of most african countries to breaking point;


### 3. calls for the eu to align its investment policy with the european green deal and the european climate law1 ; ### 3. calls for the eu to align its investment policy with the european green deal and the european climate law1 ; stresses the importance of setting up industrial capacity in green energy industries like battery and solar photovoltaic manufacturing plants in partner countries , especially in africa , and to share the technologies that are required for this green industrialisation process;


### 4. urges the eu to review its investment treaties in order to ensure a fair balance between rights and obligations for investors with full respect for human rights and the environment; stresses the need to oblige the investor to support sustainable investment in the host state and to oblige the home state of the investor to allow victims to seek justice; ### 4. urges the eu to review its investment treaties in order to ensure a fair balance between rights and obligations for investors , including clear and precise binding human rights obligations , with full respect for the environment , corporate social responsibility , labour standards and the rule of law; stresses the need to build strong alliances with local actors and oblige the investor to support sustainable , green , gender-sensitive and inclusive investment in the host state and define a clear coherent definition of the investments in third countries that are to be qualified as sustainable , which should be established in accordance with the oecd guidelines for multinational enterprises on corporate social responsibility; underlines the need to oblige the home state of the investor to allow victims to seek justice before its national courts , and to provide victims with the necessary resources that safeguard their right to effective judicial protection; stresses the need to conduct gender-responsive human rights due diligence , in meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders , including civil society organizations , women’s organizations , trade unions and representatives of minorities and autochthonous peoples , prior to making an investment and throughout its life cycle; underlines that the upcoming legislation on corporate due diligence needs to be provide a clear framework to achieve these goals;


### 5. believes that governments should not sign new investment protection treaties that include the isds mechanism and should remove it from the existing ones; ### 5. believes that governments should not sign new investment protection treaties that include the isds mechanism and should remove it from the existing ones; is of the view that investment treaties should instead provide mechanisms and technical assistance to strengthen domestic legal systems and the rule of law , which would ensure a favourable environment for foreign investment while addressing the systemic failures that have a negative impact on sustainable development in partner countries;


### 6. stresses that the investment court system designed by the eu does not protect governments’ right to regulate; ### 6. stresses that the investment court system designed by the eu , despite some procedural improvements like the selection of arbitrators or the establishment of an appellation body , does not protect governments’ right to regulate because it reinforces investor privileges and exposes the governments of developing countries to even more costly lawsuits; underlines that foreign investment should contribute to bridging gaps to address economic inequality rather than entrenching it further;


### 8. recalls that governments have the right to regulate in a precautionary way that prioritises public health , labour rights and the environment. ### 8. recalls that governments have the right to regulate in a precautionary way that prioritises public health , labour and human rights , and the environment; stresses that the precautionary principle is an essential element of eu law , and that therefore the eu cannot prevent partner countries from enshrining this same principle in their legal orders; insists on the need to reform existing international investment agreements in line with the recommendations made by unctad;


### 8. recalls that governments have the right to regulate in a precautionary way that prioritises public health , labour rights and the environment. ### 8. recalls that governments have the right to regulate in a precautionary way that prioritises public health , labour rights and the environment , especially the right of local communities to clear water and sanitation facilities.


### — having regard to the un convention on biological diversity (cbd) of 1992 , ### — having regard to the un convention on biological diversity (cbd) of 1992 , and the upcoming 15th meeting of the conference of the parties thereto (cop15) ,


### b. whereas according to the ipbes 2019 global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services , most of the aichi biodiversity targets for 2020 will be missed; ### b. whereas according to the ipbes 2019 global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services , most of the aichi biodiversity targets for 2020 have been missed;


### i. whereas in addition to international trade , illegal trade in timber and raw materials can accelerate the degradation and destruction of biodiversity in countries with weak institutions; ### i. whereas in addition to international trade , illegal wildlife trade and illegal trade in timber and raw materials can accelerate the degradation and destruction of biodiversity in countries with weak institutions and environmental regulations;


### 2. calls for the eu to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and to mainstream obligations on conservation and the sustainable use of resources into broader development policies; ### 2. calls for the eu to address the root causes of global biodiversity loss and to mainstream obligations on conservation and the sustainable use of resources into broader development policies;


### 8. regrets the fact that the eu budget for supporting external biodiversity policy remains considerably low in comparison with that earmarked for climate change policies; ### 8. regrets the fact that the eu budget for supporting external biodiversity policy remains considerably low in comparison with that earmarked for climate change policies and that environmentally harmful subsidies have not been phased out;


### 10. recalls that the effectiveness of eu external biodiversity policy depends on policy coherence between biodiversity and other key eu external policies; ### 10. recalls that the effectiveness of eu external biodiversity policy depends on policy coherence between biodiversity and other key eu external policies , such as trade and investment agreements;


### 11. urges the eu to mainstream biodiversity into all policy areas , notably agriculture , fisheries , energy , mining , trade and climate change; ### 11. urges the eu to mainstream biodiversity and ecosystem services into all policy areas , notably agriculture , fisheries , energy , mining , trade and climate change;


### 15. recalls that agricultural production both depends and has an impact on biodiversity; ### 15. recalls that agriculture and food production both depend and have significant impacts on biodiversity;


### 22. highlights the eu’s responsibility to reduce the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss , by systematically including biodiversity in trade negotiations and dialogues with developing countries; ### 22. highlights the eu’s responsibility to reduce the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss , by systematically including biodiversity and safeguards against landgrabs in trade negotiations and dialogues with developing countries;


### 25. stresses that the deterioration of biodiversity and ecosystems have both direct and indirect impacts on public health; ### 25. stresses that the deterioration of biodiversity and ecosystems have both direct and indirect impacts on public health , and the link between increasing spread of zoonotic diseases and biodiversity loss;


### 26. recalls that ecological restoration is critical for the implementation of the ‘one health’ approach; ### 26. recalls that ecological restoration is critical for the implementation of the ‘one health’ approach , and the awareness on the links between biodiversity , which signals a healthy ecosystem , and human and animal health; underlines that air , water and soil quality , as well as processes such as pollination , depend on healthy ecosystems and biodiversity;


### 36. underlines the fact that environmental crime poses a global threat to sustainable development , stability and security; ### 36. underlines the fact that environmental crime poses a global threat to nature conservation , sustainable development , stability and security;


### 5. requests the european external action service , the european commission and member states to use the implementation of the eu human rights action plan and the gender action plan iii to address the human rights and gender inequality drivers of hiv/aids by prioritising the fight against stigma and discrimination , sexual and gender based violence , criminalisation of same-sex relations and other punitive and discriminatory laws and policies to contribute to universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights , access to quality education , including comprehensive sexuality education , equitable and affordable access to healthcare , and the participation of affected communities in all spheres of public life; ### 5. requests the european external action service , the european commission and member states to use the implementation of the eu human rights action plan and the gender action plan iii to address the human rights and gender inequality drivers of hiv/aids by prioritising the fight against stigma and discrimination , sexual and gender based violence , criminalisation of same-sex relations and other punitive and discriminatory laws and policies to contribute to universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights , access to quality education , including comprehensive sexuality education , equitable and affordable access to healthcare , access to the labour market and the participation of affected communities in all spheres of public life;